Something About Witches

Arcane Shot #1

by Joey W. Hill

Joey W. Hill thrills in a dazzling new spellbinder of modern-day witchcraft, ancient evil, and the magical tricks men and women play in the name of love . . .

Ruby Night Divine is a gun-shop owner. She's also a witch who knows magic can fail. She's experienced it firsthand, with full-blown tragic consequences. Smith & Wesson is a whole hell of a lot more reliable, and nothing's as cathartic as the ability to put a few holes in the things that piss you off. Like Derek Stormwind.

A powerful sorcerer, Derek is determined to get to the bottom of why Ruby pushed him away and ran three years before. He also needs her help. A coven needs training to fight a demon and his minions. While Ruby is willing to do it, she's sure it's just a ruse to get back in her heart--and her bed. The thing is, that's where she wants him. Unfortunately, her bed's already made, she's this close to losing her soul, and she fears nothing can save her. Not Derek. Not even Smith & Wesson.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Witches, Magic, Fantasy, Erotica

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2012

About the author

"BDSM Romance for the Heart & Soul"

A submissive herself, Hill brings authenticity to her intensely emotional BDSM love stories. With over fifty titles and seven series, her contemporary and paranormal romances feature everything from billionaires, bikers, SEALs, firefighters, cops and housemaids, to vampires, mermaids, witches and angels.

"Joey translates the world of BDSM with such intense power and exquisite beauty. LOVE is the most powerful element entwined through the Dominance and submission.” –Goodreads, Pink Lady

Joey is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Erotic Romance, and she loves to hear from her readers!

If you're on Bookbub, she'd love for you to follow her:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joey-...

You can also find her here:
Website: storywitch.com
Facebook: @JoeyWHillAuthor
MeWe: mewe.com/i/joeywhill
Twitter: @JoeyWHill

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

A witch, who owns a gun shop, has pushed away the man she loves and hasn’t seen him in three years. Not a bad way to start a new series, especially when in the first paragraph he’s walking back into her life, right at her and poor Ruby can’t believe her eyes when she sees the man she still loves. She was the one who forced their separation three years earlier, putting a spell on him that drove him out of her life without putting up a fight. Now he’s back and needs her help. There’s an energy fault line that’s weakening and he needs her to teach the local coven to help fight against the demons that may be trying to get through the weakened point from the Underworld. Ruby is a strong witch who hasn’t ever really tapped into her full power potential. She agrees to help the witches, the main focus being to direct Light power to help defend against the Darkness that wants to come through. Ruby’s been trying to keep a secret though: she’s not the full Light witch she once was and is battling a piece of Dark magic that’s made its way into her soul. A tragedy in her past drove her to practice with both Light and Dark sides and now she’s starting to pay the price. Derek won’t have it, and he’s back for good to help Ruby and find out why she sent him away.

As is usually the case with any book 1 in a new series, it took me a fair number of pages to really “get” the characters, understand their abilities and the world they’re living in. Fans of Joey W. Hill’s Vampire Queen (VQ) series will recognize a few mentions of characters in that series that Derek has had contact with. So the world Joey writes in is the same, but SOMETHING ABOUT WITCHES has a very different feel to it from the VQ series. Not present, the strong dominant/slave theme that runs throughout all the VQ books. But, make no mistake, the incredibly hot sex scenes that Joey writes so well are still here. Ruby and Derek have a very real and deep connection and it comes out in the way they’re drawn together and in their sex scenes.
There’s high emotion throughout the whole book, both in the bedroom and out.

For as much as Derek is an alpha, rugged, gun-slinging hero, Ruby stole the show for me. She’s just so troubled and fighting a darkness in her that can only be somewhat soothed by pain; pain that’s both sexual and emotional. She finds that release with another man when Derek’s gone for the past three years and when Derek finds out…it doesn’t go over well. A tragedy from her past, that impacts Derek, has her tapping into Dark power, but her grief at the time overruled everything and now she’s paying the price. For much of the story, she’s balancing on that fine line of going completely into the Darkness and losing her soul forever and trying to stay her true self. One of my favorite, most intense scenes is when Ruby comes clean to Derek about everything she’s been keeping to herself. What happened all those years ago when she up and forced him away, why she’s fighting for her soul and how it involves him. Even reading this long scene between them was emotionally draining and a long time coming for Ruby. She was always the girl who growing up, had a mother that was emotionally abusive, and she had no one that worried about her, or cared about her – except for Derek.

In short, he did the oblivious-Derek thing, which made a woman fall for him like a toddler hitting a trip wire, the detonation just as fast. In the space of time it took him to put a fistful of candy bars on the counter and reach for his wallet, Ruby had seen grocery clerks decide they’d give up indoor plumbing and chocolate for him. And he never noticed his appeal, always infallibly courteous and warmly attentive.

It was enough to make a woman want to shoot him. Or keep him chained and naked on a cot in her basement so she could ride him like a carnival ride with the “on” lever stuck in a permanent up position.

Ok, wow. She really shouldn’t have gone there.

Derek, as an immortal, has known Ruby since she was a baby. He knew earlier on that he and Ruby were connected and he watched out for her as a little girl, never doing anything more than care about her until she was in her early twenties. Only then did he start to “woo” her and they fell in love. His job, the best way to describe it is as an enforcer, or a cop, for the Light, takes him to many realms where time can pass differently. He would be out of Ruby’s life for months at a time and one horrible night when she needed him most he had been gone for nearly a year. Watching them reconnect now from basically page 1 was very satisfying and I enjoyed their relationship – the high emotion, the hot sex, the connection they have together; it all worked. Derek is everything Ruby needs him to be, tender with her one minute and butting heads the next. He even makes getting dressed after sex just as sexy, if not more, then getting naked:

“Derek, I can dress myself.”

“But you’re not going to.” He put his hand on her leg, found the pocket of the duster with the other one, withdrew a cloth. As she held her breath, he pressed it between her legs, cleaned and dried her. Then he re-pocketed the cloth and picked up the panties where he’s left them folded over his thigh.

“Step in.”

He dressed her from head to toe. Panties, jeans, socks and shoes. Threading her arms back into her bra straps, he hooked it and adjusted the cups, his large palms fitted around the breasts to shift their weight to their proper placement, as deftly as she did it herself. Then the shirt, a quick brush of his thumbs over her nipples again, evident through the thin cloth. Pulling her hair out of the collar for her, he reclaimed his coat, turned and moved back toward the stump.

One thing that sometimes bothers me in paranormal books is when an immortal falls in love with a human, and by books end something happens that has them both living forever, happily of course. Sometimes that works, sometimes not. Even though Ruby is a witch, she’s very much human and that issue is talked about and dealt with at the end that worked for me. There’s no easy fix, no magic can work around the human/immortality issue, but as a reader, I’m glad it was addressed and I like how it was handled.

This is a great start to Joey W. Hill’s new Arcane Shot series. We get a small introduction to the leads of book 2, and…whew, can’t wait for that one! Talk about two strong personalities that are going to clash. Ruby and Derek have a great connection and love story, the world we’re taken into is filled with magic, both scary and beautiful and I was left feeling satisfied with Ruby and Derek’s story, and excited to see where Joey W. Hill takes us next.

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote: “No man should look that good in a pair of jeans,” Linda noted.

“Temptation and sin never come in ugly packaging,” Ruby returned, but she watched right along with her until he disappeared into the house.

I’ve read a few of Joey W. Hill’s Vampire Queen series and really liked the darker, erotic BDSM feel to them. Something About Witches is actually set in the same world, but with a new cast of characters. I would say this book isn’t quite as dark as the ones I have read, but still has that erotic edge that really appeals to me.

Ruby Night Divine is a witch and a gun-shop owner. Three years ago she was in a relationship with a very powerful and very old sorcerer, Derek Stormwind. Their love and their relationship was intense, which resulted in Ruby getting pregnant. Derek is a Guardian of the Light, and gets called away often to do his sorcerer thing, many times not knowing how long he will be gone. As it happens, Ruby discovers she is pregnant in one of the longer stretches Derek is gone, and he never knows about it. At eight months along, Ruby has a terrible accident, and loses the child. Devastated beyond belief, when Derek comes back, she hides the loss from him and puts a secret soul-magic spell on him to make him think he should leave her be. Ruby’s dip into dark magic starts to overtake the light in her.

Three years later, Derek has figured out what Ruby did, and he wants back in her life. He also needs her to travel to Florida to help a coven of witches who reside on the magical fault line. As Ruby is an instructional priestess, Derek asks her to go down there, fearing a very evil force, the demon Asmodeus might be trying to break through. When Ruby hears this, she knows she must go, as Asmodeus and her have a score to settle.

Something About Witches is the first book in her new Arcane Shot series and I loved it. As I said earlier, it has a dark, erotic tone to it and that really drew me in. This book isn’t so much about Ruby and Derek fighting the demon Asmodeus as rather it is Ruby and Derek trying to find their way as a couple again. They have known each other most of Ruby’s life, and deep down they love each other. But that year when Derek was away and Ruby had to deal with a pregnancy and then the loss of her most precious gift by herself, it broke something inside of her. While it opened her new powers, it also let the Darkness in, and that is something Ruby is not willing to let go of yet.

Ruby needs a dominant in her life, and these past years as she has tried to avoid Derek, she has turned to the very cold, very dominant Mikhael who she uses for physical pain and pleasure. Now that Derek is back in her life, Ruby has to start realizing she can trust Derek to give her that dominance she needs, but he can give her so much more as well. The sex scenes in this book are very explicit and has a light bdsm feel to them. Derek doesn’t put up with any crap from Ruby, and he really comes across as a sexy hero. I think many of you will like him a lot. Derek is all powerful male.

“Hey, girl” he murmured.
That was what he called her in their intimate moments. It wasn’t the affected “giiirll” of the urban scene, like “Girl, where did you get those earrings?” It was the cowboy, meeting her for the first time at the church social, doffing his hat and giving her a slow smile. When he said, “Hey, girl,” those concentrated blue eyes said he thought she was the prettiest girl in three counties, and she’d always be that way to him, even when she was eighty years old.

I loved the relationship between Derek and Ruby. It built up so well with wonderful chemistry and extremely hot romance scenes. I did get frustrated that much of the story (at least a lot of the beginning) is told in Ruby’s POV. We do get Derek’s but not as much as I wanted. I also think Asmodemus gets thrown to the side a lot of the story, but I was very invested in Derek and Ruby’s relationship so I didn’t mind that so much.

The next book in this series features Ruby’s best friend Raina and Mikhael who I mention above, has very, very dark sexual tendencies. I’m excited.

Rating: B

[Nadine Bookaholic]

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[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big fan of Ms. Hill, it's always interesting to read a new series. This one is a bit older, but it's fresh to me. I liked it! 3.5 star. This one I liked because of the magic and characters.

Ruby is a conflicted witch with some serious Mommy issues. It's influenced how she's developed her magic. In addition, it messed with her mind to throw away a wonderful man, Derek Stormwind.

This story while involving quite a bit of witchery, still focuses on the complications of love and trust. Ruby sets Derek up for an impossible test which there is no win. Three years ago he failed it but now he's back and his mind is clear. He wants Ruby back and he wants to know what happened. I liked how persistent Derek was with Ruby. I also enjoyed the kinky sex and underlying SM. Hawt!

The reason behind Ruby's madness is both sad and understandable. Her rage and what she's done, I can't say I wouldn't have thought to do the same in her position. The fact that she now possesses so much magical power is a concern. Still, it is a Ms. Hill story and it ends in a HEA. As a side note, I enjoyed the little bit of mention from two other series I very much enjoy. Woot! Recommended for paranormal readers who love magic and a strong heroine with dark flaws.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Sensual (almost erotic) novel about the defeating of ones demons imaginary and real.

Opening Sentence: Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble.

The Review:

Ruby Night Divine was born a witch. She believed that she didn’t have much magic within her so she devoted her time to learning everything she could about magic. Then her latent abilities kicked in and she hid her powers from her friends. A prophecy delivered by her mother told Ruby that her powers would only lead to tragedy. Unfortunately that tragedy hit, Ruby was devastated and blamed everything on Derek, her sorcerer lover and soul mate. She used a dark magic to hide that tragedy from Derek and her two good friends (she didn’t run from her friends, just Derek). She set up a new life for herself at Arcane Shot, selling guns and avoiding her past.

Derek Stormwind is a Guardian of Light, an immortal sorcerer who fights evil. He travels a lot to help those in trouble because of this he wasn’t there for Ruby in her time of need. It has been three years since Ruby dumped him and he wants her to help with a job. Demons are trying to break through a rift in Florida and he needs Ruby to teach the witches how to seal the rift. Ruby agrees even though it means having to deal with Derek in her life again.

Ruby travels to Florida to teach the witches how to protect their land. She loves teaching the woman but she has an ulterior motive for being near the rift. She wants to fight demons, especially one named Asmodeus. Ruby has Darkness growing inside of her and the more she uses it the more she loses her soul. Derek must save Ruby from the Darkness and save her from herself.

The plot is more wrapped up in defeating your past demons than actually fighting an enemy. Although the latter does happen, the story is more about Ruby getting over the actions of her past and how it has shaped her relationship with Derek. The story itself feels dark with some dark issues but the tension and pacing are pretty much broken apart by the sex scenes. The first few sex scenes are not for the faint of heart or mind. There is a lot of roughness and kinkiness (although I realize the kinkiness factor could be raised to a much higher level). I think I was just surprised by it for some stupid reason. The sex does turn towards “lovemaking” about halfway through the book and stays that way.

The one thing that I kind of had a problem with at the beginning of the book is that the characters are quite mean to one another. I know Ruby is trying to push Derek away but when Derek talks to Ruby’s friend Raina, they are pretty harsh to one another. When Raina gets her “revenge” on Ruby even though it is done out of love she handles it badly.

Joey W. Hill does build a magical world with witches, sorcerers, demons, succubi, angels and who knows what else. I felt some of the magic was hard to follow when they were fighting but I did like seeing how the author made it her own style. The types of magic and the reasons they were being used and the fact that Ruby liked her guns, she didn’t make them her first priority in a fight.

Something About Witches is a dark and sensual book. This book is not about the action but about sex and emotion in Ruby and Derek’s relationship, if you have a problem with that then I say steer clear. With that said I did get engrossed in the story and I ultimately did like Derek and Ruby (crudeness aside). Ruby did learn from her actions and hopefully will have a better life because of it. I am really looking forward to In the Company of Witches even though Mikhael really frightens me with his actions in this book.

Notable Scene:

Derek’s eyes darkened. Ruby wanted to look away, but couldn’t. “You wanted him to hurt you,” he said.

“Yes. I . . . I begged him for it, most times. Derek . . . I’m sorry. I told you, it’s just . . . It’s too late. I can’t go back to being what you want me to be.”

“It’s not about that, Ruby. If you were what you wanted to be, I’d feel, know it, because I know who you are. I know your heart, girl; don’t you realize that? Your soul, too. I know what you like and don’t like, what makes you afraid, what makes you laugh . . .” His lips tightened. “There’s an important chunk of something I don’t know, but what I don’t know are the specifics. I know the important part. You made a choice, and in your heart, you know it was the wrong one, but you couldn’t turn away from it, and now you’re losing a little bit more of yourself to the Darkness every day.

“Whatever that choice was, it was so important that you can’t turn your back on it, so all you can do is try to slow it down, keep the Darkness appeased and from clawing more of the guts out of your soul at an even faster pace. You’re hanging from a cliff edge, Ruby, and you don’t know whether it’s best to let go and have done with it, or keep hanging on.”

He was so accurate, so dead-on right, words stuck in her throat. But he wasn’t finished. His blue gaze held hers, burning her down to her soul.

“The reason I’m here now, why I’m not going anywhere, is because I’m the one kneeling on that ledge. All you have to do is reach up, and I’ll take your hand and help you back up.”

He gave her an admonishing squeeze, let her go so abruptly she swayed from the lack of support. Stepping back, he gave her a hard look. “That’s your friend talking, the man who loves you. But here’s a message from the man who knows you are his bitch. His sharp-tongued, stubborn, amazingly strong and talented, wildly fragile . . .” He shook his head, unable to say it again.

“He’s right about one thing. You do need a guy with a strong hand, one who makes things clear and doesn’t fuck around with being PC or leave it in shades of gray. So here it is, crystal-clear.”

He jerked his head toward the driveway, where Mikhael had disappeared. “You let him come anywhere near you again, I’ll kill him, Ruby. Same goes for any man you let touch what’s mine. As long as I can tell from the look in your eyes, in your response to my touch, that your heart, soul, mind and body are mine, I don’t share.”

The Arcane Shot Series:

1. Something About Witches

2. In the Company of Witches

FTC Advisory: Penguin/Berkley provided me with a copy of Something About Witches. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Something About Witches is the first book in Joey W. Hill’s newest series, Arcane Shot. Joey is best known for her super steamy hot hot hot BDSM erotica titles. In the Arcane Shot series, she has gone where she has not gone before: she has gone softer. Please do not get me wrong. This book is hot hot HOT. In fact, I was really surprised to see so many mild BDSM elements in a paranormal romance book. And I liked it. I liked it a lot. There was one scene in a room…with magic…wow. Then the other scene…in a guest cottage…wow. Really, if you were a little nervous seeing Joey’s name on a mass market series and were maybe a little concerned that some of Joey’s spicy edge would have to be toned down to match this audience, don’t worry one bit. The spice is there. Especially in the one scene…during a ritual…wow.

Now that we’ve gotten the hanky panky talk out of the way, let’s focus on the other parts of the book. Yes, there is loads to talk about when chatting about Something About Witches. There are many characters in this book, and all are really well written, but the two I am going to focus on are Ruby and Derek. Let’s start with Ruby since my train of thought tends to get distracted when I’m thinking of Derek. Mmm…Derek…

Ruby is a witch and her mother was a terrible woman. She treated Ruby like a nothing and constantly talked her down. She would tell her that her Power is nothing and that if she ever were to come into some Power that she should keep it secret because no good could come from it. That kind of treatment really hurts a child’s self-worth and confidence. It also confused Ruby so much that when she did come into some Power and a super-evil demon popped up one day, she didn’t quite know what to do and it caused a horrible thing to happen – an event that changed Ruby and not for the better. There is Light Power and there is Dark Power. Light is good. Dark is bad. And Ruby has started mixing both. *da da dum…* Ruby is not a typical heroine for me. She has a heavy heart and a truly damaged soul. I just can’t imagine going through what she has survived. This book takes place three years after that terrible day and still Ruby is in such a deep sorrow. She acts and reacts the way anyone with her upbringing would and the way anyone who has gone through what she has would. And even though she made me cry…twice!…I liked her. Heck, the fact that she made me cry…twice…shows how well written she was.

Now to Derek. If you love an alpha-male whose mere presence on the page makes you perk up a bit, you’ll love Derek. If you love said alpha-male to have a crazy huge heart and to not be afraid of being completely open with the love of his life, then you’ll love Derek even more. He is the goodest good guy. He is dispatched to here and there when demons escape Dark and he is very good at what he does. He is a real kick ass guy. And yummy! Near the very end of chapter one, Derek says to Ruby: “You may be finished with me, Ruby Night Divine, but I’m far from finished with you.” That line made me swoon. Yes, chapter one and already this guy made me swoon, he is that good. In fact, he is perfect for me Ruby. Their story is sweet and there is no doubt that they truly belong together.

I enjoyed the world in this book. I found the very beginning to be quick and wow then I found the story slowed a bit for a short bit while we were learning about Ruby and her life so far. Then it got good. Very good. And there is something about magic in stories that is so cool. I always find it so interesting how magic is woven and used and how every author sees their magic differently. The magic is neat in this book and the magic fights are amazing. Especially the last one. The way it’s described…very good.

You get to quickly meet the hero and heroine for the next book, In the Company of Witches, which comes out May 1st 2012. Raina is sassy and you want to dislike her but you can’t because she has heart. And Mikhael…well, I’ll just say he is not who I would have put Raina with. First, he is almost a violent lover and Raina, well she just doesn’t like men! I think In the Company of Witches will be a very interesting read and I look forward to how Joey plays it all out.

Overall, I really enjoyed Something About Witches. Joey has a lovely writing voice and it suits this genre very well. This was a touching book that will definitely tug on your heart and make you root for the heroine. And without a doubt you will swoon for the hero. Super swoon. Mega swoon even. If you’re in the mood for a story set in a neat world with characters that will wrap you into the story with them and take you on an emotional and gripping ride, try this book when it comes out next Tuesday.

Oh,and if after reading this book you have a couple “but wait a minute…” questions, just email me. I have answers. ;)

[SaturNalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This pushed most of my no-no buttons. Reunited lovers, Ruby pushed Derek away 3years ago but still loved him now they're getting back together. They're initial courtship is shown in characters reminiscing, made me feel there was a prequel I missed. Older immortal man has known the heroin since girlhood. Even though Derek tells us it's not creepy, I still find it creepy. Derek has known Ruby since she was 5 and he was her first lover at 20, just creepy to me. Uneven distribution of torment. Ruby was more tormented then Derek and needed him more then he needed her. Derek has lived for millenniums, fighting the Darkness and he was still squeaky clean. There must have been something to torment him. The hero was too perfect. Derek is beyond amazing, he fights to protect humanity, always right, preachy, good in bed, perfect of form and makes fantastic pancakes in 3 different varieties. Voyeuristic sex, they had to perform the Great Rite, which turned out to be having sex while a coven of witches chanted. On the not no-no side, the sex was very inventive, most of it didn't take place in the bedroom. And I'm very curious about Raina and Mikheal. Wish I could have liked this more.

[SexySiren24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read a proper, “old school” paranormal romance in a hot minute, and I honestly really liked Something about Witches. Besides some minor quips that I had (some are spoilers so I’ll go into them in the actual review) I would totally recommend picking this one up if you think it’ll float your boat. I may even read some of Hill’s other books.

Some spoilers ahead:

Plot 5/5
No complaints here. The plot was interesting, engaging and well thought out, even if I’ve seen some of the same elements in others books of a similar nature.
I even shed a tear or two towards the end, as I felt Hill managed to portray grief and letting go in an excellent fashion. The emotional aspect of the story was really well executed.

World building 3/5
While I loved how the magic system worked, and how much thought was put into explaining the stuff Ruby could do and how it all worked, there wasn’t a lot of info regarding what other supernatural creatures existed and how their society functioned. It could be because it takes place in the same universe as Hill’s other series, but I personally feel a book should stand on its own if not a direct part of said series. Even the lore behind the Guardians was shoddy, which is a problem, considering it’s such a big part of Derek’s life and presumably his powers. (I thought they were kinda like White and Darklighters from Charmed, but again, barely anything is said about them).
Another thing that struck me as odd was the mix of Christian and pagan mythology. If Lucifer, angels, demons and the Underworld are real, then why do the witches worship the “Lord” and “Lady”? is God not a thing in this universe? I guess it’s not super important to the story, but I like knowing these things.
Soul magic also wasn’t explained, even though Hill used it as a plot device. What is a soul spell exactly, and how did it drive Derek away? Why did it stop working when he came back? How did he find her? All unanswered questions.

FMC 5/5
Ruby was great and I loved spending time with her.

MMC 4/5
I liked Derek overall, but he was a bit of a Gary Stu, and we virtually learn nothing about his backstory throughout the novel. How old is he? Was he born a wizard? Why and how is he immortal? What did he do before he met Ruby besides work? How he came to be a Guardian in the first place? I didn’t feel like I truly knew him, even though I had a fairly solid grasp on this overall personality.

Side characters 4/5
I liked them all well enough and they were interesting, even though Ramona not having even a cameo was weird, considering she was Ruby’s so called best friend. I also wouldn’t have minded seeing more of Raina, cause she was cool.

Romance 4/5
I will say I’m a sucker for already established couples dealing with all the crap that comes after the happily ever after and finding some common ground, and for the most part, it worked really well here. Ruby and Derek’s connection was super romantic and intense, with some fated mates energy thrown in for good measure, but I did feel the timeline could use some work.
Let me explain:
When the story starts, Ruby is 26 and she and Derek have been apart for three years. Then we learn they started dating when she was 22, but by the time she’s pregnant and Derek has been absent for thirteen months she’s only 23, so what? They were a couple for less than a year? It just didn’t mesh well with the dynamic they had for the rest of the story. Before any info was given, by the way Derek acted, I thought they were a thing for ages and had a super secure relationship before shit hit the fan. I don’t know, this may not be a problem for anyone else, but I felt the whole thing was rather odd. Plus, if they were so damn in love, how come the topic of kids, marriage and immortality didn’t come up before?
Something else I didn’t like was the fact Derek met Ruby when she was five, and “knew” they were meant to be. Grown ass men waiting around for kids/teens to reach adulthood in order to bang them is gross and I don’t know why so many authors think it’s romantic. I didn’t like it in Twilight, Rhapsodic or here.

Steam 3/5
Despite being labeled as erotica and BDSM, the sex scenes were pretty tame and short. There is one instance of light bondage but that’s it. This isn’t a criticism, but if you’re interested in erotic pnr this ain’t it. The physical aspect of Ruby and Derek’s relationship isn’t at the forefront.

Prose 5/5
The actual writing, pace and dialogue were all great.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulls from the gate a sure winner with blistering sex scenes!


Winner of Risqué Reviews Top Pick Award


Title: Something About Witches
Author: Joey W. Hill
Release Date: February 7, 2012
Genre: Paranormal Sensual Romance
Pages: 320
Publisher: Berkley Heat
Series: Book I of the Arcane Shot Series
Format: Print
ISBN: 978-0425246139
Posted: April 2012
Reviewer: Barb
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Heat Level: II



Summery/Blurb


Ruby Night Divine is a gun-shop owner. She’s also a witch who knows magic can fail. She’s experienced it firsthand, with full-blown tragic consequences. Smith & Wesson is a whole hell of a lot more reliable, and nothing’s as cathartic as the ability to put a few holes in the things that piss you off. Like Derek Stormwind.


A powerful sorcerer, Derek is determined to get to the bottom of why Ruby pushed him away and ran three years before. He also needs her help. A coven needs training to fight a demon and his minions. While Ruby is willing to do it, she’s sure it’s just a ruse to get back in her heart—and her bed. The thing is, that’s where she wants him.

Unfortunately, her bed’s already made, she’s this close to losing her soul, and she fears nothing can save her. Not Derek. Not even Smith & Wesson.

Review:

Derek Stormwind is a beyond-belief character. He is a sex-personified-no-holds-barred Cowboy who shoots first and asked questions later. And if that isn’t enough, he is also a sorcerer of unimaginable power who has lived for centuries. He has taken every chance to learn from his mistakes and continues to learn, never taking his knowledge or powers for granted as all knowing. Even though, with just a wave of his hand, he can and does
put all of the Angels on high alert because he is a Guardian of the Light. If this is what Big and Rich meant in their song "Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy", saddle up ladies, you’re about to get the ride of your life! Besides, there isn’t anything pretentious about him, except when he knows he’s right. And he has never walked away from a conflict. Until Ruby.

The past between Derek and Ruby is painful. And, as he finally finds his way back into her life, he discovers Ruby has mislead him with what he thought he knew. And, as if matters weren’t already bad enough, she kept a secret from him--one of the most powerful sorcerers to ever walk the earth-which brings him to his knees. Now he must fight to keep Ruby from the Darkness slowing eating away at her soul and reconcile the affection, respect, and love between them. This time there will be no walking away.

Ruby Night Divine was abused by a narcissistic mother who made Ruby believe she must hide any magnitude and amazing power that might be within her, or disaster will descend upon her. As each page brings us closer to understand what drove the wedge between Derek and Ruby, the story unravels all of the emotions that were the catalyst making Ruby feel that her choice to hide her power was the only possible option available to her. Now, more than ever, she needs Derek, but since his return, she is still trying to drive him away, fearing he will discover what she wishes to keep hidden. Even at the cost of losing her battle against the Darkness to protect it.


Something about Witches is the first book in Hill’s new series, Arcane Shot Series. It is also Hill's first "mass market" paperback. I have to admit I was a wee bit concerned that the "mass market" aspect might deter some of the emotional impact compared to her other work. I am pleased to say my worries were for not.

There is defiantly something about every aspect of this tale, the dark tones throughout, and the tormented emotions as they are flayed open like a wound, and the slow painful journey needed to heal them. And then there is Ruby’s former Dark Guardian lover Mikhail, whom we will be hearing more about in the next book in this series, In the Company of
Witches,coming out on May 1, 2012 (I already have it pre- ordered, can’t wait).And then, of course, there are the sex scenes. The Burning, Blazing, Blistering sex scenes! Both consummating and powerful!

Sub-plots intertwine throughout the story and can be, at times, slow going. But don’t let that deter you. Every ounce of information is necessary in order to get to the pinnacle moment of the plot. And, as the story builds to that pinnacle moment, you know something big is about to be revealed. Still, you will be blindsided when it happens. As soon as that page turns, your mouth will be hanging open in anguish. You might even find a tear rolling down your cheek,
realizing you are crying. You will not want to miss an instant leading to that moment. Trust me.

Hill doesn’t miss a beat as she takes you into the world where Light and Dark are in a constant battle of balance. Think of it like a set of scales. Darkness on one side. Light on the other. If one side gets to heavy or grows too strong, the whole scale will fall apart. In Hill's story, Lights struggle has never been about winning against Darkness. It’s always been to stop Darkness from tipping that scale. And the biggest battle Derek has ever faced is going to be
the battle for Ruby’s soul.

Kudos to Joey W. Hill as her first book, Something about Witches, in this exciting new series, Arcane Shot, pulls from the gate a sure winner!


Note: I just have to mention one more thing before I end this review. It’s mentioned in SAW that Stormwind played some central roles in Hills VampireQueen Series however, because it wasn’t relevant to the story, there were not much details. Now I’ve read everyone one of those books in that series, and it was driving me crazy that I could not place his character in them. So I emailed Joey and asked her...Because I just had to know. She replied and set everything to right. And I thought it was so interesting that for those who also have read and love her Vampire Queen Series would be interested in knowing too.

"Hey, Barb! He’s mentioned in two of the vampire books, though the readers don’t meet him directly. In Beloved Vampire, he is the wizard that helped Mason learn how to preserve Farida’s body and taught him rudimentary magical elements that he mentioned to Jessica. He also gives Lord Brian info about him to help with the development of the servant-reversal serum. Though it’s mentioned in Something About Witches that Derek often gave the vampires the impression he was a "descendant" of that wizard rather than reveal his immortality as the centuries progressed. He’s also referenced in Vampire Instinct as the wizard who set up the unique magic of the cat sanctuary".


So there you have it straight from the Author. You can’t do better than that!


Thank you, Joey =)

[Debbie Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by Debbie Talbot (Guest Reviewer for Literal Addiction Paranormal Book Club)
Synopsis:
It's amazing what a little magic can do...
Ruby Night Divine is a gun shop owner. She’s also a witch who knows magic can fail. She’s experienced it firsthand, with full-blown tragic consequences. Smith & Wesson is a whole hell of a lot more reliable, and nothing’s as cathartic as the ability to put a few holes in the things that piss you off. Like Derek Stormwind.
A powerful sorcerer, Derek is determined to get to the bottom of why she pushed him away and ran three years before. He also needs her help. A coven needs training to help them fight a demon and his minions. While Ruby is willing to do it, she’s sure it’s just a ruse to get back in her heart—and her bed. The thing is, that’s where she wants him. Unfortunately, her bed’s already made, she’s this close to losing her soul, and she fears nothing can save her. Not Derek. Not even Smith & Wesson.
My Review; (may contain mild spoilers)
I read this book the day it came out. I was excited but apprehensive because I LOVE Joey W. Hill’s Vampire Queen Series and had wondered about Derek. The only worry I had was that by making this a mass market PNR it wouldn’t have that perfect balance of heat and heart and pain and pleasure that I have found in her other books. I really shouldn’t have worried; she grabbed me with the very first line of the book and kept me there to the end. So when I heard that Michelle still needed to read and review it for her upcoming event I told her that she HAD to get to it because I knew how much she would love it but, that I would re-read it and write one also. After setting aside my new releases, I started Something about Witches and was again struck by the magic that is Joey’s writing. I was swept away into the story and saw so much I missed that 1st time reading it. I think I might have enjoyed it even more this 2nd time.
If you have read Joey’s Vampire Queen Series then you might remember Derek the hero. He is the sorcerer who helped Mason set up the tomb for his late wife and also help Mal set up his island. Derek is a Guardian of the Light and has been alive more years then some of the Seven Wonders of the World. He is the Hero of Hero’s, a Dominate Alpha man, a modern day knight ,a cowboy, complete with jeans , boots ,hat and a duster over his broad shoulders that seem to be able to hold the problems of the world on top of. He had been a part of Ruby’s life since she was a small child. Always showing up when she needed him and always giving her that support by being exactly what she needed at the time. Well almost always, except that one time he was gone saving the world when Ruby needed him most. He’s been trying to figure out what happen to cause her to use magic to send him away. With a coven in need of magical education to repair a fault line he has the perfect reason to try to get back into Rubys life.
Ruby is a survivor. She has been running her gun shop, Arcane Shot for 3 years since breaking things off with Derek. Ruby has been cutting herself off since that horrible day 3 years ago and has allowed nobody to get into her heart. Her best friends Raina and Ramona don’t even know what really happened. Her years of being in her mother’s shadow and the neglect she experienced have just added to the pain from that day and the loss of Derek too. She has been dealing by feeding that emotional pain with physical pain from a man she met at a gun show Mikheal. When Derek walks into her shop with a job for her she almost turns him down. When she realizes that she might get the chance to get vengeance for what happened 3 yrs ago she agrees to help.
Derek and Ruby have a sexual chemistry that burns the page. I was so drawn into their relationship that even when the sexual experiences were tamer than other books I have read by Joey I still was extremely affected by them.
Through the book you get to see a lot of what a “modern day” coven might be like. The women in this story are amazing and you want them to be your friends too. I loved reading about the different parts of witchcraft that aren’t all sparkly and exciting and the history of women and magic. I was amazed though by how exciting Joey made the magical fights. I think it might have some of the most exciting magical fights that I have read, at least lately.
BDSM was a large part of the storyline of her Vampire Queen series. I wasn’t sure if it would have a part in this one but it did just in a softer way. She showed the feeling and emotion that can come when it is a part of a relationship. Joey in my opinion showed that isn’t always as extreme as it is in her Vampire Queen series. One quote from this book that really stood out showed this. Ruby is thinking about Derek and his dominance, “every time he won her surrender, that boulder of responsibility, guilt and insecurity was removed, letting her breathe”
I tried not to give too many spoilers out in this review. I have to say that this book was a surprising fave of mine this year. I am looking forward to May 1st when In the Company of Witches comes out. I am excited about Raina story and look forward to how Joey will have Mikheal redeem himself to all of us. I gave this book 5 stars and would recommend this to any Paranormal Romance or Erotic reader.

[Ess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah. Firstly, this book deals with the loss of a child, so trigger warning there.

I really enjoyed this book. I generally love everything by Joey W. Hill, and of the few I didn't love, I could appreciate her expertise in the craft.

If you're into witches and romance, this is definitely for you.

[Vettech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book loved all the witchy stuff. Ruby and Derick make an amazing team!

[Mariachiara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Titolo: Something about witches

Autore: Joey W. Hill

Serie: 1 Arcane shot

Inedito in Italia

Trama: Ruby ha un segreto. Qualcosa di talmente importante che l’ha spinta a scappare dall’unico uomo che abbia mai amato e abbraciare la magia nera. Ma Drek, dopo tre anni, è finalmente riuscito a dissipare la maledizione che Ruby gli aveva lanciato per spingerlo lontano da lei ed è deciso a scoprire cosa è accaduto e a riconquistare la sua donna. Sembra semplice, ma la realtà è che lei ora è una strega potente ed armata di revolver, e lui, essendo uno dei più potenti stregoni, ha un dovere verso le forze del bene, e un demone da sconfiggere…..

La mia opinione: un libro molto forte, che mi ha disturbato su diversi livelli.

Partiamo dalla trama. Io come ho già detto più volte non amo le trame dove la protagonista donna inganna il protagonista uomo riguardo cose delicate e fondamentali come una gravidanza o un aborto. Cosa che in questo libro accade.

Lui non sa nè che lei era incinta nè che ha perso il bambino ben tre anni prima. E il poverino non ha colpe riguardo il non sapere nulla non è che non si occupava di lei i due si amavano pazzamente poi lui è andato in missione nella dimensione faerie e per colpa di un incantesimo è stato via un anno. E al suo ritorno lei l’ha cacciato e maledetto con un incantesimo, senza alcuna spiegazione.

Ora io opsso comprendere il dolore e la rabbia verso tutto e tutti, e se vuole cacciarlo o incolparlo può farlo, però almeno una piccola spiegazione….ricordiamoci che i due stavano assieme da tanto lui l’ha quasi vista crescere, si amavano non c’era nulla che non andasse.

Questo mi ha infastidito.

Seconda cosa che disturba è senza dubbio l’approccio al tema aborto causato da incidente, se così lo possiamo chiamare. Per Ruby la protagonista è un trauma che causa rabbia verso se stessa e verso il padre del bambino che non era lì quando lei ne aveva bisogno e per altri motivi che non vi rivelo…..rabbia, dolore rimpianto e negazione, soprattutto negazione. Ruby non accetta di aver perso il bambino e da lì scaturisce il suo percorso verso l’autodistruzione….magia nera, rapporti sessuali dove deve provare dolore e senza amore o tenerezza ma anzi dove viene umiliata e usata.

Lo Shock che ha provato Ruby il suo dolore l’ha traumatizzata a livello tale da ricordarmi a tratti la protagonista di Lucky, di Alice Sebold. Non so se l’avete letto, o se avete letto solo Amabili resti di quell’autrice, ma anche Lucky colpisce la lettrice donna allo stomaco, proprio come questo libro. Lucky riguardaba la vileza, lo stupro subito proprio dall’autrice del libro, anch’esso mai superato, a cui segue un profondo cambiamento, poi un percorso di autodistruzione fino ad un nuovo modo di vedere la vita e a una nuova vita, profondamente diversa da prima poichè lei stessa non tornerà mai più quella di prima.

Eppure in Lucky c’è più accettazione in un certo senso, che non in questo libro della Hill, dove la negazione di Ruby è talmente profonda da spingerla fino a conservare il feto con un incantesimo, in una specie di stasi che lei vede come paradiso artificiale poichè non crede più in un vero paradiso e in una vera rinascita delle anime.

Una negazione però che l’autrice ci racconta quasi come se Ruby ne fosse consapevole. Ma se ne è consapevole, come può essere negazione totale? Per me questo punto stride. Io avrei voluto Ruby più cieca nel suo dollore nella sua negazione, così sarebbe stato tutto più credibile, invece qui apena Derek torna da lei tutto si mette in moto così in fetta e lei, pur cercando di mantenere i suoi segeti sembra fin troppo pronta a riabbracciare lui e ciò che lui rappresenta: un appiglio che può aiutarla. Io avrei vluto più conflitto. Così come avrei preferito meno sesso. Con temi così tetri e pesanti certe scene a volte suonavano inutili. E’ chiaro che Derek e Ruby si amano, è chiaro che lei non vuole accetare il suo amore perchè teme possa portarle via la figlia…il feto….non serve che facciano sesso ogni poche pagine….è superfluo, ci stava qualche scena giusto per esplicare la nuova visione del sesso che ha lei….ma il resto stona.

Un libro forte e distrbante, ben scritto, ma che non tutti optranno apprezzare. Ho visto in rete che gli hanno dato in molti dei voti altissimi. Io non ci riesco, ma obbietivamente solo per un mio gusto personale, non perchè il libro non sia scritto bene.

Più promettente è certamente il secondo libro della serie che riguarderà Raina l’amica di Ruby metà succubi e metà strega, donna che dice sempre ciò che pensa e gestisce un bordello. La sua cchiettezza mascherata da crudeltà la rende un personaggio interessante e la sua professione permeterà di rendere le molte scene d’amore in armonia con libro.

[Pamela / SpazP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews

This is my first Joey W. Hill book and I am very enthusiastic over picking up more! Something About Witches is the first book in her new Arcane Shot series and I thought it would be a perfect time for me to start in with her and a new series. I was right, because I definitely am a fan of her writing.

Derek Stormwind is this fantastically sexy sorcerer who has lived a long life, taking every chance to learn from his mistakes, and live within the codes of the earth and the arcane. The past between he and Ruby is just too painful for him to move on from and they must reconcile if harmony between Lord and Lady is kept balanced. But more than that, Derek realizes he has been misled and what he thought he knew, he didn’t know at all. He becomes fiercely intent on saving Ruby from the Darkness and from herself, at whatever cost. Discovering the layers of affection and respect and love he has for Ruby is truly so intriguing, and makes him the epitome of the charmingly alpha hero you long to find in stories.

Ruby Night Divine was an abused child at the hands of her narcissistic mother. She has been told to hide the greatness and astonishing power within herself, always living in the shadow of her mother, Mary. When life became too epically tumultuous and painful for her, she didn’t have the coping skills to deal with her magic and power the way she should have, and Derek… wasn’t there. As we learn what all had occurred between Derek and Ruby before the book picks up, the story that unravels is so emotional and sad. But as Derek discovers how important to him Ruby is, how his life is nothing without her, the ride is a great one because there is hope. Ruby is in severe risk of losing her soul to Darkness, and there is no doubt Derek is the only one who can help her crawl out of the Darkness she and her soul are drowning in.

The emotions this book evoked were intense. The events and feelings revealed throughout the book that happened prior to where we pick up with the couple made me sad for the hero and the heroine. As the great mysteries are revealed and the story of how they are true soul mates plays out, it became gut-wrenching, and depressing at times. This is not your happy fun romance read. However, because of the deep emotion established between the hero and heroine, the smex scenes were all that much more intensely hot and wicked because of it, and left me fanning myself over that naughty Derek and his game. And he. has. game. As the two of them work through what occurred between the two of them three years prior, and things are revealed, some really painful stuff is revealed and I felt my heart breaking for the both of them.

The pacing initially of Something About Witches was weird for me. From the opening paragraph where we are first introduced to Derek, “complete with battered cow-boy hat, his own Chris Cagle “Chicks Dig It” theme song, and honest-to-Goddess dragonskin boots”, I was drawn in. But then it dragged for me through bouts of world building. There were a few instances I had to put the book down because there simply was not enough dialog and I was getting lost in the arcane landscaping. Once I got in to the rhythm of the book about a third way in, I was in it for good. I loved the dark tone of this story, the tormented and broken emotions present in this story along with very interesting and multi-dimentional characters.
Additionally, I liked the secondary characters introduced. Particularly Ruby’s friend Raina and her former Dark Guardian lover Mikhail, who will take front and center stage in the next book. I will definitely be picking up the second book in the series, In the Company of Witches, that releases in May. That shit’s gonna be hoooottt!!!

[Nay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Joey W. Hill--she's one of my favorite authors and her Vampire Queen series is also one of my favorites, but this book was just eh to me. Waaaay too much repetitive talking about feelings (until I just started skimming the feelings and only reading the dialogue) and too little plot. And like someone else, I had a problem with the pet name, "girl". Even though it was explained that "girl" didn't mean "giiiirl", every time I read it, that's how it came out in my head--kinda ruined the romantic moments, which btw were much, much more tame compared to her other writings.

I do want to read the next book to see how one of the lead characters can possibly be redeemed, but if it's another "eh" book, I don't know if I'll continue with this particular series. Instead I'll stick with J.W.H.'s fabulous erotica series! As a matter of fact, I think those who have not read any of J.W.H.'s erotica series will enjoy this book/series much more than those who have because they're not already spoiled like I am!

Oh, and I wanted to mention that this book is very, very loosely tied to the vampire queen series. The Vampire Queen's first servant is mentioned very briefly. I'd love to see if this series continues to tie in with the other series as it progresses!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something About Witches (Arcane Shot #1) by Joey W. Hill
I’ve read Joey W. Hill’s Knights of the Boardroom series and am working my way through her Vampire Queen series. I even have the first book in her Nature of Desire series on my TBR shelf. So when I found Something About Witches at my bookstore I grabbed it. I’d heard it was to be more main stream. Everything is relative I guess. Ms. Hill does not write brain candy or fluff. The Knights of the Boardroom series starts out hard and ends OMG. The Vampire Queen series is dark and often brutal (but it is about vampires after all).
Something About Witches takes place in the same world as the Vampire Queen series but it isn’t exactly a spin-off. It is a book about choices, good vs. evil, love and redemption and like every Joey W. Hill book it was well written, intelligent, with smokin’ hot love scenes. I am not Wiccan and don’t know much about Wicca. I am sure that I missed something when reading this because of that but not enough to take away from the story and I did learn a thing or two. All in all another great read. Will be adding In The Company of Witches (Arcane Shot #2) to my wish list.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

mind blowingly awesome. This book had so much depth and complexity and heart... I was amazed at Ms. Hill's genius. I sat down expecting to read a few chapters before bed and I'm now at 3am having finished this book b/c it was impossible to put down. I'm speechless and very much impressed by how much I loved this book. *this* is what I look for and what I rarely find. The magical elements were completely natural and organic to the story and the relationship between Ruby and Derek was perfect. Heart breaking and maddening but absolutely perfect. Their journey back to each other and dealing w/ their heart break was visceral and real. I was so invested in this story, my heart broke for them and I was desperately reading as fast as I could b/c I was addicted to this book and had to find out what happened next as fast as I could. Ms. Hill has skyrocketed to the top of my auto buy, must have as soon as possible list. Thank god I already have her next book or I think I'd go through withdrawal. :)

[Cindyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG...I loved this cast of characters. I wasn't sure if I was going to like a story about witches but I was blown out of the water.
Ruby was a total mess, with so much pain and loss in her life that she couldn't see the joy and love of a totally committed man right in front of her.
Derek Stormwind was the man every woman fantatizes about, and dreams about. He was so in love with Ruby and so forgiving...
She pushed and pushed and even put a spell on him and he still kept coming. How can you not love a man like him.
The whole story was weaved with sorrow, failure, joy, happiness and love.
It's both a heartbreaking and heart warming story.
I'm not easily moved to tears over a book but this one brought me to tears a couple of times. A sure sign of an awesome read.
Story pulled me in and wouldn't let me go.
Thank you Joey for a fab read. Write on girl...write on...
Highly Recommend!!!

[Carolyn Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start of this book I felt like I was in excellent writerly hands. This was actually my first Joey Hill read, but it certainly won't be my last. The world-building and the way the magic worked was really inventive and juicy, and there was a strong emotional story underneath it all.

It's rare I find a book that's emotionally touching and smart and sizzling hot, all at once.

And, this is an oddball thing to say, but I really enjoyed that the picture on the cover so thoroughly represents how I felt about the characters, and how I felt they looked - both strong and serious.

[Twilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly good book. This is on my top 10 favorites this year.

[Kylie Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shorter than most of Ms.Hill's other books, this one packs a lot into that word count. I loved the exploration of witches/sorcerers/covens/leylines/demon portals - another new dimension to Ms.Hill's world-building (and nice overlap reference into the Vampire Queen series).
To be honest, I'm in two minds about the book. My first thought was I was a little disappointed by the flashback-y feel to most of the H/h past and recounting of events. When I was reading them I almost felt like I'd missed a book in the series, and as a result, missed the build up of the history between the characters, in particular, Derek and Ruby, Raina and Mikhael, (and to some extent the angels).
But then, as per Ms Hill style, she writes a layered, character driven story that never fails to hit hard in the heart, and this story was no exception. Without going into too much detail, I spent most of the last 100 or so pages of the book pretty much in tears or tearing up time and time again. The driving conflict for Ruby was dealt with in such a way that it hurt to read in some places, (eg. OMG! the scene when she takes Derek down underground cavern, then again when the angel came later on, grabbed my heart and squeezed hard) and I had to put the book down until I stopped crying.
This emotional engagement is why it's now a keeper on my bookshelf, despite my other thoughts about the story.
I will be diving into Bk#2 in this series, once I have recovered from the heart-tugging trauma of this one. :)

[Brynn Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an absolute sucker for a beautifully troubled heroine, and boy did this book deliver! I was completely ensnared with Ruby’s character from the very beginning, and she only becomes more compelling throughout the book. There is something so provocative about a protagonist that doesn’t always do the right thing, and I think that balance was struck perfectly here.
I also very much enjoyed Derek; I sometimes have a problem with love interests that are “immortal beings” and whatnot because they can feel very out of touch, but that was not the case here at all.
Not taking off any points for this because I know it is kind of a deliberate choice by the author, but this book read as the second (or even third, honestly) in a series. All the info to understand the plot was there, but it still felt like we jumped into the book already in the middle of the story. It just seemed like a lot of the plot takes place before the actual book, which, again, is not necessarily a criticism, but I would have loved to actually read about how Derek and Ruby’s relationship developed.
Overall, this book just struck a chord in me that made it both painful to read and hard to put down.

[Emilye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just A Tinge of Color

ArcaneShot1;4.5 ⭐️

I haven’t read any of the Vampire series by this author, so I don’t know if Derek Stormwind’s first appearance was in Thomas’ book, but he definitely holds his own here.

So many layers to this world Joey has built - witches, and Guardians, and Doms, oh my! But sex is such a primal force, that I should not be surprised that all planes are involved in her mind.

A lot of wonder, a lot of power between these pages, but, the core of it all, is worth…and cost. A woman who was diminished all her life, was left high and dry, when her mother lost control of her mind and committed suicide, demanding that all her assets be liquidated and the money dropped in the desert over a festival. How utterly selfish.

But, that same daughter found her calling - not in the same realm as her mother - but in a venue that surpassed her cheap tricks. And with the man of her dreams.

Amazing.

[Erin Darnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: paranormal, magic

Ruby and Derek's story was a nice change of pace from my recent dark reads. Derek still loves Ruby who he has finally found after she disappeared for a few years. He doesn't know why but she has secrets from him. We get an intro to her other witch/succubus friend Raina and also the dark warlock/guardian Mikhael. Ruby agrees to help Derek shore up fault lines in Florida, but it appears that all the events that happened were orchestrated by the demon Asmodus. He wants Ruby's power.

What I really loved about this story was that even through Ruby hurt Derek he never took it out on her and still loved her. He was dedicated to her and would do whatever he could to be reunited. Ruby still felt undeserving but once she shared her burdens with Derek she gave herself permission to be vulnerable again.

[MystikMila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy and dark. Beware, this is not fun smut. (And I’m not referring to the BSDM, which was top tier.)
It deals with tough topics like an abusive mother and miscarriage. It didn’t bother me but of course they’re common triggers. Despite that, when it comes to erotica I was impressed. Usually, books have hot scenes and mediocre writing and lots of cringe dialogue. I really liked the full focus on the main female character because I don’t really care too much about the guys since they’re always tall and handsome so they’re all interchangeable to me. Only removing one star for the use of “girl” as a term of endearment that I couldn’t stop reading like “guuuuurrrrl”. Oopsie.
All in all this was better than 99% of erotica I’ve read so it explains why I was recommended this author so many times.

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the inner workings of Joey Hill's powerfully creative imagination comes a tale of sorcerers, witches, demons and princes of the underworld engaged in a battle between light and dark, good and evil. Some of imagery evoked are utterly mesmerizing. I shed tears a few times and gasped for breath in others. There were a few edge of your seat moments that kept me turning the page to find out what happens next. I could not, would not put the book down until the last page was read.

I think I am a little bit in love with Derek. Afterall, who doesn't love a man in tight jeans, cowboy hat and dragon skin boots? What can I say about Ruby? She touched my heart in many ways. Together, Derek and Ruby are a formidable force of nature.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! I have read many, almost all of her books and this is one of my favorites. Because of ALL the sex, people fail to notice what a gifted writer she is. Nobody can write dirtier, filthy uncomfortable sex scenes than her, but she also writes to most beautiful poignant touching emotional scenes too. Theres a simple scene with Ruby and Derrek (and Theo) having breakfast in a sunny kitchen that just magic.

[Hollie Smurthwaite · Rating 3 out of 5]

intense

Interesting world with some features I haven’t seen before. I liked the chemistry between Ruby and Derek and their connection. I love a story where a woman learns she had more power than she thought.

Some very serious themes and pretty angsty. I liked the power play sex scenes and the magical parts were great.

The pacing was a little slow despite the action, but overall, a nice story.

[Hillery Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey W. Hill is true genius! This is the first book I've read by her. It wonderfully detailed with emotion, action and awesome sex! It was so realistic about Ruby's grieving over her baby. I laughed, cried and got scared with this page turner. I recommend this romance novel to anyone in the mood for hot witches, sexy sorcerers, and sex scenes to cook up new fantasies in the bedroom!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of this story is from Ruby's POV and at first may seem to be confusing, but as the story builds so does your understanding as a reader. A beautifully woven tale of magic, trust, growth, heartbreak and love--- As a reader, I'm excited to be able to jump right into the next parts of the series.

" She was damnation and salvation both. The definition of every woman worth man's heart."