Caroline Jewel, My Wicked Enemy

My Wicked Enemy

Caroline Jewel

Grand Central, Aug 2008, $6.99

ISBN: 0446178233

In Tiburon, California, Alvaro Magellan raised the orphan Carson Phillips. She believed he was altruistic until she learns the truth about her guardian when she witnesses his killing of a man. As if a haze lifted from her brain, she concludes her protector was siphoning her psychic skills for his personal use. Desperate to escape, Carson flees the affluent mansion she has called home taking a talisman with her. Frightened she expects her former hero to send his minion to bring her back for him to overtly steal her power.

On the streets of San Francisco's Chinatown, Carson has little faith of surviving until she meets warrior demon chieftain Nikodemus, who recognizes her as his most detestable enemy's best weapon. He rejects her claims of innocence; as he assumes she volunteered to assist her mentor with her power enhancing his. However, he scans her mind to find out if she is telling the truth. She offers to help him destroy demon-kind's worst nightmare if he keeps her safe. As they work together, he wonders if it is her magic that keeps him in a constant state of desire; she believes a higher form of magic called love has her wanting the demon.

Romantic fantasy fans will want to read 'My Wicked Enemy' as the transformation of Carson from ignorant abused to powerful witch in love makes the tale fun to read as she and readers know it is her new codependence on Nikodemus that enables her to change. That switch from total submissive to loving equal makes the exciting tale for the paranormal romance fans, but many purebred fantasists would prefer the demon used her too in his need for vengeance. Still with a strong support cast and a superb Northern California setting inside a strong mystical High Noon story line, sub-genre fans will appreciate this fine jewel of a tale.

Harriet Klausner