Rhyannon Byrd is the author of five erotic romances, two of which are a part of the Magick Men series. A Bite of Magick is the second book in the series. With this installment, Ms. Byrd not only brings us a romance between Kieran McKendrick and Bronté Hayes, but we also get to revisit Lachlan McKendrick and Evan Hayes from A Shot of Magick, who are now married.

Once again, these old warlocks are up to no good. They place a 'mating' curse on Kieran and his beast. The only way to end it is for him to find his soul mate. Since the curse reared its ugly head, Kieran compulsively searches the British Isles, unable to find a single woman who tempts him. Until, that is, Té Hayes shows up to visit her sister. It's sheer hell as Kieran tries to control his beast; not to mention finding himself in danger of falling in love with the sharp tongued shrew.

Bronté has been through hell; it's obvious by the shadows in her eyes, and the drastic drop in weight. As Té begins to settle in for a visit with her family, she begins to feel the comfort of safety wrapping around her for the first time in a long while. Té's only sense of danger comes from Kiernan; the look in his eyes implies that he wants to eat her up. Despite her feelings, Té is fascinated with Kiernan; especially when she finds out that he is a "Magick." However, having just worked her way out of a bad relationship, she's determined not to jump from the frying pan into the fire.

Kiernan is a bossy, domineering, over-protective male. Yet it is understandable why these very qualities make him endearing to the opposite sex. His caring attitude toward Bronté is palatable to the mind. Kiernan's struggle to come to terms with his beast is believable and makes a person feel a sense of compassion for his predicament.

Being a strong independent woman with a fiery attitude, it's completely understandable why Té is hesitant to get involved with another domineering man. Her inherent need to avoid falling in love with Kiernan is very realistic.

The secondary characters of Lach, Evan and the extended McKendrick family add to the overall tone of the book. They bring a sense of joy because the reader gets to revisit old acquaintances.

Humor, fresh dialogue, danger, and erotic passion pull the reader into Ms. Byrd's, A Bite of Magick. Once drawn in, it is almost impossible to put it down. Definitely a must read, and a keeper for fans of erotic fantasy romance, especially if they like their sex steaming hot!

My only regret - the third in this series can't come out soon enough for me. Until then, I am fortunate enough to have stumbled upon Rhyannon and Madison's weekly newsletter - Pure Magick. At http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PureMagick/, readers who are going through Magick Men withdrawals can read Warrick's Quest, continuing installments which bring readers further adventures in the lives of Warrick and Dye of Madison Hayes' Kingdom series, and the divinely wicked, sexy McKendricks of Rhyannon Byrd's Magick Men.

Reviewed By: Aureauna
© July 2004