Forbidden Magic

From Library Journal Forced by a forgotten promise to his autocratic grandmother to marry by his 25th birthday, the earl of Saxonhurst consults his servants, flips a coin, and ends up married to gently bred but impoverished Meg Gillingham. He doesn't realize that in her desperation Meg has invoked the powers of an ancient Irish statue to help her out of her difficulties?with sexy, magical, and ultimately dangerous results. A charming, outspoken heroine, a magnetic, unconventional hero, and a diverse cast of well-drawn secondary characters come together in a fast-paced, intriguing plot with a holiday setting that features a touch of evil, a dash of bawdy humor, and enough of Beverley's trademark page-singeing sensuality to satisfy the most demanding reader. Beverley (Lord of Midnight, Topaz, 1998) is a member of the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame and lives in Canada.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Beverley's nonpareil Regency-era romance of the season features a vulgar prehistoric stone statue, the sheelagh-ma-gig, which has been used by generations of women to invoke a dangerous magic. Meg Gillingham, responsible for four orphaned younger siblings, is down to her last handful of oatmeal when their lecherous landlord, Sir Arthur, threatens to either make her younger sister his mistress or throw the family out on the streets. Meg decides that she must use the sheelagh-ma-gig, even though it will exact a high price. Could it be the magic of the statue that induces the eccentric earl of Saxonhurst to decide to take his one-eyed maid's suggestion and marry respectable but impoverished Meg? Terrified that her new husband will discover that she used magic, Meg leaves the statue behind, intending to retrieve it later, but it is stolen by the dastardly landlord. Meg bravely sets out to retrieve the family treasure but finds herself fleeing for her life when she is fingered as Sir Arthur's murderer. Delightfully odd characters and a thrilling plot, along with a generous touch of magic, make this an enchanting read. Diana Tixier Herald After the death of their parents, Meg Gillingham and her three siblings are among the genteel poor of London. But it is not until their landlord, Sir Arthur, threatens to throw the family out of their house unless Meg's sister, Laura, becomes his mistress, that Meg dares to use the sheelagh-ma-gig - a magic statue that can grant the wishes of certain women with the power to use it. Meg wonders what evil will come on them, however, even as she wishes them out of their predicament. For the sheelagh always has a sting with its power. Because of a rash promise to his maternal grandmother, The Duchess of Daingerfield, the Earl of Saxonhurst is faced with finding a bride within 24 hours or marrying whomever his grandmother chooses. When he learns of Meg, she is the answer to his problems and he to hers. Meg worries that Sax will feel he's been trapped into marriage if he learns of the statue. But then the sheelagh disappears, and Sir Arthur poses a new threat, even as Meg struggles to understand her devastatingly handsome husband. Forbidden Magic is an amusing book with a very unusual plot device. The sheelaghs were actual statues of women in vulgar poses once used in Irish churches. Sort of a pagan/Christian mingling of religion. The use of the statue here is ingenious and adds a layer of authenticity to this tale. Sax is one of the sexiest heroes I've read in quite some time, with a collection of odd servants and odder animals - including a misogynistic parrot. The only complaint I had with Forbidden Magic was that I thought the sexual consummation of the hero and heroine's relationship was put off about three chapters too long. I could have done without the last 'delay' manufactured by the heroine, it made her a touch reluctant for my tastes. Still, the fantastic plot and absolutely masterful writing make this a book to remember. Forbidden Magic sweeps readers into a realm where dreams and wishes come true! Once again Jo Beverly has created a devastatingly sexy hero that will curl her readers toes! Sax is a winner! Jo Beverly is at the top of her game in Forbidden Magic! This is a book destined for a cozy spot in the hearts of romance readers everywhere! Phoebe Imel -- Copyright © 030199 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times Jo Beverley is widely regarded as one of the most talented romance writers today. She is a four-time winner of Romance Writers of America's cherished RITA Award and one of only a handful of members in the RITA Hall of Fame. She has also recieved the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award. Born in England, she now lives with her husband and two sons in Victoria, British Columbia, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, WA. Read more