Ash left her small village disguised as a young man to learn magic.  She’s managed to maintain her guise long enough to become Wizard Kardos’ apprentice.  The laws don’t allow women to learn magic, so when she falls in love with her master, Ash comes up with a plan to seduce him as a woman.  The Halloween masquerade presents the opportunity to carry out her plan.  When Kardos asks Ash to spend the Hour of Passion with him, she agrees and learns about his darker sexual practices and desires. 

I’ve always fancied stories with heroines disguised as young men after first reading Shakespeare’s As You Like It, which lead to discovering one of my favorite operas, Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier.  I’m pleased to say this exciting rich tale of love, magic and mystery didn’t disappoint. 

Ash and Kardos are engaging individuals with hidden secrets, desires and motives that are unfurled within the carefully layered storyline.  The author’s writing style is picturesque and she makes the most of the players by including the five senses.  This is an exquisitely sophisticated tale that radiates passion, whimsy and stark sensuality.  I didn’t know what to expect, and I was pleasantly surprised at the ending and all the excellent parts that lead up to the climax and the finale.  I’m certain that readers will delve straight into Wizard’s Woman with its solid characters and wonderfully constructed plot.