Gwen’s review of Under Your Spell (Witches of Mayfair, Book 1) by Lois Greiman
Paranormal historical romance released by Avon 27 May 08

I’ve decided that I like either historical romances or I like paranormal romances. I’m not sure that a historical paranormal romance is for me. The last few I’ve read just feel like there’s too much going on for them to read smoothly. The case supporting my argument is this book. It’s a regency, paranormal (witches), and a romance all wrapped between two covers.

What didn’t work:

At first, I thought I was missing a book that introduced this series – so much was left unsaid, I was sure there had to have been a Book 1. I didn’t realize I was readingBook 1. What didn’t work for me was a LOT of the characterizations were left undone, as was an explanation of these witches powers. I don’t like a lot of info dumping in a book, but it’s permissible if it’s the first book of a series.

I was left to figure out who these women were, how they were associated, who were the good guys and the bad guys, what the heck Lavender House was – all on my own with minimal help from the author. Now, I generally don’t need to be spoon-fed a plot, but I do like a few pointers here and there. I was given very little in this book.

The blurb is misleading, by the way – she doesn’t live at Lavender House, she’s not just hunting a muderer – she also wants a baby-daddy – and the hero isn’t actively blocking her investigation. Wish copywriters would actually read a book before they write these things…

What sort of worked:

The time period is given very little attention. If you’re reading this because it’s a regency, then this isn’t the book for you. It could literally have been set in any time period. The hero and heroine even get it on in a carriage and in a garden (two separate incidences). Plus, the heroine’s reason for being for most of the book is to boink men she’s unlikely to get attached to for the sole purpose of impregnating herself – due to some unfortunate history, she’s lonely and wants a baby. Not exactly the regency period romance we’ve all come to know and love, wouldn’t you say? But, it at least was something to which a modern reader could relate, so it’s forgivable.

I am also not sure if I liked the heroine. I spent the first part of the book actively disliking her. I felt she was being selfish and shallow with her shirking of duty and insistence on knocking boots with the first available man (not a terribly believable plot point, regardless). I liked her well enough near the end, and perhaps she’ll grow on me in subsequent books. But the jury is still out on her in my courtroom.

There is a confusing suspense plot where the heroine is enlisted to find a lost little girl. I don’t know why, but it seemed like this point snuck up on me out of nowhere, but perhaps I didn’t read one or two paragraphs carefully enough to see where this was introduced. Regardless, its resolution was very exciting.

What really worked:

What worked the best in this book was what I was there for, regardless the other plot trappings – the romance. It was hot, selfless, and selfish all at the same time. It was complex and gratifying, and surprisingly simple – all at once. And isn’t that how love seems sometimes?

I LOVED the hero. I loved that he was flawed and acknowledged it. I loved that he was flat out in LURVE with the heroine, Ella, and readily admitted it to himself. I loved the way he treated her. I was a little iffy on how he miraculously kept coming to the heroines rescue – but, hey, I can forgive a lot if the relationship is working. And this one worked. The sensual scenes were left tasteful, but still had some steam.

I hope that this series gets better with the telling. I’m guessing one of the other TGTBTU reviewers will like it more, but I’m giving it a middling grade. Less picky readers might be fine with the flaws, but they’re a big thing for me. RT gave this thing 4.5 stars, for Pete’s sake. I’d recommend this to fans of the author.

Book 2 comes March 2009.

Grade: C

     Summary:

     Ella St. James has a secret. She lives at Lavender House with other young women who share special “gifts”–talents that lead to danger and desire. Unlike many of her friends, Ella isn’t interested in enchanting a man into marriage; she’s hunting for the one who murdered a friend. But the mysterious Thomas Donovan, who turns up everywhere she goes, blocks her investigation.

     Thomas recognizes something in Ella that warns him of danger, but he can’t prevent himself from falling in love with her. Ella wants to trust Thomas, but she can’t trust anyone, not until it’s almost too late.

     Big ol’ excerpt here.