This is a really cute story.Ninian comes from a family of very strong and women. All the beautiful blonde women in her family consider themselves powerful witches who can control people, the future and even the weather.Family lore says that her family, the Malcolms, should have nothing to do with the Ives family. There are stories of curses which have flooded valleys, ruined villages, all because the two families combined in marriage and the love did not last.Ninian meets and falls in immediate lust with Drogo, Lord Drogo Ives. Drogo is from that Ives family.Drogo is a good man who has taken the responsibility for his brothers, his half brothers, his step sister, friends of his family, and just about anyone in need. He is so busy being responsible for others he does not have time to pursue his love of science and astronomy. Even when his longing for Ninian takes a turn he does not believe in ancient curses, witchcraft nor in anything that is not completely logical. He simply does not believe that women are capable of much of anything. He certainly does not believe that any woman could understand science.Ninian is a very strong character. At times she seems to feel she loses her way but eventually she returns to confidence in herself and her family’s ability to help solve problems.There is obviously conflict between Drogo and Ninian. He has no background in dealing with women and he truly does not see them as equals. She wants him to listen to her and begin to understand her talents and her priorities. Both of them are natural caregivers who want what they feel is best for those they love.Neither of them is very flexible when it comes to compromise or listening to one another. I really liked Drogo he truly tries to understand what is happening around him and feels completely lost when Ninian does not bow to his superior knowledge.Ninian is an interesting character who sees the world clearly in some ways and not so clearly in others. These are two fun characters who show a very strong attraction to one another, great humor and inner strength.The secondary characters are fascinating. Both families are populated with personalities that do not fit the norm. Each of them brings something to the story. They help add texture to the plot. I enjoyed meeting every quirky one of them.If you enjoy a romance between two people who deserve the best in their lives, this is a book you will enjoy. You will find yourself cheering for Drogo to bend a little and Ninian to learn to share a wee bit more. Enjoy the journey.I received a copy of this book from the author in the hope that I would give a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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 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.
I don’t have a lot to say about this book, because it was just a nice story. A nice story that didn’t really compel me to read it at every chance I got. It took me well over a week to read. This book is exactly what you would expect in a historical romance. You have a young, naive yet strong, heroine. Then there is the moody, brooding, mysterious love interest. Of course these two completely butt heads on everything, yet something pulls them together. They each learn things from each other and grow as a result. I did rather enjoy Ninian’s strong attitude. She did what she wanted, and really didn’t let anyone boss her around.The thing that was lacking for me was the action and adventure. I know it is a historical romance, but I just wanted to read about something other than the new carpet and draperies, or the new plant Ninian was nurturing in the garden.This story, as the title suggests, does have a light paranormal element to it, and would be perfect for someone who wants to try some paranormal for the first time. Also, if you are a tried and true historical romance fan, then you will undoubtedly enjoy this sweet story!
—Somer
What do you get when you mix one part witch, one part curmudgeon, and one part annoying family? An amazing story about love, family, and magic. Come join Ninian on her magical journey from the country to London and back again as she tries and tames the forbidden Ives clan. Many magical and mysterious surprises await ahead! Ninian is the most recent in a long line of Malcom witches, women who use the bounty of the earth to heal and help those around them. She’s also one of the most unique heroines I’ve ever read. Despite the loneliness she often feels, she’s very at ease with herself and her station in life. And, while she doesn’t exactly buy one hundred percent into the whole ‘Malcom Witch’ tale, she knows that she possesses a power beyond what the normal person has. It’s this combination of faith in herself and reliance on her abilities that makes her such a draw for me. I love a capable woman, and she is just that. Drogo Ives is only partly curmudgeonly, truth be told, but he is a cantankerous soul at times. Having been forced to take the reins of the family at an early age, his resentment has a tendency to boil over onto anyone within range. Normally, this sort of an attitude on a hero would turn me away, however, Drogo does his best to confront his feelings and rein himself in, although he doesn’t succeed as often as he might like. His need to control and sort puts him at odds with Ninian, often to rather amusing results. If you like your romance with a touch of magical fantasy woven into it, then Merely Magic by Patricia Rice is a must read! You’ll be enticed in by the engaging characters and hooked by the flow of the story itself. A true storyteller, Ms. Rice will hold you from the first words until the very last. Come, sit by the fire and let Ninian and Drogo entertain you with their tale… originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
—Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews
My First Reaction When I Finished: Hmmmmm.....well, that was interesting.My Review:I really had hoped for so much more than what I got with this one. For some reason none of the characters made a connection for me. I found the romance to be forced and I just didn't care for the storyline. At times I actually found the story hard to follow...yes, I know it's a romance so why would I have a hard time following it???? Well, too many characters and a plot that just didn't interest me.Do I recommend?Knowing my fellow bookish friends who visit my blog I would have to say no....but there are a few out there that read historical romance and they may like this one. So, I guess it depends on whether or not you enjoy this genre. I find that they're hit or miss most of the time for me, but I would try another book by Patricia Rice again.Rating: 5/10Reviewers who had a different opinion than mine:Lilly @ Reading Extravaganza:"Regardless of which genre Merely Magic fits in, it's a fun read, with some steamy love scenes that will satisfy those readers who pick up books for romantic excitement. There's definitely a lot of that."
—Staci
