What do you think?
Rate this book
Half Past Hex
Is it possible to find your soulmate while stuck in a time loop?
When a box of magical items ends up at the university where Quinn is a professor, it's his job to go through everything. The last thing he's expecting is for one of those items to backfire as a fellow teacher walks through the door.
Bennet's been hiding his feelings for Quinn for years. When the two of them are stuck in a magical time loop together because of a magical time piece, will this finally be the right time to talk to Quinn about his feelings?
Half Past Hex is set in a magical urban fantasy world features two professors mutually pining, meddling students, being stuck in a time loop, and of course, a happily ever after! Cauldrons & Kisses is a multi-author series of MM magical standalone stories. Each low angst read will feature a witch finding love.
When a box of magical items ends up at the university where Quinn is a professor, it's his job to go through everything. The last thing he's expecting is for one of those items to backfire as a fellow teacher walks through the door.
Bennet's been hiding his feelings for Quinn for years. When the two of them are stuck in a magical time loop together because of a magical time piece, will this finally be the right time to talk to Quinn about his feelings?
Half Past Hex is set in a magical urban fantasy world features two professors mutually pining, meddling students, being stuck in a time loop, and of course, a happily ever after! Cauldrons & Kisses is a multi-author series of MM magical standalone stories. Each low angst read will feature a witch finding love.
151 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2024
22 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Toby Wise
62 books196 followersToby Wise is a stay at home parent who hails from a tiny town in Wisconsin. Contrary to popular Wisconsin stereotypes, he’s not a cheese-head who enjoys beer but rather an introvert who spends all his time on the internet, drinking coffee, spending time with his kid, and cooing about his adorable cat, Pikachu.
In April of 2019, A Collection of Strays was born after the world of fanfiction drew him back into his love of writing. Now he’s writing all things omegaverse as long as it includes silly moments and found family.
In April of 2019, A Collection of Strays was born after the world of fanfiction drew him back into his love of writing. Now he’s writing all things omegaverse as long as it includes silly moments and found family.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 21, 2025
This was very cute and sweet. Good for when you want a short dose of sweetness in your day.
For a time loop book they were a bit boring (if you're stuck in a time loop, don't go to work- go cause mayhem!!)
It was a cute novella but I would have loved a full length time loop magic book.
I'll give it a 4 on my novella rating scale (which is much more lenient than my regular novel scale lol)
For a time loop book they were a bit boring (if you're stuck in a time loop, don't go to work- go cause mayhem!!)
It was a cute novella but I would have loved a full length time loop magic book.
I'll give it a 4 on my novella rating scale (which is much more lenient than my regular novel scale lol)
October 7, 2024
I'm so happy to see Toby ad part of the Cauldrons and Kisses collaboration! He's been my goto fluffy author since I found his Collection of Strays series, and I'm happy to say he's sticks true to that style in anything he writes.
Quinn & Bennet are co-workers who have harbored major crushes on each other yet to nervous or shy to do something about it. With the help of a magical pocket watch along with a not exactly helpful student, they are stuck in a time loop together. They learn to embrace it and enjoy each day for what its worth, along with learning more of each other. Toby does an amazing job of explaining everything where you can picture the Magic as it's casted along with the places they go. This is a slow burn by Toby standards, and that's honestly what makes the story so beautiful. You feel them grow closer and fall in love before having the courage to admit those feelings aloud.
Quinn & Bennet are co-workers who have harbored major crushes on each other yet to nervous or shy to do something about it. With the help of a magical pocket watch along with a not exactly helpful student, they are stuck in a time loop together. They learn to embrace it and enjoy each day for what its worth, along with learning more of each other. Toby does an amazing job of explaining everything where you can picture the Magic as it's casted along with the places they go. This is a slow burn by Toby standards, and that's honestly what makes the story so beautiful. You feel them grow closer and fall in love before having the courage to admit those feelings aloud.
April 28, 2025
This was a sweet, feel-good, fantasy love story with lots of charm. I tend to find novellas are too short to earn more than 3 stars, but this felt just as long as it needed to be. You have two professors who have obviously fancied each other for a while, but have never done anything about it. That is until they both touch an enchanted item at the same time and get stuck in a time loop destined to repeat the same day over and over until they solve the mystery of how to break it. Great fun.
October 7, 2024
I absolutely enjoyed this book! This story is about Quinn and Bennet who are professors at a magical campus. Quinn has been crushing on Bennet for ages, and when Quinn has to sort through someone's estate sale items, Bennet is the first one to volunteer. Neither of these men could've guessed what would happen next..
I liked both Quinn and Bennet's characters, they both were so bubbly and bright. Usually with the stories Toby writes we get sweet, short stories that leave us smiling and knowing that there'll be a happy ever after. Whereas this one was a bit different than Toby's other stories, which I loved! While we still got a happy ever after and plenty of sweetness, it took a bit for the two MC's to get to that point where they realized and admitted their feelings for one another.
I found the aspect of them repeating the same day over and over again to be really interesting. I liked how it was creative and unique. And while it did her a bit repetitive at times, Toby created new scenes and scenarios within each day repeating itself, which I found helped break up the monotony. Overall a terrific story!!
I liked both Quinn and Bennet's characters, they both were so bubbly and bright. Usually with the stories Toby writes we get sweet, short stories that leave us smiling and knowing that there'll be a happy ever after. Whereas this one was a bit different than Toby's other stories, which I loved! While we still got a happy ever after and plenty of sweetness, it took a bit for the two MC's to get to that point where they realized and admitted their feelings for one another.
I found the aspect of them repeating the same day over and over again to be really interesting. I liked how it was creative and unique. And while it did her a bit repetitive at times, Toby created new scenes and scenarios within each day repeating itself, which I found helped break up the monotony. Overall a terrific story!!
October 5, 2024
Toby Wise's contribution to the Cauldron and Kisses multiauthor series, is a sweet story of two men caught in a time loop where everyday is a repeat of Friday the thirteenth. Quinn is a professor who specializes in conjuration at the University of Future Adventurers, Bennet is the coach and instructor for the school's Tracker and Field team. They both have unacknowledged crushes on the other.
It's not terribly hard to figure out the ending. It is a romance after all. But the story is in the journey, and Wise gives us a "journey". Since they're stuck in a loop, and researching a way to break it is a bust, they decide to have some fun with it. From trying a new flavor coffee each day at the cafe near the campus, to playing hooky to redoing the lesson plan for Quinn's two Friday classes.
The angst is in the pining. Bennet is a retired adventurer and Quinn is a nerd. Opposites. The chemistry between the two is strong. If they have to be stuck in a time loop, they're so glad it's with each other.
Such a sweet, quick read with Toby Wise's 'touch'. Very enjoyable. UFA is a great place for another story or three.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
It's not terribly hard to figure out the ending. It is a romance after all. But the story is in the journey, and Wise gives us a "journey". Since they're stuck in a loop, and researching a way to break it is a bust, they decide to have some fun with it. From trying a new flavor coffee each day at the cafe near the campus, to playing hooky to redoing the lesson plan for Quinn's two Friday classes.
The angst is in the pining. Bennet is a retired adventurer and Quinn is a nerd. Opposites. The chemistry between the two is strong. If they have to be stuck in a time loop, they're so glad it's with each other.
Such a sweet, quick read with Toby Wise's 'touch'. Very enjoyable. UFA is a great place for another story or three.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
October 23, 2024
Is it possible to find your soulmate while stuck in a time loop? When a box of magical items ends up at the university where Quinn is a professor, it's his job to go through everything. The last thing he's expecting is for one of those items to have a magical side effect when he and Bennet touch it at the same time. Bennet's been hiding his feelings for Quinn for years. When the two of them are stuck in a magical time loop together because of a magical time piece, will this finally be the right time to talk to Quinn about his feelings?
I enjoyed this story with the two men who loved each other from afar but had to finally talk to each other after living the same day repeatedly. I loved that they were able to play with the days as they took each other on adventures. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.
I enjoyed this story with the two men who loved each other from afar but had to finally talk to each other after living the same day repeatedly. I loved that they were able to play with the days as they took each other on adventures. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story. This was an MM story with mature content.
October 14, 2024
Quinn and Bennet's story is a perfect example of Toby's excellent writing when it comes to a low angst, paranormal romance.
Quinn and Bennett are both teachers but have been crushing on each other from afar. However, whether lucky or unlucky, they get stuck together, reliving Friday the 13th and trying to figure out what happened.
It's a sweet romance as they then spend so much time together researching but also getting to know each other more. Toby is also great at the paranormal aspect, and it's magic and getting to visit the Fae realm that sparks the adventure feels of the story. A slow burner as neither believes the other could possibly like them but spending so much time together really gives you a chance to know someone.
A very enjoyable romance and I'm interested in reading others from this series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Quinn and Bennett are both teachers but have been crushing on each other from afar. However, whether lucky or unlucky, they get stuck together, reliving Friday the 13th and trying to figure out what happened.
It's a sweet romance as they then spend so much time together researching but also getting to know each other more. Toby is also great at the paranormal aspect, and it's magic and getting to visit the Fae realm that sparks the adventure feels of the story. A slow burner as neither believes the other could possibly like them but spending so much time together really gives you a chance to know someone.
A very enjoyable romance and I'm interested in reading others from this series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
October 21, 2024
This felt like Groundhog Day meets Hogwarts. Two professors (secretly pining for each other) at a University for magic end up reliving Friday the 13th over and over until they can figure out how it happened and how to break the loop. The first 5 or 6 chapters were really slow and boring, then when it started into the looping it just didn't have any spark. The story was so low drama and didn't have any excitement either, that it was a slog to get through. Quinn and Bennet's relationship was too sweet. I wanted some excitement. I wanted some dramatics. Even the surprises that they had for each other weren't exciting. The visit to the fae realm should've been exciting but it was just "okay, that happened". I really wanted to like this book but it just wasn't for me.
October 8, 2024
I loved this book. Quinn is a witch who works as a teacher at a college. Bennet was an adventurer, who when he got hurt, ends up being a coach for tracker and fields. They both have feelings for each, but didn’t act on it. When Quinn was tasked to log an estate of magical items, Bennet helped. When they both touched a watch at the same time, something happened. When they woke the next morning, it was Friday the 13th again. As the days pass, and they both are stuck in the time loop, they get to know each other more. I loved this world and how they communicated to figure out how to stop the loop. Cannot wait to read more from this author.
October 20, 2024
Absolutely adorable
I really loved these two together.
They were so cute and sweet, both oblivious to how each felt about the other.
Quinn is a witch and professor at a magic university, and Bennet is a former adventurer who's now a field and tracking coach.
One of Bennett's athletes plays a mischievous trick on them with a magical timepiece that puts them in a time loop on Friday the 13th.
As they work together to figure out how to resolve the issue, they slowly get to know one another better and end up falling in love.
These two were absolutely perfect for each other, bringing out the best aspects of each other.
I really loved these two together.
They were so cute and sweet, both oblivious to how each felt about the other.
Quinn is a witch and professor at a magic university, and Bennet is a former adventurer who's now a field and tracking coach.
One of Bennett's athletes plays a mischievous trick on them with a magical timepiece that puts them in a time loop on Friday the 13th.
As they work together to figure out how to resolve the issue, they slowly get to know one another better and end up falling in love.
These two were absolutely perfect for each other, bringing out the best aspects of each other.
October 22, 2024
This story is magical. Toby Wise is an excellent author with a fabulous writing style and a flair for world building. I found the MCs and the side characters so likeable and real. Quinn and Bennet have crushes on each other, then they get stuck in a time loop on Friday the 13th and they have to work together to get out. I love how they use their extra time together and how they relate to each other. I also enjoyed the humour, spice and adventure. Just wonderful!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 6, 2025
This was fun…
Really enjoyed this one as I typically enjoy time loop stories. Quinn & Bennet are the quintessential pining for each other pair of men. In this story the name Asherah is used for a male character which I found interesting. I would definitely read this book again and again. I really enjoyed reading from both POVs their fascination with one another especially in the area of magic. I found both characters very loveable & relatable which I’m recalling Toby does very well. 6⭐️ 💜💜💜
Really enjoyed this one as I typically enjoy time loop stories. Quinn & Bennet are the quintessential pining for each other pair of men. In this story the name Asherah is used for a male character which I found interesting. I would definitely read this book again and again. I really enjoyed reading from both POVs their fascination with one another especially in the area of magic. I found both characters very loveable & relatable which I’m recalling Toby does very well. 6⭐️ 💜💜💜
October 1, 2024
This was adorable, a little slow burn, but worth the wait!! These two men have SO many feelings about each other and just don't feel they deserve the other, when in truth they are PERFECT for each other!!! This story had a mystery that keeps you turning the page to find out how these two will figure out this Hex.. It also had some AMAZING characters and world building!!! This was an all-around GREAT read from Toby!!! I highly recommend this book; it will leave you smiling!!!
October 1, 2024
Ahhhh, so cute!!! This story was sweet from the start with two professors pining for each other. Reminiscent of Groundhog Day, these two cuties are stuck in a time loop until they figure out what trapped them in the first place. Toby Wise creates a world of witches, adventurers, sports and magic. In his version of Groundhog Day, it is all sweet sunshine, great coffee, and romance. This is an absolutely wonderful romance book and it is worth buying to read again and again.
October 5, 2024
Half Past Hex is part of multi author series Cauldrons and Kisses. Each book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the rest of the series. This is the story of Quinn and Bennet who are professors stuck in a time loop together. I love Toby Wise and the sweet fluffy stories he's known for. This was another great example of Toby's talent. I love the way magic is explained in the story. I Love how opposite and yet alike these two are. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
October 6, 2024
Time loops and hopeless crushes that maybe aren’t so hopeless after all. Quinn and Bennett get stuck in a time loop together, repeating Friday the 13th over and over again. They know what caused the loop but why? These two were fun to watch and needed a little time to figure out if they should take a chance on each other. I enjoyed the book more than I expected because time loops and/or time travel are not my favorite things things. But this story was cute and worth a read.
October 17, 2024
Groundhog Day
The repeat day in this book is Friday the 13th, but it's not unlucky for our characters, who get to repeat the day until they confess their feelings for each other.
Four stars because of the slow start. There was a bit too much, "let me tell you about my perfectly normal day that has nothing to do with the story" for me. I stuck with it anyway.
A sweet, low angst book.
The repeat day in this book is Friday the 13th, but it's not unlucky for our characters, who get to repeat the day until they confess their feelings for each other.
Four stars because of the slow start. There was a bit too much, "let me tell you about my perfectly normal day that has nothing to do with the story" for me. I stuck with it anyway.
A sweet, low angst book.
Did not finish
December 11, 2024DNF @18% ... I feel like if I were D&D player, I might enjoy this world a whole lot more. As I'm not, though, the world building bogged me down, overshadowing what should have been the first part of the story making me fall for the characters and anticipate their meet cute (well, they already know each other, but, you know, the part where the ROMANCE starts to happen) and I'm just... not interested in continuing. 🤷♀️
October 17, 2025
This book was a very Groundhog Day experience. Two witches, Bennet and Quinn get stuck in a time loop together repeating one day over and over again after touching a magical pocket watch at the same time. Together, they try to find out how to break the time loop, but after several failed leads, they decide to embrace and live each day rather than just drowning in research. Will they find out what secrets they each are hiding?
This was a cute book and definitely worth reading.
This was a cute book and definitely worth reading.
October 1, 2024
Absolutely loved this. Two professors finding love...paranormal elements...time loop...both having crushes and eventually getting to know each other...well romance...Loved it! This is the first book I've read in this multi author series and Toby Wise did a wonderful job...romantic...sweet with a touch of heat. NICE!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 1, 2024
Half Past Hex is a cute time loop romance. There is a lot of one step forward, two steps back with Quinn and Bennet's relationship that is slightly frustrating. But they do eventually find their way to a happy ending eventually. There could be more time loop hijinks but they do take advantage of their unique circumstances a little bit.
October 8, 2024
Quinn & Bennet
It took me no time at all to get through this story. I absolutely enjoyed reading Quinn and Bennet's story. It was so cute and very entertaining to read.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
It took me no time at all to get through this story. I absolutely enjoyed reading Quinn and Bennet's story. It was so cute and very entertaining to read.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
October 8, 2024
This is a wonderful addition to this multi-authored series! Toby Wise has written a wonderful story and it's adorable! This is Quinn and Bennet's story and it's a great one! I read an advanced copy of this series and this is my unbiased review! I loved it!
October 14, 2024
WOW!! So Good!!
Well written story and well developed characters. Those are the most important attributes, to me, in a book. This one kept me involved right from the first to the last. Loved it!
Well written story and well developed characters. Those are the most important attributes, to me, in a book. This one kept me involved right from the first to the last. Loved it!
October 31, 2024
So Good
Bennet and Quinn's book is so good. I loved how their relationship progressed, and being in a time loop is a fun twist I don't see in many books. You should definitely read this book 💜
Bennet and Quinn's book is so good. I loved how their relationship progressed, and being in a time loop is a fun twist I don't see in many books. You should definitely read this book 💜
March 4, 2025
Half Past Hex
Quinn and Bennett were the perfect pairing! Both are teachers at a university that caters to magic users. Their pining for one another gets a boost due to a magic pocket watch! I loved reading this well written story! Highly Recommended
Quinn and Bennett were the perfect pairing! Both are teachers at a university that caters to magic users. Their pining for one another gets a boost due to a magic pocket watch! I loved reading this well written story! Highly Recommended
September 9, 2025
Loved!
Oh my goodness I absolutely loved this book! Quinn and Bennet are both adorable with their mutual pining. I enjoyed the time loop element and how they spent each day. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this multi-author series.
Oh my goodness I absolutely loved this book! Quinn and Bennet are both adorable with their mutual pining. I enjoyed the time loop element and how they spent each day. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this multi-author series.
September 11, 2025
sweet and fun
I really liked this book. The romance moved at a logical pace and the characters are likable. The time problems they encounter are written about fabulously. I felt like I was reading a proper sci-fi plot.
I really liked this book. The romance moved at a logical pace and the characters are likable. The time problems they encounter are written about fabulously. I felt like I was reading a proper sci-fi plot.
October 9, 2024
Time loops
Quinn and Bennet are clueless of their feelings for each other, but they are adorable. A sweet story with a HEA.
Quinn and Bennet are clueless of their feelings for each other, but they are adorable. A sweet story with a HEA.
October 12, 2024
book review
I’m always leery about reading time loop stories but I really enjoyed this one. I thought it was super cute!
I’m always leery about reading time loop stories but I really enjoyed this one. I thought it was super cute!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews