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This anthology is about witches, and each story is set in their own world with their own systems of magic. While some of the stories are better than others, overall this anthology was a pleasant read and I would recommend it.
Under Your Spell by Shiloh Walker
The first time Nicholas Montgomery saw Aislinn, you could say she bewitched him… but not by any spell as they are both powerful witches in their own right. Unfortunate circumstances and tragic decisions doom the lovers, so when a reincarnated Sean Concannon finds his lost love, now called Rhiannon, after centuries of searching, he’s not about to let her go.
This is the most complicated story in this anthology as it has two very distinct parts. The first part talks about the couple’s first relationship as Aislinn and Nicholas, and it occurs in a medieval-like past. The second part of the story is set in the present and features Sean and Rhiannon as they re-discover each other. I liked the story for its interesting take on how magic works and how the couple is reborn. I also liked how the somewhat difficult ending was handled. However, I did feel that this story was a little too complicated to appear in an anthology. I ended up having to read it twice to make sure I understood how the relationships and the magic system worked. I think this story would have benefited from having more space to adequately explain things, rather than being forced into a short anthology form. Regardless, I would recommend this story.
Wylder Magic by Camille Anthony
Elias Wylder has a problem -- not only has he lost a promising female apprentice, but he’s lost his true love. Morven’s on the run, and he needs to find her soon as she’s also the key to fixing his Warlock powers and saving the magical population from destruction.
Out of the three stories in this anthology, I would have to say I liked this story the least. That is not to say that it’s a bad story, but it’s not a perfect one either. The dialogue in the love scene flashbacks could have been much better; to me, it sounded like it came from a porn movie. Also, through much of the story I was unsympathetic to the hero. Frankly, I didn’t blame Morven for running away. I did enjoy the scenes of Morven in her hidden identity and liked her interactions with her co-workers. While this story wasn’t a bad read, I wish it had been much better than it was.
Harvest Magic by Jennifer Dunne
All Ally Nichols wants is to run the farm and help her sister and niece in peace. When she volunteers to hold a corn maze in efforts to save her niece’s school, Ally gets more than she bargained for – Matt Cantrell, a local businessman and former corn maze operator. Matt had planned on a marriage of convince with a friend of his, but becomes intrigued with Ally. How will he react when he finds out Ally is a witch?
This story has all the elements desirable in a good romance story. It’s romantic, the characters are appealing, and there’s enough conflict in the story to keep it interesting. I was also pleased by the way magic is used in the story; it fits very well with the earthy setting. This was a great story to finish the book.
Reviewed by S. Khaw
for The Road to Romance
November 4, 2004
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