When the heroine secluded herself to spell her illegal gray magic she was approached by an evil wizard and after she attempted to banish him to the underworld where he belongs, it's she herself that is imprisoned in the otherworld. Surrounded by Fae and a general sense of peace, she is still frantic to escape but her magic just doesn't seem to be working. In joking manner, she cast a spell to bring her a gorgeous man if she can't get freedom, never imagining that that particular spell would work just fine. The hero is man of responsibility, honor and duty. He is kind and softhearted despite his intimidating size and the fact that he is royalty along the Fae. When he promised to a young woman he doesn't love, it never crosses his mind to disappoint his parents. When he finds out his betrothal is not only in love with a common man but pregnant as well, the hero still resigns himself to marrying the girl if he can't find a suitable solution for all parties involved. He never imagined he could come to care for a stubborn and wayward witch but from the time he first saw the heroine's photograph, he felt s connection to her.
The heroine is missing though, for over a year, and her family is frantic to get her back, especially when her sister envisions a dark and deadly future. The hero never imagined that he'd suddenly find himself drawn forth by a powerful spell and into the prison that is holding the heroine herself. Furious with this turn of events and desperate to return to the fight that is waging between the Fae, the witches and the demon horde, he neither the less finds himself drawn to the beautiful heroine. Their relations could be called lust but somehow, they both know that what lies between them is so much more. But when the heroine finds out he is betrothed, she turns him away from her bed. It doesn't last long before she is succumbing to the desire that builds between them and in the end, it's that powerful magic generated from their lovemaking that is key to the heroine breaking them free of their cage. Reunited with her family for only a brief moment before her sister is kidnapped, the heroine now must brave her nightmares turned reality and venture back into the depth of hell she's feared for so long. With visions of death and sacrifice, the heroine must find all her courage to do what she must to save her sister. But she has the hero, the man who turns his back on his family duty to love her, at her side.
***Sigh*** Once again, I find myself hesitate to say I liked this book. On one hand, there were times I was engaged in the story and the hero and heroine were both characters I came to admired and like. On the other, there was that damn disconnect between me and the 5 stars. Something about this book didn't jive with me. Perhaps it lacked an easy flow. Perhaps there was not as much excitement as I would have liked- not considering that end battle which was nails. Whatever the reason, I couldn't get swept away in the pages and looking back, I can't say I had enjoyed the overall novel. I liked the heroine, I will say that. She was stubborn but she was capable and she brave enough to risk everything, her frightening visions, her loss of magic and the very real possibility she will be responsible for the end of the world, for the life of her sister. Their bond was true and very strong. The hero was a very admirable character as well. Once bound by duty, he never imagined he'd fall in love with a witch. But when he did, he surrendered his title, gave his wealth away and surrendered to life with the woman he loves which I found incredibly sweet. The book wasn't bad....it just wasn't anything special either. I remember the others books I've read in this series to have a similar lackluster performance and have doubts this author is capable of writing a true gem.