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Celtic Rogues #3
Magic
Kimberly Cates' enchanting love stories are wonderful journeys of the heart, colored with the vivid emotions of her unforgettable heroes and adventurous heroines. In this breathtaking new novel, a daring Irish lass meets a magnificent warrior she believes has come to the Emerald Isle from far beyond and long ago. It may be just a fairy tale, but Mary Fallon Delaney cherishes the fable of Ciaran of the Mist, the legendary guardian said to keep watch over Ireland. And Fallon's homeland could use his otherworldly help: English troops, searching for an escaped criminal, are terrorizing the countryside. Feeling a bit foolish, Fallon makes her way to a ruined castle on mystical Beltaine Eve to summon Ciaran with a glittering brooch said to possess magical powers. She never expected a towering, naked stranger -- surely the most handsome man she's ever seen -- to appear out of the fog... or imagined he would be so furiously angry
A gash on his head proves he's no apparition, but has left his identity a mystery. For Fallon, this dark-haired wonder could be her dream hero in the flesh -- bound to return to his faraway world. But before she can know who he is or where he came from, the two are swept up in a furious clash with the hated English. Only an exquisite love, stronger than betrayal or even time itself, can join them together forever, "if" it is touched by magic....
A gash on his head proves he's no apparition, but has left his identity a mystery. For Fallon, this dark-haired wonder could be her dream hero in the flesh -- bound to return to his faraway world. But before she can know who he is or where he came from, the two are swept up in a furious clash with the hated English. Only an exquisite love, stronger than betrayal or even time itself, can join them together forever, "if" it is touched by magic....
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1998
653 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Cates
57 books97 followersKimberly Cates lives in Illinois with her family.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
Pseudonyms: Kimberleigh Caitlin and Kim Cates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 31, 2020
I am very glad a friend recommended this one to me!
If you're into Faerie, Irish, Magic and love of land, then this is for you.
I had some issues with it which are minor, but for what it is ( a fantasy romance) it was excellent.
Super sticky sweet, strong heroine and decent plot. Too bad one has to make considerable leaps of faith time and again.
My issues (quick personal notes to myself):
I know I'm being nit picky, but there was just too many plot holes I wished were filled. The book had so much potential. The author could have taken this in so many directions, yet kept it simple and predictable. A tremendous amount of missed opportunities to take the book to a higher level.
My last gripe is that the author is too much in the head of the characters. If you get my meaning. Not enough showing and experiencing with actions and other senses outside the mental. Repetitive. Lack of a more substantial motivation.
I'm not bashing the book, please don't misunderstand. I just came off reading a bunch of books by S. King who is a master of character psyche so I may be more brutal than normal. Not comparing so to speak but just noticing how a writer executes a 3-D character.
The good: Super sweet, great romance with honorable characters. Awesome comfort read.
No safety concerns whatsoever.
If you're into Faerie, Irish, Magic and love of land, then this is for you.
I had some issues with it which are minor, but for what it is ( a fantasy romance) it was excellent.
Super sticky sweet, strong heroine and decent plot. Too bad one has to make considerable leaps of faith time and again.
My issues (quick personal notes to myself):
I know I'm being nit picky, but there was just too many plot holes I wished were filled. The book had so much potential. The author could have taken this in so many directions, yet kept it simple and predictable. A tremendous amount of missed opportunities to take the book to a higher level.
My last gripe is that the author is too much in the head of the characters. If you get my meaning. Not enough showing and experiencing with actions and other senses outside the mental. Repetitive. Lack of a more substantial motivation.
I'm not bashing the book, please don't misunderstand. I just came off reading a bunch of books by S. King who is a master of character psyche so I may be more brutal than normal. Not comparing so to speak but just noticing how a writer executes a 3-D character.
The good: Super sweet, great romance with honorable characters. Awesome comfort read.
No safety concerns whatsoever.
March 20, 2017
Irish Mythology Brought to Life!
The story begins in Ireland as 6-year-old Mary Fallon Delaney listens to her dying mother tell her the legend of Ciaran of the Mist, a mythical Celtic warrior who promised to appear at the hour of Ireland's greatest need. And her mother gives her a magical brooch that will summon Ciaran.
In 1808, Fallon, now grown, on Beltane eve, goes to a castle ruin where she hid the brooch years ago. When an English officer appears and threatens to destroy the castle ruins, Fallon waits for the moonlight and summons Ciaran and a naked stranger stumbles out of the mist.
The man (who accepts the name Ciaran) insists he is no Celtic warrior from the fairy realm, but he has no memory of who he is. He knows nothing of his life before he stumbled out of the mist, a gash on his head, and he has no intention of getting swept up in the clash between the Irish and the English. But Fallon, still lost in her fairy stories, has other ideas.
Captain Redmayne is looking for a smuggler call “Silver Hand” and thinks it just might be this guy named Ciaran. When Fallon claims he is her fiancé, the English officer forces them to wed, thinking the ruse will be up. But it isn’t and they marry, knowing nothing of each other.
This is historical romance ribboned with fantasy and Irish mythology. Cates writes in lovely, lyrical style that weaves the fairy tales Fallon believes in with the fictional characters. The heroine is very sheltered and naïve and does some unwise, if unlikely things, but inevitably manages to succeed. Even the hero comes to believe in her legends. There’s a twist at the end and a heartwarming Epilogue. Fans of Irish mythology will love this one.
The Celtic Rogues series (I have read them all and recommend them; the first on is my favorite):
Black Falcon's Lady
Her Magic Touch
Briar Rose
Stealing Heaven
Lily Fair
The story begins in Ireland as 6-year-old Mary Fallon Delaney listens to her dying mother tell her the legend of Ciaran of the Mist, a mythical Celtic warrior who promised to appear at the hour of Ireland's greatest need. And her mother gives her a magical brooch that will summon Ciaran.
In 1808, Fallon, now grown, on Beltane eve, goes to a castle ruin where she hid the brooch years ago. When an English officer appears and threatens to destroy the castle ruins, Fallon waits for the moonlight and summons Ciaran and a naked stranger stumbles out of the mist.
The man (who accepts the name Ciaran) insists he is no Celtic warrior from the fairy realm, but he has no memory of who he is. He knows nothing of his life before he stumbled out of the mist, a gash on his head, and he has no intention of getting swept up in the clash between the Irish and the English. But Fallon, still lost in her fairy stories, has other ideas.
Captain Redmayne is looking for a smuggler call “Silver Hand” and thinks it just might be this guy named Ciaran. When Fallon claims he is her fiancé, the English officer forces them to wed, thinking the ruse will be up. But it isn’t and they marry, knowing nothing of each other.
This is historical romance ribboned with fantasy and Irish mythology. Cates writes in lovely, lyrical style that weaves the fairy tales Fallon believes in with the fictional characters. The heroine is very sheltered and naïve and does some unwise, if unlikely things, but inevitably manages to succeed. Even the hero comes to believe in her legends. There’s a twist at the end and a heartwarming Epilogue. Fans of Irish mythology will love this one.
The Celtic Rogues series (I have read them all and recommend them; the first on is my favorite):
Black Falcon's Lady
Her Magic Touch
Briar Rose
Stealing Heaven
Lily Fair
October 8, 2010
Kimberly Cates has such a beautiful way with words. In MAGIC, she touched my emotions right off the bat with her portrait of a lonely and scared little girl whose belief in magic and legends is her only solace in an emotionally empty world. I think I was in tears by page two. But don't get me wrong this is not a dismal book at all, it's sprinkled with humor and it's oh-so-very touching. I have no complaints, no nits to pick. I devoured and loved every second of it.
This story is filled with heart-tugging emotion and three dimensional characters. I really recommend it to those of you who enjoy strong character driven stories that aren't over done with intense intrigue and political subplots galore. It has a villain but he doesn't take center stage and unlike many villains nowadays he's portrayed as a human with faults rather than a cardboard bad guy. Even he intrigued me. Mostly it's a warm, loving and sometimes funny love story. There was a small group of secondary characters who were drawn so well their plight managed to bring tears to my eyes. The hero is strong, stubborn, caring and virginal (!) and the heroine is immediately likable and his perfect match. My favorite thing about her was her realness, she wasn't perfect. She had a short fuse and was as stubborn as the hero and she never, ever turned into an irritating heroine. I appreciated that she wasn't suddenly transformed into a paragon of perfection by the novels end too. I'm tired of the patient, virtuous and tolerant heroine. This one fibs when put on the spot and ends up getting herself into all sorts of trouble. She was great as was the entire book.
This story is filled with heart-tugging emotion and three dimensional characters. I really recommend it to those of you who enjoy strong character driven stories that aren't over done with intense intrigue and political subplots galore. It has a villain but he doesn't take center stage and unlike many villains nowadays he's portrayed as a human with faults rather than a cardboard bad guy. Even he intrigued me. Mostly it's a warm, loving and sometimes funny love story. There was a small group of secondary characters who were drawn so well their plight managed to bring tears to my eyes. The hero is strong, stubborn, caring and virginal (!) and the heroine is immediately likable and his perfect match. My favorite thing about her was her realness, she wasn't perfect. She had a short fuse and was as stubborn as the hero and she never, ever turned into an irritating heroine. I appreciated that she wasn't suddenly transformed into a paragon of perfection by the novels end too. I'm tired of the patient, virtuous and tolerant heroine. This one fibs when put on the spot and ends up getting herself into all sorts of trouble. She was great as was the entire book.
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December 4, 2020
Grew on me
I was annoyed at the beginning with Fallon's flakiness and thought I might bail. Then the magic happened. Or didn't. Did it? Suddenly, the story became much more nuanced than a simple legend. Red herrings here and there. Just when I gave up on the possibility of magic, boom. There it was again. Surprisingly satisfying ending.
I was annoyed at the beginning with Fallon's flakiness and thought I might bail. Then the magic happened. Or didn't. Did it? Suddenly, the story became much more nuanced than a simple legend. Red herrings here and there. Just when I gave up on the possibility of magic, boom. There it was again. Surprisingly satisfying ending.
January 8, 2021
Call me a dyed in the wool romantic but this book was hard to put down! Scary in several places but would could be better than Celtic Myth coming to life in the form of a Gaelic hero from the past who was spirited away by the Fairies and spent 900 years with them only to be called forth by a young woman wanting him to come forth and save Ireland from the English? He has no memory as to who he is but thinks she's just a little bit crazy. The English are looking for a smuggler Silver-Hand and thats who he thinks he is. If you believe in magic this is a great read!
February 2, 2024
Magic is it real or not? You decide!
Fallon was a lonely, spirited woman. Her parents were both long gone. So, she lived her live in books about the Irish stories of magic. When a ruthless English officer threatened the fairy rings, castles built by legends, she called upon Ciaran of the Mist for help.
When a man with amnesia appeared, she was sure it was Guaranteed asking her call. The story doesn't go smooth! You will have to read to find out if if is Ciaran or someone else or if they find love in each other's arms.
This is my honest review.
Fallon was a lonely, spirited woman. Her parents were both long gone. So, she lived her live in books about the Irish stories of magic. When a ruthless English officer threatened the fairy rings, castles built by legends, she called upon Ciaran of the Mist for help.
When a man with amnesia appeared, she was sure it was Guaranteed asking her call. The story doesn't go smooth! You will have to read to find out if if is Ciaran or someone else or if they find love in each other's arms.
This is my honest review.
September 30, 2020
HER MAGIC TOUCH ; On the eve of Beltane, our heroine, Fallon, attempts to conjure the spirit of a Celtic warrior who heroics have been taught to her since childhood. Out of the mists walks an incredibly handsome, tall, dark, stranger... who has been hit on the head and doesn’t remember who he is. stop - don’t stop, reading this beautifully written book will bring back your faith in love and goodness !
May 26, 2021
Wild, magical romantic writing
The author has an admirable flare for writing in a style that meshes and reinforces her magical story line. It's sometimes closer to singing or poetry. Her unique characters dance to the tune of her words against an beautfully descrbed Irish background of of green nature dusted with faerie magic. My only complaint is the repetition of issues and characters' challenges gets tiresome at times.
The author has an admirable flare for writing in a style that meshes and reinforces her magical story line. It's sometimes closer to singing or poetry. Her unique characters dance to the tune of her words against an beautfully descrbed Irish background of of green nature dusted with faerie magic. My only complaint is the repetition of issues and characters' challenges gets tiresome at times.
October 10, 2021
Powerful book!
I had a hard time reading this. It was so well written that I was tensed with strain the entire time they dealt with the English. I could feel their fear and hate of the soldiers. I had to start reading for shorter periods so I didn't get too upset.I deplore the injustice done to the Irish and this book was full of it. I liked the ending , once I finally got there!
I had a hard time reading this. It was so well written that I was tensed with strain the entire time they dealt with the English. I could feel their fear and hate of the soldiers. I had to start reading for shorter periods so I didn't get too upset.I deplore the injustice done to the Irish and this book was full of it. I liked the ending , once I finally got there!
January 8, 2023
Unfortunate disappointment
After loving the first book in the series and thought the second book was pretty good, the third is a complete disappointment. I started skimming most of it and finally just quit reading it. Nowhere near what the first book captured in characters, love story, family, emotions - it was like reading a junk book from a completely different author. Don't waste your time with this one.
After loving the first book in the series and thought the second book was pretty good, the third is a complete disappointment. I started skimming most of it and finally just quit reading it. Nowhere near what the first book captured in characters, love story, family, emotions - it was like reading a junk book from a completely different author. Don't waste your time with this one.
March 6, 2024
Umm
I am not sure what I think about this story. A magical fantasy that in the story is all over the place. It was corny in places but started out good enough to get you turning pages. I almost stopped reading it because I thought this is more for a young person. That is if it wasn't for the sex chapters which I don't understand why authors feel the need to add to make a book.
I am not sure what I think about this story. A magical fantasy that in the story is all over the place. It was corny in places but started out good enough to get you turning pages. I almost stopped reading it because I thought this is more for a young person. That is if it wasn't for the sex chapters which I don't understand why authors feel the need to add to make a book.
August 15, 2017
This is a delightful love story set among the standing stones and ruins of Ireland. Fallon believes in magic so in Ireland's darkest hour she request the presence of Ciaran, a legendary Celtic warrior, to save Ireland from the English. What does she get? A naked man, with no memory of who he is, walking out of the mist of the ruined castle. Let the fun, daring and loving begin!!!!!!
October 10, 2020
Epic magical Romance novel
I choose this book as I love historical romance novel. It was well written. The characters were colorful and intriguing. It was a page turner and unpredictable. So much fun. Had Villains, Hero's Magic and regular folk with plenty of magic sprinkled in. This is a must read for those who love a Grande love story
I choose this book as I love historical romance novel. It was well written. The characters were colorful and intriguing. It was a page turner and unpredictable. So much fun. Had Villains, Hero's Magic and regular folk with plenty of magic sprinkled in. This is a must read for those who love a Grande love story
December 9, 2020
Calling up Cirian of the Mist
Takes place in a time of long-standing Irish-English conflict, the English trying to control an untamed land full of faeries, magic, passion. Cirian is called up and a man arrives with memory loss. It's hard to tell throughout the story if he is actually this mythic figure or not. All is resolved in the epilogue.
Takes place in a time of long-standing Irish-English conflict, the English trying to control an untamed land full of faeries, magic, passion. Cirian is called up and a man arrives with memory loss. It's hard to tell throughout the story if he is actually this mythic figure or not. All is resolved in the epilogue.
June 16, 2021
Entrancing
Every once in a while, we all need a fairy tale to catch our minds and keep our attention for a while. This story of English-Irish conflict and love helped me through a cold and irritated eyes. I had to know who the hero was and if he would disappear, like the tale predicted.
Every once in a while, we all need a fairy tale to catch our minds and keep our attention for a while. This story of English-Irish conflict and love helped me through a cold and irritated eyes. I had to know who the hero was and if he would disappear, like the tale predicted.
October 25, 2022
Her Magic Touch
Pure magic! It was lyrical and sensual, and read like an epic poem. I read much of it out loud, sighing when the words touched my heart; halting when there was danger and evil (Captain Redmayne was a piece of work, so clever); crying real tears more than a few times. The flow and pace of the story was perfect as well. Long story short: I loved Her Magic Touch!
Pure magic! It was lyrical and sensual, and read like an epic poem. I read much of it out loud, sighing when the words touched my heart; halting when there was danger and evil (Captain Redmayne was a piece of work, so clever); crying real tears more than a few times. The flow and pace of the story was perfect as well. Long story short: I loved Her Magic Touch!
September 1, 2023
When I started reading this book it was hard to get interested, but as read more it started to intrigue me. A naked man appeared out of the night with a blow to his head and no memory. Fallon is certain that she called him through time and he’s thinking she is daft. It end up being a very nice story.
September 30, 2020
Nice read
This story blended the Irish love of fairies and all with the human need to feel loved So the hero held captive by fairies comes back to his land to find love and a happy ending
This story blended the Irish love of fairies and all with the human need to feel loved So the hero held captive by fairies comes back to his land to find love and a happy ending
October 16, 2020
I don't know what's come over me; I've been reading ridiculous romances, the kind that screw with young women's expectations of love and sex. Maybe this one will cure me! I choose to blame Book Bub, which offers cheap/free ebooks, and my new Kindle. At least this ebook was free.
May 26, 2021
Loved it!
A wonderful story full of faith, courage and hope. Amazing love story about never having to be alone again. All the characters were interesting. So well written, I feel like I just finished a beautiful poem.
A wonderful story full of faith, courage and hope. Amazing love story about never having to be alone again. All the characters were interesting. So well written, I feel like I just finished a beautiful poem.
April 11, 2023
love the Irish tales
This was an interesting story. I love how the MC met. The villain was intriguing. I was having trouble figuring him out. There are some things I figured out before it happened but there are some surprises.
This was an interesting story. I love how the MC met. The villain was intriguing. I was having trouble figuring him out. There are some things I figured out before it happened but there are some surprises.
January 1, 2018
Thoroughly engrossing tale of how Irish legand becomes modern day magic.
September 30, 2020
I had a hard time getting into it, but I believe that was caused by the extreme case of Droughtlander I am suffering from.
October 5, 2020
Entertaining
Myths, legends and love come together to fend off a threat from the British authority. Loyalties and trust are tested. Loneliness is banished. Fun story.
Myths, legends and love come together to fend off a threat from the British authority. Loyalties and trust are tested. Loneliness is banished. Fun story.
November 16, 2020
Good presentation of Irish legends incorporated into a so - so historical romance. Probably won't look for more from this author.
January 11, 2021
It was okay just not my type of book though.. I won't be reading anymore from this series
January 17, 2021
just a glimpse seem like the whole story will be great
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2021
Beautiful story and wonderful characters!
August 30, 2023
Easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews