To Vex & To Hex by Neena Noon: Review

I must be in the mood for cooler weather because for some reason or another, I correlate witchy stories to Halloween time. That, and the publication date for this new release also correlates.

Not only is this story bringing us a new author to check out, but a bookstore romance too! Check out my thoughts below.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Link included
To Vex & To Hex by Neena Noon
Publisher: ‎ St. Martin’s Griffin
Publication date: ‎ November 3, 2026
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250430717

OVERVIEW:
As a witch with a specialty in book magic, there’s nothing more important in bookseller Lucy Ansari’s life than Crawley Books and Charles, the magical old man who runs it. So when Charles is injured and his estranged grandson, Grayson, arrives from Ireland to “help,” Lucy can’t help but go into protective mode. She’s determined to hex him into leaving!

But the arrogant and irritatingly attractive Grayson is determined to stay. Except, much to his chagrin, Lucy refuses to part with his grandfather or the store. Grayson decides to use his own version of magic: vexing Lucy until she gives up her self-appointed role as Charles’ one and only protector.

As shenanigans ensue and sparks fly, Lucy and Grayson realize they share more than just the bookstore–like budding feelings for one another that they’re both desperate to suppress. If they can only stop vexing and hexing, it might just be time to take a chance on each other.

To Vex & To Hex by Neena Noon Review

Readers love bookstores, and we love reading about them too! This book has a fabulous start that pulls you into the story. Magical books and delightful found family are a definite highlight.

Then tragedy happens, and the grandson, Grayson, shows up to take charge, sparks fly; but sometimes not in a good way.

There are many plusses to this story, but there are also many irritations too. I did not like Lucy, the female lead, much of the time. She was rude and downright mean sometimes.

I get that is from feeling threatened in her job, and in her care for the owner, but there are some sparks of anger running through too. She did tend to get on my nerves often!

Grayson was condescending and rude at times, but was truly trying to help and get to know his Grandpa, too. The push and pull between them was a very slow burn, and we really didn’t see a consistent growth of feelings until deep into the second half.

The plot contains a whole lot of vexing and hexing, but it offered some entertaining and delightful parts. The romance is downplayed until the last part of the book with a sprinkle of spice at the end.

For a witchy bookshop story, it has great bones and a detailed atmosphere. I just wish they were not adversaries throughout most of the story.

3.5 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links have been included – Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest, and your opinions may differ.