Title: Uncertain Magic
by Laura Kinsale
Author: Laura Kinsale
Genre: Historical Romance
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (May 4, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1402237022
ISBN-13: 978-1402237027
Rating: 4.75 of 5.0
Back cover Blurb:
A man damned by suspicion and innuendoReview: This is an magical read with an enchanting heroine and a dark, brooding hero!
Dreadful rumors swirl around the impoverished Irish lord known as "The Devil Earl." But Faelan Savigar hides a dark secret, for even he doesn't know what dreadful deeds he may be capable of...
A woman cursed by the gift of "sight"
Roderica Delamore fears no man will ever want a wife who can read his every thought and emotion, until she encounters Faelan. As the two find their way to each other against all odds, Roddy becomes determined to save Faelen from his terrifying and mysterious ailment. But will their love end up saving him...or destroying her? A breathtaking historical romance filled with poignancy, darkness, love, and an unexpected twist of Gaelic magic...
Roderica, “Roddy”, is a brave 19 year old who longs to live a “normal” live. Instead, she struggles with her “curse” that allows her to hear the thoughts of others. Her wealthy family has sheltered her, partly from fear of others learning of her “gift” and partly because it can be overwhelming for Roddy to be among crowds. That doesn’t exactly keep Roddy from sneaking out, especially to indulge her special touch with the horses. Roddy also shows great fortitude in adapting to new and difficult circumstances.
Faelan is called “The Devil Earl” because it is widely believed that he killed his father as a boy of 10 or 11. He is aloof, dark and enigmatic. Since people view him as dangerous he seems suited to play the part. Because he really does have memory lapses and doesn’t know what crimes and injuries he has caused he tends to keep everyone at arms length rather than risk possibly hurting others.
Roddy is able to convince “The Devil Earl” to strike his winning horse before it is injured. She is shocked that her gift doesn’t work with the Earl. Even so, she is able to see natural respect and kindness, and also loneliness, underneath his public mask. She decides to marry him because she thinks she could have a “normal” life with him. The Earl is willing to marry her because he desperately wants her extensive dowry to rebuild his deteriorated Irish estate, but he is also intrigued by this daring and entrancing creature. Roddy wants to help solve the puzzle of his memory loss but is hindered by his pushing her away out of fear of what harm he might even, or especially, unknowingly cause.
Roddy and Faelan begin to learn more about each other and slowly build respect, companionship and some trust. Unfortunately the trust issues are thwarted by imagined betrayals on both sides. Faelan believes that Roddy still has a crush on her childhood friend, Lord Geoffrey, who is a good friend of Faelan’s and a known philanderer. Roddy believes that Faelan is still seeing his mistress and she struggles with trying to accept that when she really desperately wants his love.
Add to these difficulties, Faelan's mother, Lady Iveragh who shows up before the newly weds can leave for Ireland. She is a constant whirlwind with a mind in such turmoil that Roddy can only read brief flashes of fear and dark, troubling thoughts. Her behavior gives some insight into Faelan’s own aloof character.
The emotional struggles of the couple are intensified by the fear and turmoil provided by Irish rebellion and English brutality in 1797. The interesting political upheaval is seamlessly woven into the story as are the paranormal, fae and magical elements. I enjoy Ms. Kinsale's very smooth writing style. This is a truly delightful and engaging romance.
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Thank you to Sourcebooks for the opportunity to read this ARC and giveaway my copy.
I have an older 1987 copy of this book. It is not in the best of shape, being a bit warped and worn. If someone wants to “claim” the older version and forego the giveaway I will send the older book to the first person who claims it.TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE ARC:
1. Comment on the review telling me if you like "fae" creatures or elements, and if so, do you have a favorite? Alternative comment: visit the author's website and tell me something you learned there. Please leave your e-mail!
2. For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.
3. For another entry, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.
(Three total entries possible.)
It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.
* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.
* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on June 1, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.