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An Unlikely Alliance
At a glance, Lord Kerrigan could see "Mademoiselle Magda" was a cardsharp. But when the gypsy fortune-teller accurately predicted the defeat of his prize racehorse, his noble visage darkened. For Kerrigan knew the race had been fixed -- but not by whom. The cheating wench must know the London underworld, and he vowed to make her route to revenge. If he could just withstand the temptation of her luscious attributes
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
74 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Bray
32 books68 followersPatricia Bray is the author of a dozen novels, including Devlin’s Luck, which won the 2003 Compton Crook Award for the best first novel in the field of science fiction or fantasy. A multi-genre author whose career spans both epic fantasy and Regency romance, her books have been translated into Russian, German, Portuguese and Hebrew. Patricia Bray has also spent time on the editorial side of the business, as the co-editor of After Hours: Tales from the Ur-Bar (DAW, March 2011), The Modern Fae’s Guide to Surviving Humanity (DAW, March 2012), and Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs Aliens (ZNB, June 2014).
Patricia lives in a New England college town, where she combines her writing with a full-time career as a Systems Analyst, ensuring that she is never more than a few feet away from a keyboard.
Patricia lives in a New England college town, where she combines her writing with a full-time career as a Systems Analyst, ensuring that she is never more than a few feet away from a keyboard.
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April 26, 2016Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
From the description, I expected something more mystical and suspenseful than An Unlikely Alliance turned out to be, but I would not say that’s a bad thing. This is a lovely, sweet romance that touches on a bunch of my favorite elements. Despite a backdrop of deadly conflicts with money, titles, and lives on the line, the focus is firmly on the characters, both main and a couple of key secondary characters. It’s not a very complex novel, and yet offers a building relationship from suspicion to understanding to love on Alexander Maxwell’s part with annoyance to love on Magda’s.
The timeline is Regency with the Napoleonic Wars and India positions as an influence as well as a look at the differences in class and situation. Though the story itself is not particularly deep, the glimpse into their world is wonderfully so.
Magda has a tangled history including the unsolved murder of her mother, a society darling capable of predicting the future. She’d been scratching out a living as a seamstress with the intention of following some family friends to Canada, but a severe illness cost her both her emigration and the position, leaving her in the care of an aging actress who has proved a strong friend. Needless to say, Magda is not a member of high society, but catches Alexander’s attention when substituting for a hired fortuneteller.
Alexander, the Earl of Kerrigan, has done a stint in the Near East to make his fortune in less than elegant surroundings. He has a strong sense of honor and the willingness to get his hands dirty he acquired in India. This leads him to take a hand in tracking down Madga first because he believes she’s part of a conspiracy to harm his brother’s horse, and then because he observes the type of person she is and realizes his interest has put her at risk.
Along with the two main characters, Alexander’s best friend and faithful servant from the time in India, and who continues to assist him now back in London, is a delight as are many others. Even the secondaries are well drawn and compelling so when there are risks, I feel for them.
There are a good number of mysteries laced throughout this novel, and though none are exceedingly complicated, they are well seeded. This makes each one plausible despite the improbability of so many surrounding these people at the same time. While the question of whether Madga has inherited her mother’s gift is never quite resolved, the resolution to her story in particular is well done and fixes what might otherwise be implausible.
Ultimately, it’s a fun tale with a dash of adventure and danger set in a well-grounded historical period and with characters worth caring about.
P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
From the description, I expected something more mystical and suspenseful than An Unlikely Alliance turned out to be, but I would not say that’s a bad thing. This is a lovely, sweet romance that touches on a bunch of my favorite elements. Despite a backdrop of deadly conflicts with money, titles, and lives on the line, the focus is firmly on the characters, both main and a couple of key secondary characters. It’s not a very complex novel, and yet offers a building relationship from suspicion to understanding to love on Alexander Maxwell’s part with annoyance to love on Magda’s.
The timeline is Regency with the Napoleonic Wars and India positions as an influence as well as a look at the differences in class and situation. Though the story itself is not particularly deep, the glimpse into their world is wonderfully so.
Magda has a tangled history including the unsolved murder of her mother, a society darling capable of predicting the future. She’d been scratching out a living as a seamstress with the intention of following some family friends to Canada, but a severe illness cost her both her emigration and the position, leaving her in the care of an aging actress who has proved a strong friend. Needless to say, Magda is not a member of high society, but catches Alexander’s attention when substituting for a hired fortuneteller.
Alexander, the Earl of Kerrigan, has done a stint in the Near East to make his fortune in less than elegant surroundings. He has a strong sense of honor and the willingness to get his hands dirty he acquired in India. This leads him to take a hand in tracking down Madga first because he believes she’s part of a conspiracy to harm his brother’s horse, and then because he observes the type of person she is and realizes his interest has put her at risk.
Along with the two main characters, Alexander’s best friend and faithful servant from the time in India, and who continues to assist him now back in London, is a delight as are many others. Even the secondaries are well drawn and compelling so when there are risks, I feel for them.
There are a good number of mysteries laced throughout this novel, and though none are exceedingly complicated, they are well seeded. This makes each one plausible despite the improbability of so many surrounding these people at the same time. While the question of whether Madga has inherited her mother’s gift is never quite resolved, the resolution to her story in particular is well done and fixes what might otherwise be implausible.
Ultimately, it’s a fun tale with a dash of adventure and danger set in a well-grounded historical period and with characters worth caring about.
P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 14, 2020
Excellent
A very exciting clean romance, lovely characters and lots of intrigue. I particularly liked the background history surrounding Magda and she was obviously much more than a mere seamstress.
A very exciting clean romance, lovely characters and lots of intrigue. I particularly liked the background history surrounding Magda and she was obviously much more than a mere seamstress.
May 18, 2015
Magda is an out of work seamstress, struggling to make ends meet after losing her position and lodgings and falling ill. Mrs. Brightwell, a dresser at the theatre has taken her in, and when a headline act could not fulfill her obligation to tell fortunes at a party for the Tonne, Magda is chosen to fill in. The daughter of a French physician and a Russian-born gypsy woman known for her abilities, Magda has no such talents, and finds the party very disturbing. Especially when she predicts a loss for an unbeaten horse owned by one of the partygoers.
Alexander, Lord Kerrigan, is convinced the young gypsy fortune teller is a fraud. And when she predicts his horse will lose a race, he’s certain of it.
From this point forward, almost nothing is as it seems: multiple villains, threats, dangers and the growing affections between Alexander and Magda make this a story that is hard to put down. Bray drags the reader into the character’s heads and shares their emotions and pain with ease and skill, building the tension and uncovering mysteries and further threats around each corner.
Some rather far-fetched conclusions to Magda’s story add to the sense of import of this one seamstress who by a simple miscalculation in her sleight of hand unraveled the fine fabric hiding agendas below the surface. It was a one-sitting read: twists and turns aplenty with the real solution not apparent to the very end.
With a romance and they mystery, there is plenty to please fans of historic novels, all set in a beautifully referenced early Victorian setting.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Alexander, Lord Kerrigan, is convinced the young gypsy fortune teller is a fraud. And when she predicts his horse will lose a race, he’s certain of it.
From this point forward, almost nothing is as it seems: multiple villains, threats, dangers and the growing affections between Alexander and Magda make this a story that is hard to put down. Bray drags the reader into the character’s heads and shares their emotions and pain with ease and skill, building the tension and uncovering mysteries and further threats around each corner.
Some rather far-fetched conclusions to Magda’s story add to the sense of import of this one seamstress who by a simple miscalculation in her sleight of hand unraveled the fine fabric hiding agendas below the surface. It was a one-sitting read: twists and turns aplenty with the real solution not apparent to the very end.
With a romance and they mystery, there is plenty to please fans of historic novels, all set in a beautifully referenced early Victorian setting.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 29, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a nice combination of mystery and Regency romance, but I just couldn't become invested in the characters, so it fell flat for me. We meet Magda as she is working as a gypsy fortune teller at a ton event, even though she doesn't have the "sight" that her mother did. Oddly, her prediction that a favored horse will lose came true, so now she's fashionable. However, the owner of the horse, Lord Kerrigan, has his suspicions and starts investigating her. As expected in this type of story, Magna and Alexander (Lord Kerrigan) fall in love, but they resist because they are from two totally different worlds. Here's where the mystery comes in--Magda seems to be targeted by an unknown attacker, becoming embroiled in various attempts on her life. Alexander becomes her rescuer, and their continued proximity forces them to become closer. The story was fine, with the mystery and connection with the Bow Street Runners an interesting twist. But perhaps because it was so short, the characters were not developed enough, which made it difficult to become involved in their dilemma. The writing was fine, but there just wasn't enough detail to really make me visualize the people and their settings. I will, however, give this author another try at some point.
This is a nice combination of mystery and Regency romance, but I just couldn't become invested in the characters, so it fell flat for me. We meet Magda as she is working as a gypsy fortune teller at a ton event, even though she doesn't have the "sight" that her mother did. Oddly, her prediction that a favored horse will lose came true, so now she's fashionable. However, the owner of the horse, Lord Kerrigan, has his suspicions and starts investigating her. As expected in this type of story, Magna and Alexander (Lord Kerrigan) fall in love, but they resist because they are from two totally different worlds. Here's where the mystery comes in--Magda seems to be targeted by an unknown attacker, becoming embroiled in various attempts on her life. Alexander becomes her rescuer, and their continued proximity forces them to become closer. The story was fine, with the mystery and connection with the Bow Street Runners an interesting twist. But perhaps because it was so short, the characters were not developed enough, which made it difficult to become involved in their dilemma. The writing was fine, but there just wasn't enough detail to really make me visualize the people and their settings. I will, however, give this author another try at some point.
April 15, 2016
Magda is a seamstress by trade but out of work and is forced to reading tarot cards for the rich even though she has no real gift for it. She tries to give the rich what they want to hear. Magda’s mother was murdered and it was still unsolved. Magda was suppose to go to Canada with friends but was ill and lost her chance. But Magda is left with the care of an ageing actress and takes what she can for work. She covered for another at a party at Lord Kerringan’s home. Lord Kerringan knows Magda is cheating as he catches her. After which she is asked if Kerrigan’s horse will win a race she pulls the wrong card and says no. The horse lost and Kerrigan believes Magda is on whoever fixed the race. Then Magda is attacked and Alexander who is Lord Kerringan brings her to his townhouse for her safety and where he can question her for information. Alexander and Magda develop feelings for each other but resist theme as they are from two totally different worlds.
I liked this story but would have liked it longer. I just didn’t really get wowed by the story but liked it as I said. There were enough twists and turns maybe even a few too many to keep you interested . I liked Alexanders and Magda’s characters a lot and all the ins and out they went through.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
I liked this story but would have liked it longer. I just didn’t really get wowed by the story but liked it as I said. There were enough twists and turns maybe even a few too many to keep you interested . I liked Alexanders and Magda’s characters a lot and all the ins and out they went through.
I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
May 7, 2015
In An Unlikely Alliance, Magda Bowman, an out of work seamstress, fills in as a gypsy fortune teller at a ton party. Alexander Maxwell, the Earl of Kerrigan, observes Magda stacking the deck to provide guests what they desired to hear. Disgusted with her cheating, he walks away. After that, someone asks her if Kerrigan's horse will win in a race. She plans to say yes since the horse was undefeated, but to her horror, she turns over the wrong card. Her answer turns to no. The horse did lose, and Kerrigan believes she is in league with whoever fixed the race.
After she is attacked, Kerrigan takes it upon himself to move her into his townhouse for her safety and so he can continue to grill her for information. To draw out the person wanting her dead, they launch into society and unexpected events happen.
Ms. Bray's novel is fantastic. She does an excellent job of delving into the minds of the main characters. Magda's heartbreak will become your own. And be ready, the twists will catch you off guard. An Unlikely Alliance is a well-written, intriguing, romantic novel that everyone should read.
After she is attacked, Kerrigan takes it upon himself to move her into his townhouse for her safety and so he can continue to grill her for information. To draw out the person wanting her dead, they launch into society and unexpected events happen.
Ms. Bray's novel is fantastic. She does an excellent job of delving into the minds of the main characters. Magda's heartbreak will become your own. And be ready, the twists will catch you off guard. An Unlikely Alliance is a well-written, intriguing, romantic novel that everyone should read.
January 15, 2016
I don’t remember the last time I read a romantic historical and I forget how fun and entertaining they can be, although I lean more towards contemporary. Don’t recall if I’ve read Patricia Bray, but she definitely had an impact on me with her “An Unlikely Alliance”.
A gypsy fortune-teller, Mademoiselle Magda has created quiet a stir with her predictions. Lot of her patrons may be charmed with her, but Lord Kerrigan has his doubts, yet one of her predictions actually has him question her skill and integrity. As he starts spending more time with her and makes himself invade her personal space, danger seems to creep between Lord Kerrigan and Magda. Trying to get to the bottom of a villainous plan puts Magda in danger and brings into the protective folds of Lord Kerrigan.
A charming and entertaining story, Magda and Kerrigan keep us captivated with their witty banter, sassy behavior and sublime passion. A definite read and adding one more author to my list.
Received an ARC from Diversion Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
A gypsy fortune-teller, Mademoiselle Magda has created quiet a stir with her predictions. Lot of her patrons may be charmed with her, but Lord Kerrigan has his doubts, yet one of her predictions actually has him question her skill and integrity. As he starts spending more time with her and makes himself invade her personal space, danger seems to creep between Lord Kerrigan and Magda. Trying to get to the bottom of a villainous plan puts Magda in danger and brings into the protective folds of Lord Kerrigan.
A charming and entertaining story, Magda and Kerrigan keep us captivated with their witty banter, sassy behavior and sublime passion. A definite read and adding one more author to my list.
Received an ARC from Diversion Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
March 17, 2015
Historical clean English romance.
We find a fake Gypsy fortune teller Mademoiselle Magda who randomly makes a correct guess about a horse race that suddenly puts her in danger of kidnapping and death threats because of her public appearances. Lord Kerrigan, Alex was a smart and unconventional guy for his class and period, but it probably comes from living and traveling all over the world before settling down in his home town of London.
Lots of secrets come out with a long lost well born daughter story in a classic Cinderella style fashion.
Some editing errors like missing verbs and an 'ought' that should have been out which threw me out of the story at times, although generally very well written with some good historical research to their habits and behaviors.
160 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
We find a fake Gypsy fortune teller Mademoiselle Magda who randomly makes a correct guess about a horse race that suddenly puts her in danger of kidnapping and death threats because of her public appearances. Lord Kerrigan, Alex was a smart and unconventional guy for his class and period, but it probably comes from living and traveling all over the world before settling down in his home town of London.
Lots of secrets come out with a long lost well born daughter story in a classic Cinderella style fashion.
Some editing errors like missing verbs and an 'ought' that should have been out which threw me out of the story at times, although generally very well written with some good historical research to their habits and behaviors.
160 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
March 22, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this period romance and mystery. Magda is a poor seamstress who fills in for a gypsy fortune teller at a party for the London gentry. When she correctly predicts the outcome of a horse race, the Lord who owns the never beaten horse is suspicious that the race was rigged and that she is somehow involved. He sets out to prove this but finds himself protecting the young woman from those he believes are trying to kill her to prevent the truth from being revealed. But the plot is much more sinister and reaches back into the history of Magda's mother, a renowned psychic who was murdered when she was a child. This is a romance that, while predictable, is very well told. The story has just the right amount of suspense and tension.
March 11, 2015
This is a fairly fast read that is mostly clean. (I am one of the few people who might blush a little at the description of someone's decolletage and someone else's snug fitting breeches.) There are enough twists that it keeps you interested. This seems to be a book in which characters find themselves in circumstances that they don't really want, but that ultimately provide a much more rich experience than they originally anticipated.
March 3, 2015
How can a poor seamstress and a wealthy London Lord find themselves involved in a mystery that regards murder and intrigues!
The lord and the seamstress are thrown together quite accidentally but end up bound to each other. Certainly an unlikely alliance!
A very quick reading story that takes us back into the 1800's in London and gives us an insight into life during that period.
The lord and the seamstress are thrown together quite accidentally but end up bound to each other. Certainly an unlikely alliance!
A very quick reading story that takes us back into the 1800's in London and gives us an insight into life during that period.
March 2, 2015
An Unlikely Alliance
A fun, quick historical romance read. A Cinderella story of sorts, a seamstress fills in as a gypsy fortune teller for a friend, predicts an occurrence that comes true and finds herself in danger.
A fun, quick historical romance read. A Cinderella story of sorts, a seamstress fills in as a gypsy fortune teller for a friend, predicts an occurrence that comes true and finds herself in danger.
March 17, 2015
A wonderful story!
I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and intrigue of The Unlikely Alliance! Magda and Alexander were amazing, and how she won his love kept me reading with enthusiasm. I'll include Ms. Bray as a favorite author, and recommend her books to others enthusiastically.
I thoroughly enjoyed the romance and intrigue of The Unlikely Alliance! Magda and Alexander were amazing, and how she won his love kept me reading with enthusiasm. I'll include Ms. Bray as a favorite author, and recommend her books to others enthusiastically.
February 24, 2015
an extremely unlikely tale of a gypsy girl found to be a lost Russian noblewoman....attempted murder...
December 15, 2015
I picked the book for publication of 2015 in the reading challenge and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought.
March 9, 2015
Mystery and romance
Suspense and romance with action to keep you awake and wondering what will happen.
Good choice for entertainment and intrigue.
Suspense and romance with action to keep you awake and wondering what will happen.
Good choice for entertainment and intrigue.
June 5, 2015
The book is okay but not great. I just didn't get attached to neither the main characters nor the story.
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For more romance reviews, check out my website:https://katherinasbooks.wordpress.com
July 15, 2015
The story is a quick read and it's well written. It is also a little predictable. What I did like, Alexander was tough yet gentle. Magda took crap from no one. This was enjoyable.
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