GiGi

  Hi Gabri, I don’t think that Monica has gone to great lengths to protect Eva. In order to go to great lengths to protect a person from their abusers that person would: Have to be present in everyday life (Monica never washed her daughter’s clothes or bed sheets). Monica left the daily care of Eva to everyone else. If Monica had even once done this, she would have seen clear evidence of her daughter’s brutal rapes and tortures. Where was Monica after Eva’s first rape? She would have visibly seen a little girl who wouldn’t have been able to sit or stand. She would have been in a lot of physical pain. Where was Monica when Eva was interacting with Nathan? Monica would have seen the fear in her daughter’s eyes when Eva had to deal with Nathan. What about Eva’s behaviours? Didn’t Monica ever notice those? Eva’s personality would have changed drastically! How did Monica explain that away to herself? What about Eva’s grades? When something very traumatic happens to a child, their grades are often affected. How did Monica explain that away to herself? What about the household staff? Did Monica ever NOT NOTICE that they were afraid? Why would Monica leave the care and raising of her child to domestic staff? Monica didn’t have a job and as such her SOLE job was to be a mother to Eva. It seems that Monica remembered to only be a wife. The job of Motherhood was beneath Monica.  Others in the forum have mentioned that perhaps Monica was actively busy with charities or other functions, but I continue to maintain that Monica’s first and sole priority was supposed to be a mother (of which she never did).  I also just wanted to clarify that Eva wasn’t raped when she was an infant, so Monica couldn’t claim that the nanny did it or something. Eva was already walking, talking, feeding and dressing herself, so I don’t buy the excuse of it was just too hard to raise that child without shirking her responsibilities.  Eva didn’t ask to be born. Eva didn’t ask to be raped. Monica chose to have unprotected sex. Monica chose to keep the baby (Eva) and not have an abortion! Monica chose to keep Eva and not give her up for adoption or give her to Victor. Monica forgot the most important thing…Eva! She forgot to be present in her daughter’s life and raise her…

Hi everyone, I have been reading everyone’s comments about Corinne and I have to say that I am a little surprised. Do we the readers have so little faith that we don’t think that our beloved Eva can fight her own battles with Corinne? Is Eva that weak and helpless that she can’t hold her own with Corinne? If we stopped to think about it, if Eva truly couldn’t hold her own with Corinne then is she the woman for a man like this?  Gideon is extremely good looking and that is never going to change (barring some huge disfiguring accident…never!) and he is also extremely wealthy and most likely isn’t going to change either. So how exactly is Gideon helping Eva adjust to her life with him if he has to go in and destroy every single person who disapproves of his relationship with him and Eva or goodness forbid, tries to make a play for Gideon? Really?! Come on…  Women make plays for men in everyday life and it is up to the men to set these women straight. If every woman fell apart just because another woman made a play for her man, then nothing in this world would get done.  It seems that Corinne’s actions are being judged along the same level as Nathan (a despicable monster). So Corinne did something that wasn’t nice….so what? Big deal! That’s life! So Corinne wants Gideon back? So what? Who doesn’t?  I continue to maintain that Gideon created this entire bulls**** scenario and as such bears the brunt of the responsibility of setting this woman straight!  If Gideon destroys Corinne as maybe a few of the forum members hope then what does that say about the “beloved Gideonâ€? It doesn’t say a lot. In fact, it is a bi**h move for a MAN to go after a WOMAN!! There is nothing romantic about it.  Thus far Corinne hasn’t done anything to warrant that level of action; no she hasn’t boiled any rabbits or kidnapped any children or such. So again I ask; what is the big deal?  If Eva went after Corinne and tried to destroy her then that is one thing, but it is another scenario altogether if a man, who created this entire stupid mess, goes after a woman because he was falsely leading her on.Â

Hi Julie, Not everyone in the forum hates Corinne (I hope) and not everyone is willing to give Gideon a pass for his deplorable actions with Corinne just because he has rock star good looks and he f**** like a p*** star.  At the end of the day, if Gideon is doing as everyone suspects (using Corinne for an alibi) and hopes to destroy Corinne because she said some bi***y, catty things to Eva, then he is just a disgusting if not worse than Corinne. He realizes Corinne’s weaknesses (ones which GIDEON created because he wasn’t HONEST with her from the BEGINNING).  Just something to think about.Â

 Hi Julie, I think that it may not necessarily matter what time Nathan was murdered. Let me explain here. Gideon already knew in advance that Eva would be going to pick up her dad at the airport. Her dad is a well seasoned beat cop and as such would have been safe in his company.   Gideon would also have known that Eva most likely would have refused his driver because things were rocky between them. Every time that Eva got upset with Gideon she often went off on her own and only when she was assured that Gideon wouldn’t interfere with her plans in any way would she accept a ride from one of his staff (hadn’t that become a dance between the two of them?). Now seeing as that Gideon probably factored in that Eva most likely wouldn’t have accepted a ride from his driver, wouldn’t Gideon have arranged for a “tail†of some sort to ensure Eva’s safe arrival to the airport to pick up her dad? This man has made it a mission in his life to track Eva’s movements, know everything that there possibly is to know about her and as such I wouldn’t have found it a stretch for Gideon to have had a backup plan in case Eva rejected his offer. What do you think? What does everyone think?

 Hi Sharonm745, I didn’t think that you implied anything.  I find that Monica tends to be a hot button topic for me these days. I sit and read the passages as they played out in the book and I still shake my head. I think that I have remained consistent in given all people the benefit of the doubt, even the despicable ones.  Monica confounds me. She keeps getting chance after chance after chance and she still keeps screwing up….sigh!! Seriously?! I don’t know. That woman better start talking before I call one of my very hairy European Aunts to put a curse on that woman (just kidding…almost…but not quite).  Sigh!  I want to see what makes that woman tick, and I am telling you I had better start hearing some serious sob story to account for her actions. My patience is running thin with that woman.  You are correct in that some very wealthy families leave the rearing of their children to the “domestic help†which I find interesting to say the least. It is almost as if the women have done their job and sired an offspring for their husbands, but the responsibility seems to end there (no I am not saying that all wealthy families are like that but some are). I had lived and worked in Europe for a while and had been in a circle of “uber wealthy†families as well. I often found myself surprised at how little actual hands on these women were with their children; doctors visits, dental visits, homework, afterschool activities, bathing, dinner times were all attended to by one of the household staff (a majority of the time). Often times, many of these ladies and gentlemen were off at social functions or charity events or even at work.  I don’t know…

Hi Kirsten, Again we are left with the fact that every decision that Monica made was for her own benefit and not Eva’s. It makes me wonder why Monica had no faith or trust in Victor. Wouldn’t she have wanted a man who was in law enforcement and had an incredible number of connections involved so that she could ensure the safety and well being of her child? I don’t know, something seems odd. What do you think? What does everyone think?

Hi Jenny, I really hope that Corinne isn’t as depraved as everyone seems to be making her out to be. I really hope that she realizes (with Gideon’s honesty and help and apologies) that she and Gideon aren’t meant to be.  I just can’t seem to get past the part that Gideon played in helping make Corinne the way she is. I am not as quick to forgive or overlook the role that Gideon played in this entire scenario. I think that what Corinne did was nasty but it doesn’t rise to the level Armageddon 5 full scale war. Would Eva really want that? She is growing and changing and as such she is changing her tactics with Corinne. I hope that Gideon follows suits and that Corinne grows up and leaves the relationship with some dignity. I really wouldn’t want her to be destroyed.  I guess I will have to wait and see what Corinne is really like on June 4th.   I hope that Sylvia doesn’t take the easy way out and make this woman an absolute villain. It is like Sylvia said; many of these characters are flawed. As the reader I can see that some of them are trying to better themselves and improve their lives and relationships. I just hope that Corinne is one of those characters. Â

Hi Jenny, I really hope that Corinne isn’t as depraved as everyone seems to be making her out to be. I really hope that she realizes (with Gideon’s honesty and help and apologies) that she and Gideon aren’t meant to be.  I just can’t seem to get past the part that Gideon played in helping make Corinne the way she is. I am not as quick to forgive or overlook the role that Gideon played in this entire scenario. I think that what Corinne did was nasty but it doesn’t rise to the level Armageddon 5 full scale war. Would Eva really want that? She is growing and changing and as such she is changing her tactics with Corinne. I hope that Gideon follows suits and that Corinne grows up and leaves the relationship with some dignity. I really wouldn’t want her to be destroyed.  I guess I will have to wait and see what Corinne is really like on June 4th.   I hope that Sylvia doesn’t take the easy way out and make this woman an absolute villain. It is like Sylvia said; many of these characters are flawed. As the reader I can see that some of them are trying to better themselves and improve their lives and relationships. I just hope that Corinne is one of those characters. Â

Hi Julie & Ladies, I am sitting here roaring with laughter! Just remember that "All is fair in love and war". Something tells me that poor Corinne has started a war with many of you!  I hope she wears false wigs and sunglasses so that you ladies won't be able to recognize her walking down the street.  Just remember that before you all run her out of town, that she hasn't run over any of Gideon or Eva's family pets. She may just be a super catty woman. I think Eva can handle her. Â

  Hi Caroline, I could buy the argument that Monica is materialistic and there is nothing wrong with that so long as you don’t hurt another human being while you are busy acquiring your wealth. What I find so off-putting is the fact that Monica didn’t tell Eva about Nathan’s return to New York. Why on earth would Monica keep that a secret?! Why didn’t she tell Eva about the blackmail and the videotapes and photos? Did Monica really think that she alone (or with Stanton’s help) could protect Eva without her knowledge? I find that almost impossible to believe. Even after Nathan’s death she said nothing to Eva. It was only after Eva prompted her mother that Monica leaked scant details about Nathan.  Again, only after several more days and Eva’s direct questions did Monica spill the beans about Nathan. My question is why? How does that make Monica a good mother (I am not saying that you said Monica is a good mother)? I have to say that I am having a hard time finding redeeming qualities about this woman.  The past is the past, you are right, but Monica keeps making the same mistakes over and over and over again. I find that hard to swallow as well. I hope Sylvia addresses this in the next book. What do you think? What does everyone think?Â

Hi Julie, Could it be that Corinne used that bit of information to try and use that against Eva? If Corinne is as evil as some people think that she is, then could she be deluding herself into thinking that Eva is nothing more than a blond fling? After all Gideon has always had "serious" relationships with women like Corinne, women who look like Gideon's mother? What do you think? What does everyone think?

  Hi Caroline, I wonder if Detective Graves did interview Corinne whether it would have worked in Gideon’s favour. It is obvious that Corinne still carries a torch for Gideon and that Gideon apparently dumped Eva for Corinne. I could only see that Corinne’s absolute belief that she and Gideon were once again dating being in Gideon’s favour.  Why would Gideon kill for a woman whom he only dated for a few weeks?  Why would Gideon also kill for this woman when she cheated on him (as was witnessed by everyone in the parking lot including Gideon and his entourage)? What do you think? What does everyone think?

You are too hillarious lady!! Â

Hi Jeanmarie, Well said lady. I am glad you found your happily ever after.

Hi Rcmcap, I am sorry I don't understand. Could you please explain further? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Â

Hi Fsumom, You bring up such a good point! I never stopped to consider that Corinne might be looking at Gideon's hands. Thus far no mention had been made of Gideon wearing jewellery prior to dating Eva, so it must have been a shock for Corinne to have seen the ring, that Eva bought for Gideon, on his finger. That must have been a real punch to her gut. I don't think that Corinne would have been able to explain something like that away to herself.  Here is my question; after Gideon started this charrade with Eva (and the false break-up and false dating of Corinne), did Gideon take off the ring that Eva gave him, or did he keep it on the entire time? What do you think? What does everyone think?

Hi Julie, Fabulous!! Easter is coming. So all my forum sisters are invited! I have a nice big house with lots of bedrooms for all. Be sure to bring your sleeping bags though ladies! I also have a nice backyard so whom ever doesn't fit in the house can pitch a tent in the backyard.  Also, remember to bring sweatpants or stretchy pants. You ladies are going to eat like there is no tomorrow European style!!  P.S. I should warn you that I have four dogs who think that they are human and they will absolutely kill you with kisses and licks! Oh and they also expect belly rubs and ear rubs too! So be warned. Â

Sigh Golfergirl, Donnad, Caroline, You are luck ladies! You must tell me and all of the other ladies in the forum about what the book signing was like.

 Hi Sscrph, I guess the events must have been epic in order for Cary to be speechless. I can only imagine the look on Cary's face when Eva was describing the events of the evening. Sigh!

Ciao Gabri, Your assessment is correct. It is funny that it seems like Gideon is a little boy trapped in a man's body. Eva has taken over the role of the mother, and the lover figure. I am surprised that Eva doesn't suffer from whiplash. Her head keeps turning every other second.  Something else came to mind, do you think that Gideon and Eva are putting unfair expectations on one another? They each have so much baggage between them and are expecting the other to fulfill that it is almost unrealistic. What do you think? What does everyone think?

Hi everyone, One of my favourite lines from Chapter 10 is:  I spoke firmly, although my heart was breaking. â€œGideon. You’re dreaming. Come back to me.† In that instance Eva gets a glimpse into what is tormenting Gideon and her past experiences of being an abuse survivor have alerted her to the fact that Gideon may have suffered a similar childhood.  We as the readers get to see a compassionate and saddened side of Eva. We also get an insight into how Eva deals with Gideon. Â

Ciao Sscrph & Gabri, I agree. It speaks volumes about how Gideon is feeling about Eva.

  Hi Peachies & Kirsten, I was thinking the same thing. So wait, let me understand, do you ladies think that Eva was replacing the nightmare time with the time that they spent having s**? Eva coaxed Gideon into waking up and then had s** with him (to help him forget his nightmare or to help him let go of his nightmare). Is that theory? Or have I gotten it wrong? What do you ladies think? What does everyone think?

Good morning Julie, I think it depends on whether Gideon had these nightmares before his abuse or whether the abuse took its toll on Gideon psychologically and the nightmares started occuring after the abuse. I suspect that Gideon started having nightmares well after his abuse began (which means that Gideon might have a chance of resolving his nightmare issues). It is the brains' way of trying to process the events of the abuse and the magnitude of the emotional damage that has been done.  I know of many, many, many, people who have had specific periods of extreme stress, who got the appropriate mental help and never had recurrent violent nightmares. I am hoping that Gideon will fall into this category. The one thing I have to mention is that the brain is wonderous and very very tricky! As scientists we know so little about how this magnificent organ works. It is said that we as humans only use 10% of our brains. So imagine what our brains must be doing while we sit back and scratch our heads trying to figure out why we did what we did.  I know that the brain "psyche" will self preserve in what ever way it needs to during extreme situations. I would count se**** abuse as one of those situations. Often times, victims will describe having an out-of-body experience. That is the brains' way of trying to protect itself from the trauma being caused. Other times, people can't remember the most horrific events or have mental blocks when trying to recall horrendous events. That is the brains' way of trying to protect itself. Do you know what I mean?

Hi Caroline, I think that the baggage tags can symbolize many things. I think that for me, these tags symbolize the baggage each of these two carries around in daily life (i.e. that of being abused as children and of being survivors). I don't know that I personally correlate the luggage tags with Gideon killing Nathan. If the tags were ratty or dirty or covered in blood then I could have made that leap.  I think that the tags are also a link to their future. These tags ground them, in that their names and addresses are on them (they know who they are and where they came from), but they also have the opportunity to make their own futures and travel (i.e. opening up their world or beginning to see the world literally and figuratively). What do you think? What does everyone think?