Touch of Night [Mass Market Paperback]

Please, please, if you are a fan of the paranormal romance, read this book. I usually don't read authors that I am unfamiliar with, but I took a chance on this one and I was so pleasantly surprised. This book introduces a wonderful family of sorcerers who are trying to survive in English society without the rest of the world finding out what they are.
Niclas and Julia are amazing in this book. Niclas has been cursed and cannot find rest until he finds a way to undo the harm that he inflicted with his magic. He is restrained and a true gentleman. Julia is a beautiful, sweet woman who has convinced herself that she will never marry. You also find out that she has secretly loved Niclas from afar for a very long time.
Watching them find their love for each other and getting introduced to the other family members is an absolute joy. There were wonderful characters and they just came alive for me as I was reading this book. The villain of the piece is also fascinating, and I confess, probably my favorite character. I do so love the dangerous men! You will not waste money buying this book. Please keep in mind though that this is a historical paranormal romance; those looking for erotica should look elsewhere. This is a really sweet love story and should be appreciated as such.

Niclas Seymour used to be the most sought after man in the ton. Distinguished, courtly and charming is how all the ladies described him. Three years ago that all changed. What society didn't know was that Niclas is part of a group of families who posses magical abilities. Each individual's talent varies but Niclas' talent was feeling the emotion and hearing the thoughts of others. This was never a burden until he was placed under a blood curse. Niclas, with good intentions, interfered in a non-magic's life and when Andrew Payne took his life as a result, the guardians punished Niclas. For three years he hasn't been able to sleep and is now weary beyond measure. The mental exhaustion has played havoc with the control of his powers so much so that Niclas has withdrawn from the public. At the end of his rope, Niclas will do anything to lift the curse anyway he can. When he learns his cousin, Malachi, is escorting Julia Linley to their uncle's place in Wales, Niclas asks to take his place. Julia is a very distant relative of Andrew and this could be his opportunity to make amends for his part in Andrew's death. If he can aid Julia in someway, the guardians might remove the curse or he will slowly go insane.

When he meets Julia, he's stunned by her beauty and her ability to calm the rioting emotion in his mind. With just a touch, Julia quiets the invading emotions and thoughts of everyone around him, giving Niclas respite for the first time in years. Combined with her generous nature, he is hard pressed to resist her allure. All his day dreams of a future with her are just that if he can't find a way to break the cursed spell.

Reality melds with magic to create a wonderful historical tale in Touch of Night! Julia has had feelings for Niclas for years now and mourned his disappearance from society. Despite his haggard visage, Julia still sees the man he was and longs to ease the torment in his eyes. From page one, you'll sympathize with Niclas' plight to stop the encroaching madness. As if lifting the curse wasn't enough of an adventure or Niclas' and Julia's sweet romance, Morcar Cadmaran wants to challenge Malachi as ruler of the Families. To gain his attention, the powerful wizard has no qualms about putting Julia and Niclas in danger. These two must find a way to be together against all odds. Not disapproving families, magic, Morcar's evil, or blood curses can stop true love. Susan Spencer Paul's Touch of Night is a romantic and magical story that proves once again what an accomplished writer this creative author is!

Furthermore, Niclas' cousin, Kian, has a fascinating relationship to a non-magic woman, Loris, that will no doubt be just as equally enthralling an adventure and can't be released soon enough!

Tracy for ReaderToReader.com

Fantasy set in the Regency era seems to be becoming more popular, especially with the surprise bestseller "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell". It's a nice positive to the dreaded cut-backs taking place in the Regency genre.
This very charming addition is nothing like the Clarke fantasy, being a far lighter, but not less enjoyable, view of the Regency world through a magical glass.
Niclas Seymour is a lesser magician member of the ancient magical Seymour family. The Seymours have dwelt in Wales for many centuries and worked hard to establish themselves as powerful in the land through the march of English history, while keeping their magic secret from mortal society.
When we meet Niclas, he is nearly at the end of his tether, having been placed under a 'blood curse' by his actions regarding a friend. Thus for years he has been unable to sleep or find any rest. For him this is particularly nasty, as he has the gift of reading thoughts and so he is continually bombarded by the minds of ordinary people.
In despair he meets his cousin, Malachai, Lord Graymar, head of the family and the most powerful wizard in Europe and asks for his help regarding a plan. To pay the 'blood' debt his proposes to help Julia Linley, cousin to the man whose blood brought down the curse. Julia is being sent by her family to wrench her Aunt from the clutches of Seymour black sheep Ffinian in Wales.
His lost reputation as a Corinthian and eligible gentleman are against him, but he somehow manages to convince Julia's society aunt to act as escort.
Julia is in turmoil, as she has been hopelessly in love with Niclas for years, since her disastrous debut when she was an antidote. Now, however, he instantly notices her and is very interested and not just for her beauty. She has a surprising effect on him, he cannot read her thoughts and when she touches him the thoughts of others are calmed. He feels as peace.
They set out for Wales and find their way through unexpected dangers posed by a powerful wizard enemy of the family.
Both Niclas and Julia are attractive protaganists. Great to have a magically minded gentleman, not continually in rut or tortured to screaming point by his angst. Niclas is tortured, but he doesn't wallow.
The magic is well blended into the real world - done convincingly, believably.
The story carries the reader along and sexual tension is there, without taking over the tale.
An engrossing read and there's more to come soon. I'll be waiting.

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