Hexed and Hitched

Hexed and Hitched by Elise Kennedy is a delightful blend of romance, humor, and magical mayhem that will sweep readers off their feet—and leave them wanting more. This quirky, enemies-to-lovers story with a fake engagement twist offers a fun escape into a world where love, magic, and wedding planning collide in the best possible way.

The story follows Rhiannon (Rhi), a wedding planner with a bit of a magical mess on her hands. While she’s built a successful career organizing weddings for others, her own love life is a disaster—mostly because she's secretly in love with her best friend, Troy. The two have worked side-by-side for years, and while Rhi might admire him from afar, she’s kept her feelings under wraps. Everything’s manageable (or so she thinks) until a magical curse disrupts her carefully curated world.

In a twist that seems straight out of a rom-com with a fantasy spin, Troy, who has his own magical baggage, suddenly needs a fake fiancée to break the curse. Enter Rhi—who, despite knowing this is a recipe for disaster, agrees to play along. As their pretend engagement becomes more complicated, the line between what’s real and what’s for show starts to blur, and sparks begin to fly in every direction, both magical and romantic.

What works:
The magic element in Hexed and Hitched is a fun, fresh addition to the enemies-to-lovers formula. Rhi’s struggle with her own chaotic magical abilities adds a layer of levity to the story, keeping things lighthearted while also showcasing her vulnerability. The world Kennedy builds is whimsical and full of charm, but the heart of the story remains rooted in the deep emotional connection between Rhi and Troy.

The fake engagement trope is a well-loved rom-com staple, and Kennedy executes it with humor and sincerity. The chemistry between Rhi and Troy is palpable, with their banter and tension keeping readers eagerly turning the pages. What’s especially engaging is how Rhi’s internal monologue gives insight into her emotional conflict—she’s caught between her best friend and her long-held dreams of a happily-ever-after. The push-pull of pretending to be in a relationship with someone you already have feelings for (who may or may not return them) makes for delicious, slow-burn tension.

Troy, as the swoon-worthy hero, is easy to fall for. He’s strong, loyal, and, while not without his flaws, completely devoted to Rhi—making it all the more frustrating (and thrilling) for her to be stuck in the friend zone for so long. The fact that his curse is the catalyst for their charade adds a sense of urgency to their evolving feelings, making the stakes feel higher and the eventual payoff that much more satisfying.

The pacing of the book keeps things moving, with enough humor, magic, and romantic tension to hold readers' attention. The mix of light, magical chaos and deeper emotional moments creates a balanced narrative that’s easy to enjoy without ever becoming too heavy or overly dramatic.

What could improve:
While the magical elements are fun and unique, they can occasionally feel a little underdeveloped. Rhi's struggles with her magic provide comedic moments, but the magical world and rules could have been fleshed out a bit more. Some readers may find themselves wanting a deeper understanding of the magical system at play, especially given how central it is to the plot. Additionally, there are times when the pacing slows down just slightly, particularly when the characters are caught in their own heads, rehashing the same emotional conflicts. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise enjoyable read.