Reviewed by Cheryl
TITLE: Hex and Candy 
SERIES: Strange Bedfellows #1, Dreamspun Beyond #26
AUTHOR: Ashlyn Kane
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 214 Pages
RELEASE DATE: August 23, 2018
BLURB:
True love’s kiss can break the curse. But then what? Cole Alpin runs a small-town candystore. He visits his grandmother twice a week. And sometimes he breaks curses. Leo Ericson’s curse is obvious right away, spiderwebbing across his very nice body. Though something about it worries Cole, he agrees to help–with little idea of what he’s getting into. Leo is a serial monogamist, but his vampire ex has taken dating off the table with his nasty spell, and Leo needs Cole’s companionship as much as his help. When the hex proves to be only the beginning of his problems, Leo seeks refuge at Cole’s place. Too bad magic prevents him from finding refuge in Cole’s arms. Cole’s never had a boyfriend, so how can he recognize true love? And there’s still the matter of the one responsible for their troubles in the first place….
REVIEW:
I’m not really sure where to start with this book, so I’ll just open up and say I was incredibly happy to read a book about “real” magic. Whilst magic itself isn’t real (or is it) the magical practices are. Hedge witches, herbalism and a cauldron in the shed kind of magic is real. Samhain festivals are real (although in the UK dancing naked under the moon in October is not recommended). Amulets, talisman, protections spells, the sight, potions and the balance of the universe are all real. It is very rare I get to read about good old-fashioned, solid witchcraft mixed in with pure fantasy. So there, that’s out of the way and I can get on to the story itself.
The characters of Cole and Leo are so real they seem familiar. They have their flaws and faults which makes them all the more attractive. The whole idea of Leo being cursed in such a way that not only is he unable to pick up a man, he can’t even flirt or talk about sex is novel and amusing (not for Leo of course) although it certainly isn’t treated as comedy. A jealous ex-lover, who happens to be a vampire effectively cock blocked him with magic. (or did he). Along with Cole’s quirky sense of humour this makes for moments of hilarious reading that really light up the book.
The secondary characters are almost as real and just as entertaining. An elf, a werewolf, a party planner and a knitting witch, as well as a cute little girl who reads auras and is far too honest. And then, of course there is Gran. I will say nothing about Gran because you need to experience her for yourself. You can also have fun guessing who the elf and the werewolf are.
This is where I usually find something to criticise. I mean, every book has something it could have done better, but I’m struggling with this one. Magic and mystery are seamlessly blended with the reality of real life – work, stumbling through the pitfalls of strangers to friends to more than friends to true love, the discomfort of sleeping on a sofa. The pacing was perfect, the dialogue slick, the story entertaining and enthralling. I read the whole thing in one go and I don’t do that often because there are too many demands and complaints. This time, however the world outside just melted away and the magic drew me in. Of course, it helps that I’m a witch, but I’m sure being a muggle (not the technical term but a fun one nevertheless) is not a handicap in this fascinating peep into another world that hides behind the real one (or not if you know where to look)
The only thing I can think of on the critique side I can say is that I would like to see the issue of Kyle expanded on just a little.
I very, very rarely give a five-star review. To achieve that the book has to be special. It has to mean something, and it has to stay with me after the last word is read. This one ticks all the boxes. If you read no other book this year, read this one. It will not only leave you feeling good, put probably just a little bit curious, a little bit open, a little bit magical.
RATING: 
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