Enchanting the Lady

Kathryne Kennedy

Book 1 of Relics of Merlin

Language: English

Publisher: Love Spell

Published: Jan 2, 2008

Description:

In a world where magic rules everything, two misfits--Felicity Seymore, a Victorian beauty unable to perform even the simplest spell, and Sir Terence Blackwell, a were-lion searching for Merlin's relics--form a passionate alliance. Original.

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

From the Author

"The imagination of JK Rowling and the romance of Julie Garwood all rolled up into one fabulous novel. Get ready to lose some sleep! Kathryne Kennedy's enchanting story will keep you turning pages long after bedtime." Erin Grady, award-winning paranormal romance author of Whispers

"Enchanting the Lady is a delightful gem of a historical fantasy. A highly imaginative depiction of Victorian London with a yummy shape-shifting lion hero. Nicely Done!" Jennifer Ashley, USA Today best selling author of The Mad, Bad Duke

From the Inside Flap

PURE MAGIC

Felicity leaned toward him, breathing in his scent. Clean earth; musky animal.

His full lips curved in a smile, the tips of his incisors showing at the corners. "How can I resist you? How much longer can I fight the impulses of my lion-self?"

His mouth lay inches from her own. Heaven help her, but her lips ached to be touched by his. "Why must you fight it?"

"Don't you know what would happen if I gave in? Shall I give you a glimpse, Felicity? Just a taste of what would happen if I allowed myself to make love to you?"

Felicity only knew for certain that she wanted him to kiss her the way he had in her dreams. That she wanted his hands on her, making her body feel all of those frightening, exhilarating things.

Her reply flew from her lips like a sigh. "Oh, yes."

From the Back Cover

In a world where magic ruled everything, Felicity Seymour couldn't perform even the simplest spell. If she didn't pass her testing, she'd lose her duchy--and any hope of marriage. But one man didn't seem to mind her lack of dowry: a darkly delicious baronet who had managed to scare away the rest of London's Society misses.

Sir Terence Blackwell knew the enchanting woman before him wasn't entirely without magic. Not only could she completely disarm him with her gorgeous lavender eyes and frank candor, but his were-lion senses could smell a dark power on her--the same kind of relic-magic that had killed his brother. Was she using it herself, or was it being used against her?

One needed a husband, and the other needed answers. But only together could they find the strongest magic of all: true love.