Sandy M’s review of Magic in His Kiss (The Magic Trilogy, Book 3) by Shari Anton
Historical Paranormal Romance published by Forever 1 Jul 08
This is the second book in about a week or so that started out slow for me and I had doubts that I would enjoy it when I was only a chapter or two in. As before, the author turned me around in the nick of time with the end result being I enjoyed the rest of the book immensely and now would like to read the other two books in the trilogy.
Nicole was sent off to a convent when she was quite young, knowing one day she would be married off for political gain. She always assumed it would the king who would do the deed, but when an old childhood friend suddenly appears at the abbey, her days of peaceful routine are numbered, as are her days as a single woman. Things go a little awry, however, and she ends up on the run through England to reach Wales and her uncle who has his own plans for her. Nicole is an intelligent young girl, noble born, and usually has a calm head in dire situations. She also has a quick wit and tongue, which sometimes gets her in trouble. Best about her, though, is her ability to speak to the dead and she tries to help them pass to the other side and put their souls finally to rest.
Remembering the young girl who caused trouble for him every time he turned around, Rhodri is at first hesitant to make the journey to escort Nicole to his mentor, Connor, Nicole’s uncle. But he does as he is bade and when he finds the beautiful woman in the young girl’s place, he’s smitten immediately. But his desires must be repressed, Nicole deserves better than the likes of a bard cum warrior. On top of that, it seems she’s a little off in the head, claiming to talk to spirits of the dead. When the local earl becomes suspicious and carts them both off to his castle to await word from the king, Rhodri knows he has to act to carry out his duty to Connor.
Once on the road to Wales, his feelings for Nicole grow, loving the woman she’s become, the only woman who aggravates him to no end but who also draws out his best and who completes him. Rhodri is a terrific hero. He is a warrior, but being a bard who loves his music gives him a sensitiive and sensual side. As much as he tries to do right by Nicole, his desire for her blindsides him and there’s a few scenes that are just terrific when things go wrong with her help during their trip, especially when he doesn’t need it.
This is a wonderful love story. Journeying with Rhodri and Nicole gives you a look at them when they’re not at their best, but they still persevere and move on even when they’re at first fighting their attraction for each other. The scene in which they first make love is wild and sensual and loving to the core. This is my first book by Ms. Anton, and even with the slow start at the beginning, I ended up loving her characters and their story.
I look forward to reading not only the other two books in this series, which feature Nicole’s sisters, but her other books as well. I enjoy her writing style and her voice very much. She has a lovely way of drawing you in when you least expect it.
Grade: B+
Summary:
She was wild, willful,
and most certainly a princess.But now she’s the king’s ward, and Nicole de Leon’s future is no longer her own. Bound by duty and honor she awaits an arranged marriage … until a handsome warrior appears to spirit her away. Nicole cannot resist his offer of protection or the darkening of desire in his eyes. But a powerful secret torments her, a psychic gift that only this rough warrior can help tame..
He was tempted, tantalized,
and most certainly not of noble blood.Rhodri ap Daffyd’s duty is to defy the king and deliver Nicole to her uncle, his liege lord. But she’s not the spoiled young girl he remembers. She’s a woman steadfast in her loyalty and aflame with passion, a lady never meant for him. An act of defiance brings them together and duty threatens to tear them apart, but will the magic in his kiss reveal a destiny that can’t be denied?
Read an excerpt.
Other books in the series:
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