Gabe Marshall was the strongest witch-hunter around and protected the city of Manhattan. His powers had been enhanced by wizards, which meant most witches stayed out of his path whenever they were in his city.

Abby Harrison came to Manhattan to exact revenge on the man who had broken her heart and betrayed her. She had just recently come into her powers as a witch and was anxious to try them out. Sensing her presence right away, Gabe confronted Abby to warn her to behave, and not hurt any innocents while in the city. He knew that she was a novice, but she was embracing black magic and that spelled trouble to him.

What he did not count on was that Abby raised every suppressed sensual desire Gabe had. He knew it was a mistake, but he gave in to the physical temptation. Finding himself in love with her, Gabe wanted to save Abby from the black magic. It was evident she had not embraced it totally yet, as the magic made her physically ill and would kill her if she did not either embrace or denounce it.

Not only were the two struggling with each other, but they also became pawns in a game being played by Abby's grandmother: Arista Caterra. Arista had been one of the most powerful witches alive until she was killed by a wizard. But her ghost still existed. Arista intended to use her granddaughter and Gabe to help bring her back to life so she could resurrect her Coven and destroy the wizard who had killed her.

Rachel Carrington has crafted another great story of magic and love. Gabe and Abby really should not be together, but love has a way of changing things. These two characters are full of passion and determination--not just for one another, but for what they see as their destinies in the world. The story starts out with the tension between the two adversaries and does not let up. This tension keeps the story flowing, so it is never boring.

Reviewed By: Kathy Martin
© October 2004