Christian Durand has trained as a mercenary under his father for years. He has his own team of men but everyone fears his father and his rage. When he disobeys an order, his father prepares to whip one of his men. Christian volunteers to take the beating instead. As he lays recovering, he is visited by the specter of a woman who offers comfort. Christian fears he has lost his reason but Grace is able to convince him otherwise.

Grace Campbell has experience with abusive fathers. Her father hits her after seeing her kiss her date. She falls and hits her head. One moment she is living in 1950 and then she finds herself visiting with an angel. The angel sends her back to 1460 to save Christian from a choice he will make. Now, she has to do what she can to save his life as they battle extraordinary odds.

They are hired by an unusual woman who makes it obvious to Christian that she would welcome his company as more than just as an escort as she travels to Italy. What they learn as she travels is that Nim Wei is not an ordinary human. She has powers which amaze, and her ability to confuse the men she invites to her bed is astounding.

As a big fan of Emma Holly's upyr novels, I was really looking forward to DEVIL AT MIDNIGHT. The characters are strong and the storyline is inventive. The book pushed modern attitudes into an era not known for its tolerance. Usually, I find myself enthralled while reading a Holly book. With this one, I was perplexed with much of the story and disappointed by the brutality of the book.