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Undercover Operatives #2

Sex, Lies and Midnight

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Born into a con artist family, Maya Nicholas abandoned the grifting life to live on the straight and narrow (and somewhat dull) years ago. But when her family is threatened—and the swindlers are on the verge of becoming the swindled— Maya swings into action. All she needs is a stand-in boyfriend, and the charming, tasty-as-sin Simon Barton will do quite nicely, thanks.

But Simon has a little lie of his own. He's FBI, and Maya is his inside track to her less-savory relations. It's a mutual using, which quickly turns into a scorching mutual attraction.

In fact, their naughty little sexcapades are the only things they aren't faking!

219 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 20, 2011

3 people are currently reading
245 people want to read

About the author

Tawny Weber

207 books1,364 followers
New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of more than forty books, Tawny Weber loves writing about sexy heroes, most notably her popular Navy SEALs series. Her sassy, emotional romances are filled with men dedicated to being the best—and women determined to have the best. Tawny credits her ex-military alpha husband for inspiration in her writing, and in her life. The recipient of numerous writing accolades, including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and in addition to the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists, Tawny has also hit the number one spot on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

A homeschooling mom, Tawny enjoys scrapbooking, gardening and spending time with her family and dogs in her Northern California home.

You can find Tawny on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Website: http://tawnyweber.com
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5 stars
46 (36%)
4 stars
38 (30%)
3 stars
33 (26%)
2 stars
5 (4%)
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3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Helen.
2,947 reviews67 followers
November 19, 2011
I loved this story and of course learning about aphrodisiacs the deserts yummo and of course Caleb is one great desert that Pandora is over the moon with

Great Story Tawny
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,495 reviews174 followers
January 13, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

I’ve been hoodwinked in the most delightful manner. Ms. Weber turned a new page in her ability to grab a reader’s attention by doing the unexpected. I’m used to seeing a certain technique to engage my interest and she didn’t use it! I’m not sure if it’s because this is the second book in the series and having such a terrific start in the first book, Sex, Lies and Mistletoe, she decided to see where her heroine led her in Sex, Lies and Midnight. Turns out, it’s an emotional path paved with the hopes of a young girl, led down the road of an awakening that crushed her perceptions of what life really was in her family, and the determination of a fully grown woman to be the very antithesis of how she grew up. Thing is, there’s someone out there that refuses to believe that Maya Nicholas is anything but the nice, law-abiding and vanilla-bland woman she presents. And they’d be right.

Maya is a powerhouse of contradictions. She has bottled and corked her passion and energetic nature to fit in, to be normal and to have the perfect life, and she’s bored out of her mind. She’s learned to control every aspect that she can and despite her best intentions, Simon, Mr. delicious FBI man, unravels her bit by bit. Throw in a phone call from her brother and the boulder really picks up speed down that slippery slope and it sends Maya straight back to where she ran from, with a hunky complication in tow.

I realize that this story is all about Maya and her reconnecting to her family but Simon was the best one to watch. Ms. Webber presented a man who is focused single-mindedly on one goal, to take down Maya’s father, the infamous Tobias Black. He’ll do anything, say anything, to get what he wants and no dire and mysterious warnings from Hunter, another cloak and dagger alpha hottie, will stop him. It’s that whole journey of Simon’s that intrigued me. Maya was the catalyst who taught him that there really were more important things in life, like love, happiness and the pursuit of well tossed sheets.

Ms. Weber’s classic sense of humor is alive and well. Plenty of times I giggled but this time it had a warmness to it and a deeper romantic feel. I’m not sure if it’s because the focus of the story was about a woman’s bruised love for her father or what, but it was very satisfying on a different level than the first book.

What has not changed is the potent writing that the author has when it comes to physical bonding and expressions of love. My expectations there were solidly met. I enjoyed the teasing build up and how Simon and Maya felt by what they saw in each others’ eyes. Pure romance. That means that the story is told in each their point of views, which I really enjoyed seeing as things get really complicated when the external conflict hits the fan. It was nice to know where each stood even if they didn’t know it about the other.

Even though this is the second book in a mini-series, it stands by itself. The author used some of the secondary characters to fill a reader in on the background but this story is definitely about Maya and Simon and is thoroughly enjoyable. If anything, it might make a first time reader want to read about Maya’s brother, Caleb. I loved the dialogue and was entertained by the light drama.

Sex, Lies and Midnight is sheer fun with a delightful mix of love, humor and drama. Maya and Simon made a great couple and I like how they were written. There’s one more lamb to bring back into the Black fold and I am eagerly looking forward to figure out if he’s as bad as everyone is making him out to be. Ms. Webber has created a fascinating dysfunctional family and I love how she’s orchestrating their reunions with that mysterious criminal story arc. Sex, Lies and Midnight is pure entertainment that ends with a smile.

Profile Image for Rummage.
74 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2011
I liked this book though I was not swept away. The storyline itself is common enough with a undercover agent hooks up with a a woman either suspect or connected to said suspect, falls in love, sh*t hits the fan, man is faulted for lying/using the woman in the end HEA.

I found it hard to connect to the characters, although the two main characters obviously had chemistry, I did not see where they actually fell in love. Their time was spent mostly either lying in public, apart, or having sex - with not much to say of anything in between...no long talks, no long walks, no intense bonding conversations aside from some basic q&a.

Overall, it was nice for a quick, easy read.
Profile Image for Talina Perkins.
Author 17 books56 followers
February 11, 2012
(4.5 star Top Pick from Talina Perkins for Night Owl Reviews)

First Line:
THERE WAS NOTHING like a short, glittery skirt, long legs encased in smoky stockings and spiked dome
heels to make a man sit up and take notice.


Teaser:

This was Simon's shot. If he could bust Tobias Black, his career would skip the fast track and hit rocket speed. All he had to do was make a solid contact with the old guy's daughter. She was his entrée. A couple more conversations with her and he'd be able to claim her a friend when he visited Black Oak.

As if proving she was ready to be his new best friend, Maya chose that moment to stroll in, her arm tucked into the elbow of her guy friend. Despite the party in progress, Simon could clearly see the tension in the set of her shoulders, and the way she kept her body from curving into pretty boy's.


Plot:
Sex, Lies, and Midnight is the second installment to Tawny Weber's Undercover Operatives series. Though this book can be read out of order, for full enjoyment, I would recommend reading the first of the series, Sex, Lies and Mistletoe.

Starting out in San Francisco, we meet the heroine, Maya DeLongue (aka Maya Black). She's is the exciting woman all other women fantasize about being while folding the laundry. She's smart, sassy and sexy with a dash of bad girl vibe that gives her an edge. Then there is the little thing about her being a computer hacker and the daughter of the con artist, Tobias Black. Then we meet the hero, Simon Barton, the undercover operative that only wants to move his career up the ladder by busting Maya's father for the illegal activity he's using his bike shop to cover. There's one problem though, Simon can't keep his mind off - or hands for the matter- of the suspect's daughter. With a little manipulation and the taking advantage of a situation, Simon maneuvers himself into Maya's life and into Black Oak for a little family reunion. And that is when the story takes off in a dip and soaring ride of emotions, sizzling sexy scenes and betrayal...and eventually a life changing moment for both characters. Ms. Weber has created a story that takes a daddy's girl away from the family she loves, given her talents most would find straddling the grey area of life, and has now given her a need to return to the home she's intentionally stayed away from for close to a decade. With a mystery to solve and her heart to protect, Maya is determined to find out who is behind the drug and gun running in order to clear her father's name in the process. That is until she discovers that Simon isn't who he says he is.

Under all the betrayal, hurt and underhandedness that surrounds the Black family, there is one thing that stood out to me and that is the strength of a father's love for his children. And more than that, it's the strength of the family bond. While each may take separate ways and have their own views, when one is in trouble everyone swoops in to protect. Well, a little manipulation and convincing from Tobias Black is needed but that just makes it more interesting!

I loved how the author brought the story to a close and though I knew a happily-ever-after was a given, I still enjoyed the ride along the way. Ms. Weber has written a fabulous second installment into her undercover Operatives and has left the door wide open for the next book and the continuing mystery of who's framing Tobias Black! And in closing, Ms. Weber has created an intricate connection between the characters that will leave you in awe of her creativity!

Writing:
Tawny Weber continues to captivate my attention with her rich stories and intriguing characters. She adds wit and charm to each page making my reading experience unforgettable every time I pick up one of her books. With her tight prose and dedication to detail, Ms. Weber has made my must-read list!

Summary:
Sexy and witty! Sex, Lies and Midnight made me laugh, cringe and sigh with satisfaction This series is delightfully addictive and I am ready for the next installment already!
Profile Image for Kati .
198 reviews66 followers
February 6, 2012
***original review posted at Romancing Rakes***

Oh that Tawny Weber is quite the writer. Another super sexy read!

Poor Maya Black, she sure gets her life turned upside down. First with her brother Caleb calling to let her know he's back in their hometown of Black Oak as interim Sheriff AND he's getting married to the woo woo queen's daughter. Then she gets a call from an ex-best friend alluding to her father getting engaged to a woman his daughter's age. On top of all that, a sexy undercover FBI agent enters her life, using her to get to her family.

Not wanting to look like a total loser, Maya needs a super sexy man to bring back to her hometown to prove to queen bitch Lilah Gomez that she's got someone, Maya sets her eyes on a delicious, tall drink of hello handsome!

Simon knows that somethings brewing in Black Oak. It's the epicenter of illegal activity and the only way he can get close enough to uncover it is to make nice with Maya. Busting Tobias Black would help his career in so many ways. He'd make his way up the ladder in no time. Little does he know that he's in for the ride of his life. Poor guy.

Coming to a mutual decision, Simon would run interference with her family and pretend to be her boyfriend and Maya would find him investors for his new venture, they head off to Black Oak. After Lilah taunts her with texts alluding to the fact that Lilah may become her stepmother, she takes it upon herself to bring her father back to his senses. How is it possible that her father, ex-con artist, current motorcycle garage owner, has succumb to the gaudy charms of a lying, two timing, ex-high school best friend?

Someone in Simon's life comes to check up on him as his relationship with Maya becomes all too real. He's physically attracted to her and he's trying to keep it that way but the more time he spends with her, his emotions come in to play. This was not supposed to happen. He was supposed to find pretend to be Maya's boyfriend while fending off town hussy Lilah, spy on Tobias, make the bust and climb up one more rung on that FBI ladder.

Maya came home to celebrate her brother's engagement and check up on her father but this southern fried sex muffin going by the name of Simon is a distraction. Heavy lidded stares, electrically charged caresses and sweaty, twisted up sheets are not what she was looking for when she made the deal with Simon.

With the appearance of a fellow FBI agent, Simon must choose between his feelings for Maya and whether or not a promotion trumps them. Simon must join forces with the Black family in uncovering who is behind the smuggling of illegal weapons through their father's garage.

FAVORITE QUOTE:
Breathing deep, mentally breaking down an AK-47 to try and distract his body from embarrassing him, Simon leaned back into the couch cushion.

OVERALL: That Black family is quite a hoot. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I did have to wonder at the sudden attraction between Simon and Maya. Starting with the night that they make a deal to the sudden "I want to touch you" in the car to the breath taking, super heated kisses, this couple has got it bad for each other. The slight touch of danger and mystery surrounding who has been smuggling guns into the town of Black Oak has be eagerly awaiting the final book in the series. This book is sexy. Super sexy. Seriously, who can resist a man undercover? *waggles eyebrows*

***review copy provided by author***
Profile Image for Meghan.
262 reviews22 followers
May 31, 2015
This book was good at what it's supposed to be good at. The Smut lol. those parts of the book, which were most of the book, were really great. The Author really knows the words to use and when to give the perfect amount of description to make ya feel pretty hot yourself lol.
As for the other elements of the story, they were a little confusing and hard to follow. The main character comes from a family immersed in crime and power and this plays into the plot of the story. The story behind all the lusty goodness I'm still a little lost on but that's ok, I didn't read it cause I wanted to read about cops and crime and drug rings and illegal trading lol. I'm pretty sure we only read these books for one reason and Tawny did a very good job in that area ;). When the bigger love scenes were being played out it was impossible to just stop and finish it later. You had to read it through!
so ya, it was really good in the ways it was supposed to be. But as for the background story line with her father and brother and the FBI. It remains unresolved and I don't quite follow. but like I said, who cares lol no one reads Harlequin books for those details lol.
Profile Image for Lara.
1,597 reviews
June 16, 2012
This was a quick moving sexy romance with engaging characters that have to overcome their secrets before they can allow themselves to fall in love. It was a quick read, and my first read in the series and by this author. While I felt that some things were a bit pat, they were entertaining. Also, the book is the middle of a larger story. Fortunately, there were few spoilers, so the meat of the relationship in the first book will be fresh for me. Now I want to go back and read about how Maya's brother Caleb found his love. And I look forward to both meeting the third sibling, seeing what happens with him and how the larger mystery is solved.
Profile Image for Suze.
3,912 reviews
February 26, 2019
A 3.5. Second book of three and I liked this one better than book one - not sure why, just did. Possibly I believed the characters more ( even though all premises are unlikely) and they had fun sex - loved the chocolate cake! The background whodunnit frame up of Tobias continues, giving him his excuse to manipulate his children into returning home. I have a few ideas on the dastardly villain, so will see if I'm right in book three. I like the author so a good solid, as expected read.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
66 reviews4 followers
January 13, 2012
I liked the book alot, I wish it were longer it felt a little rushed, but I can't wait for the last Black sibling to find his way back to Black Oak. Although, I have my suspisions as to who it is causing all the trouble for Tobias. I have to wait for the next book to see if I am right, but I amm hoping for a twist that will prove me wrong...I love it more when I get blindsided by an ending.
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 6 books35 followers
June 1, 2013
I was expecting this to be better than it was. Maybe it's just been too long since I've read Harlequins. I liked the characters, but the writing got really over-the-top at times, and I found myself grimacing at some of the phrasing. I'm usually a big fan of the fake relationship trope, too.
Profile Image for Casey.
69 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2011
Not too cheesy for the genre just the right amount of sexy stuff and it had a decent plot overall a good choice for this kind of book.
25 reviews2 followers
March 8, 2012
Typically romance mystery novel. Boy uses girl to solve a crime but falls in love with her.
31 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2012
It is mostly hot and heavy romance with a little bit of mystery and betrayal thrown in. I enjoyed it a lot.
I won this through Goodreads first reads.
117 reviews
May 12, 2014
I think this book is sinfully sexy.I really liked this book.It's a good read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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