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Meet Me at Midnight
Stolen glances.
Breathless confidences.
Secret assignations.
It's all part of...
A Wicked Seduction
Raphael Giscard is convinced that there's no such thing as true love—and to prove it, he's planning to seduce pretty Julia Brodie. Word has it that this darling of the ton and her suitor are deeply, madly in love. If Raphael succeeds in tearing the two lovebirds apart, he'll win the wager he's promised to his scandalous friends—and he'll have proven that love is no more than a pretty word for lust.
But his dissolute lifestyle and rakish ways have done nothing to prepare Raphael for what happens after he's got Julia under his spell. For this charming lass has a rebellious spirit, a clever mind, and a truly wonderful heart. And now Raphael's about to discover what it's like to really ache for a woman—and possibly lose the only true and wonderful thing he's ever known. Unless he can prove to his lovely Julia that he is a changed man.
Breathless confidences.
Secret assignations.
It's all part of...
A Wicked Seduction
Raphael Giscard is convinced that there's no such thing as true love—and to prove it, he's planning to seduce pretty Julia Brodie. Word has it that this darling of the ton and her suitor are deeply, madly in love. If Raphael succeeds in tearing the two lovebirds apart, he'll win the wager he's promised to his scandalous friends—and he'll have proven that love is no more than a pretty word for lust.
But his dissolute lifestyle and rakish ways have done nothing to prepare Raphael for what happens after he's got Julia under his spell. For this charming lass has a rebellious spirit, a clever mind, and a truly wonderful heart. And now Raphael's about to discover what it's like to really ache for a woman—and possibly lose the only true and wonderful thing he's ever known. Unless he can prove to his lovely Julia that he is a changed man.
330 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2001
1 person is currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Navin
23 books19 followersJacqueline Navin currently lives in Maryland with her husband and three children. She is originally from Philadelphia and holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 1, 2009
I was really impressed with this book. It's all about the hero. Raphael Giscard was an utterly captivating hero who acted like a villain. I also liked Julia. She might have been sweet, virginal and pretty, but she had a really good head on her shoulders, and she definitely rises to the occasion when Raphael becomes an invalid in her care. Raphael has to spend some painful times rethinking his life when this happens. I won't give this away because you need to read it. Let me say that if you like a tortured, rather flawed hero, and you like redemption themes in your romance, you simply should read this. It definitely has a Dangerous Liaisons feel to it.
February 11, 2023
People tend to love or hate this book. I am definitely a lover. Since I have a major crush on beta heroes, I wasn't sure if I'd like someone like Raphael Giscard. You can call him anything you want: rogue, rake, villain, bad boy, or anti-hero. He is all above mentioned. Raphael didn't believe in love and he was going to prove it to his so-called friends, known as the "Bane of the Ton". He is a true artist of seduction. He doesn't rely on his charm only, he is intelligent and 100% confident in success. Raphael certainly didn't plan to fall in love and lose his bet, but things happened and a self-made villain ended up married to his victim.
I certainly don't agree with the way he behaved or what he intended to do in order to prove his point, but I devoured this book in 2 days for one reason: it kept my interest.
I loved this book and I can't recommend it highly enough!
I certainly don't agree with the way he behaved or what he intended to do in order to prove his point, but I devoured this book in 2 days for one reason: it kept my interest.
I loved this book and I can't recommend it highly enough!
dnf
July 12, 2014DNF
I give up! Every character in this book is beyond irritating.
I give up! Every character in this book is beyond irritating.
November 30, 2014
Awesome!!!! This book kicked butt!
Overall, the plot rocked it. While simplistic in appearance, the bet among Raphael, Atvers, Martinvale, and Strathford to destroy Simon's and Julia's love on the pretext that love doesn't exist, didn't seem to hold much drama or excitement. In truth, at 67 pages in I almost gave up on the book since the ongoing push-and-pull between Julia and Raphael was getting a bit annoying. However, determined to see it through since I did love the two characters, I was overwhelmingly surprised by this book.
The plot seriously picked up a huge amount of pace. Giving in to desire, Julia and Raphael end up having sex (not too much of a shocker there), and afterward, Julia breaks off her engagement with Simon. Some time later, while at the Almack ball, society are somehow informed (turns out by the weasel Atvers no less) that the two are lovers. In which case they are forced into a hasty marriage were Raphael makes a complete and utter ass of himself at the wedding and reception. However, things eventually settle down, and ironically enough, for several weeks the happy couple are rather comfortable in their lives.
All this leads up to a seriously unexpected turn of events. Eventually Simon- the ex-fiance- uncovers the truth about the wager and then challenges Raphael to a duel...where Raphael ends up paralyzed!
This book was a roller coaster of drama, despite it's original appearance otherwise! The characters were so lovable, and both were very well grounded. The ending was such a sweet and romantic tie up that was one of the best I've read in a long, long time. I absolutely loved this book, without question!
Overall, the plot rocked it. While simplistic in appearance, the bet among Raphael, Atvers, Martinvale, and Strathford to destroy Simon's and Julia's love on the pretext that love doesn't exist, didn't seem to hold much drama or excitement. In truth, at 67 pages in I almost gave up on the book since the ongoing push-and-pull between Julia and Raphael was getting a bit annoying. However, determined to see it through since I did love the two characters, I was overwhelmingly surprised by this book.
The plot seriously picked up a huge amount of pace. Giving in to desire, Julia and Raphael end up having sex (not too much of a shocker there), and afterward, Julia breaks off her engagement with Simon. Some time later, while at the Almack ball, society are somehow informed (turns out by the weasel Atvers no less) that the two are lovers. In which case they are forced into a hasty marriage were Raphael makes a complete and utter ass of himself at the wedding and reception. However, things eventually settle down, and ironically enough, for several weeks the happy couple are rather comfortable in their lives.
All this leads up to a seriously unexpected turn of events. Eventually Simon- the ex-fiance- uncovers the truth about the wager and then challenges Raphael to a duel...where Raphael ends up paralyzed!
This book was a roller coaster of drama, despite it's original appearance otherwise! The characters were so lovable, and both were very well grounded. The ending was such a sweet and romantic tie up that was one of the best I've read in a long, long time. I absolutely loved this book, without question!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2010
This might be the worst "romance novel" that I've ever read. It made me sick to my stomach....I finished it..barely.
The premise was this....an emotionally abused man makes a bet with a bunch of his friends that "love" does not exist and goes about proving it by "breaking up" an unsuspecting "in-love" couple. It could've been good...but believe me...it wasn't.
I hated Raphael. I know that's strong language, but it is the only feeling strong enough to illustrate my point. I know that he suffered in the hands of his parents, but I NEVER empathized with him enough to condone his behavior and actions towards Julia. He was selfish, mean-spirited, and utterly evil in his pursuit of Julia (whom I really liked). Maybe Simon, Julia's fiancee, wasn't right for Julia, but he would've been kinder and "better" for her than Raphael ever was.
I'm sad for Julia. She was lured away from Simon on a bet and never, in my opinion, got ANYTHING in return but an insensitive, uncaring, jerk of a husband. Even his supposed "reformation" seemed unbelievable, and by that time, frankly it was just to late. I'd have kissed him goodbye, just like I recommend you do to this book.
The premise was this....an emotionally abused man makes a bet with a bunch of his friends that "love" does not exist and goes about proving it by "breaking up" an unsuspecting "in-love" couple. It could've been good...but believe me...it wasn't.
I hated Raphael. I know that's strong language, but it is the only feeling strong enough to illustrate my point. I know that he suffered in the hands of his parents, but I NEVER empathized with him enough to condone his behavior and actions towards Julia. He was selfish, mean-spirited, and utterly evil in his pursuit of Julia (whom I really liked). Maybe Simon, Julia's fiancee, wasn't right for Julia, but he would've been kinder and "better" for her than Raphael ever was.
I'm sad for Julia. She was lured away from Simon on a bet and never, in my opinion, got ANYTHING in return but an insensitive, uncaring, jerk of a husband. Even his supposed "reformation" seemed unbelievable, and by that time, frankly it was just to late. I'd have kissed him goodbye, just like I recommend you do to this book.
February 27, 2023
4 « "Completely fascinating, absolutely delightful, and, unfortunately, abjectly mistrustful of me. Not that I blame her. But it does leave me with a rather formidable task. God, man. I’m done in.” He shrugged and gave a snort of mirthless laughter. “Why the devil didn’t I listen to you while there was still time?” »
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews