snugglekitty

The charming book The Marriage Spell is set in an alternate Victorian England. Most people have the ability to do at least a small amount of magic, but it's considered declasse - vulgar - all very well for the trade classes and inferior females, yet nothing a gentleman would indulge in. I've never encountered this premise before and found it very pleasing. Jack Langdon was sent to a repressive boarding school as a child, to discourage his interest in magic. Their brainwashing worked and he is disgusted by wizards and charms, even the most benign. But in a hunting accident, he is thrown from his horse. His only chance of survival is a risky spell done by the sheltered healer Abby Barton. The catch? In return, she wants to marry him.

"'Miss Barton is a talented healer, and she will undertake the risks of conducting a healing circle in return for the honor of becoming your wife. It seems a fair bargain to me. Do you agree?'
Jack blinked, wondering if he was out of his head. 'Are you insane?' he whispered, his voice rasping. 'Better dead than enthralled by a damned wyrdling!'
Ashby leaned closer, his green eyes fierce. 'Would you really prefer death to marrying an attractive, intelligent, well-bred young woman?'" p 30

There are many things I enjoyed about this book, and most of them are unusual for a romance, even a supernatural one. First, the characters do not fall head over heels with each other the first time they meet. They are merely drawn to and intrigued by each other, with gradually intensifying feelings. That felt very real to me. Second, the main character, Abby Barton, is not beautiful - she is strong-featured and unfashionably sized. And fourth, she is strong-willed and confident in what she knows. Waiting around for a man to save her? Hardly - she saves him! This title is recommended for all fans of Victorian fantasy and romance. It's just plain fun. I wish there were more books set in this world. Four stars.