TOUCH OF NIGHT

Author: Susan Spencer Paul ISBN: 0312933878 8/2005 HISTORICAL/PARANORMAL Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS
Time Period: Regency Era

My Dearest Reader- I beg your pardon for unburdening my secrets to you, for I am a man accursed.... I hail from an ancient Welsh clan, descended from magic-some of it dark indeed. For generations we have hidden our powers, acquired great wealth, and entered England's aristocracy. Oh, do not stare at me so! I feel your mocking eyes. You mark my muddy clothes. You think me mad. But once I, Niclas Seymour, was the most eligible bachelor of Regency England! Then came the blood curse that left me a night-wanderer with no peace. And no hope....except Julia Linley. I can redeem myself through her, or so the Dewin Mawr, the leader of the Families (as we call ourselves), has told me. Now Lady Julia has consented to let me escort her on a perilous journey. You doubt my words? `Tis true. This innocent lady believes me to be a gentleman. Yet as we ride into a mist-shrouded landscape of faery realms and evil sorcerers, I feel forbidden urges within me. I want her surrendering to my kiss. You think me a monster? I ask for your mercy. Magic is a dangerous art, and passion a sword that can cleave a heart in twain. But perhaps love can slay my dark demons, or so I dare to dream... Your obedient servant, Niclas Seymour, Castle Tylluan, Wales

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

A blood curse, wizards, faeries, and a bit of romance is what you get when you read Susan Spencer Paul's TOUCH OF NIGHT. It begins with the hero, Niclas, wasting away another of his sleepless nights by wandering the streets of London. Then a meeting with his cousin sends Niclas off on a journey with a beautiful woman. It's not as easy as that, though. Niclas has a blood curse put upon him, he hasn't been out in society in three years, and he immediately falls in love with Julia, who he is escorting on a trip to Wales. Julia remembers Niclas when he was just a mortal and still sees him as the attractive rake he once was. Now, add magic and crazy wizards and of course, faeries, and that is what TOUCH OF NIGHT is about.

TOUCH OF NIGHT drew me in right away. I was completely intrigued by the hero and I wanted to know more about him and his blood curse. I loved the heroine, too. She was once an "ugly duckling" and now she is beautiful, but because she is in her twenty's, she believes she is too old to be married. She remembers the hero, Niclas, and is still attracted to him, despite his appearance and manners. Upon the two of them meeting, there is instant attraction. TOUCH OF NIGHT doesn't have a lot of love scenes, but there are scenes when the two of them are engaged in passionate kisses!

I liked TOUCH OF NIGHT, but there were times in the book that the author lost me while explaining Niclas's magical family. She finally explains Niclas's blood curse, but it isn't until you are more than halfway through the book. I will tell you that it definitely wasn't what I thought it was. However, the characters are likable and the story is interesting (if not a bit confusing at times). If you enjoy reading paranormals, than I would recommend TOUCH OF NIGHT.

Julie Kornhausl