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gwenythcaroline's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
rubyslayer's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
justinkhchen's review
4.0
4 stars
I understand now why this is so beloved, Again the Magic definitely lived up to its reputation as an angsty romance done right. In addition to the silky smooth writing and well-timed humor, I was thoroughly impressed by the inclusion of 2 romances, which were equally weighted, and featuring drastically different dynamic, so the reading experience as a whole didn't feel one-sided or redundant (which was how I felt with Ransom by Julie Garwood — the 2 romances read like carbon copy of each other).
Again the Magic did have one slight disadvantage, which is my realization that angsty romance is not a trope I gravitate towards — I find this type of emotional longing ridiculous and unrealistic, and can't ever get myself to fully sympathize. So no matter how hard Lisa Kleypas tried to express the psychological turmoil (which was objectively well done), part of me thought these characters just need to get over it and move on. Aside from that, I do wish there is more shown regarding the romance's origin, as what we have doesn't quite account for the hero's long-lasting resentment. I also find the critical 'secret' shallow, and would've benefited from something a little more devastating, for the heroine's decision to fully justify.
I might be too level-headed of an individual for story like this (can I be controversial and say I actually prefer the secondary romance between Gideon and Livia over the main one?), but personal taste aside, I can see how well executed Again the Magic is. Nobody's Duke, a novel by Scarlett Scott that often gets compared to, had bored me to tears. So the fact this novel still got a 4 stars from me is no easy feat!
***Blushing Bluestocking Society Book Club | July 2023***
I understand now why this is so beloved, Again the Magic definitely lived up to its reputation as an angsty romance done right. In addition to the silky smooth writing and well-timed humor, I was thoroughly impressed by the inclusion of 2 romances, which were equally weighted, and featuring drastically different dynamic, so the reading experience as a whole didn't feel one-sided or redundant (which was how I felt with Ransom by Julie Garwood — the 2 romances read like carbon copy of each other).
Again the Magic did have one slight disadvantage, which is my realization that angsty romance is not a trope I gravitate towards — I find this type of emotional longing ridiculous and unrealistic, and can't ever get myself to fully sympathize. So no matter how hard Lisa Kleypas tried to express the psychological turmoil (which was objectively well done), part of me thought these characters just need to get over it and move on. Aside from that, I do wish there is more shown regarding the romance's origin, as what we have doesn't quite account for the hero's long-lasting resentment. I also find the critical 'secret' shallow, and would've benefited from something a little more devastating, for the heroine's decision to fully justify.
I might be too level-headed of an individual for story like this (can I be controversial and say I actually prefer the secondary romance between Gideon and Livia over the main one?), but personal taste aside, I can see how well executed Again the Magic is. Nobody's Duke, a novel by Scarlett Scott that often gets compared to, had bored me to tears. So the fact this novel still got a 4 stars from me is no easy feat!
***Blushing Bluestocking Society Book Club | July 2023***
biancajuarez's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Great book. I would’ve liked for both love stories (especially Livia’s) to not be so rushed.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism and Fire/Fire injury
suyi's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
zoldpanna's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
yeliily's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0