BettyY37

 Gideon's story is very much about how money can affect things.  Two therapist at your house regularly and often when you live in Duchess County and they practice in New York City screams money  Eva's settlement and no jail time for Nathan is another example.

Good morning GiGi in reply to your last rebutal  Â

You mention Seven Years to Sin when talking about Bared to You. How are the two connected? They’re not connected anywhere but in my head. Seven Years to Sin is the story of two abuse survivors as well, but of a different nature. Jessica is the survivor of child abuse so vicious she bears physical scars and is deaf in one ear. Alistair was emotionally abused and turned to prostitution as a way to survive and establish value for himself. For numerous reasons, I wasn’t able to delve into the aftereffects of abuse as deeply as I would have liked, so I continued to think about Alistair and Jessica’s story after I finished it. That continuing thought process germinated into Gideon and Eva’s story.   Above is the answer to a FAQ  from sylviaday.com.  I think Sylvia wanted to write about childhood sexual abuse in the 21st century. I think she presented different ways the problem can be handled in the Crossfire series.  Eva's mother believed her but Gideon's mother did not believe him while Cary's mother did not care.  When I read a book or a series, I accept the world the author has created and that is my frame of reference for viewing the characters.  I do not use other worlds to interupt their behavior.  Many of the points you want to use to substantiate your position are not in the Crossfire series as of yet.  I tried to stay in Sylvia's box for this particular discussion because it is about the characters as they are presented.  For other topics like "Music" and anything about the unpublished books as well as the work to be done by Lionsgate, outside material is important and essential.  If I used real world references neither Monica nor Elizabeth would have their children.  In the Crossfire series, however, when Eva's abuse is reported to the authorities, Monica was not considered negligent.   As I stated in a different post, she was good not perfect.

 I am still up so here goes  1. The case is made why Monica's parenting skills are being questioned with a strict eye. For four out of fourteen years, Monica dropped the ball. This does not take into consideration the other marriages and what the living conditions were like for Eva. That means, for at least close to one third of her of her life; Eva was severely neglected and abused. That is stated fact, and not open to interpretation. Being a parent means more than providing a roof over a child's head and food on the table.  The occasions when childhood sexual abuse goes undetacted by parents for long periods of time are not uncommon.  Eva has said she hide the abuse from her mother.  Someone mentioned laundry, bathing and doctors as sources for information that Monica should have had.  Servants do laundry, children especially ten years old bath themselves and healthy children do not go to the doctor every year and if they pediatrician do not automatically examine the genital area.  Being a good parent is dealing with any problem your child has that you know about inaddition to basic needs.  As soon as Monica thought there was a problem she sought treatment and removed Eva from harm immediately.  No one can do more.  She acted.  She did not wait for verification or the money.  (Eva did not get her settlement until she was 16.)  2. Eva got closer to her father during her University days and he was instrumental in getting her into treatment, but nothing is mentioned about him during her early years. I cannot come to the conclusion that Victor is an explemplary parent based on those facts alone.  You can conclude he was good for just the reason you say you cannot.  You make decesions on what is known not unknown.  Eva says she did not spend much time with her dad when she was young.  She never says that fact was a bad thing.  It is very common for young girls to stay with their mothers.  Eva says in "Reflected in You" her dad's unshakeable love changed her life.  A father who was rejected by the mother of his child who steps in when that daughter is in crisis years later without hesitation is exemplary in real life or a book.  3. Monica keeping Eva's secret of the abuse was wrong. Victor is Eva's dad and would have every legal right to know what had happened to his daughter. Fact: If any information of this nature was revealed during a custody battle; Monica would have lost custodial rights of her child. Monica had no legal right to keep this from Victor.  Eva does not have Victor's name.  He may not have any legal rights.  You make this arguement based on an unknown, no facts, when you state in #2 you cannot reach a conclusion on limited facts.  As a mother dealing with an emotionally damaged child, you try to make things as easy for her as possible.  Eva requested (maybe demanded) Monica not tell Victor so a good mother protects her childs mentally as well as physically at the risk of legal consequences.  4. Monica is Eva's mother; not her friend. Thus far, Monica has acted more like a friend and not a mother.  I do not know the basis for that conclusion.  When women are close in age they have common interests.  They do things together...of course they would but first and foremost Monica protects, supports and provides for her daughter.  She smothers her.  That is not a friend.  That is what I think mothers do.  5. When Eva confessed her abuse to Gideon and Gideon contacted Stanton about what was being done as far as keeping the situation private, when Eva saw her mother for her counselling session, the first thing that Monica did was ask Eva why she told Gideon? In her completely histrionic state, Monica could only think about herself and not Eva..."how could you do this to me...?"  Monica was not selfish.  She feels guilty about what happened and she does not want people to think badly of her.  I did not find your quote.  I found "How could you, Eva?" in chapter 14 of "Bared to You".  Leaving out the "you do this to me..." makes a big difference.  6. Monica sent Eva a completely inapropriate red dress during the first book for the charity gala. What mother would send her daughter such an incredibly revealing outfit to be worn? What does Monica hope to accomplish by "gifting" her daughter with that kind of dress.  Everyone in the book thought Eva looked great.  Eva is not just a daughter, she is a women.  Perhaps pictures in "Town and Country" or "Vogue" would show what young women wear to these functions.  Did you watch Miss America this year?  7. Monica placed several tracking devices in Eva's personal belongings without her consent; her legal Adult Consent.  Concern for her daughters safety does not make her a bad mother.  8. When Nathan was back in New York and had attempted to blackmail Stanton and Monica, Monica never mentioned this to Eva. Was she misguided in her attempt to protect Eva or was she arrogant enough to believe that she could violate her daughter's legal right to know about what was going on?  Eva had no legal right to know.  9. Monica saw the "evidence" of Nathan's brutilization, torture and rape(s) of Eva with her own eyes. Could Monica then turn around and feign "ignorance" about what Nathan was capable of?  When did she feign ignorance?  She did the opposite.  She left the home she shared with Nathan and his father, got a divorce, arranged a settlement for Eva that would allow her to take care of herself, arranged proctection and tracking as well as hide the facts about Nathan being in New York for Eva's mental health.  I think she should have told Cary too.  10. When the police were investigating Nathan's murder, Monica never once volunteered that the police had come to see her. It was only after questioned and kept questioning her mother, the Monica finally and begrudgingly spoke with Eva about the Nathan murder investigation.  My memory is different.  I will search for the facts later.  Finally when I mentioned "attacks on Monica" I meant did anyone or anything specifically say or infer she was a bad person or had bad intentions.  I am never been perceived of as a pollyanna but all romance novels are written from a pollyanna perspective because they always give us an optimistic view on life that mutual love survives and fixes all of lifes ills or at least makes them tolerable

   The time for Gideon to get together with Dr. Travis is not limited to the initial California trip.  Remeber Gideon can go to California anytime he wants.  Gideon's behavior did not bring Hugh.  Christopher's imitation of Gideon at dinner when he was five (chapter 18 in Reflected in You) put Gideon in therapy. There was no indication that Hugh ever treated Chritopher or spent anytime with him.  I think all the things Christopher told Eva (in chapter 19 in Reflected in You) over lunch are the only things that make him hate Gideon. Someone mentioned child abusers tend to only like a certin age so Chritopher would be too young.  I think Christopher was spying on Gideon, saw what was happening with Hugh and told his mother Hugh did nothing to get Gideon in trouble for lying about his therapist because he disliked his older brother that much at five.  I do like your idea about the engagement ring.

 Gideon watching the tape of Eva and Brett would definitely push Eva over the edge but Gideon promised her he would not look at it.  Gideon does not lie to her so that would not happen.  Nightmares out of control is a big possibility.  Brett may be a headache but I do not see him as a fall back.  Eva purged him in NC and the Caribbean.  He just does not know it yet.  I think he will be gone in a "New York minute", also known as a very short period of time, to the tune of Bruno Mars' "When I was Your Man".   IDEA Gideon mets Dr. Travis who helps him like he helped Cary and Eva.

My quote on a different topic last night    I guess I am one step ahead Â

 Nice to meet a kindred spirit.  Married longer, read FSOG multiple times too but my husband is the opposite he wants me to stop reading and give the time back to him.  So I gave him a new nickname after "a fictional character I have a crush on." He likes the nickname but  he told me I was still reading too much so I told him "You'll get over it."  Which did you like better, FSOG or Crossfire?  For me there is no contest, Crossfire hands down!!

 CSLOL!!!  PS Did I forget to tell you I have all three in ebook format and audio and honestly I have lost track of how many times.....That just sounds too addicted so forget I said that!!

I love it!! Â

Bite your tongue!  Don't let Sylvia think we can wait that long.  Next week would be better.  I am reading "Seven Years to Sin" to fill in the time.  PS I am a member of the READ ALL THREE FOUR TIMES Club along with GLH.  Any other members?

Nathalia  I like "Gone, Gone, Gone".  Thought of it as a love song and the words fit the love between Eva and Cary. Thanks!!  PS I posted "I'll Make Love to You" by Boyz II Men on The Lionsgate.." topic for Gideon's and Eva's wedding night.  Should i put it here too?

  The quotes were posted by Sylvia Day in two places.  It is the lead for the topic titled "Captivated by You" that appears in this forum and she has posted it on sylviaday.com under "Coming Soon" subject "Captivated by You"

I have not read all of the topics or all of the older posts. Â I do still feel it is worth visiting in the context of this topic (Mothers and Fathers). Â If you recall any posts that are noteworthy please pass them along. Â I would have been surprised if this observation was original. Â Do you think his mother noticed? Â

Has anybody noticed all the significant women in Gideon's life before Eva resemble his mother?

Sharonm745 I like your October 2 review of victims of child abuse. Â Nicely done!!

Hi everyone  Just thought " lured bitter enemies out of the shadows." could be people who were harmed by Geoffrey Cross who  have decide Gideon"s seed money my have been their money.

Just read "Meet Sylvia" at sylviaday.com. Â Now I understand references like "Gray's Papaya", "John's Pizza" and "Junior's for cheesecake." Â Spoken like a true New Yorker. Â I have been having trouble finding a place for Gideon's penthouse. Â The one building I found that has Central Park and skyscrapers is the Sherry Netherland at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th street. Â If you go farther uptown, you lose the skyscrapers as the backdrop from Gideon's office windows. Â Watching Jeopardy tonight - Did anybody know Seven-11 sells blueberry coffee?

I need help.  How do I insert posts in my response?  For MegansCoils I think your points were well made yesterday.   Regarding Victor as a father Eva says "he'd never wavered from his determination to be my dad in every way possible."  She also states she didn't get to spend a lot of time with her dad while she was growing up.  I think Victor's behavior regarding Eva from her late teens to the present has been exemplary.

Gideon does not hug his mother at the garden party for Vidal Records but she is the only "person" who has been to his home other then Eva. Â He is angry that she did not believe him when he told her about Hugh's abuse but he has not sought any revenge. Â In fact, he helped Chris Vidal save his record company to provide support for her. Â This indicates a man in conflict. Â He does not at this time know his mother has threatened Eva so I foresee more personal conflict for Gideon. Â I do not think Elizabeth believes her eldest son was sexually abused by his therapist as a child. Â She has not seen any evidence. Â Eva, however, saw the love she has for him. Â Elizabeth must learn to accept her son and his wife.

You know your memory is bad when you read Crossfire and do not think of this song.  I apologize for not presenting it to you sooner   Close your eyes, make a wish And blow out the candlelight For tonight is just your night We're gonna celebrate all through the night Pour the wine, light the fire Girl, your wish is my command I submit to your demands I will do anything, girl, you need only ask   I'll make love to you like you want me to And I'll hold you tight, baby, all through the night I'll make love to you when you want me to And I will not let go 'til you tell me to Girl relax, let's go slow I ain't got nowhere to go I'm just gonna concentrate on you Girl, are you ready? It's gonna be a long night Throw your clothes on the floor I'm gonna take my clothes off too I made plans to be with you Girl, whatever you ask me, you know I will do I'll make love to you like you want me to And I'll hold you tight, baby, all through the night I'll make love to you when you want me to And I will not let go 'til you tell me to Baby, tonight is your night  And I will do you right Just make a wish on your night Anything that you ask I will give you the love of your life I'll make love to you like you want me to (I'll make love) And I'll hold you tight, baby, all through the night (Hold you tight) I'll make love to you when you want me to (I'll make love) And I will not let go 'til you tell me to I'll make love to you like you want me to (I'll make love) And I'll hold you tight, baby, all through the night (Hold you tight) I'll make love toyou when you want me to (I'll make love) And I will not let go 'til you tell me to Boyz II Men - I'll Make Love To You Lyrics | MetroLyrics  Picture their wedding night!!!

Not ignoring any of the new posts but my Ace is calling. I will be back tomorrow.

GiGi You make a good case for why no parent should ever miss the abuse of their child especially when it occurs over such a long period of time. But Sylvia has chosen to present us in the character of Monica a women who failed to see the signs for whatever reason. She told us Eva hide what was being done to her out of fear. The servants (makers of beds and doers of laundry) did not tell. Eva made her Monica promise to not tell Victor. I have chosen to accept Sylvia's presentation of Monica's sacrifices and continuing pain regarding this failure to know sooner about the abuse of her only child. I try very hard when I read to not add things that are not there if they change the story. As you know I searched the books for attacks on Monica. I can not use Victor's parental role except as described when she moved to SoCal and he did good because he found Dr Travis. He came when he heard about Nathan. Monica got Eva out of harms way as soon as the danger was known. Home security, tracking devices, armed chauffeur, remodeling Parker's gym...to the point of alienating her daughter trying to make-up and prevent problems in the future. That is what I have to work with so Monica comes out good but not perfect, Things may change in books four and five but for now Monica is good.

Okay GiGi I included Gideon's comment about Christopher to show he tried to be close to his brother. That was a strong indication that Gideon had no idea Christopher had not supported him regarding Hugh's abuse. I felt Gideon would not have tried so hard if he thought/knew Christopher had betrayed him. Gideon sought to destroy everyone he thought betrayed him. Gideon not knowing what Christopher told their mother provides more insight into Elizabeth. Whether you think she should have told Gideon what his younger brother said can be discussed. I do not think she should tell Gideon.

Jeanmarie  Interesting concept, ....Gideon the abuser as something Eva cannot handle.  I will roll that idea around for awhile.  I never thought about that because I am so in love with Gideon but I am always open for new thoughts.  I will pass that along to my fellow readers.  Thanks for the mental candy.  PS Even if he never did, he could still be accused and have to fight the allegation.  PPS Just remembered Gideon told Eva he was never attracted to boys.  She said if he was bisexual that would be ok with her.