REVIEW: Again the Magic (#0.5 Wallflowers) by Lisa Kleypas

5 Stars

“The worst thing you can do for love is deny it; so when you find that special someone, don't let anyone or anything to get in your way.” 
 ~ Author Unknown

“It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is the most painful is to love someone and  never find the courage to let the person know how you feel.” ~ Author Unknown

Lisa Kleypas is one of my absolute favourite authors. Most of her books are keepers for me. I devoured her books in 2007, after my BFF recommended her to me, and they helped me through one of the absolute worst years of my life. So, that makes Lisa Kleypas’ books and characters even more extra special for me. I’ll never be able to express how much they mean to me!

Because I read this book pre-Goodreads, I didn’t do a review for it. Also, I’m afraid that nothing I could say could ever be worthy of the eloquence of Lisa Kleypas’ lyrical and evocative prose. But I keep saying how Ms. Kleypas is one of my favourite, FAVOURITE authors, so I think I should attempt some reviews.

If you haven’t picked up a Lisa Kleypas book, before, then you really should!

Again the Magic is a star-crossed lovers and reunited lovers story. It’s a story of betrayal, revenge, secrets, forgiveness, imperfections, trust, and so much more.

It’s considered a prequel to the Wallflowers series because it happens chronologically before it and has Marcus, Lord Westcliff, a much beloved character from Wallflowers in it - I ADORE Marcus!

The story begins with Lady Aline Marsden, daughter of the unbending and intolerant Earl of Westcliff, and her childhood friend, a servant at Stony Cross Manor, John McKenna, falling in love.

“It was likely that no one had been surprised, however, as it was clear that Aline and Mckenna belonged together. There was something invisible and yet irrefutable that made them a couple. Perhaps it was the way both of them stole quick glances at each other when one thought the other wasn't looking... glances of wonder and hunger.”

When their love is found out, to protect McKenna from her father’s destruction, Aline says some very hurtful things to send McKenna away.

Twelve years pass and McKenna has returned to Stony Cross Manor with his business partner, Gideon Shaw, hell bent on revenge on Aline…but his love still burns strong and he can’t bring himself to hurt her.

Aline has suffered a trauma in the intervening years which has changed her and she feels unworthy.

If I had to describe this book in just a couple words, it would be… INTENSE...and...PASSIONATE. I was completely absorbed into this emotional journey with Aline and McKenna. And the love scenes were passion-filled and STEAMY! YOWZA!

I loved the setting at Stony Cross Park and Manor; with the river nearby, the heather-strewn hills of Hampshire, and the woods... Oh, the trees, the trees… ;-) *coughs* 

The river at Stony Cross was Aline and McKenna's special place

 McKenna is brooding, passionate and intense and his declarations are oh, so romantic. I love McKenna!

“I want morning and noon and nightfall with you. I want your tears, your smiles, your kisses...the smell of your hair, the taste of your skin, the touch of your breath on my face. I want to see you in the final hour of my life...to lie in your arms as I take my last breath.”

My heart ached for Aline and her feelings of unworthiness; it really hurt to see that even in the face of McKenna’s immense love, she couldn’t bring herself to share with him her fears and secrets. I found both their reactions realistic and raw, and I really, really longed for Aline to get over her issues so that she and McKenna could have the happily-ever-after they deserved. Aline and McKenna brought me to tears.

I absolutely loved seeing my darling Marcus as the wonderful big brother he is. He is so protective towards his sisters and I loved “the talk” he had with Aline.

This was a two-for-one romance, and I must say that I am one of those people who didn’t have an issue with this. Both romances were developed enough to my satisfaction. Sure, if they had been separated out into two separate books, we definitely would have gotten more development of both relationships, but like I said, this really didn’t bother me.

The secondary romance between Livia and Gideon really touched me, too. Livia is a widow and Gideon a rake with an alcohol addiction. Gideon was rakishly, playfully sexy and I loved the teasing attraction between these two that turned into so much more. But what I loved most the honesty and courage that Livia showed and the response that Gideon had to it, in the end.

I enjoyed getting glimpses of Livia’s and Gideon’s HEA in the Wallflowers series.

When I re-read this, a few years ago, I was deeply into Moonlight and that may have affected my images slightly. I’m not complaining though. LOL

My McKenna (Alex O’Loughlin) and My Aline (Madeleine Stowe)