Category: First Person Narrative

Hexy Beast by Avery Flynn

On By TracyIn Contemporary, First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Hexy Beast (The Sherwood Witches #3)Hexy Beast by Avery Flynn

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: The Sherwood Witches #3

Release Date: September 8, 2026

Effie Sherwood is an impulsive, outspoken witch who is filled with chaotic energy that often puts her at the center of trouble. So, it really comes as no surprise that Effie becomes entangled with Darius after a spontaneous decision leads her into werewolf pack politics and a possible fated-mate bond. Opposites in every way, is there any way these two can actually be fated?

Darius Aetos is the gruff werewolf pack leader carrying responsibility for his cursed pack while also dealing with threats to his authority. Effie’s unpredictable nature is the complete opposite of Darius’s guarded, duty-driven personality. As Darius tries to protect both Effie and his pack, the two are pulled into the blue moon gauntlet, where forced proximity, magical complications, and outside threats.

Overall, this was a 3-star read for me. I liked the paranormal setup, the witch-and-werewolf pairing, and the fun fall feeling of the story, but I also felt like I was missing some context because I had not read the previous books in the series. For me, the First-Person Narrative made it harder to fully connect with the world and the family dynamics. I feel that it is important to note that I do not care for FPN in a romance because I prefer having a stronger sense of both characters’ emotional development, but that is a personal opinion and should be taken as such. While the story had humor, chemistry, and plenty of action, it did not completely pull me in the way I hoped it would. This is the third book in the series, and I would recommend reading the books in order for the best reader experience.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

The Bravest Hour by Anna Lee Huber

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, First Person Narrative, Historical Mystery, Interwar Period (Nov 1918 - Sep 1939), Irish Historical, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

The Bravest Hour (Verity Kent Mysteries, #9)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Verity Kent Mysteries #9
Publication Date: 8/25/26
Period: Interwar 1920, Dublin, Ireland
Number of Pages: 384

Loved it!

The Bravest Hour is the ninth and final entry in Anna Lee Huber’s Verity Kent Mystery series, providing a satisfying conclusion to the series as a whole and a fitting wrap-up to the Ireland-based portion of Verity and Sydney’s story. That said, I would strongly recommend reading the previous books before beginning this one. There is so much character history, relationship development, and ongoing storyline woven throughout the series that you will gain much more from this book if you have followed Verity and Sydney’s journey from the beginning. If you don’t want to start with the first book, I would highly recommend beginning with The Cold Light of Day, which launches the Ireland portion of the series.

The previous book brought the phosgene gas plot to a resolution, but Ardmore escaped, leaving Verity and Sydney with unfinished business. In The Bravest Hour, Ardmore continues his dangerous schemes while Verity finds herself imprisoned and subjected to torture. Huber skillfully interweaves their personal struggle with the turbulent history of Ireland as the country fights for independence. The result is a story filled with danger, suspense, political intrigue, and emotional complexity.

One of the things I particularly appreciated was the way Huber portrays the conflicting feelings of both Verity and Sydney. They are loyal to their country, but at the same time, they cannot condone the atrocities committed against the Irish people who are fighting for their freedom. Their feelings are not presented as simple or black-and-white, and this adds considerable depth to both the characters and the story. Their love for each other and their determination to protect one another remain at the heart of the book, even as circumstances continue to put them in impossible situations.

The mystery and suspense kept the story moving, and it was satisfying to see the various loose ends tied up, the villain finally foiled, and the heroes receive their due. After following these characters through so many adventures, it was especially rewarding to see how much they have grown and how their relationships have developed throughout the series.

Of course, being a longtime reader of a series means that I always want *just a little more* when it comes to saying goodbye to characters I have come to care about. There were a couple of things I would have loved to see. I would have appreciated an epilogue—perhaps at Christmas the following year—with all the friends reunited. I would have enjoyed seeing Max, Alex, and George together again, with Max and Alex bringing love interests, and I would have especially liked to meet George’s romantic interest. And, naturally, I wouldn’t have objected to seeing Verity expecting!

Those are small wishes, however, and they don’t diminish my enjoyment of the book or the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Verity Kent Mysteries. Each book has been an entertaining and engaging read while also deepening the characters and their relationships. Verity and Sydney have become characters I will genuinely miss, and I am sad to see their story come to an end.

I will definitely be watching for news of whatever series Anna Lee Huber decides to introduce next. Whatever comes next, I’ll be there to read it!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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