Susan Spencer Paul, Touch of Passion

Touch of Passion

Susan Spencer Paul

St. Martin's, Dec 2005, $6.99, 416 pp.

ISBN: 0312933886

In 1811 London twins Kian and Dyfed Seymour keep visiting the Red Fox Inn owned by the Goodbodys. Kian realizes that the thirteen years old tavern wench Loris is his unolineth, his soulmate that will provide his oneness. However, he is stunned when the Goodbodys plan to sell Loris to Gregor Foss, owner of a brothel. Kian wins Loris in a card game, but when he goes to leave with her Gregor pulls out a gun and shoots him. Kian uses his magic skills to throw Gregor across the room. Gregor dies so the Guardians punish Kian for using "blood" magic by insuring Loris will detest his advances.

Three years later, Kian remains frustrated while he expects his sibling to end up with his beloved although Dyfed insists he has found his oneness in someone else. Kian needs a miracle to overcome his nightmare, but does not see any forthcoming. He expects to sacrifice his need for his beloved to find happiness with another.

TOUCH OF PASSION is a fantastic fantasy romance starring star-crossed lovers as Kian suffers for the tragedy that he inadvertently caused though he had solid reasoning, but the rules are strictly enforced and he knows it. His dilemma as his beloved soulmate becomes a woman just like he expected makes for an angst-laden deep tale. This is a powerful sequel stronger than the delightful TOUCH OF NIGHT. Now if Susan Spencer Paul provides us with the unolineth of the Great sorcerer Malachi.

Harriet Klausner