Reviews
Something About Witches
Romantic Times
Reviewed by Jacqui McGugins
February 2012
Rating: 5 Stars / RT Top Pick!
http://rtbookreviews.com
Hill writes men to die for. Typically alpha males, they love deeply and do not let anything or anyone get in their way. Witches and sorcerers abound in this first entry of the Arcane Shot series. The action jumps right off the page.
For further info about the book, read the RT daily blog article, "There is Something About Derek Stormwind" http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/there-something-about-derek-stormwind-something-about-witches.
All About Romance
Reviewed by Wendy
February 2012
Rating: Desert Isle Keeper
http://likesbooks.com/
I knew when I received this book for review that I was in for a treat. What I didn't know is that this latest series revisits the world of Justin Herne, the hero from If Wishes Were Horses, a long time resident of my keeper shelf. Once again Ms Hill takes the reader on a delicious exploration of BDSM, Wicca, mysticism, and New Age philosophy. The "hawt" part quickly became secondary in this exciting, emotionally wrenching, wonderful book.
Ms. Hill's writing is (ahem) bewitching. I've long admired her descriptive ability, which makes beautiful everything from the mundane to the sublime. Something as simple as breakfast is described as "the most aromatic of meals", so vividly written that I could smell the coffee brewing. When Derek is so emotionally messed up by his dealings with Ruby that he has to go to a remote mountaintop to release a tremendous amount of light energy - he feels ready to crash the moon into the earth and burn the stars from existence - he refrains because, simply, Ruby likes the moon and the stars. His release of the energy also sends a warning to Heaven, to quit messing with his woman, and when angels appear to inquire what Derek thinks he's doing, Derek says baldly, "woman trouble." These are only a couple of the many examples why I find her writing irresistible.
The love scenes are moving and compelling and just fascinating. The emotional and psychological reasons for Ruby's predilection for submission are made clear, giving the love scenes a mature quality that goes far beyond the usual light bondage scene in mainstream romance. This book is hot - very hot.
Another pleasing aspect of this book is the characters, main and secondary. The coven that Ruby joins in protecting the rift is comprised of strong, giving, women, centered and secure in their femininity. Their ministering to Ruby plays a large part in helping her to heal her soul. When it seems that the rift will be compromised, they fight almost insurmountable odds and even come to Derek's rescue when he needs it. Ruby has a very dark lover, Mikhael, whom she sought in Derek's absence whenever her emotional pain overwhelmed her. Mikhael's an extremely complex character whom I'm looking forward to getting to know better in the next book in the series. Derek and Ruby are just awesome. I loved them and will definitely remember them when it comes time to vote for "best couple" in next year's poll.
When the reader reaches the part where Ruby finally confides in Derek, I can guarantee tears. Your heart will break for both of them. It's difficult to decide whom to feel the most sorry for, Derek for the emotional bomb that explodes all over him, or Ruby for having to maintain the devastating secret alone and in pain for years. The last few chapters I read through a haze. I cried, read some more, cried again, read some more, cried again...etc. The ending is such a roller coaster of emotion, so horrible, so tense, so warm and tender by turns that when you put the book down it's not with a sigh, but with a "Phew!"
I can't recommend Something About Witches highly enough.
MamaKitty Reviews
Reviewed by Mama Kitty
January 2012
Rating: 5 Stars
http://mamakittyreviews.com/
Joey does a wonderful job of building a realistic and interesting world with intriguing and well-rounded characters.
Joey wrote Ruby’s emotions so beautifully and realistically that I felt everything that she was going through. I seriously fell in love with [Derek] because of how much he loved Ruby and wasn’t willing to give up on her. Also because he was a severely badass sorcerer and let’s face it: that’s freaking awesome.
The book releases on February 7th, and you should definitely grab a copy as soon as it does! It’s amazing and you won’t regret it for an instant.
That's What I'm Talking About
Reviewed by Vampire Bard
February 2012
Rating: A-
http://www.twimom227.com/
As I began reading Something About Witches, the first book in the Arcane Shot series by Joey Hill, I was immediately amazed that there was action in the first 30 pages. While the world-building was still happening. LOVED it! All the characters Hill created have heart and soul for the reader.
One of my favorite aspects of Something About Witches is the fact that the reader isn't bogged down with all the teeny tiny details about witchcraft, and how it was used in the story. I really like that the fine details are left to the reader's imagination. I also enjoyed the well-written intimate scenes; not too crude, not all 'rainbows and unicorns'. I'm looking forward to seeing future installments of this storyline.
Ms. Hill has done such a great job of creating a plot, characters and simply the tenor of Something About Witches, it really is a total experience for the reader. The emotions are palpable, and have a natural ebb and flow. Kudos to Ms. Hill for creating such a build-up of emotion throughout the novel. As a reader, I feel that I'm more invested in the story when the emotions take a serious lead in driving the plot. Something About Witches is an excellent launch for Ms. Hill's new series. By giving us a perfect blend of inner conflict, external pressures and a lovely resolution, Joey W. Hill shows ultimately that she gives her readers credit for being strong, independent and creative, much like her character, Ruby.
The Fiction Vixen
Reviewed by Amy
February 2012
Rating: A
http://fictionvixen.com
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.
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.
The Romance Readers Connection
Reviewed by Lori
February 2012
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
http://trrcreading.blogspot.com/
I'm always excited when I discover a new artist, and I am extremely excited with this latest find. Ms. Hill's writing is fast paced and the romance is soooo hot! Not to mention, she has a lot more books for me to discover.
Smexy Books
Reviewed by Mandy
February 2012
Rating: B
http://www.smexybooks.com/
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.
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.
