The Ex Hex By Erin Sterling – Read by Caitlin Davies

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐4/5 Stars

Overall Impression

The Ex Hex delivers a delightfully witchy rom-com that’s perfect for anyone craving paranormal romance with a hefty dose of humor. Erin Sterling crafts a charming small-town magical world that feels both cozy and chaotic, making this contemporary fantasy romance an engaging listen from start to finish. This is the perfect short start to fall audiobook. Romance, Comedy, Drama, and a little bit of *spice*! Loved listening to this with the cool weather and hot cup of coffee! Always remember, DO NOT mix witchcraft with heartbreak and vodka!

Narrator Performance

The audiobook narration brings Vivienne Jones’s sarcastic wit and emotional journey to life with excellent pacing and character differentiation. The narrator captures the small-town Georgia atmosphere beautifully, giving each character a distinct voice that makes it easy to follow the ensemble cast. The delivery during the romantic scenes is particularly well-done, balancing tension with the story’s inherent humor. The magical elements are narrated with the perfect blend of mysticism and levity that the story needed. I personally LOVE when narrators PERFORM. I could feel the sarcasm, charm, and wit for each character! I laughed out loud during parts of this book.

Romance & Character Development

The enemies-to-lovers romance between Vivienne and Rhys is both frustrating and swoon-worthy in all the right ways. Sterling excels at building romantic tension through witty banter and past history, creating a believable path from enemies to lovers. The slow-burn romance allows for genuine character growth, particularly as both protagonists confront their past mistakes and learn to communicate. The chemistry between the leads crackles through the audio format, making their eventual reconciliation feel earned rather than convenient.

Spice Level & Steam Factor

This paranormal romance sits comfortably at a moderate spice level—not quite steamy enough for those seeking explicit content, but with enough sexual tension and romantic heat to satisfy most readers. The intimate scenes are tastefully written and well-integrated into the emotional arc of the story. Expect some passionate kissing, romantic buildup, and fade-to-black moments rather than explicit detail. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy romance with heat but don’t require graphic content. Personally I like a little more graphic content than this audiobook provided, but this was a fantastic listen!

Plot & World-Building

The magical realism elements blend seamlessly with the contemporary small-town setting. The curse plotline provides excellent comedic opportunities while driving the romantic plot forward. Sterling’s witch mythology feels fresh without being overly complicated, making it accessible to readers new to paranormal romance. The supporting cast of quirky townspeople and magical mishaps adds layers of entertainment beyond the central romance. I really felt like I could see the little shop that Vivi’s spunky cousin Gwen and her lovely aunt Elaine own. When Vivi visited Rhys fathers home in Graves Glen, I felt as if I was in the room during the description of the gothic home. I would love to stay for a sexy vacay with my own hubbie!

Final Verdict

The Ex Hex succeeds as both a paranormal romance and an audiobook experience. While it may not break new ground in the witch romance subgenre, it executes familiar tropes with charm, humor, and genuine heart. The audiobook format enhances the storytelling, making this a solid choice for commutes, walks, or cozy listening sessions. Recommended for fans of Sarah Hoyt, Alice Hoffman, or anyone looking for a lighter entry into paranormal romance with plenty of laughs and just enough steam to keep things interesting. Don’t forget about Sir Percival. Loved his little character!

Perfect for: Fans of cozy paranormal romance, enemies-to-lovers tropes, small-town settings, and readers seeking romantic comedy with magical elements.

Listening Time: Approx. 7 hours.

Publisher: Harper Collins

Available free on Libby!