Merely Magic

Eh. Like most of her books, enjoyable but not a favorite. This is the first of a prequel series, describing how the Malcolms and the Ives first connected (or second connected, I guess, since there's quite a bit in here about the curse caused by the first marriage between a Malcolm and an Ives, many years before). Ninian Malcolm is a witch, and a healer, in her small village; she's not really trusted or accepted (especially because she grew up in the city and only came back to the village later), but she's useful to the villagers and has a few friends. Drogo Ives, an Earl, comes to live in the castle that's been owned, and ignored, by the Ives for - a century? More? - and runs into Ninian. The castle was abandoned after a disastrous show more marriage and a curse; Drogo doesn't know the history and doesn't believe in curses, and wants a bit of peace and quiet instead of running his whole family. Ninian's presence is not conducive to peace, though. Lots of threads - the stream killing all the plants, Drogo's harem (of cousins and sisters-in-law), Ninian's need to heal and to be needed, Drogo being pushed to marry, the castle's ghost, the falling tower... It was a good read, but the primary trope was my least favorite, misunderstanding. Both (all) sides kept explaining things, and the other side(s) kept hearing something other than what was meant. Overall, eh - glad I read it, doubt I'll bother to reread. I'm not even much interested in reading more in this series, I prefer the later Malcolms and Ives. Though I suspect I will read all of them, at some point. show less

The Book: Merely Magic by Patricia Rice

The Particulars: Historical Fantasy Romance, Sourcebooks, available both in print and e-book

Why was it in my TBR? Because I wanted to something to cheer me up

The Review:

The blurb:
With exhilarating wit, sensuality, and emotion, bestselling author Patricia Rice offers an enchanting historical romance. When a magical young woman meets a dark aristocrat in a moonlit forest, neither dreams that a strange and powerful love is about to change their lives forever....

My impressions:

I picked this up a year ago, and fell in love. When I read that she had sold the series to Sourcebooks, I got really happy.
Drogo, Earl of Ives and Wystan is a scientist, that don’t believe in magic. Ninian Malcolm Siddons have show more grown up in Wystan. She accept that she is a witch. Both characters are strongwilled. And they are so different, but watching them carve out a life together was fascinating. There were moments in this book that made me smile. And other scenes made me cry. My heart went out to Ninian when she tried to get Drogo to believe. In her powers, and in his brothers. Despite the obstacles, they get their HEA.
I finished this book with a happy sigh. This is a heartwarming book, not as funny as some of the other books in the series. But oh so good. show less

In Merely Magic, Ninian is leading a lonely secluded life as a healer in the village that she lives in. But the villagers call her a witch and although they come to her for help with sickness and in pain, they keep her at a distance from fear of her so-called powers. Drogo has just arrived at his family estate in the country and wants nothing more than finishing the business that he needs to get done and going back home to the city. But when Ninian and Drogo meet, old legends warn of their two families uniting which doesn't seem to stop the growing attraction between them.

I was in the mood for a good romance which is why I was looking forward to reading this book. But I couldn't quite connect with the characters which unfortunately took show more away from the reading experience for me. I actually liked Ninian's character for the most part although I would have liked to see her have a bit more of a backbone. I couldn't connect with Drogo's character at all though, and I had a hard time understanding some of his motivations and decisions. He frustrated me at times because he could be so hardheaded which led me to become a bit detached from the book. The storyline itself was both unique and interesting. Ninian's "gift" as she referred to it wasn't something that played a huge part in the story but it helped to draw me in. I wanted to know more about what she could do and liked how the author included the ways that she could read other people's emotions and feelings. I also liked the legend about the two families and wanted to know more about the history between these two families. The question was never answered as to why the families couldn't unite. The ending did leave me with a few questions and I was left wondering if there were any more books written by this author featuring some of these characters. I would definitely be interested in reading it if there was.

Although this wasn't my favorite romance, it turned out to be an okay read for me that I liked but didn't love. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author in the future as her books are rereleased. show less

MERELY MAGIC by Patricia Rice is an amazing,witty historical romance with a touch of magic set in 1750 Northumberland, England.It is a re-issued titled.The plot is enchanting,
easy to follow,well developed and intriguing.The characters are engaging,enchanting,believable and will capture your heart. This is the story of Ninian,a beautiful healer,a little essentic,a famous Malcolm,Innocent,lonely,has little bit of magic and is drawn to aristocratic Drogo.Who is handsome,an aristocrat,an Ives,a man of science,lonely,but won't admit it himself or anyone else,and can't seem to resist the local witch Ninian.After they are thrown together by a terrific storm,Drogo's meddling stepsister,they can't seem to get enough of each other.But they not show more only face a legend,superstition,danger,lust for each other but they also face Drogo's trust issues,and Ninian's Malcolm family.As the danger and chaos mounts they will have to decide if they trust each other enough to survive the Malcolm and Ives legend,be happy together, and maybe begin a new chapter in with Tales of Malcolm and Ives.This is a fast paced story full of passion,some sensuality,promise of brighter days to come,the end of a legend and the beginning of a new life with love,maybe a little peace,family, full of hope,love,and a little happiness.
This was an amazing story with a little magic,danger and a lot of love.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks,Inc. and My Book Addiction and More. show less

Patricia Rice is one of the authors I turn to time and again when I want a book that will fill my heart with romantic sighs. I'm excited that this series has been rereleased so I can now read the ones I missed before I discovered her. Perfect for a snowy afternoon.

Totally did not connect with the characters.