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Lisa Kleypas is really hit-and-miss with me. This is a miss. Too much trying to hurt one another for me. ( )

I loved this book! There was great characterization throughout. Everyone felt like a three-dimensional character, and they all developed by the end of the novel, which I got to see through their actions. Westcliff's change surprised and delighted me the most. He comes off as the stern, overprotective brother, but he could read in between the lines, which differentiated him from the stock version of his character.

Kleypas's staple is portraying or hinting at two romances within a book. This book was no exception, and she successfully developed both relationships between Aline & McKenna and Olivia & Gideon. Both relationships showed a lot of growth, and I was really rooting for them to the point where I was ready to scream at them if they didn't shape up! But the happy endings for both couples were believeable, so it was a very satisfying conclusion.

I would love it if each couple had gotten their own book instead, but this was still fun and so well done that I can't get too mad about it. ( )

I love the Wallflowers series, and this prequel is really good, even without Evie and the gang. Kleypas is great with the romance biz, but I also always enjoy the family relationships and friendships among her characters. It was fun to see the Marsden siblings together, and such a pleasant surprise to get more than one romance. Aline and Livia are refreshingly straightforward, about most things anyway—dang it, Aline , and very easy to root for. If you’re a fan of the main series, you won’t want to miss this. ( )

Lady Aline and stable boy John McKenna have been friends since childhood, and their friendship grew into young love in their late teenage years. However, when their forbidden love is discovered, their lives are upended. Twelve years later, McKenna returns, now a powerful businessman intent on exacting revenge against the woman who broke his heart.

Lisa Kleypas is my favorite historical romance author. She always writes with such heart and takes her time in setting the scene/background. And there are always plenty of laugh-out-loud funny moments and lovable minor characters. (Lord Sandridge and Mrs. Faircloth are my absolute favorites!) "Again the Magic" proved to me why she remains my favorite author to read when I want to escape into Victorian Era romance. ( )