Monday Book Review: A DEMON'S WITCH by Tena Stetler

A Demon's Witch, by Tena Stetler
Published by The Wild Rose Press, 2015

About the Book:

Keeping a lid on all the paranormal beings inhabiting Washington D.C. is a daunting job. Bruce, a six hundred year old demon and the Territory Overlord of the Western Hemisphere, keeps his finger on the pulse of DC’s power players through the activities at his highly successful Wycked Hair Salon. His movie star good looks and body builder physique keeps his dance card full and the rumor mills running. Within these walls, his anonymity is safe, mostly.

Bruce’'s world spins out of control when Angelique, a pint size, gorgeous witch, with an attitude breezes through the doors of his salon. She is the younger sister of Tristian, Bruce’'s long time trusted enforcer, whose professional skills are second to none. Tristian is furious at the relationship between Bruce and Angelique, a dangerous situation. The undeniable attraction between demon and witch promises to tear apart both their professional and personal worlds.

 My Take:

I won a copy of this book in a giveaway, and eagerly cracked it open to kick off my Halloween season - witches and demons and romance, oh my! And I wasn't disappointed - I totally enjoyed this fun paranormal romance, with enough sizzle and suspense to keep those pages turning, rooting for that HEA.

Bruce Sahwyn is a 600 year old demon, the overlord of paranormal creatures in North America. He's also gorgeous, hunky, and owns a hair salon in Washington D.C., from which vantage point he keeps tabs on the movers and shakers of all species, human and otherwise.

Angelique Shandie is a young but powerful witch who just moved to D.C. with her best friend to open a boutique. She has no idea who Bruce is or the power structure of the hidden magical world, but from the moment their eyes meet they both feel the intensity of the connection. Bruce is thoroughly intrigued, until he realizes exactly who Angie is: the sheltered baby sister of his most trusted and powerful assassin (oops) which makes pursuing this particular witch a life and death sort of decision, literally. Except he can't live without her, consequences be damned.

The author creates a paranormal world within the contemporary world that is hidden from most humans and brutal in its rules, prejudices and hierarchies. For an overlord demon to seriously date a witch is unprecedented, but the heat that sizzles between these characters is undeniable (and fun to read.) Angie is a strong-willed heroine, not one to submit to any man, not even a 600 year old demon.

This was right up my alley. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline, and think this book is a strong start for a series. Despite some unanswered questions and a few dangling loose ends (thus the need for a next book, hint hint, Ms. Stetler) the romance wraps up nicely and the main issues come to satisfying resolution. And despite the dark natures of many of the characters, the book itself is never too dark or gory, giving readers just enough suspense and tension to satisfy. If you enjoy paranormal romance, definitely check this one out.

*Note* I've read a few reviews that list this as a book for young adults. No. It's not. Maybe those reviewers don't understand genre categories of paranormal romance, but the characters and situations are definitely adult in nature, both the romance and the politics. New adult fans of True Blood may enjoy this novel, but this isn't YA by any stretch.

Grab a copy on Amazon.