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Wheel of the Year #2
Hexennacht
Hexennacht is the Night of Witches, Samhain’s calendar twin. A night of revelry and dancing, of bonfires and sisterhood
. . . but it had been on another Hexennacht when her fortunes changed. Cast from the ancient circle, dispossessed of belonging. A solitary witch, practicing her craft alone . . . at least, until the day Anzan arrived at her door.
She never expected to fall in love with the quiet Araneaen upstairs, and could not have foreseen how easily he would spin his web around her heart.
When Anzan's future in Cambric Creek and their happiness is threatened, Ladybug has no choice but to open a door from the past and let a familiar face back into her life. Stepping outside her comfort zone is the last thing in the world she wants to do, particularly when she and Anzan are so happy in their insulated little bubble . . . but if she doesn't act, the bubble may burst beyond her control.
This high heat, cozy monster romance features a neurodivergent witch FMC and a non-human spider-like MMC and takes place within the Cambric Creek Universe. It is best read as part of the series. Hexennacht is the second volume of The Wheel of the Year and comes after The Mabon Feast.
. . . but it had been on another Hexennacht when her fortunes changed. Cast from the ancient circle, dispossessed of belonging. A solitary witch, practicing her craft alone . . . at least, until the day Anzan arrived at her door.
She never expected to fall in love with the quiet Araneaen upstairs, and could not have foreseen how easily he would spin his web around her heart.
When Anzan's future in Cambric Creek and their happiness is threatened, Ladybug has no choice but to open a door from the past and let a familiar face back into her life. Stepping outside her comfort zone is the last thing in the world she wants to do, particularly when she and Anzan are so happy in their insulated little bubble . . . but if she doesn't act, the bubble may burst beyond her control.
This high heat, cozy monster romance features a neurodivergent witch FMC and a non-human spider-like MMC and takes place within the Cambric Creek Universe. It is best read as part of the series. Hexennacht is the second volume of The Wheel of the Year and comes after The Mabon Feast.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2024
314 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Nascosta
28 books4,496 followersC.M. Nascosta is an author and professional procrastinator from Cleveland, Ohio. As a child, she thought that living on Lake Erie meant one was eerie by nature, and her corresponding love of all things strange and unusual started young. She’s always preferred beasts to boys, the macabre to the milquetoast, the unknown darkness in the shadows to the Chad next door. She lives in a crumbling old Victorian with a scaredy-cat dachshund, where she writes nontraditional romances featuring beastly boys with equal parts heart and heat, and is waiting for the Hallmark Channel to get with the program and start a paranormal lovers series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
August 18, 2025
“I will fight for you until my last breath, my Ladybug. A life without your love is not one I’m interested in living.”
I didn’t realise how much I missed Ladybug and Anzan until I started reading about them again. They are my emotional support, antisocial arachnid and autistic witch. I loved them in The Mabon Feast (book 1), I loved Ladybug’s cameo in Two for Tea (another Cambric Creek book), and I loved them in this one too. Also, I will never be one of those people who get bored after the main couple gets together, give me all the domestic Ladybug x Anzan you have, I will read it all. They were adorable.
There was one character that stole the spotlight, however, and it was neither of the protagonists. Holt, the very sexy, very feline (in every way) familiar, became my favourite character in the entire Cambric Creek universe. Honestly, any character with the personality of a cat becomes my instant favourite. It’s not my fault, cats are awesome. I would go into more detail, but I’m confident that “personality of a cat” tells you all you need to know about him. I hope there’s a whole lot more of him in the future. I would love to get a book from his point of view. His backstory in this book was amazing.
Moreover, as with every monster smut book, pretty much everything other than romance, smut, and some surprisingly good character development for several characters, has been average. The stakes looked high, but they really weren’t. The plot was interesting but not complex in any way. I did like the direction the story took; it was clear that there’s a lot more story to be told, and I am very excited for it.
On that note, the best part about this book was Ladybug making most of Cambric Creek like her and her Araneaen boyfriend with her ✨fun-time coochie cream✨. That Araneaen venom did wonders 👀.
I didn’t realise how much I missed Ladybug and Anzan until I started reading about them again. They are my emotional support, antisocial arachnid and autistic witch. I loved them in The Mabon Feast (book 1), I loved Ladybug’s cameo in Two for Tea (another Cambric Creek book), and I loved them in this one too. Also, I will never be one of those people who get bored after the main couple gets together, give me all the domestic Ladybug x Anzan you have, I will read it all. They were adorable.
There was one character that stole the spotlight, however, and it was neither of the protagonists. Holt, the very sexy, very feline (in every way) familiar, became my favourite character in the entire Cambric Creek universe. Honestly, any character with the personality of a cat becomes my instant favourite. It’s not my fault, cats are awesome. I would go into more detail, but I’m confident that “personality of a cat” tells you all you need to know about him. I hope there’s a whole lot more of him in the future. I would love to get a book from his point of view. His backstory in this book was amazing.
Moreover, as with every monster smut book, pretty much everything other than romance, smut, and some surprisingly good character development for several characters, has been average. The stakes looked high, but they really weren’t. The plot was interesting but not complex in any way. I did like the direction the story took; it was clear that there’s a lot more story to be told, and I am very excited for it.
On that note, the best part about this book was Ladybug making most of Cambric Creek like her and her Araneaen boyfriend with her ✨fun-time coochie cream✨. That Araneaen venom did wonders 👀.
April 27, 2024
Ladybug coming into her power
I loved book one and the autism rep in the FMC, so seeing a continuation was wonderful. Anzan is such the martyr and I love that Ladybug calls him out on it. I also adored his casual kleptomania and Ladybug’s foibles as well, as it brought depth to the characters. Ladybug was able to grow in her self-confidence without changing the fact that she’s autistic. I’m already struggling with the idea of waiting for the next book because I want answers now, but it’s worth the wait. They are too precious for words.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: grief, bullying (off page), harassment from neighbors, discrimination, ableism, cancer, grief, mention of boiled babies
I loved book one and the autism rep in the FMC, so seeing a continuation was wonderful. Anzan is such the martyr and I love that Ladybug calls him out on it. I also adored his casual kleptomania and Ladybug’s foibles as well, as it brought depth to the characters. Ladybug was able to grow in her self-confidence without changing the fact that she’s autistic. I’m already struggling with the idea of waiting for the next book because I want answers now, but it’s worth the wait. They are too precious for words.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: grief, bullying (off page), harassment from neighbors, discrimination, ableism, cancer, grief, mention of boiled babies
October 22, 2024
After reading some of the newer Nascosta books back to back I have a new understanding of how her writing works, and I don't think it's suited for the novellas she churns out. Morning Glory Milking Farm is an aberration - a contained, satisfying story that does paranormal stuff while hitting Millennials in the generational feels. The rest of her work, though, is best thought of as a big, overarching story told in short, awkwardly chopped up fragments.
Two for Tea, more of a women's fiction book than a romance, gave me the keys I needed to enjoy the Wheel of the Year series. It was my introduction to Holt, a major character in Hexennacht, and hints at future conflicts.
Where things go wrong is that the hints are ham-handed, coming off not as glimpses of what's coming but threads that are completely dropped. I mean, you can't casually mention that some witches (spoiler) without the reader latching on to it, you know?
I'll keep reading Wheel of the Year because I'm interested in the larger picture, but I doubt any of the books will get more than three stars from me. Hopefully Nascosta will write some longer, more cohesive stories whenever she decides to move on from Cambric Creek.
Two for Tea, more of a women's fiction book than a romance, gave me the keys I needed to enjoy the Wheel of the Year series. It was my introduction to Holt, a major character in Hexennacht, and hints at future conflicts.
Where things go wrong is that the hints are ham-handed, coming off not as glimpses of what's coming but threads that are completely dropped. I mean, you can't casually mention that some witches (spoiler) without the reader latching on to it, you know?
I'll keep reading Wheel of the Year because I'm interested in the larger picture, but I doubt any of the books will get more than three stars from me. Hopefully Nascosta will write some longer, more cohesive stories whenever she decides to move on from Cambric Creek.
May 2, 2024
Literally brings me back to the absolute surprise of how heart touching morning glory milking farm was, cannot wait for the rest!
July 5, 2024
Too Slow Paced for me
TROPES
- Found Family
-Slow Burn
- Female Protag on the spectrum
- Hurt comfort
- Past trauma
- Outcast
- Second Chance
-Mysterious Guy
- Normal F/ paranormal creature
SPICE 🌶
2/5 (2 🍋 and some 🍏)
Personally, I think this book was really slow paced. If you like super slow burn, then this is the book for you. I got a bit frustrated reading this book, because nothing really interesting was happening between the FMC and male romaric interest until way past the half point of the book. I don't think this series if for me. There are 2 more books in the series coming out in the future, but I don't think I will read them. If you like slow burn, witch vibes, paranormal romance, character self growth, and sense of community then you might like this book 👍
TROPES
- Found Family
-Slow Burn
- Female Protag on the spectrum
- Hurt comfort
- Past trauma
- Outcast
- Second Chance
-Mysterious Guy
- Normal F/ paranormal creature
SPICE 🌶
2/5 (2 🍋 and some 🍏)
Personally, I think this book was really slow paced. If you like super slow burn, then this is the book for you. I got a bit frustrated reading this book, because nothing really interesting was happening between the FMC and male romaric interest until way past the half point of the book. I don't think this series if for me. There are 2 more books in the series coming out in the future, but I don't think I will read them. If you like slow burn, witch vibes, paranormal romance, character self growth, and sense of community then you might like this book 👍
June 25, 2024
I hate to rate so low but this flashback style of writing is really getting out of control. I loved the base plot though and the last 25% was really good. But I just can’t anymore.
February 24, 2025
This was disappointing, because I really loved Anzan and Ladybug’s first book. I still love them as a couple, but this didn’t add much for me. Also (and I can’t believe I’m saying this in a Nascosta novel) but it could have used a lot more smut in my opinion.
The author’s note said that a lot of plot threads from other books would come to a head in this one, and I didn’t feel that at all. I’m not sure if I just missed it or didn’t get it, but this felt boring, and a continuation of her not giving us very many answers (and leaving me not even knowing what the questions are supposed to be).
The author’s note said that a lot of plot threads from other books would come to a head in this one, and I didn’t feel that at all. I’m not sure if I just missed it or didn’t get it, but this felt boring, and a continuation of her not giving us very many answers (and leaving me not even knowing what the questions are supposed to be).
July 11, 2024
Sooo disappointing. After loving the first book in the series, I was really looking forward to this one, but wound up DNF-ing. The author describes the FMC as having severe social anxiety and being awkward and that was endearingly true in the first book - in this, however, the author just makes her stupid. Other characters have to explain basic concepts like computers, and cell phones to her. I found it insulting.
April 23, 2024
Not what the author promised
The author had promised all the CC stories would start pulling together in this new book. As far as I'm concerned, that was not what happened here. Yes, quick cameos and allusions to other CC characters were here, but they were not integral parts of the story, as the author said they would be.
The author had promised all the CC stories would start pulling together in this new book. As far as I'm concerned, that was not what happened here. Yes, quick cameos and allusions to other CC characters were here, but they were not integral parts of the story, as the author said they would be.
August 25, 2024
If you like q cozy romance with paranormal entities.
If you like cozy romances with paranormal entities then this is for you.
I really liked the first one but this one... Maybe I wasn't in the mood for it but its a cozy read. I think it would be nice for fall.
It just didn't hold my interest and wasn't really exciting.
Its one of those small town cute stories just with paranormal stuff. That's it.
I give it a 2.5. that's just my personal preference.
If you like cozy romances with paranormal entities then this is for you.
I really liked the first one but this one... Maybe I wasn't in the mood for it but its a cozy read. I think it would be nice for fall.
It just didn't hold my interest and wasn't really exciting.
Its one of those small town cute stories just with paranormal stuff. That's it.
I give it a 2.5. that's just my personal preference.
Read
July 26, 2024Not what I wanted or expected after reading book one.
August 6, 2024
Imo this completely fell apart. I really don’t care about our side character and he’s the main focus of most of this book. Maybe a novella about him would have been better if there was so little interest in continuing the story of our couple from the first book.
October 24, 2024
All of these teasers (“shit is coming together” “you really want to have read the other books”) had better pay off.
November 6, 2024
Dnf. Drags on for a while and doesn't seem to really go anywhere
February 4, 2025
cozy but missed many things
DNF 37%
DNF 37%
June 21, 2025
There are only so many times you can read that she doesn’t “sparkle” like other girls before your reading attention and appetite dull.
April 13, 2025
How is this book nothing to do with the mmc? Like… who cares about the demon cat? Ngl. DNF at like 8%.
dnf
May 17, 2024This may just be the only book of hers I don’t like. 1/3 of the way in and it is painfully boring 😳
November 5, 2024
Dnf at 56% may pick it up again but i just got bored
May 13, 2025
"I will fight for you until my last breath, my Ladybug. A life without your love is not one I am interested in living."
Continuing on from The Mabon Feast, Hexennacht follows our beloved Anzan and Ladybug, an unlikely couple of a witch and an Araneaen.
Their relationship develops beautifully in this sequel and Nascosta shows their ability to write heartwarming and believable relationships. The representation with Ladybug's anxiety and neurodivergence is good to see and I love how she truly starts to come out of her shell more in this book and let her personality shine.
I believe there is to be more from this series, and following the same characters, I cannot wait to read more of this pair again.
Continuing on from The Mabon Feast, Hexennacht follows our beloved Anzan and Ladybug, an unlikely couple of a witch and an Araneaen.
Their relationship develops beautifully in this sequel and Nascosta shows their ability to write heartwarming and believable relationships. The representation with Ladybug's anxiety and neurodivergence is good to see and I love how she truly starts to come out of her shell more in this book and let her personality shine.
I believe there is to be more from this series, and following the same characters, I cannot wait to read more of this pair again.
April 27, 2024
I really loved book one and was hoping in this one we would get more time with Anzan and Ladybug but unfortunately that is not the case. The pacing of this book is weird as well, it’s so incredibly slow and at one point I went to check how much more was left only to see I was only at page 90 of 217 pages. This one just wasn’t for me and I didn’t care for the main story or the stuff happening with the familiar Holt, just overall a bore.
April 29, 2024
cute
Good story but difficult to follow in some places. There are storylines that are cut short or forgotten about it seems…almost like a string was cut into 3 parts; the middle part was removed and then the string was tied back together. I feel like that meme of John travolta in pulp fiction going huh?
Good story but difficult to follow in some places. There are storylines that are cut short or forgotten about it seems…almost like a string was cut into 3 parts; the middle part was removed and then the string was tied back together. I feel like that meme of John travolta in pulp fiction going huh?
April 24, 2024
pretty slow
I honestly was surprised just how slow moving this book is. I am not sure what is up with this pace happening but okay.
I love Holt and he didn’t have enough page time imho. Ladybug isn’t a character for me personally. The dipsy doodle act doesn’t appeal to me. And there is no resolution to the main problem we see presented in this book.
I honestly was surprised just how slow moving this book is. I am not sure what is up with this pace happening but okay.
I love Holt and he didn’t have enough page time imho. Ladybug isn’t a character for me personally. The dipsy doodle act doesn’t appeal to me. And there is no resolution to the main problem we see presented in this book.
April 28, 2024
2.5⭐️
April 26, 2024
For such a short novel, this was... surprisingly slow
April 25, 2024
I loved the first book in this series, and Hexennacht felt like coming home!
Always love the cozy vibes in the Cambric Creek universe, and this book definitely delivers.
Always love the cozy vibes in the Cambric Creek universe, and this book definitely delivers.
May 8, 2024
DNF. I got like 33% in and it was just all her boring thoughts and no spice, literally none at allll. The first book had a lot of her boring thoughts too but it was shorter and way spicer.
May 5, 2024
The Mabon Feast was one of my first Nascosta books and I was not expecting the absolute treat of returning to Ladybug and Anzan. Seeing how their relationship has blossomed and how much they have come to be able to rely on each other is absolutely delicious to read. Ladybug is just as feisty and protective, and we get to see more vulnerability from her, especially as we see her more in the world that has so many social cues that don’t make sense with the way that Ladybug’s brain works. And Anzan is just as dedicated and supportive as always - I love this spiderman.
I would also say that Hexennacht is a must read installment, for all the nods about what is starting to go down in the Cambric Creek Universe. It makes me slightly concerned about the possibility of wrapping up the Cambric Creek world?? But like, we know it’s going to happen, I just hope it won’t happen for a good while yet.
Would I read another installment with Ladybug and Anzan? Absolutely, I will continue to eat these two beautiful, sexy, steamy, and oh so sweet couple up every time we are blessed with them.
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
.
*I received an eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review*
I would also say that Hexennacht is a must read installment, for all the nods about what is starting to go down in the Cambric Creek Universe. It makes me slightly concerned about the possibility of wrapping up the Cambric Creek world?? But like, we know it’s going to happen, I just hope it won’t happen for a good while yet.
Would I read another installment with Ladybug and Anzan? Absolutely, I will continue to eat these two beautiful, sexy, steamy, and oh so sweet couple up every time we are blessed with them.
.
Hisses & Kisses 🐍
.
*I received an eARC from the author in exchange for my honest review*
May 10, 2024
These two are so darling; delightful to fall back into their world, this time with the addition of Holt, the familiar of Ladybug’s deceased aunt. I love seeing how the Girl’s Weekend series and the Cambric Creek series are coming together full circle, replete with character cameos—some named, some not (long time readers will know by their descriptions!).
Ladybug gains confidence under Anzan’s affirmations and Holt’s help. It’s easy to see where Holt is driving the hopeful outcome. We don’t get it in this installment of course as this is a series arc but the seeds are there.
I would have liked a little more dialogue as that is where the book truly shines. Ladybug’s inner monologue got a bit repetitive but Nascosta did justice to the anxious ridden, neurodivergent mind. I could 100% relate.
Book 2 in a 4 book series with a series arc.
Ladybug gains confidence under Anzan’s affirmations and Holt’s help. It’s easy to see where Holt is driving the hopeful outcome. We don’t get it in this installment of course as this is a series arc but the seeds are there.
I would have liked a little more dialogue as that is where the book truly shines. Ladybug’s inner monologue got a bit repetitive but Nascosta did justice to the anxious ridden, neurodivergent mind. I could 100% relate.
Book 2 in a 4 book series with a series arc.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews