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A Hint of Hero
Violet's sanity hangs by a thread…
Taken captive by her father and trapped in his realm, she spends her days planning her escape. But with her magic bound and hope dwindling by the day, Violet is beginning to accept her fate.
While her friends and companions frantically search for a way to free her, Alistair has one insane, last-ditch hope left. If she becomes his queen, she can tap into dragon magic and free herself while also dealing a massive blow to her father's forces.
But everyone knows Violet isn't the easiest to convince regarding matters of the heart. If she can't do it her way, she might not do it at all.
When the time comes for her to embrace her full might and destroy the evil preying upon her world, will Violet accept it? Or will fear hold her back yet again?
This time, the end is coming for everyone.
Will Violet and her friends prevail, or will her father's darkness destroy everyone and everything she loves for good?
This is the final book in Violet's journey. When Heaven and Hell collide, who will be left standing at the end?
Taken captive by her father and trapped in his realm, she spends her days planning her escape. But with her magic bound and hope dwindling by the day, Violet is beginning to accept her fate.
While her friends and companions frantically search for a way to free her, Alistair has one insane, last-ditch hope left. If she becomes his queen, she can tap into dragon magic and free herself while also dealing a massive blow to her father's forces.
But everyone knows Violet isn't the easiest to convince regarding matters of the heart. If she can't do it her way, she might not do it at all.
When the time comes for her to embrace her full might and destroy the evil preying upon her world, will Violet accept it? Or will fear hold her back yet again?
This time, the end is coming for everyone.
Will Violet and her friends prevail, or will her father's darkness destroy everyone and everything she loves for good?
This is the final book in Violet's journey. When Heaven and Hell collide, who will be left standing at the end?
- GenresUrban Fantasy
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
79 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Babin
80 books376 followersS.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.
Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 4, 2024
Oh Mylanta!
This series has been amazing! I'm bummed it's over, but the end was so satisfying. I can't wait to read Clara and Dave's stories next. Honestly, if I can ask that all of Violet's friends have a book. What happened with Keillie, I might have spelled her name wrong, and will she catch the eye of the light dragon. What about Neve and the necromancers, the fae, the wolves, the witches? I feel there are so many stories in this world, and I would read every single one. All of the characters in this series were so well written I would love to read how they became who they are and what will happen in the future. Even the chicken house and jukebox!
Thank you S.E. Babin for taking me on this wild ride. I always anticipated the next book coming out and couldn't wait to see what shenanigans were going to happen at Swans Bar.
This series has been amazing! I'm bummed it's over, but the end was so satisfying. I can't wait to read Clara and Dave's stories next. Honestly, if I can ask that all of Violet's friends have a book. What happened with Keillie, I might have spelled her name wrong, and will she catch the eye of the light dragon. What about Neve and the necromancers, the fae, the wolves, the witches? I feel there are so many stories in this world, and I would read every single one. All of the characters in this series were so well written I would love to read how they became who they are and what will happen in the future. Even the chicken house and jukebox!
Thank you S.E. Babin for taking me on this wild ride. I always anticipated the next book coming out and couldn't wait to see what shenanigans were going to happen at Swans Bar.
September 23, 2025
A Hint of a Hero by S.E. Babin
This eighth book in the Violet Carlyle series jumps right in with Violet trapped once again by her sadistic father—no surprise there. What is surprising is the close bond she forges with the dragon shifter, even though it still comes with the baggage of being bound against her will. Same setup, different spin in my opinion.
We finally get the long-awaited showdown, but with a twist: God is portrayed as an ambivalent female figure. Personally, I hated that with a purple passion, though it fits the season-long trend of throwing shade at heaven and reshaping biblical elements into something unrecognizable. At this point, I had to remind myself this is just story fodder.
On a brighter note, the long-teased squid babies finally make their entrance, pushing the series toward the arc I’d been waiting for all along (I only picked up Violet’s eight-book saga because I wanted to read the Cara and the Demon Trucker series spinoff). Unfortunately, they arrive hand-in-hand with yet another female main character who, predictably, must fight for her life. I’m here for the squid babies, but honestly, I’m burned out on the constant survival battles. Might be time to take a break with something lighter before diving deeper into the series spinoff.
3.5 🌟
This eighth book in the Violet Carlyle series jumps right in with Violet trapped once again by her sadistic father—no surprise there. What is surprising is the close bond she forges with the dragon shifter, even though it still comes with the baggage of being bound against her will. Same setup, different spin in my opinion.
We finally get the long-awaited showdown, but with a twist: God is portrayed as an ambivalent female figure. Personally, I hated that with a purple passion, though it fits the season-long trend of throwing shade at heaven and reshaping biblical elements into something unrecognizable. At this point, I had to remind myself this is just story fodder.
On a brighter note, the long-teased squid babies finally make their entrance, pushing the series toward the arc I’d been waiting for all along (I only picked up Violet’s eight-book saga because I wanted to read the Cara and the Demon Trucker series spinoff). Unfortunately, they arrive hand-in-hand with yet another female main character who, predictably, must fight for her life. I’m here for the squid babies, but honestly, I’m burned out on the constant survival battles. Might be time to take a break with something lighter before diving deeper into the series spinoff.
3.5 🌟
July 28, 2025
I just loved this book and series.
Violet has been kidnapped by Michael and while her friends are searching for her, she is being tortured daily by him. But she has some help, Allistair is hidden in a necklace, his magic hiding from Michael. He’s helping her keep her sanity. She has a choice, bond to Allistair and his magic will help rescue her but Violet has problems committing. Eventually Violet realizes that bonding with Allistair would be right for her and setting some traps for future battles, she escapes.
Now to get some more allies before the main battle.
There are all types of new people willing to help her, witches, Joan of Arc, an ancient god, possibly more dragons and others.
There is a lot of planning, searching, fighting, confrontations, suspense, and a surprise ending.
I’ve actually loved every word of this series. It had some new and interesting takes on angels and demons. Almost every type of paranormal seems to appear and they all work out well.
It’s an easy, quick, fun, entertaining read and I’ll definitely read more books by this author.
Violet has been kidnapped by Michael and while her friends are searching for her, she is being tortured daily by him. But she has some help, Allistair is hidden in a necklace, his magic hiding from Michael. He’s helping her keep her sanity. She has a choice, bond to Allistair and his magic will help rescue her but Violet has problems committing. Eventually Violet realizes that bonding with Allistair would be right for her and setting some traps for future battles, she escapes.
Now to get some more allies before the main battle.
There are all types of new people willing to help her, witches, Joan of Arc, an ancient god, possibly more dragons and others.
There is a lot of planning, searching, fighting, confrontations, suspense, and a surprise ending.
I’ve actually loved every word of this series. It had some new and interesting takes on angels and demons. Almost every type of paranormal seems to appear and they all work out well.
It’s an easy, quick, fun, entertaining read and I’ll definitely read more books by this author.
June 11, 2025
Good
Trapped by her father Violet is struggling. Fortunately, she has allies that will do everything necessary to save her.
With her mate by her side, her friends and allies at her back, Violet will face the archangel who has been planning his coup since long before she was born.
This is the end of Violet’s story (and the start of the next part of Clara’s tale: hopefully, that ends well too, and she gets her happy ending with Dave, but it looks like it will be a while), and she finally gets her showdown with Michael. I have to say it wasn’t quite as satisfying as either Violet or I had hoped, but was definitely on theme with her chaotic life.
It’s an enjoyable finale, even so, with lots of action, adventure, and intrigue. If you’ve enjoyed the other books in the series, and/or are an urban fantasy lover, then you will more than likely enjoy this story. I’m looking forward to seeing where Clara takes us next!
Trapped by her father Violet is struggling. Fortunately, she has allies that will do everything necessary to save her.
With her mate by her side, her friends and allies at her back, Violet will face the archangel who has been planning his coup since long before she was born.
This is the end of Violet’s story (and the start of the next part of Clara’s tale: hopefully, that ends well too, and she gets her happy ending with Dave, but it looks like it will be a while), and she finally gets her showdown with Michael. I have to say it wasn’t quite as satisfying as either Violet or I had hoped, but was definitely on theme with her chaotic life.
It’s an enjoyable finale, even so, with lots of action, adventure, and intrigue. If you’ve enjoyed the other books in the series, and/or are an urban fantasy lover, then you will more than likely enjoy this story. I’m looking forward to seeing where Clara takes us next!
November 1, 2025
It was an awesome ride.
First of all, you wrote you got slack about the romance...But I get tired of the same old same old. A girl meets a guy and eventually they get together, but this story truly shows how hard it is to find the right connection. It takes time and the wrong relationships to teach you what you want in a mate. I like that about this book, but I especially love that it wasn't her whole life. She was not broken, but bent. (Speaking from experience) It is hard to really trust when a parent hurts you so badly that it alters your growth. I related to Violet on so many levels and like her, when I finally found my person it was hard to trust my inner thoughts that always told me I would never be enough. We both survived, but had not lived. I am happy and I think Violet will be in time too. The glimpse into this world has helped lighten the shadows my father left clinging to me. A good series and therapy, now that is pretty awesome. Much Love.
First of all, you wrote you got slack about the romance...But I get tired of the same old same old. A girl meets a guy and eventually they get together, but this story truly shows how hard it is to find the right connection. It takes time and the wrong relationships to teach you what you want in a mate. I like that about this book, but I especially love that it wasn't her whole life. She was not broken, but bent. (Speaking from experience) It is hard to really trust when a parent hurts you so badly that it alters your growth. I related to Violet on so many levels and like her, when I finally found my person it was hard to trust my inner thoughts that always told me I would never be enough. We both survived, but had not lived. I am happy and I think Violet will be in time too. The glimpse into this world has helped lighten the shadows my father left clinging to me. A good series and therapy, now that is pretty awesome. Much Love.
September 20, 2025
This felt…not very cohesive? It starts out kinda slow but then *poof!* something kinda big happens and then we’re back to mundane. The flow of the story felt uneven, which irked me.
And the cameos! Those might have been fun but to me they felt kinda shoved in. The battle at the end didn’t feel very climactic (which, had I been more invested in this series, would have mightily vexed me) so things don’t feel resolved to me. Also, sooooooooo many questions were left unanswered! Grr!
Still, I like Clara enough that I finished this series so I can start hers with as much information as possible. I hope I have better luck.
And the cameos! Those might have been fun but to me they felt kinda shoved in. The battle at the end didn’t feel very climactic (which, had I been more invested in this series, would have mightily vexed me) so things don’t feel resolved to me. Also, sooooooooo many questions were left unanswered! Grr!
Still, I like Clara enough that I finished this series so I can start hers with as much information as possible. I hope I have better luck.
December 26, 2024
Loved this series
Been following this author for some time now and this is now my favorite series. I would love to explore more of Violet and her world. Become who she is. This author also has te best "fade to black" scenes. My imagination immediately takes over. This is not always the case. The author asked who's story we might like next. Of the two choices given, both haha. I'd love to get to know Jo. I might pine l3ss for more of Violet's adventures than if he next series were so close to Violet.
Been following this author for some time now and this is now my favorite series. I would love to explore more of Violet and her world. Become who she is. This author also has te best "fade to black" scenes. My imagination immediately takes over. This is not always the case. The author asked who's story we might like next. Of the two choices given, both haha. I'd love to get to know Jo. I might pine l3ss for more of Violet's adventures than if he next series were so close to Violet.
August 9, 2025
OK, you can read synopses in other reviews.
This is the 8th book in the series. The pace went from "rather too slow" to "ZOOM" very quickly. That was fun but a bit incoherent.
There are lots of loose ends, but that presumably is a lead-in to more books.
"People" (and I use the term loosely) get dropped in for no clear reason. And incredibly powerful entities (like The Morrigan) get introduced and then treated as extras in the final battle.
So, yeah, I am glad it got wrapped up well, but it was not all that satisfying. The scale got just too damn big.
This is the 8th book in the series. The pace went from "rather too slow" to "ZOOM" very quickly. That was fun but a bit incoherent.
There are lots of loose ends, but that presumably is a lead-in to more books.
"People" (and I use the term loosely) get dropped in for no clear reason. And incredibly powerful entities (like The Morrigan) get introduced and then treated as extras in the final battle.
So, yeah, I am glad it got wrapped up well, but it was not all that satisfying. The scale got just too damn big.
July 23, 2025
Laughter, humor and a few tears
I read the series from start to finish!!! It was that much fun and engrossing with surprising turns. I love characters who have their own sense of humor and honor that shows their affection without being sappy. Violet is a great leading heroine who earns the hearts of all her followers even if she doesn't always believe she is worthy. Read it as you will love it too!
I read the series from start to finish!!! It was that much fun and engrossing with surprising turns. I love characters who have their own sense of humor and honor that shows their affection without being sappy. Violet is a great leading heroine who earns the hearts of all her followers even if she doesn't always believe she is worthy. Read it as you will love it too!
October 18, 2025
what happened?
I love this series… until this book. It felt like every character was suddenly a different person, not the people I had come to love or hate over the course of the series. ‘Mysterious unexplained powers or back stories’ were used liberally to make things happen that made no sense. Characters were introduced then just dropped from the story line. This was such a dissatisfying ending.
I love this series… until this book. It felt like every character was suddenly a different person, not the people I had come to love or hate over the course of the series. ‘Mysterious unexplained powers or back stories’ were used liberally to make things happen that made no sense. Characters were introduced then just dropped from the story line. This was such a dissatisfying ending.
December 11, 2024
good
When I started reading this book, it took me a little bit to remember what happened in the previous book. I love Violet and even though her dad is a jerk she still kicked his butt at the end. Not only did she get away from Michael, but she also gained a husband. I thought it was interesting about God in this book. This book had a really good ending.
When I started reading this book, it took me a little bit to remember what happened in the previous book. I love Violet and even though her dad is a jerk she still kicked his butt at the end. Not only did she get away from Michael, but she also gained a husband. I thought it was interesting about God in this book. This book had a really good ending.
August 4, 2025
Nicely Wrapped Up
A nice wrap up for the series. The good guys win; the bad guy loses (although, “good” and “bad” were quite confused throughout the series). Our hero finally gets over her terrible luck with men. I can see re-reading this series. Off to read Clara’s series now.
A nice wrap up for the series. The good guys win; the bad guy loses (although, “good” and “bad” were quite confused throughout the series). Our hero finally gets over her terrible luck with men. I can see re-reading this series. Off to read Clara’s series now.
December 13, 2024
Such a fun series+
The characters are great, and Violet is a badass. The book is funny, sad, and heartwarming, and altogether well written. I'm sad to see it end and hope that we get more in this world!
The characters are great, and Violet is a badass. The book is funny, sad, and heartwarming, and altogether well written. I'm sad to see it end and hope that we get more in this world!
December 15, 2024
A Hint of Hero, book eight of the Cocktails in Hell series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This whole series is such a delight. The characters are quirky and the droll humor is refreshing. Another great installment!
December 23, 2024
Emotional Rollercoaster
What an ending. Would I wish for a bit more? Yes. Is it enough? For now. Is the series worth it? Yes. Was the push from Clara and Dave a bit much? Yes. But they wouldn't be them if they weren't so weird. 🤪
What an ending. Would I wish for a bit more? Yes. Is it enough? For now. Is the series worth it? Yes. Was the push from Clara and Dave a bit much? Yes. But they wouldn't be them if they weren't so weird. 🤪
February 6, 2025
Absolutely Amazing. I love the ending and as far as the romance you could not have done better. I am glad you are continuing on with Clara and I can't wait till it comes out. I hope to see a passing visit from Violet maybe???
August 2, 2025
Also well that ends well
Violet faces down Michael with her friends help. Some of those surprisingly are irreverent and some diabolical, but they get the job done.
It's not Tolkien but I absolutely love this series.
Violet faces down Michael with her friends help. Some of those surprisingly are irreverent and some diabolical, but they get the job done.
It's not Tolkien but I absolutely love this series.
November 10, 2025
Fantastic conclusion
I've devoured this series, and loved every page. The witty banter, vicious battles, and found family arc kept drawing me in. I'll definitely be seeking out the rest of S.E. Babin's work.
I've devoured this series, and loved every page. The witty banter, vicious battles, and found family arc kept drawing me in. I'll definitely be seeking out the rest of S.E. Babin's work.
December 5, 2024
AMAZING
What an amazing finish to the most wonderful series I have read in a long time. I sure hope it continues with a few of the characters so much more to explore. Loved it
What an amazing finish to the most wonderful series I have read in a long time. I sure hope it continues with a few of the characters so much more to explore. Loved it
December 6, 2024
so sad so happy
Best series I’ve read in a long time. I’m so sad it’s over but can’t wait to start Clara’s story
Best series I’ve read in a long time. I’m so sad it’s over but can’t wait to start Clara’s story
December 6, 2024
sorry to see this series end
I loved all the characters a lot of laughs a lot of characters sorry to see it end loved it
I loved all the characters a lot of laughs a lot of characters sorry to see it end loved it
December 8, 2024
Well wrapped
End of the series and all wrapped up. Easy to devour and hard to put down. Worth reading this entire series
End of the series and all wrapped up. Easy to devour and hard to put down. Worth reading this entire series
December 9, 2024
Wow!
I loved this book. The characters were written well, the plot ,after 7 other books, was so good.
I can't wait for Costa's story.
I loved this book. The characters were written well, the plot ,after 7 other books, was so good.
I can't wait for Costa's story.
December 9, 2024
This whole series is great
I loved all of these books. There were a couple of days that I read two books in one day. I loved Violet and all of the other characters so much.
I loved all of these books. There were a couple of days that I read two books in one day. I loved Violet and all of the other characters so much.
December 19, 2024
Book eight
This was an astounding conclusion (?) of this storyline. Just about everyone showed up for this battle. A great series.....now what?
This was an astounding conclusion (?) of this storyline. Just about everyone showed up for this battle. A great series.....now what?
December 20, 2024
such a wonderful series
So sad to see the end of the series. I absolutely loved every twist and turn. Babin sure does reel you in!
So sad to see the end of the series. I absolutely loved every twist and turn. Babin sure does reel you in!
August 9, 2025
Loved this series so much and loved the ending! It was a fun and funny roller coaster ride of a series.
September 13, 2025
excellent series
Violet finally has her show down with Michael and what fight. I wish the ending had a bit more about Allistair and her but otherwise great.
Violet finally has her show down with Michael and what fight. I wish the ending had a bit more about Allistair and her but otherwise great.
September 23, 2025
The final battle
It all comes down to a battle on Bourbon Street between Violet and her angel father Michael. But is all okay on Violet life.
It all comes down to a battle on Bourbon Street between Violet and her angel father Michael. But is all okay on Violet life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews