Regency Romance is a genre of the charm, mores, and fallacy that comes from a period of time when England was desperate to hold its own against the ravages that France had with the Revolution going on just over the Channel. For some the period romance can include the entire 1800's. Since Thwarting Magic takes place in an alternate universe, one that has magic, I will say it is the 1800's and a bit closer to the time of Georgian than the true Regents of England.

Magic is afoot and what is worst, it seems a woman is behind it. It is always worse it seems, when a woman is doing magic, especially an unschooled female. Adrian Hughes, a moral and upright young man, falls for Margaret Ridgemont who he suspects might have some connection to the magic causing holes to appear all over the place in no particular order. It was well know, amongst the Mage of England, that her Mother and two sisters were suspected of having magical powers. His primary problem however, is he is falling in love with her, and the buffoon who happens to be his best friend, James Treadway, and has no interest in her as a woman, is being forced to marry her. Neither really wants the match but it is to be done and the discussion is over. Mr. Treadway would much rather have Margaret's wanton widowed sister Christine Whitmill-Ridgemont, who in turn would just as much rather have him. So begins this court comedy of romantic errors, with holes showing up in clothing, the air, and so much more. Plus there is a mystery that must be solved, or perhaps the horror or horrors: the world itself will go wrong.

Ann Tracy Marr does provide a lively prose with vivid descriptions that entertain and turn the electronic page after page with ease. Thwarting Magic is a wonderful read.
 
 
Reviewed By Nancy Louise
© January 2008