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Magical Malcolms #1
Merely Magic
Can a cynical scientist and an illogical enchantress find happiness?
Lady Ninian Malcolm Siddons, a healer and herbalist, has dedicated her life to the welfare of her ancestral Northumberland village. Both her class and calling have isolated her from companionship and love. But according to legend, her beloved village cannot thrive without a magical Malcolm in residence.
Drogo Ives, Earl of Ives and Wystan, cares only for honor, science, and reason--unlike his unruly brothers and the illogical and untrustworthy female of the species. Love and marriage are two unknowns he has no desire to explore. His married brother can inherit.
But fate and Drogo’s meddling stepsister bring Drogo and Ninian together for one night...with shattering consequences. Having dealt with the inconvenient result of his father’s bastards, Drogo has vowed to marry any woman who carries his child—and now the irresistible Ninian does. Only, the last time a Malcolm married an Ives, disaster destroyed Wystan and both their families. With all the odds against them, can they find a place where science and mystery meet, and build a bridge into a future where love saves both their families and their homes?
Lady Ninian Malcolm Siddons, a healer and herbalist, has dedicated her life to the welfare of her ancestral Northumberland village. Both her class and calling have isolated her from companionship and love. But according to legend, her beloved village cannot thrive without a magical Malcolm in residence.
Drogo Ives, Earl of Ives and Wystan, cares only for honor, science, and reason--unlike his unruly brothers and the illogical and untrustworthy female of the species. Love and marriage are two unknowns he has no desire to explore. His married brother can inherit.
But fate and Drogo’s meddling stepsister bring Drogo and Ninian together for one night...with shattering consequences. Having dealt with the inconvenient result of his father’s bastards, Drogo has vowed to marry any woman who carries his child—and now the irresistible Ninian does. Only, the last time a Malcolm married an Ives, disaster destroyed Wystan and both their families. With all the odds against them, can they find a place where science and mystery meet, and build a bridge into a future where love saves both their families and their homes?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2000
430 people are currently reading
1046 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rice
153 books513 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 124 reviews
January 5, 2012
This book is a bizarre mishmash of elements - tortured hero, cutie-pie magic and abstracted heroine, thinking-positive-thoughts that actually affects the outcome of a trial, rapy tangential villains, mysterious did-he-or-didn’t-he-kill-his-wife plot involving only secondary characters (the victim being a character who never actually appears), 18th-century proto-environmentalism, and a protagonist couple that competes at which of them can think the other is stupid with the most frequency (I'd say the hero wins, hands down).
Merely Magic was one of the most artificial and inconsistent romances I've ever read. For one thing, the hero is constantly harping on how logical he is and how illogical she is. If my name were Inigo Montoya, I would only be able to say to him, “You keep using that word. I do not think this word means what you think it means.” For example: when his brother says to him (trying to convince the hero to mistrust his entirely kind and loyal wife), “When was the last time an Ives could trust his wife?” the hero reflects, “There the question stood in all its stark cold logic, asked by the latest victim of an entire string of failed Ives marriages dating back generations.” Um, no, actually I’m pretty sure that the question is an example of a logical fallacy, and emotional manipulation, but nevertheless, despite his constant equation of his emotional reactions with logic, the hero in this book is constantly held up as some kind of intellectual giant.
Another kind of inconsistency is in the narrative itself. Aside from the overwritten sentences with bizarre syntax (“Handsome enough already to have proved his Ives ability to procreate, Ewen crouched on the overgrown drive and attached a gear to what appeared to be a junk heap of scrap metal.”), there are scenes that mood-wise, don’t make any sense. For example, Ninian (the heroine with a gift for supernatural-level empathy) notes on leaving a haunted room that it “[reeks] of anguish and anger,” but never at any point during the preceding scene there does her behaviour give any indication that she’s perceiving anything negative at all. Instead, she’s incongruously cheerful: “her dimples appeared in a bewilderingly unreadable smile,” and she shows “her dancing dimples” and inspires the hero to want to “kiss the mischief off her rosy lips.” WTH? Another example would be when moments after the hero asks her “Why do you insist on believing in superstitious nonsense,” the heroine internally praises the hero for his “open mind that did not exclude her as so many others did.” Again, WTH? As the book is filled with details that seem randomly included, there’s no sense of authenticity in any of the scenes or characters.
Added to the mire of inconsistency are descriptions that just made me want to laugh out loud. It was sometimes because of made-up words like “cacaphonic,” and it was sometimes because of some pretty turgid love-scene moments, such as the reassurance that our intellectual giant hero is no mere pocket protector-wearing geek: “Here was no studious scientist but a stallion in the prime of life, willing and able to service any mare he cornered.” Or, even better: “Moisture pooled in her womb, and her body readied itself for this act she’d never expected to know.” Oh, baby.
Mostly, though, what made this book an ordeal to get through (while at the same time commanding my attention in the same way a traffic accident would), was the constant harping on how bad women are – they’re constantly being described as using machinations, wiles, etc. for the purposes of gaining wealth and status, or deceiving a man into believing another man’s child was his own, or just because they're bored. They’re hellcats, they’re “whining women” that a man must endeavour to avoid “saddling” himself with. Despite the fact that men are apparently helpless victims of women’s scheming, though, women are apparently also pretty thick. When the hero isn’t mistrusting the heroine, he’s dismissing her intelligence – she’s addlepated, a simpleton, crackbrained, illogical, a lunatic, a moonchild. From the perspectives of the female characters, there’s not a great deal more respect for women. The heroine occasionally tries to assert herself, but mostly in a fairly passive way, waiting for the hero to figure out that she actually does know something. Even the heroine describes her (female) family as “pampered” and “light-minded” and this is despite the fact that she knows what their magical abilities are – they helped her in that chanting thing that saved the hero’s bacon in a lawsuit, and later help bring him back to life. Things eventually improve over the course of the book, with the hero becoming more willing to trust the heroine, but this is only in the last 10% or so (and things are not entirely improved, though – the heroine’s condescending description of her family comes in that last stretch, and he's calling her crackbrained right to the end). This and the previous 90% of the book just makes me shake my head; I don’t think I’ve read a romance that felt so overwhelmingly misogynistic in a long time.
Merely Magic was one of the most artificial and inconsistent romances I've ever read. For one thing, the hero is constantly harping on how logical he is and how illogical she is. If my name were Inigo Montoya, I would only be able to say to him, “You keep using that word. I do not think this word means what you think it means.” For example: when his brother says to him (trying to convince the hero to mistrust his entirely kind and loyal wife), “When was the last time an Ives could trust his wife?” the hero reflects, “There the question stood in all its stark cold logic, asked by the latest victim of an entire string of failed Ives marriages dating back generations.” Um, no, actually I’m pretty sure that the question is an example of a logical fallacy, and emotional manipulation, but nevertheless, despite his constant equation of his emotional reactions with logic, the hero in this book is constantly held up as some kind of intellectual giant.
Another kind of inconsistency is in the narrative itself. Aside from the overwritten sentences with bizarre syntax (“Handsome enough already to have proved his Ives ability to procreate, Ewen crouched on the overgrown drive and attached a gear to what appeared to be a junk heap of scrap metal.”), there are scenes that mood-wise, don’t make any sense. For example, Ninian (the heroine with a gift for supernatural-level empathy) notes on leaving a haunted room that it “[reeks] of anguish and anger,” but never at any point during the preceding scene there does her behaviour give any indication that she’s perceiving anything negative at all. Instead, she’s incongruously cheerful: “her dimples appeared in a bewilderingly unreadable smile,” and she shows “her dancing dimples” and inspires the hero to want to “kiss the mischief off her rosy lips.” WTH? Another example would be when moments after the hero asks her “Why do you insist on believing in superstitious nonsense,” the heroine internally praises the hero for his “open mind that did not exclude her as so many others did.” Again, WTH? As the book is filled with details that seem randomly included, there’s no sense of authenticity in any of the scenes or characters.
Added to the mire of inconsistency are descriptions that just made me want to laugh out loud. It was sometimes because of made-up words like “cacaphonic,” and it was sometimes because of some pretty turgid love-scene moments, such as the reassurance that our intellectual giant hero is no mere pocket protector-wearing geek: “Here was no studious scientist but a stallion in the prime of life, willing and able to service any mare he cornered.” Or, even better: “Moisture pooled in her womb, and her body readied itself for this act she’d never expected to know.” Oh, baby.
Mostly, though, what made this book an ordeal to get through (while at the same time commanding my attention in the same way a traffic accident would), was the constant harping on how bad women are – they’re constantly being described as using machinations, wiles, etc. for the purposes of gaining wealth and status, or deceiving a man into believing another man’s child was his own, or just because they're bored. They’re hellcats, they’re “whining women” that a man must endeavour to avoid “saddling” himself with. Despite the fact that men are apparently helpless victims of women’s scheming, though, women are apparently also pretty thick. When the hero isn’t mistrusting the heroine, he’s dismissing her intelligence – she’s addlepated, a simpleton, crackbrained, illogical, a lunatic, a moonchild. From the perspectives of the female characters, there’s not a great deal more respect for women. The heroine occasionally tries to assert herself, but mostly in a fairly passive way, waiting for the hero to figure out that she actually does know something. Even the heroine describes her (female) family as “pampered” and “light-minded” and this is despite the fact that she knows what their magical abilities are – they helped her in that chanting thing that saved the hero’s bacon in a lawsuit, and later help bring him back to life. Things eventually improve over the course of the book, with the hero becoming more willing to trust the heroine, but this is only in the last 10% or so (and things are not entirely improved, though – the heroine’s condescending description of her family comes in that last stretch, and he's calling her crackbrained right to the end). This and the previous 90% of the book just makes me shake my head; I don’t think I’ve read a romance that felt so overwhelmingly misogynistic in a long time.
March 10, 2011
I loved the two leads in this magical romance. Drogo was so studious and responsible. There were so many people who depended on him to take care of them. Two of his stepsister's friends even ended up living in his home because they had no where to go and Drogo couldn't say no. The author wove this trait of his into the story in many intricate ways and I loved to watch it affect his decision making. For one, Drogo had such trouble realizing that Ninian could love him because she was fiercely independent. She didn't need him like so many others did. Also, Drogo had to learn to let his family learn to fly on their own, which was very difficult for him.
Drogo was so arrogant, but in a way that was so logical, it was almost funny. He basically thought no woman would ever refuse him because of his money. But because of that attitude, he overlooked many of this other attractive traits and believed that was the only reason a woman would want him.
The main conflict of the story, the disaster that could happen if a Malcolm (Ninian) and an Ives (Drogo) married, sort of went over my head. It didn't come across as that believable to me. And it was never really clear to me whether all of the magic in the book affected their feelings for each other or if it was all coincidence.
This is a nice tale to read on a rainy afternoon, especially to read about the great lead characters.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
Drogo was so arrogant, but in a way that was so logical, it was almost funny. He basically thought no woman would ever refuse him because of his money. But because of that attitude, he overlooked many of this other attractive traits and believed that was the only reason a woman would want him.
The main conflict of the story, the disaster that could happen if a Malcolm (Ninian) and an Ives (Drogo) married, sort of went over my head. It didn't come across as that believable to me. And it was never really clear to me whether all of the magic in the book affected their feelings for each other or if it was all coincidence.
This is a nice tale to read on a rainy afternoon, especially to read about the great lead characters.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
March 4, 2011
Logic and emotion collide in Patricia Rice's rich Georgian paranormal MERELY MAGIC, a story of the importance of being true to oneself and of letting people live their own lives.
Malcolm women and Ives men do not mix. Sequestered in her isolated little village, healer and empath Ninian, one of the long line of Malcolm witches, has never met an Ives. And then Drogo, the long-absent Earl of Ives, arrives at his castle. The uber-responsible slave to logic Drogo is taking a break from picking up the pieces after his maddeningly flighty family's antics. Never did either Ninian or Drogo expect the immediate and overpowering attraction that blasts them when they meet. But passion has its own logic, and these two supposedly mismatched people wed. Ninian is terrified she might lose herself under the onslaught of Drogo's potent masculinity. Drogo is terrified of becoming like all the other male Ives, who destroyed their marriages while siring numerous bastards. And he doesn't believe in witches.
MERELY MAGIC takes you on a wild emotional ride in this complex, riveting tale of the mind-numbing fear and towering passion involved when opposites attract. Written in Ms. Rice's signature style that seamlessly combines emotion and action, the story sweeps you along with a varied cast of characters who are true to their time, and yet timeless. I especially like Ninian's and Drogo's wedding ceremony, where Drogo must vow equality with his wife. Equality with a woman in Georgian England? What a cork-brained idea.
First in Ms. Rice's "Magic" series, MERELY MAGIC sets the scene for the continuing saga of the Malcolm witches. I can't wait for the next story.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
Malcolm women and Ives men do not mix. Sequestered in her isolated little village, healer and empath Ninian, one of the long line of Malcolm witches, has never met an Ives. And then Drogo, the long-absent Earl of Ives, arrives at his castle. The uber-responsible slave to logic Drogo is taking a break from picking up the pieces after his maddeningly flighty family's antics. Never did either Ninian or Drogo expect the immediate and overpowering attraction that blasts them when they meet. But passion has its own logic, and these two supposedly mismatched people wed. Ninian is terrified she might lose herself under the onslaught of Drogo's potent masculinity. Drogo is terrified of becoming like all the other male Ives, who destroyed their marriages while siring numerous bastards. And he doesn't believe in witches.
MERELY MAGIC takes you on a wild emotional ride in this complex, riveting tale of the mind-numbing fear and towering passion involved when opposites attract. Written in Ms. Rice's signature style that seamlessly combines emotion and action, the story sweeps you along with a varied cast of characters who are true to their time, and yet timeless. I especially like Ninian's and Drogo's wedding ceremony, where Drogo must vow equality with his wife. Equality with a woman in Georgian England? What a cork-brained idea.
First in Ms. Rice's "Magic" series, MERELY MAGIC sets the scene for the continuing saga of the Malcolm witches. I can't wait for the next story.
ARC provided by Sourcebooks
March 8, 2016
this book has so many underlying meanings and lessons it would take too long to list them all. it's mostly about balance. men and women see the world and react to it (usually) differently. it's about accepting that not everyone in the world is just like you (us), and that that is a good thing, not a bad thing. it's about reaching your mind out to things you don't necessarily understand. it's also a very compelling love story. i loved the hero and the heroine. i have fairly recently "discovered" this author. imo, most authors have some books that are way better than others -- this is one of them. imo, this is an outstanding story. if you don't mind noticing the elements that speak to more than just any historical romance, this is the book for you!
January 8, 2022
Good story sadly the writing style is Talk and Tell, not reveal. The witchy heroine loves the H who won't let himself believe in her. There's a huge cast of people and backstory. Their individual problems were overwhelming. The h is great and she carries the story. The H loved her but he's got all sorts of issues with his disconnected family. I disliked her power being so weak even though she saved lives.
April 1, 2011
MERELY MAGIC by Patricia Rice is an amazing,witty historical romance with a touch of magic set in 1750 Northumberland, England.It is a re-issued titled.The plot is enchanting,easy to follow,well developed and intriguing.The characters are engaging,enchanting,believable and will capture your heart. This is the story of Ninian,a beautiful healer,a little essentic,a famous Malcolm,Innocent,lonely,has little bit of magic and is drawn to aristocratic Drogo.Who is handsome,an aristocrat,an Ives,a man of science,lonely,but won't admit it himself or anyone else,and can't seem to resist the local witch Ninian.After they are thrown together by a terrific storm,Drogo's meddling stepsister,they can't seem to get enough of each other.But they not only face a legend,superstition,danger,lust for each other but they also face Drogo's trust issues,and Ninian's Malcolm family.As the danger and chaos mounts they will have to decide if they trust each other enough to survive the Malcolm and Ives legend,be happy together, and maybe begin a new chapter in with Tales of Malcolm and Ives.This is a fast paced story full of passion,some sensuality,promise of brighter days to come,the end of a legend and the beginning of a new life with love,maybe a little peace,family, full of hope,love,and a little happiness.
This was an amazing story with a little magic,danger and a lot of love.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks,Inc. and My Book Addiction and More.
This was an amazing story with a little magic,danger and a lot of love.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks,Inc. and My Book Addiction and More.
January 1, 2022
Edit* this will be the first DNF book with no plan or revisiting the book or author... It did not improve in the slightest.
I have less than 5 hours in the reading left... I will update my review if it improves.
I started this book on Audible, the cover made me think it was more fantasy action than romance. I was quite disappointed when it was proven otherwise, but that is on me. Even after coming to terms this is not a standard fantasy novel, I am quite shocked by this book. And not in the good way.
The magic is very minimal, and lacks originality and substance. The heroine is written vaguely and lacks the human qualities that makes characters likable and relatable. And the heroine's love interest is, well gross. Their sex scene was a constant "wtf" moment for me and did I hear a rape joke (about reporting)? Answer? Yes.
This book bleeds toxic masculinity and the shit that holds the patriarchy up. Woman in a small town meets high born man, miraculously gets pregnant on the first "try" even though apparently neither can conceive(?), and then has to marry the guy... Oh and during their sexual experience, it was noted she was too small and he too big and she screamed in pain... He also said he could not stop and took away her choice to say no. This scene made me feel unsafe, uncomfortable, and as far from aroused as possible.
Do I recommend? If it's not clear by my review, no. I do not.
I have less than 5 hours in the reading left... I will update my review if it improves.
I started this book on Audible, the cover made me think it was more fantasy action than romance. I was quite disappointed when it was proven otherwise, but that is on me. Even after coming to terms this is not a standard fantasy novel, I am quite shocked by this book. And not in the good way.
The magic is very minimal, and lacks originality and substance. The heroine is written vaguely and lacks the human qualities that makes characters likable and relatable. And the heroine's love interest is, well gross. Their sex scene was a constant "wtf" moment for me and did I hear a rape joke (about reporting)? Answer? Yes.
This book bleeds toxic masculinity and the shit that holds the patriarchy up. Woman in a small town meets high born man, miraculously gets pregnant on the first "try" even though apparently neither can conceive(?), and then has to marry the guy... Oh and during their sexual experience, it was noted she was too small and he too big and she screamed in pain... He also said he could not stop and took away her choice to say no. This scene made me feel unsafe, uncomfortable, and as far from aroused as possible.
Do I recommend? If it's not clear by my review, no. I do not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2011
The Book: Merely Magic by Patricia Rice
The Particulars: Historical Fantasy Romance, Sourcebooks, available both in print and e-book
Why was it in my TBR? Because I wanted to something to cheer me up
The Review:
The blurb:
With exhilarating wit, sensuality, and emotion, bestselling author Patricia Rice offers an enchanting historical romance. When a magical young woman meets a dark aristocrat in a moonlit forest, neither dreams that a strange and powerful love is about to change their lives forever....
My impressions:
I picked this up a year ago, and fell in love. When I read that she had sold the series to Sourcebooks, I got really happy.
Drogo, Earl of Ives and Wystan is a scientist, that don’t believe in magic. Ninian Malcolm Siddons have grown up in Wystan. She accept that she is a witch. Both characters are strongwilled. And they are so different, but watching them carve out a life together was fascinating. There were moments in this book that made me smile. And other scenes made me cry. My heart went out to Ninian when she tried to get Drogo to believe. In her powers, and in his brothers. Despite the obstacles, they get their HEA.
I finished this book with a happy sigh. This is a heartwarming book, not as funny as some of the other books in the series. But oh so good.
The Particulars: Historical Fantasy Romance, Sourcebooks, available both in print and e-book
Why was it in my TBR? Because I wanted to something to cheer me up
The Review:
The blurb:
With exhilarating wit, sensuality, and emotion, bestselling author Patricia Rice offers an enchanting historical romance. When a magical young woman meets a dark aristocrat in a moonlit forest, neither dreams that a strange and powerful love is about to change their lives forever....
My impressions:
I picked this up a year ago, and fell in love. When I read that she had sold the series to Sourcebooks, I got really happy.
Drogo, Earl of Ives and Wystan is a scientist, that don’t believe in magic. Ninian Malcolm Siddons have grown up in Wystan. She accept that she is a witch. Both characters are strongwilled. And they are so different, but watching them carve out a life together was fascinating. There were moments in this book that made me smile. And other scenes made me cry. My heart went out to Ninian when she tried to get Drogo to believe. In her powers, and in his brothers. Despite the obstacles, they get their HEA.
I finished this book with a happy sigh. This is a heartwarming book, not as funny as some of the other books in the series. But oh so good.
December 27, 2015
This is the first official book in the "Magic" series, and even after all the other books that came it is still a favorite. I have read the book countless times and it never gets old. This is a truly wonderful story of two people who have the weight of the world on there shoulders and feel so alone. When they first meet it is like magic, but of course nothing is ever so simple. Drogo and Ninian take us on a wonderful journey as they search to see if they will be the each others saviors or the destruction of all.
You get a wonderful cast of characters that you cannot wait to find out more about. Thankfully, there are many more "Magic" books after this and get your fix on, plus from the sound of it more to come. Whether you are new to the series or not, this is a must read. These books can be read independent of each other, so don't worry if you have jumped ahead and missed this story.
You get a wonderful cast of characters that you cannot wait to find out more about. Thankfully, there are many more "Magic" books after this and get your fix on, plus from the sound of it more to come. Whether you are new to the series or not, this is a must read. These books can be read independent of each other, so don't worry if you have jumped ahead and missed this story.
September 15, 2023
2.5 stars
Mediocre historical romance. Even the dash of the paranormal couldn't save it from being blah.
Mediocre historical romance. Even the dash of the paranormal couldn't save it from being blah.
January 1, 2022
I took a while to finish this book. The premise was ok, lord of the land falls for fair maiden who happens to be a witch. I was looking for some unique entertainment since some fantasy was implied in the description. However, the interaction between the male and female lead was annoying most times. He seemed overbearing and condescending. The magic/fantasy elements were very subtle and mostly implied. It took me a while to complete and I eventually did just becuase. I tried to move on to the second book to see if there would be some improvement, but had to give up. A merely ok novel.
September 8, 2023
I found this hard to put down. Now it is late and I've lost sleep because I needed to read this book and find out how it ended.
Yeah, you could say that I enjoyed it.
Yeah, you could say that I enjoyed it.
January 26, 2022
Good story but slow chapters, still good read
March 24, 2011
My First Reaction When I Finished:
Hmmmmm.....well, that was interesting.
My Review:
I really had hoped for so much more than what I got with this one. For some reason none of the characters made a connection for me. I found the romance to be forced and I just didn't care for the storyline. At times I actually found the story hard to follow...yes, I know it's a romance so why would I have a hard time following it???? Well, too many characters and a plot that just didn't interest me.
Do I recommend?
Knowing my fellow bookish friends who visit my blog I would have to say no....but there are a few out there that read historical romance and they may like this one. So, I guess it depends on whether or not you enjoy this genre. I find that they're hit or miss most of the time for me, but I would try another book by Patricia Rice again.
Rating: 5/10
Reviewers who had a different opinion than mine:
Lilly @ Reading Extravaganza:
"Regardless of which genre Merely Magic fits in, it's a fun read, with some steamy love scenes that will satisfy those readers who pick up books for romantic excitement. There's definitely a lot of that."
Hmmmmm.....well, that was interesting.
My Review:
I really had hoped for so much more than what I got with this one. For some reason none of the characters made a connection for me. I found the romance to be forced and I just didn't care for the storyline. At times I actually found the story hard to follow...yes, I know it's a romance so why would I have a hard time following it???? Well, too many characters and a plot that just didn't interest me.
Do I recommend?
Knowing my fellow bookish friends who visit my blog I would have to say no....but there are a few out there that read historical romance and they may like this one. So, I guess it depends on whether or not you enjoy this genre. I find that they're hit or miss most of the time for me, but I would try another book by Patricia Rice again.
Rating: 5/10
Reviewers who had a different opinion than mine:
Lilly @ Reading Extravaganza:
"Regardless of which genre Merely Magic fits in, it's a fun read, with some steamy love scenes that will satisfy those readers who pick up books for romantic excitement. There's definitely a lot of that."
February 20, 2018
Beware of Mixing Magic and Science
The Legend of the Malcolms and the Ives is a powerful warning not to mix science with magic.
The Cast:
The first thing that comes to mind in describing Ninian Malcolm Siddons is compassionate. Though she is aware of the villagers distrust of herself and her own distrust of the family Ives, she freely lends her gift of healing and knowledge of herbology to any one who needs it.
She has a lively, curious mind which is firmly rooted in Druidism. Her intelligence and stubbornness lead to some very lively verbiage throughout the book.
The Ives men only bear sons and whether legitimate or born on the wrong side of the blanket each male possesses a creative and inventive mind. These geniuses come up with many ideas and inventions throughout the story that both help and hinder the situation. These devices create some very amusing surprises for the reader.
The Malcolm women only bear females and each one born into the bloodline is blessed with a unique magical gift. They certainly do not hide being different!
The scientific and logical minds of the Ives men and the magical, spiritual natures of the Malcolm woman make for a very captivating cast of characters.
My Favorite Secondary Character:
I would love to sit and share a cuppa with the Duchess of Mainwaring. The eldest of the Aunts and head of the Malcolm family, Stella has an optimistic view of the world that I quite agree with.
Story Flow:
Merely Magic is an easy page turner and I barely noticed the time passing by.
The introductions to both the Malcolm and Ives families and to the legend that was the basis of the story, were throughly woven into the beginning of the book and made the rest of the story easy to understand while reading.
The only difficulty I found with the flow had to do with the dialogue. Both Ninian and Drogo are such strong characters that their longstanding disagreement - science vs magic - becomes almost monotonous and frustrating to read through.
Nail Biting:
The getting these two together part was no secret. Drogo’s vow took care of that.
The nail biter here was whether or not they could come to terms with each other to have a quality relationship. This was the part of the story flow that dragged a bit, but it sure made for an entertaining read as it developed.
HEA:
Ninian and Drogo are both very strong characters who eventually discover how to share their weaknesses with one another.
Their strengths and weaknesses balance each other out nicely and I am optimistic for them.
Swoon:
When we first meet the Earl of Ives and Wystan we get a small glimpse of a romantic whimsical side. But it disappears quickly and is easily forgotten as we see through most of the story a cold, logical and stoic man instead.
Drogo takes care of and protects any person who comes into his circle. Though he gets grumpy about it, he will do whatever it takes to see them all cared for.
We see the man start to thaw out a bit and actually start to make jokes! It took almost 36 chapters (Drogo is a very stubborn character), but in the end he opens up to be one heck of a swoon-worthy specimen.
Emotion Coaster:
The emotion I carried with me throughout this read was amusement. I was thoroughly entertained by the whole story. There wasn’t much of an emotion coaster ride here, but that by no way made it a boring tale.
Sensuality: Luke Warm
The love scenes are not overly graphic and there is plenty of internal dialogue to give you a play by play into their emotions and fill in some of the blanks.
The Last Drop:
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were rich in personality and well developed. The science vs magic aspect made for lively discussion points and amusing antics.
It is a love story that brings together two very different ways of thought and belief and does so in a lively, entertaining and plausible manner.
It’s not a perfect book, but it is going to be sitting in my personal library for a very long time.
https://www.readwithacuppa.com/merely...
The Legend of the Malcolms and the Ives is a powerful warning not to mix science with magic.
“ An Ives once tried to force his Malcolm lady to deny her heritage, and it nearly destroyed the village.”
Grandmama, Prologue, pg 2, para 1
The Cast:
The first thing that comes to mind in describing Ninian Malcolm Siddons is compassionate. Though she is aware of the villagers distrust of herself and her own distrust of the family Ives, she freely lends her gift of healing and knowledge of herbology to any one who needs it.
She has a lively, curious mind which is firmly rooted in Druidism. Her intelligence and stubbornness lead to some very lively verbiage throughout the book.
The Ives men only bear sons and whether legitimate or born on the wrong side of the blanket each male possesses a creative and inventive mind. These geniuses come up with many ideas and inventions throughout the story that both help and hinder the situation. These devices create some very amusing surprises for the reader.
“Joseph fought the beginning of a grin as he glanced around at the chaos of toy models covering the sofas and chairs.”
Narrative Ch 16, pg 142 para 8
The Malcolm women only bear females and each one born into the bloodline is blessed with a unique magical gift. They certainly do not hide being different!
The scientific and logical minds of the Ives men and the magical, spiritual natures of the Malcolm woman make for a very captivating cast of characters.
My Favorite Secondary Character:
I would love to sit and share a cuppa with the Duchess of Mainwaring. The eldest of the Aunts and head of the Malcolm family, Stella has an optimistic view of the world that I quite agree with.
“The more positive energy we generate, the stronger we will be.”
Aunt Stella, Duchess of Mainwaring , Ch 25, page 220 para 8
Story Flow:
Merely Magic is an easy page turner and I barely noticed the time passing by.
The introductions to both the Malcolm and Ives families and to the legend that was the basis of the story, were throughly woven into the beginning of the book and made the rest of the story easy to understand while reading.
The only difficulty I found with the flow had to do with the dialogue. Both Ninian and Drogo are such strong characters that their longstanding disagreement - science vs magic - becomes almost monotonous and frustrating to read through.
Nail Biting:
The getting these two together part was no secret. Drogo’s vow took care of that.
“If you carry my child, as you claim, we’ll be married in a church, in London, with friends and family as witness. The child will be an Ives, not a Malcolm.”
Lord Drogo, Ch 13, pg 121 para 7
The nail biter here was whether or not they could come to terms with each other to have a quality relationship. This was the part of the story flow that dragged a bit, but it sure made for an entertaining read as it developed.
HEA:
“... Ninian remembered why she had fallen into this man’s bondage. He not only possessed the temptations of the devil, but he also possessed an open mind that did not exclude her as so many others did.”
Narrative, Ch 18, pg 161, para 4
“Just her smile had the power to jolt his heart into mindless clatter.”
Narrative, Ch 27, pg 240, para 5
Ninian and Drogo are both very strong characters who eventually discover how to share their weaknesses with one another.
Their strengths and weaknesses balance each other out nicely and I am optimistic for them.
Swoon:
“The kitchen maid returned bearing firewood, which crashed to the floor upon the sight of an earl in the kitchen stirring pudding and dandling a babe on his shoulder”
Narrative, Ch 29, pg 258, para 2
When we first meet the Earl of Ives and Wystan we get a small glimpse of a romantic whimsical side. But it disappears quickly and is easily forgotten as we see through most of the story a cold, logical and stoic man instead.
Drogo takes care of and protects any person who comes into his circle. Though he gets grumpy about it, he will do whatever it takes to see them all cared for.
We see the man start to thaw out a bit and actually start to make jokes! It took almost 36 chapters (Drogo is a very stubborn character), but in the end he opens up to be one heck of a swoon-worthy specimen.
Emotion Coaster:
The emotion I carried with me throughout this read was amusement. I was thoroughly entertained by the whole story. There wasn’t much of an emotion coaster ride here, but that by no way made it a boring tale.
Sensuality: Luke Warm
The love scenes are not overly graphic and there is plenty of internal dialogue to give you a play by play into their emotions and fill in some of the blanks.
The Last Drop:
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were rich in personality and well developed. The science vs magic aspect made for lively discussion points and amusing antics.
It is a love story that brings together two very different ways of thought and belief and does so in a lively, entertaining and plausible manner.
It’s not a perfect book, but it is going to be sitting in my personal library for a very long time.
https://www.readwithacuppa.com/merely...
February 6, 2017
Little bit of magic, lots of miscommunication, of course love.
I had a fun time reading this book. The poor little witch had no faith in herself. Her husband thinks she is a nut. Her family thinks his are all devils and that none in hers can be happy with one of them! Oh my! I gave it 4 stars because I dislike too descriptive sex scenes.
I had a fun time reading this book. The poor little witch had no faith in herself. Her husband thinks she is a nut. Her family thinks his are all devils and that none in hers can be happy with one of them! Oh my! I gave it 4 stars because I dislike too descriptive sex scenes.
October 3, 2017
Merely Magic
I just finished The first book of magic and I can't wait to start the next book. I loved this book and magic in it. I have never read your stories before but I'm huded on you now. Thank you for an enjoyable and loved story. Ada G.
I just finished The first book of magic and I can't wait to start the next book. I loved this book and magic in it. I have never read your stories before but I'm huded on you now. Thank you for an enjoyable and loved story. Ada G.
July 18, 2019
Magical tale
I loved this story of a young healer that the village considers a witch, and the logical earl she falls in love with. Their family members also are intriguing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I loved this story of a young healer that the village considers a witch, and the logical earl she falls in love with. Their family members also are intriguing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
February 7, 2021
Oh goodness, it was pretty disappointing. Muddled, disjointed, and inconsistent. I couldn't summon any sympathy or interest for the main characters. I felt like I was reading a draft that needed a solid rewrite before being published.
May 21, 2017
I have the second one on order. Patricia Rice has just been added to my list of favorite authors.
March 5, 2018
I loved this series. Full of magic, romance, saucy heroines and handsome heroes. And an HEA for all. I thought it was a unique take on magic. Better if read as a series.
March 14, 2020
Another delicious book of magic and mayhem with strong men and wise and delightful women. A must read!
May 14, 2017
This book basically reads like a tv movie. The background plot isn't so bad at all, it's just the character interaction that gets on my nerves. So the story takes place in 1750 in a superstitious village called Wystan. For generations the Malcolm women have been known as witches and often help the villagers with their plights.
There is an old tale of a Malcolm woman marrying an Ives man, Ives being nobility, and then on the night of their child's birth the husband left his wife because the baby was a girl and Ives men only have boys. After that night calamity ensued with flooding and storms.
Yes that's right, Ives men can only have boys and because the wife had a daughter it meant she was unfaithful! Is that just not the most idiotic thing you have ever heard! Supposedly Malcolm women can only have girls so you see the 'dilemma' to an Ives/Malcolm pairing. Which I'm pretty sure it just stupidity.
So naturally on the night of Beltane when our main character Ninian is watching the festivities from a far who should she encounter but the newly arrived Lord Ives! How shocking! Ninian and Drogo are attracted to each other and and after a night of passion the rest of the story takes place.
For some reason the burn or water source is making people sick and Ninian is trying to learn why and Drogo just thinks she is nuts. That is the whole kit and caboodle of the novel. Which wouldn't be so bad but the going back and forth of the 'She's loony, I need her but it will never workout because she is crack-brained!' and Ninian's 'He's to cold and doesn't trust me! He doesn't accept me as I am!' got old fast.
Not to mention early on in the book Drogo's stepsister Sarah puts the moves on him because she is bored and wants to feel wanted. Eww! That part grossed me out a lot. They have known each other since they were kids. It's just icky! Granted she only did it once but it made me shudder.
I can't say that this book made me excited to keep reading but there was enough of a draw for me to finish it because I wanted to know about the back story and how it gets fixed. I will say there is a happy ending but I guess that really isn't a secret since this is a romance novel.
I think I just need to stay away from romance novels, especially ones made before 2005 because they do nothing for me. Drogo's narrow point of view with his constant wanton for logic and not being able to fathom anything outside of his spectrum of knowledge kinda put a damper on things. Ninian's lack of communication and willy nilliness didn't help at all either.
I think reading only one of the 'Magic' series is enough for me. I am moving on to greener pasture and hopefully to writers with less frustrating main characters.
There is an old tale of a Malcolm woman marrying an Ives man, Ives being nobility, and then on the night of their child's birth the husband left his wife because the baby was a girl and Ives men only have boys. After that night calamity ensued with flooding and storms.
Yes that's right, Ives men can only have boys and because the wife had a daughter it meant she was unfaithful! Is that just not the most idiotic thing you have ever heard! Supposedly Malcolm women can only have girls so you see the 'dilemma' to an Ives/Malcolm pairing. Which I'm pretty sure it just stupidity.
So naturally on the night of Beltane when our main character Ninian is watching the festivities from a far who should she encounter but the newly arrived Lord Ives! How shocking! Ninian and Drogo are attracted to each other and and after a night of passion the rest of the story takes place.
For some reason the burn or water source is making people sick and Ninian is trying to learn why and Drogo just thinks she is nuts. That is the whole kit and caboodle of the novel. Which wouldn't be so bad but the going back and forth of the 'She's loony, I need her but it will never workout because she is crack-brained!' and Ninian's 'He's to cold and doesn't trust me! He doesn't accept me as I am!' got old fast.
Not to mention early on in the book Drogo's stepsister Sarah puts the moves on him because she is bored and wants to feel wanted. Eww! That part grossed me out a lot. They have known each other since they were kids. It's just icky! Granted she only did it once but it made me shudder.
I can't say that this book made me excited to keep reading but there was enough of a draw for me to finish it because I wanted to know about the back story and how it gets fixed. I will say there is a happy ending but I guess that really isn't a secret since this is a romance novel.
I think I just need to stay away from romance novels, especially ones made before 2005 because they do nothing for me. Drogo's narrow point of view with his constant wanton for logic and not being able to fathom anything outside of his spectrum of knowledge kinda put a damper on things. Ninian's lack of communication and willy nilliness didn't help at all either.
I think reading only one of the 'Magic' series is enough for me. I am moving on to greener pasture and hopefully to writers with less frustrating main characters.
February 13, 2025
This is the first book in the series but the second one that I read. It's good thing that I read the other first because this one frustrated me on practically every level. The hero automatically assumes that females are out to trap him into marriage for his money and title. The heroine constantly doubts her abilities and willingly takes on responsibilities for anyone all tragedies that befall her villager as something she either caused or could have prevented because of who she is. She questions the magical abilities of herself and her family in one scene and has implicit faith in them in another. He becomes her husband and doubts her pregnancy until he can see the evidence thereof. He constantly refers to her as someone that is short on mental capacity with a series of derogatory adjectives that are in line with the times of the book. The story jumps from one crisis to another, just as frequently involving his family as hers. His belief in logical thinking makes it difficult for them to have some sort of meeting of the minds, since she believes in the gifts each female in her family seems to possess.
The later book that I read got a better rating from me . This is probably because the adventures in that book were centered mainly on one topic. In this book there were so many events come into play, it was like watching 5 plays at the same time. It just had too much congestion, and several of the topics could and probably will be addressed in later books, as it look like the next book in the series involves the hero's brother and a cousin of the heroine.
The later book that I read got a better rating from me . This is probably because the adventures in that book were centered mainly on one topic. In this book there were so many events come into play, it was like watching 5 plays at the same time. It just had too much congestion, and several of the topics could and probably will be addressed in later books, as it look like the next book in the series involves the hero's brother and a cousin of the heroine.
May 9, 2023
It is difficult for me to properly evaluate a book when I do not like the main characters. I did not like the male lead, Drogo. I did not like the way he treats women or how he thinks of them. I will say that by the last 15 pages he finally becomes acceptable....but it still did not change my opinion of him. The Female lead is Ninian who lives in a small village where Drogo just happens to be the absentee Earl. Ninian is the local healer and is considered to be a witch. She knows everyone but does not really have any friends. When the Earl decides to visit this small village and takes residence in his abandoned castle he brings three ladies with him. One is his stepsister and the others are her friends. The village thinks he has three wives. Drogo is immediately attracted to Ninian and she is attracted to him but keeps her distance because he is an Ives and she is a Malcolm. She has been warned all her life never to get close to an Ives. Drogo thinks Ninian is pretty and he wants to bed her. He has made a vow to marry any woman who carries his child. He has been trying for years to have a child to no avail. Ninian cannot seem to say no to anything or anyone. They have a steamy night and she is pregnant. The rest of the book is just him wanting sex and her trying to get him to see her as a person. I don't believe I will ever read anything else by this author.
November 11, 2020
It was okay. It kind of vacillated back and forth between a regency/historical romance and a vague paranormal romance. It hinted at magical elements with legends and superstitions, but didn’t get into explanations or details. Ninian expects Drogo to “believe in her”, but is so very vague about what it means to be a witch that I couldn’t understand what she wanted him to believe or what purpose her unexplainable magic was meant to serve. In fact, all of the witches in her family had very vague powers that may or may not be real magic. Ninian didn’t really understand being a witch herself and never was able to explain it well. It wasn’t until the very end of the book that we have any sort of idea about why magic even matters. The conflict between Ninian and Drogo over his lack of belief seemed like nonsense under the circumstances.
I didn’t think the book was a total miss. It was entertaining and the characters were interesting. It just didn’t give enough explanation for any of the main plot points. There was also very little world development. There was a lot of room for improvement.
I didn’t think the book was a total miss. It was entertaining and the characters were interesting. It just didn’t give enough explanation for any of the main plot points. There was also very little world development. There was a lot of room for improvement.
August 2, 2022
TW: child abandonment
It's a well written book, but the story is a mess. The heroine is the only likable character, but her personality is inconsistent. She changed scene to scene depending on what the plot needed her to be.
This book did the whole soul mates/ destined lovers thing very poorly. It stripped the character's agency from them. They were only together because of fate and not because they wanted to be. It never felt like they even liked each other.
The absolute worst part of the book was that it treated child abandonment like a joke. I was absolutely revolted by the references to all the illegitimate children the brothers had that they literally abandoned. They get women pregnant, give them money, and then leave them! These men are meant to be the heroes of the next books. I will not be surprised if their children are conveniently forgotten in their books. It's disgusting.
It's a well written book, but the story is a mess. The heroine is the only likable character, but her personality is inconsistent. She changed scene to scene depending on what the plot needed her to be.
This book did the whole soul mates/ destined lovers thing very poorly. It stripped the character's agency from them. They were only together because of fate and not because they wanted to be. It never felt like they even liked each other.
The absolute worst part of the book was that it treated child abandonment like a joke. I was absolutely revolted by the references to all the illegitimate children the brothers had that they literally abandoned. They get women pregnant, give them money, and then leave them! These men are meant to be the heroes of the next books. I will not be surprised if their children are conveniently forgotten in their books. It's disgusting.
August 3, 2025
A fun magical romp.
Set in 1750 Northern England (but with a few anachronistic elements that confused me - Balloon flight and Newgate prison which weren't around yet).
Lady Ninian Malcolm Siddons is a village healer and according to her family's long heritage- a witch. She lives on the outskirts of society, not quite accepted, slightly feared but yearns for love and family. There is a long-held tradition that Malcolms and their neighbours, the aristocratic Ives do not mix. In fact, it portends disaster. But, when Drogo, the Earl of Ives comes into town after their family's long absence, the attraction between them is immediate.
Ninian is very airy-fairy, while Drogo is a purely scientific mind. Sunshine-grumpy at its best.
The book follows the MCs first year of marriage and the pregnancy and birth of their first child. It was quite a long read with lots of storyline covered, setting up what will no doubt be a very fun series.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Set in 1750 Northern England (but with a few anachronistic elements that confused me - Balloon flight and Newgate prison which weren't around yet).
Lady Ninian Malcolm Siddons is a village healer and according to her family's long heritage- a witch. She lives on the outskirts of society, not quite accepted, slightly feared but yearns for love and family. There is a long-held tradition that Malcolms and their neighbours, the aristocratic Ives do not mix. In fact, it portends disaster. But, when Drogo, the Earl of Ives comes into town after their family's long absence, the attraction between them is immediate.
Ninian is very airy-fairy, while Drogo is a purely scientific mind. Sunshine-grumpy at its best.
The book follows the MCs first year of marriage and the pregnancy and birth of their first child. It was quite a long read with lots of storyline covered, setting up what will no doubt be a very fun series.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
February 19, 2018
Excellent blend of historical and supernatural
The Malcolm women are witches and have been for centuries. Everyone knows that. The Ives men are far too scientific, practical, and prolific for their own good. Everyone knows that too. Local lore says that there will be a curse if a Malcolm woman and Ives man join together. But what happens to local superstition in an age of enlightenment and science. And what about abilities that are simply sufficiently misunderstood as to look like magic? Ninian Malcolm and Drogo Ives get the unenviable task of challenging their family lore in the early industrial world. In addition to excellent settings and character development, this book also explores the change in thinking that comes with scientific advancement and how that affects the traditional assumptions still prevalent among the majority of the populace.
The Malcolm women are witches and have been for centuries. Everyone knows that. The Ives men are far too scientific, practical, and prolific for their own good. Everyone knows that too. Local lore says that there will be a curse if a Malcolm woman and Ives man join together. But what happens to local superstition in an age of enlightenment and science. And what about abilities that are simply sufficiently misunderstood as to look like magic? Ninian Malcolm and Drogo Ives get the unenviable task of challenging their family lore in the early industrial world. In addition to excellent settings and character development, this book also explores the change in thinking that comes with scientific advancement and how that affects the traditional assumptions still prevalent among the majority of the populace.
May 5, 2023
A good read but rather too talky at times. Drogo and Ninian were the perfect opposites attack couple. The two meet by chance in the forest and are doomed to actions contrary to each one's set of rules. They spend a night of passion together and not surprisingly, Ninian becomes pregnant. They marry, with reluctance on Ninian,s part , because Drogo has vowed to marry any woman who carries his babe. Theirs is a rocky relationship because each is so strong in their own convictions and not willing to compromise. This is the first book in a series and it will be very interesting to read how things play out in the following books between the members of these two families, the Ives and the Malcolms.
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