I’ll read any and everything Sydney Logan writes, so when I heard that she was releasing her second novel, I knew that it would rise to the top of my 2013 faves. Logan has a penchant for writing wonderfully sweet stories with complex, likable characters, and swoony leading men. I’m happy to say that Mountain Charm hits these marks and fulfills all of my expectations. This story deals with family relationships, friendship, loss, and small-town dynamics, all couched in a paranormal yet contemporary setting. I enjoy every moment,, and gladly give Mountain Charm 4.5 stars!
We begin with Angelina Clark, descendant from a line of mountain witches. On her 13th birthday, just as her ancestors before her, Angelina casts a spell that will bring her true love when she turns 21. Fast-forward 8 years...Angelina is living in her hometown, taking care of her mother and the family business. Unfortunately, after a series of difficult events, she’s lost faith in Appalachian magic. But even though Angelina is a skeptic, the universe still has a few surprises in store for her. This surprise shows up on the day of Angelina’s 21st birthday in the form of Dylan Thomas. Dylan is a journalist from Nashville who’s come to Maple Ridge to research witchcraft and Angelina’s family. From their first meeting, sparks fly...there’s anger and passion, heat and fireworks. Dylan can’t help but to be drawn to Angelina, and while she feels the same pull, Angelina isn't convinced that their feelings are real. Will Dylan be able to convince her that what’s growing between them transcends an 8 year old spell?
I really like Angelina! She’s witty, loyal, family-oriented, and incredibly responsible. Angelina is also stubborn, and this is especially evident when she’s trying to escape her family’s supernatural legacy. Angelina’s stubbornness also comes through when dealing with Dylan. She tries to resist him, but knows that there’s no fighting the attraction.
To be honest, it’s not like Dylan makes things easy! He is so charming and caring! Dylan is actually dealing with abandonment issues, but in the face of this, he’s willing to leave Nashville to build a life with Angelina. I love how he becomes so protective of Angelina and her mom. And even though he may not understand the witchcraft, Dylan totally embraces his feelings for Angelina. More than that, he works very hard to show her that he’s genuine, irrespective of magic.
A few fave parts:
1. I may/may not be in the market for an Appalachian magic wand, BWAHAHAHAHAHA, Angelina sure knows how to make a first impression!
2. The chemistry between Angelina and Dylan is palpable! I love seeing how their initial dislike morphs into love:
Their first kiss...
“Dylan tenderly brushed his lips against hers, and for the first time in her life, she felt it--that unmistakable rush of excitement that was supposed to encompass a first kiss. It was like a jolf of energy, crackling and electric as it flowed through her veins...”
D: “That was just as perfect as I imagined it would be.”
A: “You’ve imagined it?”
D: “Since the moment we met.” *SWOOOOOOOOOON*
Their first sexy times:
“Every breathless whisper, every frantic touch. and every quiet breath vibrated through im, and when Angelina cried out his name, he felt a feral sense of pride, knowing he was the only man who would ever touch her this way, and his would be the only name she ever screamed.” MERCYYYYYYYYYYYYY!
It’s amazing to watch this bond between them grow...how it even manifests physically...like how Dylan feels when Angelina is in distress and he drops everything to be by her side! :)))))
3. This story has great supporting characters! In particular I LOVE Angelina’s Mom...Celia is such an amazing source of optimism, hope, strength, and patience:
“...magic can only do so much. It’s love, Angelina. It’s love that keeps him here. Never doubt that.” :))))))))
I also like Maddie! I don’t typically like the best friends in novels, but Maddie is an exception. She’s really supportive, and I like how Maddie encourages Angelina to let go of her fears and give in to Dylan’s pursuit.
4. I like that we get to learn about Angelina and Dylan’s pasts. Though the subject matter isn't pleasant, it’s interesting to learn about Angelina’s history with an abusive/aggressive boyfriend. This definitely shapes how she responds to Dylan’s instinct to protect her reputation, especially when that leads him to use his fists.
I also like learning about Dylan’s family history, and then seeing him confront his MIA father. Watching Dylan deal with his dad also provides a vehicle for the reader to see the extent of Dylan’s love for Angelina...almost like a foil.
The ending is straightforward and delivers a beautiful full circle moment. Even thinking about it now, I can’t help but smile. There’s so much love...romance, love between mother and daughter, forgiveness between father and son, letting go of past losses and hurts and embracing who you are.
I wholeheartedly recommend Mountain Charm to those who are looking for an engaging contemporary romance with a paranormal twist.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read this book!