Magic in the Music by Jane Charles

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Series: Magic and Mystery, #4

Release Date: July 22, 2025

Cassian Jourdain is the non-magical foster son of the Earl and Countess of St Alban and has lived most of his life in Bocka Morrow, but what most people don’t know is that he is the displaced Comte de Rohan. His mother was able to smuggle Cassian and his sister Nina out of France during the Terror, but their ship is wrecked near Bocka Morrow, on the Cornish coast. Sadly, his mother was lost and his sister gravely injured, but Cassian made a deal to save his sister’s life and that bargain, he assumed tied him to Bocka Morrow for life. But recent events have changed everything, and he might have the chance to return to France and reclaim his birthright. Which he wants more than anything, especially since meeting Lady Samantha Ellis at the Halloween ball held at Nightshade Manor. He would love to court her, but without restoring his estates, he has nothing to offer her. And tries to keep his distance, especially since she has made her interest in him clear and his adopted family is bent on matchmaking.

Lady Samantha Ellis has been at Nightshade Manor for almost two months, first for the Halloween ball and then decided to stay to help the family prepare for her friend Antonia’s wedding. During this time, she has become enamored with Cassian Jourdain, the foster son of her hosts. But Cassian seems to be sending mixed signals – it is clear that he is attracted to her but has made no attempt to court her. Frustrated and a bit heartsick, Samanatha ended up trapped in a mysterious room the Manor and the only person who can see or hear her is Cassian. Will this forced proximity finally give Samanatha the happy ending she has been seeking, or will she be lost?

I love returning to Bocka Morrow and Nightshade Manor, Jane Charles has done a fantastic job building this world and her characters. This story brings back a lot of former characters, matchmaking and plenty of magic. As much as I liked this story, it wasn’t my favorite in the series, I felt like the lack of communication between Samantha and Cassian dragged on for much too long, causing it to be repetitious and frustrating. Overall, it was a good read and book I would be happy to recommend. This is the fourth book in the series and has ties to other series but can easily be read as a standalone title without any issues.

3.5 stars rounded up

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *