Enchanting the Lady (Relics of Merlin, #1) by Kathryne Kennedy

Apr 03, 2013 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-rom, pnr-uf, series-opener

4.0 for this steamy, spooky, and suspenseful lion-shifter romance. I enjoyed it. It's kinda sweet 'n scary. But also sad, and I even chuckled a time or two. My few quibbles are listed last.

Third-person POV shifts from heroine to hero. Fairly strong prose. Few typos. Explicit sex, minimal swearing, violence.

Set primarily in London in 1881, this book brings to mind Soulless, by Gail Carriger (my review). Like Soulless, it includes nobility, magic, and shifters in Victorian England. All kinds of s...more

9 likes · like · see review

Aug 15, 2011 The Holy Terror rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of the Gardella series

Shelves: owned, historical-romantic-fantasy, shifters, magic, historical, 2010

This was a really nice story. I don't read a lot of historical romances but the fantasy elements within really held my interest. The character development and world-building is really great and even though I figured out what was going on way before Felicity did, I still enjoyed the story.

Felicity Seymour doesn't have any magic and she's dull and forgettable. She's so forgettable that servants run into her and she's sat on at parties. Both of her parents died and now her Uncle and Aunt look after...more This was a really nice story. I don't read a lot of historical romances but the fantasy elements within really held my interest. The character development and world-building is really great and even though I figured out what was going on way before Felicity did, I still enjoyed the story.

Felicity Seymour doesn't have any magic and she's dull and forgettable. She's so forgettable that servants run into her and she's sat on at parties. Both of her parents died and now her Uncle and Aunt look after her, but Felicity has to take a test in front of the Prince to prove she can do the magic of a Duchess to keep her title and property.

At this test is the Prince's Baronet, Terrence Blackwell, who is also a shape-shifting lion. Terrence is a relic hunter, he hunts the relics of Merlin, jewels that give the user dark powers. A relic-user killed Terrence's brother so he hunts them at all costs. Shape-shifters are immune to magic, but Terrence uses his keen senses to sniff out the smell of the relics. Once he meets Felicity at her test, he's drawn to both her beauty and the acrid smell of a relic. Terrence courts her to get to the bottom of the mysteries surrounding her.

Felicity is a character that could have been annoying with her naivete, but she's humble and sincere and it's very believable that she's just that innocent. She led a very sheltered life and had hardly anyone to socialize with. Most of the people around her forgot she was even in the room! A lot of times I have a problem with the guy deceiving the girl by dating her with an ulterior motive. Terrence has good intentions though and he's never really that devious when it comes to Felicity. And the romance between them is really hot! The sex scenes are not overly graphic but not just whispered and implied. They really fit in with the story and the characters as well, with an ample amount of sexual tension early on.

I really enjoyed the magical elements of the world, they were well-developed and didn't just feel like something tacked on to take advantage of the fantasy genre to sell books. I'm definitely going to read the rest of this series and I'm going to check out this author's other books. This was a really great entry in the historical romantic fantasy genre!(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 11, 2008 Best_beloved rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-historical, romance-paranormal

The novel is set in an alternate Victorian England where your social position is determined by your magical abilities. Felicity Seymour is a daughter of a duke and should be swimming in magical ability but isn’t. In fact, she spends most of her life ignored and forgotten. Really. Since she was a child people have had a difficult time noticing or remembering her - until she meets Sir Terence Blackwell, a werelion who can actually see her. Shifters are a necessary evil in Victorian society, immune...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2009 Karin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, mages-wizards, high-society, shapeshifters, adult-fiction, supernatural, suspense-thriller, mystery, romance, sex, received-review-copy, donated-to-the-library

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Lady Felicity lost her parents when she was a young girl, and since then she’s lived with relatives (her aunt, uncle, and cousin). She’s the heir to Stonehaven, but when she faces her testing – to determine whether she has enough magic to keep her title – she fails and is demoted to “Miss” Felicity, of commoner status. As if that isn’t enough humiliation, Felicity has her coming out celebration the very evening of her defeat where everyone treats her as if she doesn’t exist. After nearly collidi...more Lady Felicity lost her parents when she was a young girl, and since then she’s lived with relatives (her aunt, uncle, and cousin). She’s the heir to Stonehaven, but when she faces her testing – to determine whether she has enough magic to keep her title – she fails and is demoted to “Miss” Felicity, of commoner status. As if that isn’t enough humiliation, Felicity has her coming out celebration the very evening of her defeat where everyone treats her as if she doesn’t exist. After nearly colliding with a serving man, Felicity is rescued by a most unexpected person – the Baronet, Terence Blackwell. He can see through any magic – it doesn’t affect him because he’s a werecreature (a lion, to be exact). He and Felicity are immediately attracted to one another, although in Blackwell’s case, what draws him to Felicity initially is the relic magic he can smell all around her. Blackwell decides to court Felicity, even though she has no prospects, in order to find the relic that either she or someone close to her is using.

Because this is a supernatural paranormal romantic suspense mystery (whew!), we find out that Felicity has been under a spell for most of her life – placed on her by her scheming relatives who want her estates for their own. Her aunt uses one of the missing relic stones (made by Merlin) to keep Felicity practically invisible and to transfer her powers to herself and her son (so that he can pass the tests). Blackwell and Felicity end up together (after Blackwell admits to some deceit on his part) and she regains her magic (although, not her estates) and learns how to transform herself into a lioness (to match her leonine husband) and devote her energies to helping him track down the other relic stones.

Although the magical world isn’t all that well-developed (the magic seems mostly illusion-based, but there are references to Merlin, and a dangerous Underworld), and some of the were-lion characteristics were laughable (he makes a lot of silly noises in his throat), and there were entirely too many references to the “swell” of Felicity’s bosom, this was still quite entertaining. It moved along apace, Felicity’s cluelessness was more adorable than annoying, and the scenes between Felicity and Blackwell were deliciously convincing. I kind of rolled my eyes at the end when Felicity shows off her new transformative powers (puh-lease), but overall I had fun with this.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 20, 2013 Miguelina Perez rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ms. Kennedy creates an enchanting world of magic to rival that of J.K. Rowlings’ The Harry Potter series. In this world she brilliantly combines Victorian period society and magic to create an imaginative world where the divisions among her characters are based on class structures; specifically, those with magic and those without. Among the ones without magic are the were-animals: people who have the ability to change into a specific animal at will. Were-animals are only allowed to have the titl...more Ms. Kennedy creates an enchanting world of magic to rival that of J.K. Rowlings’ The Harry Potter series. In this world she brilliantly combines Victorian period society and magic to create an imaginative world where the divisions among her characters are based on class structures; specifically, those with magic and those without. Among the ones without magic are the were-animals: people who have the ability to change into a specific animal at will. Were-animals are only allowed to have the title of Baron or Baroness and were immune to magic. To the magicals a were-animal, is considered the lowest of all classes and therefore, unthinkable for them to associate with and not to mention marry.

After Lady Felicity May Seymour’s parents die, she is taken in by her Aunt Gertrude and her husband, Uncle Oliver. They have one son, Ralph, who relentlessly tortures the poor girl with his magical tricks. Lady Seymour stands to inherit her family’s properties and the title of Duchess. That is if she can prove she possesses magic through a ceremonial function similar to being presented at court.

Sir Terence Blackwell, a were-animal, is friend and bodyguard to the Prince. The night of Lady Seymour’s introduction, he senses relic-magic — an evil magic that is prohibited in their society. Terence realizes that it is the girl. His brother having been killed by relic-magic, Sir Terence has made it his mission to find and destroy any relic-magic, including the violet-eyed beauty he feels a strong attraction.

When Felicity fails her test she loses everything, including her title and property. Forced to attend a ball, where she is nearly run over by the other attendees. It seems someone had cast a spell of invisibility on the girl. Sir Terence sets a plan to get to know her in order to either destroy her if she is the one using the relic-magic or destroy whoever is using it against her.

Though of opposite class structure, a sweet relationship forms between Kennedy’s hero and heroine. At a party Terence saves Felicity from being crushed. They take a walk in the garden where they discuss were-animals and Felicity asks him to show her his. Terence shape shifts into a beautiful lion. Not afraid Felicity approaches the lion and pets him. It is no surprise that of all the animals in the wild kingdom, Kennedy assigns Sir Terence – the Lion. According to mythology the lion represents sovereignty, power, bravery, and sometimes vengeance.

Back in human form Sir Terence asks her if she had not lost her title and properties would she have ever given him a chance. She tells him that she would not have given him a second thought; while hurt at her truth, he cannot help but admire the beauty for her honesty. It doesn’t take him long to realize that she is innocent and sets out to protect her and as well as find out who is tormenting her, especially at night when she is asleep. Because of her love for Sir Terrence Felicity is able to use her magic, once she learns she is magical, to transform at will into a lioness. She rejects her inheritance in order to be with the man she loves. No matter what form or culture the lion appears in he or she is a force to be reckoned with.

Kennedy’s world is colorful, full of magical scenes; including an underground city. The love between her hero and heroine is pure and innocent. It is a love the crosses the class structure of her magical Victorian world to overcome an evil. I had a hard time putting the book down and look forward to re-reading again. If you have not read it, check it out, you will be pleasantly surprised.(less)

like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Marlene rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Originally published at Reading Reality

If you enjoy fantasy romance blended well with lots of storybook tropes, you'll really love Kathryne Kennedy's Enchanting the Lady.

I counted at least three classics in this mix: Beauty and the Beast, The Ugly Duckling, and a touch of Cinderella. All the situations were created with a ton of magical interference, well, except maybe the rather handsome beast. Throwing in Merlin's relics as nasty little matchmakers (yes, you read that right) in an alternate En...more

like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Mikaela rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-paranormal-romance

I downloaded this from Discover a new love since I read and liked The Firelord's lover a couple of years ago.

This is a light paranormal, set in an alternate Victorian London. I had a lot of fun trying to guess which parts of London the different neighborhoods was based on. The alternative place names felt right and reflected the neighborhoods status. How the magic system was set up appealed a lot too me. I liked that you ( and your family) could raise or fall in status, depending on which kind o...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 30, 2012 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasyromance, historialparanormal-romance

I found this book to be adorable, it was just so cute and fun. Not to mention that I liked the society that in this alternate England.

Magic is still around and English society is infused by it. The Royals have the most powers and then the Dukes and so forth. If you are without then you are stripped of titles and lands. Magic rules and different titles have different magic. I really liked what she created and it was interesting.

Our heroine is truly naive, but that is the only way she could be. No...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 17, 2012 Morgan (Fictitious Escape Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars

More reviews available at: http://morgan-irina.blogspot.com/

Title: Enchanting the Lady

Author: Kathryne Kennedy

Series: The first book in the Relics of Merlin series

Release Date: 8/1/12

Genre: Historical paranormal romance.

Rating: 4.5 Bookmarks

Review (Warning: Spoilers): Enchanting the Lady is one of those rare books that seamlessly melds historical and paranormal elements into a beautiful, fast-paced, romance. The story follows Felicity, as she tries to come to grips with the fact that she has bee...more

like · see review

Apr 09, 2012 Blood Rose Books rated it 2 of 5 stars

After reading the Drowning City, I needed something light and easy to read. Enchanting the Lady defiantly falls into this category. It is a paranormal historical romance, which for me is what I tend to drift towards when I do read a romance book.

The book takes place in London in the late 1800s and is centered on a Lady Felicity who is next in line to Duchess of Stonehaven (her parents died when she was young). However, in this day and age, the only way to achieve status within the monarchy is to...more After reading the Drowning City, I needed something light and easy to read. Enchanting the Lady defiantly falls into this category. It is a paranormal historical romance, which for me is what I tend to drift towards when I do read a romance book.

The book takes place in London in the late 1800s and is centered on a Lady Felicity who is next in line to Duchess of Stonehaven (her parents died when she was young). However, in this day and age, the only way to achieve status within the monarchy is to possess a certain amount of magical ability. Felicity has gone unnoticed for her entire life, even so far as the servants will forget her or some people even sit on her at balls, she is convinced that she is not a very memorable person either in personality or looks. The great magic within her family has also seemed to have skipped a generation as Felicity seem to have inherited no magic at all but her cousin seems to have inherited magic above the status his parents, which he likes to flaunt in Felicity’s face by sending her scary illusions. So the day comes when Felicity is forced to take a test to prove she has the magic to hold the position of Duchess, but she fails, badly. She is now striped of her lands, title, everything and further humiliation, she is forced to attend the ball to celebrate all those who have passed. Enter Barnet Sir Terence Blackwell, a were-lion who is in service to the king. He immediately notices Felicity and smells something strange on her, relic-magic. Relic magic is deadly and forbidden within the kingdom. Weres are immune to all magic therefore, they are the perfect hunters of these relics, and Blackwell’s family have been relic hunters for the King for generations. Blackwell decides that the only way to discover the relic that Felicity possesses is it to court her and get her to trust him. It starts out of him just going to use her, but the more he is with her the more his beast side tells him Mate. But there is trouble, and it is set on these two not being together, and this force will stop at nothing to possess the relic.

This book is cute and full of whimsy. Kennedy defiantly has a sense of enchantment when she writes. From having carriages driven by sea horses, to the balls that Felicity attends there is defiantly a sense of fantasy. My favourite part in the book, and also part of the fantasy aspect, is the Dragonette, Daisy, I thought she was a unique addition that I had not read before. It was also different that weres do not change into a bigger version of their animal but to the exact size. Therefore, if someone was a were-bunny, when they changed into their animal size they would be an actual bunny (not too sure how safe that would be). It was also funny that weres did have some feature or habit that was associated with their were creature, Felicity was ever trying to figure out what an individual would turn into. For example Blackwell’s hair looked like a mane.

This was a good easy read, I would say another filler book, for me, compared to what I usually read, but I think those people who do like paranormal historical romance books will enjoy this trip back to the 1800s.

Enjoy!!!(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 19, 2011 Jessica Snyder added it

This is three and a half stars in the cheesy romance category. This was a charming, quick, engaging romance/fantasy hybrid written in a version of London in which one's place amongst the nobility is determined not just by birth, but by demonstration of levels of inherited magical prowess (possibly Victorian era? It's an alternate world, so the year/era is unclear). While some of the standard romance tropes are still present, (all-too-innocent female, possibly nefarious male, obligatory will-they...more

like · see review

May 13, 2011 heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook

Books frequently get paired in my head, based on similarity of theme or setting or some other imponderable that causes me to shelve my books in scales of what they make me feel like. This book's "sister from another mother" is Soulless by Gail Carriger.

I bought it as an ebook, because it sounded fun and charming, in the vein of Sorcery and Cecilia. It's a Victorianish romance, with bustles, gaslight and railroads. It also has shapeshifters, magical artifacts, and dastardly deeds. The premise is...more Books frequently get paired in my head, based on similarity of theme or setting or some other imponderable that causes me to shelve my books in scales of what they make me feel like. This book's "sister from another mother" is Soulless by Gail Carriger.

I bought it as an ebook, because it sounded fun and charming, in the vein of Sorcery and Cecilia. It's a Victorianish romance, with bustles, gaslight and railroads. It also has shapeshifters, magical artifacts, and dastardly deeds. The premise is that magic is hereditary, and the nobility and gentry hold their estates by virtue of their ability to perform different levels of magic. Shapeshifters are immune to magic. My little monkey brain spent far more time than it should have trying to figure out what happens to an estate if the magical heir (and there is usually only one) should happen to die off. This may not be a problem for people less steeped in the contemplation of primogeniture.

Our heroine is in a bad spot. She can't work enough magic to hold onto her title and now she has come of age, and must be presented at court and magically tested. If she fails, the title will fall to her odious cousin. At her presentation ball, she meets a tall, attractive stranger. Because she is used to people ignoring or forgetting her, she has an unusually blunt and honest way of expressing herself, which impresses Our Hero.

In the finest of traditions, he courts her to get something from her. He wants both the usual something and a lead on the artifacts. There is a lot of hot and heavy making out, and she is really pretty assertive for a sheltered maiden. I thought, though, that her habitual self-doubt and second-guessing was just this side of annoying. And sometimes that side of annoying.

I thought the society was very interesting, the sense of place was negligible, the historiography suspect, the story engaging, and the characters middlin'.

Read if: you like magical costume-drama romances, you've run out of Gail Carriger, and you will not be convulsed in giggles every time she contemplates his "shaft".
Skip if: you are looking for chewy alternate history, you care about how magical systems can be consistent, you are not into books that are primarily romance.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2011 Lindsay Stares rated it 2 of 5 stars

This book was fun and free! I believe it was a promotion, though, and I don't think it is free any longer. I read this as a Kindle book, and the formatting was unusual but not too bad. However, the layout did make it look like a large print YA, and it was romance, so that was odd.

Premise: Felicity ought to be heir to a Duchy, only she has none of the magic that she should have inherited from her parents. She is prepared to retire to a life of seclusion when were-lion Terence takes a sudden ferve...more

like · see review

Jan 07, 2011 Jean rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Seriously embarrassing, but felt this one had to make it onto the Goodreads shelf.

While I've read a book about reading romance novels (Reading the Romance, by Janice A. Radway--GREAT book), I've never actually read a romance novel. And didn't mean to start when I downloaded Enchanting the Lady (for free) on my Kindle. From the description it sounded like a fun fantasy book.

So I start reading and all is well for about two chapters. The writing isn't stellar, and I'm starting to think that maybe...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 01, 2010 Tina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, romance-paranormal

In this paranormal romance, Victorian England is a magical place. The nobility are titled based on the power of their magics. The more powerful they are the higher their rank. The Royal family is the highest and often employ Werefolk as advisors and bodyguards because they are impervious to magic.

Felicity Seymour is a Duchess-of-Honor. Her parents have died and in order to inherit the duchy outright she must pass her magical test. However she feels very vulnerable. She lives with her aunt and u...more In this paranormal romance, Victorian England is a magical place. The nobility are titled based on the power of their magics. The more powerful they are the higher their rank. The Royal family is the highest and often employ Werefolk as advisors and bodyguards because they are impervious to magic.

Felicity Seymour is a Duchess-of-Honor. Her parents have died and in order to inherit the duchy outright she must pass her magical test. However she feels very vulnerable. She lives with her aunt and uncle who are very protective of her shelter her almost obsessively. She has always been easily overlooked and she can barely scare up a flame with her magic, much less perform the complex magic necessary to be confirmed as Duschess. She is sure she will lose the title. And since no one ever seems to remember her and she has no suitors she is despairing of her future. It doesn't help that her despicable cousin Ralph's magic seems to be growing each day and he terrorizes her.

At her confirmation she meets Sir Terence Blackwell a Were-lion. He immediately notices Felicity. And not just because she is beautiful but because she wears the taint of relic magic. It seems there is ancient relics wrought by Merlin himself that were left all over England. These magic relics are so powerful that in the hands of unscrupulous people they can be very destructive. As a chief spy for Prince Albert, Terence is determined to track down and destroy all the relics. Hence he starts a courtship of Felicity to discover the relic.

As I began reading this I wasn't very sure what to expect. I actually liked the idea of Magic being the determinate factor in granting titles and land. It is a nice twist on primogeniture. All in all it was a nice little book -- a quick read with a nod to the Cinderella story somewhat. After it was done, though I really felt like it could have been better. It was really quite a surface book, nothing dug very beneath the surface. I also found Felicity a bit of a drip. Very, very early on in the book...I'd say chapter two, the reader could very easily figure out what is going on. I was very disappointed that Felicity didn't seem to be able to put two and two together. She was too credulous. She had no self preservation meter. You'd think she'd question things more. Instead she was content to have a bit of a ...well a big... pity party. I wanted her to have a bit more agency. Instead, she was very content for Terrence to save her. That bugged me some. I understand that this is the first in a series. I probably won't be checking out the remaining books right away, but may do so sometime in the future.(less)

like · see review

Oct 09, 2010 Nan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nook, romance, neo-victorian

I downloaded this book for my nook as a Free Fridays book from B&N. So far, I've really enjoyed their Free books--even if I don't like a title, they've helped me discover which authors to ignore in the future. When the only thing I have to sacrifice to try a new book/author is time (rather than money--or dignity by asking that my library find a copy for me!), I'm often willing to take the chance.

Thankfully, I picked up this book when I was in the perfect mood for it. I wanted a light-hearted...more I downloaded this book for my nook as a Free Fridays book from B&N. So far, I've really enjoyed their Free books--even if I don't like a title, they've helped me discover which authors to ignore in the future. When the only thing I have to sacrifice to try a new book/author is time (rather than money--or dignity by asking that my library find a copy for me!), I'm often willing to take the chance.

Thankfully, I picked up this book when I was in the perfect mood for it. I wanted a light-hearted romance without too much graphic sex. And that's what I got.

Light-hearted is perhaps a strange way to describe this book. It's not funny. It's not even silly. But it is a fun, involving sort of read, one that didn't make me angry (as bad romance novels often do . . .) That's enough for me to call a book light-hearted.

I think my favorite aspect of the book is the world that Kennedy built. It's an alternate Victoria England (where apparently Victoria has a sense of humor . . .), and rather than pass down titles purely through primogeniture, they also pass through magic. Basically, the nobility are ranked according to their degree of magical prowess, and their children only inherit their titles upon proving that they also have the same level of magic. As the novel opens, Felicity is about to take the test to determine if she will be a duchess, and she knows that it's going to go badly. Despite her uncle's faithful teaching, she's never been able to master the smallest of magics, and the thought of losing her late parents' estates terrifies her.

At the testing, only one man seems to notice how beautiful Felicity is. His name is Terrance, and he's a baronet. In this world, the lowest rank of nobility is reserved not for magic-users, but for those immune to magic--shapeshifters. He can see that there is magic of some kind surrounding the woman, but he'll have to get to know her in order to discover if he's a villain or a victim, a friend or enemy to the throne he's sworn to protect.

I will definitely seek out the other two books in this series when I need something fun. This title was not so enchanting that I must read them today, but I believe that they'll be a good read when I need one.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 20, 2011 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Felicity has always gone unnoticed her entire life. Not just unnoticed but totally unseen. She has had people sit on her, walk straight into her and even not see her when she's in a room. She always thought it was the fact that she was not beautiful enough to be noticed and remembered but when she shows up to the Prince's annual magic testing, Terrance instantly notices the relic-magic surrounding her. To him, she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and he is determined to not only get...more Felicity has always gone unnoticed her entire life. Not just unnoticed but totally unseen. She has had people sit on her, walk straight into her and even not see her when she's in a room. She always thought it was the fact that she was not beautiful enough to be noticed and remembered but when she shows up to the Prince's annual magic testing, Terrance instantly notices the relic-magic surrounding her. To him, she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and he is determined to not only get to the bottom of the relic-magic but to make Felicity his as well... only he is unaware of the latter. With the danger of the relic-magic, Terrance must find not only the relic hosting the power but the person behind this evil magic and destroy them. He just hopes that that person isn't Felicity herself.

Poor Felicity is always overlooked and it is sad to see how low of self esteem she has. However, when she walks into her testing room and see's Terrance looking at her, she is instantly drawn to him. Later at the coming out party for everyone who had their testings, Terrance saves her from a near collision with other party goers who clearly don't see her. She is elated that not only does Terrance see her but he seems truly interested in courting her as well.

Terrance is a were-shifter. A lion to be precise and almost everyone either is afraid of him or is disgusted with him for what he is. He is also a relic hunter and hunts the jewels that wields dark magic since as a were-shifter, magic does not affect him. When he notices the relic magic around Felicity he sets out a plan to court her in order to get to the bottom of the magic. However, the more time he spends with her the more he comes to care for her.

The story flows very well at a consistant pace. At first you are thrown into Felicities testing and watch as Terrance and Felicity start their new relationship. About halfway through you start to get more action as Terrance starts to get to the bottom of the relic magic. I was a fan of the fantasy that the author portrayed in the story. Everyone had magic and something was always going on, whether it was fun light displays or fighting techniques. I would almost say that the world the author created was almost like Harry Potter. I also just want to add that I absolutely adored the Dragonette, Daisy.(less)

like · see review

Oct 15, 2010 Beanbag Love rated it 4 of 5 stars

Definitely a 4.5 read. This was a Kindle freebie and I was very pleasantly surprised by the engaging story and the likable leads.

Lady Felicity should have inherited magic to spare but she has none. In fact, nobody ever even notices this would-be duchess. Orphaned, living with her aunt and uncle and her jackass cousin, she has near zero confidence and fewer prospects.

Until she meets Sir Terrence Blackwell, one of the loathed shapeshifters who are particular favorites of the prince. He is gorgeou...more

6 likes · like · see review

Oct 01, 2010 Gabriella rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: were-shifter

I got this free from Amazon Kindle. I wasn't expecting much although I was intrigued by the summary so I decided to give it a go.

It had all the classic elements that make up a story like good vs. evil, the love interest rescuing the heroine and an antagonist(s) that eventually gets defeated. I liked how the heroine was flawed and the perfect hero is only really perfect in Felicity's eyes. I also liked that Felicity decided that she didn't want to retake her test and become apart of high society...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 18, 2010 Leontine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-romance, crack

Felicity bares little to no magic in a world where magic is as essential as breathing to its aristocracy and even more important, during the testing it will be determined if you possess enough magic to inherit your parents holdings. Felicity always knew she wasn’t magically strong or beautiful of face, never acknowledged by people and forgotten as soon as she enters a room; it gives her little hope for the future and inheriting her parents’ title and holdings. At the day of her testing her worst...more Felicity bares little to no magic in a world where magic is as essential as breathing to its aristocracy and even more important, during the testing it will be determined if you possess enough magic to inherit your parents holdings. Felicity always knew she wasn’t magically strong or beautiful of face, never acknowledged by people and forgotten as soon as she enters a room; it gives her little hope for the future and inheriting her parents’ title and holdings. At the day of her testing her worst nightmare comes true when the prince judges she has barely any magic and thereby is stripped from her parent’s title and land. Now she is a mere Miss. Felicity Seymour.

Terence, as a were lion is immune to magic in general, but when he suddenly detects the nasty smell of Relic magic, it makes him shift instantly in his lion self as he fervently starts to search for its origin. In doing so he scares the daylights out of the aristocracy and they are not very fond of shapeshifters just for the very fact that they are immune to magic. Terence shifts back but is still tracking the scent and to his utter surprise he finds a concentration of the scent hovering around a stunning woman. He can’t help himself as he intensely stares at this beauty and sees her failing her test. She is stripped from her title and land and it is a perfect way for Terence to introduce himself into her life. As a Relic hunter he is determent to find out where this Relic magic came from and he is certain that Felicity is at the core of it, if she is an innocent in all of it is yet to be revealed.

Still, in their courtship another kind of magic starts to sparkle brighter with each moment shared between them. The mystery of the Relic magic leads the couple to darkness from an unexpected direction, testing the strength of their newly found bond…

Sometimes I feel that upon reading a paperback issue of a novel I discover a true treasure, making such a paperback issue priceless in its worth to me as a reader. With only 292 pages Enchanting The Lady packs a story that could have gone on for at least a hundred pages or more and I wouldn’t have minded it at all. The imaginative talent of Kathryne Kennedy holds no boundaries and I can’t wait for what she further has in mind for the Relics of Merlin series, because I do hope that many more novels in this series will be written.

I’m getting ahead of myself though….From its very first pages the author wrapped me in this endearing, magical and utter romantic tale that made me venture in to a new kind of Victorian London with a whole new sort of aristocracy to discover. The stronger one’s magic is, the higher the title that person holds, with the royals baring the strongest magic save that of the Relics. For me the fantasy like setting and feel to this world was refreshing and original making it a pleasure to turn the pages wondering what I would discover upon reading it. The author made the world and its rules easily enough to follow perceiving a natural intertwining of romance, plot, magic and world building. The world building will not distract the reader as it just formed a stunning background upon which the characters could tell their tale and will completely immerse the reader in the romance that soared to greater heights with each chapter.

The death of her parents when she was a child, Felicity holds the title Duchess of Honor Stonehaven and she turns out to be a heart rendering woman whom becomes a victim of the rules of aristocracy and together with Terence, a were lion, they draw you effortlessly in a different world. From the moment they meet there is something vibrant and sensual between them. Felicity is just an open, spontaneous, curious and sometimes a bold woman that makes her such an engaging heroine to read about. It is with their witty banter that they gave fun filled moments flowing into the more tender ones that will reverberate in the heart. The merge of Terence as a man and part lion is superbly characterized, his broad posture, his rumbling voice, his sometimes lion-like affections as he is both playful and dangerous, also lazy but immediately action driven if the circumstances demand it. These are all elements that paint a convincing picture of him as a shapeshifter.

The world envisioned in Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy is one that sparkles of magic and the courtship gift of the dragonette is one that just moved me. With a colourful painting of scenery Victorian London becomes three dimensional and when adding its lively characters it just leaps from the pages making me a part of this story and all I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed myself! The deep touching and blossoming romance between Terence and Felicity is something that is felt with every moment spent between them. The struggle coming from Terence, the doubt and discovery of new feelings with Felicity and then there is also a sultry heat rising between them, though the passion is not excessive it bears a sensuality that leaves no doubt of their attraction. Just giving the reader such a riveting love as it is also powered with emotions that it engrossed me from first till last page.

This will prove to be an exquisite reading experience and packing a punch that leaves you breathless. It will fulfil all the needs in what you’re looking for in a romance novel and Enchanting the lady will have you clamouring for more of these kind of characters, love and magic. An outstanding start to the Relics of Merlin series. (less)

like · see review

Aug 17, 2012 Alexia Chantel rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kennedy brings just the right amount of fantasy to Victorian London. Enchanting the Lady has magic, shifters, and even dragons.

Felicity is a stunningly beautiful and powerful young woman. But she doesn’t know it. Having lived her life under a powerful spell and hidden away in the country she thinks very little of herself. So when the King’s right hand man (shifter) lays eyes on her she is very unprepared.

Terrence works for the King as a relic hunter. Relics are remnants of Merlin’s time and ho...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 21, 2012 Dolce Amore rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: net-gallery, arc, loved-it

Reviewed for Booked Up

To See Review at Booked Up

In a world where Merlin existed and passed his magic down through his offspring, the Society is ruled by magic.

In Britain, kings and queens held the strongest power. After the royals, dukes had the greatest magical abilities in that they could change matter. Marquesses could cast spells and illusions and transfer objects but not change them. Earls mastered illusions, while viscounts dabbled in charms and potions. Barons had a magical gift, which...more

like · see review

Nov 21, 2010 April rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Free Kindle download. I genuinely liked this story! It starts off with magic on the first page, so right away you can tell you're in some kind of alternate universe where nobility are where they are in life not because of what land and titles they've inherited but because of what magical powers they've inherited or acquired some other way. The tone of the story is set immediately, and what you have is a combination of fairy tale, erotica, paranormal romance, and Xanthian magic. The combination i...more

like · see review

Feb 01, 2010 Mya rated it 4 of 5 stars

The very cotton candy of books, this delightful little treat was a welcome read, especially after the hardcore horror and sci-fi reading I've been doing lately. A friend described it to me as Harry Potter for Adults and I have to admit that the whimsical nature of the prose, the magical descriptions of an alternate universe-London, were astounding. In Kennedy's world, titles and wealth are held and kept by magical prowess and Felicity, has none or so she believes. Virtually unnoticed by everyone...more

like · see review

Oct 30, 2010 *MystGrrl* rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: tales-of-fantasy, tales-of-historical-fiction, tales-of-magic, tales-of-humour, tales-of-romance, tales-of-the-supernatural

I'm not usually the biggest fan of romance novels. Normally the over the top cheesiness of the dialogue and the pathetic, damsel-in-distress type heroines usually have me running to the nearest bucket to barf.

Shockingly though, I was pleasantly surprised by Enchanting the Lady. Set in the late 1880's London in an alternate universe, ranks and titles are not wholly based on legacy but rather on the amount of magic you have which is tested before you are introduced into society. Which is unfortun...more I'm not usually the biggest fan of romance novels. Normally the over the top cheesiness of the dialogue and the pathetic, damsel-in-distress type heroines usually have me running to the nearest bucket to barf.

Shockingly though, I was pleasantly surprised by Enchanting the Lady. Set in the late 1880's London in an alternate universe, ranks and titles are not wholly based on legacy but rather on the amount of magic you have which is tested before you are introduced into society. Which is unfortunate for the current Duchess-of-Honour Stonehaven, a Miss Felicity Seymour, as the possibility of being tested and found wanting could become a reality. If Felicity loses her title, not only will her lands and home be taken away but her dowry will go up in smoke and with that any chance of making a suitable marriage. With nothing but her name, who would marry let alone look twice at Felicity?

True, the damsel-in-distress is somewhat DENSE in this story but when you realise Felicity has been sheltered, shunned & ignored for most of her adult life, her ignorance & naivety can be forgiven... to a point. There might be parts in this story where you literally might want to slap her and yell "Wake up!!!" or possibly give her a comforting hug.

To make up for this, there is the steamy hot baronet Sir Terrence Blackwell. A were-lion, relic hunter & bodyguard to Prince Albert, Terrence is tolerated by a society that blatantly discriminates against his kind. His heart hardened by the recent death of his brother Thomas at the hands of a woman who misused one of Merlin's Relics, Terrence is surprised when he's more intrigued by Felicity herself than the hint of relic magic that he scents on her. Who is this mysterious, beautiful woman who is shunned and ignored by all her peers? Is she an evil villain or a innocent victim?

As his primal animal instincts go into mating overdrive, Terrence finds himself making "Relic Mission" related excuses in order to spend more time in Felicity's company. So while Terrence is trying to hold his desires in check whenever he's around her, Felicity is mostly completely ignorant of the torturous situation she has put Terrence in. Hilarious!!!

Though the story does seem to drag in places, overall it is an entertaining read, especially as a relationship blossoms between Felicity and Terrence. Perfect for a day where you want to read a little romance with minimal cheesiness.(less)

like · see review

Aug 18, 2012 Jessica Wimberly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kathryne-kennedy, magic, shape-shifters

Felicity Seymour has been unnoticed all her life. No one will seeing her, or her beauty. She has no magic whatsoever and wants to take and pass the magic test so she could keep her title and stay at her family house. When she fails she doesn't know what to do. Her cousin ends up taking the test and passing and taking her title and status.

Terence Blackwell is a shapeshifter and a spy for the prince. When he smells relic magic, the same magic that killed his brother he sets to do whatever he has...more

like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-read-by-athenna

Felicity lived a unobtrusive life, being viewed as average or unnoticeable looks and a forgettable personality. Often she was even forgotten or unnoticed to the point where she was sat upon. So when she went to test for her magical ability to determine her right to keep her family position and holdings, it was no surprise that she would fail since she possessed no magical ability to speak of. Everything was going from bad to worse till she met him. The sexy lion shifter. He set her heart afire,...more

like · see review

Nov 24, 2012 Alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

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...more

like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Kamla rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-series, first-reads, summer-2012-reading-list

I received an ARC of Enchanting the Ladyby Kathryne Kennedyfrom the Goodreads Giveaway. Having won a free copy has no bearing on my review.

Enchanting the Lady,the first book in The Relics of Merlin series, is a fairy tale like paranormal romance set in an alternate Victorian period England. Kathryne Kennedy couples royal courts with magic and shapeshifters to deliver a quite fun entertaining experience. Nobility ranking based on the amount of magic inherited through the Merlin bloodline gives it...more

like · see review

May 28, 2012 Sharyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-paranormal-romance

I absolutely loved this book and the whole premise. It takes place in an alternate Victorian England where the peerage is chosen based on their magical abilities. Barons and Baronesses have some magical abilities up to Dukes and Duchesses who have the most. There are also Baronets, who are werepeople, who protect the King. This story is about Felicity, who is a young Duchess in Honor (she will be Duchess if she passes her upcoming Magic test), but who finds that her magic has somehow disappeared...more

like · see review

title link	preview: Enchanting the Lady
avg rating	preview: Enchanting the Lady Goodreads rating: 3.61 (1068 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1858349.Enchanting_the_Lady?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348696906l/1858349.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1858349.Enchanting_the_Lady?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Enchanting the Lady by Kathryne Kennedy[/url]

Enchanting the Lady (Relics of Merlin #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (9)

Videos About This Book

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Kathryne Kennedy

Books by Kathryne Kennedy

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Enchanting the Lady