HEART OF LIGHT's Peter Farewell returns, but this time around it's his story. Our noble British outcast is on a quest to find the "Soul of Fire," a powerful ruby Charlemagne used during his reign to bind all of Europe's magic to himself and consequently, his descendants. Peter's mission is to find the ruby and return it to his only friend, Nigel. Both rubies will then be returned to their rightful resting place -- the oldest temple of mankind located deep within the heart of Africa. If Peter fails, it means the continual splitting of the world until it destroys itself.

Enter feisty Sofie Warington, who literally falls into Peter's rather draconic arms when she tumbles from her balcony. Sofie is escaping a surprise arranged marriage to Raj Ajith of the Tiger Realm, as well as her uncompromising parents. She's been recalled to India from England in order to save her family's misfortune -- that is to say no fortune at all. The Raj will marry her for the dowering of the family treasure, a flawed ruby. However, Sofie and her educated mind want to do something more than be someone's stifled bride. With Peter at her side, Sophie has a chance to escape and live life on her own terms.

For Peter, who's a disinherited pariah since shape-shifters are hunted down and burned at the stake, India's views on his kind are a welcome change; shape-shifters of any kind are treasured. Because of this interesting dichotomy, Peter's torn between serving the land of his birth or helping India obtain her independence. Plus, what is he going to do about Sophie and the fiery hold she has on his heart?

Alternate history continues to blend with Victorian fantasy in book two of the Magical British Empire series. While the characters are based somewhat on the usual cast of subjects found in Victorian romances, the comparison ends there as Ms. Hoyt skillfully weaves them with twists and turns into something more. No one is exactly what they seem to be, and the quirky situations keep the entertainment value running high on multiple levels. If you're a fan of adventure, intrigue and of course, some Victorian romance, this will keep you coming back for more. The third book, HEART AND SOUL is due out later this year.