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Magical Malcolms #5
Much Ado About Magic
Lady Lucinda Malcolm Pembroke's paintings may have caused scandals in the past, but never one of this magnitude. Somehow she's painted a perfect likeness of a man she's never met—and depicted him as a murderer! Determined to unravel the mystery that is Sir Trevelyan Rochester—and flee the gossip surrounding her—she assumes a disguise and escapes to a remote cottage, only to find herself face-to-face with her dashing nemesis...
Trev wanted nothing more than a quiet life in his ancestral home, but suddenly all of England is convinced he's a ruthless killer. Now he must force Lady Lucinda to admit her true identity and confess her plot to ruin him—before he falls madly under her spell and refuses to let her go...
Trev wanted nothing more than a quiet life in his ancestral home, but suddenly all of England is convinced he's a ruthless killer. Now he must force Lady Lucinda to admit her true identity and confess her plot to ruin him—before he falls madly under her spell and refuses to let her go...
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
29 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rice
153 books514 followersWith several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
gave-up-on
January 4, 2020DNF on page 80. I can't?!??? What the hell did my eyes read.
So far, no, I haven't read a single book towards my goal. I'm gonna fix this tomorrow when I'm not on my phone.
The hell is this book?
~*~*~
Okay. Now I have time to write.
Look. Don't give me a book, with a guy, who is a pirate who literally shouts and screams at people. Then at one point, when he gives an order and the girl - rightfully - tells him no, he picks her up and carries her inside the house a like a log under his arm. This girl is 22 years old and frankly he does not deserve to be touching her like so. Secondly, he keeps thinking about how much he wants to fuck her and at the same time he hates her.
Meanwhile, the lead is trying to resist him, and literally tells her cousin that she doesn't think he's all that bad and thinks he's misunderstood. Also, she can't wait to fuck him either!
Like, the situation they're in is interesting, but the both of them an how they're written is just awful writing and nothing in the world will make me feel like they are really meant for one another. The author also blames his rash behavior on the fact that he has Spanish blood mixed with Jamaican heritage. So not only look down on him because he isn't white but that he is literally stereotyped from the get-go by the author.
Fuck this. Couldn't finish, don't want to finish. Awful attempt at trying to be Georgette Heyer. I even skimmed ahead and found out they fucked twice.
So far, no, I haven't read a single book towards my goal. I'm gonna fix this tomorrow when I'm not on my phone.
The hell is this book?
~*~*~
Okay. Now I have time to write.
Look. Don't give me a book, with a guy, who is a pirate who literally shouts and screams at people. Then at one point, when he gives an order and the girl - rightfully - tells him no, he picks her up and carries her inside the house a like a log under his arm. This girl is 22 years old and frankly he does not deserve to be touching her like so. Secondly, he keeps thinking about how much he wants to fuck her and at the same time he hates her.
Meanwhile, the lead is trying to resist him, and literally tells her cousin that she doesn't think he's all that bad and thinks he's misunderstood. Also, she can't wait to fuck him either!
Like, the situation they're in is interesting, but the both of them an how they're written is just awful writing and nothing in the world will make me feel like they are really meant for one another. The author also blames his rash behavior on the fact that he has Spanish blood mixed with Jamaican heritage. So not only look down on him because he isn't white but that he is literally stereotyped from the get-go by the author.
Fuck this. Couldn't finish, don't want to finish. Awful attempt at trying to be Georgette Heyer. I even skimmed ahead and found out they fucked twice.
August 1, 2013
Rather an unusual story about a heroine who draws and paints the future (possibly) who is one of an entire family of ladies who have assorted "gifts".
The story is well paced for the most part, although it felt as though there was just too much going on in the final section.
I liked the way the heroine, Lucinda (frequently called 'Cinda, which I really wasn't keen on), who had been rather retiring and shy of the spotlight - found her independence and showed herself to be a formidable woman. The handsome, piratical hero was rather sweet - all he wanted was a quiet life, a home and family of his own but circumstances kept conspiring against him as he tried to clear his name of the murder charge levelled against him by his grandfather.
As ever, superb narration from Simon Prebble, which elevates this to 4 stars from 3 or 3.5.
Very entertaining :)
The story is well paced for the most part, although it felt as though there was just too much going on in the final section.
I liked the way the heroine, Lucinda (frequently called 'Cinda, which I really wasn't keen on), who had been rather retiring and shy of the spotlight - found her independence and showed herself to be a formidable woman. The handsome, piratical hero was rather sweet - all he wanted was a quiet life, a home and family of his own but circumstances kept conspiring against him as he tried to clear his name of the murder charge levelled against him by his grandfather.
As ever, superb narration from Simon Prebble, which elevates this to 4 stars from 3 or 3.5.
Very entertaining :)
February 22, 2010
My friends have highly recommended this series but despite their urgings to read it I really wasn't looking forward to it because I haven't enjoyed very many romances in the past few years. Honestly, I only started it because I conveniently had a copy on audio and figured I would finally be able to contribute to the discussion.
Much to my surprise I really enjoyed it. Set in the 1700's, the heroine is a 20ish woman of well-to-do stature who couldn't snare a husband because she's tainted with an odd ability to paint beautiful pictures of the future. She's not bothered as she'd rather spend her life painting than attending to a husband and children.
When the man from her latest painting suddenly makes a real life appearance into her life she dons a disguise and decides to flee to the safety of a widowed cousin's home. Considering she's practically accused him of murder in the painting it's understandable. As only can happen in a romance novel, he just so happens to have ties to the cousin and turns up at her safe haven but he doesn't realize she's the artist as she's dyed her hair from blond to red. It sounds lame written out like this, doesn't it? But surprisingly the characters are captivating enough that I was able to buy into it and just enjoy the flow of the book. My attention began to wane about a third of the way through when the plot became too action driven for my tastes but overall it was a very decent romantic adventure and I don't regret reading it.
Much to my surprise I really enjoyed it. Set in the 1700's, the heroine is a 20ish woman of well-to-do stature who couldn't snare a husband because she's tainted with an odd ability to paint beautiful pictures of the future. She's not bothered as she'd rather spend her life painting than attending to a husband and children.
When the man from her latest painting suddenly makes a real life appearance into her life she dons a disguise and decides to flee to the safety of a widowed cousin's home. Considering she's practically accused him of murder in the painting it's understandable. As only can happen in a romance novel, he just so happens to have ties to the cousin and turns up at her safe haven but he doesn't realize she's the artist as she's dyed her hair from blond to red. It sounds lame written out like this, doesn't it? But surprisingly the characters are captivating enough that I was able to buy into it and just enjoy the flow of the book. My attention began to wane about a third of the way through when the plot became too action driven for my tastes but overall it was a very decent romantic adventure and I don't regret reading it.
September 5, 2014
I didn't really like this book. It had the elements of a lovable book but the characters weren't charming enough to pull it off. Well, specifically, the heroine wasn't a lovable character. I thought she was kind of a bitch. She got better at some point when they instantly loved each other. I kind of got tired of her accusing him as a murderer. I did take offense at her self-righteous attitude. As far as I was concerned, she started the trouble so she should at least take responsibility for it. Instead, she bought into the rumours and judged Trev as a murderer. Sure he was crude but who wouldn't be. If I was in his place, I would start hitting people out of frustration because everywhere he went, people kept on condemning him as a murderer because of her painting. I think she should acknowledge that instead of adding to his troubles. He loved his cousin and he wasn't even given time to grieve. Instead, he had to fend off accusations and arrests. I felt really bad for the hero and I just wanted him to find a simpler heroine who doesn't have a stick up her ass.
The novel got better after they reconciled. It was frustrating to read before that. I think it coloured the rest of the novel for me. While I think it wrapped up nicely, I just couldn't care for the characters at all, thus, I wasn't that invested in the story.
The story revolves around Trev and Sinda. Sinda has the gift of images. She can tell the future when she draws or paints images. I was intrigued at this point but she ruined it by being an uppity bitch. She painted Trev and showcased it in a gallery. Upon seeing the image, his grandfather started shrieking that Trev murdered his own cousin. Trev, understandably angry, sought out Sinda to ask for an explanation. He thought she was in league with his grandfather to ruin his name. He returned to have a peaceful life but he came back to chaos. She ran away to draw the heat away from her family. He tried to follow but lost the trail. She disguised herself. As luck would have it, she took refuge in the village where he grew up. There, Trev met a bitch of a sister in law who was so proprietary about the place that she condemned him on the spot. Nevermind that it was his home in the first place. He was only trying to help take care of matters but he kept on encountering rejections and bitchy attitudes. Anyways, Trev and Sinda are sexually attracted to each other. One night when he brought her flowers, he saw her drawing. It was of his cousin and he figured out that she was the artist. He felt betrayed by her lies but he had no time to confront her since the soldiers came to arrest him. Sinda pursued to break him out. However, he was not receptive. He escaped and dragged her along. He was angry at her deceptions and thought the worst of her. She thought the worst of him also because of his actions, which I thought was understandable. Anyways, they sail. He demands answers, she tells him of her gift, he doesn't believe because it is too outlandish. He eventually believes and they start to pursue leads to his cousin's whereabouts. They hit a dead end and his cousin apparently is transported to London via the smugglers. He goes back to ask his family permission for her hand. She draws a gory scene of his cousin's death. She tries to prevent him from going because the prediction says that the cousin's death will be pinned on him. He changes fate and she follows. They get there in time and the cousin lived. They sail away living an adventure.
I thought this book could have been better but it was just chock full of irritating characters. I feel like Trev has a shitty life because he is surrounded by shitty people, his grandfather, his sister in law, and Sinda.
I liked the idea of Sinda's transformation. However, she had an uppity entitled attitude which carried over to the rest of the book. She wasn't a sympathetic character for me, which was pretty much why I didn't like the book despite liking some elements.
The novel got better after they reconciled. It was frustrating to read before that. I think it coloured the rest of the novel for me. While I think it wrapped up nicely, I just couldn't care for the characters at all, thus, I wasn't that invested in the story.
The story revolves around Trev and Sinda. Sinda has the gift of images. She can tell the future when she draws or paints images. I was intrigued at this point but she ruined it by being an uppity bitch. She painted Trev and showcased it in a gallery. Upon seeing the image, his grandfather started shrieking that Trev murdered his own cousin. Trev, understandably angry, sought out Sinda to ask for an explanation. He thought she was in league with his grandfather to ruin his name. He returned to have a peaceful life but he came back to chaos. She ran away to draw the heat away from her family. He tried to follow but lost the trail. She disguised herself. As luck would have it, she took refuge in the village where he grew up. There, Trev met a bitch of a sister in law who was so proprietary about the place that she condemned him on the spot. Nevermind that it was his home in the first place. He was only trying to help take care of matters but he kept on encountering rejections and bitchy attitudes. Anyways, Trev and Sinda are sexually attracted to each other. One night when he brought her flowers, he saw her drawing. It was of his cousin and he figured out that she was the artist. He felt betrayed by her lies but he had no time to confront her since the soldiers came to arrest him. Sinda pursued to break him out. However, he was not receptive. He escaped and dragged her along. He was angry at her deceptions and thought the worst of her. She thought the worst of him also because of his actions, which I thought was understandable. Anyways, they sail. He demands answers, she tells him of her gift, he doesn't believe because it is too outlandish. He eventually believes and they start to pursue leads to his cousin's whereabouts. They hit a dead end and his cousin apparently is transported to London via the smugglers. He goes back to ask his family permission for her hand. She draws a gory scene of his cousin's death. She tries to prevent him from going because the prediction says that the cousin's death will be pinned on him. He changes fate and she follows. They get there in time and the cousin lived. They sail away living an adventure.
I thought this book could have been better but it was just chock full of irritating characters. I feel like Trev has a shitty life because he is surrounded by shitty people, his grandfather, his sister in law, and Sinda.
I liked the idea of Sinda's transformation. However, she had an uppity entitled attitude which carried over to the rest of the book. She wasn't a sympathetic character for me, which was pretty much why I didn't like the book despite liking some elements.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
Cursed with the ability to predict the future through her art, the heroine has yet again brought scandal upon herself and her family. She only wanted to paint her dream man and though she should really have seen the outcome of such a thing, she's horrified to realize the man she's paint is indeed a real person. Not only that, she's painted a horrible scene of death in the background therefore convincing the masses he is a murdered and ruining this poor man's life. She flees her family to the safety and anonymity of her cousin’s house before this man who's said to a fierce some pirate has a chance to kill her like he did his cousin.
Dying her hair and finding employment in the home of the hero's family, she is horrified to come face to face with the man himself. He is truly an uncouth and uncivilized man who yells at people and has the appearance of a disheveled homeless man. Time spent away from her family and their sometimes-suffocating protectiveness has made the heroine bolder. She says what she thinks now and what she thinks of the hero is less than flattering. How dare he kill his own cousin and then have the audacity to claim his place as heir and throw out a pregnant widow and her child? But the heroine realizes quite quickly that the hero may be brash and ungentlemanly but he is an honest man. Every roar of his proclamation of innocence is believable and underneath his harsh exterior is a man who longs for acceptance and a family to call his own. She sees the pain in his eyes when his cousins widow rejects him. She is moved by the insecurities of a man who-for all intents and purposes should fear nothing. She aids him to speak rather than shout his objections. To be gentle and kind. And while she smooths out the rough edges she knows that inside beats the heart of a man destined to love. Destined for great kindness. This is evident in how he treats his cousin’s little girl. Of how he treats the heroine. By teasing her, by giving her things to make her smile. Everything she longs for is s suitor but can't possible accept from this man. He doesn't know who she is and if he should find out she's responsible for the mess he's in, he'll hate her. And indeed, when he finds out she betrayed him, that she's the artist he's hunting for spreading lies about him, he is furious. He kidnaps her. He's positive that all the images she's drawn of his cousin proves that the man is alive and that she knows where to find him. On the run from the law who want him hanged for a murder he didn't commit, he's dragged her along with him. He tries to stay angry at her, indeed she tries the same and for a few days they can't even speak to each other without arguing or glaring daggers. But soon, they forgive. It's not in either of their nature to hold a grudge and they care far too much for each other to remain angry. The heroine knows and understands the hero's inner torment and wants to help as much as she can to find his cousin. He wants to be the man worthy of her love, a man who could provide more than a life on the run. Together they are better than apart, together they can do anything.
I don't know where I got the notion to be wary of reading this series again but at the back of my head there was a warning of a 2-star rating. Fortunately, my instincts seem to be far off the mark apparently. I absolutely positively LOVED this story and in particular I loved the hero. He is so amazing and his search for a home and a family only to have to fight for his freedom and prove himself was super crushing and my heart really did bleed for him. Even if he kidnapped the heroine, even if he was a pirate for the English government, everything he did, every kind act (giving her his shirt when she's on her period and warming hot rocks for her bed) made it evident that he was a good man. His brashness in the beginning, his habit of yelling and storming off was endearing and the attempts he made to woo the heroine were sweet. She was smart enough to see into the truth of things. She saw the man he really was, not what he pretended to be or what everyone though he was. I admired her greatly for that. I admired her strength to fight for what she wanted and what she wanted was the hero, brash, uncouth and rough as he was. A man who loved her and someone she could love and trust in return. Amazing book and once again I say it was a surprise. I don't understand my hesitation with reading of the Malcom sisters but I gonna say I'm just crazy for not reading them earlier.
Dying her hair and finding employment in the home of the hero's family, she is horrified to come face to face with the man himself. He is truly an uncouth and uncivilized man who yells at people and has the appearance of a disheveled homeless man. Time spent away from her family and their sometimes-suffocating protectiveness has made the heroine bolder. She says what she thinks now and what she thinks of the hero is less than flattering. How dare he kill his own cousin and then have the audacity to claim his place as heir and throw out a pregnant widow and her child? But the heroine realizes quite quickly that the hero may be brash and ungentlemanly but he is an honest man. Every roar of his proclamation of innocence is believable and underneath his harsh exterior is a man who longs for acceptance and a family to call his own. She sees the pain in his eyes when his cousins widow rejects him. She is moved by the insecurities of a man who-for all intents and purposes should fear nothing. She aids him to speak rather than shout his objections. To be gentle and kind. And while she smooths out the rough edges she knows that inside beats the heart of a man destined to love. Destined for great kindness. This is evident in how he treats his cousin’s little girl. Of how he treats the heroine. By teasing her, by giving her things to make her smile. Everything she longs for is s suitor but can't possible accept from this man. He doesn't know who she is and if he should find out she's responsible for the mess he's in, he'll hate her. And indeed, when he finds out she betrayed him, that she's the artist he's hunting for spreading lies about him, he is furious. He kidnaps her. He's positive that all the images she's drawn of his cousin proves that the man is alive and that she knows where to find him. On the run from the law who want him hanged for a murder he didn't commit, he's dragged her along with him. He tries to stay angry at her, indeed she tries the same and for a few days they can't even speak to each other without arguing or glaring daggers. But soon, they forgive. It's not in either of their nature to hold a grudge and they care far too much for each other to remain angry. The heroine knows and understands the hero's inner torment and wants to help as much as she can to find his cousin. He wants to be the man worthy of her love, a man who could provide more than a life on the run. Together they are better than apart, together they can do anything.
I don't know where I got the notion to be wary of reading this series again but at the back of my head there was a warning of a 2-star rating. Fortunately, my instincts seem to be far off the mark apparently. I absolutely positively LOVED this story and in particular I loved the hero. He is so amazing and his search for a home and a family only to have to fight for his freedom and prove himself was super crushing and my heart really did bleed for him. Even if he kidnapped the heroine, even if he was a pirate for the English government, everything he did, every kind act (giving her his shirt when she's on her period and warming hot rocks for her bed) made it evident that he was a good man. His brashness in the beginning, his habit of yelling and storming off was endearing and the attempts he made to woo the heroine were sweet. She was smart enough to see into the truth of things. She saw the man he really was, not what he pretended to be or what everyone though he was. I admired her greatly for that. I admired her strength to fight for what she wanted and what she wanted was the hero, brash, uncouth and rough as he was. A man who loved her and someone she could love and trust in return. Amazing book and once again I say it was a surprise. I don't understand my hesitation with reading of the Malcom sisters but I gonna say I'm just crazy for not reading them earlier.
November 16, 2013
3.5 stars - I liked this book - but I didn't love it.
I thought both Trev & Sinda were great characters. I believed that they loved each other and that they will have a HEA.
I had a hard time swallowing that her gift caused such scandal. Really? She paints a picture of a man she has never met and in the background is a ship sinking - so of course that means he killed his cousin - silly me. I just could not wrap my mind around her paintings causing scandals - it was unbelievable to me.
So I had to shove my common sense aside or stop reading the book - I read the book.
Once I firmly decided to read the book and accept the authors direction. I really enjoyed it. The writing was great, the story was good and all was going well until the end when Sinda decides she must live alone in anonymity to spare those she loves the scandal her art causes - my common sense came roaring back - I could not believe that she thought this was her only option - here's an idea - paint your pictures but don't show them to anyone outside your family - marry the man you love and have babies and be happy - problem solved!
I have liked all the books in this series - but this one just wasn't as good as the others - I am hoping Aidan's book is better. As it stands right now - Merely Magic (the first book) is still my favorite!
I thought both Trev & Sinda were great characters. I believed that they loved each other and that they will have a HEA.
I had a hard time swallowing that her gift caused such scandal. Really? She paints a picture of a man she has never met and in the background is a ship sinking - so of course that means he killed his cousin - silly me. I just could not wrap my mind around her paintings causing scandals - it was unbelievable to me.
So I had to shove my common sense aside or stop reading the book - I read the book.
Once I firmly decided to read the book and accept the authors direction. I really enjoyed it. The writing was great, the story was good and all was going well until the end when Sinda decides she must live alone in anonymity to spare those she loves the scandal her art causes - my common sense came roaring back - I could not believe that she thought this was her only option - here's an idea - paint your pictures but don't show them to anyone outside your family - marry the man you love and have babies and be happy - problem solved!
I have liked all the books in this series - but this one just wasn't as good as the others - I am hoping Aidan's book is better. As it stands right now - Merely Magic (the first book) is still my favorite!
September 10, 2010
Not great, but enjoyable. The characters were enjoyable. Their interaction was fun.
CAUTION SPOILER:
Toward the end, I didn't like that she refused to marry him and would not explain why to her father and to him. Her reason was to avoid bringing future scandal to his life, but she didn't tell him that. He could have assured her that he'd want her anyway. She didn't tell her own father how much she loved him. Her father's actions might have been different had he known of her love for Trev. I don't like conflicts and dilemmas that are caused by someone not telling the truth about their own feelings. Other than that, the story was a fun escape.
CAUTION SPOILER:
Toward the end, I didn't like that she refused to marry him and would not explain why to her father and to him. Her reason was to avoid bringing future scandal to his life, but she didn't tell him that. He could have assured her that he'd want her anyway. She didn't tell her own father how much she loved him. Her father's actions might have been different had he known of her love for Trev. I don't like conflicts and dilemmas that are caused by someone not telling the truth about their own feelings. Other than that, the story was a fun escape.
December 17, 2021
#reseñaunlibro
"Un poco de magia" Patricia Rice
Si les gustan las novelas en las que las parejas al principio no se aguantan, pero luego no pueden vivir el uno sin el otro, ésta es su novela.
Una novela que tiene ciertos toques fantásticos pero que no desentonan...
1740- Londres, Lucinda Malcolm Pembroke(Sinda), hija de un duque, tiene un don artístico en los que muchos encuentran predicciones... Se ha pasado todo el verano pintando un óleo en el que se ve a un bravo pirata montado en un corcel en una playa, al fondo un barco y muchos detalles; cuando el cuadro es finalmente expuesto muchos creen ver en el pirata a un asesino.
Trev Rochester, es muy parecido a la imagen del cuadro, sin embargo, el no estuvo en Inglaterra al momento del asesinato. Y el escándalo que provocó el dichoso cuadro es enorme. Indignado, el quiere encontrar a la pintora y lograr que confiese estar confabulada con alguien que, en las sombras, lo quiere destruir.
Ella uye, se disfraza y con un toque del destino termina en casa del mismísimo Trev; enredados en una relación con equívocos, juntos emprenden una campaña para limpiar su nombre.
Es una de esas novelas en el que alguien huye de alguien que también está huyendo... Una persecución dentro de otra persecución.
En este libro no hay descansos, es pura aventura, alegría y misterio.
Lo súper recomiendo!
"Un poco de magia" Patricia Rice
Si les gustan las novelas en las que las parejas al principio no se aguantan, pero luego no pueden vivir el uno sin el otro, ésta es su novela.
Una novela que tiene ciertos toques fantásticos pero que no desentonan...
1740- Londres, Lucinda Malcolm Pembroke(Sinda), hija de un duque, tiene un don artístico en los que muchos encuentran predicciones... Se ha pasado todo el verano pintando un óleo en el que se ve a un bravo pirata montado en un corcel en una playa, al fondo un barco y muchos detalles; cuando el cuadro es finalmente expuesto muchos creen ver en el pirata a un asesino.
Trev Rochester, es muy parecido a la imagen del cuadro, sin embargo, el no estuvo en Inglaterra al momento del asesinato. Y el escándalo que provocó el dichoso cuadro es enorme. Indignado, el quiere encontrar a la pintora y lograr que confiese estar confabulada con alguien que, en las sombras, lo quiere destruir.
Ella uye, se disfraza y con un toque del destino termina en casa del mismísimo Trev; enredados en una relación con equívocos, juntos emprenden una campaña para limpiar su nombre.
Es una de esas novelas en el que alguien huye de alguien que también está huyendo... Una persecución dentro de otra persecución.
En este libro no hay descansos, es pura aventura, alegría y misterio.
Lo súper recomiendo!
January 24, 2025
It took me some time to get into reading this book. As a library book my borrowing time expired before I finished it, but not until after I became Hooke by the story so I had to borrow it again to finish. Lady Lucinda is one of the preternaturally blessed Malcoms. I haven't read any of the previous books in this series , but it wasn't necessary to understand this one. I will probably go back and start at the beginning of the series now. Lucinda's been drawing pictures that have her dubbed the prophetess. As a result of one of her drawings a man is accused by London society and his grandfather of murdering his cousin who is heir to the title. The two meet and undergo a series of harrowing experiences during which they are able to locate the man that was presumed dead, and to fall in love along the way. The read was interesting and neither too missish nor to bogged down in the description of their romantic/sexual encounters.
November 1, 2020
My first audio book from Libby!! Will for sure use it more. Next to the last book in the series, Lucinda is a cousin of our previous heroines, who we have learned that her paintings reveal the future. The beginning of the book is quite good, Lucinda has finally had a painting hung in public, but when an Earl sees it he has an apoploxy because he thinks it shows one grandson murdering another!! Trevalyn Rochester has just returned to London after years at sea and can't figure out how a painter painted him, with his cousin's yacht capsized in the background. The rest of the book is basically trying to find the answers. Lucinda sort of drives me crazy because she does not explain herself very well. The mystery is pretty exciting and we see all the Malcolm's come to Lucinda's aid. There is an HEA of course and a beautiful epilogue.
February 6, 2020
A little darker than the rest of the series, this one really sucks you in fast. Both Lucinda and Trev have serious problems. Lucinda's prophetess paintings are her problem and involve Trev right from the get-go before she even knows he exists. My heart was in my throat most of the time I was reading. Things just seemed to go from bad to worse, too rapidly to keep up until you wonder if their problems can be unravelled at all. Fortunately, you know, because you are reading an historical romance, that things will work out somehow. Still, the palpitations!
November 20, 2017
BLOG: www.adictaxictoxico.blogspot.com.co
este libro duro en mi biblioteca como 3 años desde que lo compre y hasta ahora lo leo.. :( *soy una acumuladora* y la espera valio la pena porque me gusto.
Al comienzo me demore en meterme en la historia, a medida que avanzaba queria saber como terminaria todo...!!
(Ya quisiera yo tener el "don" de la protagonsita, aunque no negare que es algo tenebroso de alguna manera).
este libro duro en mi biblioteca como 3 años desde que lo compre y hasta ahora lo leo.. :( *soy una acumuladora* y la espera valio la pena porque me gusto.
Al comienzo me demore en meterme en la historia, a medida que avanzaba queria saber como terminaria todo...!!
(Ya quisiera yo tener el "don" de la protagonsita, aunque no negare que es algo tenebroso de alguna manera).
August 18, 2023
Disappointed that Trev did not get the title back. Unfair that due to his mixed race heritage this was not corrected. Laurence kept the title and why the H*** did he have to buy his own home that belonged to his father back. Horrible. If Laurence was such a good friend he would have gave the title back. And that wet blanket Melinda! Ugh. Crying and entitled! Laurence and his wife entitle. Trev should have nothing to do with them. Sorry…angry tirade bc of the racism.
July 27, 2019
Exhilarating
The pirate meets the "Prophetess" artist whose painting of him makes others think he's a murderer. She dyes her hair and runs off to hide from him, fearing he may want revenge. But of course they meet again. She starts sketching in her sleep and based on what her drawings reveal, soon they're both on the run together. Great writing and character development.
The pirate meets the "Prophetess" artist whose painting of him makes others think he's a murderer. She dyes her hair and runs off to hide from him, fearing he may want revenge. But of course they meet again. She starts sketching in her sleep and based on what her drawings reveal, soon they're both on the run together. Great writing and character development.
February 7, 2021
Despite some small inconsistencies, the story was a fun enough adventure to rate four stars from me. This is the first book I've read in the series, but it stands on its own just fine.
Edited to add: I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Simon Prebble. It is entirely possible that one or two of the stars are due to his voice acting and not the author's writing.
Edited to add: I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Simon Prebble. It is entirely possible that one or two of the stars are due to his voice acting and not the author's writing.
March 5, 2018
I loved this series. Full of magic, romance, saucy heroines and handsome heroes. And an HEA for all. Better if read as a series. Didn't enjoy the Unexpected Magic, which is the next generation, quite as much as this original series.
March 29, 2018
Wonderful
Great lively characters. Story can be read alone or as part of the series following the Malcom and Ives families.
Great lively characters. Story can be read alone or as part of the series following the Malcom and Ives families.
August 6, 2018
Dragged on and on.
August 8, 2018
Just did not like.
April 4, 2021
I like the premise and the characters, but it felt drawn out. It was enjoyable but long.
June 15, 2018
Audible Romance Package
AUDIOBOOK: Read June 10 &
10hrs 31min
Narrator: Greg Wagland does a heck of a good job.
I really like this series.
AUDIOBOOK: Read June 10 &
10hrs 31min
Narrator: Greg Wagland does a heck of a good job.
I really like this series.
February 12, 2017
This was my first romance book. I like the writing of the story. I like the characters in the book. I just learned that i just do not like romance book. I read the back of the book I thought it was going to be a murder mystery and a artist that can see in to the future. I thought that is a cool concept and she hides the murder. That is what i thought it was going to be about. It was kind of like that. The artist does not know that her painting are about. The first painting cause a scandal which I don't understand how it caused so much trouble. It was just a panting.
August 8, 2015
First of all, I know you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I absolutely love this edition's cover. I think the waves and the ship are so much more romantic than your regular entwined historical figures. :) As for the story itself, it is very good. Lucinda has a tendency to paint the past and/or future. However, she has no idea how or why this happens or even what she is painting. She puts one of her paintings in a gallery and causes a big round of gossip because the man in the painting is real. She has never met him, but her painting makes his life miserable. And so begins the dance! She is scared that he is going to kill her. He really wants to kill her but she is pretty and interesting. Can they trust each other? Readers will find out the answer over the course of several adventures that includes a runaway, a kidnapping, an imprisonment, an escape, a gypsy caravan, and a pirate ship. Okay, maybe it is just a regular ship, but still... This book is part of a series but can definitely be a great stand-alone. I, however, recommend reading the entire series. You will not regret it.
October 20, 2020
So what does it take to convince a hot-head privateer, Trev, to believe in the magic of Cinda drawing the future and the past even though she understands none of. You have to see it to believe it, but of course in this time period these characters are not hanging out a lot together. Plus, it is much easier to believe that she is involved in a conspiracy with Trev's grandfather to label him a murder and deny his ability to settle down and find a wife to start a family.
Cinda slowly travels the path from being a passive observer who unexplainably draws things that others sometimes recognize as prophecy, to avoiding drawing people at all in order to bring no more scandal to her family, to finally starting to understand her gift and choosing to take an active part in her own life. It is an interesting and compelling journey to watch.
Trev travels the path from being angry at the world and especially wanting revenge against his grandfather to caring for someone and believing in her even when she can't believe in herself.
Cinda slowly travels the path from being a passive observer who unexplainably draws things that others sometimes recognize as prophecy, to avoiding drawing people at all in order to bring no more scandal to her family, to finally starting to understand her gift and choosing to take an active part in her own life. It is an interesting and compelling journey to watch.
Trev travels the path from being angry at the world and especially wanting revenge against his grandfather to caring for someone and believing in her even when she can't believe in herself.
January 1, 2016
Poor Lucinda - she just cannot catch a break. Painting is her passion, stopping would be like cutting off a limb, but true events keep appearing in her paintings - most of the time without her even realizing it. As for Trev, he just wants to live a peaceful life - he is tired of everyone always blaming events on him, even if he was nowhere around when they happened. Together these two make a motley pair, but through a quirk of fate they keep being pushed together.
With that premise, I will just say that you should give this book a try. Like all the "Magic" books (and truthfully most of Patricia's work), you get sucked into this story right away. You have highs and lows, and before you know it you are at the end of the story feeling content and wondering what happens to the next member of the family. If you are looking for an escape, want to laugh, and read a book with some depth; go no further, you have found a winner.
With that premise, I will just say that you should give this book a try. Like all the "Magic" books (and truthfully most of Patricia's work), you get sucked into this story right away. You have highs and lows, and before you know it you are at the end of the story feeling content and wondering what happens to the next member of the family. If you are looking for an escape, want to laugh, and read a book with some depth; go no further, you have found a winner.
August 8, 2016
Lucinda and Trevelyan
Painting as a Malcolm talent turns out to be quite disruptive as Lady Lucinda creates a magnificent portrait of her fantasy man. Unfortunately not only is he real, but the other elements in the painting have his Grandfather, the Earl of Lansdowne announcing to everyone that he killed his cousin. As you can see there will be trouble. A great romp as Lucinda masters her gift and civilizes a Captain who has been out to sea much too long. As usual, the Malcolm family members meddle their way through the story both helping and hindering.
Painting as a Malcolm talent turns out to be quite disruptive as Lady Lucinda creates a magnificent portrait of her fantasy man. Unfortunately not only is he real, but the other elements in the painting have his Grandfather, the Earl of Lansdowne announcing to everyone that he killed his cousin. As you can see there will be trouble. A great romp as Lucinda masters her gift and civilizes a Captain who has been out to sea much too long. As usual, the Malcolm family members meddle their way through the story both helping and hindering.
March 30, 2011
3.5 Stars. In its favor it has a really good storyline. Cinda paints visions she has in dreams, and she paints a portrait of Trevellian, a man she's never seen before--and it's a portrait that unintentionally implicates him in a murder. A good story unfolds from there and the characters are great. BUT, this is slow at times, and repetitive, and the sexual tension, and ensuing sex, is pretty over-dramatic. I'd try another from this author, though, in the hopes that she continues to get better.
February 11, 2008
Lady Lucinda Malcolm Pembroke's paintings have caused scandals. The painting that caused this scandal is of a man she has never met before.Sir Trevelyan Rochester. She flees to a remote cottage and finds herself face to face... With Trev.
Trev wanted a quiet life. Its hard to do when all of England is convinced you are a ruthless killer.
Trev wanted a quiet life. Its hard to do when all of England is convinced you are a ruthless killer.
September 9, 2016
the beginning of this was confusing and scary. Duke Harry is also a Rochester. it sounds like Duke Harry is dead! but it's another Rochester that Harry doesn't know. phew!!! i'm crazy about this series of books and i've all but caught-up: 2 to go. i can feel the withdrawal symptoms already! read these books! so entertaining!
February 22, 2011
This turned out to be an interesting story. I had a bit of a hard time following it at first but it didn't take too long to get into it. I really liked how the author brought about the slow earned trust between the characters. It made it interesting and fun to read.
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