What the Hex by Jessica Clare

A world of witches and their familiars that his hidden in plan sight creates the perfect backdrop for this romantic comedy. Penny is is from a long line of familiars who is stuck waiting for a witch to send a familiar out on their own so she has a chance at becoming a familiar for either a new witch or for the witch that now is in need of a familiar. Willem has been banned by the Society of Warlocks from practicing magic with the use of a familiar for 30 years as punishment for the disappearance of a familiar during Y2K. Willem’s first “master” is still upset after more than 250 years that Willem left and is going after Willem, this means Willem needs a familiar to help protect himself from these attacks. Penny ends up helping Willem with more than just magic and of course they fall madly in love. What sounds like a fun rom-com Hallmark movie, ends up being a bit more steamy romance novel than one might anticipate. Not a must read, but a good read.

Character List/Book Summary:

Penny Roundtree – wants to be a witch’s familiar so she can one day be a witch herself. While waiting she works at a CBD shop that has a backroom selling supplies for spells to witches. Agrees to help Willem after being asked by Ben and Reggie. Moves in with Willem as part of her cover and because she refuses to stop living her life while helping him. Has a pet squirrel. Her parents have been as familiar to realize she was no longer living at home for several weeks, it has been that way since she was a teenager and both her parents became familiars.

Willem Sauer – Prussian warlock who has been banned from using a familiar for 30 years (10 years left). Usually a stickler for rules, and has a huge library of books (some of them recently stolen from Stoker). Agrees to Penny’s story of they are dating which is why she moved in with him. Brings Penny cookies when she is upset.

Ebenizer Stoker – Willem’s old master, keeps trying to kill Willem, and has accused Willem of murder on more than one occasion. His arrogance is what Penny uses against him when she realizes what Stoker has really been doing and why getting the books back is so important to him.

Louis Abernathy – Willem’s other master, only communicates through letters and some of his messages are cryptic.

Cody – a friend of Penny’s, flirts with her, and questions her relationship with Willem. Tries to blackmail her for information on Willem and other witches.

Caliben “Ben” Magnus – dating his aunt’s familiar Reggie, who is now his familiar. Owes Willem a favor so he asks Penny about being his familiar. Questions Willem being so lovey dovey with Penny. Helps Penny save Willem after he is kidnapped.

Reggie – Penny’s friend, they play a card game on Friday nights.

Dorian Winters – was working with Willem during Y2K when he disappeared, Stoker accused Willem of murdering him, since no one could find the body there was no proof of murder and Willem was put on probation.

Roger Turlington – breaks into Willem’s house after Willem was arrested for killing Roger.