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Enchanted Heiresses #1
The Would-be Witch
Miranda Wilton seemingly has everything, birth, breeding and beauty, yet she finds herself on the threshold of spinsterhood. Because she carries the heritage of the Merlin, her family demands she marry among those who share his supernatural blood, but no mage will willingly wed a woman without magical powers. When the cards predict that a wedding is possible, Miranda agrees to brave the social whirl of a London Season.
Adam, Lord Brand, has dedicated himself to unmasking London’s legions of frauds who fleece the gullible by claiming to traffic in the mystical world. Miranda poses an intriguing conundrum. Unlike most charlatans, she claims no powers of her own, seeks no financial gain, but she truly believes that magic exists. Adam is determined to prove that her faith in enchantment is a misbegotten fairy tale. But as the skeptic lord finds himself falling under Miranda’s spell, he begins to acknowledge that there might very well be forces that transcend his understanding and that love is the greatest power of them all.
Adam, Lord Brand, has dedicated himself to unmasking London’s legions of frauds who fleece the gullible by claiming to traffic in the mystical world. Miranda poses an intriguing conundrum. Unlike most charlatans, she claims no powers of her own, seeks no financial gain, but she truly believes that magic exists. Adam is determined to prove that her faith in enchantment is a misbegotten fairy tale. But as the skeptic lord finds himself falling under Miranda’s spell, he begins to acknowledge that there might very well be forces that transcend his understanding and that love is the greatest power of them all.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Rita Boucher
14 books24 followersRita Boucher has always loved stories set in the Regency era, (not surprising, considering she grew up reading Georgette Heyer.) Her books are now available in both Kindle and print editions. She is currently living her own personal happily-ever-after with her husband in Maryland, working on new stories, keeping in touch with family and fans and indulging in an occasional game of chess.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 5, 2011
A mainstay on my traditional Regency rereads list. I pull this one out about once a year to get reacquainted with the Wodesbys.
Miranda Wilton has grown up in a world of magic - true, ancient magic. Her family, the Wodesbys, is one of the oldest in England. They are direct descendants of Merlin and have served as advisors to royalty for generations. Although children who carry the Blood (i.e., those of magical heritage) are promised to others of the Blood from birth, Miranda, at 28, remains unwed. Why? She carries the Blood, but any powers that may have manifested in her have been dormant since birth. As such, no family of the Blood wants to risk marrying their son to Miranda, who they fear might produce children who are also "lacking" as she is. Although they are an ancient and noble name, the Wodesbys have always carried the air of mysticism, and those of the ton (and not of magical heritage), while respectful of the Wodesby's lineage, have no desire to ally themselves with the family. Thus, Miranda carries all of the burden of her ancient name - the whispers, the rumors, the tales of sorcery - while enjoying none of the wondrous magical benefits.
Lord Adam Brand watched his father empty the family coffers in his search for evidence of the hereafter and signs of his beloved wife after her death. Now, having replenished the family fortunes upon assuming the marquessdom after his father's death, Adam has made it his life's mission to unveil the charlatans that purportedly practice "magic" for money and, in so doing, dupe gullible innocents like his father. When Adam encounters Miranda, her beauty and misguided (or so he believes) belief in the power of magic intrigue and challenge him. He is skeptical of this "magic," and when he hears Miranda proclaim with shame that she lacks any of these magical powers, he's taken aback that such a seemingly intelligent woman could believe in such nonsense. He doesn't understand how a woman of Miranda's birth and beauty can consider herself lacking in anything, to be honest. Through a series of events that begin with a tarot reading from Miranda's mother and include assistance from a feline familiar named Thorpe, Miranda and Adam are thrown together when Miranda's mother bestows the Wodesby's seal of protection upon Adam.
This novel is very well written and presents two seemingly opposite personalities that are brought together by circumstances, both magical and practical. With the aforementioned Thorpe, a giant mastiff named Angel, an otherworldly seance, gypsy Rom servants, and an appearance by the Mage of England (Miranda's brother, the H of the next book, Lord of Illusion) to add to the magical atmosphere, this book is not your typical traditional Regency. A secondary romance between Adam's uncle and Miranda's widowed mother adds a nice element of depth and counterpoint to Adam's resistance in believing in the magic in which his uncle (whom Adam respects) already so clearly believes.
It's unusual to have a traditional Regency that carries a paranormal element. This book does it quite well, and Boucher writes a well-plotted and moving tale of two complex souls finding each other in the midst of magical London.
Miranda Wilton has grown up in a world of magic - true, ancient magic. Her family, the Wodesbys, is one of the oldest in England. They are direct descendants of Merlin and have served as advisors to royalty for generations. Although children who carry the Blood (i.e., those of magical heritage) are promised to others of the Blood from birth, Miranda, at 28, remains unwed. Why? She carries the Blood, but any powers that may have manifested in her have been dormant since birth. As such, no family of the Blood wants to risk marrying their son to Miranda, who they fear might produce children who are also "lacking" as she is. Although they are an ancient and noble name, the Wodesbys have always carried the air of mysticism, and those of the ton (and not of magical heritage), while respectful of the Wodesby's lineage, have no desire to ally themselves with the family. Thus, Miranda carries all of the burden of her ancient name - the whispers, the rumors, the tales of sorcery - while enjoying none of the wondrous magical benefits.
Lord Adam Brand watched his father empty the family coffers in his search for evidence of the hereafter and signs of his beloved wife after her death. Now, having replenished the family fortunes upon assuming the marquessdom after his father's death, Adam has made it his life's mission to unveil the charlatans that purportedly practice "magic" for money and, in so doing, dupe gullible innocents like his father. When Adam encounters Miranda, her beauty and misguided (or so he believes) belief in the power of magic intrigue and challenge him. He is skeptical of this "magic," and when he hears Miranda proclaim with shame that she lacks any of these magical powers, he's taken aback that such a seemingly intelligent woman could believe in such nonsense. He doesn't understand how a woman of Miranda's birth and beauty can consider herself lacking in anything, to be honest. Through a series of events that begin with a tarot reading from Miranda's mother and include assistance from a feline familiar named Thorpe, Miranda and Adam are thrown together when Miranda's mother bestows the Wodesby's seal of protection upon Adam.
This novel is very well written and presents two seemingly opposite personalities that are brought together by circumstances, both magical and practical. With the aforementioned Thorpe, a giant mastiff named Angel, an otherworldly seance, gypsy Rom servants, and an appearance by the Mage of England (Miranda's brother, the H of the next book, Lord of Illusion) to add to the magical atmosphere, this book is not your typical traditional Regency. A secondary romance between Adam's uncle and Miranda's widowed mother adds a nice element of depth and counterpoint to Adam's resistance in believing in the magic in which his uncle (whom Adam respects) already so clearly believes.
It's unusual to have a traditional Regency that carries a paranormal element. This book does it quite well, and Boucher writes a well-plotted and moving tale of two complex souls finding each other in the midst of magical London.
February 2, 2021
3.5 stars
Non-believer of magic H and descendant of Merlin h ...
fast paced and great humor ... with one of the best side characters; Thorpe, the cat who is the h's witch mother's familiar ..
Thorpe was no less than an avenging angel ...
Non-believer of magic H and descendant of Merlin h ...
fast paced and great humor ... with one of the best side characters; Thorpe, the cat who is the h's witch mother's familiar ..
Thorpe was no less than an avenging angel ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2021
The Would-be Witch
Enchanted Heiresses Series #1
Rita Boucher
Release Date 01/26/2021
Publisher Oliver Herber Books
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Miranda Wilton seemingly has everything, birth, breeding and beauty, yet she finds herself on the threshold of spinsterhood. Because she carries the heritage of the Merlin, her family demands she marry among those who share his supernatural blood, but no mage will willingly wed a woman without magical powers. When the cards predict that a wedding is possible, Miranda agrees to brave the social whirl of a London Season.
Adam, Lord Brand, has dedicated himself to unmasking London’s legions of frauds who fleece the gullible by claiming to traffic in the mystical world. Miranda poses an intriguing conundrum. Unlike most charlatans, she claims no powers of her own, seeks no financial gain, but she truly believes that magic exists. Adam is determined to prove that her faith in enchantment is a misbegotten fairy tale. But as the skeptic lord finds himself falling under Miranda’s spell, he begins to acknowledge that there might very well be forces that transcend his understanding and that love is the greatest power of them all.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
I discovered the author a few weeks ago with Miss Gabriel’s Gambit, I just so could not pass this re-release too.
I do not know if it was updated or reworked, but the heroes both share the same blood and flesh voices than the above-mentioned book.
I do not know if it is same for all readers, but for some books, it is not until I reach the word “end” that I find what I will say in my review, when others rise instantly many questions and reactions, like this one.
I know it is not for all HR readers’ eyes, the heavy touch of paranormal will put some out, yet despite its dash of magic, it was entrancing and it rather astutely mixed paranormal and historical facts and the period’s society’s rules.
I immediately have been enthralled by the storyline and sucked in the pages.
While Miranda can enjoy life like any ladies, due to her family’s legacy, she feels like even less deserving than any simple miss. She is a cripple in some way, why she is unwanted in the small circle of her community. So much, she closed herself from any hope or dream she could have, even ready to settle through the easy path and for less instead of fighting for a chance to live as she should deserve.
Adam made his mission in life to expose every scammers that cross his path, these greedy people using mourning fellows as their easy preys. Why he appears as jaded and bitter, yet it did not stop him to learn the very persons he seeks tricks. He is in fact a man grieving the childhood he never had, the father he lost even before his own demise, in some way he tries to correct the wrong to his sorrowful sire, a man left a hollow shell upon his late wife’s passing, the perfect victim for gluttonous crook looking for easy money.
Their encounter is like mixing oil with water, yet in retrospect, it is Adam who walked the longest path, he opened his mind to Miranda’s world, firstly unconsciously then by agreeing he might have to let her go because he was not from her ilk. Miranda instead of grasping the second chance fate offers her, kept hiding behind her family’s blood rather than taking a risk.
In all this is a fun read mixing ballrooms, magic and an hilarious set of peculiar pets.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 some mild to hot kisses.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Oliver Herber Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Enchanted Heiresses Series #1
Rita Boucher
Release Date 01/26/2021
Publisher Oliver Herber Books
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Miranda Wilton seemingly has everything, birth, breeding and beauty, yet she finds herself on the threshold of spinsterhood. Because she carries the heritage of the Merlin, her family demands she marry among those who share his supernatural blood, but no mage will willingly wed a woman without magical powers. When the cards predict that a wedding is possible, Miranda agrees to brave the social whirl of a London Season.
Adam, Lord Brand, has dedicated himself to unmasking London’s legions of frauds who fleece the gullible by claiming to traffic in the mystical world. Miranda poses an intriguing conundrum. Unlike most charlatans, she claims no powers of her own, seeks no financial gain, but she truly believes that magic exists. Adam is determined to prove that her faith in enchantment is a misbegotten fairy tale. But as the skeptic lord finds himself falling under Miranda’s spell, he begins to acknowledge that there might very well be forces that transcend his understanding and that love is the greatest power of them all.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
I discovered the author a few weeks ago with Miss Gabriel’s Gambit, I just so could not pass this re-release too.
I do not know if it was updated or reworked, but the heroes both share the same blood and flesh voices than the above-mentioned book.
I do not know if it is same for all readers, but for some books, it is not until I reach the word “end” that I find what I will say in my review, when others rise instantly many questions and reactions, like this one.
I know it is not for all HR readers’ eyes, the heavy touch of paranormal will put some out, yet despite its dash of magic, it was entrancing and it rather astutely mixed paranormal and historical facts and the period’s society’s rules.
I immediately have been enthralled by the storyline and sucked in the pages.
While Miranda can enjoy life like any ladies, due to her family’s legacy, she feels like even less deserving than any simple miss. She is a cripple in some way, why she is unwanted in the small circle of her community. So much, she closed herself from any hope or dream she could have, even ready to settle through the easy path and for less instead of fighting for a chance to live as she should deserve.
Adam made his mission in life to expose every scammers that cross his path, these greedy people using mourning fellows as their easy preys. Why he appears as jaded and bitter, yet it did not stop him to learn the very persons he seeks tricks. He is in fact a man grieving the childhood he never had, the father he lost even before his own demise, in some way he tries to correct the wrong to his sorrowful sire, a man left a hollow shell upon his late wife’s passing, the perfect victim for gluttonous crook looking for easy money.
Their encounter is like mixing oil with water, yet in retrospect, it is Adam who walked the longest path, he opened his mind to Miranda’s world, firstly unconsciously then by agreeing he might have to let her go because he was not from her ilk. Miranda instead of grasping the second chance fate offers her, kept hiding behind her family’s blood rather than taking a risk.
In all this is a fun read mixing ballrooms, magic and an hilarious set of peculiar pets.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 some mild to hot kisses.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Oliver Herber Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 20, 2021
The Would-be Witch is the first book in the Wodesby series by Rita Boucher.
It is a unique story that melds historical romance with the paranormal aspects of witches and mages which I found really intriguing and wonderful to read.
Miranda Wilton comes from a long line of people with supernatural abilities, right back to Merlin! Unfortunately at nearly 30 years old, she hasn't come into any magical abilities of her own and marriage between herself and another from Merlin's line has proven to be impossible. When a tarot reading sees that marriage could indeed be in Miranda's future she realises that she could be destined to marry a non-magical person and decides to take part in the social events of society.
Adam, Lord Brand has a history that has made him determined to out all of the fake mediums/seers etc that make money from their lies. He has made quite a reputation for himself and frauds avoid him like the plague. It is during one of his attempts at outing a fraud that he meets Miranda. She too knows that the 'medium' is a fraud and when she says as much to Adam and tells him how the man is doing it Adam uses that knowledge to stop the proceedings. I won't go into any more detail about what happens as I don't want to spoil it for you. But suffice to say that once Adam realises that Miranda is a believer in magic he regrets his instant attraction to her.
Can he convince her that there is no such thing as real magic, or can Miranda make him see that it does exist and that not everybody who uses it are frauds and charlatans? These two are the most unlikely pairing but the author makes their budding romance believable.
I really enjoyed this book more than I can say, I love the joining of two different tropes and that it works so well. This book is really the best of both worlds and was a pleasure to read. I couldn't read it quickly enough and am definitely going to read the next book in the series which is about Miranda's brother Damien!
It is a unique story that melds historical romance with the paranormal aspects of witches and mages which I found really intriguing and wonderful to read.
Miranda Wilton comes from a long line of people with supernatural abilities, right back to Merlin! Unfortunately at nearly 30 years old, she hasn't come into any magical abilities of her own and marriage between herself and another from Merlin's line has proven to be impossible. When a tarot reading sees that marriage could indeed be in Miranda's future she realises that she could be destined to marry a non-magical person and decides to take part in the social events of society.
Adam, Lord Brand has a history that has made him determined to out all of the fake mediums/seers etc that make money from their lies. He has made quite a reputation for himself and frauds avoid him like the plague. It is during one of his attempts at outing a fraud that he meets Miranda. She too knows that the 'medium' is a fraud and when she says as much to Adam and tells him how the man is doing it Adam uses that knowledge to stop the proceedings. I won't go into any more detail about what happens as I don't want to spoil it for you. But suffice to say that once Adam realises that Miranda is a believer in magic he regrets his instant attraction to her.
Can he convince her that there is no such thing as real magic, or can Miranda make him see that it does exist and that not everybody who uses it are frauds and charlatans? These two are the most unlikely pairing but the author makes their budding romance believable.
I really enjoyed this book more than I can say, I love the joining of two different tropes and that it works so well. This book is really the best of both worlds and was a pleasure to read. I couldn't read it quickly enough and am definitely going to read the next book in the series which is about Miranda's brother Damien!
June 19, 2021
A young woman from a family of powerful magicians and a young man who doesn't believe in magic. Of course, their budding attraction is fraught with calamities. There are true witches and charlatans in the story, animal familiars and human scoundrels. Judging by the summary, this blend of regency and paranormal romance should appeal to many a reader, and on some level it does. The plot is engaging and the characters sympathetic, if not exactly realistic. Unfortunately, the atrocious writing spoiled the reading experience for me.
The prose was as purple as they come, on par with some flowery 18th century novels. Her eyes were "wide pools of azure" - please!
Another example: "...when she smiled, it was clear that the bliss known only to those of the Blood had kissed her." Ouch!
Or here is a doozy. Adam, the hero, experienced "Caliban's savage cravings" instead of simply stating that the man lusted after the girl. Frankly, I don't understand why the author made such an obscure Shakespearean reference but I liked that one. It made me smile.
Typos and homophones abound in the text, too. "...martial his thoughts..." instead of "marshal his thoughts." "A mantle" (cloak) instead of "a mantel" when talking about a fireplace.
And then, the POVs changed every couple of paragraphs, sometimes every paragraph, circling between two, three or more characters. Very jarring.
On the whole, to be actually readable, this book needs a ruthless editor.
The prose was as purple as they come, on par with some flowery 18th century novels. Her eyes were "wide pools of azure" - please!
Another example: "...when she smiled, it was clear that the bliss known only to those of the Blood had kissed her." Ouch!
Or here is a doozy. Adam, the hero, experienced "Caliban's savage cravings" instead of simply stating that the man lusted after the girl. Frankly, I don't understand why the author made such an obscure Shakespearean reference but I liked that one. It made me smile.
Typos and homophones abound in the text, too. "...martial his thoughts..." instead of "marshal his thoughts." "A mantle" (cloak) instead of "a mantel" when talking about a fireplace.
And then, the POVs changed every couple of paragraphs, sometimes every paragraph, circling between two, three or more characters. Very jarring.
On the whole, to be actually readable, this book needs a ruthless editor.
December 6, 2021
This was too fantastical for me.
April 27, 2012
I agree with the other reviewers. This was a charming, delightful, and well written book. It seamlessly combined fantasy with regency romance, two of my favorite genres. I certainly plan to read the next book in this series, which is about Damien, the heroine's brother, as well as the rest of Ms. Boucher's books. What a treat to discover this wonderful author.
January 17, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Rita and it will not be the last. I read a lot of Regency and Historical romance and this was a new twist of a story. There are spells, bewitching, sorcery along with evil and a kidnapping.
Miranda Wilton has always felt like her people and family find her lacking. She has blood lines to Merlin himself yet has no magic. Without this none of the men in the Coven want anything to do with her. She is 28 and the only man who has shown any interest is dull and boring and not of the blood. She has become the librarian and the keeper of the history and books.
All she wants is to be loved and have a family of her own.
Lord Adam Band had his heart broken when a child after his mother died and his father almost lost everything trying to reach his wife from the beyond.
Adam has spent his life unmasking those who scam and defraud the innocence . He does not believe there is such a thing as magic and seeing into the future.
A more unlikely pair then these two I can't imagine. But the attraction is there from the first they met. The witty bantering between them. As they learn about the other there is much to do about both feeling he or she is right and the other is wrong. It hard to not believe what one sees with their own eyes.
With a wonderful list of characters along with a wonderful familiar cat, Thorpe and dog angel.
His uncle and her mother were great and made the story more enjoyable.
There are many twists and turns all with magic, love and learning what really matters.
With the suspense of who is out to do harm this is a great read. I hope you will give it a chance.
Even if you don't believe in magic and the unknow books are for escaping the here and now for just a little bit.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
Miranda Wilton has always felt like her people and family find her lacking. She has blood lines to Merlin himself yet has no magic. Without this none of the men in the Coven want anything to do with her. She is 28 and the only man who has shown any interest is dull and boring and not of the blood. She has become the librarian and the keeper of the history and books.
All she wants is to be loved and have a family of her own.
Lord Adam Band had his heart broken when a child after his mother died and his father almost lost everything trying to reach his wife from the beyond.
Adam has spent his life unmasking those who scam and defraud the innocence . He does not believe there is such a thing as magic and seeing into the future.
A more unlikely pair then these two I can't imagine. But the attraction is there from the first they met. The witty bantering between them. As they learn about the other there is much to do about both feeling he or she is right and the other is wrong. It hard to not believe what one sees with their own eyes.
With a wonderful list of characters along with a wonderful familiar cat, Thorpe and dog angel.
His uncle and her mother were great and made the story more enjoyable.
There are many twists and turns all with magic, love and learning what really matters.
With the suspense of who is out to do harm this is a great read. I hope you will give it a chance.
Even if you don't believe in magic and the unknow books are for escaping the here and now for just a little bit.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am voluntarily giving it.
January 21, 2021
A Truly Delightful Book
I love reading a book that is entertaining from start to finish. Such is the case with The Would-be Witch by Rita Boucher. This exceptional read has all of my favorite elements in spades. The story is complicatedly simple, the characters are delightfully quirky, the humor is snarky, the tense moments are absorbing and the ending is sweetly sigh-worthy. All in all a perfect read by a very talented author.
I'm surprised that I have never read any of Ms. Boucher's books before this one. An oversight I plan on rectifying as quickly as possible.
Content 411: For the most part, this is a clean book. There are only a few mild swear words and some kissing with implied passion.
Disclosure: I received an complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
I love reading a book that is entertaining from start to finish. Such is the case with The Would-be Witch by Rita Boucher. This exceptional read has all of my favorite elements in spades. The story is complicatedly simple, the characters are delightfully quirky, the humor is snarky, the tense moments are absorbing and the ending is sweetly sigh-worthy. All in all a perfect read by a very talented author.
I'm surprised that I have never read any of Ms. Boucher's books before this one. An oversight I plan on rectifying as quickly as possible.
Content 411: For the most part, this is a clean book. There are only a few mild swear words and some kissing with implied passion.
Disclosure: I received an complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
January 15, 2021
Rounded up from 2.5 to 3 Stars:
Seances, Tarot, and Dreams
A new author and a bit of a different read for me.
The story is more about a certain family and their different magic abilities than is a romance story.
There is love at the end but not much in between except a lot of disproving magic and dealing with criminals and spirits.
A lot of different characters that was hard to keep track of but my favorite character of the book was the cat Thorpe.
Light hearted story, minimal heat created during the romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Seances, Tarot, and Dreams
A new author and a bit of a different read for me.
The story is more about a certain family and their different magic abilities than is a romance story.
There is love at the end but not much in between except a lot of disproving magic and dealing with criminals and spirits.
A lot of different characters that was hard to keep track of but my favorite character of the book was the cat Thorpe.
Light hearted story, minimal heat created during the romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2021
I really loved the premise of this book. A historical romance with magic. Sign me up.
While the characters and plot were interesting. I struggled at times with the authors writing style. You can tell that a lot of thought went into the background and how this magic society works. But there were times that these explanations seems to slow the pace of the novel.
With all that being said, I do think that this was a good read. There was true evolution and growth for both Miranda Wilton (a witch with no powers) and Lord Adam Brand (debunker of magic charlatans). This growth kept the plot moving forward and help create the tension and drama that we al love and enjoys.
While the characters and plot were interesting. I struggled at times with the authors writing style. You can tell that a lot of thought went into the background and how this magic society works. But there were times that these explanations seems to slow the pace of the novel.
With all that being said, I do think that this was a good read. There was true evolution and growth for both Miranda Wilton (a witch with no powers) and Lord Adam Brand (debunker of magic charlatans). This growth kept the plot moving forward and help create the tension and drama that we al love and enjoys.
January 30, 2021
I really wanted to!
The premise of the story was very good, the execution not so much. I tried to read this book,I really did. But the entire thing seemed to be one saying after another from an encyclopedia of regency "cant". This would have been awesome but to much of a good thing. Every single sentence just had to have something that the author feels a regency character would say. Half way through I gave up,which was sad as the plot was interesting. More time developing the character development and less time with the period slang would be excellent. Really should have had a better editor as the author showed skill.
The premise of the story was very good, the execution not so much. I tried to read this book,I really did. But the entire thing seemed to be one saying after another from an encyclopedia of regency "cant". This would have been awesome but to much of a good thing. Every single sentence just had to have something that the author feels a regency character would say. Half way through I gave up,which was sad as the plot was interesting. More time developing the character development and less time with the period slang would be excellent. Really should have had a better editor as the author showed skill.
February 1, 2021
Born into a magical family, Miranda finds herself without any magical powers and because of this, no mage will marry her.
Lord Adam Brand has dedicated his life to unmask those pretending to have magical powers and yet he himself is an unbeliever.
They meet and while working together to uncover and expose the imposters, they fall into the magic of love.
This is a beautifully written fantasy romance which is nicely paced too and it also has some remarkable and very endearing characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very happy to have found this author. I will be interested to read more from her.R
Lord Adam Brand has dedicated his life to unmask those pretending to have magical powers and yet he himself is an unbeliever.
They meet and while working together to uncover and expose the imposters, they fall into the magic of love.
This is a beautifully written fantasy romance which is nicely paced too and it also has some remarkable and very endearing characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and am very happy to have found this author. I will be interested to read more from her.R
January 16, 2021
Regency Magic, Seances and Scams.
The first book I have read by this author and I found it reminiscent of Patricia Rices’s stories. Miranda comes from a magical family but to her sorrow has no gift. She is rather dismayed to find herself attracted to a man who has dedicated his life to proving that magic doesn’t exist and is the forte of charlatans.
Thoroughly enjoyable, lighthearted story.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first book I have read by this author and I found it reminiscent of Patricia Rices’s stories. Miranda comes from a magical family but to her sorrow has no gift. She is rather dismayed to find herself attracted to a man who has dedicated his life to proving that magic doesn’t exist and is the forte of charlatans.
Thoroughly enjoyable, lighthearted story.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2021
Loved the premise of this book. A skeptic of magic and a keeper of magical books are thrown together and must protect each other. I enjoyed how the characters grew and were intelligent. A delightful read!
April 10, 2021
A bit on the overly fanciful side but not a bad story. Sometimes I had to re-read parts that were difficult to understand (especially the accents) and the story progressed and read more like a fairytale but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
August 17, 2022
Cute little clean romance. I like the author did not favor one perspective over the other, but both characters had to meet in the middle.
July 31, 2023
Nice combination of regency and magic. Well drawn characters.
October 2, 2023
Excellent!
Such a fun read! Not only magic and furry familiars but also love and a peek beyond the vale. My first book by this author, but it won't be the last! Great read!
Such a fun read! Not only magic and furry familiars but also love and a peek beyond the vale. My first book by this author, but it won't be the last! Great read!
June 11, 2024
Charming
Nicely written thoroughly entertaining. Easy suspend disbelief. I Will definitely look for others by this author I recommend this novel.
Nicely written thoroughly entertaining. Easy suspend disbelief. I Will definitely look for others by this author I recommend this novel.
February 6, 2025
Look past what is obvious
Very well written story. Truly magical, the slow burn love scenes were eloquent. CA not wait to read the next book.
Very well written story. Truly magical, the slow burn love scenes were eloquent. CA not wait to read the next book.
February 22, 2025
Fascinating
Characters that are unique and colorful. The story has a wonderfully strong plot; with lots of twists and turns and surprises.
Characters that are unique and colorful. The story has a wonderfully strong plot; with lots of twists and turns and surprises.
January 26, 2021
Exciting story. Miranda has unfortunately not gotten the gifts the rest of her family has. Adam has spent his life chasing those he considers frauds. The story has some fun filled scenes. The characters are interesting. Adam proves that there are shades of truth as he spends time with Miranda and finds himself falling in love with her. They have to protect each other from danger and then find forever.
February 11, 2021
A bewitching spell is woven upon the reader to give a view of love in an ethereal way. Wander the magical realm as Miranda and Adam walk towards the light of love.
Miranda Wilton is of the Merlin blood line but well as no magic abilities herself. She has dreamed all her life to for into that realm. As no ability formed the older she got, it left her with the only thing she could do and fix all the record in the library. She knows the history and spells but can do nothing to help. She does know how to read someone to confirm or deny what the believe.
Adam Capbrook, Lord Brand, lost his mother at age six. Watching his father go from one fake after another charlatan to reach his mother to confirm she was in heaven broke his spirit and left him alone, penniless, and a shame of his father. Now after restoring the family wealth, name, and lands he travels disapproving frauds so that others do not go through what he did.
Now as these two meet there is a shift in beliefs and how they look at magic and abilities. As an impromptu performance is given showing Adam that there is a danger that he needs to be protected from. As Adrienne gives this information on from of a ton event of backslashes to hurt her daughter Miranda.
As the two work together somewhat to keep Adam safe, forces are working to bring them together. This wild magical ride gets going after chapter 3. The first 3 chapters give you the setting, background , and teaser for the story. The villain you will have to read to find out as it will surprise you
Miranda Wilton is of the Merlin blood line but well as no magic abilities herself. She has dreamed all her life to for into that realm. As no ability formed the older she got, it left her with the only thing she could do and fix all the record in the library. She knows the history and spells but can do nothing to help. She does know how to read someone to confirm or deny what the believe.
Adam Capbrook, Lord Brand, lost his mother at age six. Watching his father go from one fake after another charlatan to reach his mother to confirm she was in heaven broke his spirit and left him alone, penniless, and a shame of his father. Now after restoring the family wealth, name, and lands he travels disapproving frauds so that others do not go through what he did.
Now as these two meet there is a shift in beliefs and how they look at magic and abilities. As an impromptu performance is given showing Adam that there is a danger that he needs to be protected from. As Adrienne gives this information on from of a ton event of backslashes to hurt her daughter Miranda.
As the two work together somewhat to keep Adam safe, forces are working to bring them together. This wild magical ride gets going after chapter 3. The first 3 chapters give you the setting, background , and teaser for the story. The villain you will have to read to find out as it will surprise you
February 11, 2021
The Would-be Witch begins the Enchanted Heiresses series. It is, also, the first book I have read by Rita Boucher. It will not be the last. I thought this was a good, delightful and magical romance. I had no problem reading the whole book in one sitting. It was so good. I loved it.
The Would-be Witch gets four stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical, fantasy and romance reads. I would love to find out what happens next in the Enchanted Heiresses series, Lord of Illusions.
I received The Would-be Witch from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
The Would-be Witch gets four stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical, fantasy and romance reads. I would love to find out what happens next in the Enchanted Heiresses series, Lord of Illusions.
I received The Would-be Witch from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
March 28, 2021
A historical romance with a bit of twist. Miranda Wilton is from a supernatural family with ties to Merlin, but has no abilities of her own. Her paths cross Lord Brand (Adam) who has spent years debunking charlatans who claim to have magical ties. The romance was predictable. The historical use of language took some getting used to, but it was still an entertaining read.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thanks to Oliver Heber Books.)
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Thanks to Oliver Heber Books.)
June 18, 2009
A realistic, pleasing blend of fantasy and romance - not overdone, and in a painstakingly accurate & realistic historical setting. The hero & heroine have fantastic chemistry, and the use of the hero's POV is incredibly hot in a subtle manner. This book doesn't need explicit physicality to arouse!
November 11, 2017
Regency
December 30, 2014
meh, lots of hocus pocus, lots of running around, not enough clear cut communication, misunderstands abound, numerous numerous references to the magic, not much use of it
April 15, 2011
3.5ish
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