Beyond Magic
by Lizzie T. Leaf
Published January 14, 2011 by Passion in Print
When he discovers mortal, Emma Grant unconscious at the bottom of the steps to his castle, his world starts to change. Tour director Emma Grant's bus breaks down and her effort to find help results in a fall that knocks her unconscious. She awakens to find the man of her dreams staring into her eyes. But will his secrets and her distrust of men tear them apart?
For a complete review which may contain SPOILERS, please click 'Read More' below:
Emma has abandoned her career as a boring accountant and is directing local tours when she is approached to host a tour group of retired teachers to Scotland. This is a career making opportunity for Emma – one she has no idea will change her life forever.
Ian has quite the lineage – descended from Greek Gods, Fae and mortals, he has been denying his powers for quite some time. Living in his glamoured castle in Scotland and writing his Fae folklore, he is distracted and on edge – knowing his life is about to change. It does- drastically, when Emma arrives… unconscious on the castle steps.
When Emma’s tour bus breaks down she must face the inclement weather and search for help. She is relieved to find a beautiful castle in the mists. Exhausted and distracted by the myriad of steps she slips and falls – knocking herself unconscious. When she awakes, naked, with a gorgeous man at her bedside, she is enamored and perplexed. So begins their journey to overcome their past (and the very pesky fairy Morgana) to find the love that the Powers have decreed will be theirs!
I loved so much about this book. The plot is so well defined and the build up to the first meeting of Emma and Ian was ingenious. Emma’s character is very believable and has the perfect balance of cynicism, wit, and vulnerability. Her relationship with her best friend adds a special touch to the storyline (and a twist you will love).
The retired school teachers are inspired and an integral part of the plot. Emma moves from feeling annoyed at their intrusions to appreciating them as not only traveling companions but mothers and friends.
Ian’s grandfathers are Odin and Oberon no less and his Grandmother is Aphrodite. There characters, although Gods, were approachable and humorous in their efforts to assist the couple. Of course, this is a romance, and so the end is a foregone conclusion, but Lizzie makes the journey an intense whirlwind of magical drama!
I couldn’t put this one down and finished it in one sitting! So take a respite from the hectic Holiday Season and lose yourself in the wonderful realm of Beyond Magic! Watch for the next book in this series, Emerging Magic, (keep your fingers crossed) releasing in late January 2012!