Midnight Choices

At Midnight #2

by Eileen Wilks

Midnight Choices by Eileen Wilks released on Feb 21, 2003 is available now for purchase. .Injured, weary, Duncan McClain had come home to forget....>To forget his last mission, to forget a friend had died. This should have been a time of healing for the haunted soldier, a time of peace. But then she walked in.
She was Gwen Van Allen. A fragile, sophisticated beauty who also happened to be the mother of his brother's secret son. She'd come to introduce little Zack to his father, but it was Duncan who was stricken with desire. Yet he had to do what was right; he had to stay away. as his brother got to know the boy, Duncan spent time with Gwen. And soon forbidden passion began to rise. Dare he risk the love of his brother for the love of a woman?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Eileen Wilks’ first book, a Silhouette Desire published in 1996, hit the USA Today Bestseller List and was nominated for Romantic Times' Best First Short Contemporary award. Since then, her books have appeared consistently on national bestseller lists. With thirty two books in print and novellas in nine anthologies, she has been a finalist in the prestigious Rita Awards three times, as well as receiving several nominations from Romantic Times, including one for Career Achievement in Series Romantic Suspense.

Each book in her World of the Lupi series gains a larger audience. It was originally sold in the Romance section of bookstores, but more and more you will be able to find copies cross-shelved under Sci-Fi and Fantasy as the popularity of the series grows!

Eileen has lived in the West Texas town of Midland, TX for over 30 years--three years as a young teen, and the remaining years since she moved back here as an adult. When she first started writing over 10 years ago, it hit her like the first drink for an alcoholic . . . or the first kiss for Romeo and Juliet.

She came to writing romance in a roundabout way. Having read and loved science fiction for years, that’s where she first tried her hand when the writing bug bit. Somehow her stories always ended up having a strong romantic subplot, but she hadn’t read a romance since the early 80’s and didn’t think “those little books” were her kind of stories. But when a friend in her critique group began working on a romance novel, Wilks decided she needed to give the genre another try. She asked her friend to recommend some titles--and quicker than you can say “Jayne Ann Krentz,” she fell in love. The genre had been busy growing up while she wasn’t watching. These days, with romances comprising over 50% of the mass market books published in the U.S., there are romances to appeal to almost every taste--historicals, paranormals and contemporaries that range from romantic suspense to romantic comedy, from inspirational to sizzling.

Eileen covered a lot of territory before coming home to Midland, having lived in Canada and Venezuela as well as twelve U.S. cities in five states.

Profile taken from the author's site with her permission.

Reviews

[Saly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Midnight Choices was certainly a different book, it starts with Duncan answering the bell to Gwen, a woman who looks barely legal and looks wealthy asking for his elder brother Ben and when Ben comes home, she drops a bombshell, Ben is the father to her almost five year old son.

Duncan has been living in his family home, ever since he got shot in his special forces career as a sharp-shooter and lost his friend. He's been battling nightmares and then Gwen comes for a visit with her son Zach, so that he can get to know Ben.

Gwen still harbours anger over how Ben ended it with her, she was too wealthy for him but now Gwen has changed, she's battling uncertainty over breast-cancer and has already had surgery. She soon realizes that Ben isn't what she wants, she's no longer that girl who craves stability and caring(related to her dad) but Ben is used to taking charge since he practically raised his siblings since his parents death.

Gwen feels attracted towards Duncan and so does he but at first Gwen wants to give Ben a chance and Duncan doesn't want to mess things up for his brother, but a visit back home makes it clear to Gwen that Ben isn't the one for her even of he is her child's father.

Reading a book where a woman falls for the other brother was certainly different and the book was a good read.

Now, I am going to read Ben's book.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Duncan is on leave from the military after a gruesome shooting and a bullet wound when Gwen knocks on his door looking or his brother Ben. Duncan is shocked at the instant attraction, but when Ben comes home, he's even more shocked by Gwen's revelation - she gave birth to Ben's son 4 years earlier. Now Ben is clamoring for a chance to know his son, Gwen is moving to Highpoint to see it happen and Duncan and Gwen are fighting off their inappropriate attraction for each other. But knowing it's wrong doesn't stop either of them from really liking each other. It also drives Duncan insane with jealousy when Ben starts talking about marrying Gwen and becoming a family with their son. But Gwen just doesn't feel that way about Ben anymore...in fact, she feels exactly that way about Duncan, but there's no way she can come between the two brothers or ruin Ben's chance to be the father he wants to be.

So, despite the fact that this is probably my least favorite trope ever (it's right up there), the author did a pretty darn good job with this one. Any other author and I might have given this 1-star, but the characters were sympathetic and non-douchebaggy, it didn't feel like anyone was really cheating (maybe stepping on some toes though) and this didn't feel like overblown OTT drama. So kudos to the author for that. I actually felt for all the characters in this crazy situation. I mean, this is the stuff of soap operas essentially, yet it didn't feel like one. Zach, the poor child, has to figure out how to deal with the fact that his uncle is about to become his step-father and his real father is about to become an uncle by marriage. That just sounds crazy, right? But his mother didn't do a half bad job of making it seem less weird.

Despite the pretty awesome writing job being done here, there were a few things that felt incomplete in this story. First and foremost is the fact that we don't get a solid closure in Ben and Duncan's relationship. Ben kinda offers forgiveness and Duncan is relieved, but it's super-subtle and I can imagine them having some issues down the road. Most especially since Duncan now also has parenting responsibilities of Ben's son... But Ben's story is coming up next, so presumably some of that closure is offered in that story. I just needed a little more in this one to feel that the story was complete. On top of that, Duncan mentions having a bit of an issue with Gwen's history with his brother (yeah, I could see that) and the fact that they made a child together. Twice it's brought up and both times Duncan says, "later - not an issue right this minute." But he never deals with it in this story. Because of that, it kinda felt like a loose end.

So yeah, I hated the whole "between brothers" trope. Ben and Duncan are actually jealous (although there's some discussion about whether Ben is really heartbroken over Gwen or the potential family she reprsented). Also, there's a lot of cancer talk here, because Gwen was diagnosed with breast cancer and is still dealing with the aftermath of that. I loved how she just wanted to talk about it, to clear her mind, but everyone else just seemed uncomfortable about it...it was one of the things that made Ben a bad bet and Duncan a good one.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, one that made me not want to put it down!

Mostly I don't like child-I-didn't-know-I-fathered books, but this was unusual on a few different levels. First, the reason for the mom tracking down her son's dad: she just came thru an experience with breast cancer, and wants to be sure her son knows his father. Just in case. Second, it was unusual because it wasn't about 'getting back together for the sake of the kid'. It was very much about the needs of the parents, too... and what happens when a one-night stand isn't enough.

Gwen VanAllen tracks down her 5-year old son's father, and when she meets his brother, there are sparks between the two of them. Well, that makes things complicated when her son's father wants to try to make it work (aka marry for the sake of the kid), and the son wants her to marry his dad... but she sees difficulties with the plan (family money, creeped out by cancer, working mom etc.), not limited to her attraction to the enlisted brother home on medical leave.

The writing was superb. The story was realistic and gritty and descriptive and well done. There was even a zinger in the middle that actually GOT me - that's rare. The dialogue was good, but what was even better was what was NOT spoken. She did a fantastic job on this story.

I had to dock points for a few things, though. Mostly because my beliefs didn't mesh with hers, and it grated me in a few places. Child-rearing and relationship-wise. But they were personal issues, and I'm SO keeping this one.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give this a 3 1/2 star rating. I really liked the characters. There were definitely plenty of emotions, great characters, strength, courage, some humor, a bit of suspense (but it was pretty tight), complications, self-discovery and a great HEA. I would definitely like to read more in this series and get to know the other characters better. I really did enjoy them. Something that I might read again but I wouldn't really search it out. Pulls you in, have a good time, then leaves you satisfied without have to go back for more kinda thing. Enjoy!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very emotional read. This book deals with delicate issues – parenthood, family bonds, life threatening diseases – dramatizing them and making them come alive through the characters and the story. I couldn’t put it down: the characters are so real, with their flaws, mistakes, doubts and insecurities, their love for each other and general goodness and kindness. I loved the family dynamics between brothers, the heroine’s strength and the hero’s quietness.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setting – Highpoint,Colorado – family home, in the forest, wintertime.

Theme – love, acceptance, moving forward

Characters –
Ben McClain – when parents died at a dig (when he was 21), he left college and finished raising his 3 siblings. He is big, strong, black and white, right and wrong, opinionated, wants what is best for his siblings, but can be autocratic when he tells them what to do. He had a fling 5 years earlier when vacationing in Florida, and cut all ties when he found out she had a lot of money…

Charles McClain – youngest brother – trucker – but he’s tired of trucking after 10 years, sold his rig, and he’s waiting for inspiration for the rest of his life. He’s the most frivolous and fun of the brothers.

Duncan McClain – has served in the armed forces for 10 years - he’s a sniper – and his last mission went bad – he missed his target, he was shot in the shoulder, and his friend was killed pulling him out. He is home to heal, to go back in a month to serve out his 3 remaining months, then to decide if he was going to reenlist. He is quiet, thoughtful, reflective, insightful.

Gwendolyn Van Allen – poor little rich girl – not that bad… But her parents especially dad, mindful of not spoiling her as they were rich, made her feel as if she needed to earn their love. Mom is sophisticated, reserved, loves her and her grandson. 2 months after her father died, when she was dealing with those feelings, she met Ben – They spent few days together, and finally a night together… and Ben allowed her to put on the condom, she didn’t quite do it correct and she became pregnant. But when Ben found out about her money, he closed things, telling her their lifestyles would not mesh. She did not tell him about the baby. 2 years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer, lump removed, radiation, tamoxifin… and a breast cancer group… and fearful the cancer may return, she decides she must connect her son and his father.

Zachary Van Allen – a typical, loving, loved 4-1/2 year old boy – who welcomes his father and uncles into his life.

Jefferson Parker – grew up with the McClains, a sheriff, he wants Duncan to join the sheriff’s office.
Plot – Gwen shows up at Ben’s home – and meets Duncan first. Duncan is poleaxed by her… and after speaking with Ben, she returns with her son to stay for 2 weeks. Ben’s intention is to marry her and make them a family… and he is entranced with his son.

But Duncan and Gwen are attracted to one another – and as Ben spends time with his son, Duncan ends up spending time with Gwen. His quietness attracts her – they way he listens and understands her touches her. The first day there, when she wants Ben to drop her off so that she can rent a car, Ben argues with her – but Duncan can see that she needs this for her own sense of self and independence. There are hints between them of more than friendship, but both keep it under control. Duncan almost nightly has nightmares of his friend, with his face shot off but still alive trying to tell him something. Gwen hears him one night, and goes to him… but Charles pushes her back – and when he tries to wake his brother, Duncan reacts violently – scaring both of them.

Towards the end of the 2 weeks, Gwen and Ben go on a date – Ben asks her to marry him – they kiss – but though she enjoys it, it doesn’t touch her. Her mind tells her she should marry him, for her son, for her own security… and then she gets a call that one of her cancer support group has died, she returns for the funeral, she refaces her own fears of cancer returning, and she knows she cannot marry Ben.

When she returns, she plans to stay for 6 months – to give Ben and Zach time to be together. There’s a storm, so Duncan picks her up from the airport – as Ben, Zach, and Charles are at a fair… Though she feels she must talk with Ben first, she tells Duncan enough that she will not marry Ben, because he does not love her or vice versa… they get home, but no one is there… they tell each other that nothing will be said until she talks with Ben – they play monopoly to pass the time… they talk… she confides her fear about cancer and death – and he tells her honestly about himself and his troubled time dealing with death – and they end up in each other’s arms – and Ben et al walk in on them – and Ben and Duncan come to fist to cuffs…. And Gwen hoses them down, and takes Zach the next morning to find their own apartment. Ben shows up, angry, but conciliatory and makes plans about Zach, and she explains about her own feelings. And a reluctant Duncan comes later – and they make love – a fulfillment of much of they need… he doesn’t stay the night, in part because of his nightmares and in part because of Zach.

He warns her he isn’t whole, he can’t commit – she accepts this, and is willing to take what she can – and though she loves him, and he knows it, she doesn’t say the word… and her conversation with her son Zach, about love and marriage and why she can’t marry Ben, but might marry Duncan is sweet… and after a week, they have a real date – he tells her she should be asking more from him, but relents - when he does spend the night (Zach with Ben), he has the nightmare – and he shares some of it with her… but then leaves to run, and doesn’t come back – She goes to Ben, and tells him that he needs to tell Duncan that he needs a support group for his post traumatic stress syndrome – and he needs to forgive him.

Ben goes to Duncan, who’s at the bar… and then Jeff comes in, confirms Duncan hasn’t drank too much, and that they have a hostage situation at the 7-11 – and that Gwen & Zach are two of the hostages.
Though Duncan is afraid he will fail, he must go… and sets up with his rifle (temporarily deputized) to take out the target… and while waiting for the shot, he hears his buddy talking to him, keeping him loose, keeping him focused, matter of fact about what happened to him… and he takes out the bad guy, and gets to Gwen in a flash, and doesn’t leave her side.

They all go back to the family home with Ben – Duncan makes it clear he isn’t leaving Gwen, and Ben accepts it. And Duncan holds Gwen and Zach all through the night… and when Gwen wakes up, he’s gone… and she tracks him down at the cemetery where his parents are buried, and they talk… and he tells her he loves her, and she tells him that he should not give her up, that she will patiently wait as he figures things out… and he asks her to marry… and the both ‘worry’ over the fact that she might not be able to have a child…. And she says yes, she will marry him, and they’ll work out the details later… .ahhhh

[Bookwormgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Eileen Wilks' World of the Lupi and thought I would check out her series romances.

This is a book about second chances. Both the male and female leads have faced death and come away from it changed. I wasn't sure how I would like the love triangle between Duncan, his brother Ben, and Gwen. The feelings and growing relationship were handled well, so I stopped worrying. As this was a serial romance, the story is condensed into a short time period and it did feel a little rushed.

While it was a short book, the emotions felt by all three bring the characters to life. I ended this story really wanting Ben to have his own story and HEA. (And guess what he does! titled Meeting at Midnight)

A quick read that I downloaded and finished this afternoon while stuck in waiting rooms.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a pretty good book. It´s been a while since I read a book about issues like the ones portrayed in here. I liked it.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outstanding story dealing with both breast cancer survivor and PTSD - characters were definitely wellrounded.