Forbidden Magic - Softcover

Beverley, Jo

Softcover

ISBN 10: 045121613X ISBN 13: 9780451216137

Publisher: Berkley, 2005

Synopsis

Left penniless after her parents' death, Meg Gillingham is in dire straits.  Reluctantly, she turns for help to her only legacy—a magic statue that will grant wishes, but at a price.

About this title

About the Author

Jo Beverley was the New York Times bestselling author of the Rogue series and numerous other romance novels. Widely regarded as one of the most talented romance writers today, she was a five-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s cherished RITA Award and one of only a handful of members of the RWA Hall of Fame. She also twice received the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. She had two grown sons and lived with her husband in England. Jo Beverley passed away in May 2016.

Review

After the death of their parents, Meg Gillingham and her three siblings are among the genteel poor of London. But it is not until their landlord, Sir Arthur, threatens to throw the family out of their house unless Meg's sister, Laura, becomes his mistress, that Meg dares to use the sheelagh-ma-gig - a magic statue that can grant the wishes of certain women with the power to use it. Meg wonders what evil will come on them, however, even as she wishes them out of their predicament. For the sheelagh always has a sting with its power. Because of a rash promise to his maternal grandmother, The Duchess of Daingerfield, the Earl of Saxonhurst is faced with finding a bride within 24 hours or marrying whomever his grandmother chooses. When he learns of Meg, she is the answer to his problems and he to hers. Meg worries that Sax will feel he's been trapped into marriage if he learns of the statue. But then the sheelagh disappears, and Sir Arthur poses a new threat, even as Meg struggles to understand her devastatingly handsome husband. Forbidden Magic is an amusing book with a very unusual plot device. The sheelaghs were actual statues of women in vulgar poses once used in Irish churches. Sort of a pagan/Christian mingling of religion. The use of the statue here is ingenious and adds a layer of authenticity to this tale. Sax is one of the sexiest heroes I've read in quite some time, with a collection of odd servants and odder animals - including a misogynistic parrot. The only complaint I had with Forbidden Magic was that I thought the sexual consummation of the hero and heroine's relationship was put off about three chapters too long. I could have done without the last 'delay' manufactured by the heroine, it made her a touch reluctant for my tastes. Still, the fantastic plot and absolutely masterful writing make this a book to remember. Forbidden Magic sweeps readers into a realm where dreams and wishes come true! Once again Jo Beverly has created a devastatingly sexy hero that will curl her readers toes! Sax is a winner! Jo Beverly is at the top of her game in Forbidden Magic! This is a book destined for a cozy spot in the hearts of romance readers everywhere! Phoebe Imel -- Copyright © 030199 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

About this edition

• Publisher: Berkley
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 045121613X
• ISBN 13: 9780451216137
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 352