Pink Heart Reviews
Forbidden Magic
Jo Beverley
Topaz ,1998, 345 pages
ISBN# 0-451-40802-0
Historical Romance, circa 1812
England
$6.50 (U.S.) $8.50 (CDN)
Reviewed by Teresa
December 2004
Meg Gillingham is in a bind, it's Christmastime, she has no money, four mouths to feed, and the threat of an eviction hanging over her head. Her landlord is a lascivious despot who gives her an ultimatum which is unacceptable to her. The only thing left in her power to do is make a wish on her magical statue, the sheelagh-ma-gig. The only problem is, there is always a consequence to the wishes. Consequences be damned, Meg makes the wish.
The Earl of Saxonhurst (“Sax”) has a problem, his tyrannical grandmother has reminded him of his promise to be wed by his twenty-fifth birthday, or she will choose a wife for him. Sax has less than one day to find a bride, for he would rather be dead, than marry the woman his hateful grandmother chose. Time is running out for our hero and heroine.
Meg is a very responsible, and proper young lady. She is smart as a whip and very witty. The only thing in the world that matters to her is being able to support her siblings. Sax, on the other hand is very eccentric, frivolous with his money, and when angry, likes to break the hideous knick-knacks that adorn his room. He has a one-eyed upstairs maid, a misogynistic parrot, and a cowardly dog with a perpetually snarling face. His servants are more like family than servants, and it is one of these people that mentions Meg and her plight. Sax decides that Meg is the woman he will marry and sends her a letter of proposal.
When Meg reads the letter she wonders why an eligible Earl would want to marry her sight unseen (Is he mad?). Although she has misgivings she accepts because of her family. They marry the next day and the fun starts from there. Sax is a gorgeous golden god, he drips sex appeal and sensual mastery. Meg is sensible, passionate, and has a penchant for scandalous embroidery. When these two come together the pages are set ablaze. Those of you who have read anything by Ms. Beverley, knows to expect great historical accuracy, and steamy sensuality. Every time Meg and Sax are alone the pages sizzle with sexual tension, and their dialogue is fantastic.
FORBIDDEN MAGIC is my favorite Jo Beverley novel, and one of my favorite books that I have ever had the pleasure to read. From page one it hooks you in and doesn’t let go till the very end, and even then it stays with you. Meg and Sax are great protagonists, and the supporting cast are terrific. I have nothing negative to say about this book. I loved it completely. In a word this book is magic.
