Review of The Water Witch by Juliet Dark

Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this book. The Water Witch is the second novel in the Fairwick Chronicles and by far the most exciting. Given how well written The Demon Lover is, I had high hopes for The Water Witch as well. Dark/Goodman does not skip out on any opportunity to paint a vivid picture of the enchanted town of Fairwick. The imajery and attention to even minor details just enhances the experience of reading this book. I find my self lost in Fairwick as well as Faerie with every turning page.

The town of Fairwick is being threatened by the Grove. A group of powerful witches that Callie and her grandmother belong to. This group of witches are hellbent on closing the door to Faerie. The dangers of closing the door will be a loss of Aelvesgold which is a necessary source for the fey and witches of Fairwick. So the fey of Fairwick are faced with deciding whether or not to stay in Fairwick or return to their home in Faerie. For many of the fey, this depletion of Aelvesgold means their race. Callie, being a doorkeeper is in the position of being able to help her friends in Fairwick by keeping the door open.

When the novel begins, it's a few months later from where The Demon Lover left off. It's becoming apparent to Callie that if she wants to go up against the Grove, she needs to enlist the help of someone who can help her summon her magical powers. Enter Duncan Laird. Of course he's handsome, dreamy, and whenever he's around things get a little hot between the two. And now we find my major issue with this novel.

I understand that this book is primarily a romance novel and a lot of the romantic preludes help in tying together some loose ends in the climax. I felt that our little sex-kitten Callie is doing/getting WAY too much. I'm no prude but this girl gets luckier than Hugh Hefner. It is almost distracting where and when Dark decides to place the sex or sexual innuendos in this novel. Don't get me wrong, the sexy scenes are vivid and all too well described. I just didn't think there would be so many. I thought once she banished her incubus Liam, she wouldn't have so many... um... hookups.

In conclusion, this novel leaves us with a great cliffhanger and I can't wait to continue this journey with The Hallowed Door. I must advise that anyone reading this novel before reading The Demon Lover should stop. I can appreciate The Water Witch so much more because I get to see the growth in strength and resolve in our heroine Callie.  The Water Witch is a must-read for lovers of paranormal romance and fantasy enthusiasts. Dark/Goodman is extremely gifted and I can say I am a fan. ****