Lord of the Night is a historical romance set in 16th century Venice, following the romance between Laura, an aspiring painter training with Titian, and Sandro, a nobleman who heads up the police. The story unfolds as they meet after a series of events, including the murder of the Doge's assistant and a mystery involving ruffians assaulting Laura. The plot includes elements of romance, mystery, and societal obstacles faced by the characters.

Characters:

The main characters display a dynamic of youthful impulsiveness versus mature responsibility, while secondary characters may lack depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style has mixed reviews, with some appreciating certain passages while others criticize its overall quality and coherence.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a romance between characters from different social backgrounds, intertwined with a mystery involving murder and Venice's societal dynamics.

Setting:

The historical setting in Venice is vividly portrayed and integral to the storyline, affecting character interactions and the plot.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow, particularly in the romance aspect, leading to some frustration among readers regarding timing and plot progression.

Notes:

The novel is set in 16th century Venice, providing a unique historical backdrop.

The main character, Laura, is a young painter who has lived a sheltered life in a convent.

Laura plans to become a courtesan to fund her dream of becoming an artist.

Sandro, the male lead, is a 39-year-old nobleman and chief of police.

There is a significant age gap between the leads, with Laura being only 18.

The relationship struggles with themes of age difference and societal expectations.

Characters like Yasmin and Jamal were criticized for being stereotypical and exaggerated.

Some readers found the book hard to follow due to foreign words and language flaws.

The book has moments of humor and a dark mystery element intertwined with the romance.

The romance between Sandro and Laura may not feel believable to all readers due to their contrasting backgrounds and personalities.

Several readers noted that the plot had clichés commonly found in romance novels, such as misunderstandings delaying intimacy.

Certain themes, like gang rape, were considered unnecessary and unpleasant by some readers.

The first kiss between Laura and Sandro occurs quite late in the story, around page 127.

The mystery element of the book was predictable for some readers, with many guessing the outcome early on.

The author, Susan Wiggs, has a varied portfolio, and some readers prefer her later works over earlier ones.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include references to gang rape and violence, which may be distressing to some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance between Sandro and Laura is present but described as lacking depth, leading to a medium level of engagement.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

From bestselling, award-winning novelist Susan Wiggs comes this classic tale of danger and romance. Winner of the RITA® Award, the highest honor from Romance Writers of America, it is an enthralling, unforgettable tale of the dark allure of passion and the enduring power of love.

Under cover of night. . .

Sandro Cavalli, Lord of the Night, is legendary for bringing criminals to justice. But in the city's shadowy alleyways, a new, deadly plot is afoot-a sinister threat that even Sandro needs help to uncover.

He enlists the aid of an alluring, sensuous beauty, Laura Bandello. But Laura's innocent loveliness may hide a dark secret, and Sandro vows to keep his distance. Yet the deeper he delves into the underworld, the harder he falls for Laura. Pursued by unspeakable danger, Sandro risks his honor, his reputation, and even his heart-all for the love of a mysterious beauty he can't quite trust.

October 1993

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362 pages

What can you read after
Lord of the Night?

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Lord of the Night

Susan Wiggs

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