In this paranormal regency, we are introduced to the Tremayne family. This is book 1 of the “Dangerous Gifts” series. In this alternate history England, there are people who are born “gifted,” who have a variety of psychic powers. Our hero is Bran, who has been adopted into this family after being rejected by his noble father due to his gift. When he discovers that his father needs an heir, he is compelled to return to his native Cornwall, where he meets a mysterious woman who needs help from a hero like him.

Mary Jo Putney is a grand dame in the world of romance for a good reason, and this lovely book is cotton candy for the soul: magical, light and fluffy, sweet…and disappears in an instant when you’re done.

We have several tropes in this book that romance readers will love: found family, forced proximity, amnesia, insta-love. The sex scenes are open door but not spicy. Putney has done her research, setting her romance in Cornwall, with its special culture and connection to Naval history.

This is the perfect book for romance readers who enjoy the Regency era, Cornwall, magic, and a strong, good-hearted hero.

Thank you @NetGalley and @KensingtonBooks for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.

I will publish this review on TheStoryGraph now and on Instagram on 28 November.

I recently read Silver Lady by Mary Jo Putney, which is the first book in the Dangerous Gifts series with a paranormal twist. This historical romance is set in the Regency era, providing a captivating glimpse into the time period. The story takes place in Cornwall and features drama, history, heroes, spies, kidnapping, amnesia, villains, action, passion, and most of all romance.

The characters in the book were intriguing, and the plot was written in a smooth and engaging manner. The dual POV format was a favorite of mine, as it allowed me to better understand the characters and connect with them on a deeper level.

The story begins with the Tremaynes encountering two young boys in London Bran and Cade who were abandoned because of their paranormal abilities. Merryn is captured and kept in a fog of memory loss until she has an opportunity to escape into the arms of Bran.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Silver Lady and would recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining historical romance novel.

I love stories set in Cornwall and positively adore magic-tinged Regency romance! Despite these elements, and the paranormal aspects, the book did fall a little flat for me. I was so disappointed, as I was really hoping to love it so much (as a reader of some of Mary Jo Putney’s prior work). I do think that anyone who enjoyed “Poldark” will be compelled to pick this one up and immerse themselves in that lovely Cornish coast yet again.

My appreciation to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I was immediately intrigued by the plot element of gifts, which author Putney draws as sharpened intuitions and magic-like abilities that set this historical fiction apart. I began reading the book like I eat ice cream: couldn't get enough, quick enough. And the near-instant attraction between the main characters sealed the deal for me: This was the perfect read.

The rich historical background and the vivid family connections made the story all the richer: Bran had his brother and adopted family to stand for him and fight with him. The adventures, and the suspense, were strong elements of the read.

Author Putney has been writing historical romance for years and years, and her master touch ensured that this book would be well-written. However, there were portions of the book where I was aware that I was reading a book (never a good sign; you want to be so drawn into the story that you don't notice the reading), and at times the dialog was uncharacteristically superficial and pedantic. That said, the book is a good one that I strongly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy. The book will be published November 28, 2003, and as the first book in a new series, readers won't want to miss being in on the very beginning. A strong four-star (out of five) read!

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a first book in a series by Mary Jo Putney that is a historical romance with a paranormal twist.

This story opens up with a couple, the Tremaynes, out and about during a London night, about to go home after their entertainments, when they follow their senses, to find two street young urchins who have taken to the streets, running away from a baby farm where they were both abandoned. They found kinship with each other, and left before they could die from abuse/neglect at the farm, making their way to London. The boys were abandoned because their families saw them as odd or tainted because they demonstrated paranormal abilities. The couple obviously share this talent, and this helps lead them to the boys, and others like them. They offer the boys a safe haven and a chance at another family.

Move forward many years and the boys have grown up as part of a large family, both blood and adopted, of the Tremaynes, who taught them how to value and control their various gifts. They all grew up in a loving and supportive household, and in turn, give back to Society, albeit in a discreet manner, using their gifts. Bran Tremayne, one of the two boys, from that night, works for the government. But one day, his past comes back to him in the form of a solicitor seeking the son of a baron near Plymouth, who is his last remaining heir, and can be identified by a dragon tattoo on the back. Bran has such a marking, but is reluctant to return to the family who abandoned him. Except his gift gives him some idea that he needs to go to find his family as something significant is to happen there. He has learned over the years to follow his gift.

When he reconnects with his family, it is to find that he has a mother and sister who miss him, but a father who is hard, cold, and demonstrates striking disdain for him, and who does not formally acknowledge him. Bran however is willing to stay around to see how things play out - he can take his birth family/legacy or leave it, as he is neither covetous of the title, or in need of the funds. But he is curious about how the region, and it's people may be linked to his job to protect the safety of England. Perhaps it has something to do with the history of smuggling? His instincts/gift tell him to stay as something significant will happen.

In the mean time, a mysterious young woman is being held and controlled by people in a cottage. She has no sense of who she is, or any ability to control herself, as one of them has stolen her mind, memories, and self will through a gift of their own, involving touching her head. But deep down she still has a spark of self and is aware enough to get away one day, knowing that if she runs and gets away from them, they may not be able to control her any longer.

Bran finds this young woman fleeing her captors in the woods and knows that she is important to his quest. He gives her sanctuary in the house he is staying. Eventually, the longer she is away from her captors, she regains her sense of self, and we learn she is Merryn and has been taken away from her home because she has strong powers of her own, which her captors wanted to use for their own nefarious gain.

This is a sweet brewing love story between Merryn and Bran, with some degree of danger and suspense as Merryn is the target of kidnappers still seeking her out, and Bran is investigating traitorous/treasonous activity, and they may all be linked. Couple this with the mystery and drama of Bran's birth family, as well as a bit of family drama on Merryn's side as well. There is a bit of spy intrigue as Bran and Merryn are involved in a conspiracy involving the French and warfare, linked to the shipyards out of Plymouth harbour. Also there is a secondary love story involving secondary characters that I quite enjoyed as well. I liked the dichotomy of the two families of Bran - the warmth and loving acceptance of his adoptive family versus the rejection by his birth family - specifically his father. The paranormal piece was very light, and ephemeral, versus Tracy Sumner's series of a similar bent, but an interesting element, and I would like to see how it plays out, considering I presume that the other members of the Tremayne's extended family will be featured in future editions (Regency X-Men?)? I appreciated the detail to the history that Ms. Putney brought to the story as well, with the history of Plymouth, and the social dynamics and smuggling.

3.75 stars out of 5

The First Step

Mary Jo Putney introduces a new magical romance about found family, and remembering the past. Branok (Bran) was abandoned on the streets as a child after being marked as one of the Gifted. Found and raised by the lovely Tremaynes, he has lived a content life working in the British Home Office. Using his gift of intuition without fear. When his father Lord Penhaligon of Plymouth comes searching for him, Bran is curious to learn about his past. He expected a smuggler’s town, but not a wildly beautiful woman running for her life. Without her memories Merryn is lost, and knows something terrible is going to happen. Together they must recover her memories, and uncover a dangerous plot. Finding love along the way.

Mary Jo Putney’s characters have a magic about them. Some with “gifted” abilities such as persuasion, finding things, or the ability to read people’s natures. Bran’s intuition often tells him the underlying reasons behind people’s emotions. Which helps him understand his estranged family very quickly. He also sees silver strings that link people, and what emotions connect them. This gives him a mysterious and introspective disposition. The meeting with his family goes as expected. As Bran’s father is surly and unpleasant, while his mother is remorseful. Though, Bran is free of any obligations to inherit, he stays because he senses trouble.

In the beginning, Merryn is called “Girl” by her captors, and is kept in a fog of memory loss barely surviving. When she runs for her life, she is swept in the arms of Bran. Who is wonderfully patient and kind as she works to remember her past. Waiting until she regains her memories to act on their passions. What she does remember is her love of horses, and her independent spirit. Gifted as well, she has a lot to learn with the help of Bran and his adopted family.

Silver Lady is a fun introduction to a new regency era Britain, and the magical family that protects it. In a fast passed scenic adventure, with a steamy romance. Mary Jo Putney fills this book with even more of her wonderful characters. Though, the world building and character introductions often interrupt Merryn and Bran’s romance. This is an entertaining introduction to a new romance book series.

Mary Jo Putney was one of the authors that became my gateway to romance novels, and paranormal historicals are my jam, so I was very please to have the opportunity to read Silver Lady. I am sure her myriad of fans will appreciate this book. Over all, this fell a little flat for me. I was entertained thanks to Putney's ability to spin a good tale, but this was not one of her best. The insta-love left no room for the emotional development that Putney excels at . The overwhelming presence of "gifted" people amounts to an alternate history. I was unconvinced that people with these abilities would be faced with so much prejudice and not be valued for what they could contribute, if only for monetary reasons. I will always read anything by this author, but this is one I will not be re-reading.

Fans of Mary Jo Putney will love the story of Bran and Merryn, two gifted people trying to save England from the plots of those who would like to see harm come to the English fleet. They meet after Bran is drawn to the country by an instinct that there is danger. Merryn has been kidnapped and escapes. They are drawn together and with the help of family and friends foil a plot to cause havoc at a shipyard and enjoy a happily ever after. Great characters and story. Truly enjoyable.

I received an ARC copy of Silver Lady by Mary Jo Putney from NetGalley. This is the first book in the Dangerous Gifts Series.

Silver Lady is a Regency Romance with a slight paranormal twist. The hero and heroine have "gifts" or abilities that are like untuition that helps them through out the book to foil devious plans and plot twists for a HEA ending.

You meet the Tremayne family and how they played a important role in the development of the hero Bren. The heroine Merryn is amnesiac. She is able to escape her captors and meet Bren. They both have the gift and together they are able to undermine a potential deadly plot and connect in a very personal way.

It is a very readable novel and I enjoyed it to the end. I am looking forward to the next installment of this series to see which character she writes about.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC and these opinions are my own

Fantasy-tinged romance from the usually reliable Putney, apparently first in a series. Psychic "gifts" are recognized but deprecated in this Regency-era society. Bran Tremayne, rejected by his birth father for his gift and rescued by the Tremaynes, discovers that he is the heir to a lordship in Cornwall. He doesn't want it, but feels strongly that he should go to Cornwall. There he finds and rescues a young woman who has been mind-wiped and held captive. Complications ensue.

This feels rather schematic, without much depth in the fated bond between the two leads. Not a bad way to spend a few hours, but hardly essential.

Supernatural and romance are my favourite genres, and this book has it all. It is a quick read and plot-driven but a lovely escape to Putney's world-building.

Romance, mystery and mayhem abound in this fast paced pseudo spy novel. With a twist of everyday paranormal this story highlights the gifts people have and turns them up to 11. It’s an enjoyable read that has you rooting for this ensemble team of hero’s from the start to save the day and find love along the way.

This novel was a fine romance with a touch of the supernatural, but many elements lacked depth. The characters were somewhat flat, the storytelling uninspired, and the dialog wooden. In spite of those flaws, however, it was an entertaining diversion, and I did enjoy reading it, which is probably due to the author's long experience with spinning a good yarn. Recommended for fans of Mary Jo Putney and those looking for a light read.

So this book was a little all over the place at first and seemed to focus a lot on how the characters developed their gifts. I was a little put off at first that but the characters do draw you in. I am interested in reading more of the series but I hope it’s less talk about gifts and more on the characters story

I was looking forward to this read after reading the synopsis and because I love both historical fiction and fantasy, so for the two to be mixed, I was intrigued.

Unfortunately, it lacked depth for me. I thought the writing could have been much better, the book longer and more detailed into this paranormal gifted world. The dialogue was poorly written, the characters speaking in such a cringy manner, not to mention absolutely flawless, and the smut started and finished in a blink of an eye. It was too quick of a read and in saying that, there could have been so much more time and detail spent on developing the characters more and explaining their gifts.

I have never read any other works by Mary Jo Putney, so I don’t have anything else to compare it to in that regard. But I honestly don’t think I plan on reading any other books by her as a result of this particular one.

I received this ARC from NetGalley. This review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.

Rhys and Gwyn Tremayne, Lord and Lady, collect, protect, and nurture gifted children. One such child Honorable Branok Penhaligon, who they found with Mr Cade Evans. With their natural daughter, Tamsyn, the three were the closest in age and friendship.
Naturally inclined to use their gifts for good both Cade and Bran work as investigators for the home office. As Tremayne's they are honorable, kind, and trustworthy.

When a lawyer arrives looking for Branok Penhaligon, the lost heir to Baron Penhaligon. Bran does not want anything to do with the family that threw him away, however, he knew he had to go to Cornwall for a more dangerous and compelling reasons. His intuition and gifts telling him it was important.

At the Dowager house, he finds part of his intuition come true. He finds a young lady in danger and rescues her. When her so called uncle asks if Bran has seen her, Bran denies it. As the young lady has gifts herself, Bran brings Cade and Tamsyn to Cornwall to help unravel what is going on.

Come relax by the sea, unravel the mystery, and find more than you think. Does Bran become the heir? Does the young lady remember who she is and why she is confused? Will she be the reason for the danger? Do they find the danger? Do they stop the danger?

Learn more in this intriguing, beguiling story. Great characters drama and interactions along with detailed imagery keep you engrossed and wanting to find out what happens next.

This definitively did not work for me. I love Mary Jo Putney, and I know she can write magic. She has a great historical book with magic that I loved, but this one is a miss. I will probably read more in this series, because the premise had a lot of potential, I just found it boring and repetitive. I love the characters, though Meryn felt under-developed. There just wasn't enough here for me to properly like it.

Silver lady is an interesting mix of historical romance, mystery and paranormal tones. Bran and Merryns story of love had me smiling and excited for the ending. A different book than usual from the author but still good.
3.5 ⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. I am glad to have requested for this as it turned out to be an enjoyable one!

I liked how the author has provided details, nicely incorporated it into the story without feeling overwhelmed. It was smooth flowing and with the right pace, truly engaging for me that I finished it in record time! FYI, I tend to read very slow especially on my mobile lah...

Not forgetting that it is about gifted people that is so interesting! Well, I love everything magical as such this novel kinda piqued my interest and with historical romance in it, it's so up my alley. Bran and Merryn have definitely picked me up from my reading slump and now I am looking forward to my next read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.

This is a story set in Regency England, with characters who are "gifted" -- as in, more intuitive than the norm. Humans being what they are, "normal" people shun the gifted because it marks them as different.

Bran is one of those: his wealthy father threw him out when he started showing signs of being gifted, and the gifted Tremaynes welcomed him as one of their own (they have their own legitimate children, but the found ones are just as loved). He is gifted in investigating and solving mysteries.

When his biological father, Lord Penhaligon, sends for him due explaining that his heirs have all died and that he is his only remaining one, Bran is intuitively pulled to accept. On the way to the Penhaligon estate, a young woman with severely addled wits jumps out onto the road, running from a couple she names the Crow and the Starling. Bran takes her under his wing, hiding her in the bower house where he has requested to stay so he is not always in his hateful father's presence. There, he slowly gets the pretty girl to trust him, then to manage a few words, and then, with his visiting Tremayne sister's help, to heal her intellect to full. The girl's name is Merryn, and she is also gifted: she can see the future.

Ensues a quest to find out who kidnapped her and why, which is Bran's talent. It turns out that the Crow is her uncle, who wanted to get rich using her. The Starling was his mistress, and gifted, as she was the one putting a damper on Merryn's wits to make her malleable.

In the meantime, there's also trouble brewing politically, as the port in Plymouth, which IIRC is under Lord Penhaligon's authority, seems to be in league with France who might be preparing to go to war against England soon enough. Bran's on the case there too.

It's an interesting premise, but a bit too slow for my taste (lots of filler content), and while Bran and Merryn's relationship is sweet and he waits for her to regain her wits to be fully cognizant when she consents to sex, I didn't really feel much chemistry between them. The book feels like it's confused between political intrigue and the (very very very light) fantasy with intuition moving the plot instead of concrete whodunit discoveries. I think I would have rather the gifts not be part of this book, to be honest. Or maybe stakes. I don't normally care whether magic has repercussions, but here it was underwhelming yet was the only thing driving the book forward.

All in all, decent, but a bit too humdrum and reliant on magic to move the story to my taste.