Secret Nights (Topaz historical romances) [Paperback]

Anita Mills (Author)

Book Description

Series: Topaz historical romances | Publication Date: July 1, 1994

Elise Rand, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, risks her reputation, her sanity, and her heart when she offers to become the mistress of Patrick Hamilton, Regency London's most brilliant trial lawyer, if he will defend her father from a scandalous murder charge.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mills does the historical romance genre proud with her latest offering. Tautly written and packed with suspense, the plot moves along at a brisk pace while engaging the reader in the moving love story of a refreshingly different hero and heroine. Elise Rand's father Bartholomew is set on throwing his daughter at successful trial lawyer Patrick Hamilton. Strong-willed Elise, however, refuses to be thrown in any direction save her own, and it is not until Bartholomew is accused of murder that Elise offers herself to Patrick--the only man who can save her father's life. The gradual evolution of the love shared by Elise and Patrick is wholly believable and at times poignant. As the story alternates between the lives of the privileged and the misery of the lower classes, the reader encounters secondary characters who prove that bad guys don't always wear black. Though the premise on the back cover blurb may seem hackneyed at first glance, Mills ( Texas Lily ) writes a story that is anything but generic. With a talent for evoking period atmosphere and her knowledge of the Regency underworld, Mills nips at the heels of Anne Perry's Victorian novels of crime and suspense. Author tour.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

When beautiful, outspoken Elise Rand offers herself to ambitious criminal barrister Patrick Hamilton in return for his defense of her wealthy father in a murder trial, she knows it will destroy her reputation-but it doesn't occur to her that she might lose her heart as well. Mills (Duel of Hearts, Dutton, 1993) has written an insightful and unusual historical that focuses not only on the glittering decadence of Regency upper-class society but also on its sinister criminal elements. Nicely drawn characters, a complex plot, and well-handled language contribute to this satisfying romance. [Mills lives in Plattsburg, Missouri.] Alternative reality (futuristic/fantasy/paranormal/time travel) romance actually contains a number of separate mini-subgenres, each of which could be discussed separately but are linked by the common thread of fantasy. Time travelers, vampires, angels, psychics, aliens, ghosts, space adventurers, werewolves, witches, and other similar characters are all at home in this rapidly growing group. Constance O'Day-Flannery, Cheri Scotch, Annette Stockenberg, Lori Herter, and Becky Lee Weyrich have all contributed to this subgenre.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Topaz (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451404815
• ISBN-13: 978-0451404817
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,346,627 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal Book, Phenomenal Writer., February 5, 2004

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Secret Nights (Topaz historical romances) (Paperback)

I could not put this book down. When the clock struck the second hour after midnight, I forced myself to finally close the book.

Using great skill, Anita Mills takes the captivated reader to Regency England to the great city of London, in 1815, before social reform. Mills handles the enchanted tour guide role with amazing simplicity. This author provides an educational access into Newgate Prison; enabling the reader to smell the wretched stench, feel the pitiful despair, and witness the inmates' hunger and hopelessness -- astonishing. Ms. Mills has categorized several elements of human failing for the reader: greed for money and political power; the longing for social position; and finally lustful gratification. Certainly, the ugly side of mankind.

Throughout the chapters, Mills paints our two main characters using a fine tip brush, expertly weaving her words, and forming Patrick Hamilton, the brilliant London barrister, and the beautiful Elsie Rand. The love scenes are full of passion and sensuality.

Incredibly, this writer holds no punches with her storyline. The evil participate in the hideous crimes, displayed throughout the story, is guilty -- as her reader acknowledges. Still, Mills holds her captivated reader spellbound -- waiting for the expected plot twist. It does not happen and because it does not happen, Mills allows her book to soar to a higher position.

Yes, Anita Mills is a talented author. Do try the library, or your local used book store, to find a copy! My copy is definitely headed for the keeper shelf. When the Canadian winter settles in, and the bitter winds blow across the land, I will take it out and return to Regency England one more time. Well done.

Grace Atkinson, Ontario - Canada.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Boring, March 4, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Secret Nights (Topaz historical romances) (Paperback)

What I liked about this book:

Not your run of the mill Regency Romance. This book dealt more with the seamier side of Regency London and human nature. The plot was pretty good.

What I didn't like:

Although I liked the fact that the author was trying to write a more realistic book, it seemed to trudge on and on without any humor or lightness.If the book had been more interesting I wouldn't have minded the darkness of it (for example, I love the mother of all romance novels "Jane Eyre"). Unfortunately, I found this book to be boring and the main characters uninspiring. I hated the way Patrick took Elise's virginity without any intention of marrying her. I really didn't like him at all. And for someone who is suppose to be smart and rich, Elise doesn't seem to have a clue about affecting a positive change in the world. I didn't blame her for that - at least she was trying- but it was still frustrating. Finally, I did not find this book to be very sensual at all. Most of the sex was degrading and left me with an icky feeling. Overall the book was a disappointment.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the slow start!, April 6, 2002

By 

Heather (Wisconsin, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secret Nights (Topaz historical romances) (Paperback)

I have had this book sitting on my shelf for months. I had begun reading it on at least three different occations, but never seemed to be able to get past the first two chapters, but wow... once I did, I found myself falling in love with the characters and the plot.

I loved the way Anita Mills slowly brought the plot into play thoughout the first few chapters!!! I found myself liking Elise's father, despite his prejudice thinking, he truely loved his daughter, which made it so hard to really accept that he was guilty of the crimes accused of him. I found myself constantly wondering if perhaps there would be some twist at the end that would prove him innocent.

This was a great book even though it took me a while to get past the first couple chapters(which is why i took away 1 star, it took to long to really capture my attention)... it was wonderful! I would recommend this book to any fellow historcal romance reader!