The Marquis' Mystical Witch
"Ulric, also known as Wulf, because of the scars he has from tangling with a wolf, is the Marquis of Radford. But what Society does not know is the Wulf’s family is cursed and the first born son turns into a werewolf every full moon starting when he is eighteen. Wulf has been desperate to find a way to break the curse, even to the point of refusing to marry and have children. Then one night, when he is briefly in London for his sister’s coming out ball, he meets Althea and something within him says “Mine.”
Althea is desperate to find a way out of the marriage to a truly horrible man to whom her uncle is trying to sell her. She finds she is drawn to the Marquis of Radford and is moved to use her own unique powers to help ease the pain he feels from his scars.
So when her uncle pushes she runs to Wulf for help as he is the only one with the power and willingness to save her and her younger sister. But the secrets of the power each holds could tear them apart as more secrets from the past are revealed and real danger from the present persists.
Oh, this was a good one. The characters were vibrant and haunted by their demons and the ghosts of their ancestors. Also, though there was a certain darkness to the tone of the story, it was appropriate and the characters were not full of self-pity about their circumstances.
I was intrigued by a new take on idea of a werewolf and one that takes place in the past instead of the present as most paranormal stories seen to be.
I also hope that Althea’s younger sister will have a story of her own. She was an interesting character that I feel has an interesting story in front of her.
Enjoy." - Reviewer: Karen, Single Titles Star Rating: 4.5 Stars
Long and Short Reviews
Publisher: BookStrand
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full (269 pages)
Heat: Sweet
Marriage of Convenience
Cursed and scarred, Ulric (Wulf) Hamlin, the Marquis of Radford, becomes a recluse after his wife’s death. When he returns to London, after five years, he meets Althea Beckett at his sister’s coming out ball. Used to seeing revulsion in women’s faces, Althea instead touches him and soothes his pain. Wulf’s family curse causes him to shape shift into a werewolf at each full moon. But Althea and her sister have their own hidden powers. Wulf's family strongly encourages him to wed and produce an heir, and Althea faces a marriage with a repulsive man she fears.
Wulf and Althea agree to marry for their mutual benefit, but both keep their secrets to themselves. Wulf hopes to hide his family curse from Althea until he finds a cure, but she suspects something is not right. They must face their own demons, find a way to break the curse and trust enough to love.
Ulrich Hamlin, the Marquis of Radford has sworn not to marry again or produce an heir. His resolution falters when he meets Althea Beckett.
Ulrich has a dark secret and after the suspicious death of his first wife he refuses to endanger any other woman. His imposing exterior hides a caring heart, but he knows he will gradually stop caring about others.
Thea and her sister Elvie have recently lost their parents. Thea also has a secret which would put her life in danger if it was discovered. The girls’ uncle has inherited the title and estate and he treats them like poor relations. For reasons best known to himself he is forcing Thea into marriage with a man who strikes fear into her heart.
The Marquis helps Thea but the two fight to stay as individuals rather than become a couple. Ulrich turns to his dark side while Thea tries to bridge the gap between them. In the background is the skullduggery (don’t you just love that word) of the uncle and the man he wants to force Thea to marry.
For lovers of regency romance be warned - this is a regency with a difference. When reading romances of this period I tend to silently beg the hero and heroine to talk to one another and solve their problems. I didn’t feel I needed to do this with Ulrich and Thea. They have very valid and frightening reasons for not revealing their secrets. This in turn makes them both afraid to express their true feelings for each other.
This is the first regency I have read in a long time that kept my attention and forced me to keep reading. The story has many hidden facets and even the end of the book held totally unexpected surprises. Instead of floating along with a delightful but unexciting storyline, this book grabbed my interest and didn’t let go until the last page.
I recommend The Marquis’ Mystical Witch to regency readers who would like that little bit extra in their books. It’s also a book guaranteed to catch the interest of lovers of the paranormal or anyone who loves a good romance.
Reviewed by Orchid Rating: 5 Books
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Wulf slipped through the French windows onto the veranda, leaving the noisy congested ballroom behind. Five years of being away from the nobility and London's fashionable parties hadn't been long enough.
His brother had tried to convince him to join the family in town last year. Ulric had refused. A twinge of guilt surfaced as he thought of Evan and his untimely death.
He moved farther toward a darkened corner to be completely out of sight. Seeing all the ambitious mothers still willing to throw their daughters in his direction made him realize he had a decision to make. One that could no longer be ignored.
Years of exhaustive studies and searching had yielded no results and given Wulf little hope of ending the family curse. Disgust at what had happened to him and his family left the taste of bitterness in his mouth. His father and grandfathers had finally embraced their ability to change into the werewolf. Wulf fought what was happening to him more quickly as the years went by. Ruthlessness, cunning, and cruelty were traits he saw take over his loving father and grandfather. But, he had struggled long and hard to resist the temptations.
Ulric had hoped Evan would outlive him. The curse struck the heir at sixteen, so Ulric reasoned Evan would be immune. Now, with his brother gone, he had only two choices; to marry and produce an heir to carry on the family name and curse, or let it all end with his death.
Suddenly a flash of recognition heightened his senses. He was no longer alone. The soft breeze delivered a hint of her fragrance, roses and jasmine, as he turned toward the French windows.
Her white gown rippled in the breeze. Ulric edged closer and studied her. He recognized a look of defiance on an otherwise lovely face. Her stern expression was softened by a Cupid’s bow mouth that begged to be kissed and glorious black hair, so dark that moonlight sparked off the lovely curls. He held in the growl that wanted to erupt. Mine. The word pounded into his body and heart.
Leashing the wolf tight inside, he subtly stalked his prey. With his enhanced vision, he noted the dismay in her deep green eyes. Who was she?
