The Veil of Night

An enviable beginning. I see some less than favorable reviews here, and while loving or loathing a writer's style is no more an exact science than any other relationship, I disagree adamantly with the notion that touching a nose instead of a breast isn't erotic. In the right hands, tying shoelaces can be erotic. The fact that the love scenes veer away from a well-worn path is one of my favorite things about this book. Not to worry; her breasts aren't neglected. He just takes his time getting there, by the scenic route. The set-up seems typical at first: a woman is blackmailed into having a sexual affair by a man seeking revenge against her brother. Of course they'll fall in love, after fighting to quell their growing vulnerability to each other. The suspense is in how they find their way from sex to love. Secrets are revealed, emotional barriers are breached, and layers of character are peeled away in a long, slow, emotional strip-tease. Victoria is a beautifully complicated version of a staple romance character: a wanton in old maid's clothing, hiding her true nature to protect her heart. She plays along with the role of indignant blackmail victim, but it's not as if she'd be left destitute if she refused Byron's shocking proposal. She enters into the bargain willingly, sacrificing pride for for the chance to explore her sexuality after years of self-imposed repression. Byron is more true to type: the wounded male whose casual cruelty is thin armor against the pain of rejection. His secret doesn't take an Einstein to figure out, either. But if he's not the most original hero on the bookshelf, he makes up for it in bed. He's also a worthwhile verbal sparring partner for Victoria, who is a mistress of the sly rejoinder. "Veil of Night" is like bittersweet chocolate. Delicious, dark, and rich enough to savor a chapter at a time. In a Hershey Bar world, this author is a welcome change. Not for everyone, perhaps. But how much fun would that be? SPOILER Territory Ahead. Proceed With Caution... Wow. I can't say for certain, but I suspect that the final paragraphs make romance-novel history. I'm being careful not to give anything away here, so forgive me if I make it sound like there's a huge shock at the end. That isn't the case. It's simply true-to-life. A serving of reality on the banquet table of happily-ever-after. I'm always grateful when an author trusts her readers that way. P.S. Speaking of banquets, watch for the "peach crumble" scene. Byron can serve dessert at my house anytime.

I feel that for this book, one would have to read the book more than once in order to recieve its full measure. While not perfect, upon my second reading of The Veil of Night, I found that I was better able to enjoy the subtle nuances of Joyce's prose and the interactions between Byron and Victoria. Why does this book deserve a second read before passing judgement? Because the secrets, at first glance seem flimsy and unsubstantial in comparison to the Gothics of the past upon which this book is very, very loosely based upon(not to mention the tendency for fantastical, if improbable, secrets in modern romances). But in a second read, and placing the characters in their historical context, I was better able to understand why exactly their pasts had caused them to close themselves away from the world. The comparisons of Joyce to Judith Ivory are flimsy at best, and the only thing linking them together in my opinion, are the exquisite care they take to gently and sometimes painfully peel the layers away from their characters in order for them to grow and mature. The only quibble I have with this book is the fact that the love scenes lack a certain luster and relish due to the fact that Victoria and Byron were closed-off and seretive even during their lovemaking, making it hard for me to find their physical relationship appealing. I advise readers to come into this book shed of any expectations that are raised even by the back cover blurb, and just read it. And when finished, read it again.

I think a reason why so many reviewers disliked that book is the wrong marketing. This is actually no Gothic romance because none of the heroes have a really dark secret and both are actually quite nice people. The sinister atmosphere is entirely misleading, there's nothing sinister about it at all which is why I loved it. I cannot bear a hero who treats the supposed love of his life cruelly and is miraculously redeemed in the end just to provide for a conflict. The conflict here is really a believable one on the hero's side, he's a true tortured hero, but in this case there's no bad momma, evil mistress or traumatic war experiences that made him so tortured. The problems he has are very real and any person who is faced with such tragedy would live like a hermit though he would possibly not make his personal tragedy such a secret. Unfortunately I knew his secret from the beginning because I had seen a movie before which dealt with something similar. The heroine's past is another matter, I couldn't quite believe that an adventurous character like her would shut herself away like that and become so stiff and conventional because of one misstep that nobody ever knew of-I bet many ladies made such mistakes and continued to pursue love and marriage nonetheless. That Victoria reacted to her past the way she did felt entirely contrived. But the reason why I think this romance is still way above average was the heroine (contrived past put aside). A ripe woman of 32 and no childlike virgin queen here, she has not the romance-typical abused past and not a self-sacrificial bone in her body. The reason she gives in to Byron's indecent proposal is that she wants to give in for the thrill of it and to save her own skin. There's an instant erotic attraction between her and the hero. People who have enough of the self-flagellating Mary Balogh type of heroine or the To stupid to live virginal heroine I-want-to-have-sex-just-once-in-my-live-with-a-handsome-stranger-but-rather-commit-myself-to-eternal-drudgery-and-misery -than-marry-a dashing-duke-afterward will be delighted. The book has its flaws but it has IMO a beautiful love story and interesting un-formulaic characters. The ending was quite believable even if the whole premise of the story is somewhat wacky and contrived.

Lydia Joyce is a wonderful author. She weaves a tale so dark and self-discovering that its ugliness becomes beautiful. It is not a book for those interested in the simple romance...although it is romance. It is based in real feelings. Feelings that are neither right nor wrong but simply are. I cite the first romantic interlude in which the female heroine, Victoria, is almost unraveling at the hero's touch...her thoughts stray in a sort of chanting lament, mourning for all that she had given up to be safe in her life. I know my thoughts have been just as complicated in a few instances in my life. I also say to those who thought the dialogue was boring didn't understand that this was a story of two very calculating and controlled people and that they should find when the speech becomes more out of control, and less planned, it is a kind of reward for each of the characters. And for us too... I could feel the storm outside the windows as well. It was like a third main character. This was one of the best books I read...reminscent of Daphne Du Maurier---only less pretentious and more modern.

Sorry Ms. Klausner. This is not a paranormal romance. There are no ghosts, vampires, time-travel or otherwise supernatural elements.I almost didn't read this book based on that previous review. Thankfully I had already bought the book and decided to give it a try. Boy, am I glad I did. Byron Stratford is just the kind of hero I like. He's dark and tortured. He's not perfect but is never cruel to our heroine. Lady Victoria Raeburn is a spinster with a secret. She's given up on life in a way and shocked to find that she is a desirable woman. She shows up at the spooky manor to plead the case of her brother who owes Stratford money. Stratford wants revenge for wrongs done. He draws up a contract with Victoria. He will delay payment if she will stay with him for one week. Thats the basis of the plot but it doesn't begin to do justice to this wonderfully written book. It's hard to keep my attention these days. This book did. The author has a very descriptive writing style. The gothic feel of the book comes across in a wonderful way. The two main characters have an instant attraction. I get so tired of "I hate you. Lets go to bed". There is conflict but no hate.The only quibble I have is that the reason for the hero's condition is never fully explained. But, after all this is fiction. Do yourself a favor and give this gifted new author a try. You won't regret it.