Velvet is the Night

I cannot emphasize how wary I was when I started reading this novel due to the horrendous reviews. But I wanted a different setting than the typicl regency and I was sort of thinking there was a rape scene that people overreacted to (Kind of like in Whitney My Love) Well I was right! In the first 30 pages the Adam "rapes" Claire because he thinks she's the man he's impersonating's mistress! At this point in the story its quite clear that he'll sleep with any woman who seems willing (and he rightfully assummed that Claire was. She offered herself to Phillipe. The fact that he was such a womanizer makes him that much more likable as he changes. The people who stop readng after this point really are just stupid. They miss out on the GREAT love story filled with passion intrigue and excitement that follows. Anyways, if you get past this point you will not be able to stop reading. Claire and Adam develop to greater depths, as do all the supporting characters. Claire and Adam's behavior throughout the novel is justifiable ad definitely understandable. It makes the reader feel pain, joy, worry and I became so wrapped up in this book. Please disregard all the negative reviews and read this book. YOu will not be dissappointed. I've read lots of romance novels, many of which have been bad, some of which have disgusted me, but this was not one of them. This is one I want to buy and reread.

The second novel of the Deveraux trilogy chronicles the life of the eldest daughter Claire Deveraux during the height of the French Revolution in 1773. She knows the look of a man, and though a maiden, is ready to sacrifice herself for the sake of her siblings, Zoe and Leon. Though the reputation of the man in question, Deputy of Rouen, Phillipe Duhet, is horrifying and the mere sight of him makes her skin crawl, she would do anything, sacrifice anything to save her family from the guillotine. Unbeknownst to Claire is that the bargain made with Phillipe Duhet, and the man who returned seemingly to her mind to collect, was not the same Phillipe but his look-alike half brother, an American spy, Adam Dillon. Adam took on the role as part of an elaborate scheme to help French citizens avoid the guillotine, and escape to America, but more than that it would be payback for the abuse Adam had suffered at the hands of his step-brother. Adam, walked in cold to assume his brother's identity and found more than he bargained for - none other than a beautiful woman that he had admired but could not approach as he waited his chance to affect the switch. Finding Claire ensconced in his brother's house and knowing of his cruel nature, he assumed she was his mistress so he acted out the way he knew his cruel brother would. To show any kind of concern would have been totally out of character and dangerous for the lives of those he proposed to save. The bigger question was, who would save him from the dangerous feelings of caring and love he felt for Claire should he slip and let go of the façade of cruelty he needed to portray.I am amazed that other people who have reviewed this novel - just don't seem to get it! Yes there are scenes of rape and violent behavior, and if you are fainthearted, then this book is not for you. The story was exciting, set in the middle of the turbulence that was France during the period when neighbor turned against neighbor at the drop of a hat. The romance was there, because in spite of the forced lovemaking, Claire knew that there was something different and good about this Phillipe. The abandonment, the cruelties, and the forgiveness are all essential parts of this wonderful `historical' romance. Without these elements the story would be flat - but this outstanding author has pulled it all together to give you a fast paced, exciting and deeply sensual novel of excitement, love, lust, and forgiveness in a style that is all her own. Bravo Ms. Thornton!

I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Thornton's and I love all her books. True, this one isn't as polished as some of her more recent releases, but at its center is a love story. And a happily ever after!

True to herself, Elizabeth Thornton has again succeeded in capturing the reader's attention from the first page on. The story is set in the aftermath of the French revolution and alternatively moves between the US and France. The change in scenery, the realistically depicted historical background, and the well developed characters all work together to create a fast moving plot full of suspense and emotional depth. Enjoy!