The Hex Files: Wicked Ever After

Mysteries from the Sixth Borough #7

by Gina LaManna

By the time Detective Dani DeMarco comes face-to-face with the person she’s been hunting for months, she’s lost almost everything. But only one can win at this deadly game, and Dani is determined this will be the wicked end - one way or another.

This is the dramatic conclusion to the Hex Files.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Audiobook, Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Romance

272 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2020

About the author

Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Gina LaManna has also called Italy and Los Angeles home. After studying numbers and equations in college, she realized multiple choice tests were “just not for her” and began writing books instead. She loves cappuccino foam and whipped cream and would subsist solely on sprinkles if possible. She currently lives in St. Paul with her wonderful husband and family.

Reviews

[Bookgyrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 7 and yes... the ending of the series. It is 2 months after the events in book 6 and Dani finds Wicked is in grave danger. She must find Sienna, but she is in the Dead Lands. I cannot reveal too much as I would spoil the events of the earlier books, but it is a great ending to the series! Let's leave it at that (even though I want to squee, cry, and spoil everything!! I will keep myself in check.)

I received an ARC from the author, but I have also bought a digital copy for myself. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series very much and this was a satisfying ending. I was a little disappointed that the final confrontation with the big bad; that seemed a little too easy when other confrontations had a lot more fireworks. I also wished there had been more interaction between Willa and Dani; I loved their friendship. But it was a nice emotional ending with a wedding and a happy ever after for some of the characters.

Hopefully there will be a series where Grey gets his HEA in the future. The Sixth Borough has been an interesting and magical place to visit.

[Misty’s Corner Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Misty's Corner Review :

I loved loved loved this series! Why, oh why, did it have to end? I could read the ’Mysteries from the Sixth Borough’ forever, and I'd race through every book. Just like I did with #TheHexFiles #WickedEverAfter by @ginalamanna!

After the way book six ended, with me in tears no less, I was ever so anxious to find out how #GinaLaManna would be wrapping up this series in book seven! Let's just say she did not disappoint! You could feel Dani’s sorrow, loss, and determination to make things right again in Wicked. She never gave up hope, fighting with every ounce of her being.

I was super excited at the crossover experience between the Sixth Borough and The Isle (the setting for this author’s ’Magic & Mixology Mystery Series’) and the appearance of Ainsley Shaw of MAGIC, Inc. The characters we know and love combined with the vivid scenery depictions and epic magical experiences had me swiping the pages at record speed. Right alongside this series's long-standing cast, I really enjoyed Willa’s ghostly mother, Kady Bloomer!

While I'm sad that this series came to an end, I'm also quite pleased with how it ended. This book and series were the perfect escape from all of our real-world drama and fears; the magical worlds in which Gina LaManna created were just what I needed. I can see myself rereading these in the future, and I look forward to guest appearances and future crossovers!

Thanks for reading!
Misty M. @MistysCornerReviews
——————————————
Follow Me:
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Pinterest | GoodReads | BookBub

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

First, thank you to the author for a preview copy of the book. woo hoo!!!
Second, I've enjoyed this series & am sorry that this is the final book but i understand that w/many paranormal/romance/mystery series, they tend to work better when not dragged out over a multitude of books.

Kate is dealing w/the after-effects of the traumatic events that occurred in the previous book and so am I as a fan/reader. And she must also solve the last of the hex files riddles & figure out how it fits into the trouble that's happening in the 6th borough. (i could say a lot more but i don't want to type any spoilers...)

Whoa man...LaManna really brought out all the stops in the paranormal world for this story.
Lots of action & suspense. Also the mystery regarding who "the master" is & what he wants.

Love the cross-over w/the Magic & Mixologist series. Because they have many similarities i think they compliment each other well.

While there is a good conclusion, the writer does leave room that perhaps we haven't heard the last of these characters. (perhaps in another series?) yeah!! (bonus points for that)

[Amy Blasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have to say, Gina kicked ass on this series! It was a pleasure to read them all and you know it’s good when you can’t wait for the next book to drop.

Here comes the spoiler




I KNEW MATTHEW COULDN’T BE DEAD (he’s a vampire and already dead) 😂🤣😂
I’m thrilled at the wedding
The Chief!?!? Figures though 🥴
Very happy the whole gang is back together. But will Seinna have to live all her life in the Deadlands now? Or will she be able to split her time between the two worlds.
My heart broke for Gray, but I’m hoping he’ll find his other half and bring her back to Wicked.
Thank you so much Gina for a fabulous story. 💋

[Brandy {The Review Booth} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I knew the end of this series was coming it still makes me sad. I’ve said it before but Gina’s books are just so… consumable. I love to get lost in them, they make me happy, and I stay up entirely too late finishing them. If you happen to be looking for a light-hearted but meaningful magical series then I highly suggest trying Mysteries of the Sixth Borough/The Hex Files. I would start at book one, Wicked Never Sleeps and go forward from there as the books surround the Hex Files which may be more real than the people of Wicked are willing to give credit.

We finally learn the last person named in the Hex Files and my reaction was the same as the others named – not overly surprised haha. Each person named had their own part in the prophecy to fulfill, of course, only making sense after it’s been fulfilled. I have loved experiencing the world of Wicked (and beyond) with Dani and having a different perspective with her being a Reserve in the Sixth Precinct. I was excited to see Primrose again but I honestly thought she would’ve played a larger role in protecting Wicked but I loved where Dani went to meet her. I wouldn’t say no to a series about Primrose or Sienna – they are my two favorite side characters. I will say that from the start of the book I would have never guessed the “mastermind” behind all of the mayhem befalling Wicked.

“Damn, Gina”, that ending… such a tease! I would highly recommend Wicked Ever After and The Hex Files series to readers who enjoy fantasy, urban fantasy, magical/mythological creatures, supernatural/paranormal, and cozy mysteries. A huge thank you to LaManna Publishing and Gina for the opportunity to read an ARC of Wicked Ever After – all opinions are my own.

[Emme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read book 7, the conclusion to this series, with mixed emotions.  I was excited to find out what the cliff-hanger in book 6 revealed and to see who the final person was in the Hex Files, but sad we will not see our favorite characters anymore.  Maybe we’ll get small doses of them in the Wicked, Inc. or the Mixology series…once can hope. 
The mastermind came as a shock, but not a total surprise since most everyone has a price. Enjoyed seeing people from the Isle included in this book.  You’ll run a gamut of emotions from beginning to end.  I was glad to see Dani’s furniture still had parts in this book….they have always been so funny.
This is a fun series for magic fans but read from book…will be worth it. 
Farewell Sixth Burrough, we will miss you. 

[Snarktastic Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this series all the way through. Very nice conclusion and the audio is exceptionally done. I highly recommend this series. It may not be perfect, but it is definitely enjoyable.

[Sue-Dee Numb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a finale!!! 



The disappearance of Wickeds best Necromancer ME Sienna after Dani had divulged to her that she was one of the six mentioned in the Hex Files, a prophecy that foretells the saviours of Wicked means that two months on the death of Matthew King, (Dani's boyfriend and the acting Chief of the Sixth Borough) is still unexplained and his body is still in a stasis waiting for Sienna's return.  However the darkness draws ever closer to Wicked, with an army of manufactured Vampires, made from unsuspecting humans starting to make their way to Wicked, and with only two of the six people mentioned in the Hex Files and one unknown, left to save Wicked can Dani do everything needed to fight off the evil army, save Wicked and the humans and find happiness?

From the very first chapter I was invested in the story, in fact, truth be told by page three I was crying!!! Full fat tears dripping off the end of my nose! I was rooting for Dani the whole way through, it was nice to see some firm favourites from the Isle helping to clear the wicked from Wicked. Dani's journey was a hard one but she did what was required, that and more. I did not for one minute guess who was behind it all it was an awful unveil, even I felt hurt by the betrayal (but good for Gina LaManna for keeping us guessing till the end!)
The writing just flows and I could not put the book down as at the end of each chapter I needed to find out what was going to happen.
It is with a sadness in my heart I close the last book in this series, it has been so good and I will genuinely miss the characters, though I am pleased that Gina LaManna plans to have some special cameos in The Isle series which does seem only fair as Hettie, Liam, The Mixologist Lily and her fine man Ranger X all helped Dani in the final battle.

This is not a stand-alone I highly highly recommend you begin your journey into Wicked by reading book 1 - Wicked Never Sleeps. It is a 7 book journey you will never forget!

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars for this book and for the entire series. I definitely was entertained but actually had to go double check more than once that this is not a YA series it was so nonsensical in places.

Several characters admired Dani's awesome detective skills. Sometimes it was Dani herself, tongue in cheek, after she'd observed something obvious. But so, so many times it was after she'd figured out something that was, in fact, blindingly obvious! Arrgh! During the war room meeting I actually yelled "oh come ON" out loud (and startled my cat) when she had the brilliant idea that the two experts in their fields sitting in the room should (wait for it...) COLLABORTE! Which was basically her entire contribution to that high level crisis meeting.

So many things were inconsistent, big and small, it drove me nuts. A big one is the lifespan of the magical aftereffects. In book 1 it was a race against the clock bc residuals only lasted a day or two, max. By the end Dani was seeing ones that were years old, no explanation to the change. Another one is the Chief firing Rob. Um, Rob was in charge of the entire NYPD, which includes the Sixth. As in Rob is technically the Chief's boss. Don't think firing your higher up is a thing.

And related, why the hell did Dani get assigned cases that she worked like any regular detective? How is it the best use of the only person in the department who can see residuals to be doing Law & Order basics like running down alibis and interviewing witnesses? She should have been going from crime scene to crime scene, with daily office hours for examining whatever evidence had been collected by the other cops. Interesting or sexy, no. But not a criminal waste of resources.

And the prophecy and its fulfilment? Gave me flashbacks to the nonsense spells spoken by the Three back when Charmed was airing.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Most dramatic conclusion to this series that runs you through all your emotions! Detective Dani DeMarco is grieving at the loss of Matthew King Chief detective, her vampire love, temporarily in charge of the New York precinct, who met his death in the previous book in the series. As Matthew lies in state waiting for a cause of death so they can figure out what happened,.Dani, visits him everyday doesn't believe he is really dead. But something terrible is happening to Wicked that has all the best minds going crazy. Seems some strange rain is falling in the town, killing people. A state of emergency is called by Police chief Newton and all hands were called on deck including Dani. Then the town gets invaded by a strange army of the undead that seem like robots taking over the town. Is this the Hex Files prophecy? Dani goes through so much action, from going into the deadlands, meeting Nathaniel, the head of the necromancers, since she is looking for the town ME, a necromancer herself, Sienna, who disappeared, Primrose who also disappeared and with the help of Gray, her friend (who has feelings for Dani, but is there whenever she needs someone). And then there is Felix, the super brain who was trying to figure out a reversal of the curse that is raining on the town and as it seems his work is getting closer to success, he disappears too. With all the twists and turns, ups and downs and surprises, once you begin this book, you just can't put it down! There is so much going on, you must see for yourself! Over the course of this series, you feel like you are friends with the characters, they are so likeable, I am sorry to see the end of this series! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this final installment of the Hex Files, there will be anger, frustration and sadness, but in the end, happiness prevails. Book 6 (Wicked Twist of Fate) ends with a cliffhanger, so you will want to read it prior to this one. Each book can ultimately be read as standalones (with the exception of books 6 and 7) but there is an underlying story/mystery that runs through the entire series, and to fully grasp it, you will need to read them in order. These books are clean as far as sexual content, but there is some violence (of the magical variety... some blood and death, but nothing gory.) If you are familiar with the Mixology series by this author, you will see some familiar faces making an appearance in this book. Dani (the Protagonist) is still dealing with a great lost and on top of that she is still trying to fins some missing friends and deal with the evil that is trying to over take her city. She has some major decisions to make. The team have their work cut out for them and have a very good chance at losing it all. With everything going on, this book is a more solemn read. What I really like about this book, and the series in general, is that while it is a paranormal read, it isn't at all 'cartoonish.' Yes, if you imagine some of the things that happen, with elves, goblins, unicorns and such, you probably picture it animated, but the writing is gritty and raw. The story moves smoothly and it isn't filled with fluff. It may be the end of the series, but I'm sure we'll see more from these characters in the Mixology series.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that wrapped things up! Do I wish that everyone found their mates and it was HEA all around? Sure! But this was a good start.

First - I in now way predicted who the big bad was going to be. With all of the terrible decision making Dani has been doing, it was impossible to predict anything at this point in the series. They’ve got all the hex files people identified, but things are not looking good at the start of the book - Sienna is still missing, Matthew is gone. Enter time for questionable decisions that lead Dani into the dead lands even though she is not dead. So many side quests that don’t appear to connect end up connecting in the end.

Without too many spoilers, this book is like 90% showdown/battle. All the looming badness from previous books all hits in this one for the final hex files curse. I found myself missing the new characters we met in the previous two books a lot, but it was time for the original folks to reconvene. Do we get a separate spinoff for them? I hope so! I was left feeling mostly satisfied, if not a little off put but the amount of big talks that happen in the midst of battle. At least my biggest fear was never realized and for that I can be happy.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shocking Magical Finale

Gina Lamanna is a must read author that has the vivid writing style that turns characters to friends and plots that twist and turn leaving the reader a delectable surprise ending. This entire series was gripping and I have yet to put a book down until I, unfortunately read the two saddest words...the end. This book, however, ,is the end and I find myself sad that Wicked won't be a surprise to look forward to. The writing is rich and vivid pulling a reader right into the story. Dani and friends faced a quest for the Hex Files and the finale ties up all the strings into a nice neat package. I will miss Grey and a few others including Dani and Mattew. I hope that maybe the others will merit a series of their own because otherwise I will miss them and wonder is happily ever after achieved or is it like the real world where life is just chaotic and downright messy. Pick up this series and enjoy what lays ahead. Sorry no spoilers, it would dilute your pleasure in just immersing yourself into the wonder of Wicked. I hope you will love this series as much as I did.

[Katerina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad it's over. I can't say I'm surprised with the turn of the events, but everything got tied up with a nice little bow, and that is that. I was disappointing in Danny's choices at time, and the fact she begun this story as an awesome FMC with balls to spare, and then got dickwiped by a vamp and she became suddenly Stupid (yes capital S intended). Also, poor Grey. Could have gone with a threesome and save all of us the stupid internal monologues, or the continues remarks "as friends" which was the worse. Was this supposed to be a love triangle? What was the purpose. And boohoo Grey didn't get picked, why so angst and tragedy about it? Also he does recuperate fast in the love department, after his girlfriend got murdered not a lot had passed since he connected "as friends" always of course with Danny for "reasons".

All in all, Ms. LaManna's had a very interested idea, too bad her characters devolved than evolve throughout the story. I will not re-read this, but it was fun while it lasted.

[Stepheni Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina LaManna grabs you from the first word in this last installment of the Hex Files. The Files are found and she and her friends are in the end game.

The emotional rollercoaster that we all were riding at the end of Wicked Twist of Fate tosses us right in to another bought of tears. Two months have passed for our heroine and Dani is trying to find a way through the grief while still be there for her beloved Wicked. Thankfully she is not alone. With so many faces, it's nearly cross-over worthy with another belove witchy group from the Isle.

Each twist and turn of this mystery is surprising and wonderfully written. It is a bitter sweet ending to an amazing set of stories. I know I speak for us all when I say, we dearly hope our brave reserve and her amazing set of compatriots are heard from again very soon!

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

And here we are the final book for the sixth borough...
Dani is devastated but still holds out hope...
The world is going to crap all around her but she still won’t give up hope...
Mathew will come back to her the end is never really the end especially for a vampire and in the end she knows she can’t live without him even if she did walk away... she will always love him.
There were a lot of threads to tie off and everything flowed well throughout the story, the hex files finally got wrapped up, the bad guys well they all met their ends in spectacular ways... wonderful characters found their place and others will go on to other things.
It really was a wonderful,y magical series from the very beginning to the very end.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is final instalment in the gripping Hex Files series, which I read with such a rollercoaster of emotion. I needed the story to hurry up as I NEEDED to know what happened next, would everyone I had become so invested in be ok, and WHO was the dastardly evil behind all the troubles. At the same time, I didn’t want to leave the characters and the sixth borough that I had gotten to know so well.

I enjoyed getting reunited with some of the characters from the Isle included in this book, and feeling the connection across the wonderful series from this author.

This is a gripping and fun series but you have to read from book 1... will be worth it.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaos and terrifying circumstances have invaded the Sixth Borough. Dani is so distressed about Matthew's demise, that she isn't herself or working to save the borough like normal. But our intrepid detective rallies and does what needs to be done. She goes places she shouldn't go and does things that might not be the best thing to do. However, her pure heart sees the Hex Files through and makes difficult decisions for her beloved city.

Shocking at times, nail biting moments, friendship, and love all combine to make this conclusion of the series better than I ever dreamed. (And I knew it would be good, just not this fantastic!) Praise to author Gina LaManna for a series, characters, and imagination that gives readers hours and hours of pleasure. Brava Gina!

[Ann Gillaspie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous last book to a creative series

What did I like about this book? If you’ve read the entire series ( I highly recommend) you will know that Gina LaManna has put her heart into the characters and the city of Wicked. This book is the perfect culmination of every book in the series. There are so many surprises and yet everything is perfectly explained and totally makes sense of every mystery from the series.

I just wish things could have turned out happier for one particular character whom I will not name. No spoilers here. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with some imaginative paranormal thrown in.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I can't believe this was the final book in it. This book wraps up the mystery of the Hex Files - who the final person is and how and when they need to be used. There is also a vampire army, the deadlands, necromancers, the question of whether Matthew is actually dead or not, and a curse over the city of Wicked. In other words, non-stop action and drama, that will keep you glued to your seat. If you are a fan of fantasy books then you need to check out this series. You will love it.

[Carol Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful mystery

I loved this final book in the wicked,mysteries of the Sixth borough, paranormal cozy mystery series. The characters are great and unusual. The only problem I have is I want the series to continue. I want to see what grey,Demarco, and Matthew get into next ,can they start a threesome maybe. And there is always more to do to keep the balance between good and evil in the world. I recommend this book to everyone. And the series too. But either way this book can stand alone

[Paula Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the people from throughout the series meet for this final book. Lilly and Ranger X, her brother Rob and Primrose. Dani has to gather everyone from the Hex Files and at the same time reveal the last Hex File. There are people involved with the vampires that you would not have expected. Dani does save everyone but she has to sacrifice something in return. This book was great just like the rest. I wish it wouldn't have ended.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sad to say goodbye to the characters and the Hex Files series. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Dani, Matthew, Grey, Sienna, Ursula, Rob, Nash, Willa, Jack, and Primrose. Even my 9yr old son enjoyed this series!!

You know how some characters just feel like friends? That’s how these characters feel and Gina LaManna knows her way around the dictionary. Reading this series is like watching your favorite movie come to life.

You won’t be disappointed if you read this series!!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh and final book in the Mysteries from the Sixth Borough series written by Gina LaManna. TI am sad to see the ending to this series but I hope we still get to see some of the character in maybe crossover in another series. I would advise you to read the other books in this series so you can follow the characters and watch them grow. This book has some surprises but I think the author wrapped up the ending perfectly!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this series! Gina LaManna has done it again...this story is awesome! I can't believe this series has come to an end! There were so many twists and turns that I didn't even know whether to be happy or sad throughout the story! I couldn't put it down because I had to know what was going to happen next! I voluntarily received and read an ARC for an honest review.

[Dana Jackson-lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic finale to The Hex Files. I could not put this book down. Dani has to face her biggest challenges yet. Everyone she cares about is a target. Can Dani and her team beat overcome all of the death-defying challenges that stand in their way of saving Wicked? A must read. LaManna provides you with a gripping end to The Hex Files.

[Laurie Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

While I’m really sad it’s over and the prophecy has come to fruition, this book (and the whole series) has truly been amazing. I loved the characters and look forward to seeing them hopefully appearing in future Mixologist books. I love that series as well so hopefully it’s not goodbye, but see you later!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more Wicked

However sad I am to reach the conclusion of The Hex Files, I'm happier to have experienced them. Gina has a way of creating characters and places that are both complex and relatable. I have a tendency to lose myself in the stories and I always stay up too late to finish! I highly recommend both The Hex Files series and the Magic & Mixology series.

[Linda F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Finale

Great ending to a fun series. Author Gina LaManna shows her versatility once again. Although fun and fast paced, it reads less light than a couple of her other series. Lots of magic and paranormal happenings. Danger and mystery. And always romance as our h/h find their way to their HEA.