Love and Magic: Exploring the Charms of Erin Sterling’s Graves Glen Series
The Ex-Hex by Erin Sterling
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE Score: 9
Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.
That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia, for what might be a second chance at romance. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.
Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry and work together in a classic case of forced proximity to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
There are some books that feel like slipping into your favorite sweater; cozy, a little magical, and impossible to take off once you’re wrapped up in them. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling is exactly that kind of read. With its witchy charm, small‑town Halloween vibes, and a second‑chance romance that practically crackles with chemistry, this story swept me straight into Graves Glen and now I want to live there. I’ve read it three times now, and every visit feels like coming home to a place where the cider is warm, the magic is unpredictable, and the romantic tension could power the entire town’s fall festival. So, let’s break down why this book has earned a permanent spot on my spooky‑season shelf.
Characters: 9
These characters are so lovable and so well‑crafted they practically step off the page. Rhys Penhallow and Vivienne Jones are adorable together and their chemistry had my pages smoking. Speaking of Rhys… swoon. The accent alone is a problem. Gwen is the cousin I wish I had, and Aunt Elaine radiates warmth in every scene. My only critique? There’s no true “big bad” to anchor the conflict, but honestly, the cast is strong enough to carry the story without one.
Atmosphere: 10
I’ve never visited small‑town Georgia, but Erin Sterling makes me wish I could pack my bags and move to Graves Glen. A town that thrives during Halloween, filled with badass witches blending in with the normies? It’s giving Halloweentown meets Monster High with a grown‑up dash of The Witches of Eastwick. Pure autumnal magic.
Writing: 10
Sterling’s writing is delightful. The spice is present but never overwhelms the plot, and the pacing is smooth and engaging. It’s witty, warm, and easy to sink into.
Plot: 8
This is an adorable second‑chance, small‑town paranormal rom‑com. While it didn’t have any slap‑your‑knee laugh‑out‑loud moments, I definitely chuckled. The plot is solid. So much so that I can easily imagine it as a movie. I would’ve loved a bit more action, but I still closed the book feeling satisfied.
Intrigue: 8
Even without high‑stakes action, watching Vivienne and Rhys rekindle their relationship while navigating her accidental curse kept me turning pages. Their dynamic is the heartbeat of the story.
Logic: 10
Nothing pulled me out of the story. The characters’ choices made sense, the magic system felt consistent, and everything flowed naturally.
Enjoyment: 10
Do I even need to say it? I’ve read this book three times. The Ex-Hex is permanently on my fall, spooky‑season TBR. It’s comfort, charm, and witchy romance all wrapped up in one.
🔮 Tarot Tie‑In: The Lovers
The tarot card that best captures The Ex Hex is The Lovers, reflecting Vivienne and Rhys’s journey from emotional misalignment to intentional reconnection. In its reversed energy, the card mirrors their past. Miscommunication, hurt feelings, and a breakup, all symbolized by Vivienne’s impulsive curse. As the story unfolds, the card turns upright, representing clarity, harmony, and the choice to rebuild their bond with honesty and purpose. Their arc is all about moving from chaos to connection, and The Lovers beautifully encapsulates that shift.
The Ex Hex is one of those stories that reminds me why I adore paranormal rom‑coms. It’s sweet without being saccharine, magical without losing its heart, and romantic in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Vivienne and Rhys’s journey from miscommunication to reconnection is tender, funny, and just witchy enough to keep things delightfully chaotic. Whether you’re here for the cozy fall vibes, the second‑chance romance, or the magical mishaps, this book delivers.
With The Lovers guiding the emotional arc from reversed to upright, it’s clear that this story is all about choosing love; intentionally, wholeheartedly, and with a little bit of magic. If you’re building your autumn or spooky season TBR or craving a romance that feels like a warm mug of cider on a chilly night, The Ex-Hex deserves a spot at the very top.
The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE Score: 9
Bowen Penhallow has always been a loner, studying dark and ancient magic on a mountaintop in Wales. He prefers it that way. But when his friend Colin—who happens to be a ghost—asks him to attend a Yuletide wedding at a grand estate deep in the Welsh countryside, Bowen reluctantly agrees.
Tamsyn Bligh is not a witch, but she makes her living off of them. As a procurer and seller of magical items, Tamsyn’s business is not always above board, but she’s been trying to fix that (mostly.) Bowen is an occasional customer—as well as the star of several of Tamsyn’s dirtiest dreams—but she’s been around enough witches to know that, as a human, getting involved with one is not the smartest idea. She’s finagled an invite to the Witchy Wedding of the Century in the hopes of finally making a score big enough to retire. Just one priceless magical artifact from Tywyll House would set her up for life.
But Tamsyn isn’t the only one sneaking about in Tywyll House, and the mix of a very strong spell combined with a wedding mishap transports Bowen and Tamsyn into Tywyll House’s past, to the Yuletide Celebration of 1958. As Bowen and Tamsyn work together to get back to the present, they must also face off with the origins of Tywyll House’s haunting, the suspicions of their fellow witches…oh, and the fact that somewhere between the mistletoe and the bonfire, they might be falling in love.
What was the soundtrack for the movie that was playing in my head as I read? Click the button below to listen on Youtube.
After being captivated by Rhys and Vivienne in The Ex-Hex and completely charmed by Llewellyn and Gwen in The Kiss Curse, I was more than ready for Bowen’s story. And now? I’m officially spellbound by Bowen and Tamsyn. The Wedding Witch is a delightful addition to the series, expanding the world in ways that feel fresh while keeping the cozy, witchy heart intact.
Characters: 8
Erin Sterling’s characters are consistently lovable, hilarious, and bursting with personality. Bowen, especially, feels well‑developed — likely because we’ve already spent time with his brothers and understand the Penhallow family dynamic. I loved seeing a new layer of his backstory that stands apart from Rhys and Llewellyn.
Tamsyn, however, left me wanting a bit more. She’s sweet, grounded, and easy to root for, but I would’ve loved a deeper look into her life outside her brief appearance in The Ex Hex. There was room to give her more dimension, and I missed that opportunity.
Atmosphere: 10
The shift in setting was such a refreshing surprise. Sterling transports us from the pumpkin‑spiced charm of Graves Glen to the holly‑draped magic of Yule and Christmas in the Welsh countryside, and she does it seamlessly. The world remains consistent, cozy, and immersive, even as the holiday and location change.
One of my favorite touches was the blending of traditions: Bowen celebrates Yule, Tamsyn celebrates Christmas, and watching their customs overlap felt both thoughtful and original. It’s winter‑holiday vibes without being overly sweet or cliché. Exactly the balance I love.
Writing: 9
There’s just something about Erin Sterling’s writing that hits the spot for me. Her pacing is smooth, her dialogue feels natural, and her humor lands without trying too hard. There were a few moments where plot points circled back unnecessarily, but it didn’t disrupt my enjoyment. And yes. The spice is open‑door, well‑written, and never overshadows the story.
Plot: 8
The premise is irresistible: a spell gone wrong at a Yuletide wedding sends Bowen and Tamsyn spiraling back to 1957. The plot balances humor, heartfelt moments, and magical mishaps beautifully. My only critique is that the ending felt a bit abrupt. It felt like we were missing a final chapter or two to tie everything together with a satisfying bow.
Intrigue: 10
I went in with zero expectations beyond “I’m going to love this,” and I was right. The moment they were Back to the Future’d into 1957, I was locked in. This isn’t a twist‑heavy story, but the shenanigans, the time‑travel tension, and the question of not will they, but how they’d make it back to 2024 kept me flipping pages.
Logic: 8
For a paranormal rom‑com, the story maintains a strong internal logic. The characters’ motivations make sense, and the magical rules feel consistent. My only lingering questions revolve around how magic interacts with human‑witch relationships and future offspring. The book hints at answers but never fully commits. A little more clarity would’ve elevated the ending.
Enjoyment: 10
I’ve been waiting for Bowen’s book since the moment he was introduced in the earlier books, and this story did not disappoint. I didn’t even read the synopsis. I just downloaded it the second my Libby hold came through and devoured it. The human‑witch pairing was a refreshing change, and the time‑travel element added a fun new layer to the series.
🔮 Tarot Tie‑In: The Six of Cups
The Six of Cups is the perfect match for The Wedding Witch, capturing the heart of Bowen and Tamsyn’s journey. This is a card of nostalgia, innocence, revisiting the past, and finding emotional clarity through looking backward, which is literally the backbone of this story. When Bowen and Tamsyn are flung into 1957, the time‑travel isn’t just a plot device; it becomes a space where they can see themselves, their desires, and their connection without the noise of the present. The Six of Cups speaks to that soft, reflective energy: the sweetness of rediscovery, the comfort of unexpected companionship, and the way the past can gently reshape the future. It’s a card that blends tenderness with transformation, reminding us that sometimes stepping back is exactly what allows love to move forward.
The Wedding Witch is everything I love about the Graves Glen series wrapped in a winter‑kissed bow. The story is charming, funny, romantic, and just magical enough to make the ordinary feel enchanted. Bowen and Tamsyn’s journey blends holiday warmth with time‑travel chaos in a way that feels both fresh and familiar, expanding the world without losing the cozy heart that makes these books so addictive. Whether you’re here for the witchy shenanigans, the soft holiday glow, or the irresistible chemistry, this installment delivers a delightful escape that left me smiling, and hopeful for a fourth installment.
