THE MAGIC KNOT

Author: Helen Scott Taylor ISBN: 9780505527967 2/2009 PARANORMAL Publisher: DORCHESTER

HE'S A BIKER WITH AN ATTITUDE What woman wouldn't be attracted to Niall O'Connor's soft lrish brogue and dark good looks? But Rosenwyn Tremain must find her father, and she isn't going to let a sexy, stubborn Irishman and his motorcycle distract her. Rose's intuition tells her he's hiding something, a secret even the cards cannot divine. Her tarot deck always reads true, but how can one man represent both justice and Betrayal? SHE'S A WOMAN ON A MISSION Magic. Niall's body tingles with it when he finds the woman snooping in his room. Rosenwyn might believe she's a nononsense accountant, but her essence whispers to him of ancient fairy magic that enslaves even as it seduces. Her heritage could endanger those he'd die to protect, but her powers and her passion, if properly awakened, might be the only thing that can save both their families, vanquish a fairy queen bent on revenge, and fulfill a prophecy that will bind their hearts together with...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Secrets, prophecy and magic mingle to make THE MAGIC KNOT more intriguing than I first imagined it would be. The book opens with a sort of chest-pounding, man contest that put me off a bit, but right after that it took off so well that I couldn’t put it down. I was drawn into the world of druids, nightstalkers and leprechauns, but mostly I was pulled in by the motivations of the two main characters. I liked the idea that, regardless of circumstance or origin, families share the same desire to protect their own the world over, at any cost.

Niall seems a study in contradictions. Hot biker man, protecting siblings at a huge cost while still adhering to the teachings that bring his magic to life… truly not your average hero here! He is very secretive, and it isn’t until Rose begins to expose parts of herself to him that she draws him out. I liked the way she uses her brain, body and powers to her best advantage. It is amusing that although she gets his attention with her physical attributes she realizes she must reveal more important—and more dramatic—features than her tight butt.

The way Niall tries to protect Rose from the truth is both heartwarming and frustrating. It seems like it takes too long for him to expose his true feelings to her, but when he does their romance sizzles. I can’t recall reading any story where stones play such an important role as they do in this one. The use of this ordinary substance to induce extraordinary events, feelings or abilities is a smart bit of writing.

THE MAGIC KNOT is highly enjoyable, a vivid story that took this reader on a very pleasurable escape.

Kay James