Previous reviews of Jordan L. Hawk's absolutely phenomenal Hexworld series would have you know I'm a little... emotionally invested. I have loved the short stories offered (The 13th Hex and Wild, Wild, Hex) and A Christmas Hex was a little different in all the best ways. Unlike previous stories, which are focused on a familiar, their witch, and work done for the Metropolitan Witch Police in New York City, this one was unrelated to the MWP. It was refreshing to experience what 'average joes' across the city are up to within the series arc.

Post the events of Hexmaker, certain familiars considered to be dangerous animals are now living precarious lives, in fear that at any moment the government may snatch them and claim they are a "danger to society." Roland understands this. He's a wolf, and since being thrown out by his own family, who were terrified of his claws and teeth, Roland has made a quiet, unassuming life for himself as the author of dime novels. He never shifts in public, and has come to the heartbreaking conclusion he will never find love or an understanding witch.

Of course, no tale is so simple. He meets Augustus Cao, a private detective hot on the heels of thieves utilizing a dangerous, mesmerizing hex to in order to steal and kill. Roland, in a state of panic, saves Gus from certain death, and tags along with his witch, too afraid to share the truth of his animal nature, of their magical connection, but unwilling to let Gus face danger alone.

It's a sweet, sad, adventurous short set in turn-of-the-century New York during the holidays. Death and danger are at every corner, per any good Hawk story, but at the core is a romance true and beautiful and worthy of a read.