Review of The Hex Next Door (Witches of Moondale #1)

Blurb: What’s a little necromancy between family?

For the Crow Witch, Icarus "Rus" Ashthorne, Moondale seemed the perfect hiding place. But like they always say, you can't go home again, and Rus finds out quickly that nothing is how she remembered, while at the same time very little has changed. Then she comes face to face with the only woman she's ever loved, Az Elwood, and... well, things get messier than she thought they ever could.

The Elwoods are a staple of Moondale, respected, feared, powerful, and Azure Elwood was always happy with her place amongst them. Happy to play the part of the good little witch, until Rus Ashthorne. Eleven years ago, Rus got on a bus and left Azure behind, but she's back, with two little girls trailing her like ducklings, and enough unspoken things between them to drown the town.

Now witch hunters are knocking at their proverbial door, the council of magic is being a real pain in the ass, and Rus wonders how much magic it’ll take to protect the people she loves from herself and the danger following her.

Review: Icarus "Rus" Ashthorne has to return to the town she swore she would never go back to so she can protect her adopted daughters. Moondale is a witch town and its magic is powerful, but Rus can only hope the people of the town will welcome them. Azure Elwood had her heart broken by Rus over eleven years ago, and she's still not over her. Witch hunters are after Rus' youngest girl and Rus will sacrifice everything to save her. Yet no matter how much she protests, Rus can't do it alone. But can Azure convince her of that before it's too late?

This was a random book I picked up because I wanted a witchy read, and I couldn't be happier with what I found in these pages. It dives right into the story with a cupid being a real estate agent and matching people with the perfect houses. There's several levels of magic and each witch has their own talents. Plus there are all sorts of magical beings. Rus is a necromancer, and I love the originality with how it's done. The past muddles things between Rus and Azure, but the tension is always under the surface, and they're so sweet together. Rus' main concern is the safety of her girls though, and rightfully so. Fantastic cast of characters. I'd love to see stories from other witches in Moondale.

You can find Lou Wilham on her site and buy the book here.