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How Not to Hex a Gentleman
Kennedy Hellebore knows how to keep a secret. She’s been a witch-in-hiding her whole life.
But when she moves to Edinburgh for a study-abroad program, the enchanting city seems to have plans of its own. Including magically bonding her to three unexpected new friends.
Bennett MacKay never meant to run (literally) into his beautiful neighbor and would do anything to make it up to her. Lucky for him, she needs help with Edinburgh lore, and that's his specialty.
Kennedy’s soon had enough of her gorgeous—and frustrating—Scottish neighbor, because Bennett can’t seem to help making a fool of himself as he tries to win over the grumpy beauty. She’s got enough to do without him making her already messy life messier.
Romance isn’t the only magic brewing in the Edinburgh air and Kennedy needs to focus, but as they spend time researching the city’s history, she can’t help but be charmed as Bennett’s sunny personality slowly cracks through her walls.
She’s spent her whole life hiding her powers, and her heart. He’s found out what happens when those you love most, leave you. Can they trust each other enough to risk their hearts? Or is the magic of love not strong enough?
Practical Magic meets Charmed in this cozy fantasy romcom, full of sweetness, found family, laughter, love, and magical shenanigans. How Not to Hex a Gentleman is the first in a series of standalone romances set in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Bennett MacKay never meant to run (literally) into his beautiful neighbor and would do anything to make it up to her. Lucky for him, she needs help with Edinburgh lore, and that's his specialty.
Kennedy’s soon had enough of her gorgeous—and frustrating—Scottish neighbor, because Bennett can’t seem to help making a fool of himself as he tries to win over the grumpy beauty. She’s got enough to do without him making her already messy life messier.
Romance isn’t the only magic brewing in the Edinburgh air and Kennedy needs to focus, but as they spend time researching the city’s history, she can’t help but be charmed as Bennett’s sunny personality slowly cracks through her walls.
She’s spent her whole life hiding her powers, and her heart. He’s found out what happens when those you love most, leave you. Can they trust each other enough to risk their hearts? Or is the magic of love not strong enough?
Practical Magic meets Charmed in this cozy fantasy romcom, full of sweetness, found family, laughter, love, and magical shenanigans. How Not to Hex a Gentleman is the first in a series of standalone romances set in Edinburgh, Scotland.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2025
265 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
About the author
Valia Lind
65 books449 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia Lind has always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first published book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and has found her voice in Young Adult fiction.
In 2015, her YA thriller, Pieces of Revenge, was the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
You can visit her online at http://valialind.com or follow her on Instagram, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind.
For a free book, sign up for her newsletter --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f0t1xi1qmr
In 2015, her YA thriller, Pieces of Revenge, was the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
You can visit her online at http://valialind.com or follow her on Instagram, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind.
For a free book, sign up for her newsletter --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f0t1xi1qmr
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 25, 2025
3.75 ⭐ when i found out there was a book out there that combined my two most favorite things—witchcraft and scotland—i started reading it almost instantaneously. while i did enjoy the book, it was a wee bit underwhelming for me.
all of the cozy, witchy, scottish vibes were right up my alley, but the romance could definitely have romanced more, and the plot felt super slow paced at times. as someone who actively practices witchcraft, i loved all of the accurate references, but absolutely loathed the mentions of wicca where it seemingly equated the two... that one did hurt a little.
anyways, i desperately need to go back to scotland, and this read was my desperate cry for help.
all of the cozy, witchy, scottish vibes were right up my alley, but the romance could definitely have romanced more, and the plot felt super slow paced at times. as someone who actively practices witchcraft, i loved all of the accurate references, but absolutely loathed the mentions of wicca where it seemingly equated the two... that one did hurt a little.
anyways, i desperately need to go back to scotland, and this read was my desperate cry for help.
October 31, 2025
This might be my favorite meet cute. Set in my favorite city in the world, Edinburgh. I loved it, but not emotional enough for a 5 star rating. I enjoy witchy stories that are earthy, and not demonic/satanic. I also loved the author giving thanks to our Heavenly Father in her acknowledgements. I will have to check out her other books.
May 25, 2025
2.5 stars
July 5, 2025
Ok, y'all, if you want cozy romance, it doesn't get much cozier than this. Chance meetings on the stairs, hating his guts because he knocked your suitcase down like 2 flights in his rush, cozy coffeeshops, the beauty of Edinburgh, magical tattoos, dangit he ran into me AGAIN and almost broke my phone!!!, witchy sisterhood, overcoming generational trauma, ok well he is kinda cute...
You get the idea. 🙂
In this caramel sweet tale, we meet Kennedy, who (very much against her aunt's wishes) has decided to move to Edinburgh for an exchange student program. Things get off on a bad foot when the "one bedroom" apartment she rented is already occupied by another girl...who greets her very kindly brandishing a kitchen knife and a glare. All this after the handsome man knocked her suitcase down the stairs and didn't even stop to help her. 🙄 Shortly after, a THIRD girl enters, claiming SHE rented the apartment, but when they all go down to the rental office to see what is going on, it is closed. They decide to go out to eat and figure it out later, but while they are sightseeing, something...magical...happens...and seals their fates together.
Not only is this a romance, but it is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Kennedy has been told her whole life that magic is something to be feared. Never let anyone know you have magic, or they will use you for it...or worse. But when she is magically bonded to her 2 new flatmates, and the handsome stranger turns out to be a history professor that may be able to help them unravel the source of their bond, she discovers that magic may be something so much more beautiful than what she has always been taught. Magic can help, heal, and grow...magic can be light and beauty and goodness.
This is one of the sweetest things I have read in a while, and I definitely want to read more about this group of friends. Found Family is one of my favorite tropes, and this one delivered 1000%.
You get the idea. 🙂
In this caramel sweet tale, we meet Kennedy, who (very much against her aunt's wishes) has decided to move to Edinburgh for an exchange student program. Things get off on a bad foot when the "one bedroom" apartment she rented is already occupied by another girl...who greets her very kindly brandishing a kitchen knife and a glare. All this after the handsome man knocked her suitcase down the stairs and didn't even stop to help her. 🙄 Shortly after, a THIRD girl enters, claiming SHE rented the apartment, but when they all go down to the rental office to see what is going on, it is closed. They decide to go out to eat and figure it out later, but while they are sightseeing, something...magical...happens...and seals their fates together.
Not only is this a romance, but it is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Kennedy has been told her whole life that magic is something to be feared. Never let anyone know you have magic, or they will use you for it...or worse. But when she is magically bonded to her 2 new flatmates, and the handsome stranger turns out to be a history professor that may be able to help them unravel the source of their bond, she discovers that magic may be something so much more beautiful than what she has always been taught. Magic can help, heal, and grow...magic can be light and beauty and goodness.
This is one of the sweetest things I have read in a while, and I definitely want to read more about this group of friends. Found Family is one of my favorite tropes, and this one delivered 1000%.
August 15, 2025
it’s ok
It’s kind of boring. Nothing at all happens until almost the end. And even then it’s pretty much nothing. Kennedy and Lana are also VERY annoying. There’s also a few typos and wrong words. I did finish it and the first half was definitely better. But it got tedious once the world and character building was done and I found myself skipping through to just get to the end. Also the bad guy, yeah I knew who it was as soon as we met him. I spent most of the book wondering when he’d finally do something. It would have been better if it was more condensed without all the filler in the middle.
It’s kind of boring. Nothing at all happens until almost the end. And even then it’s pretty much nothing. Kennedy and Lana are also VERY annoying. There’s also a few typos and wrong words. I did finish it and the first half was definitely better. But it got tedious once the world and character building was done and I found myself skipping through to just get to the end. Also the bad guy, yeah I knew who it was as soon as we met him. I spent most of the book wondering when he’d finally do something. It would have been better if it was more condensed without all the filler in the middle.
February 15, 2025
fast paced sweet love story
Kennedy is a witch who was taught to fear discovery (and her power) above all else, raised by her paranoid aunt.
Bennett is a college student working on graduating.
When Kennedy threw all of her aunt’s dire predictions and ultimatums and moved to Scotland to study, everything just felt right. Until she arrives at her single-occupancy flat, gets knocked into wrestling her luggage up the ancient narrow stairs, and finds another girl in her flat. When a third girl shows up, also thinking she had booked a single occupancy flat, they realize there must be some sort of misunderstanding.
They set out to figure out why the flat has been triple-booked…and end up forging a lifelong friendship.
All three girls are witches, and together they need to come into their power and learn to work together.
This story was sweet, predictable, and fast paced. Some of the writing felt a little repetitive, but the overall vibe of the book was delightfully cozy, with a sweet, awkward love story woven throughout.
Kennedy is a witch who was taught to fear discovery (and her power) above all else, raised by her paranoid aunt.
Bennett is a college student working on graduating.
When Kennedy threw all of her aunt’s dire predictions and ultimatums and moved to Scotland to study, everything just felt right. Until she arrives at her single-occupancy flat, gets knocked into wrestling her luggage up the ancient narrow stairs, and finds another girl in her flat. When a third girl shows up, also thinking she had booked a single occupancy flat, they realize there must be some sort of misunderstanding.
They set out to figure out why the flat has been triple-booked…and end up forging a lifelong friendship.
All three girls are witches, and together they need to come into their power and learn to work together.
This story was sweet, predictable, and fast paced. Some of the writing felt a little repetitive, but the overall vibe of the book was delightfully cozy, with a sweet, awkward love story woven throughout.
March 16, 2025
The language in this book just felt... off throughout. These are supposedly American students studying abroad in the UK, but it felt like a British author was trying to write "American" and failing, which honestly took away from the reading experience a fair amount (Update after writing this: I checked the author bio and she is form Russia which actually makes considerably more sense and is understandable). Other than that, there were some pacing issues, etc, and Bennet's age is never really brought up, but I feel like if he has already graduated and Kennedy is 20 there's a strange age gap there? Still at the end of the day, I wanted to read a book set in Edinburgh and this was definitely able to pack in a lot of information about the city while following a somewhat fun storyline, so I'm not inclined to be too harsh.
July 16, 2025
Kennedy and Bennett
FMC: Kennedy Hellebore
MMC: Bennett MacKay
Spice: 🌶️
Pages: 351
Tropes: He Falls First, Magic, Witches, Golden Retriever MMC, Neighbors to Lovers, Paranormal Romance, Romantasy
Setting: Edinburgh, Scotland
Thoughts: I really liked this book. As a lover of Edinburgh I really enjoyed the setting and revisiting some of my favorite places around the city through the author’s very accurate descriptions. The Ross Fountain is one of my favorite locations and just the fact that it was featured so predominately made me like the story even more. I liked the focus on the sisterhood between Kennedy, Parker and Lilly. I liked the sweet romance between Kennedy and Bennett. This was a great introduction to this series. It was exciting and fun and fairly light. It had me considering my own move to Edinburgh and wishing I was a witch coming into my own powers.
FMC: Kennedy Hellebore
MMC: Bennett MacKay
Spice: 🌶️
Pages: 351
Tropes: He Falls First, Magic, Witches, Golden Retriever MMC, Neighbors to Lovers, Paranormal Romance, Romantasy
Setting: Edinburgh, Scotland
Thoughts: I really liked this book. As a lover of Edinburgh I really enjoyed the setting and revisiting some of my favorite places around the city through the author’s very accurate descriptions. The Ross Fountain is one of my favorite locations and just the fact that it was featured so predominately made me like the story even more. I liked the focus on the sisterhood between Kennedy, Parker and Lilly. I liked the sweet romance between Kennedy and Bennett. This was a great introduction to this series. It was exciting and fun and fairly light. It had me considering my own move to Edinburgh and wishing I was a witch coming into my own powers.
February 13, 2025
I loved it! The romance was so perfect, the book was so funny, and the sisterships were amazing! I loved her relation with Parker and Lily as well as how she learned to trust and love Bennet and her magic. I must admit that I am really intrigued about Parker and Nicholas and I cannot wait for her book. The entire plotline was unique and interesting and I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I really wonder about Olivia's background and how powerful Kennedy, Parker, and Lily will be at full power. Overall, the book was incredible, satisfying me at the end yet also making me long for more. Excellent book. Highly recommend!
March 8, 2025
This was SO precious!! The romance was so tender and sweet, I loved it! The character growth was beautiful. My favourite scene was the ceilidh. It was so much fun! The found family, the tender romance, the sweet sisterhood… it was beautiful and wonderful!
I truly felt like I was back in Edinburgh. I recognized so many places from my visit—even the little cafe in the Writer’s Museum close. It felt wonderful to relive my trip through this book! The cozy coffee shop vibes were also perfect.
Such a charming & precious book! Loved this!!
I truly felt like I was back in Edinburgh. I recognized so many places from my visit—even the little cafe in the Writer’s Museum close. It felt wonderful to relive my trip through this book! The cozy coffee shop vibes were also perfect.
Such a charming & precious book! Loved this!!
October 16, 2025
Kennedy Hellebore is a witch — not that she’d ever admit it. Raised by her aunt to keep her magic hidden, Kennedy has spent her life blending in. But when she takes a leap and moves to Edinburgh for a study abroad program, everything changes. First, she literally runs into her handsome new neighbor, and then the one-bedroom flat she rented mysteriously turns into a three-bedroom apartment—with two new roommates. How long can she keep her secret under wraps?
This was such a cute, witchy slow-burn romance that’s perfect for fall. The story has plenty of “will-they-or-won’t-they” tension, found family charm, and cozy magic. A heartwarming, autumnal read that left me smiling.
This was such a cute, witchy slow-burn romance that’s perfect for fall. The story has plenty of “will-they-or-won’t-they” tension, found family charm, and cozy magic. A heartwarming, autumnal read that left me smiling.
May 31, 2025
I’m quite disappointed with this one. Lind writes the most wonderful fairytale retellings. I had high hopes for this one. But I cannot get past this incredibly whiny main character (Kennedy) and the instant love-at-first-glance romance b***s***. I do enjoy romance genre generally but this has way over the top nonsense. Sounds silly especially this book is about witches and magic but seriously idiotic.
November 2, 2025
It was cute, but too predictable.
It started too slow and took me way too long to get hooked.
Did anyone else think Kennedy had accidentally hexed Bennett the whole time? 😂 I would have loved to see a twist like that lol.
Honestly I loved the underlying messages about finding your family and about welcoming and accepting your true authentic self.
I can’t wait to see how Parker and Nicholas’ story goes though - so I will definitely be finishing the series once it’s released!
It started too slow and took me way too long to get hooked.
Did anyone else think Kennedy had accidentally hexed Bennett the whole time? 😂 I would have loved to see a twist like that lol.
Honestly I loved the underlying messages about finding your family and about welcoming and accepting your true authentic self.
I can’t wait to see how Parker and Nicholas’ story goes though - so I will definitely be finishing the series once it’s released!
May 22, 2025
Loved it!
How Not to Hex a Gentleman was such a fun book! Kennedy is very likeable, and her two surprise roommates are so colorful too. Bennet is such a sweetheart, and him falling for Kennedy was my favorite part of the book. This was a great introduction to a new series, and I'm looking forward to the next book with Parker and Nicolas butting heads.
How Not to Hex a Gentleman was such a fun book! Kennedy is very likeable, and her two surprise roommates are so colorful too. Bennet is such a sweetheart, and him falling for Kennedy was my favorite part of the book. This was a great introduction to a new series, and I'm looking forward to the next book with Parker and Nicolas butting heads.
October 19, 2025
Cute little fall, witchy book. Found family with a little pg romance. Honestly loved the part of the book about the witches so much more interesting than the romance.
Mostly I picked this up because of the beautiful descriptions of Edinburgh. It’s my favorite city I’ve visited and this had me all kinds of nostalgic.
Mostly I picked this up because of the beautiful descriptions of Edinburgh. It’s my favorite city I’ve visited and this had me all kinds of nostalgic.
February 5, 2025
I LOVE witchy books. Especially witchy books with found family and very little to no angst. This was such an adorable cosy romance story, I thoroughly enjoyed every page of it. Definitely looking forward to the rest of the series- I can sense an enemies-to-lovers trope brewing in the next one.
April 22, 2025
This was a cute and fun read! It’s a cozy witchy romance and I felt like I was in Edinburgh while reading it. I liked that it had a mystery plot line because sometimes cozy fantasy can be boring without it. Very much looking forward to the next book!
Want to read
February 12, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
February 25, 2025
Not for me
I didn't keep reading after the talk of tarot cards. Valia Lind has many other great books. Not everything is for everyone.
I didn't keep reading after the talk of tarot cards. Valia Lind has many other great books. Not everything is for everyone.
July 23, 2025
Sweet little witchy story. Not steamy at sll, but just sweet & adorable & full of love.
August 16, 2025
Cute.
September 27, 2025
3.5 rounded up because it was cute and cozy.
October 28, 2025
DNF 31%
I might come back to this one in the future
I might come back to this one in the future
October 30, 2025
A cute, witchy romance
This was a fun read full of magic and Scotland! I really loved seeing the girls come into their own and watch their special bond blossom. A good, easy read.
This was a fun read full of magic and Scotland! I really loved seeing the girls come into their own and watch their special bond blossom. A good, easy read.
July 7, 2025
This is classified as a witchy rom-com, but I would add that it feels more like a YA read. It was cute, and like many of the reviewers, I loved the Scottish facts (the Royal Mile is not truly a mile long). It was just a bit too cutesy for me. 3.5 for sure.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews