Enchanting the Lady (Mass Market Paperback)

by Kathryne Kennedy (Author)
Key Phrases: yer aunt, golden brow, Sir Terence, Uncle Oliver, Aunt Gertrude (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Little-noticed Felicity Seymour is a woman with a problem: she can't take control of her parents' lands until she can prove her magical abilities, of which she's never had the slightest hint. When she meets a handsome were-lion baronet, Terence Blackwell, she's surprised at his interest; what she doesn't know is that Terence smells the taint of relic-magic on her, the same magic that killed his brother. Resolving to learn her secrets, Terence courts the worried wallflower and is as surprised as anyone when he falls head over heels. Soon after they marry in secret, Felicity discovers that people she's trusted all her life are conspiring to steal her magic, her title and her land. Now she's got to stop them with the help of her new husband—but how much does she really know about her mysterious mate? The latest from Kennedy (Beneath the Thirteen Moons) is simply delightful, set in a fantasy-touched Victorian England that's imaginative, historically vigorous and ripe for further adventures. Felicity is a pleasantly unassuming heroine and is well matched in Terence, while the identity of the villain will keep readers guessing until the very end. (Jan.)
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Review
"In a Victorian England where magic dwells, Sir Terence Blackwell ignores the prejudice against "werepeople" to faithfully serve Prince Albert, protecting him from harm, especially the danger caused by the relics of Merlin, artifacts forged by the grand wizard himself and too powerful for humans, magic bearing or not, to possess. He can't believe the day he smells relic magic within the prince's own palace, nor that its scent clings so strongly to a striking debutante, Lady Felicity Seymour, taking her tests to inherit her ducal title. Terence is willing to risk anything to discover the lady's ties to the relic, although he never realized anything could include his heart. The first in Kennedy's Relics of Merlin series, the novel takes a number of fairy tales, most notably Beauty and the Beast, and delightfully turns them on their collective ear. Playful prose carries the reader through this well-crafted, sexy romp of a story sporting an engaging cast." -- Nina C. Davis -- Booklist, December 1, 2007

"Little-noticed Felicity Seymour is a woman with a problem: she can't take control of her parents' lands until she can prove her magical abilities, of which she's never had the slightest hint. When she meets a handsome were-lion baronet, Terence Blackwell, she's surprised at his interest; what she doesn't know is that Terence smells the taint of relic-magic on her, the same magic that killed his brother. Resolving to learn her secrets, Terence courts the worried wallflower and is as surprised as anyone when he falls head over heels. Soon after they marry in secret, Felicity discovers that people she's trusted all her life are conspiring to steal her magic, her title and her land. Now she's got to stop them with the help of her new husband-but how much does she really know about her mysterious mate? The latest from Kennedy (Beneath the Thirteen Moons) is simply delightful, set in a fantasy-touched Victorian England that's imaginative, historically vigorous and ripe for further adventures. Felicity is a pleasantly unassuming heroine and is well matched in Terence, while the identity of the villain will keep readers guessing until the very end." (Jan.) -- Publishers Weekly, November 12, 2007

Delightful, refreshing and unique, Kathryne Kennedy takes us to Regency England with Enchanting the Lady where titles are held based on how strong your magic is.

Felicity has been the Duchess of Honor of Stonehaven since the death of her parents. Now it is time for her testing and if she fails, the title will pass on to someone else. Felicity is sure she will not pass. Even though she senses her magic is there, she has not been able to use that magic. She also feels that she is so bland that she is invisible to many. Terence Blackwell is favored by Prince Albert because he can, as a shifter, sense the black magic associated with the 13 relics produced by Merlin many years ago. When his brother is killed by one of these relics, he vows to find the remaining. When Felicity enters for her testing he senses the relic magic but cannot find it. He knows that Felicity is the key and sets out to court her. Little does he know what danger he will be in not only to his body but also his heart as he learns Felicity is more than just the key to another relic.

Kathryne Kennedy has penned a tale worthy of your keeper shelf. She has capably introduced us to a world populated by shifters, monsters and magicians and combined it with suspense and danger to produce a delightful novel that will want us to keep turning the pages to see what will happen next. Felicity and Terence are complex, well developed characters who jump right off the pages and into our hearts. Enchanting the Lady: Relics of Merlin is one tale you do not want to miss. Debby Guyette -- Single Titles.com, 8-18-07

A PERFECT 10~"ENCHANTING THE LADY is a phenomenal read...It isn't often that a book captures my attention so thoroughly; however, ENCHANTING THE LADY with its superb blend of Victorian England, magic, shape-shifters, and characters who positively come to life, definitely did. This is one of those rare and wonderful books that will leave a smile lingering on your face long after you're done reading. Thank goodness this is the beginning of a new series, because I can't wait to visit this magical world again. I find myself compelled to give ENCHANTING THE LADY the highest praise I can think of, a Perfect 10. Brava, Kathryne!" Lori Ann -- Romance Reviews Today, January 1, 2008

Advance Review:

Enchanting the Lady is a wonderful fantasy novel set in a world of magic with a regency England setting. I was swept away into a magical new world from page one. The suspense was gripping and kept me on my toes through the book. It took me quite a while to figure out who the villain was and why. I would love to see this book be the start to a whole new fantasy series. Ms. Kennedy is going to be an author fantasy readers will be putting on their top ten lists.

Felicity was orphaned when she was very little and her aunt and uncle took her in. She has little magic, but her parents, a Duke and Duchess, were very strong mages. To be a Duke or Duchess you must have strong magic. Since Felicity has not inherited her parents skills she is going to lose the title and the lands her parents held. What will Felicity do? Her parents never set money aside for her since they assumed she would inherit their skills.

When Felicity goes before the Prince to have her magic level tested she sees a beautiful man. He is more than a man and a trusted advisor to the Prince. Terence Blackwell is a lion shape shifter and a null. Nulls have no magic and magic cannot be used against them. They can see through illusions and are not held in high regard because they have no magic. They can also sniff out black magic and relics. Many centuries in the past Merlin created some very powerful Relics and they are dangerous. Terence sniffs this black magic on Felicity, so he visits her house and starts a relationship with her under false pretense. When Felicity finds out about Terence's real reason for pursuing her will she forgive him and can he save her from the black magic that is engulfing her? Tammie King -- Night Owl Romance website & magazine, 1-1-08

Enchanting the Lady is a wonderful fantasy novel set in a world of magic with a regency England setting. I was swept away into a magical new world from page one. The suspense was gripping and kept me on my toes through the book. It took me quite a while to figure out who the villain was and why. I would love to see this book be the start to a whole new fantasy series. Ms. Kennedy is going to be an author fantasy readers will be putting on their top ten lists. -- Night Owl Romance, January 1, 2008

FIVE BLUE RIBBONS~"What a fantastic new series! ENCHANTING THE LADY is the first book in Kathryne Kennedy's RELICS OF MERLIN series, and I can't wait for the next one! Kennedy's Victorian era world of magic is lighthearted and enchanting, and easily pulls the reader in with its vivid description and narration. Felicity is a wonderful combination of guilelessness and intelligence, and Terence is a romantic hero to die for in both his human and shifted forms! The wealth of colorful secondary characters completes the magic of this wonderful story. This is a read-in-one-sitting treat for both fantasy and historical fans alike!" Leigh -- Romance Junkies Reviews, January 1, 2008

FIVE STARS~"Delightful, refreshing and unique, Kathryne Kennedy takes us to Regency England with Enchanting the Lady where titles are held based on how strong your magic is...Kathryne Kennedy has penned a tale worthy of your keeper shelf. She has capably introduced us to a world populated by shifters, monsters and magicians and combined it with suspense and danger to produce a delightful novel that will want us to keep turning the pages to see what will happen next. Felicity and Terence are complex, well developed characters who jump right off the pages and into our hearts. Enchanting the Lady, Relics of Merlin is one tale you do not want to miss." Debby Guyette -- SingleTitles.com, August 18, 2007

These two have a difficult and challenging battle to wage in order to find their happily ever after. Felicity and Terrence are well developed characters in an interesting plot. ENCHANTING THE LADY is not your typical love story, but it is definitely enchanting to read. -- The Romance Readers Connection, January 1, 2008

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Love Spell (January 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0505527502
• ISBN-13: 978-0505527509
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #158,447 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Relics of Merlin, magic and a were-lion hero, January 25, 2008

By	D. Merrimon Crawford - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Kathryne Kennedy's ENCHANTING THE LADY, a paranormal romance, set in magical London, captivates with its modern fairy tale echoes. The dark psychological family history comes face to face with love and an innocent heart and the transforming power of love.

Victorian London is full of aristocratic magic. Felicity Seymour has to pass a magic test to inherit her family's lands. If she loses her duchy, what chance does this plain woman whom everyone overlooks have for marriage? None! Except this handsome baronet, Sir Terence Blackwell, is the one person in all of London to not treat her if she is not invisible. A scandalous shape shifter, the scorn of the magical aristocratic society, a man and were-lion with a deep purring voice, Terence would set any woman's heart afire. Terence smells some kind of magic surrounding Felicity, the ancient Merlin relic magic. In a hunt to discover the last remaining relics, Terence hatches a plan to marry Felicity and seek revenge for the past. Is Felicity innocent or has she bewitched him with a pretense, hiding her magical abilities?

ENCHANTING THE LADY creates a wonderful Victorian fairy tale kind of romance with intriguing shifts in the Cinderella paradigm. Having lost her parents and under the guardianship of her aunt and uncle, Felicity is the outcast with the family. Protected but sheltered, she appears almost invisible to the servants. Her cousin Ralph outdoes her in magic skills while nightmares plague Felicity. With her plain looks, no magic and no dowry, how will ever escape her family's guardianship or find true love? Who would possibly want her?

Who couldn't help but love both the heroine and hero as they struggle against the aristocratic snobs and unknown forces? She takes Terence's breath away and his voice sends warm shivers down the spine. The magic is refreshingly original, enchanting the reader with a new look at classic tales. Unexpected twists delight and keep this read suspenseful until the final moving moment. In ENCHANTING THE LADY, love transforms and liberates. ENCHANTING THE LADY has both the lightness of tone and the psychological depth of a fairy tale, retold with a delightful dragonette, other magical creatures and ancient magic lore. ENCHANTING THE LADY grabs that tender place in the heart and doesn't let go. A fascinating read!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, January 16, 2008

By	Sapphire Dragon (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

I picked up this book not really knowing what to expect, but I just loved it! Having a hero that's a shapeshifting lion was so different and it worked so well with the story. Ok, so the plot was a little predictable, but with such great characters, who cares? This is such a wonderfully romantic story, quite "enchanting". I highly recommend you read it!

And I'm so glad this is a new series, because I'm dying to read the next one that comes out!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book!, January 9, 2008

By	F. Sewell (Middletown, CA) - See all my reviews

I picked this up after seeing talked about on a forum and I am glad I. I really am enchanted by Enchanting the lady. Another case of enjoy a book by first time writers. Kennedy's book is a touch of Camelot, a touch of LOTR and pure romance. I loved her characters and just cannot wait to read the next book in the series.