The Oldest Kind of Magic

I loved the chemistry between Daria and Bent and the way the two tackled the problems together. It was a fun read and I never put it down. I can see why it's won so many recent contests and I'm looking forward to the sequel!

Ann Macela has certainly gained a new reader in me. I'm putting this author on my auto-buy list. As I began reading the prologue of THE OLDEST KIND OF MAGIC, the story pulled me in. Dark and mysterious, the words came alive and the heroine, Daria's problems were mine. My heart beat faster when Daria's heart beat faster. Saying Ms. Macela has a way with words in an understatement. I loved the story, loved the paranormal slant, loved the strong hero and likable heroine, and loved the cats! I personally can't wait for the sequel to this book. Daria is a magic practitioner, from a family of strong magic makers. The family doesn't want to admit it, but they've always thought it strange that Daria could only cast spells on herself. She didn't have the talents of her siblings. When her mother tells Daria her magical abilities will become more powerful after she finds her soulmate and loses her virginity, Daria balks at the idea. She likes the idea of stronger powers, but is her own woman and doesn't want to be dependent on a man to make it happen. Until she meets sexy John Benthausen (Bent for short). Bent has his hands full trying to work out financial problems with his Houston based business and intends to hire Daria as a consultant. He's unable to reach her by phone, but they meet when mutual friends introduce them. Their attraction is immediate - like bolts of lightning. The hero and heroine are well thought out characters; the dialogue is good, the sexual tension riveting. Daria and Bent work together to solve the problems in Bent's business and to find who is behind the threats against Daria. Ms. Macela's writing is fluid and keeps the reader turning pages until the very end. This story has witches, warlocks, magic, suspense, sensual love scenes, a believable and interesting plot - and the addition of the two sassy cats makes the story for me! This is a must read for all paranormal romance readers. Put this author on your favorite list!

The "Oldest Kind of Magic" was a very enjoyable read and like other reviewers here, I finished it in one day. It is a good mix between Harlequin Romance office romances, and light fantasy novels. The hero, Bent is an alpha CEO and the heroine, Daria is a witch with powers that help her get accurate information out of people. They meet through some matchmaking, his need for her consulting services and the mechanisms of 'the imperative', which insists that witches and warlocks have one soulmate and to be complete they must meet their soulmate and become one. It's an interesting mix of the two genres and the magic system Ann Macela has created is a fresh one. I look forward to reading more from this author.

What do you do when you have an itch that needs to be scratched -a heart that recognizes another, a pair of vocal felines, witches and warlocks? It looks like the oldest kind of magic will do the trick! Daria Morgan is a practitioner of magic, but can only cast spells on herself. While her family members have their own magical talents, that is her main claim to fame within this close-knit clan. At thirty, Daria has a successful job as a management consultant, beautiful home and two pesky felines to fill her life - well kind of... After one of "those" talks with her mother, Daria is reminded of the role a soulmate imperative will play in her life, one she is not sure she is really ready for or even wants. Being a thirty-year-old virgin and unsuccessful in love, that scenario just does not have a good feeling to Daria. Who could this man be? Can he really enhance her talents and be all that her mother has stated? Come on, how great can this phantom guy be? Mom is just exaggerating right? Or is she? When CEO John "Bent" Benthausen steps into Daria life asking for help with his company that is in internal chaos, Daria finds that those foretold ancient forces might just be true. When things at the company start to get nasty and involve threats towards Daria, these two will work together to find the perpetuator! The Oldest Kind of Magic is a novel by Ann Macela. Ms. Macela's writing was consistently flowing - it bewitched this reader into turning the pages. Between the spell casting, laughing until the tears roll down your face, and the plausible adventures, you will be drawn into the story until the very end! Bravo, Ms. Macela, you have a hit on your hands and this should be an award-winning year for you! This author is a voice that can not be denied - her first published paranormal novel is distinctly defined, with refreshingly sharp nuances! The storyline has a soulful chime of evoking warmth with wonderful twinkles of magic! You will be immediately cloaked within the character's vitality and directly connect with them. The dialogues and sequences conjure-up welcoming feelings and blend to perfection! Both Bent and Daria try to deny their strong attraction to each other, but they feel lost when there apart. Bent and Daria will dance through this paranormal story, setting off bells and whistles - not only in the bedroom, but also throughout this tale of intrigue and romance. Lolita and Zorro are adorable sidekicks for Daria. They really add a special touch to this story. The Morgan family is magically fantastic and wacky - you will just love them! This is a phenomenal paranormal story that you must read! This comes with the highest recommendation from the reviewer. It is a perfect five hearts - the story screams more sequels and this reviewer can not wait to get her hands on those! Get your copy of The Oldest Kind of Magic by Ann Macela when it hits the shelves October 1st! Reviewed by © Janalee Ruschhaupt, 2005 Courtesy of The Roman

Her witch mom informs thirty years old practitioner Daria Morgan that her powers will be enhanced once she meets her soul mate and shares in the First Mating. Still a virgin, business consultant Daria does not want a man in her life though strengthening her powers would be nice. Her magic has enabled her to find problems in businesses. CEO Joe Glennell sends his top troubleshooter John "Bent" Benthausen to Houston to work on the newest acquisition. Bent implements efficiencies, but costs remain exorbitant. A friend suggests he hire consultant Daria Morgan, but she declines. Bent and Daria meet through mutual friends and both feel an attraction. She offers him a tip that leads to the firm's security team arrested for stealing spare parts. As her family accepts him as her soul mate, a letter warns her to stay away from Glennell-Houston or else. No one messes with Daria who forces Bent to hire her as a consultant so she can uncover the remaining crooks while they practice THE OLDEST KIND OF MAGIC that of love. Ann Macela writes a charming romantic fantasy that will remind the audience of Bell, Book, and Candle. The story line is fun as delightful Daria meets her soulmate who to her chagrin is a non-practitioner; breathtaking Bent has no problems adapting to her wacky family who adopts him as if they have known him all their lives. The threat against Daria seems overkill, but sub-genre fans will still appreciate this wonderful touch of magic. Once fans close the book and blow out the reading candle, they will anxiously await the soulmate of Daria's sister to ring her bell. Harriet Klausner