Welcome back to Smexybooks as we Countdown to 40 with a re read of Innocent in Death, #24 with my thoughts on pivotal scenes in the book. On Tuesday we discussed Part One-the moment from when Eve first meets Magdalena Percell and realizes that this old flame of Roarke’s meant more than he is letting on.
Today we are discussing Part Two-Summerset and his ever changing role in Eve’s life.
Part Two: Summerset and Eve
“She’s a dangerous woman, Lieutenant.”
“In what way?”
“She manipulates, she maneuvers. She enjoys the adventure of conflict. And she has power, as truly beautiful women usually do. In her case, it was well honed even a dozen years ago, and I don’t imagine it’s lost its edge.”
“No,” Eve murmured. “She’s got a punch.”
“And added to it, she has a strong intellect.”
“How long were they together?” When he said nothing, she looked back at him. “Don’t tap dance around this. How long?”
“A number of months. Nearly a year.”
[…]
“He tolerated a great deal from her during the time they were together. She enjoyed risks, both personal and professional. You’ve seen her, she has a light. He was attracted to it.”
“She’s smart,” Eve managed. “Educated and smart. I did a run on her.”
“Naturally. Yes, she was a very intelligent young woman.”
“He’d admire that. He’d like that, even over the physical, that would count.”
He hesitated a moment. Summerset had seen her take a hit, on full, right in this very room. But the words he had to say would do more damage.
“You can’t allow it.”
“I don’t allow Roarke. No one does.”
“You have influence, use it. She’s a blind spot for him, and always was.”
“All I can do is ask him straight out. I can’t fight with innuendoes and wiles.” The headache was grinding in her skull, and pain was twisting her gut. “The first are insulting to both parties, and I don’t have any of the second. Not on her level, that’s for fucking sure. In the end, it’s his choice. It always was. I’ve got work.”
Everyone who has read the series knows the antagonistic relationship between Eve and Roarke’s Majordomo-Lawrence Charles Summerset. Summerset has known Roarke since Roarke was a child and through the years has become a friend and parental figure to Roarke. He wears many hats and has never approved of Eve because of his dislike of the police and her general apathy for the lifestyle Roarke lives. We eventually learn his bias is based on his deceased daughter. He inadvertently blames Eve for being alive and having the life he wanted for his child. Yet as the series develops, we discover that the antagonism that plays out between them is now more of a game that allows Eve and Summerset to express their concern for one another without actually admitting to it. While Summerset may still not believe Eve was the right choice for Roarke socially, he does believe that her love for Roarke is absolute.
As we have already discovered, Magdelena is Eve’s kryptonite. Eve knows she will be trouble, and with Roarke not taking her feelings seriously, she is at a loss on how to handle the woman or her emotions. Amazing enough, the last person she would expect to be in her corner becomes her truest champion.
“You need your coat.” As she yanked at the door, Summerset draped it over her shoulders. “It’s very cold. Eve.” He spoke her given name quietly, and nearly shattered her last line of defense.
“Will you let her use you both this way?”
“I don’t know. I—”
Summerset was with Roarke during his relationship with Magdelena. He knows who she is and what she is. And more importantly…what she is capable of. He tries to give Eve the support she so desperately needs.
“She would be a sparkling accent on his arm. She speaks flawless French and Italian, and has a limitless supply of charm when she wishes to dispense it. And she’ll use him. She’ll take, take more. If it was necessary, or if she simply had the whim, she’d toss him to the wolves to see who’d win.”
He finished the whiskey. “You, Lieutenant, are often crude, you are certainly rude, and have very little sense of how to be the wife–in public–of a man in Roarke’s position. And you would do anything, no matter what the personal risk, to keep him from harm. She will never love him. You will never do anything but.”
Summerset doesn’t just try to help Eve, He also expresses his concerns to Roarke, trying to make him understand that his blindness concerning Magdalena is not only hurting Eve…but himself.
“Shall I bring you something to eat?” Summerset asked from the doorway.
“No.”
“No word from her, then?”
“No. And don’t you saddle your high horse and think to ride it here. I did nothing to cause this.”
The hurled ball of fury merely bounced off Summerset’s composure. “And nothing to prevent it.”
“Prevent what?” Roarke whirled. Here, at least, was a target for the rage. “My wife’s sudden turn into an unreasonable, jealous mass of moods?”
“Your wife’s astute reaction to the manipulations of a clever woman. Which you’d recognize if you weren’t so hellbent on being right.”
“Bollocks. There’s nothing astute about thinking I’d prefer Maggie over her. And manipulation be damned.”
“The video was well timed.”
“What the fuck does that mean?”
“Perfectly timed, perfectly executed,” Summerset said coolly. “She was always good.”
“Staged it, did she? For what possible purpose?”
“You’re here, alone, angry, worried about your wife, your marriage.” Summerset ignored the cat who skulked in to wind through his legs like a bloated ribbon. “I imagine the lieutenant is somewhere in exactly the same position. That, Roarke, is pinpoint accuracy.”
Though Eve and Summerset will never be the best of friends and will always dual with the sharpest of swords, Innocent in Death is a turning point in their relationship that allows them to lower their shields as they united in a common cause-Roarke.
I would love to hear what you think about Summerset and Eve’s relationship in Innocent of Death and the changes we have seen from the beginning of the series to now.
Be sure to come back and visit us on Friday when we will be discussing Part Three-Eve’s friends.
Giveaway time!
One random commenter will win all of the following:
· Limited edition galley of OBSESSION IN DEATH
· Mass market copy of NAKED IN DEATH
· Mass market copy of your chosen In Death title
· J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts branded mug
· Eve Dallas Roast ground coffee (1 lb)
· Eve Dallas bookmark
· Eve Dallas bullet necklace designed especially for Turn the Page Bookstore
· I Love Roarke T-shirt
We will choose a winner on Saturday. US shipping only. Leave a comment to enter.
One of my favorite scenes in the book was the following:
She stepped forward as if to pick up the fur she’d tossed over a chair. Smoothly, she turned to hand it to him. And with perfect timing, flung herself into his arms.
The sable fell as he took her shoulders to shove her back.
Eve stepped to the doorway to see Magdelana with her arms locked around Roarke’s neck, his hands on her bare shoulders–one of the ivory straps sliding to her elbow.
“Son of a bitch,” she said.
On cue, Magdelana spun around, her face full of passion and shock. “Oh, God. Oh…it’s not what it looks like.”
“Bet.” Eve strode in.
Actually, Roarke thought, it was more of a swagger. He had a moment to admire it, before Eve rammed her fist in his face.
“Fuck me.” His head snapped back, and he tasted blood.
Magdelana cried out, but even the deaf would have caught the suppressed laughter in the sound. “Roarke! Oh, my God, you’re bleeding. Please, let me just–”
“Don’t look now,” Eve said cheerfully. “But he’s not the only one.” She decked Magdelana with a straight-armed jab. “Bitch,” Eve added as Magdelana’s eyes rolled back and she fell, unconscious, to the floor.
Roarke looked down. “Well, now, fuck us all.”
I kind of wish Eve would have stomped Maggie’s ass a little harder. But she made her point.
I LOVED that scene. Eve finally acts like herself. :)
One of my favorites as well. Eve finally quit thinking and just reacted (as she should have!).
Fabulous scene!
BAM! I loved it that she smacked Roarke! Men are sometimes idiots! Eve and Summerset BOTH LOVE Roarke, and thus tolerate each other.
I love that scene too!!!!! Eve totally kicks ass. This is one of my favorite of the series.
The length of this series has enabled Robb develop Eve and Summerset in such a subtle way. In one of the books I recently read Summerset was on vacation and Eve was enjoying it. At the same time she was beginning things he did for her, I think one was having her car ready for her in the morning. Also as a reader I notice that some of Summersets reporting to Roarke about Eve’s condition when she enters the house is more about concern than a desire to tell on her.
Their love for Roarke is so much stronger than their they negative feelings toward each other and that is a bond that unites them when the chips are down.
I agree. Their “bitching” is now a way to express concern for one another without actually showing it. lol
This book packs a good punch, right in the heart. I often re-read my favorite parts
I re read the most out of all her books in this series. I just love the emotional punch of it.
This is a great series, precisely because of these characters and their relationships. In “Innocent” we got to see a very flawed Roarke–and we’re not used to seeing him make mistakes at all. I look forward to Friday’s installment. Eve has such a wonderful, kooky assortment of friends. Thanks for the post.
it’s been a while since I’ve read this book but I did enjoy it… mostly b/c of the Sommerset/Eve relationship… I loved how this brought them “closer” :) This is a fun recap!!
I have only just started reading the series but I am enjoying it and it is good to know that Eve and Summerset have a better relationship as the stories go on.
“Better relationship” is a relative term :-) It will never be close lovey dovey, but it is becoming closer to mutual respect.
This is exactly why I love this series and why this is one of my favorites books in it.
I need to start from the beginning and reread them all.
I absolutely love the back and forth between Eve and Summerset. The entire series is amazing, but the bickering between these two makes up some of the best scenes :)
Oh, they definitely care about one another. Neither wants to show it. And I agree, their scenes and snark are some of the best in the series.
I’ve really enjoyed the slow evolution of the relationship between Eve and Summerset. I think Vengeance marked the beginning of a gradual thaw on Summerset’s end, and Portrait in Death was another highlight for the relationship between the two. I thought his speech to Eve comparing her with Magdalena above was particularly impactful. I love how he supported Eve in his own way *and* included a defense of Eve and her reactions in his discussion with Roarke.
I’m now reading Festive in Death, and just last night I got through the scene where *start spoiler* Summerset agrees to wrap Eve’s presents in exchange for her participating in the preparations for their holiday party *end spoiler*.
I thought the scene really showed how the two have gotten to know each other and which the right buttons to push, at the right time.
Really eager to see how the relationship continues to evolve down the road.
Please count me in too. I’ve heard so much about this series.
I’ve read most of Nora Roberts books over the last 15 years, but didn’t start the In Death series til last year. I’m almost finished with ‘New York to Dallas’. This newest title is perfect because I am obsessed with this series! It is a problem tho because when I start one of the books I have a terrible time putting it down and my other tasks just don’t get done! Thanks heavens for Trader Joe’s frozen food for when I loose track of time and don’t get dinner started in time! I have a feeling once I catch up thru all the published books I’ll start over at the beginning.
haven’t read this series yet
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I must say, I adore this series. The heroes, the villains, even the side characters are fascinating.
And the killer in this book? Fantastic. Bloodless. I loved it.
Spoilers below.
I love the way Summerset and Eve are there for each other, whether they want to be or not. They swipe, snipe, and snarl, but when it comes down to it, she’ll take a hit intended for him, and he’ll try to tend to her when she needs it (whether she likes it or not). And both of them love Roarke, which adds to that bond. Not quite a love/hate relationship, but rather a sort of grudging respect/irritation relationship as the series progresses.
Love the series eve and flake
are so great together and I love the scenes with the cat
What I love about this series is that Eve’s relationship with Roarke and her friends aren’t muted. They play a major role in Eve’s evolution and the series doesn’t have that ‘mystery of the week’ feel to it.
To me, this is one of the most emotion-packed and therefore satisfying of the In Death series.
I am a few books in this series and I love everything about this series!
Especially Roarke!
Eve and Summerset have learned many things about each other and stand together on Roarke. They love their games of who gets point on who but when the chips are down, they are family. This is the best series I have read and I have reread it a few times. Eve, Roarke and Summerset all had bad pasts that help them understand each other and form a link that holds them together. Thanks for this great review of the best of Innocent In Death.
I really love how Summerset and Eve are on the same page in this one. I think Summerset really sees how much Eve loves Roarke throughout the whole series, but this is where he really acknowledges it.
You couldn’t have picked better quotes–this is my next re-read. It was scary to me to read this book: there were still so many depths to Roarke’s past–Robb is such a skilled writer she really takes you into Eve’s pain.
I had to reread this after seeing the comments. Earlier. Loved it!
I like to think of their relationship as evolving, somewhat like Eve and Roarke. She and he are really together in loving Roarke, so they just pick at each other for fun and games.
just found this website. your thoughts on the books are very insightful. I will be back to check out more. Thank you.
I love how through the series Somerset and Eve have had their relationship evolve and change. They may not acknowledge it fully, but the shared love of Roarke will always be their bond.
We get to see a very exposed, personal part of Eve in this book. How is she supposed to solve a murder, when there is a very real threat at home? You know she’s in major trouble when Summerset is trying to help her!
I look at the development of their relationship as being like that of in laws. After all, Summerset is Roarke’s father in every way but blood, much like Feeney is Eve’s, so it is having to get to know your in laws and build up your respect (or in some cases tolerance).she respects him and he respects her, but with their history and iron wills or stubbornness they cannot show a softening.
Roarke comes across as a smart, savvy business man who is always on top of everything. He always has Eve’s number. So it was really interesting to see him actually have a blind spot. I really enjoyed this book because it kinda flipped the script.
I absolutely adore the bits between Summerset and Eve. Especially the line about how Eve could never do anything BUT love Roarke.
And I really do love when Eve punched “Maggie”….and his (Summerset)’s remark that he thought it would be inappropriate to applaud. LOL
Later on in the series I think its rather an open secret between Eve, Summerset and Roarke that Eve’s and Summerset’s sniping war is more of a game than reality.
This is one of my favorite books in the series. The evolution of Summerset and Eve’s relationship and the fact the Roarke has a weakness that threatens their marriage makes for a very dynamic read. Absolutely love this series!
This is my favorite series of books and my favorite writer. I have read and reread the series from the beginning and am currently reading my way through them all again in anticipation of number 40.
This book broke my heart a little bit. Seeing the normally superconfident and strong Eve hurt and insecure and the always perfect Roarke being, well, a MAN about it all (blind, insulted, incredulous) was actually physically painful to me. Summerset steps in and mediates and says exactly what he should and that is astonishing, too. The last scene where Eve decks both Roarke and that manipulative witch was extremely satisfying. I especially love how Mavis notices how she “cheats” to the camera, pointing out the set up. Awesome! Or as Mavis would say “Frosty”!
When I started reading the series, I didn’t read the books in order. This was one of the first I read. I was drawn in both by Maggie and by the “bad seed” in Rayleen.
This book shows how far Eve and Summerset have come in the series. I like their bantering back and forth. It adds spice to the series. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
I loved this whole book. Usually when I re-read a book I will just read the points that held my interest, but when I re-read this book I read the whole thing from beginning to end! I loved her Summerset finally showed he cared for Eve and her marriage to Roarke. He knows she is the only woman for him, even if she isn’t Marlena.
Love Eve and Roarke!
I reread the book this week! Had tears several times in the first half. Eve and Summerset relationship has grown so much as have the other characters. Eve may not realize it yet but Summerset is another father like figure for her. The twist in the book keeps you guessing. I really like how Eve gets the confession.
Their back and forth banner, brings spice to the books. They really care for one another. It’s their way of showing affection, deep down. They both love Roark.
Love the “In Death” series! I wish “Eve, Roarke and the whole gang” were my next door neighbors! Never a dull moment in that neighborhood.
This is one of my faves. You really see that Summerset really does care for Eve and Roarke’s relationship. And as much animosity as he and Eve have he really cares for her.
Such a great series of books, can’t wait for #40. Funny, sexy and murder the perfect combo.
I think the little song and dance Summerset and Eve do is just an act. We’ve see Eve go to the wall for Summerset. In this book we see him stand for her. I bet eventually they will become friends
I found this series about 1 1/2 years ago and it has become one of my favorites. I really love how I don’t have to wait long before the next book in the series is available. “Innocent in Death” was a hard book to read because of the killer and the conflict over Maggie, but the faith that their friends had in Roarke’s love for Eve was great to see. And it was even better to see Summerset acknowledge to Eve how she was good for Roarke.
I have always viewed Innocent in Death as proof that Roarke is, deep down, a typical guy. He has so much control, of both himself and nearly every situation he puts himself into, but in this book he’s lost a great deal of that control. Roarke doesn’t see that either, he is only slightly aware that his life has spiraled out of hand.
Love, Love, Love Eve & Roarke, and Peabody, McNab, Mavis, Mira, etc., etc., etc… This is the best series I’ve ever read. Impatiently waiting for #40
Fantastic! The JD Robb series brought me back to reading – this gives great insight into the caliber of writing that drew me in from the first book.
I can’t imagine many women have this sort of relationship with (for all intents and purposes) their fathers-in-law. But, Eve isn’t many women. I love reading their verbal sparring and how they each do things just to piss the other one off – all in good fun, of course.
This relationship is just one of the reasons I love the In Death series so much. With so many other similar series, the authors’ full attentions are on the love relationship. These other relationships give depth and reality to In Death.
On another note, I would geek out over just the I Love Roarke t-shirt ;) Thank you so much for offering this giveaway! And could you tell me where I can get the t-shirt in case I’m not the lucky winner? eBay? Amazon? I NEED this shirt!
I don’t know if the shirt itself will be mass marketed but I do know that you can find I <3 Roarke stuff on Cafe Press and Zazzle. You could probably make your own, to. :P
Some time ago Laura, from Nora’s fall into the story blog, asked what were our 5 favorite In Death books! This one is always on my favorite list! My favorite part is {{spoiler coming}} when Eve tells and shows Roarke what Mavis showed her about how Magdelana had staged the scene with Roarke! When Roarke FINALY got it! Wonderful vindication for Eve!
Love this series, and can’t wait to dive deeper into the Roarke & Eve story. It is so wonderful to enjoy a great plot, unexpected twists, and get to know more about the characters with each new book.
When I read this part I said to myself, well not really to myself, “finally”. I was waiting for the real Eve Dallas to show up. Made my heart sing! That bitch thought she could just step in and take Roarke? I don’t think so!
I R eally enjoyed this book because it showed the close relationship between Roarke and Eve. It was a rough lesson for both, especially Aroarke until he figured out that he figured out that he was being used.
i enjoy watching this relationship evolve. It was a nice surprise to see the non-combative exchange between them on Christmas Eve in Festive In Death.
When we first see Eve and Summerset together, it’s very obvious he believes that Roarke is making a terrible mistake, and that Eve is untrustworthy and even possibly a gold digger. What I love about Innocent in Death is that we see how much his feelings toward Eve have changed. There have been small hints up to this point, but this book gives us a better picture. Even though there is still some verbal sparring, after this point it is better understood that they both see it as a comfortable part of their home, their family. Summerset usually follows this sparring with an aside to Roarke or the cat about how Eve needs sleep, food, to blow off steam, or just some company. There is tenderness behind the dueling now.
A lot of my favorite scenes in Innocent in Death have already been discussed in the comments. One of my favorites is when Eve goes to Mavis. After Belle is taken from the room, Mavis turns to Eve and wonders why she hasn’t heard that a certain blonde b**ch has been found floating in the river (or something to that effect. This is one that I don’t currently own). Mavis, the sometimes flighty and definitely unique best friend, is very straightforward in this conversation. She calls Eve on the pity party, fiercely denies that there is any chance that Roarke still wants Magdalena, and points out where Eve is playing the victim. I believe that this is the turning point in Eve’s reaction to the situation, and you can see her strengthen her resolve to fight for her marriage.
I love this series, and have a standing request to my husband and our kids that I receive an In Death book for all birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries! The depth of the characters and relationships, how they evolve and grow, and even the cases and the investigative processes are addictive reading for me.
I have been addicted to this series since I first read the book in the middle of the series, Salvation in Death. I had to go back and read Naked in Death and then read them in order. I now have them all and find the characters interesting, the plots captivating. I can hardly wait for the next book to find out what happens. I feel like the characters are old friends now!
Love the In Death series. I’ve re-read the entire series start to current several times. Never tire of it. And I always find something I missed on the last re-read. This is my “go to” series.
This is one of my favorite books! I love the emotional punch! Eve really gets to be herself and show emotion and even fear over her feelings!
I have reread all of the books in this series several times!
I appreciate your choice of passages here in “Innocent in Death” and the cogent analysis of how pivotal this book in the development of the relationship between Eve and Summerset. There is now not just mutual respect, but full appreciation. We see Summerset has grown to wish to protect her as much as he would have his own daughter. I have read J D Robb’s series since the first book & have enjoyed the growth of their family.
Rereading the series again….Eve, Roarke and the rest feel like good friends
I am obsessed with the In Death Series and can’t wait to catch-up with newest release!
I love when Eve gets really disappointed in herself when her insults aren’t up to snuff. Haha. And I love when we get to hear what Summerset says to Galahad when Eve walks away.
Always enjoy when Somerset and Eve lock horns.
Love these books and can’t wait for the new one
Your review and the selection of passages is spot-on. Anyone reading the first book in the series and then this one would have no understanding of how the relationship between Summerset and Eve had progressed to the stage explored in this book. In the series as in real life, time and events and understanding all contribute to how the relationship grows and changes with time. It is the quiet evolution of that relationship that highlights Nora’s brilliance in character and relationship development in her writing. I really do consider it a privilege to be in her audience.
I have always been entertained with the dynamics of Eve and Summerset. There are several turning points over the yrs that show the slow compassion into their relationship. In this one I think both are shocked to realize they agree and are on one side together instead of butting heads. Cant wait for the next one.
Thank you so much for writing such amazing characters and stories.
I remember the first time I read this book and could feel Eve’s feelings of betrayal, of Summerset’s worries, of Roarke’s indignation that Eve could ever question what he feels for her. The scene where Summerset calls her “Eve” was poignant and chock full of emotions. Magdalena was seemingly everything that Summerset would want for Roarke–but he does understand what Eve brings to the relationship. To finally acknowledge this truth out loud to Eve was brave–it did shift their relationship, even more than when she took the stream for him. I think that this made their relationship stronger although never non-combative. I am waiting with great anticipation for the next installment in the series.
I really like this series but am late starting them and I have only read the 1st 12 books so far. I read one every every month or so and there are so many that it will probably take a while to read them all but I am working my way through them.
Summerset & Eve snarling at each other are some of my favorite parts of the ones I have read.
Innocent continues to be my favorite book…followed closely by Naked. Can you believe that Summerset has finally accepted Eve as a good choice for Roarke. It’s about time. Too bad it has to come at a moment where Roarke is acting like a jerk and Eve is confused herself. I love that whole scene where Summerset tells Eve about Roarke’s time with Magdelena…but mostly I love when he tells her….
“And you would do anything, no matter what the person risk, to keep him from harm. She will never love him. You will never do anything but”
i love the relationship between Eve and Sommerset more and more as the series goes on. His gruff yet total devotion to Roark and to any he sees as in need is shared by Eve. It is fun to see them reluctantly work in tandem and still maintain the show of antagonism. Great interplay.
there was a definite change in their relationship after Eve saved Summerset but this book really put it out there that he realized Eve was what Roarke needed and he wanted Roarke to have what Roarke needed which was an unselfish partner who would always have Roarke’s best interest at heart. I love this change in their relationship
“In Death” is my favorite book series.
I have loved this series from the get-go. I anxiously wait for each new installment. I am in awe of J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts! Her enormous talent is amazing. Her characters are so real they become friends and family to me. May she write forever!
This is one of my favorites because of the relationships they now have. I am rereading from the start and seeing the changes again is wonderful. You see the love growing.
I have not read any of the excerpts as I want to be surprised when I read it. I love Nora/JD and always will. She takes me to places I want to visit, and shows me friends I would love to meet.
This book brought so much emotions. I love Nora’s style.
I’m on pins and needles waiting for Tuesday so I can get my copy of the new book. I have them all in paper form, so this one must be the same. I am a huge Nora/JD fan, with many Nora titles on my Kindle, but for the In Death series, no can do.
Thanks everyone so much for the giveaway.
Love the series!
This was absolutely one of my favorite books in the series. You could tell that Eve was worried about losing Roarke to Maggie.. and that she had NO idea how to get him to understand what she was feeling. Roarke’s blind spot for Magdelena was what pushed Eve away, and the support from Summerset really helped Eve in this book understand how much Roarke’s past really shaped him.
This was one of the best in the series in my opinion. But, like everything with J.D. Robb, I’m totally biased. ;)
Summerset and Eve stand together for Roarke in their unique way. I loved Summerset scolding Roarke for not believing in Eve over Magdalena. I think of Summerset as the father both Evae and Roark need to balance their life.
This is one of my favorite books in the series! I ‘ve worn the spine down, I’ve read it so much :)
Eve goes through what every woman has. I loved her punching both Roarkes and Magdelena. And her relationship with Somerset grows stronger every book. She is a daughter in law. And he gets it
i love this series. Each one has its own unique issues and cases. Nothing is ever repeated and the character growth is very smooth. Can’t wait til obsession is out!!!
I loved that Eve socked them both! Roarke should have let her behind hit the floor, LOL…
Summerset & Eve’s relationship actually started to change in Vengeance In Death when she worked so hard to clear him of murder charges. The change was helped along even more when she was injured AND took a hit from a stunner to protect Summerset from a killer. Innocent just reinforces the change in their relationship and we see that Roarke is so important to both of them that they will join forces to protect Roarke from his own blindness. I love the snarky comments between Eve & Summerset, but I can also see the caring between them.
Eve and Summerset have come to respect each other, and dare I say, even a love for each other. The violence in all of their lives are paramount to who they have become. Summerset wanted -at least in my estimation – a woman of quiet elegance and a peaceful spirit. The son of his heart brings home anyone but. Eve had never wanted the walls to come down let alone see beyond the walls of Summerset. Relationships can kill and destroy or give life and growth. Sometimes love is illusive and tangled. When it open and true there is nothing but life and light. Carry on my In Death family. You have enriched my life. Thank you.
I love all the books and i love the evolving relationship between eve and summerset. This book is a favorite of mine between the interesting case and how Eve had to convince everyone who the killer is and the interpersonal relationships.
I loved this scene beyond compare! The villain was one of the creepiest ever in the series.
Loved this book, the twists and turns of the murder case, the concern Summerset shows to Eve, and I love the part where Eve punches both of them and then says “You’re going to want to get that mess out of my house” I think this is the first time she’s actually thought of it as her home, without any doubts.
I thought it was interesting how Roake, usually so perceptive, completely missed the machinations of Magdelena and I was fascinated by the ultimate response — barring her from any of his businesses or enterprises. Summerset, I think, realizes that Eve’s love for Roarke is over whelming and I think it is here where he begins to use the subtle persuasions you see in other books to have her participate in parties and events. He is helping her grow in her role as Roark’s helper as much as Roark helps her.
I thought Sommerset showed Eve how much he cares in this book by actually stating his opinion and of course, when he said he wanted to applaud after the punches made me smile. His feelings continue to show in each book in subtle ways. I’d love the “I Love Roarke” t-shirt as I’m sure many others would too. Fantastic series and since I’m reading the series I borrowed from someone else from beginning to end and anxiously waiting for the new one on the 10th, I will be shopping to complete the collection so I can read it over and over again. Can’t seem to put the books down!! Keep it up Nora. Your writing in fabulous.
This series has provided me numerous hours of pleasure and I love your books. The best relationship in the series is Eve and Summerset. You set the irony and humor perfectly!
Eve and Summerset both have clear insights into each other and the man they both love. This scene and the one where Summerset breaks his leg and has the fight with Roarke are key defining moments in this series showcasing their understanding of one another underneath the snark comments both love to make to one another. After Eve tells Summerset that she understands that Summerset hoped that Roarke would have married his daughter, but that she (EVE) could never be that person you have real growth in their relationship.
So excited about #40- I have read each and every one!
The scene between Summerset and Eve is wonderful and shows how the relationship between them has evolved over time. I love where Eve decks Magdelena and slugs Roake…he is really dense about the whole situation which is unusual for him. But they work it out in the end and stronger for it.
In all the books She brings all the characters to life so much it is like you are right there with them. That is why I enjoy re-reading all the In Death series over and over. and I anticipate reading the next one to see what the next adventure for them is.
I have read and reread every book in this series. After about 5 books I go back to the beginning and start over. The characters in the Death books are so vividly drawn, and we learn more about them in every story. I truly hope JD Robb never stops writing this series.
I loved these scenes!
this was one of my favorite books! The emotion involved, the conflict, and Summerser pulling his daddy card!
Eve and Sumersets relationship is fascinating to me because alrhough they have far from complementary personalities, they both fit the archetype of a protector…particularly toward Roarke. I think that’s why they have such a complex communication dynamic because often their motives overlap but they would never outright admit it.
I love the fact that this proves that Eve can be jealous. She always blew off the other women, but this one got through her skin. And I like that Nora didn’t resolve it right away with Roarke immediently going, yeah, you’re right. That he had the blinders on to Maggie. And that Eve saw the threat so quickly proves how good she is.
I love how the relationship with Summerset has evolved through the series. But this book is the real turn around to me. The fact that he supports Eve through this was great!
Its hard to comment on ‘Innocent in Death’ when it is so far in the past and they have come along way…I agree Summerset and Eve will always have and enjoy a tenuous relationship. In this book they really come together as much as they can in Roark’s best interest which is usually the case with them as we see in later books. They may never openly have a normal friendly relationship but are respecting each other as the years go by. It is so much fun to watch them evolve
Loved that scene as well. I think I am going to re-read this one now. I love how Summerset and Eve dance around each other. In one of the later books, Summerset gets involved with someone, and that was fun to see too. But sad when it was just a scam.