Again the Magic

A Film-Worthy Romance

When Aline and McKenna's feelings are discovered by her father, he threatens McKenna's very existence if Aline ever sees him again. In order to protect him, Aline convinces McKenna that she does not love him, hoping he will never return to Stony Cross. After he leaves, Aline descends into a depression that is followed by a terrible accident that leaves Aline with scars on her legs. Twelve years later, McKenna returns to Stony Cross from America, where he became one of the nouveaux riches, to take his revenge on Aline for all the pain and heartache he caused her. Aline realizing his intentions decides to ride it out until he goes back to New York. This plan fails however when both McKenna and Aline start to fall for each other again. But Aline can never be with him, for she is not only a spinster, but also damaged.
I don't think I've ever cried, or even teared up while reading a romance novel, before reading Again the Magic. Here we have two characters who are obviously in love with each other, but refuse to acknowledge it, and instead spend almost 400 pages fighting it. The book begins with Aline and McKenna in their late teens, already in love. Life is good. Well, except for the fact that Aline is the daughter of the cold and malevolent Lord Westcliff, and that McKenna is only a footman. After years of resenting, no that is not strong enough, hating is a better word; after spending years hating Aline, he starts to unwind when he realizes that Aline never married or slept with anyone. This sends his plan to "break her" out the window. Aline on the other hand, doesn't mind McKenna's efforts at hurting her. In fact, she welcomes them because they allow her to feel after years of being numb. This entire book had me screaming "Just say it!" It was like McKenna and Aline decided to be stubborn and thick-headed at the exact same time. And this is what created the tension throughout the novel. All of these scenes led up to an amazing tear-filled ending that any fan of romance will LOVE.
This novel deals mostly with Aline and McKenna's story but it also includes Livia, Aline's sister, and Mr. Shaw's, McKenna's business partner, story. This one was also cute. Of course, not as much drama as the main love story, but still a bit dramatic.
For a historical romance, this was fantastic. It is an emotional, film-worthy story that will have you rushing to the bookstore wanting more of this series.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of the best books I have ever read!

Lisa Kleypas is by far one of the best historical romance authors I have ever had the pleasure of reading. This book in particular, was so very poignant in that true love will survive no matter how far away one goes or how long they're gone, the characters and the plot were extremely well written.
I actually read this book twice and I literally sobbed and sobbed, both times. I don't usually cry when I read historical romance novels but this one in particular was so utterly beautiful and well written. I just couldn't help myself. I fully intend to read it many more times and I'll make sure I keep a box of Kleenex by my side when I do!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

YAY Kleypas!

This was another re-read before my vacation. I think that this is my favorite Lisa Kleypas book. I love books that start out when the main characters are children and then meet again as adults. This book kept me interested and I liked all of the supporting characters as well. A+

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Highly recommended historical romance!!!

An extremely heart wrenching story that I’ve read three times and still love! Aline is a self-sacrificing heroine who endured a tragic accident that leaves her feeling less than adequate to be with the man she loves, while John is a self-made man who believed he could seek revenge against his first love. This is a book about an enduring love and second chances. Absolutely a must read!

Great read

FANTASTIC!

i have read all of lisa kleypas' books and this is my favorite. the story line has your heart clenching and the characters are so lovable. i would recommend all of her books especially the hathaway series. she is a very special and talented author!

Highly recommended

one of the best of her writings. couldn't put it down.

love it

mass media escape!

Gideon and Olivia

Well, what can one say about Lisa Kleypas except that she knows how to tell a story where you care about the characters. Her "Suddenly You" is one of the best romances I have ever read and was sad to see that book as a stand alone as I wanted to see Amanda Briars and Jack Devlin again (hint hint to Ms. Kleypas). No exception here. If you just read the back of the book for a quick run down you would think this book was just about McKenna and Lady Aline. They have a wonderful story which is what most of the book is about. Then half way through another story line is appears which deals with Gideon Shaw and Olivia (Aline's sister). This is the one that I became more interested in as I read. Yes, I wanted McKenna and Aline to finally live happily but I was drawn more to Gideon and Olivia. I felt that their story could EASILY be turned into a book and to be honest they both deserve to have their story told in full. Both Gideon and Olivia have such sad and tragic pasts and they really deserve happiness. I am hoping that Ms. Kleypas can give these two their own book. That is the story I want to see.

Beautiful Love Story

I loved this book! I couldn't put it down for 1 minute. Great romance! Loved it!!!!

LOVED this story!

I love lisa kleypas, shes does romance better than anyone else! I just finished this book, and loved every minute of it. It was so touching and romantic. The only thing that kinda irritated me at times was how cowardly the main charector Aline was at times. But in general I did like her, I just wished she was alittle braver at times. Definitely read this book, it was an extremely touching love story.

I loved this story!!

This is a beautiful love story. Ms Kleypas never fails to write a dynamic love story and keep you turning pages. I hate to put her books down. I wake up in the middle of the night to read one of her books because I want to know what happens next.

Mom enjoyed this book!

My mom and I love romance stories, and she especially likes Victoria Alexander, Stephanie Laurens, and this author, whom she would highly reccommend! She read the book quickly, and told me that she enjoyed it! I hope I get to read it soon!

ANOTHER SPELLBINDING LIAISON

It's been 12 years, and Aline is determined to put the past behind her, having no choice but to dispense the only person who will ever have complete possession over her heart.

John McKenna, a poor stable boy who worked for her family's estate. Aline and McKenna have been familiar with each other since early childhood. Developing a love that transcends the test of time. When her love affair with McKenna is discovered by her miserable bastard of a father, Lord Westcliff. She has to break McKenna's heart, by casting him aside as what high society views him as, nothing more than a piece of scum attached to the bottom of their shoe. To spare him from suffering the unspeakable wrath of her father.

It's not until her brother, Marcus, the only Lord Westcliff alive, has decided to invite some Americans to visit Stony Cross Park, the family's estate he now owns. To discuss some future business prospects. Aline discovers there's a man within the group of Americans who seems familiar to her, something within his eyes, she believes it might be McKenna, but is not sure. Aline enlists her younger sister, Livia, who is always in the shadows, being wrecked by her own scandal, and never ventures out when Marcus has company, until now. Since either of them aren't sure. Aline decides to visit her & McKenna's secret location, where they have indulged in their private escapades, near the riverbank; and is encountered by the revelation that this man is her beloved from the past.

McKenna has come back with one purpose on his mind, revenge. He wants Aline to suffer. He is fueled and consumed with nothing but hatred, anger, and obsession to implement punishment with her body, mind, & soul, for what she has done to him. But Aline is already prepared to receive McKenna's wrath full force, and has developed a plan when he's completed. However, will she be able to see it head on, and once again cast McKenna away. Will Aline & McKenna indulge in the surrendering hunger that cannot be extinguished with two Continents dividing them?

Lisa Kleypas has brought another enthralled fable for which every TRUE romantic enjoys most, a FORBIDDEN LOVE AFFAIR. What is LOVE if there is no challenges to bring forth to the uncontrollable animalistic fury & passion one possesses for the other at any cost. It's intriguing how Kleypas has combined two separate & different love stories into one novel, Aline and McKenna, & Livia and Gideon Shaw. Never losing track of the key elements that make this novel SIZZLE. Lisa Kleypas has become one of my favorite authors. Every single novel has captured my heart; my breath and lungs tremble with every sensual passionate love scene between all the characters involved; and all day & night my mind is on the fable until the very end. Using the life lessons I've learned in every novel, and implementing it into my own life. Thank You Mrs. Kleypas, Thank You...
DESERVES WELL BEYOND THE 5 STAR RATINGS!!

Passionate, Well-Developed, Very Intense

One of my favorite Kleypas books, and romances of all time by any author. The pages seethe with an intensity and passion that is surprising. Aline and McKenna seem all too real, and you ache for them while they struggle to make sense of their past and feelings for each other. I wish the ending was more focused on the main couple, though, as cramming two romantic relationships in the spotlight in one novel was a bit much. I felt Aline and McKenna deserved an entire book to themselves, without having to share it with another, much-less-interesting couple. The ending was abrupt. I wish there had been more closure for Aline and McKenna at the finale. But the book overall is wonderful and very steamy.

Unbearably Wonderful! Unbearably Frustrating!

John Mckenna has worked as a stable boy for the Earl of Westcliffe since he was a boy of eight. Even as a child he has been best friends with the eldest daughter of the earl, Aline Marsden. As they grow into teenagers they begin to fall in love. However, the earl finds out about his daughter's relationship with McKenna he threatens to ruin the boy and see him run into the gutter. The only way to convince McKenna to leave the manor is if he believes that Aline does not love him. In a truly heartwrenching scene Aline is forced to deny her true feelings to McKenna and make him believe that she was only using him. And so he leaves Stony Cross Manor, and Aline. Following McKenna's departure Aline is injured in a fire. Her legs are badly scarred by the flames. Twelve years later McKenna returns to Stony Cross Manor. Having made his fortune in America he is now a powerful man in the New York world of Industry. He and his business partner seek financial support from the new Earl of Westcliffe, Aline's older brother. Emotional chaos ensues as Aline struggles to maintain the protective barriers she has erected around her heart, knowing that McKenna thinks the worst of her. Yet the fire between them burns with even more passion now that both Aline and McKenna have matured into adults. I was sooooo looking forward to this book and in many ways I was not disappointed. However, in some ways I found myself beyond frustrated with the characters in this book. After a certain amount of time I could no longer see any reason for Aline and McKenna not to be together and yet they just continued stumbling around each other because of Aline's insecurity about her scarred legs. I was incredibly irritated with her and after a while I couldn't help lose patience. Drove me NUTS!!!! But all in all this book has absolutely sizzling hot love scenes and all but demanded a happy ending. Also, the secondary romance between Aline's sister, Livia, and McKenna's business partner, Gideon Shaw, was absolutely wonderful.

Emily Bronte watch out!

Ok, so maybe lisa kleypas is no bronte but boy did the characters in this book remind me of heathcliff and cathy only with a happy ending!!perhaps there is room for improvement in her writing but for sheer entertainment i couldn't put it down!! the only bad part about it was it had to end!!

Worth the read

I loved the story. While some parts were a bit drawn out (and I agree with other reviewers on Aline's legs - they're scarred and ugly, we get it), the story of adolescent love between McKenna and Aline is still worth reading. I also liked the second story between Lady Olivia and Mr.Shaw.

romantic, exciting, and alot more

lisa kleypas is an excelent writer and this being my second book i find she leaves me craving more. in this book aline marsden and john mackena fall madley and passionatly in love as teenagers onlt to be torn apart by alines evil father. fearing what her father might do to mackena if they try to remain together she pushes him away letting him believe she never loved him. 12 years later aline is still in love wiht him and when he returns a changed man seekin revenge on his first love she finds herself giving in to the memories and the temptation of one night in his arms. but as they get closer aline contains a secret she fears will only set her up for another heart break so once again she pushes away but can mackenas love prove to her that there relationship is worth fighting for? or will there romantic, bitter past, and a horrible secret render them forever apart read this book and find that if u truly love someone u should be willing to risk it all b

One of the Best by Lisa Kleypas

I love Lisa Kleypas she is my fave author. This book got me hooked on her books. I have read all her books even the stuff they don't print because of this one story. Must read!!