Embrace and Conquer

I feel a great deal of nostalgia toward EMBRACE AND CONQUER. I first read it when I was twelve years old. It was my very first romance. I've read it so many times since then that at one point I probably had entire scenes memorized. This is simply a classic of the genre.I don't think I've ever run across a better villain than Valcour. He was an unapologetically evil slimeball with no redeeming qualities. But there's something about him that makes him more than a cookie cut-out. There's something that makes him the Darth Vader of the romance genre without Vader's later redemption. When you are imagining Valcour speaking, think James Earl Jones with a French accent.For many years, Morgan and Felicite were the archetypical (sp.?) romantic couple for me. Despite Morgan's enforced domination, Felicite retained her independent spirit. Despite the rape of Felicite and forcing her to be his mistress, Morgan never came across as a brute. It was probably because Morgan thought Felicite used sex (or rather, her sexual appeal) to lure him into an attempt on his life and therefore he felt justified in using sex to punish her.EMBRACE AND CONQUER may not appeal to the modern reader. With the rape and enforced sexual domination it is a throwback to the seventies and early-eighties (when the book was written). But give it a try. If you're willing to tolerate the older and outdated forms of this genre, you'll find a treasure in this novel.For me, EMBRACE AND CONQUER will always remain special. If I could give it ten stars I would. Thanks for introducing me to romance, Ms. Blake!

When I began reading it I was bored but it helped me understand the rest of the book. But soon it got better, and better, and better, I didn't want to put it down, and once I finished I wanted to read it again. I've read this book 7 times and will be sure to read it again. Felicite and Colonel Morgan are great together and to spice it up her adopted brother Valcour is just what set the book off. Valcour always lusted after Felicite, but Felicite never knew, she loved Valcour like a brother and over-looked his evil ways until they turned to her, he almost raped for if it wasn't for her maid Ashanti who interupted just in time and poisened him. Unfortunately Valcour killed Ashanti. But that's only the middle of the book what's before it and after is what will intriuge you. If you'll just take my word on this and you'll see the value of this book, I wouldn;t lie to you. This is truly a great book, it should of been a BESTSELLER