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Cross Her Heart
In the kingdom of Joveryn, where witches are hunted and magic is forbidden, Bronwen and her twin brother, Adar, have spent their lives hiding their gift: the ability to siphon magic from others and wield it any way they see fit. With the feeling of magic coursing through her veins too intoxicating to ignore, Bronwen has found a way to fill that void.
Hunting vampires and stealing their magic.
But the night she encounters a vampire who doesn’t beg, who doesn’t fight—who simply smiles as she drains him—everything changes. He survives. And worse, he marks her.
Now, bound by an invisible tether to a vampire who refuses to die, Bronwen is plagued by visions of his past victims, forced to live through their final moments. As their fates become entwined, she realizes that he is more than just a monster—he’s something else entirely.
With the lines between right and wrong growing ever thinner, Bronwen must decide if she will destroy the creature who haunts her . . . or forge an alliance that could change everything
Hunting vampires and stealing their magic.
But the night she encounters a vampire who doesn’t beg, who doesn’t fight—who simply smiles as she drains him—everything changes. He survives. And worse, he marks her.
Now, bound by an invisible tether to a vampire who refuses to die, Bronwen is plagued by visions of his past victims, forced to live through their final moments. As their fates become entwined, she realizes that he is more than just a monster—he’s something else entirely.
With the lines between right and wrong growing ever thinner, Bronwen must decide if she will destroy the creature who haunts her . . . or forge an alliance that could change everything
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
1422 people are currently reading
9290 people want to read
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Currently reading
May 29, 2025. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦇་༘࿐ currently reading
⸸ Vampire MMC x Hunter/witch FMC
⸸ their chemistry in the first chapter is unreal
-------★ ; 🦇🍷. . ♱---------
world & character building
-------★ ; 🦇🍷. . ♱---------
⸸ Vampire MMC x Hunter/witch FMC
⸸ their chemistry in the first chapter is unreal
-------★ ; 🦇🍷. . ♱---------
world & character building
-------★ ; 🦇🍷. . ♱---------
July 1, 2025
Well honestly, when I was asked by Lexi if I wanted to read the ARC of 'Cross Her Heart' I was so honoured but also so scared. I worked really hard to look at the book logically and methodically and not get swept away by the fact it was my first ARC. I was petrified I wasn't going to like it and how I was going to navigate that but please hear me when I say this (or read this when I write it ... I don't know??) this book was EVERYTHING! I will be buying my physical copy for my shelf as soon as it hits the market!
6 star!!!!
Now, onto what you really want to know - what is happening with this story (no spoilers!)
This book, instead of continuing the story of Violet, follows Bronwen long before book 1 takes place. At first I was slightly disappointed not to be going straight back into the action of book 1 but within the first 10 pages, I realised that this was the such a fantastic choice made by Lexi Hodges. It is safe to say that Bronwen was a huge fan favourite from book 1. She is the feisty, empowering character that was always in Violet's corner and that we are all rooting for. Learning more about her life adds a depth that (dare I say) makes me love her just as much as Violet - if not more! The fact that this book happens in the past creates an even bigger excitement as you go through book. The thought "was this mentioned in book 1?" was my constant companion and I was so excited to see how this would end and what links, if any it had to book 1!
Bronwen is 'marked' by a mysterious vampire at the beginning of the book and if that wasn't bad enough, it's her and her family's job to slay vampires as the leaders of the witch coven. No problem right? Just slay the big bad vampire and it'll be done? Yeah no, the threads of fate have other plans! As a 'siphon' Bronwen and her twin Adar have been outsiders among the humans and her own coven. She must work with an unlikely partner to try and kill the first vampire. Why? Well you'll just have to read it to find out!
I can't recommend enough that you going into this blind but what I can say, you need to read this book if you are into
- Twilight and Vampire Dairies inspired vibes
- an interesting but easy to understand magic system and world building
- a torturously slow burn where the enemies become lovers ... or??
- family relationships that make you want to rip your heart out
- you don't need to read book 1 to enjoy this story (but it would be a better experience in my humble opinion)
- banter that has you kicking your heels and giggling on public transport
- A strong FMC who has no problem putting a knife to anyone's throat, especially a certain fanged blondie
- Just the right amount of spice that scratch the itch juuuuust enough
- an betrayal that will have you staring at a wall for hours (speaking from personal experience... Lexi why did you do this to me???)
Although it is very hard to keep things fresh at the moment in romantsy, Lexi Hodges' writing feels fresh and fun, taking some staple ideas in the fantasy genre and putting her own original stamp on it, to keep the reader guessing and doing double takes. Everything Hodges writes gets better and better and I cannot even imagine what is coming down the pipeline but I would say, get on the Lexi Hodges hype train NOW!
Lexi, thank you for letting me into the world of Bronwen and August before the public.
6 stars!!
6 star!!!!
Now, onto what you really want to know - what is happening with this story (no spoilers!)
This book, instead of continuing the story of Violet, follows Bronwen long before book 1 takes place. At first I was slightly disappointed not to be going straight back into the action of book 1 but within the first 10 pages, I realised that this was the such a fantastic choice made by Lexi Hodges. It is safe to say that Bronwen was a huge fan favourite from book 1. She is the feisty, empowering character that was always in Violet's corner and that we are all rooting for. Learning more about her life adds a depth that (dare I say) makes me love her just as much as Violet - if not more! The fact that this book happens in the past creates an even bigger excitement as you go through book. The thought "was this mentioned in book 1?" was my constant companion and I was so excited to see how this would end and what links, if any it had to book 1!
Bronwen is 'marked' by a mysterious vampire at the beginning of the book and if that wasn't bad enough, it's her and her family's job to slay vampires as the leaders of the witch coven. No problem right? Just slay the big bad vampire and it'll be done? Yeah no, the threads of fate have other plans! As a 'siphon' Bronwen and her twin Adar have been outsiders among the humans and her own coven. She must work with an unlikely partner to try and kill the first vampire. Why? Well you'll just have to read it to find out!
I can't recommend enough that you going into this blind but what I can say, you need to read this book if you are into
- Twilight and Vampire Dairies inspired vibes
- an interesting but easy to understand magic system and world building
- a torturously slow burn where the enemies become lovers ... or??
- family relationships that make you want to rip your heart out
- you don't need to read book 1 to enjoy this story (but it would be a better experience in my humble opinion)
- banter that has you kicking your heels and giggling on public transport
- A strong FMC who has no problem putting a knife to anyone's throat, especially a certain fanged blondie
- Just the right amount of spice that scratch the itch juuuuust enough
- an betrayal that will have you staring at a wall for hours (speaking from personal experience... Lexi why did you do this to me???)
Although it is very hard to keep things fresh at the moment in romantsy, Lexi Hodges' writing feels fresh and fun, taking some staple ideas in the fantasy genre and putting her own original stamp on it, to keep the reader guessing and doing double takes. Everything Hodges writes gets better and better and I cannot even imagine what is coming down the pipeline but I would say, get on the Lexi Hodges hype train NOW!
Lexi, thank you for letting me into the world of Bronwen and August before the public.
6 stars!!
October 23, 2025
so I guess I forgot to update my status on this book.
well...
HANDS DOWN BEST VAMPIRE BOOK I'VE READ!!! WOOOOOOO, and the 2nd book just came out yesterday. If you like vampires, and witches and somewhat forced proximity, THIS IS FOR YOU!!!
well...
HANDS DOWN BEST VAMPIRE BOOK I'VE READ!!! WOOOOOOO, and the 2nd book just came out yesterday. If you like vampires, and witches and somewhat forced proximity, THIS IS FOR YOU!!!
February 12, 2025
Instantly obsessed!! I mean I already loved Bronwen since ‘war of her heart’ book 1 in the series! So I knew this back story to her amazing character definitely deserves a book or two because to understand the characters you must get to know them!!! Here we Meet August and when it comes to vampire boyfriends this one’s mine!!! I call dibs! This is heavy on the Enemies to lovers to …. Omg no spoilers!!! Seriously you have to read this to find out!!! And to my TVD lovers this book is definitely for you it’s even in the dedication!!!
August 6, 2025
Alright,I loved this. Winnie was such a great fmc, she was fierce, smart, and cunning. This book could use more world building I will admit but it seems like that’ll happen(hopefully) in the next book. Overall, I was hooked from the start and I can’t wait for the next
March 16, 2025
3.5!
I looked into this a bit more and it could be read before book 1, I honestly recommend doing it that way to get B’s backstory. After realizing this was more of a prequel it changed my mindset, I am still eager to know more from book 1 and am upset to have to wait even longer to know.. BUT this story alone was very well done and it had me feeling all kinds of ways.
I looked into this a bit more and it could be read before book 1, I honestly recommend doing it that way to get B’s backstory. After realizing this was more of a prequel it changed my mindset, I am still eager to know more from book 1 and am upset to have to wait even longer to know.. BUT this story alone was very well done and it had me feeling all kinds of ways.
March 27, 2025
And what now??? I'm supposed to WAIT?????
4,5⭐
4,5⭐
May 28, 2025
Amazing 10/10 the cliff hanger threw me!!! A little slow paced at the beginning but love the story of the twins
March 30, 2025
Enjoyed the characters in this. Their struggles and emotional ties seemed realistic and had me wanting to know more can’t wait to see where this goes.
February 18, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Cross Her Heart directly from Lexi and OMG!!!! This book was so freaking good!!!
Cross Her Heart is the 2nd book in the War of Her Heart series, but it is not a continuation of Sebastian and Violet's story from War of Her Heart. This book is the backstory for Bronwen & Adar.
In Cross Her Heart we get to see the struggles that Bronwen and Adar had and part of what has brought them to the Night Realm and Sebastian's castle. This is a story of love, death, duty, fear, and finding your place in life.
Bronwen is 21, almost 22, and living with her parents, doing everything she can to make them happy and make a life for herself. The one thing she does, though, that they do not know about is hunt vampires at night while they are sleeping. Bronwen is a witch, and it is the duty of witches in their coven to kill all vampires. One night while Bronwen is vampire hunting, she meets August, who is a vampire.
August is a very old vampire and marks Bronwen on the night that they meet. With marking her, this links them together through her blood. August doesn't really have intentions of letting Bronwen live, but the more time they spend together, the more he realizes that he likes spending time with her. But there are things that August hides about his family and past from Bronwen that could destroy them.
As Bronwen is searching for answers on how to help save humans from vampires and her coven from humans, terrible things happen to her family and secrets are revealed that no one ever saw coming.
This does end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, but I promise it is 100% worth the read NOW. I am so in love with this series and these characters and cannot wait for book 3!!!
Cross Her Heart is the 2nd book in the War of Her Heart series, but it is not a continuation of Sebastian and Violet's story from War of Her Heart. This book is the backstory for Bronwen & Adar.
In Cross Her Heart we get to see the struggles that Bronwen and Adar had and part of what has brought them to the Night Realm and Sebastian's castle. This is a story of love, death, duty, fear, and finding your place in life.
Bronwen is 21, almost 22, and living with her parents, doing everything she can to make them happy and make a life for herself. The one thing she does, though, that they do not know about is hunt vampires at night while they are sleeping. Bronwen is a witch, and it is the duty of witches in their coven to kill all vampires. One night while Bronwen is vampire hunting, she meets August, who is a vampire.
August is a very old vampire and marks Bronwen on the night that they meet. With marking her, this links them together through her blood. August doesn't really have intentions of letting Bronwen live, but the more time they spend together, the more he realizes that he likes spending time with her. But there are things that August hides about his family and past from Bronwen that could destroy them.
As Bronwen is searching for answers on how to help save humans from vampires and her coven from humans, terrible things happen to her family and secrets are revealed that no one ever saw coming.
This does end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, but I promise it is 100% worth the read NOW. I am so in love with this series and these characters and cannot wait for book 3!!!
November 20, 2025
DIDNT FINISH
I feel like this could have been a good book I got 150 pages in and all the main character did was go walking in the woods every night, makings of a good story just taking too long I got bored and I skim read the first 50 pages
I feel like this could have been a good book I got 150 pages in and all the main character did was go walking in the woods every night, makings of a good story just taking too long I got bored and I skim read the first 50 pages
April 8, 2025
I enjoyed the book and was very surprised that it wasn’t a continuation of violet’s story which I was so excited about instead we get the twins back story and more specifically bronwen’s. The slow burn is really good I do feel like the author could’ve combined everything in one? I was expecting to know exactly how come she ended being in the night realm by the end of the book but it ends on a cliffhanger and a bad one cause they both hate each other lol. There was a lot of description and scenes that were a bit repetitive but I think that’s what the author wanted: to set the book into action and the next book can focus on action rather than world building. I’m very excited to see what’s next!!
May 4, 2025
5/5⭐️
“You made me king. I’ll make you my queen”
UGHHHH YESSSS WE LOVE VAMPIRE FANTASY BOOKS OVER HERE!!!! I swear that this book was SIGNIFICANTLY better than the first!!! I’m baffled at how amazing the storyline was here, and as a Damon Salvatore stan I absolutely LOVED August. The angst, banter, and hate filled lust between August and Bronwyn was SOOO GOOD🤭. HOWEVER, that ending did shatter my soul a just a teensy bit (I’m lying, it destroyed me) so I’m going to need book 3 ASAP.
“You made me king. I’ll make you my queen”
UGHHHH YESSSS WE LOVE VAMPIRE FANTASY BOOKS OVER HERE!!!! I swear that this book was SIGNIFICANTLY better than the first!!! I’m baffled at how amazing the storyline was here, and as a Damon Salvatore stan I absolutely LOVED August. The angst, banter, and hate filled lust between August and Bronwyn was SOOO GOOD🤭. HOWEVER, that ending did shatter my soul a just a teensy bit (I’m lying, it destroyed me) so I’m going to need book 3 ASAP.
June 19, 2025
DNFd 80% through
Was a lot of unnecessary filler and POVs we didn’t need
It dragged and I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it
Maybe I should have started with the other book first but that doesn’t change bad writing
Was a lot of unnecessary filler and POVs we didn’t need
It dragged and I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it
Maybe I should have started with the other book first but that doesn’t change bad writing
July 30, 2025
Plot –
In the kingdom of Joveryn, where witches are hunted and magic is forbidden, Bronwen and her twin brother, Adar, have spent their lives hiding their gift: the ability to siphon magic from others and wield it any way they see fit. With the feeling of magic coursing through her veins too intoxicating to ignore, Bronwen has found a way to fill that void.
Hunting vampires and stealing their magic.
But the night she encounters a vampire who doesn’t beg, who doesn’t fight—who simply smiles as she drains him—everything changes.
He survives. And worse, he marks her.
Now haunted by his past victims' final moments, Bronwen must decide whether to destroy the creature who won’t die… or join forces with him and risk everything.
Tropes and/or storylines –
- enemies to lovers,
- vampire x witch,
- forbidden romance,
- unresolved ending.
Honest review –
Honestly?
The difference and growth in Lexi Hodge’s writing style is so impressive. I’d seen reviews mention that her storytelling matures between books, and while I was a little skeptical at first, I must admit—I totally see it now. From pacing to prose to emotional depth, it feels like everything leveled up in this one.
The plot had me fully hooked.
It wasn’t overly complicated or trying to be overly clever—and I think that worked in its favor. I wasn’t reading critically or trying to dissect every twist before it happened.
I was just in it, living in the story moment by moment, which made every reveal land harder. It felt immersive and natural, and I loved that.
And seriously… that ending?
You’re telling me you ended the book like that? With that last line?
Honestly?
Brilliant.
Painful.
Cruel.
Perfect.
I just sat there staring at the page, questioning my sanity and life choices. The emotional whiplash was real, and I kind of loved it. It’s one of those endings that makes you want to scream, reread, and immediately hunt down the next book all at once.
Memorial Quotes and/or scenes –
“You made me king.” He leaned in closer, his lips inches from mine as he whispered, “I’ll make you my queen.”
- August to Winnie (page. 368)
4/5 stars
2.5/5 spicy stars
In the kingdom of Joveryn, where witches are hunted and magic is forbidden, Bronwen and her twin brother, Adar, have spent their lives hiding their gift: the ability to siphon magic from others and wield it any way they see fit. With the feeling of magic coursing through her veins too intoxicating to ignore, Bronwen has found a way to fill that void.
Hunting vampires and stealing their magic.
But the night she encounters a vampire who doesn’t beg, who doesn’t fight—who simply smiles as she drains him—everything changes.
He survives. And worse, he marks her.
Now haunted by his past victims' final moments, Bronwen must decide whether to destroy the creature who won’t die… or join forces with him and risk everything.
Tropes and/or storylines –
- enemies to lovers,
- vampire x witch,
- forbidden romance,
- unresolved ending.
Honest review –
Honestly?
The difference and growth in Lexi Hodge’s writing style is so impressive. I’d seen reviews mention that her storytelling matures between books, and while I was a little skeptical at first, I must admit—I totally see it now. From pacing to prose to emotional depth, it feels like everything leveled up in this one.
The plot had me fully hooked.
It wasn’t overly complicated or trying to be overly clever—and I think that worked in its favor. I wasn’t reading critically or trying to dissect every twist before it happened.
I was just in it, living in the story moment by moment, which made every reveal land harder. It felt immersive and natural, and I loved that.
And seriously… that ending?
You’re telling me you ended the book like that? With that last line?
Honestly?
Brilliant.
Painful.
Cruel.
Perfect.
I just sat there staring at the page, questioning my sanity and life choices. The emotional whiplash was real, and I kind of loved it. It’s one of those endings that makes you want to scream, reread, and immediately hunt down the next book all at once.
Memorial Quotes and/or scenes –
“You made me king.” He leaned in closer, his lips inches from mine as he whispered, “I’ll make you my queen.”
- August to Winnie (page. 368)
4/5 stars
2.5/5 spicy stars
November 5, 2025
bro, I saw I saw this TikTok like four days ago. The author promoting the book and it kind of just took with me and then this morning I was just feeling so agitated and I was like wait like I need to go to the gym I need to do homework no no I’m not gonna do that. No I downloaded this book but say I bought it. Let’s say that and it was so fucking good. If you know me, you know I’m so critical of books cause I’m very picky. Yes, the writing is very immature but it’s a vampire witch and it was hot. I think the first 260s were a lot hotter than the third one, but I think it’s because the third one was trying to be more emotional and I just don’t care for that. Let me think about what I just said yeah I stand by that point I don’t care for the emotional sex at least maybe not in this like the ending it’s kind of cruel but kind of its own thing right let’s not compare all books to each other but yeah, really like this all had fun. Giggle laughed and oddly gasped so I’m gonna go get a second one now I don’t know if I’m gonna read the first one like it really just depends right but yeah
March 12, 2025
I really liked the first book and how the story played out, now with that being said this second book starts off with a completely different story and with whole new characters. It was hard getting into it at first but as I got toward the end it started to get good and left off a small cliffhanger that did have me intrigued.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2026
Okay, so I think in hindsight it's good, but I feel like it still lacked.
I really enjoyed watching Winne and August's hatred/friendship/relationship develop, but the plot felt flat and confusing. I didn't think Adar's chapters we necessary and wondered why they were included.
I loved book 1 and for this to be considered book 2 instead of it's own duet feels like an odd choice.
I really enjoyed watching Winne and August's hatred/friendship/relationship develop, but the plot felt flat and confusing. I didn't think Adar's chapters we necessary and wondered why they were included.
I loved book 1 and for this to be considered book 2 instead of it's own duet feels like an odd choice.
April 6, 2025
OH MY GOD I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN IT HAD EVERYTHING Im ngl when I found out it wasn’t a continuation of the first War of Her Heart book I was skeptic but my god dare I say it’s better and I prefer these characters storyline anyways??? I couldn’t put it down like true enemies to lovers and the man for once is an actual villian it’s amazing and I can’t wait for book 3 😭😭😭
April 12, 2025
I was really worried I wouldn’t like this book at all since it’s not about the main characters from book 1. But i really enjoyed it once it started to pick up! I’m actually really excited for Bronwen’s story to continue and see what August has planned for her! 🙈
April 30, 2025
4.5
I did not expect to love it this much ?? Literally finished this while sitting at my desk at work! I need the next book like NOW.
Bronwen is such a badass I loved her, so much different than all these doormat FMC we've been reading about for the past few years.
After that last sentence I cannot wait to see how both Bronwen and August will be affected and also I need more of ADAR.
I did not expect to love it this much ?? Literally finished this while sitting at my desk at work! I need the next book like NOW.
Bronwen is such a badass I loved her, so much different than all these doormat FMC we've been reading about for the past few years.
After that last sentence I cannot wait to see how both Bronwen and August will be affected and also I need more of ADAR.
November 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️the world building has a lot of potential and I think the characters are interesting but not super consistent throughout the book, which felt like less of a growth of character and more author changed her mind
July 17, 2025
Ummmmm literally so good. I need more! Book 3 wya?
January 7, 2026
for a book that I came across on TikTok it wasn’t THAT bad
I didn’t agree with almost all the choices the FMC did LOL girl really chose the worst options ALL THE TIME
It was an okay-read. August was a pretty likable mmc.
I didn’t agree with almost all the choices the FMC did LOL girl really chose the worst options ALL THE TIME
It was an okay-read. August was a pretty likable mmc.
November 8, 2025
ugh I just love fantasy. something about it makes me want to eat it up! definitely parts were underdeveloped, but a easy one to get me back into fantasy
March 10, 2025
How to even begin to describe this book!! It was sooo good. I read war of her heart and immediately started telling everyone about this series. I felt so honored to be asked to read this as an arc. If you loved Bronwen in the first book you will love her even more in this one. It is important to note you won’t see the main characters from the first book until later on in the series. I cannot wait for book #3. If you love witches, magic, vampires, banter, enemies to lovers, cliffhanger making you beg for more then this book is for you. I can’t wait to see what the next book holds for us!! Please read this immediately!!
April 7, 2025
3.25-3.5
February 24, 2025
I received an ARC from Lexi and feel so honored! I loved this book, a really great enemies to lovers done well. This book is about Bronwen and August. August is a vampire and Bronwen is a witch who kills vampires. Do I need to say more? It is great set up and the love between them progresses so well, not too fast. There is a twist at the end and I loved it! I am ready for book 3!
November 3, 2025
por el culo, como hacía falta un buen libro de vampiros
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