Again The Magic - Review

Again The Magic (Wallflowers #0.5) by Lisa Kleypas

Publication date: 27 Jan 2004 by Avon

ISBN 10/13: 0380811081 | 9780380811083
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Historical Romance
Keywords: Romance, historical, childhood love, revenge
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook
Source: Purchased

Synopsis from Goodreads

Review:

I had no idea that this book even existed until about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Under The Covers Book Blog, one of my favorite review blogs, had a post about the unsung heroes of romance. In this list was McKenna from Again the Magic, the prequel novel to Lisa Kleypas's Wallflower series. How on earth did I miss a Wallflower book? I immediately downloaded a copy to my Kindle (and this is where I praise the advent of ebooks because I had this book in my hands in no time flat). I started it immediately and read it in almost one sitting. Yes, it was that good.

Again the Magic is the story of Aline Marsden, the sister of Marcus Westcliff, and John McKenna. Westcliff's sister Livia and her beau Gideon Shaw also play a role in the book but Aline and McKenna are the main focus so let's talk about them first.

Aline and McKenna are childhood friends whose friendship grows into love over the years. Unfortunately McKenna is a servant of the household and any romance between the two is strictly forbidden. But young love cannot be stopped and McKenna and Aline continue to see each other secretly. One day they are found out and Aline must send McKenna away with a lie. Twelve years pass and McKenna comes back to Stony Cross a rich man, having made his fortune in America. He hasn't forgotten Aline and vows revenge by seduction. What he doesn't know is that Aline still loves him. However, she has her own secrets that threaten to keep them apart.

I loved this book so much! If any two people belong together, it's Aline and McKenna. Even after twelve years apart, the chemistry between the two is undeniable. And it's not just the physical stuff. I was surprised by how emotional I got while reading their story. My heart broke for Aline when she had to send McKenna away and again when she finally told him the truth about what happened all those years ago. She was the most frustratingly stubborn woman at times, pushing McKenna away for all the wrong reasons.

I loved McKenna, even though he comes back to Aline a cold, cruel man intent on revenge. I loved his strength and determination and the tenderness that he showed Aline. They are a great match and I gave a sigh of relief when they finally found their HEA.

Livia and Gideon also have a sweet side story in this. I liked them both and enjoyed learning their back story. While I liked Livia and Gideon's romance, I have to say that McKenna and Aline were the real stars of this story for me..

Again the Magic is an intense and passionate love story that made me believe in true love and soul mates. It is a wonderful addition to the Wallflowers series and can be read as a standalone or in chronological order. The Wallflowers is truly one of my favorite romance series and I highly recommend it.

 

---

Visit the author online at www.lisakleypas.com and follow her on Twitter @Lisakleypas


*FTC disclosure: I participate in the BookDepository & Amazon affiliate programs. Clicking on the link and making a purchase may result in revenue for this blog. Find our full disclosure policy here.

A Wallflower Christmas - Review

A Wallflower Christmas (Wallflowers #5) by Lisa Kleypas

Publication date: 14 October 2008 by St. Martin's Press
ISBN 10/13: 0312533780 | 9780312533786)

Category: Adult Historical Romance
Keywords: Historical, romance, rakes
Format: Hardcover, mass market paperback, eBook

From goodreads:

The Wallflowers are four young ladies in London who banded together in their wild and wickedly wonderful searches for true love. Now happily married, they join together once again to help one of the world’s most notorious rogues realize that happiness might be right under the mistletoe.…
 
It’s Christmastime in London and Rafe Bowman has arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie Blandford, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady in waiting and, if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen. And winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.  

A Wallflower Christmas takes a trip to Victorian London, under the mistletoe, and on a journey of the heart. With her trademark charm, sensuality, and unforgettable characters, there’s no one like Lisa Kleypas to make you believe in the magic of Christmas.

Thuy's review: 

I am not usually one for holiday themed books (they always seemed a bit cheesy) but I couldn't resist this Christmas story by Lisa Kleypas. A Wallflower Christmas is a deliciously fun and sweet with that I didn't want to end.

Rafe Bowman has a well earned reputation as a rake. But this Christmas, he's heading to Stony Cross Park with his sister and her friends to meet his would-be future bride, Natalie Blandford. Though reluctant to give up his single ways, Rafe understands that he must settle down at some point and Natalie is as good a candidate as anyone else. What he doesn't count on is his attraction to her  companion Hannah Appleton. Hannah isn't elegant and practiced in the ways of society like Natalie is, but she's smart, lively and genuine. She also highly disapproves of Rafe as a suitor for Natalie and does all she can to dissuade the union.

This was such a wonderful story that I truly enjoyed. Rafe is a rake of the highest order - flirty and unapologetic in his actions. He even kisses Hannah the first time he meets her! He's not one to shy away his feelings and he's definitely attracted to Hannah. What first starts off as a bit of mischief soon turns into something deeper as Rafe begins to realize that his feelings for Hannah are unlike any he's had for a woman before. He takes every opportunity to tease her and bring her out of her Natalie's shadow. Under Hannah's proper and polite  English facade is a strong, opinionated woman who isn't afraid to tell Rafe just why he's an unsuitable choice for Natalie or anyone else. I found Hannah to be kind an earnest but with a fiery nature, especially when Rafe riles her up. Though a rake, Rafe isn't callous and he treats Hannah with respect and surprising tenderness, making an effort to know her mind and not just make out with her. Their romance is sweet and passionate and I really wanted them to get their happily ever after.

The story is also not as overtly Christmas-y as I had feared. It takes place during the holidays and there are holiday activities like trimming the Christmas tree and sledding. There are several scenes where Hannah is reading A Christmas Carol aloud which were tedious only because passages of A Christmas Carol were written out in the book. I don’t know if it was necessary but it took me out of the book at times. Other than that I enjoyed the subtle Christmas theme.

This is the only book I've read from the Wallflowers series. Even though I had no prior knowledge of the series or characters I was able to follow along just fine. There is some recapping and the other Wallflowers and their husbands do make appearances. I probably would have gotten more out of their bits if I had read the other books first but, as it was, they were fun little side stories that I enjoyed and made me want to read the entire series.

Lisa Kleypas manages to pull my heartstrings yet again in this romantic Christmas tale filled with misunderstandings, love, desire and holiday spirit. A Wallflower Christmas is a great book to snuggle up with for the holidays or any other day.

---

Visit the author online at www.lisakleypas.com and follow @LisaKleypas on Twitter