Vauxhall Gardens may be London’s ideal attraction with its diverse population, unusual entertainment and illicit pleasure walks, but for Sofia Gallo, it’s also a safe haven.
Leaving Italy with her brothers, she escaped the threat of scandal and the longer she performs as a tumbler, the more Vauxhall feels like home. Especially when she meets Noah Wright, a handsome bachelor seeking work as a magician. Yet predicting the future is far from a magician’s illusion and when Sofia’s past collides with her present, she discovers forbidden love is more dangerous than she ever dared to imagine.
Anabelle began reading at age three and never stopped. Her passion for reading soon turned into a passion for writing and an author was born. Happy to grab a suitcase if it ensures a new adventure, Anabelle finds endless inspiration in travel, especially imaginary jaunts into Regency England, a far cry from her home in New Jersey. Instead, her clever characters live out her daydreams because really, who wouldn't want to dance with a handsome duke or kiss a wicked earl?
Though teaching keeps her grounded, photography, running and writing, counterbalance her wanderlust. Often found with her nose in a book, Anabelle earned her Master's Degree and is completing her Doctorate Degree in education. Thrilled to be an author for Harlequin's Carina line, Anabelle's historical romances are character driven. She strives to provide a heartfelt connection between her hero, heroine, and the reader, believing the emotional journey on the path to true love is the most important bond. Clever secondary characters and lively conversation keep the pages turning.
Vauxhall Gardens has become a safe haven for Sofia Gallo. Leaving Italy to escape the threat of scandal, she performs as a tumbler and feels stifled by her overprotective brothers. She’s intrigued by a handsome bachelor, seeking work as a magician, who moves into her boardinghouse. But Noah Wright is not who he seems. Seeking revenge, he’s tracked his target to Vauxhall…but focusing on his search is difficult when Sofia is so near.
This is the second book in the Vauxhall Voices series, set in Vauxhall Gardens and featuring circus performers. I really loved the first book, but I struggled to connect with this one. It felt like the characters conversation were a bit repetitive and the slower start had me feeling impatient. I really did like the world building though and appreciate how the author used the setting. I would recommend this to anyone who wants something different from the glittery ballrooms and seedy underworld.
Tropes: Disguised Character, Class Difference, Revenge, Forced Proximity
Thank you NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
What an AMAZING representation of everything I love about a historical romance!! Magic In His Kiss is the second book in the Vauxhall Voices series and can be read as a standalone. It is a beautiful, charming, passionate and heartwarming love story that revolves around the performers at Vauxhall. This is my first read by Annabelle Bryant and I am so impressed with her extraordinary writing, impeccable descriptions and a sweet romance. I felt so connected to the characters and found myself rooting for Sofia and Noah. I literally could not put this book down and devoured it in one sitting! I absolutely loved this book so much and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! All the stars! 💙💙💙💙💙
I haven't read much Anabelle Bryant before, but this is my second book by her, and I think she has a unique and engaging voice to her writing. I liked the way she uses new and uncommon settings for stories and doesn't rely on the usual settings for most historical romance novels. It allows her to explore different characters, and in this novel that is no different. Sofia Gallo and her brothers perform at Vauxhall Gardens with her being their acrobatic star, but she longs for something more than being a part of an act. She meets aspiring magician, Noah Wright, and Sofia begins to forget the reasons she fled Italy after a scandal with a married man. He causes her to let down her defenses and believe that just maybe love does exist. When she finds out that he isn't who he says he is will that be the end of their budding relationship?
I enjoyed the relationship between Noah and Sofia although I do feel that some of their conversations were repetitive, and I wish that their communication was a little bit more open as it would have solved many of their problems. In the end, I was kind of disappointed that Noah wasn't able to meter out more justice to the scoundrel who hurt his sister, and the revenge part of the story was more of a side plot in the end instead of how big I expected it to be. I was glad to see Noah and Sofia overcome their differences and the things keeping them apart, and I loved watching Noah fight for his relationship with Sofia not caring who approved. He got the nod of approval for me just from that alone.
Overall, it's a strong story but there were things I could have lived without, but I think if you're already a fan then you won't want to miss this latest installment in this series.
The story reads as one of those sweet romantic ones where the young lady experiences her first kiss. I thought that the story starts out good reviewing over Noah focusing on his sister Lucy and revenge. These moments I personally felt made the book move very quickly as to I love a good mystery book. The romance of Noah and Sophia moved the book slowly for me. They start of romance reads like life is always happy and gay for the couple. Like everything is going their way. The books is good entertainment for forevermore love her more books. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book for a voluntary honest review
Noah Wright is out for revenge. He has to find the man who swindled his father and broke his sister's heart. The first place to look is Vauxhall Gardens. The second is to get hired as a magician. He's not a very good one. But that doesn't stop him from finding the swindler and falling in love with the beautiful tumbler from Italy. He needs is to set a trap for the swindler and convince his father to accept the woman he loves. What happened to the five thousand? A little long on the story that has a tendency to occasionally go off the track. Heat level steamy! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Avenging his sister is what Noah Wright, heir to the Earl of Moray, had in mind when he moved into a London boarding house going undercover as a magician. All he needed now was access to Vauxhall and to find his brother. A happy coincidence then his downstairs neighbours worked at the famous pleasure gardens and were willing to get him an introduction. Getting distracted by the little Italian spitfire was not in his plans, but she’s just so vivacious and irresistible…
Scandal led the Gallo Tumblers to pick up their successful Italian show and move to London. Sofia Gallo and her brothers had become one of the favourite performers at Vauxhall. Constantly watched by her overprotective brothers Sofia wants to spread her own wings, follow her own dreams and, with a little luck, find true love. The bachelor upstairs was handsome and charming. If only she knew for certain if he was honest…
📚 A different kind of Regency Romance. No balls or house parties, but an extensive guided tour around Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. The MCs in this story actually talk and listen to each other, and work out their differences together. The beginning of the book is a bit slow and a tad repetitive, allowing for extensive world building and rich character development. Then it moves to a more pleasant pace with some twist and turns, and a dash of suspense towards a happy end. 📚 Neighbours to lovers, hidden identity, class difference, forbidden love, steamy, open door
Thank you to Anabelle Bryant, Oliver Heber Books and Booksprout for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own
Leaving Italy with her two brothers, Sofia Gallo escaped the threat of scandal and the longer she performs as a tumbler, the more Vauxhall feels like home. Noah Wright is seeking revenge for his sister & has tracked the swindler to Vauxhall Gardens so he seeks work as a magician & takes lodgings in the same building as the Gallo siblings. The second book in the series & whilst it’s easily read on its own it does follow on from the previous book as Noah takes over Lola’s room. A delightful read, Noah & Sofia are attracted to each other from their first meeting but both have secrets. I loved how their relationship grew & developed & how they came to trust each other & shared their pasts. There is a little suspense in the book but I felt the villain didn’t get his just desserts & things were wrapped up abruptly. There is also some humour & Sofia's grasp of sayings had me smiling & chuckling, I also liked the secondary characters especially Sofia’s siblings. A very entertaining & enjoyable romance My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I was looking forward to reading Sofia's story and getting to know more about her. Once loved, twice shy but she still hasn't lost her lust for life and her talents. Noah is mesmerized and has his own hurt to deal with. Love the attention to detail and the bold and practical enticing characters toss with some suspense and steam makes this one another winner for this romance fiend. Great addition to this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
~ai pq nao menti pra ca, ai pq ja sofri e nao pude encarar as consequencias, ai pq ja fui enganada, ai pq nao quero que me esconda nada, ai pq ja passei por isso antes~
assah, troca o disco ne mores!
oq salva o livro é as cenas de smut pq a prota nao é essa imaculada, ela é beem pra frentex
fora que o proto foi pra salvar o dinheiro do earldom e acabou perdendo mais, que burro financiamente falando
*review sincera para o netgalley em troca de uma cópia avançada do livro*
Anabelle Bryant is a gift the the historical romance genre! Magic in His Kiss is the second book in her Vauxhall Voices series and it is just as charming as the first installment! Bryant's writing is so easily engage-able and evocative, I easily fell into her world and was swept away in the interweaving stream of romance and intrigue. Bryant's tone is clear and conversational, her characters are rich and multi fasciated. This novel is beautiful paced, and centers a sizzling romance that will draw any reader in. I am absolutely adoring this series and the fresh feel I get when reading it. Definitely worth picking up and devouring! You are sure to have a ball!
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rarely do we get a glimpse behind the curtains at Vauxhall, we read about the trysts and those in the boxes, but we don’t have any insight into the performers. Until Anabelle Bryant’s Vauxhall Voices series. Magic in His Kiss is her second book in this series. We first met Sofia Gallo in Love on the Line. I loved Sofia in that first book. Her steadfast loyalty to her friend Lola, her trying to manage her overprotective older brothers made we want to know her character better. And this is Sofia’s time to shine. Sofia and her brother fled a scandal in Italy based on a past liaison of Sofia. We learn more about this throughout her book, but this story is about Sofia coming into her own and in time finding love with Noah Wright. Mr. Wright is an aspiring magician who is trying to get a job at Vauxhall. But as magic is full of illusions, so is Noah Wright.
Sofia along with her brothers Alessandro and Francesco are a tumbling act performing at Vauxhall. Noah Wright moves upstairs in the boarding house where Sofia lives with her brothers. She feels a tug of attraction as does he. But they each had separate and hidden goals Sofia wants to be a modiste and Noah is out for revenge. We find out that Noah is really the future Earl of Moray out to avenge the death of his younger sister and the swindling of a large sum of money from his father. He traced the villainous Dixon to Vauxhall. Noah had a few magic tricks up his sleeves from when he would entertain his twin brother and sister. Sofia took him under her wing and introduced him to the Vauxhall family.
While the book is full on intrigue as to whether Dixon will get his comeuppance, will Sofia find out the truth about Noah and will Sofia’s dreams to become a fashion designer or modiste come to fruition. Of course the other question will be will the growing attraction between Sofia and Noah combust? Will is be able to be sustained once Sofia finds out about Noah’s half-truths? I couldn’t put the book down. I was interested in the family in Vauxhall, how they supported and protected each other. I was hopeful for Sofia and her dreams. I was enthralled by the unfolding love story between Sofia and Noah, their friendship, their sweetness, their tenderness and most definitely their blazing hot connection.
Anabelle Bryant is one of my favorite authors for the stories that she weaves, the characters that are interwoven withing the story and for the relationships that she builds. I adore her love stories, with a dash of mystery and intrigue. She brings the passion, the love and spark! I highly recommend Magic in His Kiss if you want a great story surround by love, dreams, steam and intrigue. You won’t be disappointed. It is a definite reread for me and I am looking forward to the reset of the series. Tumble don’t walk to the computer or bookstore to order Magic in His Kiss. It is well worth it!
I received an ARC of the Magic in His Kiss by Anabelle Bryant from Booksprout and voluntarily read the book.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 2 of the Vauxhall Voices series by Anabelle Bryant and continues with the story of Italian tumbler Sofia Gallo. She was the friend of the MC in book 1. She and her family had escaped scandal in Italy years prior when Sofia engaged in romantic relationship with a man who turned out to be married and lying to her. Her brothers, on finding out about her relationship and the impending scandal, decided with no discussion with Sofia to bundle the three of them up and leave the country. They turned their natural talent for tumbling and acrobatics into an entertainment act and have performed at Vauxhall for years.
Sofia, however, has grown up and grown to resent the patriarchal overprotectiveness of her brothers, who dictate rather than discuss with Sofia. She has ambitions beyond being Vauxhall entertainment, and has been engaging in actions to fulfill her ambitions of being a fashion designer, including sneaking out to add to her collections of trims and fashion while she makes her designs. She also is feeling the need for closure on her previous relationship.
In the mean time, there is a new tenant at their boarding house, Noah Wright, a handsome and charming bachelor. He claims to be seeking employment and has a talent for magic. He has developed a friendship with Sofia, and she directs him to seek employment at Vauxhall. In reality, he is the son of an Earl and is seeking a ruffian who has cheated his family of monies for faux investments, and falsely courted his sister, leading to her broken heart and death. He is seeking justice, and disguising his noble background as he has found leads to this man linking him to Vauxhall. He cannot let his attraction to the lovely Sofia get in his way.
This is a good follow up to the the first book in the series, with interesting and relatable characters. I really enjoy that it shows a different set of characters and backgrounds from the typical Regency romance, not just of social status, but also ranging in diversity from culture/race, to experience, and hinting at sexuality/gender too with a trans character as well. There is a hint of drama/suspense in Noah's raison d'etre for the story, but that is quite the secondary story to the romance between him and Sofia. There is also interesting conflict between Sofia's past and how it coloured her ability to trust, and Noah's lies about his identity, as well as a certain distrust and disdain for aristocracy shown by herself/her brother/Vauxhall employees versus the aristocratic snobbery, as demonstrated by Noah's father. Added onto the drama of Noah's hidden identity and the accompanying lies is also the added quagmire of the fact that he has an identical twin brother as well.
Vauxhall Gardens may be London’s ideal attraction with its diverse population, unusual entertainment and illicit pleasure walks, but for Sofia Gallo, it’s also a safe haven.
Leaving Italy with her brothers, she escaped the threat of scandal and the longer she performs as a tumbler, the more Vauxhall feels like home. Especially when she meets Noah Wright, a handsome bachelor seeking work as a magician. Yet predicting the future is far from a magician’s illusion and when Sofia’s past collides with her present, she discovers forbidden love is more dangerous than she ever dared to imagine.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
After the first book, I was very curious to learn more about all these Vauxhall performers and the world they inhabit so far away for the nobility’s endless partying. And this is one of the greatest part in this book too. To navigate this enjoyment scene with its ups and downs is really entertaining. After I felt less invested in the heroes relationship, like the slow start and the repetitive mantra of each both, he about his need for revenge and she the mourning of her first romance. I understand it is not well seen for a woman to have affairs but Sofia’s was kind of kept secret, so why run away for fear of a scandal, they are commoner so not beheld to the same standards than any society’s Miss. As for Noah’s thirst for payback, his sister’s death is a tragedy but in no way did the villain do more than any man or woman who flirts with no serious intention, he is guilty of other sins but alas it is more the fragile persona of Noah’s sibling that led her to her demise. So when they meet, they are not in the best of state of mind, both set on their path. And while Sofia is seeking to change her circumstances by sometime irregular feats, she looks toward the future, when Noah is eaten by his need for retribution. Revenge is not my favorite trope, as it leaves more oft than less a bitter taste. 3.5 stars rounded up
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
I'm really enjoying the "backstage" look at the lives and loves of Vauxhall performers presented in this series, as well as the pleasures and perils to be found there. Bryant has assembled an intriguing cast of characters that keep things lively along an often rocky road to romance.
Sofia Gallo is an Italian acrobat who was hustled off to London by her overprotective brothers in the wake of a scandal after being duped by a man she loved, and she thought loved her. It's been five years and she's ready to take another chance on romance but only with an honest man. She's had it with men who lie to her. She's also ready to leave the siblings' act and pursue her real passion: fashion. But that's something only she knows. Sofia is so easy to cheer for. I loved her enthusiasm for fashion and her determination to fulfill her dream but also her love for and loyalty to her brothers. It created relatable emotional conflict within her character that was fun to watch play out. I also enjoyed watching her take charge of the romantic side of her life. This was a woman who had been deceived by her innocence and was now at an age where she knew what she wanted and had the self-confidence to go after it. And what she wanted was Noah.
Noah is a man with secrets. Pretending to be a somewhat adequate magician looking for work at Vauxhall, he's actually the heir to an earldom bent on revenge for his sister's death. He's handsome, charming, noble, and hiding his real identity from the woman he's slowly falling for. I enjoyed watching Noah's evolution over the course of this story. I'm not big on secrets but I did understand his reasons and appreciated the fact that he came clean with Sofia when he did. And I loved him for the choices he made when it became clear he would have to either step out of her life or fight for their love.
Magic In His Kiss is an enjoyable cross-class romance with steamy chemistry, surprise twists, and a bit of suspense. The characters are intriguing, their situations relatable, and their happily ever after satisfyingly hard won. While this is the second book of a series, and some characters appear in both books, this one stands well on its own. Readers could definitely begin with Magic In His Kiss and not miss a beat. However, I also enjoyed book one, Love on the Line.
Advance copy received from publisher via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review.
Sofia came to England to escape her life in Italy after falling for a wedded man, now she performs as a tumbler at Vauxhall Gardens with her two older brothers. Noah is an earl who is looking for revenge on the man who he says killed his sister but in order to blend in he'll have to use his magic.
This is my first book by Anabelle Bryant and I find her to be a writer who can transport the reader into the scene with ease. She really did an excellent job at painting the picture of Vauxhall Gardens. She also has chosen a unique setting for this book, with intriguing characters. The storyline is very different from most historical romance out there. However, the blending of the characters and the story needs a little work. Overall this was an ok story, it's a cute romance but it didn't give me much in the way of feeling interested or invested in these characters. The first half was a little boring, lots of relationship building but lots of repetition and boring dialogue. The second half was a bit better but when the revenge plot unfolds it just fell flat for me because it seemed really unjustified and clouded in anger. Both the characters were cute together but due to alot of assumptions from both, and not really having much development within them, they didn't seem to me to have a solid foundation so I really couldn't see them being any more than friends. I did like that Sofia was trying to learn and further herself into fashion and the bits of Italian language were fun to see. It ends well and sums up into a neat and tidy ending as a stand alone although part of a series. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
This story is set in Vauxhall Gardens, where the heroine works as an acrobat with her brothers, and the hero (an aristocrat in disguise) takes on a job as a magician. It's an unusual setting but a perfect one for a historical romance and I don't know why more authors haven't used it!
Sofia, the heroine, has dreams of being a fashion designer and dress-maker. This adds depth not only to her character but also others as she frequently notices the little details in how people are dressed. Seeing these details through Sofia's perspective subtly adds to their characterisation. Sofia's stage outfits, and even her simple everyday wear, are described beautifully, as are the sights of the Pleasure Gardens, and the descriptive passages are a joy to read.
The hero, Noah, is driven by his desire to get revenge on the man who wronged his sister. This is an intriguing subplot that develops slowly through the story, but frustratingly doesn't really feel like it's resolved in the end. The focus of this story is very much on the romance.
'Secret identity' is one of my favourite tropes but it can get frustrating when a main character is lying to somebody they love, so I liked that Sofia frequently challenged Noah on his secrecy, and while he took his time telling her the truth, he didn't actually lie to her at any point.
(This is book two in the Vauxhall Voices series. I've not read the first one, Love on the Line, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this one. Sofia was a secondary character in the previous book, and the main characters from that one make a few brief appearances in this.)
Anabelle Bryant continues her Vauxhall Voices series with her latest sweeping and sumptuous historical romance, Magic in His Kiss.
When a scandal had left Sofia Gallo with no other choice but to flee Italy, she had quickly settled into life at Vauxhall and made a name for herself performing as a tumbler. The more she performs and the more her fame grows, the more Sofia begins like she might just have found somewhere to belong and a place she can call home. However, little did Sofia realise when coming to Vauxhall that she might just end up finding everlasting happiness with a dashing young man with magic on his mind: Noah Wright...
Handsome bachelor Noah quickly makes Sofia experience feelings and emotions she had never felt before. However, when her past catches up with her in the most shocking and unexpected of ways, will Sofia end up losing everything she cherishes all over again? Or might Noah's magical kiss help give her the courage to fight and triumph against all the obstacles standing in her way?
Anabelle Bryant's historical romances never fail to delight and Magic in His Kiss is a passionate, dramatic and sensuous tale of forbidden love, illicit desire and past sins that will hold readers in thrall from start to finish. Sofia and Noah's love story sizzles with chemistry and intensity and will take readers on an emotional journey they will not forget in a hurry.
A first-class historical romance, Magic in His Kiss is another enjoyable read from Anabelle Bryant.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“The best paths take people to unexpected places.” -Sofia Gallo
I have been thrilled with this Vauxhall Voices series. It gives a side of Regency England you don’t always find in historical romance. Rather than taking place in lavish ballrooms, the famous Vauxhall Gardens are the backdrop for these wonderful stories. What an experience it is. Through the magic of Anabelle Bryant’s descriptive prose, Vauxhall Gardens comes alive. The sights, sounds, and smells are so perfectly described, they become real. The gardens become more than a backdrop to a story. It becomes as authentic and whole as the characters themselves. And those characters came alive for me as well thanks to the author’s rich character development. I adored Sofia and Noah. Dishonesty was the one thing Sofia feared in a relationship and the thing Noah needed to be. I loved watching their developing relationship and seeing their strength and honesty evolve. The emotional connection between these two strengthened my emotional connection to the characters. Humor and powerful chemistry abound in this story. Sofia’s failed attempts at English expressions had me chuckling. And as for the chemistry, let’s just say I’ll never look at silk scarves the same. If you’re looking for a romance that will keep you spellbound, this is it.
I have often read historical romances where the famous Vauxhall Gardens have been mentioned, but I can't recall one that has revolved almost entirely around the place and performers there. Magic In His Kiss was an absolute pleasure to read because it did focus on those things.
The leading performers that the author writes about are Sofia Gallo and her brothers who are an acrobatic act. There were plenty of fascinating scenes where their show was described so well that I could picture it perfectly. Add to that Sofia's background and that of Noah Wright, a man on a mission to avenge his sister, and there was never a dull moment to be had. Noah is also Sofia's love interest in the story and their budding relationship was believable and enjoyable to read.
I was captivated from the very first pages and thoroughly enjoyed the story. For me, the only thing that let it down slightly was that the ending seemed rushed. I could have happily read a more detailed telling of the way Sofia had her happy ending, and how the villains of the story got their comeuppance. The latter was surprising in how it was handled, and perhaps not as believable as the rest of the story was.
For the most part, I loved this book and am still more than happy to recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 2 in the Vauxhall Gardens series is more appealing to me than Book 1 in that family obligations and romance take “center stage”. The son of an earl, Noah Wright is pretending to be a magician in order to uncover the whereabouts of Emmett Dixon - the man he believes is responsible for his sister’s death and absconded with his father’s investment. During the course of his investigation, he meets Sofia Gallo who works with her 2 brothers as a tumbling act. They are overprotective of her because Sofia was deceived by a married man in Italy.
As the Noah and Sofia become romantically involved, will they reveal the secrets that they both harbor? How will both families react to a possible marriage? The author does a fine job of sorting out these difficulties, having family prioritize the couple’s desires and recognizing Sofia’s dream. The only situation unsatisfactorily resolved was the disposition of Emmett Dixon and his partner in crime. What was well done: the descriptions of and the activities at the Gardens, the romantic backdrop the Gardens provided, and the steamy love scenes. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
In book two of the Vauxhall Voices series, a pretend magician (son of an earl, Noah) searches for a swindler when meeting Sophia, an Italian tumbling performer at the famous gardens. Both are holding their secrets close while falling in love. As any reader knows, a couple can’t find happiness until they have shared all their secrets!
The exhilaration of watching performers at Vauxhall comes across while reading of Sophia executing her athletic tumbling with her brothers. I could imagine myself being there in that setting along with the characters.
Both Sophia and Noah are flawed. They are similar in that they go after what they want even though from different social backgrounds. Their differences make them perfect for each other. Sophia is an adult whose brothers are so protective they make her feel like a child. Noah has the mantle of being a son to inherit as an earl, while his twin brother lives a carefree lifestyle.
I loved that Sophia had goals of being a designer and was working towards what she wanted. What I loved about Noah was that love was the most important aspect of his life and was the ultimate decision-maker. Having experienced something similar, it makes all the difference.
This is Book 2 in the captivating Vauxhall Voices series, but can easily be read as a standalone. The series centers around the performers of Vauxhall. This is Sofia's story. She left Italy with her brothers to escape scandal and performs in their acrobatic act. She meets Noah when he comes looking for work as a magician. At least that is what appears to be his reason for being at Vauxhall, but what he is really there for is to seek revenge. But he inspires a hope in Sofia that love is possible and really does exist and she lets down her defenses with him. Noah is also quite taken with Sofia, but the secret that he is keeping could affect the relationship that is developing between them. The story was unique and well-crafted and caught my interest from the start and kept me engaged till the end. The story has a little suspense and drama along with romance that kept me turning the pages. Noah and Sofia had great chemistry and the romance between them was sweet. This was a very enjoyable read and a great addition to the series. I look forward to reading the next one. I received a complimentary copy from Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
For many, Vauxhall Gardens provides entertainment and the opportunity for illicit pleasure walks; however, for Sofia Gallo, it is a place where she performs as a tumbler. Fleeing scandal in Italy with her two brothers, Vauxhall has become her new home. When she meets Noah Wright, a handsome bachelor seeking work as a magician, she feels that she might have another chance at love. Yet, Noah appears to be hiding a secret that Sofia is determined to uncover. I enjoyed both characters with Noah and Sofia struggling to fight their attraction. The reasons for Noah’s hesitancy, is cleverly interwoven into his family’s story. Likewise, Sofia’s story is gradually revealed from her conversations with her brothers and those she holds with Noah. Whilst their relationship at first seemed slow to start, the pace built and there was plenty of suspense to make this an enjoyable read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The heroine isn't your typical lady of the ton instead she's a performer and she's not afraid to speak her mind. She has no plans to marry, her only dreams are to become a designer for the ton. However once meeting a magician her dreams include both love and her designs
The hero is an Earl out for revenge but he is pretending to be a magician but things become a bit complicated when he starts getting to know the people he works with especially the tumbler with silky ribbons.
One magical kiss and one magical moment turns into something that they can't deny. And no matter how hard they try they can't fight their attraction or the love they have for each other.
This story has so much to offer from happiness to tears to laugh out loud to a cat that has a fondness for taking her mistress's things and running off with it to happily ever after and everything in between.
I definitely look forward to the next book in this series.
And we’re back in Vauxhall, with a bunch of very intriguing characters and gorgeous descriptions of the long-lost gardens that I would have paid billions to see! What I loved most in this book is Sofia, the heroine: she’s a veritable breath of fresh air, very different from the usual Ton debutantes of HR books. She’s kind, she’s adorable, she’s outspoken, but most of all she’s bold, in life and love. I loved Noah as well, a fundamentally sweet hero with a revenge plan. I must admit that the contrast between his kind nature and the determination to fulfill his plan is quite fascinating and makes him even hotter in my opinion. Great characters, some action and much love with very steamy bits all concur to make this a five star book, really worth reading. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m a huge Anabelle Bryant fan, and for good reason. Her stories transport you to another time and place with impeccable writing, characters and detailed scenery. You can close your eyes and imagine you’re there.
In this second installment of the Vauxhall Voices series, Magic in his Kiss has you learning about Sofia Gallo and Noah Wright. Sofia is a beautiful person inside and out who performs as a tumbler with her two irritating, overly protective brothers at Vauxhall Gardens, she ran from Italy to escape her past but has dreams of being a fashion designer and perhaps one day finding love. Noah is on a mission to find out the truth of his sisters untimely death. He seeks nothing but revenge, that is, until he meets Sofia. Together they find danger, intrigue, passion and love. Did I mention there’s a beautiful furry cat?!
This story definitely has more twists and turns than the tumbling acts involved! Sophia Gallo is braver than I thought she should be after experiencing Heartbreak! But then so is the hero Noah who is also an identical twin to his brother Charlie! Noah is on a mission at Vauxhall to avenge the death of his sister Lucy! Sophia knows Noah is more than a mere magician but not the extent of his heritage as the heir of the Earl of Moray! Things come to light as these two become closer Sophia confronts Noah with her fears and he the truth! It seems impossible as Noah has clear instructions to his noble heritage and a father who won’t budge or will he? When a disaster occurs when Noah and his twin are in pursuit of the man who stole from them their future hangs in the balance! Will Noah and Sophia have the future they deserve? Bravo!
This story is one of common workers at Vauxhall. The descriptions of this amazing place makes me wish to time travel to actually visit this site.
Sofia Gallo with her two brothers left Italy and the threat of scandal. They are a daring group of tumblers who have been recognized for their abilities. That scandal is described later in the book.
Also, looking to work a Vauxhall is Noah Wright under the guise of magician. Noah is there to find the man that swindled his family of money and caused his sisters death.
The author has carefully built several plots for the reader to follow and guess the outcome. Ms Bryant is a master of character building in her books. She is one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints.
In this second installment of Vauxhall Voices we get Sofia’s story. I really liked this story. It showed the progression of the relationship between Sofia and Noah to perfection. The mystery which is more suspense was pretty good. I loved Noah. I thought he was a fantastic hero. Between the overly protective brothers and Noah’s family it was difficult to see where this would end. Of course it ended in an HEA, as with all romances. One thing I might have missed but re-read the last part of the book was how the swindler was captured. I did not see a real resolution to that part of the suspense. I found this to be an enjoyable, away from ton life, book.
I really enjoyed reading about life as a performer at Vauxhall Gardens. It would be a place I would have loved to see. Sofia is a tumbler and performs with her brothers at Vauxhall. Noah is a magician who is trying to get a job at Vauxhall Gardens to find someone who did wrong to his sister. There is an immediate attraction between Sofia and Noah when they first meet, but her brothers are very protective of her and Noah has secrets he’s hiding. Sofia has her own secrets, which come back to haunt her in London. Is their love strong enough to endure outside interference? I will definitely be reading the other books in this series. Very well written with a great mystery.