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Lennox Family Magic #1
Breath of Magic
From the nationally bestselling author of Fairest of Them All comes this bewitching time-travel romance that shimmers with love and laughter. An enchantress from seventeenth-century Massachusetts collides with a future beyond her imagining . . . and with a handsome cynic who’s about to learn a lesson in the power of love. Arian Whitewood hadn’t quite gotten the hang of the powerful amulet she’d inherited from her mother, but she never expected it to whisk her more than three hundred years into the future. Flying unsteadily on her broomstick, she suddenly finds herself among towers of glass and metal, then tumbling from the sky to land at the feet of a man with frost-gray eyes and a seemingly flint-hard heart. Reclusive billionaire Tristan Lennox didn’t believe in magic, but he had his own reasons for offering one million dollars to anyone who could prove it existed. Now he finds himself besieged by fakes, frauds, and an old nemesis ready to leap on this opportunity to destroy him. But the smoky-voiced beauty who appeared to fall from the clouds into his climate-controlled existence is something else entirely—a woman able to enchant his lonely heart with wonder, but who can’t possibly be what she seems.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1996
135 people are currently reading
2497 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Medeiros
51 books2,579 followersNew York Times bestseller Teresa Medeiros wrote her first novel at the age of twenty-one and has since gone on to win the hearts of both readers and critics. All of her books have been national bestsellers, featured on the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She currently has over 10 million books in print.
She is a seven-time Rita finalist, two-time PRISM winner, and two-time recipient of the Waldenbooks Award for bestselling fiction.
GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART was released in January 2011 and her latest historical THE PLEASURE OF YOUR KISS is coming from Pocket Books in December 2011. Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband and her cats, Buffy the Mouse Slayer and Willow Tum-Tum.
She is a seven-time Rita finalist, two-time PRISM winner, and two-time recipient of the Waldenbooks Award for bestselling fiction.
GOODNIGHT TWEETHEART was released in January 2011 and her latest historical THE PLEASURE OF YOUR KISS is coming from Pocket Books in December 2011. Teresa lives in Kentucky with her husband and her cats, Buffy the Mouse Slayer and Willow Tum-Tum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
October 20, 2023
I was thoroughly unprepared
July 20, 2021
Not gonna lie this book got super weird and I got hella confused. The hero is also super hot and cold which makes me think about him a lot. But I still loved the WITCHY autumn vibes of this one and it was the PNR book I needed.
February 7, 2016
Had potential! But failed for me. The book is divided up into three parts and at the end of each part, something important happened. After the prologue, the book began in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1689 where Arian Whitewood is a "witch in learning" while living with a village of Puritans. Yikes! She does ride a broom! While being tried and punished for witchcraft she flashes herself to New York city (1996) to a "prove you have magic and I'll give you 1 million dollars" contest sponsored by Tristan Lennox, a bored with life billionare.
I was shaking my head at the name similarities I encountered. Tristan Lennox and Reverend Lennet from 1689. At first, I thought it was a relative and had to double check the names. Michael Copperfield. Hm.
For me, "Breath of Magic" was so-so. I enjoy a good time-travel romance, but if the author spends too much time with the characters convincing each other of the event and too much on finding and learning how to operate devices, I loose interest. This book was just too slow for me.
A few laugh out loud moments, but for the most part, boring, mundane stuff. I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters and would have liked more in that department.
Several unrealistic moments like when Arian played with the bathroom plumbing in the high rise building that Tristin lived and worked in thus causing all the water pressure in the building to decrease. Huh? That was dumb. Other stuff that had me shaking my head, too. Had a touch of "Pretty Woman" in it when Tristan decided to take Arian to Bloomingdale's for clothes. Except some dialogue from the clothing store employee was unrealistic and bringing Tristan ONE glass of champagne with a strawberry when he clearly had someone with him. Huh?
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, this book wasn't for me.
I was shaking my head at the name similarities I encountered. Tristan Lennox and Reverend Lennet from 1689. At first, I thought it was a relative and had to double check the names. Michael Copperfield. Hm.
For me, "Breath of Magic" was so-so. I enjoy a good time-travel romance, but if the author spends too much time with the characters convincing each other of the event and too much on finding and learning how to operate devices, I loose interest. This book was just too slow for me.
A few laugh out loud moments, but for the most part, boring, mundane stuff. I didn't feel the chemistry between the characters and would have liked more in that department.
Several unrealistic moments like when Arian played with the bathroom plumbing in the high rise building that Tristin lived and worked in thus causing all the water pressure in the building to decrease. Huh? That was dumb. Other stuff that had me shaking my head, too. Had a touch of "Pretty Woman" in it when Tristan decided to take Arian to Bloomingdale's for clothes. Except some dialogue from the clothing store employee was unrealistic and bringing Tristan ONE glass of champagne with a strawberry when he clearly had someone with him. Huh?
I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, this book wasn't for me.
October 19, 2024
This was like the movie Enchanted but make it witchy. Arian Whitewood, adorable but clueless and chaotic is being persecuted by the Puritans and ends up casting a spell that sends her hurtling and bumbling her way through time on a broom! and into the arms of hot but grumpy billionaire in 1996. Tristan has more issues than Cosmopolitan so he's convinced Arian is a con artist after his money. But he can't resist her befuddling little ways and her hot bod so he very begrudgingly falls for her while still believing she's a liar and a con artist. You can see where this will lead him to grovel-ville.
Unfortunately to my everlasting disappointment, there's very little groveling. I still enjoyed the book, Tristan's medical-grade emotional constipation worked for me. I loved Arian and the time travel elements and being a Medeiros book it had some fun and mind-blowing twists. It was also surprisingly steamy, limo trysts are my new obsession. I wanted more witchy shenanigans and more of them together. I also thought Tristan took too long to get his head out of his ass. Overall it ticked most of the spooktober boxes. Recommended especially for fans of Elisa Braden and Julia Quinn.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Time travel
Paranormal elements
Unfortunately to my everlasting disappointment, there's very little groveling. I still enjoyed the book, Tristan's medical-grade emotional constipation worked for me. I loved Arian and the time travel elements and being a Medeiros book it had some fun and mind-blowing twists. It was also surprisingly steamy, limo trysts are my new obsession. I wanted more witchy shenanigans and more of them together. I also thought Tristan took too long to get his head out of his ass. Overall it ticked most of the spooktober boxes. Recommended especially for fans of Elisa Braden and Julia Quinn.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Time travel
Paranormal elements
October 26, 2025
2.5 stars. Breath of Magic is a time travel, paranormal witchy romance, where the heroine from 1680s Massachusetts witch trials travels to 1990s New York City. It has more of a romcom vibe with some outdated bits for sure. This one I didn’t care for as much as I hoped to. I’ve read a handful from this author and this one was just not a favorite, but I did read the second book in this duet and enjoyed it more. lol
Arian is living in 1689 in a Puritan village in Massachusetts. Her stepfather and the town are trying to “help her” from her witchcraft, and right as they’re about to throw her into a pond to prove if she’s possessed or not, she flies away on her broom…right into 1996 New York City. There she lands at Lennox Enterprises, where Tristan Lennox is currently holding interviews for people trying to prove magic exists.
Tristan offered up 1 million dollars to anyone who could prove magic exists outside the boundaries of science and in flies Arian on her broom dressed in Puritanical garb! Tristan was not great, but Arian was fun on her own. This definitely leans into 90s romcom vibes à la Bewitched with the comical silly witchy heroine and a grumpier rich hero. They eventually get married, cause he wants to sleep with her and the plot goes even more bonkers after that.
This wasn’t as fun as it could have been, the 90s setting and it being written/pub’d then too just had this feeling outdated with some problematic conversations/dialogue at times for sure. Definitely not one I’d recommend from this author if someone was just picking her books up. I did continue to the 2nd book in the series that follows this couple’s daughter though and it was so much more fun (she travels back to medieval 1200s Scotland) so maybe just read that one lol!
Arian is living in 1689 in a Puritan village in Massachusetts. Her stepfather and the town are trying to “help her” from her witchcraft, and right as they’re about to throw her into a pond to prove if she’s possessed or not, she flies away on her broom…right into 1996 New York City. There she lands at Lennox Enterprises, where Tristan Lennox is currently holding interviews for people trying to prove magic exists.
Tristan offered up 1 million dollars to anyone who could prove magic exists outside the boundaries of science and in flies Arian on her broom dressed in Puritanical garb! Tristan was not great, but Arian was fun on her own. This definitely leans into 90s romcom vibes à la Bewitched with the comical silly witchy heroine and a grumpier rich hero. They eventually get married, cause he wants to sleep with her and the plot goes even more bonkers after that.
This wasn’t as fun as it could have been, the 90s setting and it being written/pub’d then too just had this feeling outdated with some problematic conversations/dialogue at times for sure. Definitely not one I’d recommend from this author if someone was just picking her books up. I did continue to the 2nd book in the series that follows this couple’s daughter though and it was so much more fun (she travels back to medieval 1200s Scotland) so maybe just read that one lol!
January 22, 2022
Arian Whitewood has been practicing white magic for years when in 1689 she is accused of black magic and witchcraft by her step father, Marcus, and Reverend Linnet. Upon this discovery, she is subjected to the sink or swim method of determining witches. She grasps her emerald amulet and starts chanting when she is magically transported to 1996. There she proves to Tristan Lennox that magic is real.
I thought the story here was super unique. I found it very goofy and quirky like Arian thinking helicopters were dragons or some of the weird things she does or says. However, Tristan is an asshole. Big time. He is cold, ruthless, unkind, untrusting, and mean. There are times in this book where Arian says she hates him and I'm right there with her. I hated him too. Sadly, she forgave him instantly after no apologies or anything. Nothing makes me madder in books than the heroine being an absolute door mat. Arian was. Then there is all the extra plot stuff that I felt was so unnecessary. It would have been neat if this had just been about actual magic instead of technology that could mimic magic and then back again to magic being real.
Overall, I thought it was funny and I'd read more by this author but if you read this be prepared to want to reach through the pages and strangle Tristan. You have been warned.
I thought the story here was super unique. I found it very goofy and quirky like Arian thinking helicopters were dragons or some of the weird things she does or says. However, Tristan is an asshole. Big time. He is cold, ruthless, unkind, untrusting, and mean. There are times in this book where Arian says she hates him and I'm right there with her. I hated him too. Sadly, she forgave him instantly after no apologies or anything. Nothing makes me madder in books than the heroine being an absolute door mat. Arian was. Then there is all the extra plot stuff that I felt was so unnecessary. It would have been neat if this had just been about actual magic instead of technology that could mimic magic and then back again to magic being real.
Overall, I thought it was funny and I'd read more by this author but if you read this be prepared to want to reach through the pages and strangle Tristan. You have been warned.
November 14, 2021
Eine amüsante paranormale Romanze samt Hexe und Zeitreise.
Arian lebt unter den Puritanern 1689 und das als Hexe. Obwohl sie noch nicht ihre magischen Fähigkeiten unter Kontrolle hat, kann sie zumindest schon auf einem Besen fliegen. Leider ist das Dorf in dem sie lebt nicht ganz so begeistert von ihren magischen Kräften und sie kann ins New York von 1996 fliehen. Dort jedoch muss sie sich nicht nur zurecht finden, sondern auch den Milliadär Tristan Lennox überzeugen, dass sie wirklich eine Hexe ist.
Setting ist Gloucester in Neuengland im Jahre 1689 rund um Halloween. Außerdem begeben wir uns ins herbstliche und winterliche New York von 1996. Der Leser wird in einem wunderbaren Penthouse in einem der Türme der Stadt untergebracht, besucht Bloomingdale's und sogar einen Ball. Auch die Nebencharaktere lohnen sich hier zu treffen, sowohl den loyalen Anwalt Copperfield oder den norwegischen Bodyguard Sven, der eigentlich Schauspieler werden wollte.
In erster Linie ist es eine Komödie, die jedoch durch das Thema 'Hexenverfolung' auch seine spannenden Momente hat. Aber auch das Misstrauen von Tristian und die pure Erwartung wie Arian sich in der neuen Zeit schlägt, schaffen eine Rahmen, dass man weiterlesen will. Und dann hat da Tristan auch noch ein blutiges Geheimnis.
Die Liebe in diesem Buch ist gerägt von Misstrauen und dem Wunsch einer anderen Person vertrauen zu wollen.
Diese Geschichte hatte für mich durchaus seine Momente in denen meine Logik nicht ganz mitgezogen hat und ich Verhaltensweisen nicht nachvollziehen konnte. Und auch wenn mir Arians Anpassung ans New York der 90er zu schnell ging, hatte ich absolut meinen Spaß und fühlte mich bestens unterhalten - Daher 5 Sterne.
Arian lebt unter den Puritanern 1689 und das als Hexe. Obwohl sie noch nicht ihre magischen Fähigkeiten unter Kontrolle hat, kann sie zumindest schon auf einem Besen fliegen. Leider ist das Dorf in dem sie lebt nicht ganz so begeistert von ihren magischen Kräften und sie kann ins New York von 1996 fliehen. Dort jedoch muss sie sich nicht nur zurecht finden, sondern auch den Milliadär Tristan Lennox überzeugen, dass sie wirklich eine Hexe ist.
Setting ist Gloucester in Neuengland im Jahre 1689 rund um Halloween. Außerdem begeben wir uns ins herbstliche und winterliche New York von 1996. Der Leser wird in einem wunderbaren Penthouse in einem der Türme der Stadt untergebracht, besucht Bloomingdale's und sogar einen Ball. Auch die Nebencharaktere lohnen sich hier zu treffen, sowohl den loyalen Anwalt Copperfield oder den norwegischen Bodyguard Sven, der eigentlich Schauspieler werden wollte.
In erster Linie ist es eine Komödie, die jedoch durch das Thema 'Hexenverfolung' auch seine spannenden Momente hat. Aber auch das Misstrauen von Tristian und die pure Erwartung wie Arian sich in der neuen Zeit schlägt, schaffen eine Rahmen, dass man weiterlesen will. Und dann hat da Tristan auch noch ein blutiges Geheimnis.
Die Liebe in diesem Buch ist gerägt von Misstrauen und dem Wunsch einer anderen Person vertrauen zu wollen.
Diese Geschichte hatte für mich durchaus seine Momente in denen meine Logik nicht ganz mitgezogen hat und ich Verhaltensweisen nicht nachvollziehen konnte. Und auch wenn mir Arians Anpassung ans New York der 90er zu schnell ging, hatte ich absolut meinen Spaß und fühlte mich bestens unterhalten - Daher 5 Sterne.
October 25, 2025
2.75 stars
An entertaining hot mess. As a romance, Breath of Magic did very little for me—I wasn’t compelled by its heroine and hero, nor did I find their romantic endeavours worth caring about. However, there are plenty of elements I found entertaining, in a deranged, dated, and objectively questionable way.
Despite some painfully stereotypical racial descriptions, I really enjoyed several of its secondary characters and found them endearing: the hero’s lawyer/best friend Copperfield, and a wannabe-actor/bodyguard Sven. Most of them deliver the best comedic moments (one involving goat) and feel far more dimensional than the leads. The time-travel and magic elements also have their moments, especially in the final quarter of the book—but in a 'throw everything and the kitchen sink' kind of way. The plot barely address some of the core whys and hows, and the reveal leads to an icky relationship dynamic I’m not a huge fan of, but I do admire the author’s commitment to going all-in on the concept.
Having read a few of Teresa Medeiros’s other works (Yours Until Dawn, After Midnight), despite the solid writing, Breath of Magic is my least favourite so far. The 90s setting and cultural tone haven’t aged as well as her historical romances, and the story structure lacks focus, with too much on-the-nose humour (there’s an antagonist named Wite Lize…) and cringe-inducing jokes. Overall a fascinating train wreck that still held my attention—but not one I’d recommend to anyone other than die-hard fans.
***Historical Hellions Book Club | October 2025 Selection***
An entertaining hot mess. As a romance, Breath of Magic did very little for me—I wasn’t compelled by its heroine and hero, nor did I find their romantic endeavours worth caring about. However, there are plenty of elements I found entertaining, in a deranged, dated, and objectively questionable way.
Despite some painfully stereotypical racial descriptions, I really enjoyed several of its secondary characters and found them endearing: the hero’s lawyer/best friend Copperfield, and a wannabe-actor/bodyguard Sven. Most of them deliver the best comedic moments (one involving goat) and feel far more dimensional than the leads. The time-travel and magic elements also have their moments, especially in the final quarter of the book—but in a 'throw everything and the kitchen sink' kind of way. The plot barely address some of the core whys and hows, and the reveal leads to an icky relationship dynamic I’m not a huge fan of, but I do admire the author’s commitment to going all-in on the concept.
Having read a few of Teresa Medeiros’s other works (Yours Until Dawn, After Midnight), despite the solid writing, Breath of Magic is my least favourite so far. The 90s setting and cultural tone haven’t aged as well as her historical romances, and the story structure lacks focus, with too much on-the-nose humour (there’s an antagonist named Wite Lize…) and cringe-inducing jokes. Overall a fascinating train wreck that still held my attention—but not one I’d recommend to anyone other than die-hard fans.
***Historical Hellions Book Club | October 2025 Selection***
November 19, 2023
I want to read the sequel!
July 22, 2020
***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***
This book is absolutely hilarious. Beyond just being a love story, this is the kind of love story that draws you in.
I'll admit I wasn't expecting much when I picked up this book, I purchased in just a bag of books and it as a romance by an author whose name I didn't recognize, but the cover image caught my eye and I thought well I already bought it, might as well read it before I send it off to someone else.
I was pleasantly to find this book was much more than I expected. Arian who believes she's a witch in the 1600s own an emerald amulet which was given to her by her mother when she was a child. The amulet she believes enhances her own magical abilities. We're introduced to her when she's in the woods trying to take flight on a broom. After a few failed attempts she succeeds only to crash land face first in the dirt.
When she is caught practicing magic and being tried as a witch with a test by water she attempts to perform a spell to save herself from drowning. She doesn't drown but instead find herself transported through time to the year 1996 and just happens to show up in the exact spot of a competition to prove magic is real being held by the "boy billionaire" Tristan. The story follows their journey to overcoming distrust and falling in love.
Beyond that you share in the experiences of a curious girl from the 1600s experiencing the wonders of the mid 90s. She shut the water off to his fountain by running the show, the faucets and repeatedly flushing the toilet when she discovers indoor plumbing. She almost electrocutes herself when she sticks a spoon in a broken light bulb that's still attached to a plugged in lamp. She plays French lullabies on the key pad of the touch tone phone, attempts to find the people living inside the television and learns to play the piano from gang members in Harlem who she visits because she's hungry and she can smell their food. Her innocence and curiosity will keep you laughing from beginning to end.
If the humor and love weren't enough to keep you turning the pages the book includes a subplot filled with time travel, betrayals and intrigue. This is a definite must read.
I give this four stars only because some of the scenes are a bit farfetched and unrealistic, also it was a bit disappointing when you learn the real source of Arian's magic. Also I didn't like when she went into a distant third person or narrators voice in some scenes like in the end scenes where she writes, had they opened the door they would have seen... I found this a bit distracting. Overall however the book was still a page turner.
This book is absolutely hilarious. Beyond just being a love story, this is the kind of love story that draws you in.
I'll admit I wasn't expecting much when I picked up this book, I purchased in just a bag of books and it as a romance by an author whose name I didn't recognize, but the cover image caught my eye and I thought well I already bought it, might as well read it before I send it off to someone else.
I was pleasantly to find this book was much more than I expected. Arian who believes she's a witch in the 1600s own an emerald amulet which was given to her by her mother when she was a child. The amulet she believes enhances her own magical abilities. We're introduced to her when she's in the woods trying to take flight on a broom. After a few failed attempts she succeeds only to crash land face first in the dirt.
When she is caught practicing magic and being tried as a witch with a test by water she attempts to perform a spell to save herself from drowning. She doesn't drown but instead find herself transported through time to the year 1996 and just happens to show up in the exact spot of a competition to prove magic is real being held by the "boy billionaire" Tristan. The story follows their journey to overcoming distrust and falling in love.
Beyond that you share in the experiences of a curious girl from the 1600s experiencing the wonders of the mid 90s. She shut the water off to his fountain by running the show, the faucets and repeatedly flushing the toilet when she discovers indoor plumbing. She almost electrocutes herself when she sticks a spoon in a broken light bulb that's still attached to a plugged in lamp. She plays French lullabies on the key pad of the touch tone phone, attempts to find the people living inside the television and learns to play the piano from gang members in Harlem who she visits because she's hungry and she can smell their food. Her innocence and curiosity will keep you laughing from beginning to end.
If the humor and love weren't enough to keep you turning the pages the book includes a subplot filled with time travel, betrayals and intrigue. This is a definite must read.
I give this four stars only because some of the scenes are a bit farfetched and unrealistic, also it was a bit disappointing when you learn the real source of Arian's magic. Also I didn't like when she went into a distant third person or narrators voice in some scenes like in the end scenes where she writes, had they opened the door they would have seen... I found this a bit distracting. Overall however the book was still a page turner.
April 6, 2015
Can we talk about how pretty the art for this book is? I'm actually in love with it.
All in all, Breath of Magic was good. The heroine, Arian was adorable and you can't help but like her. The hero, Tristan was a bit of an ass but you can understand why he can't trust people(he's a billionaire who has gotten fucked over a lot). I really enjoyed watching them fall in love.
I'm usually not a fan of time travel books-they confuse me and they always have unanswered questions but Breath of Magic nicely tied up any loose ends.
All in all, Breath of Magic was good. The heroine, Arian was adorable and you can't help but like her. The hero, Tristan was a bit of an ass but you can understand why he can't trust people(he's a billionaire who has gotten fucked over a lot). I really enjoyed watching them fall in love.
I'm usually not a fan of time travel books-they confuse me and they always have unanswered questions but Breath of Magic nicely tied up any loose ends.
November 30, 2020
Would-be witch Arian Whitewood is spied trying use her amulet to fly her broomstick in 1689 MA and tied and thrown into a pond to prove her guilt or innocence. Instead she is transported 300 years into the future. At that moment billionaire Tristan Lennox is offering a million dollars to anyone who can prove that magic exists. Into his garden drops Arian on her broomstick. Disillusioned Tristan attempts to prove her a fraud and Arian tries to claim the prize. It turns out the amulet is more than a magic token and is wanted by several people past and present. There are some great scenes involving Arian learning about modern technology and Tristan learning to value love. Fun read.
October 12, 2025
I hope book 2 is better.
November 4, 2024
I thought this was an interesting (if also old skool) story, but I found both of the MCs to be annoying and I didn't really care what happened in their love story. I also found that most of the interesting action happened in the last 30 pages, and I wish it had been more evenly spread throughout the book.
As a side note, I'm very glad I was only a kid in the 90s, and didn't have to deal with the waif/girl-like figures that were very much promoted as the ideal woman in this book.
As a side note, I'm very glad I was only a kid in the 90s, and didn't have to deal with the waif/girl-like figures that were very much promoted as the ideal woman in this book.
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December 27, 2024This is one of the weirdest and most fun books I’ve ever read. Spoilers ahead!!
Apart from 2 smut scenes, the book is mostly fun fish-out-of-water bits (similar to “Enchanted”), Puritan sex complexes, and magic. I was so happy to see this book turn super goofy, like when the big, opera-loving bodyguard gets turned into a goat, and after his restoration to his previous human self, he loves to eat lettuce. Also that Arian loves ice cream bc her puritan austere brain cannot comprehend the sweet delicacy. I was uncomfortable to read it in public twice, but tbh such a fun read. Also had a great time when the plot got super confusing and strange and over complicated (Tristan made magic when he was in MIT? And stabbed his MIT business partner in self defense who disappeared before dying, using the magic to safe himself, leading the reader to the realization that the evil MIT business partner is Arian’s birth father??? Insane). Thank you to my local bookstore for having a used pulp romance novel section in the back- I got this baby for $2. If those pages could talk.
Apart from 2 smut scenes, the book is mostly fun fish-out-of-water bits (similar to “Enchanted”), Puritan sex complexes, and magic. I was so happy to see this book turn super goofy, like when the big, opera-loving bodyguard gets turned into a goat, and after his restoration to his previous human self, he loves to eat lettuce. Also that Arian loves ice cream bc her puritan austere brain cannot comprehend the sweet delicacy. I was uncomfortable to read it in public twice, but tbh such a fun read. Also had a great time when the plot got super confusing and strange and over complicated (Tristan made magic when he was in MIT? And stabbed his MIT business partner in self defense who disappeared before dying, using the magic to safe himself, leading the reader to the realization that the evil MIT business partner is Arian’s birth father??? Insane). Thank you to my local bookstore for having a used pulp romance novel section in the back- I got this baby for $2. If those pages could talk.
October 18, 2025
I wouldn’t quite say this is a historical romance, but I was entertained.
June 10, 2019
Listen, I love Teresa Medeiros. I have an old, worn copy of A Kiss to Remember that I bought in middle school.
I thought, I'd try this contemporary time travel piece from her. I pretty much avoid fantasy romances, unless the author sneaks it into the story. Recently, I've been open to the expanding my horizons.
This was not a good offering. First off, that depiction of Harlem as a barren wasteland, complete with broken and decimated traffic lights and a continuous buzzing of police sirens in the background, the heroine stumbles upon. The interactions with black teens, who listen to loud music and are eating barbecue ribs while all toting around guns that all pull on the hero. The hero offering his $500 shoes to one of the boys and a job on his security team. OMG. My ears burned. My eyes burned. It was sooooo embarrassing, inaccurate and ignorant.
Yes, this is a quite dated read, is what I told myself as I attempted to push through the rest of the story.
I have to admit on some level this was a fun romp, or could have been. The first third of the book (well before any Harlem shenanigans) was pretty damn enjoyable. But, I had major problems with the hero of this piece and how the romance unfolded beyond that. I get it. Tristan's been burned and betrayed. Doesn't know how to love or be loved. Doesn't trust it. Kept his heart locked away as a defense mechanism. I was willing to ride with it. I completely understood his initial wariness and distrust concerning Arian. But, once he found out she was telling the truth and begged forgiveness, he proceeded to slip back into contempt and create a whole new set of unwarranted misgivings about her... I mentally decided to grit my teeth and deal with it. When he realizes he's wrong and apologizes again. Great. Except that he lets one of the villains manipulate him into viewing her as an evil, manipulative shrew AGAIN and humiliates her, punishes her for it. And even at the very ending of the story, he is STILL willing to believe the worst of her.
Arian never holds him accountable for any of it. Just welcomes him with open arms and open legs. No thanks!
I thought, I'd try this contemporary time travel piece from her. I pretty much avoid fantasy romances, unless the author sneaks it into the story. Recently, I've been open to the expanding my horizons.
This was not a good offering. First off, that depiction of Harlem as a barren wasteland, complete with broken and decimated traffic lights and a continuous buzzing of police sirens in the background, the heroine stumbles upon. The interactions with black teens, who listen to loud music and are eating barbecue ribs while all toting around guns that all pull on the hero. The hero offering his $500 shoes to one of the boys and a job on his security team. OMG. My ears burned. My eyes burned. It was sooooo embarrassing, inaccurate and ignorant.
Yes, this is a quite dated read, is what I told myself as I attempted to push through the rest of the story.
I have to admit on some level this was a fun romp, or could have been. The first third of the book (well before any Harlem shenanigans) was pretty damn enjoyable. But, I had major problems with the hero of this piece and how the romance unfolded beyond that. I get it. Tristan's been burned and betrayed. Doesn't know how to love or be loved. Doesn't trust it. Kept his heart locked away as a defense mechanism. I was willing to ride with it. I completely understood his initial wariness and distrust concerning Arian. But, once he found out she was telling the truth and begged forgiveness, he proceeded to slip back into contempt and create a whole new set of unwarranted misgivings about her... I mentally decided to grit my teeth and deal with it. When he realizes he's wrong and apologizes again. Great. Except that he lets one of the villains manipulate him into viewing her as an evil, manipulative shrew AGAIN and humiliates her, punishes her for it. And even at the very ending of the story, he is STILL willing to believe the worst of her.
Arian never holds him accountable for any of it. Just welcomes him with open arms and open legs. No thanks!
October 14, 2012
Tristan Lennox is a man with a hard shell. He’s had to perfect the art of detachment when he’s been plagued with disappointment his entire life. When he holds a contest challenging anyone to prove the existence of magic, he’s utterly shocked, SHOCKED I tell you, when a woman dressed in puritanical garb comes crash landing at his feet while straddling a broom.
Arian Whitewood has been raised to believe that she is a white witch, which spells trouble for her when her neighbors in their small Massachusetts settlement in 1689 accuse her of cavorting with demons. Arian has only ever been able to pull off small parlor tricks, and only while clutching the emerald amulet given to her by her now-deceased mother. When she is accused of witchcraft and thrown into a lake to be tried as such, she clutches the amulet to her closely and miraculously finds herself propelled into the sky on a broom and toward the strange sigh of 1990′s New York City. When she crashes into Tristan Lennox’s public contest, the world is astounded.
No more so then Tristan. He reluctantly offers her a place to…er…crash…while his lab examines her broom and clothing to figure out how, exactly, she did what she did. Arian, meanwhile, is completely in shock at her surroundings. It makes for some pretty hilarious conversations.
Time traveling stories can be tricky, but pro Teresa Medeiros handles it with ease. Breath of Magic is a fantastic, romantic love story about one jaded man with everything and nothing who finds what he needs in a woman that would never have gotten to him if not for his own now-dormant belief in the impossible.
I giggled and swooned with this story. I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a fulfilling time traveling tale that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Arian Whitewood has been raised to believe that she is a white witch, which spells trouble for her when her neighbors in their small Massachusetts settlement in 1689 accuse her of cavorting with demons. Arian has only ever been able to pull off small parlor tricks, and only while clutching the emerald amulet given to her by her now-deceased mother. When she is accused of witchcraft and thrown into a lake to be tried as such, she clutches the amulet to her closely and miraculously finds herself propelled into the sky on a broom and toward the strange sigh of 1990′s New York City. When she crashes into Tristan Lennox’s public contest, the world is astounded.
No more so then Tristan. He reluctantly offers her a place to…er…crash…while his lab examines her broom and clothing to figure out how, exactly, she did what she did. Arian, meanwhile, is completely in shock at her surroundings. It makes for some pretty hilarious conversations.
Time traveling stories can be tricky, but pro Teresa Medeiros handles it with ease. Breath of Magic is a fantastic, romantic love story about one jaded man with everything and nothing who finds what he needs in a woman that would never have gotten to him if not for his own now-dormant belief in the impossible.
I giggled and swooned with this story. I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a fulfilling time traveling tale that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
November 8, 2013
Arian is a white witch from the 1600s thrown forward to 1990s New York City. Cue hilarious meetings between a Puritan and that baffling thing we know as electricity. And true love.
I found this to be a highly entertaining read. The humorous moments of Arian being overwhelmed by NYC or confounded by technology were written very well. The twists and turns in the plot were quite unexpected. I was shocked... at least twice. Thumbs up, yo.
My only problem is that the author made Tristan act like a total dick way too often. And not just making him act like a dick, but she made him cruel to Arian. Anytime he got upset or doubted her, he was downright mean. I felt like he took it too far and if a man treated me like that repeatedly, I would definitely not give him a second, third, fourth, and fifth chance.
Arian was developed well enough as a character, though Tristan didn't really seem to be anything other than a hurt, rich young man. Totally barren of the ability to enjoy much of anything. Not a great hero, to be honest.
Regardless, it was a fun read. I love the "just go with it" attitude that Arian had once she realized she was in the 20th century. Nice change of pace from the "oh woe is me, how do I get home?" nonsense I usually see in time travel romances.
I found this to be a highly entertaining read. The humorous moments of Arian being overwhelmed by NYC or confounded by technology were written very well. The twists and turns in the plot were quite unexpected. I was shocked... at least twice. Thumbs up, yo.
My only problem is that the author made Tristan act like a total dick way too often. And not just making him act like a dick, but she made him cruel to Arian. Anytime he got upset or doubted her, he was downright mean. I felt like he took it too far and if a man treated me like that repeatedly, I would definitely not give him a second, third, fourth, and fifth chance.
Arian was developed well enough as a character, though Tristan didn't really seem to be anything other than a hurt, rich young man. Totally barren of the ability to enjoy much of anything. Not a great hero, to be honest.
Regardless, it was a fun read. I love the "just go with it" attitude that Arian had once she realized she was in the 20th century. Nice change of pace from the "oh woe is me, how do I get home?" nonsense I usually see in time travel romances.
April 2, 2015
Genre: Romance/Paranormal
Author: Teresa Medeiros
Book: Breath of Magic
My Star Rating: 5
Will I read I read it again? Yes
Intro: Precocious Puritan and aspiring witch Arian Whitewood spends her lonely nights dreaming of magic and excitement. She gets more excitement than she bargains for when she crash lands straight out of a witch hunt into the 20th century and the arms of Tristan Lennox, a reclusive billionaire. Arian blows through Tristan's climate-controlled existence like a breath of magic, only to discover that the spell he weaves around her heart is more compelling than any enchantment.
Oh how I love Tristan and Arian! I also love Copper. This book has it all, from great love story, with a little magic thrown in and of course we have a tad bit of time travel. I would put this in the “feel good book” category. This is neither a time travel book nor heavy in paranormal and very soft love story romance.
This is the first book in a two book series. (I really LOVE the second book- A Touch of Enchantment- that book is about the daughter of Tristan and Arian)
Author: Teresa Medeiros
Book: Breath of Magic
My Star Rating: 5
Will I read I read it again? Yes
Intro: Precocious Puritan and aspiring witch Arian Whitewood spends her lonely nights dreaming of magic and excitement. She gets more excitement than she bargains for when she crash lands straight out of a witch hunt into the 20th century and the arms of Tristan Lennox, a reclusive billionaire. Arian blows through Tristan's climate-controlled existence like a breath of magic, only to discover that the spell he weaves around her heart is more compelling than any enchantment.
Oh how I love Tristan and Arian! I also love Copper. This book has it all, from great love story, with a little magic thrown in and of course we have a tad bit of time travel. I would put this in the “feel good book” category. This is neither a time travel book nor heavy in paranormal and very soft love story romance.
This is the first book in a two book series. (I really LOVE the second book- A Touch of Enchantment- that book is about the daughter of Tristan and Arian)
January 25, 2010
Loved it! Loved it! Medeiros is a clever writer. Funny read, didn't want it to end. Good for when you want a quick read, nothing too heavy. I call them my 'take a break' book, when you want to change the flavor of what you normally read.
I will probably read it a 3rd time.
I will probably read it a 3rd time.
July 22, 2023
Please don't burn me at the stake for this.
I was so ready for this for this madcap premise: a plucky Puritan witch who, in trying to hone her powers (seriously, the town's in the midst of her mass drowning), is thrust into present day 1996. And not on just any day either. The day of Tristan Lennox's "show me the magic" event (our guy offers a cool million to anyone who can prove the existence of magic). And if that was all the story was with a bit of character development on both sides, I could've been down to clown.... But...
It took too long to get sweet and suffered from too much plot/villains
-We've literally got a baddie going by the name Wite Lize who's showing up at events in a top hat and cape, claiming Tristan murdered his son over a tech prototype years ago.
-Linnet, the Puritan minister
-Arthur, the presumed missing/dead ex business partner of Tristan's, who is back in Puritan times thanks to the Warlock prototype...
*Side note, I kept thinking Linnet and Arthur were the same person... but no? Yes? That last jumbled bit before the party was safely returned to NYC was a mess to say the least.
-Romantic Whiplash
*Tristan intends to marry Arian, despite berating her at every turn, and even in the moments of sweetness (i.e. having his staff dig through the trash to find out what flavor of ice cream she likes, buying the dress she refused out of Puritan modesty because he knew she really did like it, their first time together, his opening up to her about his complicated relationship with his birth mother, going back in time to rescue her), were all interspersed with his alpha hole tantrums. He didn't do it for me, and I know that's his schtick: not letting emotions get in the way, keep everything transactional, but consistency is key (for better or worse), and in this case: worse. Every time I get some sweet, he tarnished it with sour. While the smutty delights were smutty, they lasted less than chapter and I had to sit through too many Tristan tantrums beforehand. Also, he had another one soon after so... guess I got some tenderness, but I wanted more.
-Tonal shifts
*I was all ready for Bewitched/I Dream of Jeanie (both are referenced among other older witchy movies I've gotta get my hands on). And I got snippets of that (Arian getting intrigued by modern technology while with Tristan was very grumpy/sunshine, worrying he got her "with child" via a French kiss, and her storming into the meeting Chanel red power suit but with stocking feet). But the murder plot began to take center stage... ick in the case.
-Also, he wants to marry her for sex? Seriously, he's all "be my wife" and not even nice about it, mind you, in the limo after Arian refuses to swipe her V card because that's something she wants to share with her husband. No shame for waiting or doing-the-do, but have some respect for her, Tristan.
The Good
- I admired Arian's want of witchcraft/the million dollars. She watched her mother become courtesans to rich men for money, and paltry ones for the sake of a roof over their heads. Both witchcraft and money allows for all types of independence for Arian. I loved that she dreams of living in a country house, brewing herbal remedies, in her words "becoming a spinster". You go, girl.
-Tristan's lack of family ties
*I liked that Tristan was eager to meet his birth mother, but then when they met, it became clear it was all for money (the topic of conversation-i.e. the hardships of her second family-were a tip off).
*How Arthur and his father let him spend holidays with them and how much these betrayals make Tristan cold. His offering a million dollars to Arian rather than hearing out how exactly her magic works is an extended metaphor for his wanting the unexplained to go away in exchange for something tangible.
-Arian recognizing Tristan's extravagant engagement gifts as akin to a mistress rather than a wife.
Was it my fault? Did I expect too much? Believe it or not, I'm still wanting to read about Tabitha's story.
I was so ready for this for this madcap premise: a plucky Puritan witch who, in trying to hone her powers (seriously, the town's in the midst of her mass drowning), is thrust into present day 1996. And not on just any day either. The day of Tristan Lennox's "show me the magic" event (our guy offers a cool million to anyone who can prove the existence of magic). And if that was all the story was with a bit of character development on both sides, I could've been down to clown.... But...
It took too long to get sweet and suffered from too much plot/villains
-We've literally got a baddie going by the name Wite Lize who's showing up at events in a top hat and cape, claiming Tristan murdered his son over a tech prototype years ago.
-Linnet, the Puritan minister
-Arthur, the presumed missing/dead ex business partner of Tristan's, who is back in Puritan times thanks to the Warlock prototype...
*Side note, I kept thinking Linnet and Arthur were the same person... but no? Yes? That last jumbled bit before the party was safely returned to NYC was a mess to say the least.
-Romantic Whiplash
*Tristan intends to marry Arian, despite berating her at every turn, and even in the moments of sweetness (i.e. having his staff dig through the trash to find out what flavor of ice cream she likes, buying the dress she refused out of Puritan modesty because he knew she really did like it, their first time together, his opening up to her about his complicated relationship with his birth mother, going back in time to rescue her), were all interspersed with his alpha hole tantrums. He didn't do it for me, and I know that's his schtick: not letting emotions get in the way, keep everything transactional, but consistency is key (for better or worse), and in this case: worse. Every time I get some sweet, he tarnished it with sour. While the smutty delights were smutty, they lasted less than chapter and I had to sit through too many Tristan tantrums beforehand. Also, he had another one soon after so... guess I got some tenderness, but I wanted more.
-Tonal shifts
*I was all ready for Bewitched/I Dream of Jeanie (both are referenced among other older witchy movies I've gotta get my hands on). And I got snippets of that (Arian getting intrigued by modern technology while with Tristan was very grumpy/sunshine, worrying he got her "with child" via a French kiss, and her storming into the meeting Chanel red power suit but with stocking feet). But the murder plot began to take center stage... ick in the case.
-Also, he wants to marry her for sex? Seriously, he's all "be my wife" and not even nice about it, mind you, in the limo after Arian refuses to swipe her V card because that's something she wants to share with her husband. No shame for waiting or doing-the-do, but have some respect for her, Tristan.
The Good
- I admired Arian's want of witchcraft/the million dollars. She watched her mother become courtesans to rich men for money, and paltry ones for the sake of a roof over their heads. Both witchcraft and money allows for all types of independence for Arian. I loved that she dreams of living in a country house, brewing herbal remedies, in her words "becoming a spinster". You go, girl.
-Tristan's lack of family ties
*I liked that Tristan was eager to meet his birth mother, but then when they met, it became clear it was all for money (the topic of conversation-i.e. the hardships of her second family-were a tip off).
*How Arthur and his father let him spend holidays with them and how much these betrayals make Tristan cold. His offering a million dollars to Arian rather than hearing out how exactly her magic works is an extended metaphor for his wanting the unexplained to go away in exchange for something tangible.
-Arian recognizing Tristan's extravagant engagement gifts as akin to a mistress rather than a wife.
Was it my fault? Did I expect too much? Believe it or not, I'm still wanting to read about Tabitha's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
gave-up-on
July 28, 2020Maybe I’ll try picking this one up later but I got about 25% of the way in and just couldn’t really care about the story. It has a bit of magic with the main character, Arian, a witch from Massachusetts in the 1600s (who by the way, sounds too modern for that time despite the author sprinkling in enough “‘tis” to try and convince the reader it’s that time period). She literally starts the story flying on a broomstick, talking about creating spells in her basement, and potions with newt - it just felt way over the top. Then she gets persecuted as being a witch in her small puritanical town and during her trial by drowning, manages to transport herself to 1995 (which was when the book was written, and definitely feels dated 25 years later) to where a CEO apparently has some complex with magic and is holding a contest for anyone to prove magic exists with the grand prize being $1M. I could tell that Tristan Lennox (the hero of this story) has some sob backstory that I was sort of interested in fretting out - but overall the over the top use of magic/witches pretty much ruined this one for me. He’s immediately interested in Arian (because of course, it’s a romance novel) and when she pretty quickly discovers that she’s transported herself to the future, she makes a vow to try and convince Tristan that she’s from that time - and then immediately does everything the exact opposite of trying to blend in. I get that it’s all shocking, but don’t you think you’d try to hold some of your excitement in for when you’re alone if you’re going through this elaborate ruse?! Hopefully it gets better, but from the first bit I just wasn’t feeling this story.
May 30, 2023
yikes this book is deeply outdated. Geraldo reference right out the gate! Not to mention a slew of dialogue that made me super uncomfortable. 🥴
I did however cackle at the description of mauve CARPET in the bathroom.
The arrogance of the MC didn’t make him a grump nor a cinnamon roll, it made him a prick who got away with it because it was 1989.
The idea is cute, but sadly it’s too hard to enjoy.
I did however cackle at the description of mauve CARPET in the bathroom.
The arrogance of the MC didn’t make him a grump nor a cinnamon roll, it made him a prick who got away with it because it was 1989.
The idea is cute, but sadly it’s too hard to enjoy.
August 18, 2023
Arian Whitewood is a handful, but her father loves her none the less but her fellow Puritan's question if she is a witch. It looks like Arian is going to be found guilty as her latest feat of trying to fly a broom sends her time traveling into 1996 and into Tristan Lennox's life. Little does Arian know that Tristan is offering a reward of sorts if someone can prove magic is real.
This was quite fun, I loved the way Arian reacts to modern times and much to Tristan's frustration. It reminded me a bit of Enchanted, had some laugh out loud moments and wonderful chemistry. Enjoyed every moment of this one.
This was quite fun, I loved the way Arian reacts to modern times and much to Tristan's frustration. It reminded me a bit of Enchanted, had some laugh out loud moments and wonderful chemistry. Enjoyed every moment of this one.
June 10, 2024
my, what a ride assfghjklljfssa 😭 I’m speechless
and can I just say, that I actually really like this cover 🫡
and can I just say, that I actually really like this cover 🫡
July 21, 2022
This book had a bit more of a plot than your average romance novel, which I enjoyed, even though it feels a little dated now. The end was somewhat melodramatic, but it was fun overall.
dnf
May 3, 2024I didn't realize this was time-travel.
Not for me in any case.
DNF 100 pages
Not for me in any case.
DNF 100 pages
September 1, 2015
A lovable French witch -- a tormented computer billionaire -- time travel -- magic -- it's all amazing!
Very few romance writers do humor really, really well. Teresa Medeiros is one of the best. Only Betina Krahn comes close!
Most time travel is hard to do well. It's very hard to create a story where people from different times can communicate convincingly. This book is different because the time traveler comes forward instead of going backward. And because she's a sweet, funny, playful witch with an open mind, she enjoys just about everything that's wonderful about modern life. Just watching Arian explore New York City was worth the price of the book alone!
But there's also a lot of serious stuff about the hero's tortured past, and the playful heroine's all-out effort to teach the sad, serious hero how to trust, and ultimately, how to love again. Teresa Medeiros is unique because of her humor, but she can also go from funny to heartbreaking to inspiring without ever slowing down the pace of the action. And I don't know anyone who comes close to that!
My only complaint is that the villain has a name like Wite Lize, or something like that. Other than that, BREATH OF MAGIC is the most original and enjoyable humorous time travel I've ever read.
A Puritan witch and a modern billionaire.
Where does Teresa Medeiros come up with this stuff?
Very few romance writers do humor really, really well. Teresa Medeiros is one of the best. Only Betina Krahn comes close!
Most time travel is hard to do well. It's very hard to create a story where people from different times can communicate convincingly. This book is different because the time traveler comes forward instead of going backward. And because she's a sweet, funny, playful witch with an open mind, she enjoys just about everything that's wonderful about modern life. Just watching Arian explore New York City was worth the price of the book alone!
But there's also a lot of serious stuff about the hero's tortured past, and the playful heroine's all-out effort to teach the sad, serious hero how to trust, and ultimately, how to love again. Teresa Medeiros is unique because of her humor, but she can also go from funny to heartbreaking to inspiring without ever slowing down the pace of the action. And I don't know anyone who comes close to that!
My only complaint is that the villain has a name like Wite Lize, or something like that. Other than that, BREATH OF MAGIC is the most original and enjoyable humorous time travel I've ever read.
A Puritan witch and a modern billionaire.
Where does Teresa Medeiros come up with this stuff?
July 26, 2014
Reclusive millionaire Tristan Lennox says he'll pay one million dollars to anyone who proves that magic exists. Tristan doesn't believe in magic. He wants to smoke out his former business partner who once tried to kill him. But Tristan doesn't expect a woman flying on a broom to disrupt his contest. Arian Whitewood is escaping from a mob who wanted to drown her as a witch. She doesn't expect to be thrust 300 years into the future when she falls out of air and at the feet of Tristan. Right away he believes she may have been planted by his former partner. But soon Arian's innocence is charming Tristan into believing that magic just may exist.
I've always enjoyed a good time travel story, but this one was just too light for me. Arian has very little problem functioning in the future and seems to take everything in stride. I was confused by Tristan having this contest about magic when he clearly doesn't believe in it. We did not find out the reason for his contest until the middle of the book. I thought that should have been clarified much earlier in the book. There were some funny parts of the book, especially Tristan's inept bodyguard, Sven.
Looking at the reviews, most people liked this book more than I did. I think I will give the second book in the series a try to see if I like it better. My rating: 3 Stars.
I've always enjoyed a good time travel story, but this one was just too light for me. Arian has very little problem functioning in the future and seems to take everything in stride. I was confused by Tristan having this contest about magic when he clearly doesn't believe in it. We did not find out the reason for his contest until the middle of the book. I thought that should have been clarified much earlier in the book. There were some funny parts of the book, especially Tristan's inept bodyguard, Sven.
Looking at the reviews, most people liked this book more than I did. I think I will give the second book in the series a try to see if I like it better. My rating: 3 Stars.
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