What the Hex

February 1, 2023

As secretary, Penny practically runs the Society of Familiars, but she's starting to think that she may never realize her dream of serving a witch or warlock and learning magic herself. When presented with an unexpected and illicit opportunity to be a familiar to the banned warlock Willem Sauer, she jumps at it. She didn't expect Willem to be surly and almost impossible to work for--or that one of his old enemies would begin targeting her. Willem knows that Penny is all wrong for the position, but he doesn't have a choice if he wants to protect himself from his enemy. He's even more sure that the cover Penny concocts for them won't work, although he finds that pretending to be her boyfriend isn't a hardship--and he might want to be the real thing. VERDICT Fans of Clare's Go Hex Yourself will be happy with this follow-up in which Willem and Penny continue the enemies-to-lovers arc, with their own twist. Hand to readers who love witty banter, the fake-dating trope, and couples who fall hard fast.--Morgan Lockard

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 27, 2023
Clare returns to the world of Go Hex Yourself with this madcap paranormal rom-com. Penny Roundtree is the secretary to the Society of Familiars, comprising familiars waiting to be apprenticed to a witch or warlock to progress their magic. Unfortunately, there are no warlocks or witches currently hiring. Penny desperately wants to become a familiar herself, leading her to agree to a risky, off-the-books apprenticeship with arrogant warlock Willem Sauer, who’s been banned from casting magic due to an undisclosed past transgression. If caught, both of their careers—and possibly their lives—will be at stake, so the polar opposites turned reluctant allies pretend to be dating to disguise the real nature of their relationship. Doing magic with Willem makes Penny feel seen for the first time, and despite his best efforts, grumpy Willem can’t help but gravitate toward Penny’s sunny nature. The buildup of their relationship is delightful, but as the tropes pile up and the stakes increase in the rushed second act, the plot goes a bit off the rails. Still, Clare makes it easy to see why these two characters work together—and Penny’s feisty pet squirrel adds some laughs. Series fans will be pleased.

March 1, 2023
Clare continues her delightful Hex series, introducing Penny, who is ultra-girly in "ruffles and pink," with a "bubblegum and glitter" energy and an overwhelming desire to become a familiar for a witch or warlock. She works at a cannabis shop that is actually a front for witching supplies, gets to know the Society of Familiars, a group of people from magical families, and spends Friday evenings playing Spellcraft: The Magicking with her friend, Reggie, who was introduced in Go Hex Yourself (2022). Willem is a warlock banned from having a familiar, which curtails his ability to work magic. He is stiff, unlikable, and immaculately attired, living in a colorless but elegant mansion. They are both desperate: Penny to learn magic and become a witch, Willem to practice magic. Because of the ban, they hide their warlock/familiar relationship and pretend to be lovers while also searching for the enemy who ruined Willem's life and continues to target him. Willem's iciness and aloof nature are belied by how he cares for Penny with cookies, milk, and great sex.

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