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Mysterious: This Magic Moment / Search For Love/ The Right Path
This Magic Moment �For Ryan Swan, who'd learned never to give her trust, master illusionist Pierce Atkins was the last man to whom she should give her heart. Especially since he was planning a death-defying stunt he might not escape from. But in Pierce's enthralling presence, all Ryan's defenses seemed to vanish…like magic.
Search for Love �Arriving at her long-lost relatives' Brittany estate, Serenity Smith was greeted with cold politeness by the Comtesse de Kergallen and her darkly handsome grandson, Christophe. Refusing to believe their scandalous stories about her late parents, Serenity set out to prove they were false…but getting the enigmatic Christophe to change his mind about her would prove an equally worthy challenge.
The Right Path �After a frightening encounter with a knife-wielding stranger, Morgan James was bewildered when her "attacker" turned out to be the very wealthy Nicholas Gregoras. But could Morgan's suspicions about the mysterious Greek tycoon withstand the all-consuming desire ignited by his kiss?
568 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
44 people are currently reading
1476 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.8k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 3, 2010
Reprints of books from the 80s are often hit-or-miss propositions. This one was mostly a miss. The first of the 3 was odd but amusing.
The other two featured men who took over, women who let them, and almost-rape-but-it's-not-rape-if-she-is-coerced-to-change-her-mind-partway-through, right? BLEAH!
The other two featured men who took over, women who let them, and almost-rape-but-it's-not-rape-if-she-is-coerced-to-change-her-mind-partway-through, right? BLEAH!
May 22, 2012
God, it felt like I was reading that forever. I should have flounced the last two books but I wanted to see how the mystery elements would be resolved. (Lamely, if you're asking.) It's a good thing Nora Roberts's stories have improved immensely in the last 20-30 years.
This Magic Moment: I generally liked the characters in this book. Pierce did a couple of things that had me side-eyeing him but he wasn't bad. Ryan's name continually confused me. I just couldn't get used to it being a female name. I liked that there were points where they could have had typical misunderstandings that would cause their separation but instead they talked about it (though Ryan was being somewhat unreasonable). The issue that did drive them apart in the end was ridiculous. Again, I think Ryan wasn't using her head and Pierce wasn't being clear. But the story did have some seriously romantic scenes that I really liked. 3 stars
Search for Love: This story was pretty much nonsensical. The entire premise was strange. But I could have been okay with that if it weren't for the "Hero" Christophe. I guess he wanted to deny his feelings for the Heroine, Serenity, so he basically treated her with nothing but anger and violence. She wasn't passive and would yell right back at him and everytime she did he would grab her and kiss her violently. The word "bruising" was used everytime. It was obvious he was using violent kissing as a substitute for actually hitting her into submission, but then he'd go so far as to confirm that in words after he was done. Of course, his "bruising" kisses zap Serenity of all sense and she doesn't consider them what they actually are nor does she focus on his words afterward. It seriously goes in this vein throughout the entire book until suddenly out of nowhere she's in love with him. What in the bloody hell?
At one point they're about to have sex, and he is being kind of violent with it and she tells him she's scared because she's a virgin. He, of course, gets pissed at her. Then at the end he tells her he's "taking what no man's ever had before" throws her on the ground kissing her and groping her and continues even though she's struggling against him but then when she decides that she actually likes it and is ready and capitulates he stops and rolls off and says he realizes he's 'hurt her again and he just can't control his baser instincts with her.' And she's like, 'that's cool.' I almost threw the fucking book against the wall. At that point after he finally admits he loves her he's all sweet and tender and loving. So, basically he was violent toward this girl falling just short of actually hitting her and raping her, because he loved her from the moment he set eyes on her but didn't want to admit it? Yeah, okay. Oh, and he really needed to stop reminding everyone that they're cousins. It's through marriage, they're not close to being blood relations so it wasn't squicky but the calling her cousin wasn't helpful. Sticking around for the resolution of the promised but often-ignored mystery wasn't worth it. It was incredibly contrived. 1 star
The Right Path: This story was much more compelling, so was the setting. I didn't regret sticking around to find out the end of the mystery as much. Same problems with the characters though. Nicolas didn't want to fall for Morgan so he was a jerk to her. It could have come back from their first meeting due to the extenuating circumstances, but he just continued with the behavior even though he'd then lament how much of a dick he is to her and not wanting to hurt her. Then, after she's gotten shit-faced drunk and his cousin (who she was out with at the time) made a point of taking her home as to not take advantage of her, Nick, of course sleeps with her. And is violent about it since he's pissed he's losing control. Morgan, of course, calls it all her fault and is upset when he seems to regret it. He spends an entire long paragraph going on about how he took advantage of her. OH, SO YOU KNEW IT WAS WRONG. Jesus. They have a back and forth I want to like but she acts like a ditz and he's too demanding. She falls in love in like three days and her other suitor who is super sweet and attractive is just not enough. Then suddenly near the end she decides she wants to stand up for herself at all the wrong times about the the wrong things. When she does the first time he says, 'if I had the time I would beat you, but since I don't...' and he kisses her. You have got to be kidding me. But he gives into her. She then swan dives into Too Stupid To Live. I was hoping she'd die due to her stupidity in the end. Ugh. 1.5 stars
*****
I just want to add that I know I sure want a man who threatens to beat me anytime I don't do as he wants me to do. I'd chalk it up to the fact that all of these were published originally in the early 80s but since it's 2012 and the most passed on, talked about "book" out there right now heavily features a man threatening to beat his girlfriend anytime she disobeys him it is unfortunately not an 80s thing. It's a frighteningly idiotic notion of romance thing. And it is disgusting.
This Magic Moment: I generally liked the characters in this book. Pierce did a couple of things that had me side-eyeing him but he wasn't bad. Ryan's name continually confused me. I just couldn't get used to it being a female name. I liked that there were points where they could have had typical misunderstandings that would cause their separation but instead they talked about it (though Ryan was being somewhat unreasonable). The issue that did drive them apart in the end was ridiculous. Again, I think Ryan wasn't using her head and Pierce wasn't being clear. But the story did have some seriously romantic scenes that I really liked. 3 stars
Search for Love: This story was pretty much nonsensical. The entire premise was strange. But I could have been okay with that if it weren't for the "Hero" Christophe. I guess he wanted to deny his feelings for the Heroine, Serenity, so he basically treated her with nothing but anger and violence. She wasn't passive and would yell right back at him and everytime she did he would grab her and kiss her violently. The word "bruising" was used everytime. It was obvious he was using violent kissing as a substitute for actually hitting her into submission, but then he'd go so far as to confirm that in words after he was done. Of course, his "bruising" kisses zap Serenity of all sense and she doesn't consider them what they actually are nor does she focus on his words afterward. It seriously goes in this vein throughout the entire book until suddenly out of nowhere she's in love with him. What in the bloody hell?
At one point they're about to have sex, and he is being kind of violent with it and she tells him she's scared because she's a virgin. He, of course, gets pissed at her. Then at the end he tells her he's "taking what no man's ever had before" throws her on the ground kissing her and groping her and continues even though she's struggling against him but then when she decides that she actually likes it and is ready and capitulates he stops and rolls off and says he realizes he's 'hurt her again and he just can't control his baser instincts with her.' And she's like, 'that's cool.' I almost threw the fucking book against the wall. At that point after he finally admits he loves her he's all sweet and tender and loving. So, basically he was violent toward this girl falling just short of actually hitting her and raping her, because he loved her from the moment he set eyes on her but didn't want to admit it? Yeah, okay. Oh, and he really needed to stop reminding everyone that they're cousins. It's through marriage, they're not close to being blood relations so it wasn't squicky but the calling her cousin wasn't helpful. Sticking around for the resolution of the promised but often-ignored mystery wasn't worth it. It was incredibly contrived. 1 star
The Right Path: This story was much more compelling, so was the setting. I didn't regret sticking around to find out the end of the mystery as much. Same problems with the characters though. Nicolas didn't want to fall for Morgan so he was a jerk to her. It could have come back from their first meeting due to the extenuating circumstances, but he just continued with the behavior even though he'd then lament how much of a dick he is to her and not wanting to hurt her. Then, after she's gotten shit-faced drunk and his cousin (who she was out with at the time) made a point of taking her home as to not take advantage of her, Nick, of course sleeps with her. And is violent about it since he's pissed he's losing control. Morgan, of course, calls it all her fault and is upset when he seems to regret it. He spends an entire long paragraph going on about how he took advantage of her. OH, SO YOU KNEW IT WAS WRONG. Jesus. They have a back and forth I want to like but she acts like a ditz and he's too demanding. She falls in love in like three days and her other suitor who is super sweet and attractive is just not enough. Then suddenly near the end she decides she wants to stand up for herself at all the wrong times about the the wrong things. When she does the first time he says, 'if I had the time I would beat you, but since I don't...' and he kisses her. You have got to be kidding me. But he gives into her. She then swan dives into Too Stupid To Live. I was hoping she'd die due to her stupidity in the end. Ugh. 1.5 stars
*****
I just want to add that I know I sure want a man who threatens to beat me anytime I don't do as he wants me to do. I'd chalk it up to the fact that all of these were published originally in the early 80s but since it's 2012 and the most passed on, talked about "book" out there right now heavily features a man threatening to beat his girlfriend anytime she disobeys him it is unfortunately not an 80s thing. It's a frighteningly idiotic notion of romance thing. And it is disgusting.
August 14, 2016
This book really wasn't some of her best work. I don't enjoy having three stories in one book, because it all seems rushed. I definitely prefer Nora Roberts' more recent stuff.
Also, why can't the characters admit they are attracted to one another. They don't have to do anything about it, but they keep finding excuses.
This Magic Moment 3 Stars
After a short reading hiatus, this wasn't exactly the best story to start with. Pierce and Ryan annoyed me (even though Ryan is one of my favourite girl's names), but I loved Link and Bess. In fact, I wish the story had been about them.
Search For Love 1 Star
After reading this novella, I'm left with fonder memories of the first because this one was terrible. Serenity was weak and silly, even though she claims to be strong and have pride. The story is much too idyllic, everything is perfect and pretty and french. It's not real. And there were way too many adjectives and adverbs and descriptions.
And it's the only story of hers that every single character annoyed me and I found it ridiculous how fast they fell in "love," without knowing each other at all. In fact, they hated each other.
And for all the claims she makes that her father would never be a thief, she spends no time searching for the truth. And what's the big deal if her father is a thief, she finds it romantic and wonderful that her ancestor was a pirate.
And she totally and completely forgets about Tony, even though they were in some sort of relationship.
I read it really fast and I didn't pay much attention, just to get to the next story.
The Right Path 3 Stars
This one was probably my favorite out of the book. Nicholas was sexy and dangerous and hot, just like the story. I loved the mystery part, it was unlike any other Nora Roberts I've read.
And although I initially liked Morgan, in the end I found her exceptionally dumb and unlikable.
Also, why can't the characters admit they are attracted to one another. They don't have to do anything about it, but they keep finding excuses.
This Magic Moment 3 Stars
After a short reading hiatus, this wasn't exactly the best story to start with. Pierce and Ryan annoyed me (even though Ryan is one of my favourite girl's names), but I loved Link and Bess. In fact, I wish the story had been about them.
Search For Love 1 Star
After reading this novella, I'm left with fonder memories of the first because this one was terrible. Serenity was weak and silly, even though she claims to be strong and have pride. The story is much too idyllic, everything is perfect and pretty and french. It's not real. And there were way too many adjectives and adverbs and descriptions.
And it's the only story of hers that every single character annoyed me and I found it ridiculous how fast they fell in "love," without knowing each other at all. In fact, they hated each other.
And for all the claims she makes that her father would never be a thief, she spends no time searching for the truth. And what's the big deal if her father is a thief, she finds it romantic and wonderful that her ancestor was a pirate.
And she totally and completely forgets about Tony, even though they were in some sort of relationship.
I read it really fast and I didn't pay much attention, just to get to the next story.
The Right Path 3 Stars
This one was probably my favorite out of the book. Nicholas was sexy and dangerous and hot, just like the story. I loved the mystery part, it was unlike any other Nora Roberts I've read.
And although I initially liked Morgan, in the end I found her exceptionally dumb and unlikable.
October 5, 2016
I don't usually read romance but I got this from a donate pile from my parents and I just finished the book I brought, sooo... yeah. I do not want to read a romance after this one.
The lack of the male characters respecting the female character was astounding. The first wasn't too bad but the other two were jerks and in some instances, what they did was borderline rape. Lack of consent was a major issue and how people find domineering, violent men romantic is beyond me.
I do not understand how she is a best seller.
The lack of the male characters respecting the female character was astounding. The first wasn't too bad but the other two were jerks and in some instances, what they did was borderline rape. Lack of consent was a major issue and how people find domineering, violent men romantic is beyond me.
I do not understand how she is a best seller.
January 11, 2018
This was rather lame, assault romance with big, tough, grabby men, and svelte beauties who must be carried through life's difficulties. These stories should have been left in the vault and never reissued, they are most definitely dated and will turn the casual reader off from picking up a romance book every again.
June 13, 2019
Two stars for having a magician as the love interest in the first story, but no stars for the angry, abusive men in the other two. Too many cringeworthy moments, for sure.
November 5, 2020
This Magic Moment - this story about a magician and the woman producing his TV special is probably the least creepy of the set. The hero isn’t a total horrible jerk and there are several times when he is sweet and kind and actually considers the viewpoint of the heroine. The chemistry between the couple is entertaining, and I liked getting to meet some side characters and seeing the heroine’s relationship with her dad evolve. I felt Ryan (the heroine) was a bit over-dramatic, but at least she made Pierce (the hero) suffer a little.
Search for Love - Did not like this story about a woman who travels to France to meet her estranged grandmother. I hate stories where the hero is super grabby without actually communicating with the heroine in any way. It’s very gross. The heroine also doesn’t really stand up for herself. There is supposedly a “mystery” in that Serenity is trying to find out the truth about a missing painting, but she doesn’t actually put any effort into that search. Not a fan.
The Right Path - this book is disappointing because the heroine had potential - she is a successful translator who has a thriving career - yet on her vacation to the Greek island of Lesbos she has apparently left her intelligence and personality behind. Instead, she enjoys being grabbed and kissed by a random man who holds a knife to her and breaks into her room whenever he feels like it. I was somewhat interested to find out who the smugglers were in the mystery portion of this story. But overall this story just didn’t appeal to me.
Search for Love - Did not like this story about a woman who travels to France to meet her estranged grandmother. I hate stories where the hero is super grabby without actually communicating with the heroine in any way. It’s very gross. The heroine also doesn’t really stand up for herself. There is supposedly a “mystery” in that Serenity is trying to find out the truth about a missing painting, but she doesn’t actually put any effort into that search. Not a fan.
The Right Path - this book is disappointing because the heroine had potential - she is a successful translator who has a thriving career - yet on her vacation to the Greek island of Lesbos she has apparently left her intelligence and personality behind. Instead, she enjoys being grabbed and kissed by a random man who holds a knife to her and breaks into her room whenever he feels like it. I was somewhat interested to find out who the smugglers were in the mystery portion of this story. But overall this story just didn’t appeal to me.
February 23, 2025
This Magic Moment:
Ryan Small never learned to give her trust and Pierce Atkin master illusionist was the last man to whom she should fall in love with. This book was written in the early 80's the men in this story are very dominate and like to take care of the female character. I forgot what it was like to read just a romance story. I did enjoy reading it.
Search For Love:
Serenity received an invitation/summons to visit her long lost relatives after the death of her parents. She is greeted with cold politeness by her Grandmother and her handsome Grandson. She refuses to believe their scandalous stories about her parents and sets out to prove them wrong. Again the story was written in the 80's where the men in the story are very dominate. I did enjoy reading it as well.
The Right Path:
Morgan is vacationing in Greece at the home of her former roommate Liz and her husband Alex. While walking on the beach for a moonlight stroll, she encounters a knife wielding stranger. It turns out that the stranger is Nicholas Gregoras her friends next door neighbor. Murder and adventure ensues and of course romance. This story is also written in the 80's where the male characters are very dominate. I did enjoy the book.
I read each story in a day
Ryan Small never learned to give her trust and Pierce Atkin master illusionist was the last man to whom she should fall in love with. This book was written in the early 80's the men in this story are very dominate and like to take care of the female character. I forgot what it was like to read just a romance story. I did enjoy reading it.
Search For Love:
Serenity received an invitation/summons to visit her long lost relatives after the death of her parents. She is greeted with cold politeness by her Grandmother and her handsome Grandson. She refuses to believe their scandalous stories about her parents and sets out to prove them wrong. Again the story was written in the 80's where the men in the story are very dominate. I did enjoy reading it as well.
The Right Path:
Morgan is vacationing in Greece at the home of her former roommate Liz and her husband Alex. While walking on the beach for a moonlight stroll, she encounters a knife wielding stranger. It turns out that the stranger is Nicholas Gregoras her friends next door neighbor. Murder and adventure ensues and of course romance. This story is also written in the 80's where the male characters are very dominate. I did enjoy the book.
I read each story in a day
November 21, 2017
This is the first book I have ever DNF. I just couldn't get attached to any of the character or find interest in the stories. This book was broken up into three small stories. I read the first called "This Magic Moment". I thought it was alright but I had to force myself to finish it. The second story "Search for Love" is probably what made me quite reading. I found that I didn't like the characters at all and didn't want to continue wasting my time on something I was enjoying. I tried the first chapter of the third story "The Right Path" but found myself thinking about other things and decided my mind was just done with the book. This is the first novel I've picked up by Nora Roberts. I may try one of her longer novels at a later date though I probably will stay clear of any other short stories written by her. The novel just wasn't my cup of tea.
May 25, 2022
Out of all the three - The Magic Moment was the best for me. But all three stories were great. I enjoyed reading them. I admire that even though all these are Romance based, Nora Roberts writes them all different. Different scenarios and situations; different era and work path. They are all not the same. The way the characters are defined/detailed - Nora Roberts just makes you live that moment as if you are the character or the character is in front of you.
In Search for Love, I enjoyed the painting and portraits scenes and how well they were described. In Right Path, I enjoyed learning about Greece and activities that they have going on at that time period. Overall, Nora Roberts is a writer whose books I want to keep reading and reading.
In Search for Love, I enjoyed the painting and portraits scenes and how well they were described. In Right Path, I enjoyed learning about Greece and activities that they have going on at that time period. Overall, Nora Roberts is a writer whose books I want to keep reading and reading.
January 8, 2020
three stories, and none above a 3 rating, which is rare for a nora roberts book.
I mildly enjoyed the first one, the magician angle was fun, but the mystery was weak.
book two's mystery was a little better but i didn't enjoy the hero or the heroine, his faulty blame her for wanting her and her weakness to his verbal and physical abuse cough cough love lmao
and book three was somewhere in the middle, the angles were decent, the mystery was solid but the leads bugged the hell out of me. Me Tarzan, you Jane, bonk you on the head and make you love me, isn't a love story to me.
so sad to cast a 3 star, but it is what it is.
I mildly enjoyed the first one, the magician angle was fun, but the mystery was weak.
book two's mystery was a little better but i didn't enjoy the hero or the heroine, his faulty blame her for wanting her and her weakness to his verbal and physical abuse cough cough love lmao
and book three was somewhere in the middle, the angles were decent, the mystery was solid but the leads bugged the hell out of me. Me Tarzan, you Jane, bonk you on the head and make you love me, isn't a love story to me.
so sad to cast a 3 star, but it is what it is.
July 2, 2022
The two stars are because the first story was enjoyable and the second wasn’t terrible. But the third story was basically a rape victim having Stockholm Syndrome. That wasn’t just rape fantasy, if a woman is intoxicated and cannot consent, then that is rape! Every time they are together he is forcing himself on her, and the one time she “gives in” she is drunk! I never do this, but I’m actually just throwing this in the recycle rather than donating it for some other unsuspecting person to read.
November 20, 2020
Moc se mi líbí závěrečná kouzelnická scéna. A Pierce. Ryan mi přišla trochu otravná.
Líbí se mi obálka.
s. 66 „Co to děláte,“ zeptala se
s. 82 o otočila se
s. 85 vstoupení [vystoupení]
s. 87 to [do]
s. 179 době [sobě]
si [jsi]
s. 224 bránil se o ustoupil
uvozovky - s. 22, 128, 141, 195, 203
špatné dělení slov - s. 29, 30
čárka - s. 29
ji/jí - s. 122
Líbí se mi obálka.
s. 66 „Co to děláte,“ zeptala se
s. 82 o otočila se
s. 85 vstoupení [vystoupení]
s. 87 to [do]
s. 179 době [sobě]
si [jsi]
s. 224 bránil se o ustoupil
uvozovky - s. 22, 128, 141, 195, 203
špatné dělení slov - s. 29, 30
čárka - s. 29
ji/jí - s. 122
February 13, 2018
For those who like Nora Roberts' books filled with romance and mystery, this book is a treasure trove since it contains three full length novels. Romance and suspense kept me turning the pages. All so different, yet so good, the novels kept me guessing. The only thing I skipped while reading were the excessive sex scenes.
July 8, 2019
This book consisted of three of Nora Roberts books - This Magic Moment, Search for Love and The Right Path. I read the first two. The last one I only got a little way through and I finally I said that's enough. I don't need a blow by blow of the sexual acts and the stories weren't that interesting. I won't read any by this author.
September 23, 2023
This took me forever to finish, I don't know why. But then when I consider it was 568 pages...plus I read a few other books at the same time. No need to review this, I don't think. Who doesn't enjoy a good Nora Roberts romance/mystery? All three of these stories were enjoyable even though they were a bit dated.
July 17, 2022
Normally, I read through anything by Nora Roberts very quickly. But this book took me a while. It is compiled of 3 stories. The first story didn't move very fast at all. The second story I read in a matter of hours. And the third seemed to run hot and cold until the last 3 chapters.
November 11, 2022
This book contains 3 of Nora's earlier stories, This Magic Moment, Search for Love and The Right Path.
Each story was a good, quick read and I would recommend them.
I loved the characters in each of the books and the strange chemistry between the leading pairs.
Each story was a good, quick read and I would recommend them.
I loved the characters in each of the books and the strange chemistry between the leading pairs.
July 21, 2024
This Magic Moment - 3.5 stars
Search for Love - 2 stars. Describing a woman as having 'cockerspaniel eyes' not once, but twice, loses you a star.
The Right Path - 2 stars. These people are terrible for each other.
Search for Love - 2 stars. Describing a woman as having 'cockerspaniel eyes' not once, but twice, loses you a star.
The Right Path - 2 stars. These people are terrible for each other.
January 22, 2025
I enjoyed This Magic Moment and Search for Love. The romance in The Right Path boarded on inappropriate at times. All in all i do enjoy Nora Roberts, however The Right Path is so far one of the books i will say was a painful read.
January 9, 2018
Mills and Boon stories.
March 7, 2019
It was awesome!
Read
August 23, 2019What can I say, Nora Roberts never lets me down!!
June 28, 2020
Audio- good summer covid commute fluff- clearly she has evolved!
July 20, 2020
Three fun stories in this book. All very different and entertaining. Nice light summer read.
January 4, 2022
Three quick fun reads combined in one paperback! Not earth shattering literature but a good distraction.
January 23, 2022
Honestly this is the book I remember being my first adult book. My grandma didn't know what she had given little me. But I have read it so many times and it is my go to comfort book. Love it.
May 26, 2022
Not really my kind of book
July 31, 2022
Three quintessential Nora Roberts stories. Lots of romance, some mystery. Right Path will keep you guessing to the very end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews