Touch of Desire [Mass Market Paperback]

Susan Spencer Paul (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 2006

My Dearest Reader,
 
For as long as I can remember, my life has been a solitary one. Do not think me a pitiable recluse, for, as the Earl of Graymar, I have taken my place in Society when I must, and enjoyed both the company and pleasure of desirable lovers. But as the Great Sorcerer, or Dewin Mawr, as magic mortals call me, I have always believed that my destiny and the duty I owe to all those who possess unique powers, has precluded love, marriage, and true companionship. I was resigned to my lonely fate. Until now…
 
Sarah Tamony is unlike any mere mortal woman I have ever known. Passionate and bold, she has heard the whispers about my people and discovered that I belong to an ancient Welsh clan descended from magic. Yet the dark secrets of magic mortals seem to hold no terror for her--instead she asks to know more, even seeks to reveal the truth in the popular tales she spins. This I cannot allow. For centuries, my kind has striven to maintain our privacy, fearful of what might happen if our powers should be exposed to the world.
 
Sarah has learned a great deal about magic, but there is still much she does not know, and dangers she cannot fathom…dangers that grow closer every day. Her lightest touch ignites a deep hunger in me, and her love is a prize I would risk my life to own…for she has already stolen my soul…
 
Your obedient servant,
Malachi Seymour, Castle Glain Tarran, Wales

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Susan Spencer Paul is a master storyteller!"
--Ronda Thompson, New York Times bestselling author

 

"Susan Spencer Paul creates a richly detailed world where magic--both good and evil--is as real as the passion between her hero and heroine."
--Chicago Tribune on Touch of Passion
 
"It takes cleverness, imagination, and talent to keep readers spellbound, and Susan Spencer Paul has it all."
--RT BOOKclub Magazine on Touch of Passion
 
TOUCH OF PASSION
"Susan Spencer Paul is a master storyteller!"--Ronda Thompson, New York Times bestselling author
 
"An emotional paranormal romance that can't be missed."--Fresh Fiction
 
"It takes cleverness, imagination, and talent to keep readers spellbound, and Paul has it all…will make a great Christmas gift for a friend who enjoys paranormal romances."--Sunday Herald (Halifax)
 
"With the second in her fantasy series, Paul establishes herself as a bright voice in the subgenre. Skillfully merging the elements of reality with fantasy to create the atmosphere of the era, she has readers believing in myths and magic so deeply that they are completely swept away by the story. It takes cleverness, imagination, and talent to keep readers spellbound, and Susan Spencer Paul has it all."--RT BOOKclub Magazine
 
"You'll want to go back and read the previous book after being drawn into this one. The characters are very well developed and enjoyable, both the good and evil…this story is packed with emotion…if you like a magical journey from a historical standpoint, you'll enjoy TOUCH OF PASSION."--Fallen Angel Reviews
 
"A fantastic fantasy romance starring star-crossed lovers…a powerful sequel stronger than the delightful TOUCH OF NIGHT."--Harriet's Book Reviews
 
"TOUCH OF PASSION has brought readers back to a more magical Britain, the one we met in the first book, TOUCH OF NIGHT. There are many familiar faces, both good and evil, in this suspenseful novel. The character development, especially of Loris, is excellent, and readers will come to lover her and agonize over her decisions."--A Romance Review
 
TOUCH OF NIGHT
"A remarkable plot makes TOUCH OF NIGHT a bewitching sweet tale whose characters come alive for the reader."--Rendezvous
 
"Paul has created an intriguing story that's evenly balanced between magic and romance. She has a real knack for creating wonderful characters…TOUCH OF NIGHT is a wonderful first installment of what will surely be an engaging new paranormal series."--BookLoons Reviews
 
"Paul captivates readers with a story that's an entrancing, intriguing blend of magic and romance…Paul has crafted a remarkably appealing romance that is as dark in magic as it is light in its faith in the power of love…her strong characters and instinctive belief in all that is good are evident on every page of this masterful paranormal romance. A must for fans of Susan Carroll and Katherine Kingsley."--RT BOOKclub Magazine
 
"An engaging, paranormal romance peppered with action and humor."

--Romance Reviews Today
 
"With a historical base, this story blends magic, fantasy, and romance into one extraordinary tale…one incredible journey."--Fallen Angel Reviews
 
"This fabulous romantic fantasy will grip the audience from the beginning…the storyline enables the audience to believe in wizardry and sorcery, but even more so in the healing magic of love. Susan Spencer Paul writes a robust tale in which the worst demons are inside a person's soul."--Midwest Book Review
 
"Delightful romance at its best, this historical paranormal romance was refreshing to read…this fabulous magical tale is a must read!"--Romance Divas
 
"Author Susan Spencer Paul has traveled down a new path with her complex and entertaining book…her fascinating characters promise future stories filled with a wide variety of mystical abilities. TOUCH OF NIGHT will appeal to every reader who likes historical romance."--A Romance Review

From the Back Cover

My Dearest Reader,
 
For as long as I can remember, my life has been a solitary one. Do not think me a pitiable recluse, for, as the Earl of Graymar, I have taken my place in Society when I must, and enjoyed both the company and pleasure of desirable lovers. But as the Great Sorcerer, or Dewin Mawr, as magic mortals call me, I have always believed that my destiny and the duty I owe to all those who possess unique powers, has precluded love, marriage, and true companionship. I was resigned to my lonely fate. Until now…
 
Sarah Tamony is unlike any mere mortal woman I have ever known. Passionate and bold, she has heard the whispers about my people and discovered that I belong to an ancient Welsh clan descended from magic. Yet the dark secrets of magic mortals seem to hold no terror for her--instead she asks to know more, even seeks to reveal the truth in the popular tales she spins. This I cannot allow. For centuries, my kind has striven to maintain our privacy, fearful of what might happen if our powers should be exposed to the world.
 
Sarah has learned a great deal about magic, but there is still much she does not know, and dangers she cannot fathom…dangers that grow closer every day. Her lightest touch ignites a deep hunger in me, and her love is a prize I would risk my life to own…for she has already stolen my soul…
 
Your obedient servant,
Malachi Seymour, Castle Glain Tarran, Wales
 
"Susan Spencer Paul creates a richly detailed world where magic--both good and evil--is as real as the passion between her hero and heroine."
--Chicago Tribune on Touch of Passion
 
"It takes cleverness, imagination, and talent to keep readers spellbound, and Susan Spencer Paul has it all."
--RT BOOKclub Magazine on Touch of Passion

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (October 3, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312933894
• ISBN-13: 978-0312933890
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #992,369 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Touch of Desire-A Joyfully Recommended Title, February 20, 2007

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Touch of Desire (Mass Market Paperback)

Malachi Seymour, the Earl of Graymar, is the Dewin Mawr¾a very powerful sorcerer. When a rather bothersome and inquisitive woman named Sarah Tamony persistently seeks him out to learn more about him and his family for a book she is writing, Malachi insists that she be stopped. For anyone to know too much about the magic users would be dangerous.

The time has almost come for Malachi to face the Cythraul¾a demon who arrives to test all ruling wizards. He must reach the demon before his enemy Morcar Cadmaran. Morcar craves power and seeks revenge against Malachi. Morcar is not the only one who wants power though; Serifina Daray is a sorceress determined to best both Malachi and Morcar, and rule the world.

An unexpected meeting between Malachi and Sarah forges a partnership that turns into so much more. Along with Sarah, Malachi will soon require the help of all those around him including an enemy to stop the Cythraul from taking over.

Wondrous magic fills the pages in Touch Of Desire. The enchanting spells vary between mysterious, amusing, glorious and scary. Malachi emanates power and control, and his intense and seductive charm is very appealing. Sarah is lovely and her fearless thirst to learn about magic is infectious. Sorcerers and spells are seamlessly blended with reality in Touch Of Desire, creating a world where magic truly exists. Touch of Desire is the third book in the Enchanters series. I hope there is more to come.

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Regency -style and Plenty of Paranormal Fun--3.5 stars, January 27, 2007

By 

C. Farley "seafaire" (Bakersfield, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Touch of Desire (Mass Market Paperback)

This stand-alone book belongs to a series from an author focusing on a family of English wizards with a little Welsh/Celt spin. The particular "spin" adds new words to our collection of magical phrases. but doesn't do much else. This story continues with characters from her other novels but the story is rather familiar and doesn't connect to the others in such a way to prevent a solo read. The theme of familiarity continues with characters that are almost stock from most Regency-era novels--"Lord of the Manor" Alpha male, spinister, blue-stocking female, silly younger female sibling--we've been here before. The audience for this novel is really a younger reader or one not familiar with this genre. The sensuality is so restrained as to be virtually absent--so a teen could handle this easily. Still the quality of the writing, command of the language and setting make it an OK purchase or used book bargain.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 stars, January 5, 2007

By 

AK "Bro" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Touch of Desire (Mass Market Paperback)

As the head sorcerer among his people. Malachi Seymour has his share of headaches, the latest of which being the incessant pestering of popular author, Sarah Tamony, who has enchanted the world with his people's tales. Such things risk exposing the magical community to mundane eyes, and now the impertinent woman wants his assistance in telling more. Yet, when she blunders onto his lands uninvited and expresses such joy and delight at the powers that to him are commonplace, Malachi finds himself softening. He still does not want to tell the secrets she wishes to reveal, but he is falling for her. Moreover, she has been chosen by the spirits to reveal the clues he needs to solve a test that magical mortals must pass every century. Malachi dares not lose, for he is a light magicician and his opponents are inclined to the dark.

**** There is a lot going on in what is only an average in length tale; magical contests, rivalry, redemption, and love fill the pages, and there is no padding in the novel at all. Despite the title's implications, the romance is not explicitly portrayed, yet is still a powerful factor in the narrative. The secondary romance is a true bonus and I would have enjoyed seeing it as the headline feature in the book. ****

Amanda Killgore, Freelance Reviewer