Tag: Mary Jo Putney

Silver Lady by Mary Jo Putney

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Silver Lady (Dangerous Gifts #1)

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Dangerous Gifts #1
Publication Date: August 22, 2023
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 270

There is always something wonderous and magical about a well-written historical romance, but when the characters really are ‘gifted’ it just becomes – WOW! I don’t often read fantasy/paranormal (whichever word you prefer) books, but I just had to check out this one because of the author – and the book blurb. I’m glad I decided to read it – and now I am looking forward to the second book in the series.

The Prologue nicely introduces us to Lord and Lady Tremayne who are both ‘gifted’ and one of their gifts is finding others who are also ‘gifted’ – usually children who have been turned out of their homes because their families and society cannot deal with their gifts. They have rescued many gifted children, so this could – should the author wish it – be a long series. 😊 The two children featured in the prologue are Brannock (Bran) and Cade Evans and though they are not brothers by blood, they are closer than brothers by choice.

Fast forward several years and we find Bran and Cade as grown-up young men who work for the Home Office. It seems the Home Office has seen the benefit of using these misfits to help keep England safe. They are given a fair amount of autonomy and Bran keeps feeling he needs to go to Cornwall, but he can’t put his finger on a reason for that. Then, when someone turns up at the Tremayne home looking for a gifted male who has a dragon tattoo on his shoulder, Bran knows he needs to determine if he is the heir the man is seeking – and what, if anything, that means to him. Still, he knows that is only secondary because he is sure there is something afoot in Cornwall that will require his unique skills.

In Cornwall, Bran rescues Merryn and protects her from those seeking to recapture her. Merryn remembers nothing except needing to escape. However, the longer she’s out of captivity, the more she remembers – and the stronger Bran feels there is a serious threat to England coming from somewhere in Cornwall.

The story is filled with excitement, action, adventure, and, of course, romance as Bran and Merryn work their way through the mystery to uncover and thwart a huge plot to destabilize and weaken the country. As far as Bran’s natural family goes, I’m not sure I care for his decision – because I have to wonder how any future children of his will feel about that. On the other hand – things went in a perfectly acceptable way.

I enjoyed the read – and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope you’ll love it as much as I did. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book – provided by the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Christmas, Fairytale Retelling, Novella, Victorian Era (1837-1901)2 Comments

The Black Beast of Belleterre

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 1/1/1992
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 56

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have reread this novella over the years. Something about it just calls to me and makes my heart sing. To me, it tells the story of Beauty and the Beast the way it should be told – and the author even mentions that in her author notes. I cannot believe I have never written a review for it – perhaps because it is short? Perhaps because I am so enraptured after each read that I just forget to write a review? Who knows – but I’m fixing that now.

James Markland, Lord Falconer, isn’t a handsome man – actually, not even somewhat attractive. He is, however, one of the gentlest, most caring, empathetic, and giving people this planet has ever produced. Anything or anyone who is seen as ‘less’ by the world finds a home on his estate. His servants, his tenants, absolutely everyone who knows him, loves him. Yet he always hides from everyone. He always wears a cowl around his face and stands in the darkest areas of a room. He does not, and never has, felt lovable because he is so unattractive.

Falconer sees the most enchanting young lady as he is approaching her very rundown home to collect a debt from her father. She is sunshine to his shadow. He is just happy to have caught a glimpse of something so graceful and lovely.

Ariel Hawthorne is the daughter of a wastrel of a father who cares nothing for her or the estate. She finds out just how far the finances have sunken when her father tells her she is being betrothed to a pox-ridden odious man. She refuses, but she knows she might not be able to avoid his plot. Until, a man she’s never seen before, makes her an offer she cannot refuse. She is so grateful, but she wishes she could actually see him because that cowl hides him away.

Ariel is never really afraid of Falconer even though she has never laid eyes on him. She does her best to spend time with him, and converse with him, but he always pushes her away. Goodness, you just have to love these two very special people! Their romance is lovely and the ending – at Christmas – will warm your heart and make you smile.

I can definitely recommend this novella. You will absolutely fall in love with Falconer and will quickly realize that Ariel is his perfect match. When you are in the mood for a quick, lovely read that will soothe your soul and warm your heart, this is definitely the book for you.

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