“Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Lady Jasmina Karlyle has enough troubles already. Her mother, Lucy, has a tendency to “borrow” items from her fellow society matrons, which Jasmina has to return without being caught. If her mother’s habit were known, their family reputation would be in ruins. Now, the latest borrowed treasure, Duchess of Hagersham’s brooch turns out to be one of the Relics of Merlin! Suddenly, a minor spell has gone wry and Jasmina finds out she has released a twin of herself, Jaz, who has none of her morals.
Sir Sterling Thorn is one of the shape shifting baronets charged by Prince Albert to hunt down and destroy all of the Relics of Merlin which can cause immense destruction in the wrong hands. Imagine his surprise when he meets the lovely Jaz at a ball, who reeks of Relic-magic and has made her attraction for Sterling quite obvious. Then when e meets up with her again later, she has no clue who he is and is scandalized by Sterling’s attentions.
Now Jasmina and Sterling are working together to find the Relic and track down Jasmina’s wayward other half. Their responsibility is complicated by Sterling’s drive to find his missing sister, Angel, believed dead by all in his family besides Sterling. Complications arise when Sterling’s stallion self claims Jasmina as its mate and the wayward couple finds it harder to resist magnetic pull between them. Then there is the mysterious Brotherhood that appears to be connected to the missing Relic, Angel’s disappearance, and a greater plot that could destroy London as they know it. Is it any wonder vexing gnomes Nuisance and Trouble are attracted to Jasmina’s predicament?
Kathryne Kennedy continues her magical Relics of Merlin series with Double Enchantment, our second visit to this fantasy London. Here, social status is determined by magical ability and the types of magic used. Once again, I found myself drawn into this beautiful world where nothing is as it seems and everywhere we turn we find more elaborate illusions. We also spent more time in the dark underworld or magic than in Enchanting the Lady, and we learn all manner of details about the seedy underbelly of magical London.
Sterling is on a mission. His number one priority is finding his missing sister whom he is convinced is still alive somewhere. He’s none too thrilled about being tasked by Prince Albert to help Jasmina until he is promised whatever he needs to continue the search for Angel. When Sterling sees his Jaz and recognizes her as the beautiful young woman he married the night before, his protestations cease. He is intrigued by Jasmina, especially when she behaves so differently, so coldly, compared to the day before. While he starts out being wildly attracted to “evil” twin Jaz, the more he gets to know the far more subdued and moral Jasmina, the more he finds himself drawn to her until he realizes she is truly the woman meant for him.
Jasmina has always been the proper young miss, resigned to a life without marriage in order to take care of her parents. After all, if she were to leave, who would protect the family from the shame bound to come about when her mother’s habit is exposed? She is an intriguing character, all innocence and proper in the daytime, but at night she’s become quite skilled at braking in to people’s homes to return stolen goods. In here eyes, all is black or white, there is no gray. However, meeting Sterling and discovering her wild twin exists turns Jasmina’s world upside down and she finds herself questioning much of what she’s always believed.
I loved the mystery story woven throughout the book as to what is happening in the shape shifter community and why they are disappearing. This adds to the already captivating story. We also meet the shady Brotherhood in Double Enchantment and they have grand plans. I expect we haven’t seen the last of them and they’ll pop up in future books as well.
Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy is double the enjoyment for her Relics of Merlin series. We have the obvious of doubles Jasmina and Jaz, then there is double the trouble when we meet garden gnomes Nuisance and Trouble. After all, everyone knows gnomes are attracted to, as well as creators of, havoc and excitement so once they meet Jasmina, they can’t stay away since she’s up to her ears in adventure. These mischief makers are so much fun and they liven things up and add comic relief every single time they put in an appearance. Then we have the added bonus of two romances in one. Jasmina’s beloved Aunt Ettie has always been there for her and the lively spinster gets a little adventure and love of her own.
I couldn’t put Double Enchantment down! My only complaint is that now I have to wait so long for book three!
© Kelley A. Hartsell, August 2008. All rights reserved.”