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A Lady Most Hexing
She said she could resist him. She was wrong….
Miss Edwina Sheffield has three goals in life:
1. Learn to control her telekinesis.
2. Become a venatori—a hunter for the sorcerous Order of the Dawn Star.
3. And resist the temptation of her employer, the arrogant and far-too-charming Lord Sterling Reed.
When one of their cases goes dangerously awry, Edwina finds herself in her lord’s arms and breaks rule number three.
Obviously, the only answer is to resign.
Sterling Reed has spent the last three years trying to ignore the feelings he has for his proud, stubborn, and frightfully intelligent secretary… until the day she kisses him.
And then practically throws her resignation letter in his lap.
But if Edwina thinks Sterling’s going to ignore what happened, she has another think coming.
When a new case crosses his desk—a reawakened dead lady in Bletsoe—suddenly he has a reason to tempt her to stay. Join the case as his partner. Earn her venatori pin. And give him the chance to show her how he really feels.
What could possibly go wrong?
Miss Edwina Sheffield has three goals in life:
1. Learn to control her telekinesis.
2. Become a venatori—a hunter for the sorcerous Order of the Dawn Star.
3. And resist the temptation of her employer, the arrogant and far-too-charming Lord Sterling Reed.
When one of their cases goes dangerously awry, Edwina finds herself in her lord’s arms and breaks rule number three.
Obviously, the only answer is to resign.
Sterling Reed has spent the last three years trying to ignore the feelings he has for his proud, stubborn, and frightfully intelligent secretary… until the day she kisses him.
And then practically throws her resignation letter in his lap.
But if Edwina thinks Sterling’s going to ignore what happened, she has another think coming.
When a new case crosses his desk—a reawakened dead lady in Bletsoe—suddenly he has a reason to tempt her to stay. Join the case as his partner. Earn her venatori pin. And give him the chance to show her how he really feels.
What could possibly go wrong?
88 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Bec McMaster
59 books3,483 followersKidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 14, 2026
“That’s twice you’ve mentioned my shirtsleeves. I’m going to begin to think you have a weakness for a gentleman’s forearms, Edie.”
Finally!!! a story that blew me away and it wasn't even full length! What McMaster did with this novella was nothing short of spectacular. Spectacled, mousy secretary to a powerful rakish sorcerer quits after her unrequited attraction boils over and she ends up kissing him.
"The kiss. He was referring to the kiss. “You kissed me and then you bolted out of my life like a rabbit,” he said, advancing upon her."
Little does she know he's absolutely gone for her:
"I love the way you argue with me all afternoon, even when you know you’re wrong. I love your horrific spinster caps. I want to pluck them from your hair and kiss my way down your neck."
The external plot was intriguing and expertly woven through the romance. There was absolutely not a single moment that didn't drive the romance forward. According to the author this novella takes place in the same universe as her Shadowbound series which I just pushed to the top of the TBR. Highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Unrequited love
Class difference
Close proximity
Reformed rake
Finally!!! a story that blew me away and it wasn't even full length! What McMaster did with this novella was nothing short of spectacular. Spectacled, mousy secretary to a powerful rakish sorcerer quits after her unrequited attraction boils over and she ends up kissing him.
"The kiss. He was referring to the kiss. “You kissed me and then you bolted out of my life like a rabbit,” he said, advancing upon her."
Little does she know he's absolutely gone for her:
"I love the way you argue with me all afternoon, even when you know you’re wrong. I love your horrific spinster caps. I want to pluck them from your hair and kiss my way down your neck."
The external plot was intriguing and expertly woven through the romance. There was absolutely not a single moment that didn't drive the romance forward. According to the author this novella takes place in the same universe as her Shadowbound series which I just pushed to the top of the TBR. Highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Unrequited love
Class difference
Close proximity
Reformed rake
July 15, 2026
4.5 stars. The fantasy, mystery, and romance were so well-woven together. I love how the conflict and tension in the relationship was because the hero was a consent king. He has been in love with the heroine for years, but hasn't pursued her because she is his employee. Now that they are on more equal footing, he is supporting her in her career and expressing how he feels.
I did enjoy this historical fantasy world and plan to pick up the connected series.
I did enjoy this historical fantasy world and plan to pick up the connected series.
August 2, 2026
3.5 stars
I haven't read Bec McMaster since 2022 - I think she stopped writing for a while. This novella still proves her writing charm for me though. Edwina and Sterling were fun to read - their banter, their connection, their strength together.
The world-built was lacking though (maybe because it is a novella). I had to figure it out along the way. Also because it started pretty much after an event, after Edwina and Sterling already knew each other for three years, I missed that relationship built-up
I haven't read Bec McMaster since 2022 - I think she stopped writing for a while. This novella still proves her writing charm for me though. Edwina and Sterling were fun to read - their banter, their connection, their strength together.
The world-built was lacking though (maybe because it is a novella). I had to figure it out along the way. Also because it started pretty much after an event, after Edwina and Sterling already knew each other for three years, I missed that relationship built-up
July 18, 2026
Sterling is the second son of a duke, a powerful sorcerer, and handsome as sin, while Edwina is his secretary, a mousy nobody who has fought her way to her magical goals. She’s been pushing down her feelings for her employer for the last three years because he’s so far above her station, and he’s been fighting his attraction since he will not seduce the help, but oh, how he wants to. After a chaotic and frightening event, she kisses him, then gives him her resignation, disappears and then wins herself a promotion. Now that they’re equals, at least in their work, he makes sure he’s assigned to her first mission, the investigation of a woman who has woken from the dead. The banter between the two is delightful, and it looks like Sterling has met his match with a woman who can hold her own with him, as well as take the lead in the mystery they’re trying to solve. The magical, supernatural aspect of the story was intriguing, with the relationship evolving while they fight to complete their mission. Although the story was short, it packed quite a lot into those pages, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
June 29, 2026
I was so happy to see a new Bec McMaster novel! Her London Steampunk books are some of my favorites. This one has a witchy twist, Victorian setting, a spooky mystery and a dangerous curse. All that and the most perfect couple. He is handsome (of course) and an aristocrat but very much a sensible man who isn't into lording his status over anyone. She is smart and mature, which I love, as well as having psychic talents.
Things get rather steamy by the end of the novel, but it's not a case of insta-lust. The attraction is there, the chemistry, the desire, but they have a dangerous job to do. And they don't stop in the middle of perilous situations to make out! Seriously, not one of my pet peeves to be found. Lol.
I got the Kindle version, and while not KU, I found it quite reasonable for such a good read. Only 3.99 CA. I've been having a bad spell with starting g books that sound awesome, but turn out to be anything but, so this was like water in the desert. Loved it, 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things get rather steamy by the end of the novel, but it's not a case of insta-lust. The attraction is there, the chemistry, the desire, but they have a dangerous job to do. And they don't stop in the middle of perilous situations to make out! Seriously, not one of my pet peeves to be found. Lol.
I got the Kindle version, and while not KU, I found it quite reasonable for such a good read. Only 3.99 CA. I've been having a bad spell with starting g books that sound awesome, but turn out to be anything but, so this was like water in the desert. Loved it, 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 4, 2026
Brief Summary: Edwina used to work as a magical secretary for Lord Stirling and left him after kissing him in the heat of the moment in the midst of a danger and has fled due to secondhand embarrassment and now is working for the Queen as a private investigator for the Order to solve mystery magical cases. Little does she know that Lord Sterling also is into her and cannot let her go and wants to talk to her about that kiss as he is assigned as her partner in the case.
Review: Overall, I really loved this short novella. The case really brought their love story front and center and the pining!! OMG it was so well done. Edwina is trying to avoid the conversation for fear of being rejected and Lord Stirling is doing everything he can to make his feelings known and make Edwina realize it has been her all along and waiting until they were on equal footing and making sure she was romantically interested before seriously pursuing Edwina. I loved every second of it and cannot wait to read more of Bec McMaster's backlist.
Review: Overall, I really loved this short novella. The case really brought their love story front and center and the pining!! OMG it was so well done. Edwina is trying to avoid the conversation for fear of being rejected and Lord Stirling is doing everything he can to make his feelings known and make Edwina realize it has been her all along and waiting until they were on equal footing and making sure she was romantically interested before seriously pursuing Edwina. I loved every second of it and cannot wait to read more of Bec McMaster's backlist.
August 5, 2026
What this? Bec MecMaster released a new historical fantasy romance novella set in her Dark Arts universe? Thanks, we'll be doing an episode on it. It features two brand new characters in a Victorian AU with a fantasy setting that's very easy to understand without having read the original series. (Just ask Laine!) But you should really read the first trilogy, because it's SO GOOD. (Just ask Meg!)
Edwina was Lord Sterling Reed's secretary until she saved him from an imp infestation and, in the (literal) heat of the moment, kissed him. She truly had no choice but to tender her resignation after that! But now they've been assigned to investigate the same case, so she won't be able to avoid talking to him about The Incident...
This really is a perfect little novella: the relationship set-up places us right at the conflict point, and it's delicious to see these two have to work together to save a cursed woman while also avoiding/embracing/arguing about their own issues.
It's also real sexy, soooooo, yeah.
Edwina was Lord Sterling Reed's secretary until she saved him from an imp infestation and, in the (literal) heat of the moment, kissed him. She truly had no choice but to tender her resignation after that! But now they've been assigned to investigate the same case, so she won't be able to avoid talking to him about The Incident...
This really is a perfect little novella: the relationship set-up places us right at the conflict point, and it's delicious to see these two have to work together to save a cursed woman while also avoiding/embracing/arguing about their own issues.
It's also real sexy, soooooo, yeah.
July 28, 2026
This was a really fun paranormal historical romance novella, with a lovely, spooky mystery to solve and great tension and banter between the (already in love, pining-idiot style) hero and heroine. I enjoyed every single minute of it until the ending, when I was baffled by why one particular small structural thread was simply dropped without any explanation.
However, that was a really tiny issue compared to the huge enjoyment I found in all the rest of the book, including everything else about its ending. I'm really looking forward to McMaster's next story!
However, that was a really tiny issue compared to the huge enjoyment I found in all the rest of the book, including everything else about its ending. I'm really looking forward to McMaster's next story!
July 30, 2026
This is classic Bec McMaster! Steamy, unrealized love and longing, two people reluctant yet desperately yearning for each other, this is a super romantic, hot short story.
I devoured it in one sitting. I was completely besotted with the buttoned up Edie and the rogue-ish Sterling, joining forces to fight the dark side. They triumph, in more ways than one.
You are going to love these two and their story. I think I’m going to read it again, just to thoroughly savour it.
I devoured it in one sitting. I was completely besotted with the buttoned up Edie and the rogue-ish Sterling, joining forces to fight the dark side. They triumph, in more ways than one.
You are going to love these two and their story. I think I’m going to read it again, just to thoroughly savour it.
August 1, 2026
Most Hexing
If this is a prequel to what's gonna happen in later books I am glad that I had a chance to read this. Now, I must admit that this book moved real fast, before I got comfortable I was finished. I am a fan of Ms McMasters and will definitely stick to her regular books. This story was fun while lasted.
If this is a prequel to what's gonna happen in later books I am glad that I had a chance to read this. Now, I must admit that this book moved real fast, before I got comfortable I was finished. I am a fan of Ms McMasters and will definitely stick to her regular books. This story was fun while lasted.
July 11, 2026
A sweet and romantic story about Edwina the former secretary of Lord Sterling Reed who is forced to work with him again on an important case. The only problem, the last time she saw him she kissed him then resigned.
July 14, 2026
The author never fails to give me short comfy reads that leave me craving for more. A cute couple wielding magic that investigates supernatural happenings, it's a series begging to be written, pls Ms. Bec McMaster.
July 27, 2026
Basic Plot: A pair of sorcerers break a curse.
Pretty straightforward story with a good deal of heat. Some good yearning for such a short piece. The characters were pretty well-drawn, too. Overall, any McMaster piece is worth it. I just wish there were more.
Pretty straightforward story with a good deal of heat. Some good yearning for such a short piece. The characters were pretty well-drawn, too. Overall, any McMaster piece is worth it. I just wish there were more.
June 26, 2026
Romance rating: 4. Sexy times rating: 2. I loved the mystery of the curse and the banter that lead up to the romance.
July 23, 2026
I really liked this, short and sweet. I love me a spinsterish heroine who doesn’t realize the hero is smitten. The world is interesting too, will have to pick up the trilogy! (3.5 stars)
July 24, 2026
Fun read! Related to Dark Arts series
July 28, 2026
Very lighthearted
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews