In the Company of Witches (Arcane Shot, #2)

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In the Company of Witches (Arcane Shot #2)

4.15 of 5 stars 4.15 · rating details · 218 ratings · 39 reviews

Experience Joey W. Hill’s scintillating blend of modern-day witchcraft, ancient evil, and the magical tricks men and women play in the name of love…

All witch and part succubus, savvy businesswoman Raina has converted a Southern plantation house into an extremely profitable old-fashioned bordello. Because of her abilities as a witch, the demons under Raina’s protection can...more

Paperback, 329 pages

Published May 1st 2012 by Berkley

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May 14, 2012 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, pnr

In the company of witches is book two in Joey Hill’s Arcane Shot series (although it can be read as a stand alone). In book one, we meet Mikhael, the very dark and dominant Dark Guardian who tends to Ruby’s (heroine from book one) sexual needs until the hero comes along and pushes Mikhael out of the picture. From the brief glimpse we get of him, I was so intrigued to see how Joey Hill would turn this cruel man into a romantic hero.

Mikhael Roman is a Dark Guardian of the Underworld. Reporting to...more In the company of witches is book two in Joey Hill’s Arcane Shot series (although it can be read as a stand alone). In book one, we meet Mikhael, the very dark and dominant Dark Guardian who tends to Ruby’s (heroine from book one) sexual needs until the hero comes along and pushes Mikhael out of the picture. From the brief glimpse we get of him, I was so intrigued to see how Joey Hill would turn this cruel man into a romantic hero.

Mikhael Roman is a Dark Guardian of the Underworld. Reporting to Lucifer, he first comes across Raina as he is chasing a succubus who has stolen something from the underworld.

Raina is part succubus, part witch and runs a classy bordello to help those succubus that need to feed off sexual energy. Instead of the succubus running around fatally draining humans, she uses her magic to put in safeguards in her house. These safeguards allow the humans to have the most amazing sexual experience of their life, and her young succubus to feed, and let the humans go unharmed. She has a big heart for succubus in need, which is why when Simon, the succubus running for his life from Mikhael, burst through her woods and up to her porch, she won’t let Mikhael harm him. She wants to give Simon a chance to come clean, and grow some trust, and hopefully he will come around and give Mikhael the information he needs.

Mikhael decides he is not going to leave the house while Simon is there. Partly because he needs to keep an eye on Simon, but he also is pretty sure Simon’s misdeed may bring other darker forces hunting him. With Mikhael at the house, he can provide extra protection spells to keep those evil forces at bay. He also has an eye on Raina, a very seductive, luscious woman. While Raina can protect the demon side of the succubi she protects, she doesn’t have enough power to do that for herself, which means it’s dangerous for her to have sex. But with the very powerful Mikhael, she can let go. Years ago though, she was held captive and tortured, so getting past that barrier,and letting Mikhael show his dominant side and submit to him, is a struggle for Raina.

This book is extremely erotic. There is a lot of sex, and the sex scenes go on for a very long time. I think this has its high points and low points. Joey Hill writes amazing sex scenes. All of the books I have read by her always impress me by the way she mixes emotions with highly charged erotic scenes. However, I do think by midway through this book, I was kind of done with the sex. I needed something else going on in the story. Similar to the first book, we start with a very dramatic, conflict filled scene. It sets up a villain but then we have to wait, and wait, and wait for anything to happen with this storyline. All focus gets shifted to Mikhael and Raina. And again, at first I was cool with that. Mikhael is so dark and wicked and really gives it good to Raina. They actually are both very stubborn and know how to play the game. They both surprise each other with their resistance at first and then with how much they respond to the other. But again, halfway through the book, it just felt like the storyline stalled. I needed something else besides these two battling in their sexual games.

For as dark as Mikhael is, he does have a sense of humor. And Raina is a strong heroine and a good match for him.

“Go to sleep, or I’ll give you a spanking.”

Amusement unfurled among all the other less settling emotions. “That’s suppose to inspire me to sleep?”

His arms tightened. “My mistake. If you go to sleep now, I promise you a spanking later.”

She shut her eyes right away, smiling at his snort against her neck. And gave a yelp as he turned her over and gave her a smack right then and there.

Apparently, sleep was going to wait.

I was also happy that the issue of Mikahel sleeping with Ruby in book one (Raina’s best friend) was addressed. Mikhael and Derek had it out and I’m glad the author chose to show us this scene.

In the Company of Witches didn’t quite do it for me as book one did, but I’m still looking forward to more in this dark, erotic world.

Rating: C+(less)

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Feb 18, 2013 Mara rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr

3 1/2

In the Company of Witches is a romance book with a sprinkling of paranormal. It's the second in a series but it can be read as a stand-alone (I did). In fact, whatever happened in book one is explained and actually concluded in it.

It's engrossing and is a testament of Ms Hill's talent that a book that revolves only on a couple (and their sex scenes...) did not bore me to death. On the contrary, I liked it. I think it may be because there are feelings involved in that scenes, not the mechan...more

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May 28, 2012 Karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Okay, I think this author would normally be waaaaaaaay outside of my comfort zone, but this particular series seems pretty mild-- more urban fantasy with a light overlay of BDSM romantica. I picked it up because I was blogging about the Fifty Shades craze and offering a suggested reading list of romantica/erotica authors, and I don't like doing that without reading at least a little of the subgenre I'm talking about. In Hill's case, she'd been recommended to me as a really good author who was kn...more Okay, I think this author would normally be waaaaaaaay outside of my comfort zone, but this particular series seems pretty mild-- more urban fantasy with a light overlay of BDSM romantica. I picked it up because I was blogging about the Fifty Shades craze and offering a suggested reading list of romantica/erotica authors, and I don't like doing that without reading at least a little of the subgenre I'm talking about. In Hill's case, she'd been recommended to me as a really good author who was known for writing excellent bondage romance with strong characterization, and that definitely showed in this book.

I'd say the bondage and dom/sub stuff still isn't something I'd specifically pick up a book for, but she parlayed it into a beautiful, emotionally complex relationship between Dark Guardian Mikhael and Raina, a powerful witch (as in Wicca-- adherent of the Lady, though the religious references are respectful and not in-your-face) and half-succubus who had been enslaved and abused as a young woman. Raina is a powerful, kick-butt, no-excuses sort of woman. She runs a house that, on the surface, is a bordello, but is actually a kind of a shelter for young, abused sex demons-- incubi and succubi.

Most of the rest of the world considers their kind little better than vermin, something to hunt down and exterminate, or to use for their own purposes and toss away. Their sustenance is life energy, and they feed off victims they've brought to (and ensnared in) a state of arousal. Usually, they'll drain their victims dry, killing them, which makes them good assassin material for stronger demons able to control them. Raina's own past experience in such a situation motivated her to create her haven, using her magic to allow her charges to feed without killing their customers left and right.

It's a young, wild incubus thief who's come to Raina's for sanctuary that brings Dark Guardian Mikhael to her door. (The Dark Guardians are chief enforcers for the Underworld, Lucifer's right-hand guys, and NOT beings most people want to mess with.) Said thief has stolen a MacGuffin from Lucifer for some (unknown) she-demon; Lucifer wants it BACK. They clash, and Mikhael backs down long enough to agree to a compromise, to try Raina's gentler methods of getting the information he needs from their scared-out-of-his-gourd thief.

But it's Raina herself that intrigues dominant Mikhael from the get-go. She's half-demon and a master of seduction, yet she's one of the most forthright and open-hearted people he's ever met. She's in charge of a very successful house and takes responsibility for all within it, but she also rigidly controls herself and her own emotions. The freedom she offers her staff is one she can never risk indulging in herself-- she must constantly rein in the succubus side of her nature... except, he realizes, with someone like himself, who's strong enough to control her power without letting it harm him or any others around her.

Mikhael is further intrigued because he senses a talented natural submissive in her, but this, too, is something she doesn't permit herself to indulge in, because of the nightmare memories of her past. He's driven to unlock her secrets, to learn her more intimately than anyone has ever known her, and to give her the joy of a true dom-sub relationship, where she gives him her trust, gives herself completely of her own will, and receives reverent care, pleasure, and complete trust and safety in return. The relationship isn't supposed to be abusive; it's not meant as subjugation, or humiliation-- the submissive is never "broken," and the dom is, in a way, also bound by an understood code of conduct and by his responsibility for his submissive. Mikhael talks about it as a kind of partnership, a balance and a dance and a bond between them. Above all, Raina should never, EVER feel afraid or hurt (which is not to say she won't feel pain-- there's a mild masochism aspect to it to, it seems). Honestly, I've generally thought of the whole D/s thing as a demeaning power play (and honestly, it probably still is, for some people). But for the first time here, I think I understand how a relationship like that can be a beautiful, loving thing as well, and Mikhael proved to be the ideal partner for Raina.

On Raina's side, she was expecting Mikhael to be little better than thug, a cruel and callous force of destruction. She knew of him from his relationship with her friend Ruby (the heroine of the previous book in this series)-- a relationship that nearly destroyed her. To put it mildly, Raina is NOT predisposed to like him.... even if the man does look like sex on a stick. What she gradually learns, though, is that although Mikhael is unbelievably powerful, stern, and unrelenting, he's also honest, just, and not without compassion. He is the dominant to end all dominants and jealously possessive, but he would never force her into anything she doesn't want or can't handle, and he's a fierce and surprisingly tender protector. (Oh, and did we mention, stamina to outlast a sex demon? Yeah. Whew.)

The book had a wonderful balance between the underlying plot, the growing relationship between Raina and Mikhael, and the interactions with the supporting cast. It was surprisingly not as outre as I expected it to be. The bondage bits were happily milder than I'd expected-- there are chains (magical and metal) and a few references to trying a lot of "toys" (and some really comical references to the younger demons experimenting with a gift box full of stuff), but no really uncomfortable specifics. It also wasn't as steamy as I expected, though that could also be because this isn't my particular brand of kink. Regardless, I think Mikhael would curl any girl's toes (and, like Raina, I would DEFINITELY dig the wings), and he and Raina are both amazing, complex characters. I really enjoyed the story AND the romance, and I think I'd recommend it to anyone sufficiently open-minded. (If respectful BDSM IS your thing, I think you would ADORE this book.)

Three and a half stars.(less)

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May 28, 2012 Dark Faerie Tales rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-by-kristie

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Mind-blowingly good sex but a lot of it bogs down the plot. When the plot moves along it is a good story.

Opening Sentence: Something was coming.

The Review:

Raina is half-witch/half-succubus and as such she runs a brothel that is a safe haven for some incubi and succubi. She has created wards around her home that helps protect them from killing the humans they feed off of. She has a familiar, Cathair, a raven. He sometimes delivers some funny...more

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May 06, 2012 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

In the Company of the Witches by Joey Hill
Paranormal Romance –May 1st, 2012
4 ½ stars

Rough, raw and blazing, this book hallmarks the edgy eroticism of Joey Hills’s books. This is the second book in the Arcane Shot series. It is not necessary to have read the first book, Something About Witches, but the main characters from the first book play prominent roles.

Riana is a sexy madam of a bordello. She is half witch and succubus. She is content with her life until a troublesome Dark Guardian arrives...more In the Company of the Witches by Joey Hill
Paranormal Romance –May 1st, 2012
4 ½ stars

Rough, raw and blazing, this book hallmarks the edgy eroticism of Joey Hills’s books. This is the second book in the Arcane Shot series. It is not necessary to have read the first book, Something About Witches, but the main characters from the first book play prominent roles.

Riana is a sexy madam of a bordello. She is half witch and succubus. She is content with her life until a troublesome Dark Guardian arrives hunting a sex demon who has stolen a powerful artifact and is implicated with the murder of a powerful gatekeeper. Riana thinks she is immune to any male or female temptation but Mikhael tempts her beyond reason. For he plans to stay at her bordello! He intends to watch over the sex demon she has vowed to protect and find out who is really behind the slaying of the gate keeper. When he invites himself to her apartments and seduces her with mind blowing sex Riana is overwhelmed. What starts out as ‘merely’ explosive sex may result in an eternal love.

Both characters start out rather enigmatic but as the story progressed so did my affection and respect for them. I particularly loved Mikhael. He is dark, dangerous and totally lethal -especially in the bedroom! (Their strip/bondage poker scene was well worth the price of the book!) Mikhael wants Raina from the very start and nothing is going to stop him! As he grows to respect and care for her Raina, so does the reader. Mikhael is so protective and dominant the he will make readers melt! I only wish the author had revealed more of his past. The chemistry between the two main characters sizzles. However, this series is not as dark or ‘kinky’ as her Vampire series so readers of her books might find this series ‘tamer.’ Raina is a very strong character who has fought against adversity and the torture of her kind. As a result, she is practical and even cynical. She takes care of others but doesn’t let others do the same for her. Her difficult past has made it hard for her to trust and reading her let Mikhael into her heart was wonderful to read. Mikhael fulfills all her hidden desires. I loved that she had finally had this dependable, moral and steadfast angel to back her up for once in her life.

Totally magnetic and addictive this new paranormal series has it all.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
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May 06, 2012 Lisa Annesley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, pnr, erotic, witch-warlock, magic, reviewed-4-blog

4.5*

In the Company of Witches is Dark Magic!

Raina is a powerful witch who is also part succubus. She runs a bordello in which she employs succubi and incubi who can safely feed without killing their clients, thanks to her magic. One night an incubus runs to Raina for asylum after being forced by a nasty she-demon to steal an artifact from Lucifer. Hot on the trail of the incubus is Mikhael, an immortal Dark Guardian for Lucifer.

Mikhael decides to stay at the bordello to keep an eye on the incubu...more

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May 08, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

In the Company of Witches is the second book in Joey W Hill’s Arcane Shot series. I find this series teeters between erotica and paranormal romance and it does it very well. This second book was incredibly hot, exploring how the Dom/sub relationship works on the mind of those who crave it and need it yet are afraid of it. Joey does D/s extremely well, showing the reader how such a relationship actually makes her characters stronger and more secure with t...more Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

In the Company of Witches is the second book in Joey W Hill’s Arcane Shot series. I find this series teeters between erotica and paranormal romance and it does it very well. This second book was incredibly hot, exploring how the Dom/sub relationship works on the mind of those who crave it and need it yet are afraid of it. Joey does D/s extremely well, showing the reader how such a relationship actually makes her characters stronger and more secure with themselves.

We meet Raina in the first book. She is half succubus, half witch. She is actually quite the powerful witch too. She is essentially a madam and through her business helps other succubae and incubi feed without killing. I like this part of her. Raina is there for her ‘staff’ while they go through maturation. They are like teenagers – crazy horny teenagers. How the ‘immature’ sex demons were portrayed made me giggle as it was almost cute…in a perverse sort of way. These demons had such heart too, something you don’t expect to see. And the reason they are like that is because of the care and attention Raina gives them.

I must admit that I was a little confused at the beginning of this book. You see, the heroine from the first book, Ruby, was a submissive. Raina made comments to her about how she would not submit to a man. Yet within the first ten percent of this book, she submits to Mikhael. Um…okay. Soon enough though you learn the whole story and see that Raina does crave that sort of attention from a man but her past had put a block on it in her mind. Luckily, Mikhael was able to give Raina what she needed without freaking her out…something that actually surprised me about him.

Back to book one for a moment when we meet Mikhael. There are a few different types of Doms out there. There is a more gentle variety then there is a more intense, almost violent variety and then there is everything in between. In the first book, Mikhael came across as the more aggressive type, calling Ruby names and causing intense pain as opposed to just the ‘pleasure pain’ you see in some books. I have to say I am not a fan of that sort of Dom. That is what Ruby needed at the time but I don’t like watching these men degrade a woman no matter how much she wants it. So I came into book two expecting to not love Mikhael very much. What made me most curious to read this book was that you go into it knowing that Raina is Mikhael’s HEA, knowing that ‘she would not submit’ and knowing she is a strong, hard-headed woman. I was curious to see how it would all work out. Turns out Mikhael has different sides to his dominating personality and he became exactly what Raina needed. There is real depth to his character and I ended up quite liking him. And Raina and Mikhael really did end up making a great couple.

As I mentioned earlier, I found it odd how quickly they ‘came together’ their first time but then I enjoyed watching them connect and get to know each other. Their back-stories were interesting and their dialogue was good. I may have found moments in the beginning of the book a tad slow at times but once the ‘action’ part of the story hit, it was quite the ride.

In the Company of Witches isn’t only about Raina and Mikhael and how they come together but it’s also about an incubus who stole something from the Underworld and how they must discover for whom it was stolen and why. This part of the story was very well done. On the edge of your seat reading. Mikhael is a Dark Guardian – like a sort of police for the Dark side – and it was neat seeing him in that role. Let me tell you, he is very good at it.

And totally random here but I never thought I would feel so strongly for a darn crow. Crazy bird almost had me in tears!

I said this book was hot…and I mean it. Holy jumpin’ I found myself lost between staring at the words and feeling a compulsion to close the book for a moment to wanting to re-read a scene again and again. And with lines like “Even better than the crepes”… *drinks a glass of ice cold water* Joey writes hot stuff, let me tell ya.

I don’t feel you need to read the first book in the series to get everything out of this book but book one is a good book so why not. Also, if you are curious about reading a D/s book but don’t want to jump right into an actual erotic title, this series is a perfect introduction. With strong characters, gripping and emotional story lines, it will not only introduce you to the ‘naughty’ part you are curious about but will also grip you with its solid story. After all, Joey does D/s right.

Overall, In the Company of Witches was a strong book with a fabulous ending. And that darned crow… *sigh*(less)

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May 30, 2012 Cindyg rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Fantastic story. I fell in love with Mikhael!!! I hated him so much in Ruby and Derek's story but he redeemed himself here and then some.
I appreciated Raina strength, loyality and determination.
The depth of Riana and Mikhael's feelings for each other jumped out at me. I was cheering for them both right from the start.
Their a perfect fit...He needed a snappy spirited lady, someone with a mind of her own and she needed someone who would push her boundries and make her feel safe, someone she coul...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Lindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews
5 Kisses
2 Peppers, M/F BDSM (more implied than explicit)

We first met Raina in the first book of the series; she's one of Ruby's closest friends. Raina has turned an old southern plantation into a modern day bordello, and her employees are succubi and incubi. Raina herself is half sex demon. She's able to control the powers of her employees so they're able to feed from the sexual energy of their clients without killing them, so the business is pretty successful. It als...more Reviewed for TwoLips Reviews
5 Kisses
2 Peppers, M/F BDSM (more implied than explicit)

We first met Raina in the first book of the series; she's one of Ruby's closest friends. Raina has turned an old southern plantation into a modern day bordello, and her employees are succubi and incubi. Raina herself is half sex demon. She's able to control the powers of her employees so they're able to feed from the sexual energy of their clients without killing them, so the business is pretty successful. It also means she's got some very loyal employees.

A rogue incubus shows up on her doorstep, being chased by a Dark Guardian. And wouldn't you know it, that pursuer is none other than Mikhael Roman, Ruby's former booty-call squeeze, a coldhearted bastard who has a taste for rough sex. He's intrigued by what he sees beneath Raina's surface, and she can't resist the opportunity he presents, because with him she doesn't have to hold back when they have sex, for fear of killing him. And the fact that he's very sexually dominant adds yet another layer to his irresistibility. But that rogue incubus is being hunted by a demon far more ruthless than Mikhael, and now Raina's heart isn't the only thing in grave danger.

It takes a deft hand to make a hero out of a villainous character from a previous book, and Joey W. Hill apparently has the right brand of genius to do it. Raina and Mikhael are amazing together. They're well matched, strong, and uncompromising. Neither has ever been in a real relationship, and they're surprised by what they're feeling. Raina has found someone she can trust for the first time in her life, even while she's sure it's temporary. Be ready for intense emotions, a new view of the balance between light and dark, really great supporting characters, vivid details, a fast pace, less violence than what was in book one of the series despite the darker hero, scorching hot sex, and one of the most surprising heroes you may ever read. Yeah, In The Company of Witches is all that and more.

I would recommend reading this series in order so you can get a true appreciation for just how amazing Mikhael is as a hero.(less)

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May 07, 2012 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

If Something About Witches (Arcane Shot #1) was about redemption then In the Company of Witches is about balance. Light and Dark. Too much of one or the other for too long can be detrimental even fatal.
In the first book we got to know Derek a light guardian. In this book we get to know Mikhael a dark guardian and find that the goal isn’t too different for them though they do tend to go about getting there differently. And then there is the interaction between Mikhael and Raina a ½ human/ ½ succ...more

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Dec 14, 2012 Kellie Kamryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

After reading the first in the series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second and this book did not disappoint. While I found it even darker than the first, I believe that's what ultimately drew me into Raina and Mikhael's story. After Mikhael's appearance in the first book, I didn't particularly like him, but this book showed me a completely different side to the Dark Guardian. I loved how Ms. Hill portrayed the idea of serving "the light" from the "dark", showing that all beings have th...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, bdsm

Generally enjoyed the romance, except for the end (view spoiler). Plus there were some logical inconsistencies with the world building that I found unsatisfying: Like having (internalized) misogyny treated as a genetic imperative when much of the storyline is built around people overcoming learned behavior. There was a disconnect there that bothered me. Still, I'm intrigued enoug...more

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Jun 10, 2012 Ellie rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In The Company of Witches, Arcane Shot #2, by Joey W. Hill
Grade: C

“So he was really good at sex. It didn’t mean unicorns would spring out of his backside and the world would be bathed in rainbows.”

In the Company of Witches we are given Raina, a half witch half succubus, and Mikhael, a dark guardian. We are first introduced to Rania and Mikhael were in the first Arcane Shot novel Something About Witches where Rania was the heroine Ruby’s best friend and Mikhael was Ruby’s lover. To say I had a ha...more In The Company of Witches, Arcane Shot #2, by Joey W. Hill
Grade: C

“So he was really good at sex. It didn’t mean unicorns would spring out of his backside and the world would be bathed in rainbows.”

In the Company of Witches we are given Raina, a half witch half succubus, and Mikhael, a dark guardian. We are first introduced to Rania and Mikhael were in the first Arcane Shot novel Something About Witches where Rania was the heroine Ruby’s best friend and Mikhael was Ruby’s lover. To say I had a hard time getting into this book is an understatement given our hero and heroine’s history.

Rania runs a brothel and all of her employees are subbi or incubi who, like herself, want to feed but not hurt humans. A rogue incubi appears on her land one day being hunted by Mikhael and Rania offers the man protection. Mikhael and Rania soon battle both in and out of the bedroom over what to do with the thief who has supposedly stolen from Lucifer. Rania and Mikhael have an undeniable chemistry that neither can walk away from but might end up killing them both.

As I mentioned earlier Mikhael is introduced in this series as Ruby, Rania’s best friend’s lover and he is helping Ruby overcome her grief of losing her child with lots of painful sex. Mikhael is not a very likeable man in Something About Witches and that doesn’t change when we get to this new book. I have a huge problem with Rania sleeping with Mikhael after he slept with Ruby and I feel that it really tainted how I felt about this book. I honestly didn’t even want to start it once I realized the direction it was going to but I sucked it up, read it and didn’t like it at all.

Joey W. Hill is great at writing very sexually charged romance novels and I am usually a very big fan but this book threw me for a loop. Right away the characters are jumping into bed and including some very heavy BDSM. I usually am a fan of this type of stuff but again I couldn’t wrap my head around Rania sleeping with this man or the fact that she had such big sexual hang ups. She’s a succubus and a Madam for goodness sakes. I felt that attempts to make Rania softer and more likeable actually did the opposite and made me dislike her even more.

Mikhael was my biggest problem and he actually made it really hard to read this book. I never liked him or found him genuine at all. At the end of the book i found myself shaking my head and wondering how this man fell in love. I have no idea why he liked Rania so much or why he started to woo her in the first place. All Mikhael did was piss me off and make me want to DNF this book.

I think I’m done with this series. I wasn’t a huge fan of the first book and I liked this one even less. I’m not sure where this series is going and I’m not very motivated to find out. (less)

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May 06, 2012 Marie Ritzer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Arcane Shot Book 2! I must say that I was totally, totally intreged about the hot sexy, DG Mikhael that we were introduced to in book 1 of this series, Something about Witches. He was totally nasty in that one, but I also felt that he had a reason for doing so. In this case, we come to find in Book 2 that he did!

Mikhael Roman is a Dark Guardian, even older then Light Guardian Derek Stormwind from the first book, both over a 1000 years old. He is a cop of the Dark and Derek is a cop of the Light....more Arcane Shot Book 2! I must say that I was totally, totally intreged about the hot sexy, DG Mikhael that we were introduced to in book 1 of this series, Something about Witches. He was totally nasty in that one, but I also felt that he had a reason for doing so. In this case, we come to find in Book 2 that he did!

Mikhael Roman is a Dark Guardian, even older then Light Guardian Derek Stormwind from the first book, both over a 1000 years old. He is a cop of the Dark and Derek is a cop of the Light. When we meet him in this one, he is working, chasing down a theif who had stolen something that belong to Lucifer, the Dark Lord of the Underworld, who Mikhael serves. And he wants it back.

He comes face to face with Rianna, the smarty pants witch what we meet in SAW, she likes NO one who has any type of authority, Light or Dark Guardian, period. Rianna is a sister witch with Ruby and Rianna does like him on sight due to what she knew he did to Ruby. She is a loyal friend who loves Ruby. Also, Rianna runs a borello filled with demons, and between that and her past, one finds out real quick that she pretty much just wants to be left alone to do her business.

This book is awesome! It is off the charts hot and sexy and the sparks fly between these two from the get go. It doesn't take them long to get on each others nerves and on each other. What is a next is a story of two of the most cynical people you will ever meet and how they fall in love. Miss Hill totally redeems them both in this book for any and all things that they did in the first one that was kinda harsh. Then kicks up a heat a notch too for good measure.

I have heard that this seres is meant to be a series of 3. You are introduced to Rianna and Ruby's other sister witch, Ramona, and even get a glimpse of who I think might be the hero she puts in with in a totally funny scene. Mikhael and Derek have a long history together and you find out more about that as well. It comes full circle as the forces of Light and Dark join together to save the day. Awesome book, Miss Hill! Here is hoping for book 3 soon! (less)

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Aug 06, 2012 Lesley (My keeper shelf) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Two books in and I'm reading thinking of this as being one of my favourite new series. I was really looking forward to finding out how Joey W. Hill was going to make me like Mikhael the Dark Guardian, Mikhael was introduced in the first instalment as the on-off hook up of Ruby before Derek came back on the scene. He wasn't a particularly likable character and his hook ups with Ruby involved pain not love because that's what Ruby needed and wanted at the point in her life. I didn't have much hope...more Two books in and I'm reading thinking of this as being one of my favourite new series. I was really looking forward to finding out how Joey W. Hill was going to make me like Mikhael the Dark Guardian, Mikhael was introduced in the first instalment as the on-off hook up of Ruby before Derek came back on the scene. He wasn't a particularly likable character and his hook ups with Ruby involved pain not love because that's what Ruby needed and wanted at the point in her life. I didn't have much hope for him as the next hero (and I'm not keen on his depiction on the cover either) but that all changed once I started reading.

Raina is one of Ruby's best friends, part witch part succubus she runs a bordello and acts as a sort of a surrogate mother to the various succubus who work for her. It's through her magic the young succubus can feed safely, Raina is powerful and focused but with a troubled history and busy life she doesn't exactly have much of a life outside her very close circle and has real issues trusting others.

A rogue young succubus who has stolen something from Lucifer and is being hunted by Dark Guardian Mikhael manages to get to Raina's property by the very skin of his teeth. Raina agrees to extend her protection to him in the hope she can get the necessary information from the succubus after allowing him a nights sleep and a meal. Mikhael who's plans involved torturing him to get the information is intrigued by Raina and promises to allow Raina to get the information her way but intends to stay in her bordello to provide Raina with extra protection knowing that it's not just Mikhael who is after the young succubus.

Mikhael and Raina's relationship was hot to say the least. Raina has real trust issues and was abused by a dominant male in the past but there's something about Mikhael that allows her to trust him and take the lead. Mikhael definitely softened around Raina which in turn made him much more likeable. Silly minor things such as buying and crushing nuts to add into her ice cream sundae because it's the way she likes it and taking time to speak to her young succubus staff and put them in ease was so at odds from what Mikael started out as. Equally, Raina changed with Mikhael in her life and not only in the bedroom.

I loved the steamy yet sweet romance. I loved all the action. I especially loved Mikhael and Derek having to work together- two alpha males battling to save a woman *le sigh* honestly this series has a bit of everything I can't wait for the next instalment.
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May 25, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, witches

I'll be the first to admit that this series is not my favorite of Joey Hill's. I'm used to more edginess from her. That being said, she's an amazing writer and her character driven stories really pack an emotional punch. The Dark Guardian, Mikhael, and witch/succubus, Raina, find a mutual attraction when an unfortunate incubus shows up at her bordello/plantation house. He's stolen an object of power from Lucifer and Mikhael needs to retrieve it. We get a very, VERY sex heavy book with some nice...more

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Jun 05, 2012 E_bookpushers rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, own-it, paranormal, romance, series

Ms Hill has done it again. I stayed up until the wee hours of this morning finishing this. The emotional growth, tension, and connection between Raina and Mikhael was so very intense. Both characters were introduced in the first book Something About Witches and while Raina did appear to be mostly good Mikhael on the other had was I thought the bad guy for most of that book. Making me see him as a hero certainly took some doing but it happened. Not only did Ms Hill take me on a journey with the s...more

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May 11, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

I love a bad boy, add to that a bad boy who’s a Dark Guardian, one who has his sights set on a witch, who’s also a succubus and the sparks fly like crazy. Raina is the female alpha and madam of her bordello. She’s able to use her magic and power to keep the other succubi and incubi in her business from killing the customers and in turn provides them a safe place to live. Raina is surrounded by people, the family that she’s made, but she comes across as lo...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Quinn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, library-book

Man, I wish I had the time to write reviews these days, because this was one awesome book. I'd be hard pressed to pick anything about it that I didn't like.

If you like PNR or UF, I encourage you to give it a go. A word of warning, though, if you decide to read the first book ahead of this one (which is worth doing as it sets up the world and the characters in this one), just remember that it wasn't quite as good as this one. I liked the first one, but I loved this one.

4.5 stars

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May 20, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bdsm, paranormal, consensual-d-s, strong-female

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, though it dragged a bit, or rather it wasn't so gripping that I couldn't put it down. Really made me think about the balance between light and dark. Two strong main characters and yet a very workable D/s dynamic. I liked the secondary characters as well.

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May 02, 2012 Colette rated it 5 of 5 stars

Joey W Hill is fast becoming one of my favorite authors! I loved this book, loved everything about it. Loved the characters, loved their romance, loved the secondary characters, everything.

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Aug 02, 2012 Debra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow!!!!!! I thought the first book was awesome, the second one is even better! Ms Hill can sure write a story. It's about Raina a half succubus and human witch, and Mikhael a Dark Guardian. This story had me laughing, my stomach in knots and crying. I highly recommend it!!! Loved it! Can't wait for the next one.

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Feb 09, 2013 Karri Ginn rated it 4 of 5 stars

I just love Joey W. Hill. Her characters have great personalities and are strong, they can definately hold their own. Raina and Mikhael are both forces to be reckoned with and are perfectly matched.

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Mar 10, 2013 Terri Pray rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romances

First one of Ms Hills I couldn't finish. I don't know what it was, but I just could not get into this one.

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Apr 24, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

Love the content, but the pacing knocked off a point in my rating: opens with a bang, then it's entirely dialogue/romance/etc. until almost the very end, when the action suddenly reappears. Great characters, however, and sizzling sex.

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Mar 14, 2013 Charity rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-uf-paranormal, erotic-romance

Yeah, a lot like book one. I love Joey Hill, just not this particular series.

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May 20, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely freaking fabulous. Really.

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Nov 10, 2012 Bridget rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-authors, paranormel, hot

The second book in the Arcane series was wonderful. I so enjoy Hill's writing and creativity. She writes "hot" in a whole new way. Raina is a half human half succubus and all witch. Mikhael is part human and part angel (I would love to know his parents' story) is a Dark Guardian, committed to keeping balance in the underworld domain for eternity. Love how Hill brings her other characters to life from her wide and wonderful universe, even in a small way. Hoping Ramona gets a turn in the series to...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Elisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Not what I was expecting, a lot naughtier...but well done. The ending is crazy intense.

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Apr 29, 2012 Vampbard rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books-read

Loved this title! Raina & Mikhail were a well-balanced couple! Full review available at: http://www.twimom227.com

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About Joey W. Hill

I’ve always had an aversion to reading, watching or hearing interviews of favorite actors, authors, musicians, etc. because so often the real person doesn’t measure up to the beauty of the art they produce. Their politics or religion are distasteful, or they’re shallow and self-absorbed, a vacuous mop-head without a lick of sense. From then on, though I may appreciate their craft or art, it has so...more I’ve always had an aversion to reading, watching or hearing interviews of favorite actors, authors, musicians, etc. because so often the real person doesn’t measure up to the beauty of the art they produce. Their politics or religion are distasteful, or they’re shallow and self-absorbed, a vacuous mop-head without a lick of sense. From then on, though I may appreciate their craft or art, it has somehow been tarnished.

Therefore, whenever I’m asked to provide personal information about myself for readers, a ball of anxiety forms in my stomach as I think: “Okay, the next couple of paragraphs can change forever the way someone views my stories.” Why on earth does a reader want to know about me? It’s the story that’s important.

So here it is. I’ve been given more blessings in my life than any one person has a right to have. Despite that, I’m a Type A, borderline obsessive-compulsive paranoiac who worries I will never live up to expectations. I’ve got more phobias than anyone (including myself) has patience to read about. I can’t stand talking on the phone, I dread social commitments, and the idea of living in monastic solitude with my husband and animals, books and writing is as close an idea to paradise as I can imagine. I love chocolate, but with that deeply ingrained, irrational female belief that weight equals worth, I manage to keep it down to a minor addiction. I adore good movies. I’m told I work too much. Every day is spent trying to get through the never ending “to do” list to snatch a few minutes to write.

Despite all these mediocre and typical qualities, for some miraculous reason, these wonderful characters well up out of my soul with stories to tell. When I manage to find enough time to write, sufficient enough that the precious “stillness” required rises up and calms all the competing voices in my head, I can step into their lives, hear what they are saying, what they’re feeling, and put it down on paper. It’s a magic beyond description, akin to truly believing my husband loves me, winning the trust of an animal who has known only fear or apathy, making a true connection with someone, or knowing for certain I’ve given a reader a moment of magic through those written words. It’s a magic that reassures me there is Someone, far wiser than myself, who knows the permanent path to that garden of stillness, where there is only love, acceptance and a pen waiting for hours and hours of uninterrupted, blissful use.

If only I could finish that darned “to do” list. (less)

More about Joey W. Hill...

Books by Joey W. Hill

The Vampire Queen's Servant (Vampire Queen, #1)

Board Resolution (Knights of the Board Room, #1)

The Mark of the Vampire Queen (Vampire Queen, #2)

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In the Company of Witches (Arcane Shot #2)

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