Moonlight Seductions
by Jennifer L Armentrout
Published by Avon
Book 2 in the de Vincent Trilogy
Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound.
It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up... and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.
Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman... one who’s being stalked from the shadows. Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.
RATED: 18+ CATEGORY: MOOD:
Steamy #Romance Mysterious
Moonlight Seduction is the second book in the de Vincent series by Jennifer L Armentrout. The books follow the de Vincent brothers, a trio of incredibly rich heirs to the family company, but also to the endless trove of family secrets and darkness. Moonlight Seduction features the middle brother, Gabriel de Vincent, and Nikki Bresson, youngest daughter to the Bresson's (head of the house's staff, and the ones who take care of the de Vincent's home. After Gabe saves Nikki's life when she is 16 years old, from that moment on, she loves him. For years, Gabe and Nikki are friends. When Nikki turns 18, she goes to Gabe, and what happen's afterward ruins their friendship, and breaks Nikki's heart. Going away to college, she knows she will never have to see him again. Four years later, that all changes. Graduated with a degree, Nikki moves back home to step in for her Mom at the de Vincent's, after she is diagnosed with cancer, and due to the stories of the de Vincent's, are unable to find more staff. Big ol' house, and a busy de Vincent? Should be easy to avoid, right? Wrong. As time goes on, and they begin to repair what was broken, and become friends again, will they be able to put their growing attraction for one another aside?
I really liked this one. Still totally has that creepy, gothic feeling the first book had, which I love, but I feel like this one had more. More depth to the main characters, more intrigue, more action, more story. The plot in Moonlight Seduction is original, and interesting, but again, like the first book, is predictable. Well. Partly. I figured out the who and why pretty quickly. Pretty sure I know what is going to be revealed in the final book. Hell, I think I even know who Dev's match will be! I was surprised to find out about what happened to Emma, so points for that. This book is all "drama-llama", and I was all for it, so that makes up for the predictability a bit. The romance was super hot, with equal amounts of sweet. As for the creepy, is there/is there not ghosts thing, I kinda dig not knowing for sure, kind of like in real life. It almost seems like Nikki has a guardian angel protecting her, and I love that it is left to our interpretation.
Gabe is an interesting one to read. Strong, loyal, and honest, he, like his brothers, can be ruthless when it comes to those he loves. He does feel regret for things he has done in his past, though, which shows he isn't a sociopath. He may be considered the "good" brother, but that doesn't mean he doesn't stand up for himself and those he loves. His current turmoil, which we were introduced to in the first book, is frustrating. Not story-wise, really. More like, Gabe being forced to stay away from his newly discovered son for 3 months at the grandparents request, yet they are the ones that called him and told him he had a son? It's a touch inconsistant, but I guess this is a way to keep Gabe in New Orleans for a bit. Nikki is a fun read. Youthful, funny, and she doesn't put up with shit from anyone. I loved her. I love the similarities between her and Gabe. They truly are a great match, and the chemistry is on fire.
In the end, Moonlight Seduction improves on some minor problems I had in the first book, yet still maintains the dark and twisty mood of the series. Still predictable, making this more of a mystery to the characters than the reader, it's still entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I can't wait to read Dev's story next, because if my predictions are true ... well, I have a feeling it's going to be a super fun romance, and an insane ending ... in true de Vincent style, of course.
Where to Buy
Paperback (Amazon)
Paperback (Chapters/Indigo)
Gabe: "You're okay, right?"
Nikki: "You saved me."
That smile grew
Gabe: "Does that make me your hero?"
Nikki: "Yes."
Gabe chuckled.
It happened.
Right then and there, it happened.
Nicolette Besson feel head over heels in love and she knew, just knew in her heart of hearts, that one day she'd marry Gabriel de Vincent and they'd live happily ever after.
She would be his.
Because he was already hers.
Gabe: "I like you, Ross. You know I've never had a problem with you. So, I just want to get that out of the way. But you have got to come up with some better material, because that was cliche as shit."
Gabe: "Everyone fails."
Ross: "Except the de Vincents?"
Gabe: "You said it, not me."
Nikki: "You think that because - You think that because of what I did when I was eighteen? You honestly think I throw myself at guys?"
Nikki shook her head, her throat thickening.
Nikki: "I've spent the last four years regretting that night, thinking I'd scraped the bottom of that big old barrel of regret, but I was wrong. Because I haven't regretted it more than I do right now."
Gabe: "Nic -"
Nikki: "I get it. You think the worst of me. I understand that, but I was eighteen and i made a mistake that I've been paying for in ways you have no fucking idea. I am not that same girl. But you don't know that. You don't know me at all."
Gabe: "You didn't clean my apartment last week."
Nikki: "Yeah, I figured you didn't want me to do that."
Gabe: "That's your job, isn't it? Why would I not want you to do it?"
Nikki: "I figured you wouldn't like if I was in your room. But I can clean it this afternoon if you like."
Gabe: "I don't want you cleaning it today."
Nikki: "Then I can do it tomorrow."
Gabe: "Tomorrow won't work either."
Her brows pinched
Nikki: "Since tomorrow is Friday, I'm not sure when else I can do it. Next week -"
Gabe: "You could've done it last week like you're paid to do."
Nikki: "I'm sorry. You're right. I should've done it last week, but I can either do it today or tomorrow. If not, then I will do it next week."
Gabe: "Your suggestions aren't acceptable."
Nikki: "Then how about you clean your apartment then?"
Surprise parted his lips
Nikki: "I mean, you are a grown man who is more than capable of changing his own bed sheets and picking up after himself. I'm not your mother."
Gabe: "No shit. But thanks for clearing that last part up."
Nikki: "So, I don't know what you want me to say or do. Either I clean your rooms when I said I could or you do it yourself."
The corner of his lips twitched.
Gabe: "I can't believe you're talking to me like this."
Nikki: "I can't believe you're being such a dick."
Nikki: "What happened to you? You were never like this. Devlin? Yes. But you? No. What in the hell happened?"
Gabe: "You happened to me."
Gabe: "Where is your pretty girl? I miss her."
Lucian: "You have no business missing her."
Lucian: "Yeah, you don't know about Sabrina?"
Troy: "Dev's fiancee?"
Lucian: "Yep. One and the same. Did you know that Sabrina actually met Gabe in college? Met him first. Ever since then, she's been chasing after Gabe's dick like it's the last one left in the world."
Troy: "But it ain't the last dick. It ain't even the last de Vincent dick."
Gabe: "Can you all stop talking about my dick?"
They ignored him.
Gabe: "Well, this dick didn't want anything to do with her, rightfully so, because that woman is a bitch. Hate using that word, but it's true. Anyways, she went for the next best dick. Dev."
Nikki: "are you ... high?"
Gabe laughed
Gabe: "What? No."
Gabe: "I don't hate you, Nic. And I hope you don't hate me. Not that I'd blame you if you did. I've been a fucking dick to you and I'm sorry for that."
Nikki: "I couldn't hate you. I mean, I don't hate you."
Gabe: "Good."
Nikki: "But yeah, you've been a dick."
Julia: "I love to cook. I don't get to do it often here, but - when the grumpy cat's away, the mice will play."
Nikki: "Lucian paints. Madeline was also a painter. You can turn a couple of sheets of plywood and lumber into something stunning. But Devlin, he doesn't have a talent."
Gabe: "Does pissing people off count as a talent? Because if so, he fucking excels at it."
Nikki: "Lamb is on the menu. Ew."
Gabe: "Lamb is tasty."
She shook her head
Nikki: "Lambs are too cute to eat."
Gabe: "And I'm guessing you don't find cows cute, because you have no problem eating them. Or chickens."
Nikki: "Cows and chickens are cute, but I choose to not think about them while I'm eating them. Don't question my logic."
Gabe: "Would never dare to do so."
Nikki: "What are you doing?"
Gabe: "About to have an awkward conversation with you again."
Nikki: "And that requires you to be all up in my personal space?"
Gabe: "Yes."
Gabe: "I can't picture you hooking up with some guy named Gerald."
Nikki: "Is it because you think I'm still little Nikki?"
Gabe: "Pretty sure I stopped seeing you as little Nikki about four years ago."
Her eyes widened
Gabe: "Back to my point. Do you know why I can't picture you hooking up with some guys named Gerald?"
Nikki: "Why?"
Gabe leaned in, brushing his nose against hers. Her chest rose sharply as she sucked in air.
Gabe: "That right there. That little inhale you just made. That's why."
Gabe: "You look absolutely beautiful, by the way. That dress ... the hair. Those shoes. Jesus. He really didn't fucking deserve all of that."
Gabe: "If you don't start walking, I will throw you over my shoulder and crry you to where I'm parked in a garage."
Nikki: "You wouldn't dare."
Gabe: "Do I look like I'm joking?"
Nikki: "No."
Gabe: "That's what I thought. If you behave and don't try to hit me, I'll stop and get you a smoothie."
Nikki: "Why did you do this? If you didn't know who Gerald really was, then why did you do this?"
Gabe: "I was at the workshop and I was sitting there, thinking about what you said on Friday about why you wanted to go out on a date. About how you weren't looking for a relationship, but you'd be interested in a hookup if that was what happened."
Nikki: "I'm pretty sure that's not exactly what I said."
Gabe: "But that's what you meant."
Nikki: "And?"
Gabe: "And I didn't like it."
Nikki: "There was no spark."
Gabe: "Why?"
He tugged hard on her thong and her hips jerked as he snapped each side.
Holy shit.
Gabe pulled the material away, and she had no idea what he did with her ruined undies at that point.
Gabe: "Why was there no spark, Nic?"
She could barely think as his hand slid across her lower belly and then dipped, coming so, so close to where she throbbed.
Nikki: "It just wasn't there."
Gabe: "Now, that's not the reason."
His fingers stilled.
Gabe: "Tell me why there wasn't a spark and I'll show you what a spark is."
Nikki: "He wasn't ... he wasn't you."
Gabe: "That's my girl."
His fingers slipped between her thighs, wringing a gasp out of her.
Nikki: "Do you regret it?"
Gabe: "No. I don't know what that was. Or what it means tomorrow, but know one thing, Nic, not one fucking piece of me regrets it."
Rosie: "Can I ask you something and you be real honest?'
Nikki: "Go for it."
Rosie: "Did you ever stop loving him?"
She couldn't answer Rosie's question.
Rosie sighed.
Rosie: "That's what I thought."
Nikki: "Well, I need to get back to work, so ..."
Gabe frowned
Gabe: "Is that how this is going to be?"
Nikki: " I don't understand. I have to vacuum this room. You know, one of the five on this floor that hasn't ever been used. It's very important that I finish this."
He grinned
Gabe: "And why is that?"
Nikki: "I'm guessing if I don't, the dust bunnies under the bed will multiply and take over the house, causing Devlin to go into shock. We can't have that happening."
Gabe laughed
Gabe: "The dust bunnies can wait."
Nikki: "They really can't. You know how dust bunnies are. Always getting together, multiplying, and making little dust babies."
Rosie: "Nikki, don't pee on my leg and tell me it's raining."
Gabe: "Does it make me sound like a chauvinistic pig if I admit to wanting to keep you like this? On your knees, ready for me?"
Nikki: "Yeah. It does. But I wouldn't mind keeping you on your knees, so what room do I have to talk?"
Gabe made this sound, half groan, half laugh, as he pulled her onto her feet and then against his chest.
Gabe: "You're going to kill me. You know that, right?"
Nikki: "Because you're old and going to have a heart attack?"
Gabe: "Sweetheart, I could be your age and it would still feel like I'm seconds away from having a heart attack when you're sucking my dick."
Nikki: "Not sure if I should feel flattered by that."
Gabe: "You should. You'll be the death of me yet."
Gabe: "At the risk of sounding like the old man you think I am, I'm incredibly proud of you."
Nic smiled.
Nikki: "You are an old man."
Gabe: "All I know is that - fuck, I can't stop thinking about you. When you're not right in front of me, I'm wondering where you are and what you're doing. And when you are near me, it takes literally everything in me to keep my hands off you. I know that I want you more than I ever wanted anyone in my life."
Nikki: "Are you staring at my breasts?"
He grinned as his gaze flickered to her face.
Gabe: "Maybe."
Nikki: "I think you were."
Gabe: "It wasn't the only thing I was staring at."
Nikki: "You're a dirty old man."
Gabe: "Damn straight."
Nikki: "Let go of me right now."
Parker: "Or what?"
Gabe: "Or I'm going to rip off the hand you're touching her with."
Dev: "Family first. Family always."
Rosie: "Figured you'd find your way here. Surprised to see that one here."
Dev stepped to the side.
Dev: "Excuse me?"
Rosie: "You here for Nikki?"
Gabe: "Yes. You going to let me in?"
Rosie: "Depends. Are you finally going to do right by my friend?"
Dev: "Who is this woman?"
Rosie: "First name Nonya, last name Your Business."
Nikki: "I didn't mean to cry all over you."
Gabe: "It's okay. I make a good tissue."
Richard: "I've looked after you since you were in diapers and I know a lot about your family - a lot about you."
Gabe: "You do."
Richard: "I've always respected you, thought of you and your brothers as sons of mine. You'll always have your reasons for doing what gets done. I understand that, and even when you three have done things that go against everything I believe in, I still cared for you all like you were my own. And I know you boys respect me and my wife, so I expect a straight answer to this question. You have my daughters in your bedroom, in your bed, and I know you two have been spending a lot of time together. Not like before. I want to know what your intentions are."
Gabe: "I love her."
Richard: "You haven't told my daughter that you love her?"
Gabe: "Not yet. My timing has been off."
Richard: "There's no wrong time to tell someone you love them."
Gabe: "You know, I kind of pictured this conversation happening under different circumstances. Maybe a candlelight dinner or after we fucked each other senseless. But a wise man that you know fairly well told me that there's no wrong time to tell someone that you love them. "
Nikki: "What?"
His grin turned shy, almost boyish.
Gabe: "I love you, Nic."
Nikki: "Since when?"
He laughed, long and deep.
Gabe: "I don't know. I think maybe it was then you told me to clean my own rooms."
She drew back
Nikki: "That's when?"
Gabe: "Well, yeah, that and maybe it was the first time you came while saying my name."
Nikki: "Maybe you should stop giving examples."
Laughing, he reached between them, gently cupping her cheeks.
Gave: "I don't know the exact moment, but I know it happened. Maybe it was all at once. Maybe it was a slow thing. I don't know, but what I do know if that it's real. What I feel for you is not just lust - even though I feel a lot of that, don't get me wrong. It's deeper. It's heavier. It makes me think about things I never thought I would thing about again."
Nikki: "Like what?"
His gaze searched hers.
Gabe: "Like moving in together. Maybe getting a pet fish and then we'll go and adopt one of those dogs you work with. Small steps and then bigger ones. Like going out and finding the biggest, most obnoxious ring that still won't be big enough to put on your finger. Like starting a family, one with William and you, and maybe another kid or two."
She sucked in a soft gasp.
Gabe: "So, yeah, I love you, Nic. And if you don't love me anymore, I'm going to spend however long it takes making you fall in love with me again. And I have a lot of time on my hands. I'm a de Vincent. I get what -"
Nikki: "I love you, you idiot."
Nikki: "Oh my word. He looks like you, Gabe."
Gabe: "He does, doesn't he? He's going to be a little heartbreaker."
Nic laughed
Nikki: "Yes - yes, he is."
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