Somewhere on the train is a key witness for a crime involving arson, murder and a high-profile businessman. And reporter Marni Clare will do whatever it takes to get the story—even if it means crashing in a sleeper car that she's not sure she's reserved. But when she wakes, she finds herself curled up with the man she's seeking…and he's hot enough to derail all her plans!
FBI special agent Hunter won't complain about the wickedly hot blonde in his arms. And maybe it's the medication he's on, but he's even agreed to share his room for the entire journey….
It's a long trip in close quarters, and within days their berth becomes the scene of some steamy railway romps. But is Marni just having fun…or is she taking Hunter for a ride?
Reader favorite Coming On Runaway bride Belle Forsham intends to win her groom back—and she's going to start by showing him exactly what he's been missing….
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.
Marni a reporter thinks she's on the trail of the story that can put her on the map, but once she comes body to body with Hunter it all changes. The books gets very steamy with Marni and Hunter sharing a small cabin on the train. I like the Marni was really on a journey to find herself. She believed her life had to go in one direction, but the time she spends with Hunter shows her that she has all sorts of options. Plus a little help from her idol. You get a two for one in this book. Tawny's book Coming on Strong is included, great book as well.
I have not read many books in the Blaze line and decided to give this author a try as I have never read her before.Happy to say that I throughly enjoyed this book and couple,will def read more from this author.
I've been a fan of Tawny Weber since I first started reading the Blaze line back in 2009. A friend of mine turned me on to the books and there are some really great authors writing for this imprint, Tawny is one of them.
Midnight Special is something different for me. I don't usually do military reads for Special Ops books, but this is Tawny so I thought I'd give it a go, and I'm glad I did.
Like all of her books there's an instant connection between the hero (Hunter) and the heroine (Marnie). What's funny is how much alike both characters are. They are both career driven people that really can't be bothered with committed relationships. But they weren't looking for one anyway.
They get thrown together accidentally (almost on purpose). Marnie is trying to stalk him for an article that would get her a promotion. Hunter has to travel by train (or car) to San Francisco to get to a trial. (An injury prevents him from flying)
Through a mix up, the two of them end up sharing a berth on the Midnight Special. (A train that's doing a 40s whodunit for all the passengers)
What happens on that train is hot and spicy! It takes awhile for things to happen, but I'm glad their was more tension than just the two of them instantly falling into bed. It gave you time to see what kind of people these characters are, and as you get to know them, you really like them, even when everything seems to fall apart.
Hey there's got to be conflict! That comes when Marnie leaves after some burnin' love and then Hunter discovers she's a reporter.
They both have conflicts to resolve and for Marnie, she seeks advice from her like minded aunt.
I liked the compromise that Marnie came to in the end, which furthered her career, but didn't..well read the book and see, because if I say anything else it will spoil things.
For new to Tawny fans, this book has the bonus backlist title Coming On Strong, which I read back in 2009 when it came out!
I have been looking forward to Hunter's story and I was not disappointed WOW what a story and I so loved the setting a train this is one hot and passionate story with Marnie and Hunter both realizing that love can go with careers. Thank you Tawny for hours of reading pleasure I loved it :).
Midnight Special, by Tawny Weber Novel: 215 pgs, (current bundled for sale with Coming on Strong also by Tawny Weber)
FBI Special Agent Michael Hunter is on a fast track career path with no distractions: no wife, no kids, nothing to conflict with his work priorities. The only thing holding his current focus is ensuring a conviction for an unscrupulous mobster and killer, and keeping his secret witness as far hidden from plain sight as possible.
Marni Clare has the misfortune to be bombshell-blonde pretty and a smooth talker. Both traits hide her deeper layers of determination and success that define her, layers most people, even her family, never see or quite understand. Intent on capturing her big break by claiming a story that will move her from mundane fashion writer to hard-boiled grit and sensational journalist, Marni isn’t about to take a detour for relationships either. Unfortunately, Marni’s career-launching story will run roughshod over Michael’s life-threatening case.
Stuck together on a six-day train trip from New York to California, these two battle the temptation of attraction and the more devious lure of two souls who recognize and get each other from the first fateful look. The trip promises to either solidify their goals or shake forever the foundation of their personal journeys.
Two tickets on the Midnight Special, two careers headed for a collision point, one hot inescapable romance.
What I liked:
Both of these characters are very genuine. I love the way we get to know who they are and follow them as they experience points of clarity in their lives. These two are charismatic on the page, and their chemistry lights up the bedroom (or train berth). Both are likeable at the start, and even more so at the end of this story.
I get Hunter’s brand of justice, his need to bend the rules to save people, and his determination to excel. He’s a wonderful hero, with passion for not only the job but life, friends, and women as well. Marni is equally driven, and while in my opinion, her life mapping isn’t quite as fine-tuned as Hunter’s, we do clearly understand her goals, and the solid grounding family and her chosen role-model has played in her life. A heroine we can like and empathize with. All add wonderful twists and layers to the story and provide poignant moments for to watch them re-evaluate their choices.
Tawny Weber is a new author for me and I have to say that I really enjoyed this book. There are secondary characters referenced in this story from previous books (Sex, Lies and Valentines, Sex, Lies and Mistletoe, Sex, Lies and Midnight). It is not necessary to have read these first. I obviously haven’t and loved this story. But those characters seemed intriguing and I will probably go back and pick up the books.
So final check:
Great characters – Yes, loved Hunter and Marni together! They have hard choices but their reasoning and final outcome is well delivered and wonderful to see.
Romance – Hot and sexy! The chemistry leaves the reader with a satisfied, happy feeling.
First Reads Review - Midnight Special and Coming on Strong by Tawny Weber
So I won this through the First Reads giveaways and was impressed by the care put into it by the writer, who sent along a note, autographed the book, and included some fun extras for me. So hurrah for that. Extras aside, though, if the book was going to be no good it would only make me feel guilty having to review it poorly. Luckily for me that wasn't the case, and these two novels turned out to be quite fun and light and fast, just the thing to help me recover from a particularly boring romance that I had read before this.
The first novel, Midnight Special, was definitely my favorite of the two, as it had a bit more of a straightforward plot that was there from the beginning and maintained throughout the story. There's an FBI agent and a journalist, neither of whom are honest with the other about who they are, who meet on a themed train and give in to their passions and fall for each other. It's a fun, flirty story with some good character moments and some nice sex. I liked the characters, their drive, their professionalism. And it had a small amount of writing and mystery in it, which was fun. I could have done with a little more of a plot, but this was a fun time, and it didn't try to do more than it could successfully accomplish. Everything here was well done, wrapped up, and sexy.
The second novel, Coming on Strong, was a bit less of a draw for me, if only because the characters seemed much more shallow, or at least much more like a stereotypical rich girl and professional guy. Somehow it bothered me a little more in this one, perhaps because the woman is a party planner and is very girly, which isn't really my thing. I liked in the first novel that the woman was less concerned with pink and shoes and more concerned with her job and the truth. Coming on Strong is still fun, though, and I can't call either of the characters weak. They just weren't as appealing to me.
In both of the stories the sex is steamy and fun, though Midnight Special I think did a little more. Coming on Strong did have a particularly good scene with some fruit, but that was about it. Both maintain a flirty tone and pacing, and Coming on Strong does end with a bit more of a satisfying conclusion, though in large part it wasn't as earned as I would have liked. Still, both stories have their strengths and I found that I enjoyed both, that they kept me reading and having fun. The first part of Coming on Strong did drag a bit, but once I got through that it improved.
So indeed. I liked this book, and appreciate the care that the author put into sending me everything. It does make me want to try out more of her works, and so at some point I might have to track some down. Until then, though, this book earns a strong recommendation from me with four stars out of five.
Tawny Weber has written many contemporary romances for Harlequin so she knows her way around the block. In her newest release, Midnight Special, she does what she does best and presents two strong-willed characters who butt heads repeatedly on the way to their HEA. It's a fast-paced, satisfying story full of playful sexual tension from the very beginning.
Marni wants to make it big as a reporter. She's had a plan to acheive fame since she was young and has followed each step precisely which leaves little time for true love. She enjoys her romances but wants nothing permanent to get in the way of her becoming a top-notch reporter. Discovering that the sexy FBI agent, Hunter, is the key to her breaking THE story to reach the top throws her off her game plan and she is left deciding if fame really is worth the sacrifice. Hunter too is focused on his career as he feels a need to live up to his father's fame in the Bureau. He's reckless, flaunts rules, but always gets the job done. His latest case rests on him tying up some loose ends, but an injury causes some big problems that might derail his case. Forced into tight quarters with the sexy, flirty, and fun Marni has his mind on things other than the case as for the first time he's looking towards the future rather than living on the edge. Once their train ride ends they both have lots of soul searching to do deciding if love is more important than their careers and the possibility of fame.
Marni and Hunter are a great match! They're both smart, flirty, and not afraid to go after what they want. The sexual tension between them is palpable and ultimately leads to some scorching hot sexual interludes. Their relationship progresses at a believable pace and with so much sexual tension I was on edge waiting for them to get together. The dialogue between them is sparkling, playful and witty, and their verbal foreplay was just as rewarding as their physical encounters. The case that brings them together is touched on at the beginning and then wrapped up nicely at the end allowing for the middle section to be totally devoted to their blossoming relationship. This was a fun and entertaining story from start to finish and yet another satisfying HEA from Ms. Weber.
Midnight Special is the first book I have have had the pleasure to read by Tawny Weber. I had been hearing good things about her work and it sounded so good I jumped at the chance to be able to host her promo tour as well as be able to review the book. I am really glad I did too. I really enjoyed Midnight Special, Tawny Weber has created some dynamic characters that I had a blast reading about. Marni Clare is a strong, independent, and determined woman on a mission to make it as a big time news reporter. She thinks the perfect story has fell into her, well her bed, when she ends up sharing a room on board a train with FBI agent Hunter. Oh my goodness are these two hot together. They not only are throwing off sparks these two create flames until they finally give into temptation. Then they really produce some flames with some spicy scenes. Hunter is on the mission to get the bad guy and get him good. He really didn't plan on meeting up with Marni and falling so hard. Of course there is a few problems along the way, like the fact he didn't know Marni was a reporter. This also makes for some really interesting scenes. I found Tawny Weber's work to be a smooth read with a story that quickly caught my attention. There is a bonus story along included with Midnight Special, Coming on Strong. I am looking forward to reading that and sharing my thoughts with you on that soon. So stay tuned for my review on that story soon.
This review was originally posted on my blog Reviews By Crystal.
Midnight Special is the first book that I’ve had the pleasure of reading by Tawny Weber. Her style of writing quickly drew me into the story. Tawny does an excellent job of crafting a scintillating tale of two career-minded people who get caught by the scorching chemistry that sizzles between them.
Marni, a reporter who is on the trail of a story that she’s sure will jettison her career to the top, finds herself falling for the handsome FBI agent who has all the information she needs for her story. Hunter, the FBI agent who doesn’t have time for commitments as he pushes himself to the top of his field, finds himself wildly attracted to Marni, the woman who he found sharing his berth on a film noir themed train. The fire ignites as they find themselves sharing a cabin that is too small to contain the inferno that blazes between them.
The characters are engaging and likeable, and the story line flows smoothly. This book has it all – emotional tension, hot chemistry, sizzling heat, witty dialogue, steamy sex, and smoldering romance. It is an enjoyable, entertaining read that will have you turning the pages as fast as you can.
Midnight Special grabbed my attention from page one and kept me enthralled until the last page. I will be looking to read more from this talented author. I highly recommend this must read to all lovers of romance.
I received a copy of this book from Goddess Fish Tours in exchange for my honest review. Janna Shay Author of Fair Play
Midnight Special: In pursuit of a lead on a hot story, reporter Marni Clare crashes a Mystery Theme train to the West Coast and a sleeper car only to end up sleeping next to undercover FBI agent Hunter who is on his way there to testify against the crime mob boss she wants to uncover! In a small, cramped cabin with a single man and woman who have the hots for each other, well....
I loved this story! It was faced-paced, well-crafted and well-developed. The mystery theme was great too!
Coming On Strong: Following her aborted wedding to Mitch Carter six years previously, the last thing Belle Forsham ever expected was to be asked to arrange for the opening of his new luxury resort 100 miles outside of L.A.! Knowing that he wanted it to be THE place the rich and famous would want to come, Belle suggested a few things that would kick it up a notch and make it slightly naughty. Of course, if Mitch needed demonstration of her ideas that would be fine too. However, someone seemed to be sabotaging his opening and all signs are pointing to Belle....
I had not read this book before but it was as well-developed as the first one.
I love this book! I love all the books I’ve read by Tawny Weber. Her writing draws me into the story and the rest of the world fades away.
Part of this book is set on a vintage train with a film noir theme. I wanted to take a trip on this train by the end of the book. The setting captivated me along with the characters.
Marni and Hunter are quite a pair. Both are determined to excel with their careers. Nothing will get in their way of reaching the top. Nothing except waking up in the wrong bed. Add in their career goals conflicting and you get a page turning read.
Marni is the perfect match for Hunter. I enjoyed how they resolved the differences keeping them apart because let’s face it this is a romance so we know they find their happily ever after.
I could read this book again right now and enjoy it just as much as the first time. I recommend this book to any reader looking for a great romance with a sexy, hot hero.
When I first opened the book and the heroine is sleeping in a train car and the hero climbs into bed with her, I was concerned. Few authors can pull off that situation. But Tawny Weber handles it beautifully. Marni Clare wants a story to propel her off the fashion story and into investigative journalism. And FBI (Special) Agent Michael Hunter has just the story. Only, he doesn’t know she is looking into it. So, when he is injured and forced to take a train across country to the trial, he doesn’t suspect a reporter to be sharing his bunk!
The plot and the romance develop nicely. I loved the characters and the story was red hot!!! I think its a great fantasy that you meet a really hot and sexy and nice guy and have a fun time with no threat. This book lived up to the fantasy.
Even better was getting a bonus book - Coming on Strong!
You know? Both of these stories were just plain fun. Midnight Special is one of those books that you can't think about too hard or the plot falls apart—why did Hunter never run a background check on Marni? Some hot shot FBI agent he is!—but it's a really enjoyable ride. (...heh.) I wish more had been done with the noir train setting, but otherwise, if you just go along with what the story is telling you is happening, it's fun. Coming on Strong was more plausible, plot-wise, although Mitch is a more difficult hero to like at first. Worth the read, if only for the way Belle keeps mangling idioms, a running gag that amused me every time.
Reporter, Marni Clare who has no time for relationships just wanted a story. After he is hurt, she tracks down FBI Special agent (Michael) Hunter at the ER. She overhears that he needs to ride the train so she needs on that train so she can try getting the information on her story. Will she get her story or the very sexy man or both? Very hot read!! This book also includes a Reader Favorite story “Coming On Strong” which is also a very hot read!!
I could not finish the book. I tried for months, but I kept putting it down. The writing was engaging and the characters were interesting, but I could not believe that the heroine would do the risky things she was doing. If it truly was in her character, then she was not the heroine for me. Writing was fine, I just could not engage in the story.
This was a free book from Goodreads First Reads. I read these two books almost straight through. I went on-line and ordered two more which should be here in a few days. I am so glad I won this book otherwise I might not have found Tawny. I recommend this book for romance readers.