UNDER YOUR SPELL

Author: Lois Greiman ISBN: 9780061191367 6/2008 HISTORICAL/PARANORMAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Regency

Welcome to Lavender House ... To London society, they are nothing more than a group of well-bred ladies gathering to gossip about the bachelors of the ton. But they also share an uncommon gift that will lead them to days filled with danger—and nights of unquenchable desire. Ella St. James can bewitch any man with her smoldering glances and dazzling beauty. Yet she isn't about to squander her unique abilities on the mundane task of finding a husband. No, she is determined to find her friend who disappeared under mysterious circumstances, but everywhere she turns, she finds only the alluring and troublemaking Thomas Donovan. Thomas has secrets of his own, and his attraction to Ella is a terrible risk. But he can't help but try to rescue her, love her, and devour her ... for he has fallen under her spell.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

If sexy banter, tantalizing love scenes, romantic tension, and characters that endear themselves to you from the moment you meet them are things you want to read on any given day, UNDER YOUR SPELL by Lois Greiman is the book for you. It has everything I look for in a great read and so much more.

While the wonderful interaction between the hero and heroine is the glue that holds this one together, the nefarious plot and the backdrop of a school for gifted women (aka witches) is a nice touch, too. I love the slight paranormal element that surrounds the story and the fact that the characters shine through it, rather than are eclipsed by it. Combined with some of the best dialogue and witty banter I have ever read, this combination is perfectly balanced and irresistible.

As much as I love this book I will have to say that the ending comes much too quickly. Yes, because I want to keep on reading, but mainly because after such build up, the swiftness of it is slightly disappointing. Honestly, I am shocked at how everything comes together in a few short pages. But, it works, and so it does not keep me from giving this a Top Pick. As a series, I suspect UNDER YOUR SPELL starts off a powerhouse of great reads that I am so excited to get into.

Shannon Johnson