Review: Something About Witches by Joey W. Hill

February 16, 2012 By Amy 21 Comments

“Sometimes magic comes through; sometimes it doesn’t. But superior firepower never lets you down.”

Ruby Knight Divine, a beautiful yet bitter witch, knows all about magic and the consequences it can bring when challenged. Having suffered a devastating tragedy three years ago that left a dark, permanent mark in her heart, Ruby knows a portion of dark power has taken hold with the intent to eventually consume her soul. Three years have Something About Witches - Joey Hill passed since her tragic loss and since she cast a spell to push sorcerer and soul mate, Derek Stormwind, out of her life. Ruby now lives alone, is the owner of a gun shop and prefers handling a sniper rifle or AK-47 as opposed to a man. After a continuous search in between job assignments, Derek has found Ruby and has two specific goals in mind. First, he needs her to instruct and train a coven of witches in Florida in how to prevent Asmodeus, the Underworld Demon, and his minions from breaking through their magical fault line. Second, he is determined to find out why Ruby pushed him away and ran three years ago. Ruby tells Derek that she is finished with him even though her heart and body both betray her words. But Derek knows Ruby is carrying a sorrow and brokenness within her that he must get to the root of and in true alpha form assures her that he is far from finished with her now that he has found her again.

Honestly, I could write my entire review just on Derek Stormwind. He is like the PNR version of J.D. Robb’s illustrious Roarke (who happens to be my favorite fiction hero) mixed with a fierce modern version of Wyatt Earp. What does that equal? One devastatingly handsome, badass, sexy as hell, sorcerer! Dressed to kill in dragonskin boots and centuries old cowboy hat, Derek radiates fierceness and sexiness that will cause any alpha male lover to froth at the mouth. Derek has lived hundreds of years by himself, and when he finally succumbs to his feelings of love for Ruby he exudes a fueling intensity of emotion and desire combined with tenderness and reverence towards her that is staggering. His devotion to her is profound and while possessive, he is not obsessive. Derek’s adoration for Ruby is all-consuming and a worshipful experience to read and be immersed in. Simple moments where Derek would undress Ruby or feed her, or carry her to prevent discomfort were so beautifully written to where you had no doubt of his endless devotion his woman. Not only is Derek determined to get to the route of Ruby’s inner darkness, but he has resolved that they will work past it and never be without the other again. His possessive nature and declaration that Ruby is “his” only solidifies what lengths he will go to in assuring their reunion is forever.

“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.”

Ruby Knight Divine is a survivor. Raised by a self-centered, verbally abusive mother, her first taste of compassion and love as a child came from sorcerer, Derek Stormwind. Their early relationship that develops over the years is what really drove the depth of this couple’s connection and love home to me. There is a scene where Derek is preparing for “The Ritual” and he is trying to clear his mind and begins to tell Linda (leader of the Florida coven) how his relationship started with Ruby when she was just a child. I immediately thought of the book/movie “The Thorn Birds” and how the main couple started with the hero being an adult and the heroine a child and over the years their intimacy and connection grew into romantic love. This was the same for Derek and Ruby which made their pairing inevitable and their deep-rooted feelings for each other, inescapable.

Joey W. Hill is well-known for her erotic series Vampire Queen but even going mass market/PNR with this release, the story was far from lacking in heat and sizzling love scenes. (Raina’s fantasy room is one scene you don’t want to miss!) The chemistry of this couple is explosive not only in their emotional connection but also in their physical intimacy and sexual desire. There were a couple of dark, profound moments for this couple that literally brought a tear to my eye and for myself, when a book stirs me to that level, it’s the sign of an incredible writer. Ms. Hill has an extraordinary talent of forming impassioned, emotionally driven characters that the reader can’t help but be immersed into their world and desire their happiness. The HEA is prominent but there are also parts left for the reader to continue in their own mind as to what takes place beyond the ending. I am extremely impressed with Ms. Hill’s captivating style and look forward to what is in store for this riveting series.

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