Gabriel McGraw's story started centuries ago. Then, he was known as Gabriel de Magnor. He was a knight of the realm, honor and justice being his way of life. But he overlooked something much more precious. He overlooked love. Gabriel's quest as a knight of honor cost him the only woman he loved Naomi.

Having been told that Gabriel was dead, Naomi took her own life rather than live without him. When Gabriel returned, his best friend Rolland told him what happened to Naomi and Gabriel wanted death to take him as well. That is, until an old fortuneteller comes to Gabriel and tells him that a woman he believes to be dead needed him.

Gabriel and his friend listened to what the old woman had to say. She tells Gabriel that the woman he loves knows no peace. Gabriel must find her and hear her confession so that she may find justice and her soul can find peace. Gabriel asked the old woman how; he didn't have centuries to live. With surprising speed the old woman strikes, biting both Gabriel and Rolland changing them forever.

Present day in Las Vegas Nevada:
Gabriel searched the crowd for Naomi; his old friend Rolland, now called Rollie, called and told him that Naomi was there. So Gabriel got a job working at the Excaliber Hotel and Casino. He did what he knew best, jousting on the field of honor for the audience.

When Kazmir Zanlos got away in D.C., he took Naomi with him. Zanlos' partner turned him into a bloodsucker and he bit Naomi to make her his slave. He needed her to help him escape. But Gabriel found her again and this time he wouldn't let her go.

Naomi Bright couldn't explain why she was drawn to the medieval show. Something just seemed so right there; safe, like it was a part of her. Naomi needed that comfort because she had no memory before now. Her nightmares showed her terrible things. Zanlos told Naomi that she'd had a nervous break down and her loss of memory was her brain's way of protecting her. Zanlos had taken care of Naomi and helped her, so why did she feel like he wasn't telling the whole truth? Naomi knows there is something not right about Zanlos and she can't shake the feeling that he some how controls her.

Naomi feels she knows Gabriel, that they shared a past, but in what way? Had they been lovers? Why did she feel that Gabriel could unlock her past? Just looking at the man made her dizzy and afraid, very afraid. Something was going on, but Naomi isn't sure. And who is Alex Cross, Zanlos' associate, who stayed well in the background? Why does he hide like a criminal?

This is the last book to date in Nancy Gideon's Midnight series and I hate to see it end. I hope that in the future she may continue this series, as I have truly enjoyed each and every story. Gabriel and Naomi's love story was everything I hoped it would be. Filled with passion and suspense that will satisfy all the reader's imagination. There are some very strong secondary characters like Roxanne; whom I'd love to see get her own book. Nancy Gideon is an award-winning author, who writes in many genres and in my humble opinion excels in her field. So be sure to get Midnight Crusader and find out how far Gabriel and Naomi are truly willing to go for love. I give Ms Gideon Five Hearts. Enjoy!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Diane T.
May 24, 2004