Customer Reviews

Midnight Kiss: Midnight Confessions\Midnight Surrender\Midnight Assignment

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

MIDNIGHT KISSES is a collection of 3 short romantic stories surrounding the traditional kiss at midnight on New Year's Eve. I haven't always been a fan of short stories nor have I been a big fan of anthologies. I'm starting to understand the benefit of being able to sample a few different authors before spending larger amounts of money on them. After reading MIDNIGHT KISSES, I am already looking forward to reading more things written by Victoria Dahl.

*****
MIDNIGHT CONFESSIONS by Robyn Carr (96 pages)
2 Stars -- Too much Baggage

Sunny Archer is anything but sunny after she was left at the alter on New Year's Eve. She's been good and mad for a year now and wants to celebrate the anniversary of her biggest humiliation by herself. Unfortunately for her, her uncle and aunt have other ideas and drag her to the local bar for a New Year's Eve Party. There, she meets Drew who is smitten at first glance. Having sworn off men completely, Sunny brushes off Drew's attempts at friendliness. Drew perseveres and finally gets Sunny to thaw her frozen heart a bit to enjoy a fun New Year's Eve full of possibilities.

This story was dragged down by all the heavy baggage carried around by both Sunny and Drew. Instead of reading about a new romantic relationship developing between Sunny and Drew, we were treated to endless discussion and reflections on both of their failed relationships because Drew also has had his brush with a harsh break up with a fiancée. The entire story was about Sunny coming to terms (Finally after a year!) of being left holding the bouquet in a Vera Wang dress and no groom. We also got to hear all about Drew's less-than-stellar failed relationship and all his high-and-mighty wisdom he's learned from the ordeal. But really? Who shares all the details of their past relationships on their first date? Very little was spent on 2 new people coming together. There were a few moments of potential. However, when they finally get their stuff together, it ends.

Another problem I had with this story is that it felt like the author spent a great deal of time recapping the lives of all the townsfolk. It felt as if this were some filler for a series and she spent pages and pages recapping who's in love with whom and what so-and-so is doing. These people had no relevance to the present story, so why was it important? After doing a quick search, sure enough, these characters are all part of her Virgin River Series. I don't feel the need to read any of them now because I just got the huge recap on all her novels, and I wasn't even entertained by what story she did present here.

*****
MIDNIGHT SURRENDER by Jean Brashear (107 pages)
3 Stars -- Enjoyable but predictable

Jordan Parrish is a lawyer who loves to party and enjoys her reputation as a man-eater. She uses men like tissues and wants to be a bachelorette forever. To say she has commitment issues would be saying it lightly. Her well-meaning friend attempts to set her up with her husband's co-worker, Will Masterson. They don't quite hit it off while sitting next to each other at Thanksgiving dinner, but Will is bound and determined to get under her skin and show her she is worthy to be loved.

This is the kind of story that would have best benefited by more page time. Because it was a short story, things that could have been more developed were just left as romantic stereotypes and clichés. I never really felt connected to the main character Jordan. The development and change of her feelings and thoughts were only lightly covered making the ending a very dramatic change to what was previously established as her character. I did enjoy watching Will go about seducing this self-proclaimed man-eater. The story was enjoyable enough, just not anything to really set it apart.

*****
MIDNIGHT ASSIGNMENT by Victoria Dahl (95 pages)
4-1/2 Stars -- Stellar

Noah James and Elise Watson are stuck on a job together again. Neither are excited about it, but not because they don't like each other. Two years ago, they kissed while working together and things went to pieces. Noah even took a job transfer to get away. But today finds them on the same job over the Holidays. Even as they both attempt to avoid the other, they end up reconnecting and sparks fly.

This one was my favorite. I loved Noah and Elise! I loved that these two have a history. They already know each other. Their relationship has been in the making for years and has finally come to a head. They have things to sort out, and it was great watching them work through it all. I really liked that they actually talk about other things besides their feelings--the author takes the time to show them actually working together and with others. Also, Noah and Elise talk to others about things besides relationships. It added a level of believability that several other romantic stories lack. I loved uncovering their past and seeing how it would effect their future. We weren't thrown into pages and pages of flashbacks, but were filled in a bit at a time when necessary. It was beautifully done. The passion between them was hot and the ending sweet and believable. I wish this story was longer so I could have more time with Noah and Elise. I had never read anything by Victoria Dahl before and I'm eager to pick up another one of her stories.

*ARC provided by NetGalley*

Robyn Carr - Midnight Confessions

Obviously the big name author of the anthology and unfortunately she contributes a poor story to lead the book. One year to the date (December 31st) Sunny Archer was left at the alter in a Vera Wang wedding dress. She has spent the past year in a rage against all men, life and love in general. There is no aspect of her life that has not been affected over the past year from her trauma, her work has suffered (a photographer specializing in weddings etc), her friendships have suffered because she`s turned into a raging shrew, and her outlook on life has suffered. She has come to her Uncle Nate's house over the holidays to sulk in peace. Drew (brother to Marci and Erin of previous Virgin River books) has somehow managed to get a chunk of time off from his job as a Junior Surgical Resident at a major hospital, and has come to Virgin River for some quiet so he can study in peace. On New Year's Eve he decides to take a small break, and heads into Jack Sheridan's bar for a beer - where he meets Sunny.

I found this story to be quite typical of much of Carr's writing where an idealized man (kind, caring, thoughtful, giving, understanding, intelligent and of course handsome) is paired up with a woman who I frankly have a hard time relating to. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it is traumatic to have your wedding plans run awry such as what happened to Sunny - but this entire story is basically her grabbing onto poor Drew and spending his entire New Year's Eve night analyzing everything that went wrong in her past relationship. And he lets her. For HOURS. Realistically it is very hard to imagine any sane man not faking an emergency text message or something to get away from her. I'm not sure who I felt more sorry for, fictional Drew having to spend his ONE NIGHT OFF IN GOD KNOWS HOW LONG listening to Sunny moan about her Ex, or me for the hour or so it took me to read it. Like a true Virgin River champ though, Drew not only puts up with the whackadoodle woman, he thinks she's adorable.

Given that about 80% of this book is an analysis of failed relationships, 10% is trotting out past Virgin River people and passing their kids and babies around for admiration, and maybe 10% actually deals with a possible relationship between Sunny and Drew, the story is just kind of a downer. Two stars at best.

Oh - and does anybody know? What is up with the title of this thing? Exactly what was confessed?

Jean Brashear - Midnight Surrender

This is a new to me author and to be honest I'm not even sure how to feel about this story. An extremely stereotypical lean and mean career woman, Jordan Parrish, is teamed up with Will Masterson, a carpenter who hails from Ireland and is looking for a round (ie plump) woman skilled in homemaking and child rearing to live with him in his fixer upper home and raise his future brood of children. He'd like Jordan's friend Marly, but unfortunately that woman is already married with 5 kids of her own. So Will is on the hunt for something similar. Instead, he finds himself drawn to the anti-Marly (Jordan). Jordan likes to spend her days and nights fighting in court as a lawyer, "man eating" and healing the hurts of her past with meaningless sex. Will likes to work in his wood shop and nurture stray animals. A true case of opposites attract, to say the least.

The story actually would have been okay enough, in that Brashear at least doesn't slap poor Jordan with a total personality change in order to make her suitable for Will. It was just reading it I started to get a really creepy feeling about Will and his stated goal of "gentling" Jordan to be more suitable to his life. I'm not sure exactly what all that "gentling" meant - but he seemed to think of himself as the Horse Whisperer of females. That's the way he described it, but to me it seemed like a whole lot of sexually exciting her and then walking away and leaving her frustrated.

The ending is a bit of a redemption of the personality flaws of both characters as they come to terms with each other. I'll give it three stars. I have a feeling that this type of story does have an appreciative audience who will enjoy it - just not my cup of tea.

Victoria Dahl - Midnight Assignment

I am a huge, huge fan of Dahl's Tumble Creek series and I'm happy to report that she did not disappoint me here with the final story.

Noah James and Elise Watson, both Federal Government employees, find themselves together in Omaha Nebraska in order to oversee the takeover of a small failed bank. The characters have a steamy past, as two years ago they shared a smoking hot kiss in a hotel hallway while on a similar assignment. At that time however Noah had to put a stop to the kiss, as he needed to end a relationship before he could morally pursue his interest in Elise. Unfortunately, mis-communication and insecurities between the two sabotaged any hopes they had of developing a relationship at that time.

Coming together is a struggle for these two, as they deal with missed communications, insecurities, having to negotiate the balance of work and personal relationships and the stress and fatigue that is inherent of their current assignment. Elise is the boss on the job and she has a very hard time disagreeing with Noah in that capacity, and then relating to him as a lover or a friend in the off hours. Elise fears that a relationship with Noah will harm her professionally, and in trying to safeguard against that she callously damages Noah's reputation.

The reader is never left with any question as to the chemistry between the two characters, although both Noah and Elise feel so vulnerable and exposed they have a hard time connecting and admitting their attraction.

I'll give this one 5 stars and note that I consider Victoria Dahl to be a rising star in her ability to write exciting believable characters and story lines that travel beyond the stereotypical. I hope to see more from her soon.

Sweet New Years Eve story involving Drew Foley (Erin and Marcie's younger brother) and Sunny Archer (Nate Jensen's niece). His fiancée called off their engagement a year ago and her fiancé was a no-show on their wedding day. Drew seems to have adjusted and moved on; Sunny is still bitter. Drew is instantly attracted; Sunny gives him the cold shoulder. Before midnight arrives, they are sharing their truths about the busted relationships and find warmth in each other.

I only read Robyn Carr's Midnight Confessions. I liked both characters but the story was too brief to capture the charm of this series. Hopefully, we will see these two in a more substantive storyline in the future.

I'm giving this one 3 stars just for Victoria Dahl's contribution.

"Midnight Confessions" by Robyn Carr

In quiet Virgin River, Drew and Sunny find themselves two of the few single, young folks at a New Year's Eve celebration. Drew is instantly drawn to Sunny, but she is still suffering from the pain and humiliation of being dumped at the alter a year ago to the day.

Ugh. This one was no fun. Mediocre writing, lame characters, blah blah blah. I wasn't moved by Drew at all, and I disliked Sunny. She lets him carry her on his back through the snow rather than breaking the heels off her expensive shoes so she can walk on her own? Negative points for both idiots. The story was also peppered with snippets of backstory on pretty much e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. else we meet. These unnecessary bite sized facts plunked down before us only detracted from Drew and Sunny's story.

"Midnight Surrender" by Jean Brashear

When nice guy Will Masterson meets Jordan Parrish, a man-eating lawyer with commitment and self esteem issues, he knows she's as far from his dream woman as she can get. Too bad his heart isn't listening to his head.

This one had a bit of heat and was better than "Confessions" but still no fine feat, in my opinion. The biggest problem was Jordan. Brashear put a lot of work into making her a prickly, cranky jerk, and not enough work into making her sympathetic or likable. Will was OK but didn't get my heart pumping. I'm definitely not looking for just "OK" in a hero. An unresolved subplot involving two supporting characters didn't really contribute and felt more like a bid for the reader to pick up Brashear's next book to see what happens.

"Midnight Assignment" by Victoria Dahl

Federal agents Elise Watson and Noah James have been thrown together again on a difficult work assignment - the takeover of a small failing bank over the New Year's Eve holiday. Elise and Noah have a history - a heated kiss shared two years ago, and a fierce but secret attraction on both of their parts, tangled by miscommunications and fears.

This was a great little piece of work by Dahl. Noah and Elise really felt alive. They were imperfect, but relatable and very likable. As a reader I was definitely invested in them. "Assignment" was well-paced, well-constructed, and just well-written. The ending really grabbed and held on, made the reader feel each plumet and swell of the characters' hearts, and brought the fierce satisfaction of the story's conclusion to life.

I am never let down when it comes to Robyn Carr. She captivated me with this Virgin River Series. I am so happy that I stumbled across this series. Love it!

"Midnight Confessions" by Robyn Carr

Sunny Archer was left at the altar on New Year's Eve exactly one year ago tonight. She's not in the mood for celebrating but her Uncle Nate is insistent on heading to the local bar. Sunny's New Year's resolution is to give up men but that may not be as simple as it seems when Dr. Drew Foley walks into Jack's bar.

Robyn Carr visits her Virgin River series in "Midnight Confessions". Sunny and Drew share an intense evening that sheds light on their past relationships. Sunny's heartbreak is palpable and Drew is just the man to get her out of her funk. How can you not adore this guy? He is irresistible and the way he is with Sunny had a smile stretching from ear to ear. "Midnight Confessions" is full of revelations and love.

"Midnight Surrender" by Jean Brashear

Jordan Parrish is often referred to as a man-eater. She is the only single person left in her group of friends and she is not eager to settle down anytime soon. Jordan is a lawyer who likes to prowl the club scene looking for Mr. Right Now, definitely not Mr. Forever. Will Masterson thinks he is the perfect man to challenge this man-eater. He can't imagine why but he wants to see what is behind Jordan's man-eater façade. If he can break down this vixen's walls they may find more than they could ever imagine.

"Midnight Surrender" is a fantastic love story! Will absolutely takes my breath away! I believe I am in love! Jordan and Will's mating dance around each other is brilliant. She is so reluctant to have a relationship and he is so certain that is exactly what she needs. I loved his alpha male attitude. Seeing him put Jordan, a totally in control lawyer in her place was hysterical. Jean Brashear has given us a sweet romance that I for one will be reading again and again.

"Midnight Assignment" by Victoria Dahl

Two years ago, a kiss rocked Elise Watson and Noah James' world, but a misunderstanding left them both heading in different directions. Now, thrown together once again on a case, they are both having problems forgetting that kiss. Noah throws caution to the wind and finally makes his move on the beautiful Elise. Can these two admit their feelings for each other or will they allow their misunderstandings to separate them once again?

"Midnight Assignment" is one sexy story. Elise and Noah have enough chemistry to start a fire. Considering their flame has been simmering for two years you can imagine the explosion of sexual tension when these two are together. Victoria Dahl has created an arousing story about two FDIC agents. I would not have thought that profession could be interesting but it is.

Midnight Kiss is a superb holiday romance sweet and spicy at the same time. The women are strong and independent while the men are sexy and stubborn. The romance drips from the pages like your favorite chocolate syrup you can't wait to get more of. Midnight Kiss combines three talented authors who share amazing beautiful stories that are guaranteed to leave you supremely happy.


Miranda
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I requested this book from netgalley because I love Victoria Dahl. She is hilarious and it's never wrong to try some new to me authors. So I grabbed this chance and I yep it was a win. All three stories in this anthology are about this special moment when the new year starts with a big bang.

Midnight Confessions by Robyn Carr
That was my first glimpse into Ms Carr's writing and I have to admit I expected a bit more. We meet a rather depressed and pessimistic heroine. Sunny is nothing like her name. She suffers from a bad breakup- one where you are the only one in front of the altar. I know that is bad and it probably makes you see the world with different eyes but it didn't hep me like the heroine. She was just too negative for my taste. Drew is a medical resident who also had a bad break-up but he handles it way better than Sunny. The whole story is more about him "healing" her. He tells her how he sees life and how he went on after the end of his last relationship. I would have loved to actually read more about these two and how their love developed. This story had too much baggage for my taste. The writing was great but the smex was missing. Yes I can be greedy.

Midnight Surrender by Jean Brashear
I never read Ms Brashear either but I'm 100% sure I want to do exactly that. Her writing caught my attention from the start, her voice is wonderful and her characters so much fun. Our heroine Jordon is a man-eater- she lives a free and independent life. She's an attorney and stands on her own feet. When she wants something. especially a man, she grabs one and pushes him away when she has enough. I actually like her even though she was annoying from time to time. Our hero Will is an Irish hunk who searches for the perfect woman to care for him- including sewing, gardening and cooking. Anyone else looking like this O_o ? So yes he has some old fashioned ideas but believe me he makes up for it with being totally sexy. I really would take one of those men. I like how those two fought and made up. *wink* They are so different and it was really enjoyable to watch them find their way. Wonderful story that will leave you wanting more.

Midnight Assignment by Victoria Dahl
Finally at last the story I waited for. I was totally proud of myself for not just skipping the first 2 stories to start with this one. I didn't even read the blurb before I started this book so I was very surprised to find it set in a "financial" setting. Yep, at first I thought. Booooooring but it really wasn't. It more one of those naughty office stories- you know these two shouldn't get involved but you cheer them on like a maniac because you know you will love every second of it. And I loved everything. The character are as always funny and witty- not only the main couple. We find some wonderful side characters in this book. I also liked how Ms Dahl introduced her characters through the story- it accompanied the unfolding of the story and gave Midnight Assignment a nice touch. I loved how the story developed- I love this theme of two people being apart because of a misunderstanding. I loved how they figured it out. *wicked grin* As always Ms Dahl's sex-scenes are made of hawtness. I loved every second. Definitely my favorite in this anthology.

Midnight Kiss is a very entertaining anthology with a nice cast of characters that will leave you craving more. Highly recommended!

Like another reviewer said, it's a mixed bag. The Jean Bashear story, for me, was a DNF. I disliked the heroine so much that I couldn't keep reading and I could see no reason on earth that the hero would pursue her, so I just rolled my eyes and went to the next story.

Robyn Carr takes us back to Virgin River, where I "lived" for several books last year, but kind of got over since they were a little repetitive after a while. This story was sweet and I liked the H/h, but I didn't love them or the story, it was just nice, nothing special.

Finally, the Victoria Dahl story. A romance about a bank take-over by the FDIC! Only Ms. Dahl could make this such a fun, sweet, funny, sexy, charming story - I loved it, and apparently so did the Federal Reserve. The H/h are lovely, somewhat misguided people, that have (the pre-requisite) misunderstandings before falling completely in love. Perhaps I'm biased since I adore every Victoria Dahl book I've read (which is all that she's published so far), but as far as I'm concerned, her story completely outshines the other two and is worth the price of the book all on its own.

I have been a fan of Ms. Carr's writing for a while now. Her characters are all different and unique. She reinvents herself with each story. Although, I didn't believe Sunny was the perfect name for the heroine, just because the heroine was a pessimist. Sunny started out as being too negative. But after meeting Drew things seem to turn around for her. It took Drew coming into Sunny's life in order for her to heal and to get over being left at the altar. It also took Drew to prove to Sunny that there is that perfect someone for everyone. Overall it was a great story and one I would recommend for those who need a pick-me-up.

Midnight Surrender by Jean Brashear

Jean Brashear is definitely an author on my top twenty list...hey it's hard to have top tens when it comes to authors. From the first moment I picked up a Brashear book I was caught. She has a unique voice, one completely different than most Harlequin authors, which is why I think makes her so unique. And oh, boy did she ever capture my heart with this story. Will, an Irish hunk (my weakness) is searching for the perfect woman and he finds her in Jordon. But Jordon isn't your typical woman, she's what some would call a "man-eater" she uses men and then pushes them away. Can Will finally convince Jordon that some things are just meant to be?

Midnight Assignment by Victoria Dahl

Victoria Dahl is a new author for me. And I have to say I can't wait to read more from this author. When I realized that this book was set in a financial setting I almost set it to the side. Who wants to read something that is going to make you yawn and feel like you are in math class again? But I kept reading curious to see if Ms. Dahl could keep my attention. Was I ever blown away or what? The characters had wit, the setting became a little naughty fantasy for the reader. And the story kept developing with new twists and turns. It wasn't the same boring office romance. This an author I want to tell everyone to watch out for.

If you're looking for a great book to read this holiday, and want something you can read in small bites, then pick up this well-written, romantic anthology. It fits the bill.

Originally posted at the Long and Short of It Romance Reviews

I have bought many Robyn Carr books for my Kindle from Amazon. I love her books, can't wait for the next one.