Witch, Paranormal Romance

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Journey into a world where magic rules and death is the penalty for mistakes-return to the kingdom of Ru-Noc, where witches, wizards, and warlocks dwell. . .

Hannah Miller is starting over-new life, new location, and the grand opening of the Sugar 'N' Spice bakery with her best friend, Kirrah Walker. But Hannah soon discovers Sanctuary is not small town America. Trapped in a world of magic where humans are considered aliens-Hannah soon becomes the target of a waken assassin.

The male witch, Sage, is sent to terminate Hannah, the impertinent human who has dared to enter their sacred realm. Sage usually complies with the guild's orders, but he faces this assignment with dread. He hasn't forgotten what took place at the Salem witch trials in 1692 and has vowed to avoid all mortals-until he sees Hannah for the first time.

Caught up in the immortal conflict sweeping across Ru-Noc, the star-crossed lovers wage a different kind of war that set off more sparks than a witch's wand. . .

Fall under the spell of Witch's Heart-where Sage and Hannah discover love has a magic all its own . . .

"I know a lot more about you than your name, Hannah Miller."

His voice was pure silk. It wrapped around her like a fur coat, warm, sensual and smooth as honey.

For the life of her, she couldn't keep the curiosity from her voice. "Oh? What do you know? Exactly?"

"I know you're human, a frail illumrof whose life span is but a twinkle, then gone. I know you should have remained in your own dimension. And I know it's impossible to mate with you."

"Mate with me?" Hannah gulped and put her hand on the rolling pin she'd left on the counter earlier. If she was no use to him, then what did that mean? He was going to kill her? Crap! They were back to the slice and dice. She tightened her grip on the rolling pin. "Over my dead body!" she said under her breath.

Bad choice of words, Hannah. Really bad.

Wow. Yep, that one word says it all. Wow. How rare it is to find an author who can wrap everything together so seamlessly: characters, plot, background, oh yes and sex. No, not just sex. Sensuality, romance, eroticism and innocence, all in one beautiful package. Well okay, Sage's package isn't so beautiful after the snake bites it, but still the love story between Sage, the waken assassin, and Hannah, his target, is unforgettably romantic. And funny. Tabitha Shay has the ability to make you laugh in the midst of high drama, to make your soul chill in the midst of passion's flames, and most importantly of all, to make you believe.

 She's not an author telling you what happens. She brings you into the story so you're Hannah, unknowingly directed by fate to your mate, who happens to be the man ordered to kill you. You're Sage, the supposedly heartless assassin who's scared of flying and, let's face it, after the whole Salem witch trials thing and repeated viewings of what Dorothy does to the Witch in The Wizard of Oz, a little afraid of humans as well. You understand Sage's horror when he finds himself suddenly trapped in the human realm. You feel Hannah's horror when she discovers her true past. And you can't help but adore Dinka, Sage's Futhar familiar, a talking frog who mind is very firmly in the gutter.

There is so much story in this sequel to the superb 'Witch's Brew'. [It's an idea to read Brew first, but it's not necessary. I promise you, though, if you read 'Witch's Heart' first you'll be thirsting to read its prequel as quickly as possible, and you won't be disappointed. It's wonderful.] While Sage's and Hannah's story is the main plot, there are multiple subplots, seamlessly interwoven from past to present, from realm to realm, hinting seductively at a cornucopia of related novels in this series. Shay handles these subplots well, not losing the main plot within the intricacies of the overall novel. Don't worry, under her masterful weaving you won't get lost. All plotlines are maintained with clarity, and for those adoring readers of 'Witch's Brew', you will be surprised at where some of these lines take you.

You can bet MeLora gets a surprise! And see, that's why Shay's novels are so wonderful. You care for the characters, whether that caring is affection or loathing. and it matters to you what happens. Part of that is due to the reality of the sense of place. Shay's descriptions are often lyrical, always effective, no matter which realm is being delineated. Ru-Noc is as real as Earth, the characters just as alive, and while 'Heart' is not as dark as 'Brew', the lightness that is a special part of Shay's style is still present. Her books have a joy and a shine to them that displays the darkness so much more distinctly. Black and white, however, is not Shay's way. She understands the grayness behind many decisions and actions, and you will ache for deposed Queen Helayne and the child she bears. Darkness and light, laughter and tears, discovery and betrayal, and lots of laughter, that's 'Witch's Heart'.

In my opinion, 'Witch's Heart' lives up to its title. It will bewitch you with its heart. Congratulations Tabitha Shay. I can't wait for the next installment.

Jo
Editor 'Out There': newsletter for lovers of paranormal fiction.