Shades of Twilight [Paperback]

Linda Howard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997

Roanna Davenport was raised a wealthy orphan on her grandmother's magnificent Alabama estate, Davencourt, where she had a passion for horses, a genius for trouble, and a deep love for her cousin, Webb. But everyone expected Webb to marry their ravishing cousin, Jessie. When he did, Roanna's desire became no more than the stuff of dreams -- until the night Jessie was found bludgeoned to death.

After the shocking murder of his wife, Webb left for Arizona, abandoning the legacy that he had once believed was all he wanted. But then an all-grown-up Roanna walked into a dingy bar in Nogales to bring him home; the mischievous sprite he had known ten years earlier was no more. Gone, too, was her fire. In its place was ice that melted at his touch. Webb is drawn back to Davencourt, to Roanna, and to the killer that once destroyed his life and waits only for the chance to finish the job....

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Family, loyalty, love, sex and revenge steam up the pages in this sometimes frustrating but ultimately satisfying romance set in present-day Alabama. Bestselling author Howard (After the Night) portrays orphan Roanna Davenport, born into a wealthy and aristocratic family. An awkward child, headstrong and generally disliked by her haughty relatives, she is championed by her older cousin Webb Tallant, with whom she falls in love. But he marries another cousin, the beautiful, heartless Jessie. When Jessie is murdered, Webb leaves the ancestral home for 10 years until the family's dying matriarch summons him back, reawakening old passions and reopening old wounds. Unnecessary bouts of crude sex between minor characters may put off some readers, and a good shaking seems in order for both Roanna and Webb, as they misinterpret each other's actions to excess. Howard does manage, however, to maintain tension through a twist-filled plot and the emotional involvement of the main characters.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Linda Howard is an award-winning author whose New York Times bestsellers include Open Season, All the Queen¹s Men, Mr. Perfect, Kill and Tell, and Son of the Morning. She lives in Alabama with her husband and two golden retrievers.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671019716
• ISBN-13: 978-0671019716
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (104 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Authors, A-Z > ( H ) > Howard, Linda

More About the Author

Linda Howard is the award-winning author of many New York Times bestsellers, including Up Close and Dangerous, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Cover of Night, Killing Time, To Die For, Kiss Me While I Sleep, Cry No More, and Dying to Please. She lives in Alabama with her husband and two golden retrievers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! What A Great Love Story!, October 26, 2000

By 

Susan Shams (West Des Moines, IA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shades of Twilight (Paperback)

I loved this story. I am surprised that it did not have a perfect 5 star rating. This is my second Linda Howard book, and it will most definately NOT be my last. This is a story about Roanna and Webb. They are distant second cousins. 7 year old Roanna is left orphaned when her parents die in a car accident. She comes to live with her grandmother at Davencourt, her families rich estate. She does not feel welcome by her family, they treat her as if she is not wanted, but only Webb is there to protect her and make her feel safe.

Roanna grows up developing a huge crush on Webb and practically worships him. She tries out her burgeoning feelings for him in a kiss that sets of a cataclysim of events. Webb and his wife Jessie,Roanna's other cousin, have a fight and threaten each other with divorce. That very night,Jessie ends up dead.

Everyone in the family blames Webb, even though the police have no evidence of the fact. He feels no support from anyone and he takes off to start a new life. Spirited Roanna having lost Webb, the only person who ever made her feel worthy, is at a loss. She hides inside her self. Ceasing to care about anyone or anything. Ten years pass, and Roanna grows older, gone is the hoydenish teenager,and in her place is a quiet and sophisticated young woman. At her grandmothers request, Roanna goes off to find Webb. Her grandmother wants to make peace with him before she dies.

Webb is surprised when he first sees Roanna all grown up. Gone was the spirited girl with adoring eyes, in her place was a woman with no outward signs of emotion. He feels strong emotions for her, and is upset with the way she is all closed up to him. All withdrawn from everything. Unable to resist her anymore, he takes Roanna and spends a night with her filled with love and passion.

Roanna still loves Webb, but does not believe that he could actually love her back. She believes that he will go back to Davencourt for the estate and money, but never for her.

Webb is drawn to Roanna and desperately wants to see her the way she was. Laughing and smiling again. He returns because of her. Unfortunately, someone wants him dead. They make attempts at his and Roannas life. Webb has to make Roanna see that he loves her for her and at the same time find out who is threatening thier lives.

I loved this book. I especially loved the romance and love between Roanna and Webb. She gave him unconditional love. He gave her the love back, he was so kind and gentle with her. You could feel that he was very concerned with her health and well bieng as well.

This was a great novel. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good romantic read. There was some mystery in this book that was good too.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL BOOK!!, February 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Shades of Twilight (Paperback)

SHADES OF TWILIGHT is the story of Roanna Davenport and Webb Tallant. Theirs is a love that took years to finally roam free. At first is was a simple crush Roanna had for Webb, her second cousin who's always treated like a sister. Years later, Webb is married to Roanna's mean spirited cousin, Jess. On one fateful day with one fateful kiss, Roanna and Webb sizzled and Jess is murdered. Though found innocent of her death, Webb is angered and hurt at his family's accusations and suspicions. He leaves the heritage he has been breed for and vows never to return leaving behind a shattered and heartbroken Roanna. Ten years later, at the request of her grandmother, Roanna set out to bring Webb back. They meet once again and that very night the passion that had been sparked that day so long ago explodes. But soon it becomes evident that someone is out to destroy their blossoming love. This book is filled with incest, murder, suspense, and best of all, a steamy, passionate and long awaited love. This is another fabulous book written by Linda Howard. You'll love it. Trust me!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ANOTHER WINNER FOR LINDA HOWARD, October 23, 2000

By 

Patsy Nelson "Readin Diva" (Charlotte, North Carolina United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shades of Twilight (Paperback)

I can't believe that I almost didn't buy this book. What a loss that would've been. 'Shades of Twilight' is another good book by LH. With its combination of Love, passion, mystery and scandal you have one great book. The climax at the end of the story will floor you with shock. The romance between Roanna and Webb will make you believe that good things do come to those who wait. Sit down, grab a glass of iced tea and get ready for one roller coaster ride that you will never forget! Two other books by Linda Howard you will have to read is 'Dream Man' and 'After the Night'.Keep the oxygen tank handy.