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The Night Stalkers #4
Take Over at Midnight
They both came from the streets, now they must save a nation.
“Best 5 romance of 2013!” – Eloisa James, Barnes & Noble
Her father said Lola LaRue would grow up to be a stripper and a whore. Instead she became a top helicopter pilot for the Army’s secret Night Stalker regiment.
Tim Maloney ran from his family to work in a chop shop, parting out stolen cars.
Both their lives changed the day the planes flew into the World Trade Center. Little did they know that they’d have to come together to save their country from the next great attack.
“Buchman proves his military romance prowess.” – RT Book Reviews
“Buchman takes the military romance to a new standard of excellence.” – Booklist
[Can be read stand-alone or in series. A complete happy-ever-after with no cliffhangers. Originally published in 2013. Re-edited 2021 for improved reader experience but still the same great story.]
Buy now to join the military romance adventure.
“Best 5 romance of 2013!” – Eloisa James, Barnes & Noble
Her father said Lola LaRue would grow up to be a stripper and a whore. Instead she became a top helicopter pilot for the Army’s secret Night Stalker regiment.
Tim Maloney ran from his family to work in a chop shop, parting out stolen cars.
Both their lives changed the day the planes flew into the World Trade Center. Little did they know that they’d have to come together to save their country from the next great attack.
“Buchman proves his military romance prowess.” – RT Book Reviews
“Buchman takes the military romance to a new standard of excellence.” – Booklist
[Can be read stand-alone or in series. A complete happy-ever-after with no cliffhangers. Originally published in 2013. Re-edited 2021 for improved reader experience but still the same great story.]
Buy now to join the military romance adventure.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 3, 2013
65 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Buchman
324 books613 followersUSA Today and Amazon #1 Bestseller M. L. “Matt” Buchman started writing on a flight south from Japan to ride his bicycle across the Australian Outback. Just part of a solo around-the-world trip that ultimately launched his writing career.
From the very beginning, his powerful female heroines insisted on putting character first, then a great adventure. He’s since written over 60 action-adventure thrillers and military romantic suspense novels. And just for the fun of it: 100 short stories, and a fast-growing pile of read-by-author audiobooks.
Booklist says: 3x “Top 10 of the Year.” PW says: “Tom Clancy fans open to a strong female lead will clamor for more.” His fans say: “I want more now…of everything.” That his characters are even more insistent than his fans is a hoot.
As a 30-year project manager with a geophysics degree who has designed and built houses, flown and jumped out of planes, and solo-sailed a 50’ ketch, he is awed by what is possible. More at: www.mlbuchman.com.
From the very beginning, his powerful female heroines insisted on putting character first, then a great adventure. He’s since written over 60 action-adventure thrillers and military romantic suspense novels. And just for the fun of it: 100 short stories, and a fast-growing pile of read-by-author audiobooks.
Booklist says: 3x “Top 10 of the Year.” PW says: “Tom Clancy fans open to a strong female lead will clamor for more.” His fans say: “I want more now…of everything.” That his characters are even more insistent than his fans is a hoot.
As a 30-year project manager with a geophysics degree who has designed and built houses, flown and jumped out of planes, and solo-sailed a 50’ ketch, he is awed by what is possible. More at: www.mlbuchman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 3, 2016
Until the last 20 pages, Take Over at Midnight was a 4-star read...then M.L.B. pulled the old "make a female character's actions totally contradict her solidly established behavior traits because she's pregnant" move. Contrary to popular (romance fiction) belief, pregnancy does not erase a woman's I.Q.
Emily's sudden incompetence at the end of the story soured the ending for me because her pregnancy would not negate thousands of hours of training, years of combat experiences, and her hard-earned ability to improvise effectively in dangerous circumstances. If she had frozen momentarily, then yielded control to Lola, that would have been consistent with how M.L.B. has developed Emily's character across the Night Stalker series. Emily is a warrior. Making her fertility a liability in this particular way is whack and insulting. The Emily whom M.L.B. has so meticulously developed would have quickly realized that freezing up put her child at greater risk, not less.
It felt as if the author sacrificed Emily's firmly established nature to force the confrontation scene with Lola and to setup the new Firehawk series. I'm still a fan, just disappointed.
Okay, here's what worked for me... Lola's backstory, especially the way that her Hurricane Katrina experience put her on Mark Henderson's radar and led to her coming to SOAR was deftly integrated. Lola's easy way with Dilya and Dilya herself are charming elements. Tim's backstory and his family are really engaging. And reading about the Night Stalkers extended family's interpersonal and professional dynamic entertains as much as the detailed battle scenes.
Anticipating the new series since Emily and Mark are my favorite NS couple, followed by Kee, Archie and Dilya. M.L.B.'s obvious skills as a storyteller can't be denied. He always delivers an entertaining read.
Emily's sudden incompetence at the end of the story soured the ending for me because her pregnancy would not negate thousands of hours of training, years of combat experiences, and her hard-earned ability to improvise effectively in dangerous circumstances. If she had frozen momentarily, then yielded control to Lola, that would have been consistent with how M.L.B. has developed Emily's character across the Night Stalker series. Emily is a warrior. Making her fertility a liability in this particular way is whack and insulting. The Emily whom M.L.B. has so meticulously developed would have quickly realized that freezing up put her child at greater risk, not less.
It felt as if the author sacrificed Emily's firmly established nature to force the confrontation scene with Lola and to setup the new Firehawk series. I'm still a fan, just disappointed.
Okay, here's what worked for me... Lola's backstory, especially the way that her Hurricane Katrina experience put her on Mark Henderson's radar and led to her coming to SOAR was deftly integrated. Lola's easy way with Dilya and Dilya herself are charming elements. Tim's backstory and his family are really engaging. And reading about the Night Stalkers extended family's interpersonal and professional dynamic entertains as much as the detailed battle scenes.
Anticipating the new series since Emily and Mark are my favorite NS couple, followed by Kee, Archie and Dilya. M.L.B.'s obvious skills as a storyteller can't be denied. He always delivers an entertaining read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2022
2/2/2022 – review of updated version. Note: While each book stands on its own and covers a couple’s story completely – these are best read in order because characters are introduced in previous books. Starting with The Night is Mine.
I’m an unabashed fan of this series. I love how Buchman writes in a lot of technicalities and detailed descriptions of aircraft, guns, operations, etc. These are romance, but they’re also fully thriller/suspense books.
I felt like Lola was a little too much like Kee in some respects, but that also makes it interesting that Kee doesn’t like her. Tim is also quite different than Archie, so the romantic relationship dynamic is unique as well. I like how both Tim & Lola are kind of surprised to find that they want more from their relationship.
Buchman always finds a way to get his MCs to spend some time within the US. Tim’s family was fantastic, probably not possible – but it would be great to see more of them.
Big things are happening with the Night Stalkers and changes are coming which is going to alter the dynamic of the series (and launch a new one!). I’m planning to go back and read some of the novellas & short stories that Buchman has weaved through the series since it was first released.
I’m an unabashed fan of this series. I love how Buchman writes in a lot of technicalities and detailed descriptions of aircraft, guns, operations, etc. These are romance, but they’re also fully thriller/suspense books.
I felt like Lola was a little too much like Kee in some respects, but that also makes it interesting that Kee doesn’t like her. Tim is also quite different than Archie, so the romantic relationship dynamic is unique as well. I like how both Tim & Lola are kind of surprised to find that they want more from their relationship.
Buchman always finds a way to get his MCs to spend some time within the US. Tim’s family was fantastic, probably not possible – but it would be great to see more of them.
Big things are happening with the Night Stalkers and changes are coming which is going to alter the dynamic of the series (and launch a new one!). I’m planning to go back and read some of the novellas & short stories that Buchman has weaved through the series since it was first released.
August 24, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
The Night Stalkers are one of my two favorite military romance series; the other is Jessica Scott’s Coming Home. For being in the same genre, the two series are mining almost opposite ends of the trope; Scott focuses on the stresses and strains that having a spouse in deployment can wreck upon family, or about how damn difficult it is to return to civilian of even U.S. Base living after years in the sandbox. Her stories are gritty, real and sometimes heartbreaking.
On the other hand, The Night Stalkers are at the point of the spear. The stories are about soldiers who are currently serving in a forward theater of war. Which means that the stories have to deal with the “hurry up and wait” tension of war and it also requires that all the parties in the romance be soldiers; the women as well as the men. Because their service is in SOAR, The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, all the soldiers have to be the best of the best at what they do.
An argument could be made that The Night Stalkers are damn close to superheroes, but I digress.
The stories have gone around to all the seats on a DAP Black Hawk Helicopter. The pilot, co-pilot and mechanic have each had their HEAs. Now it’s the gunnery specialist's turn. “Crazy Tim” Maloney is the last man standing among the Night Stalkers; he’s the only man who hasn’t found a warrior woman to be his match. Not until co-pilot and Chief Warrant Officer Lola LaRue nearly breaks his nose with her helmet as part of her “welcome to SOAR” trip to base.
Of course they fall for each other. But there are multiple roadblocks in the way.
LaRue outranks Maloney, which brings the military non-fraternization regulations into play. She is a Warrant Officer, and he is merely a sergeant. Not that the non-frat regs have stopped two of the previous romances in this series; the Major and the Captain in The Night Is Mine and the Lieutenant and the Sergeant in I Own the Dawn. Deciding that the rules are worth getting around in their case is just part of the story.
Another factor is the Maloney was born into the same social circle that Captain, now Major, Emily Biehl is part of. A social circle that includes the President, the head of the FBI, and the President’s security detail. Maloney is more connected that he admits, even if he was the family black sheep for a while.
Lola LaRue is not merely New Orleans Creole, but from the wrong side of the tracks and she very nearly took the wrong path. That her corrupt cop dad beat her to the point where her only refuge was a Storyville brothel is just one facet of her story.
But Lola doesn’t trust anyone, particularly herself. And she grew up in a place where sex meant either power or control, but not love. She doesn’t quite believe that she’s worthy of being in SOAR, and she especially doesn’t think that she’s good enough for Maloney.
But when the ultimate test of her capability and her loyalty comes, she proves that she’s more than worthy of taking the pilot’s seat, in SOAR and in her heart.
Escape Rating B: The first books in this series anticipated the Army’s change of heart (or regulation) about women serving in combat positions, and therefore in SOAR. It made the first book a bit more fantastic that it is now that the regulations changed in June 2013.
I enjoyed the story of Take Over at Midnight, and it was great to see how the gang is doing. When I say enjoyed, I mean up until 1 am, because I couldn’t put it down.
At the same time, it felt a bit like I’d read the story before. The problems that LaRue and Maloney face are not that much different from Kee and Archie in I Own the Dawn. The difference is in the rank reversal. LaRue keeps thinking that she isn’t good enough for SOAR or for Mahoney, because her background was so rough, very similar to Kee.
The characters of the couple in this story just weren’t differentiated enough from the previous books. Also, we didn’t really get enough detail on why Maloney went bad for a while, or just how awful LaRue’s dad was. We see that he’s a arsehole, but why? (His disgustingness was necessary for the story, but I didn’t get inside her head enough).
A major subplot has to do with Major Emily Beale’s future. Again, I wanted to be more inside her head to understand why her reactions changed so dramatically. Not that there wasn’t reason, but she doesn’t speak about it and we’re not seeing her point of view. Other characters guess or assume what’s going through her head, but for an about-face as sharp as she pulls, I want to hear her point of view from her.
Still and all, this was a fun military romance of the action/adventure/thriller persuasion, and I can’t wait to read the next one, Light Up the Night. I wonder who’s next?
The Night Stalkers are one of my two favorite military romance series; the other is Jessica Scott’s Coming Home. For being in the same genre, the two series are mining almost opposite ends of the trope; Scott focuses on the stresses and strains that having a spouse in deployment can wreck upon family, or about how damn difficult it is to return to civilian of even U.S. Base living after years in the sandbox. Her stories are gritty, real and sometimes heartbreaking.
On the other hand, The Night Stalkers are at the point of the spear. The stories are about soldiers who are currently serving in a forward theater of war. Which means that the stories have to deal with the “hurry up and wait” tension of war and it also requires that all the parties in the romance be soldiers; the women as well as the men. Because their service is in SOAR, The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, all the soldiers have to be the best of the best at what they do.
An argument could be made that The Night Stalkers are damn close to superheroes, but I digress.
The stories have gone around to all the seats on a DAP Black Hawk Helicopter. The pilot, co-pilot and mechanic have each had their HEAs. Now it’s the gunnery specialist's turn. “Crazy Tim” Maloney is the last man standing among the Night Stalkers; he’s the only man who hasn’t found a warrior woman to be his match. Not until co-pilot and Chief Warrant Officer Lola LaRue nearly breaks his nose with her helmet as part of her “welcome to SOAR” trip to base.
Of course they fall for each other. But there are multiple roadblocks in the way.
LaRue outranks Maloney, which brings the military non-fraternization regulations into play. She is a Warrant Officer, and he is merely a sergeant. Not that the non-frat regs have stopped two of the previous romances in this series; the Major and the Captain in The Night Is Mine and the Lieutenant and the Sergeant in I Own the Dawn. Deciding that the rules are worth getting around in their case is just part of the story.
Another factor is the Maloney was born into the same social circle that Captain, now Major, Emily Biehl is part of. A social circle that includes the President, the head of the FBI, and the President’s security detail. Maloney is more connected that he admits, even if he was the family black sheep for a while.
Lola LaRue is not merely New Orleans Creole, but from the wrong side of the tracks and she very nearly took the wrong path. That her corrupt cop dad beat her to the point where her only refuge was a Storyville brothel is just one facet of her story.
But Lola doesn’t trust anyone, particularly herself. And she grew up in a place where sex meant either power or control, but not love. She doesn’t quite believe that she’s worthy of being in SOAR, and she especially doesn’t think that she’s good enough for Maloney.
But when the ultimate test of her capability and her loyalty comes, she proves that she’s more than worthy of taking the pilot’s seat, in SOAR and in her heart.
Escape Rating B: The first books in this series anticipated the Army’s change of heart (or regulation) about women serving in combat positions, and therefore in SOAR. It made the first book a bit more fantastic that it is now that the regulations changed in June 2013.
I enjoyed the story of Take Over at Midnight, and it was great to see how the gang is doing. When I say enjoyed, I mean up until 1 am, because I couldn’t put it down.
At the same time, it felt a bit like I’d read the story before. The problems that LaRue and Maloney face are not that much different from Kee and Archie in I Own the Dawn. The difference is in the rank reversal. LaRue keeps thinking that she isn’t good enough for SOAR or for Mahoney, because her background was so rough, very similar to Kee.
The characters of the couple in this story just weren’t differentiated enough from the previous books. Also, we didn’t really get enough detail on why Maloney went bad for a while, or just how awful LaRue’s dad was. We see that he’s a arsehole, but why? (His disgustingness was necessary for the story, but I didn’t get inside her head enough).
A major subplot has to do with Major Emily Beale’s future. Again, I wanted to be more inside her head to understand why her reactions changed so dramatically. Not that there wasn’t reason, but she doesn’t speak about it and we’re not seeing her point of view. Other characters guess or assume what’s going through her head, but for an about-face as sharp as she pulls, I want to hear her point of view from her.
Still and all, this was a fun military romance of the action/adventure/thriller persuasion, and I can’t wait to read the next one, Light Up the Night. I wonder who’s next?
April 6, 2019
Lola really hurt Tim's feelings. I don't understand why all of the women in this series are so terrible at relationships.
December 3, 2013
My Review:
I haven't been quiet about my love for this series. My husband is retired Air Force and these books just work for me. I will admit that I find the military aspect of them amazing in their detail, description, and creativity. I've spent years listening and suffering through the boredom inducing details of military flight. Every book in this series is the exact opposite of that. M.L. Buchman knows how to write the details so that they are completely fascinating and interesting. I'll admit I may find his books so good because of my background with the military, but this absolutely remains one of my favorite military series being written out there.
This book is about Tim and Lola, the fourth female member to enter SOAR. She's to be Major Beale's co-pilot. This book played much more into the female inner-crew relationships which I found interesting because that hasn't really happened in the other books. Kee has a real issue with Lola and was probably my main issue with this book because that conflict never really made much sense to me. But Lola and Emily develop an interesting friendship too. That entire side of the story line made me happy, but it was a torn happiness because of the long term effects it will have on the teams....which I'm not real happy about. Over the series, I've become attached to these characters. I don't want anything to change. (How about that for vague? NO spoilers!!)
Tim and how he reads Lola is incredible. That's what makes him so good at his job, too. I liked their sweet moments together and there seemed to be more of those moments in this book which spoke to my romantic heart. It's also interesting to see how they both fit into the teams although they are on separate crews....it was an interesting dynamic and I loved that he always knew when Lola was the one flying her helicopter...that's a guy who knows his woman. Love!
I did enjoy the whole suspense side of this story line, although the coincidences at the end were a touch unbelievable. I loved getting to watch the D-boys work and really want Michael to be featured in one of these stories. I love his character, sense of humor, work ethic, and incredible chemistry he brings to the page everytime he's in a scene.
Overall this was another fabulous book. While these books aren't for everyone, I LOVE THEM!! I hope we get many more books to come although am a bit worried....SOAR just isn't that big. How many more stories can we get??? (Hint....MICHAEL!!!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I haven't been quiet about my love for this series. My husband is retired Air Force and these books just work for me. I will admit that I find the military aspect of them amazing in their detail, description, and creativity. I've spent years listening and suffering through the boredom inducing details of military flight. Every book in this series is the exact opposite of that. M.L. Buchman knows how to write the details so that they are completely fascinating and interesting. I'll admit I may find his books so good because of my background with the military, but this absolutely remains one of my favorite military series being written out there.
This book is about Tim and Lola, the fourth female member to enter SOAR. She's to be Major Beale's co-pilot. This book played much more into the female inner-crew relationships which I found interesting because that hasn't really happened in the other books. Kee has a real issue with Lola and was probably my main issue with this book because that conflict never really made much sense to me. But Lola and Emily develop an interesting friendship too. That entire side of the story line made me happy, but it was a torn happiness because of the long term effects it will have on the teams....which I'm not real happy about. Over the series, I've become attached to these characters. I don't want anything to change. (How about that for vague? NO spoilers!!)
Tim and how he reads Lola is incredible. That's what makes him so good at his job, too. I liked their sweet moments together and there seemed to be more of those moments in this book which spoke to my romantic heart. It's also interesting to see how they both fit into the teams although they are on separate crews....it was an interesting dynamic and I loved that he always knew when Lola was the one flying her helicopter...that's a guy who knows his woman. Love!
I did enjoy the whole suspense side of this story line, although the coincidences at the end were a touch unbelievable. I loved getting to watch the D-boys work and really want Michael to be featured in one of these stories. I love his character, sense of humor, work ethic, and incredible chemistry he brings to the page everytime he's in a scene.
Overall this was another fabulous book. While these books aren't for everyone, I LOVE THEM!! I hope we get many more books to come although am a bit worried....SOAR just isn't that big. How many more stories can we get??? (Hint....MICHAEL!!!)
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 20, 2013
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lola LaRue, Chief Warrant Officer of the U.S. Army's secret helicopter regiment, is a natural at everything except relationships. She's a professional in the air but she screws up every time she touches the ground.
Sergeant "Crazy" Tim Maloney is a goner the moment he first sees LaRue on a mission to deliver a Delta Force team into the Iranian Desert. He's always been a 'love 'em and leave 'em' kind of guy, but all that changes when Lola's in danger. Now with the stakes higher than ever, they must find a way to eliminate a threat that could destroy more than just their future.
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed this series by M.L. Buchman immensely. Buchman manages to create some pretty good romance in the most unusual of circumstances. I mean, where else or who else would want to find love—not just sexual attraction—out in the middle eastern desert, under less than favorable conditions, while working twelve, sometimes sixteen hour shifts?
Doesn’t sound very attractive does it?
Well Buchman manages to go beyond the regular story of boy meets girl and together they fall in love. His stories are always engaging, descriptive, and on par for pure action. Take Over at Midnight was no different. At as a bonus, at the end there was a nice addition into just what inspired the author to develop this piece of romantic fiction.
Sometimes the writing was a bit off to me, but it was more so on a character base, which is why I took it down a star. I would have loved to given it five, but for some reason Lola really just didn’t do it for me in this book, and came off as a bit self-centered at times. I know we don’t always want to have perfect characters in books, but for Lola, I almost didn’t like her.
Even so, I adored this couple falling for one another. I would have liked to see them both work a bit harder at showing the falling in love, but I was well beyond pleased with the action and suspense in this read. Great job. Four out of five stars and hearty recommendation for a weekend read.
Lola LaRue, Chief Warrant Officer of the U.S. Army's secret helicopter regiment, is a natural at everything except relationships. She's a professional in the air but she screws up every time she touches the ground.
Sergeant "Crazy" Tim Maloney is a goner the moment he first sees LaRue on a mission to deliver a Delta Force team into the Iranian Desert. He's always been a 'love 'em and leave 'em' kind of guy, but all that changes when Lola's in danger. Now with the stakes higher than ever, they must find a way to eliminate a threat that could destroy more than just their future.
MY REVIEW:
I have enjoyed this series by M.L. Buchman immensely. Buchman manages to create some pretty good romance in the most unusual of circumstances. I mean, where else or who else would want to find love—not just sexual attraction—out in the middle eastern desert, under less than favorable conditions, while working twelve, sometimes sixteen hour shifts?
Doesn’t sound very attractive does it?
Well Buchman manages to go beyond the regular story of boy meets girl and together they fall in love. His stories are always engaging, descriptive, and on par for pure action. Take Over at Midnight was no different. At as a bonus, at the end there was a nice addition into just what inspired the author to develop this piece of romantic fiction.
Sometimes the writing was a bit off to me, but it was more so on a character base, which is why I took it down a star. I would have loved to given it five, but for some reason Lola really just didn’t do it for me in this book, and came off as a bit self-centered at times. I know we don’t always want to have perfect characters in books, but for Lola, I almost didn’t like her.
Even so, I adored this couple falling for one another. I would have liked to see them both work a bit harder at showing the falling in love, but I was well beyond pleased with the action and suspense in this read. Great job. Four out of five stars and hearty recommendation for a weekend read.
January 3, 2014
I gave this a C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars here If you like action movies, you might like Take Over at Midnight. This book reads a lot like an action screenplay converted into novel form. Plenty of tension-filled flight scenes, interesting team dynamics, larger than life characters, and so on. This romance is a little light on the actual romance and some of the cliches will make your eyes roll, but has its fun moments if you don't take it too seriously.
Lola LaRue is the new pilot on the SOAR team. The story opens as she arrives at her unit, a little nervous but more than ready to prove herself. Even though there is a romance involved, the story often feels as if it's primarily about Lola. And in true action hero fashion, Lola is just too good to be true. She knows the right things to say to break the ice with the guys (and at least some of the women) she'll be flying with, she's gorgeous, and we quickly learn that she is also some kind of flying prodigy.
One of the first people Lola meets is Sgt. Tim Maloney, who is a gunner on one of the helocopters in SOAR. They seem to bond almost instantly and as Lola gets acclimated to her new duties, Tim finds himself very interested in what he sees. Lola returns the interest, and the two move from friendly flirting to sex. Just as in many action movies, the relationship almost feels like something extra that has been tacked onto the story. In this case, most of the action focuses on SOAR's covert missions and the discovery of a possible bioterrorism plot. In that context, Lola and Tim are really just a little bit of something extra.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
Lola LaRue is the new pilot on the SOAR team. The story opens as she arrives at her unit, a little nervous but more than ready to prove herself. Even though there is a romance involved, the story often feels as if it's primarily about Lola. And in true action hero fashion, Lola is just too good to be true. She knows the right things to say to break the ice with the guys (and at least some of the women) she'll be flying with, she's gorgeous, and we quickly learn that she is also some kind of flying prodigy.
One of the first people Lola meets is Sgt. Tim Maloney, who is a gunner on one of the helocopters in SOAR. They seem to bond almost instantly and as Lola gets acclimated to her new duties, Tim finds himself very interested in what he sees. Lola returns the interest, and the two move from friendly flirting to sex. Just as in many action movies, the relationship almost feels like something extra that has been tacked onto the story. In this case, most of the action focuses on SOAR's covert missions and the discovery of a possible bioterrorism plot. In that context, Lola and Tim are really just a little bit of something extra.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
January 28, 2014
In romance-terms, this book is a virtual repeat of the arc in book #2 of the Night Stalkers series -- tough girl from a disadvantaged, abusive background hooks up with nice guy during their tour of duty as part of the Army's high-tech, secret helicopter group the Night Stalkers. They go back to the States, hang out with his family, and then fall in love. The characters are different—Lola's tall and gorgeous, rather than stacked and pugnacious like Kee, and Tim is from a middle class family rather than Archie's wealthy one—different enough to make the romance similarities not feel inanely repetitive. The romance is balanced by an equal portion of action/adventure/military heroics, doled out at a pace likely to keep the attention of even reluctant readers.
The one aspect of the novel that caught my attention from a feminist perspective was its subplot: the married hero/heroine from book 1 find themselves unexpectedly expecting, and decide that she will undertake one last mission before informing her superiors about it (because pregnant women aren't allowed to fly helicopters into combat). During the mission, though, as the bullets are flying, Major Emily Beale suddenly freezes, out of fear for her child. Buchman explains this in military terms: one would give one's life for a fellow crewmember, so it only makes sense the Emily would do anything to protect her unborn child, a part of her team. Not sure I bought that line of thinking myself, although I could see how Buchman needed to have Emily & Mark out of the way so that Lola could lead the final mission.
The one aspect of the novel that caught my attention from a feminist perspective was its subplot: the married hero/heroine from book 1 find themselves unexpectedly expecting, and decide that she will undertake one last mission before informing her superiors about it (because pregnant women aren't allowed to fly helicopters into combat). During the mission, though, as the bullets are flying, Major Emily Beale suddenly freezes, out of fear for her child. Buchman explains this in military terms: one would give one's life for a fellow crewmember, so it only makes sense the Emily would do anything to protect her unborn child, a part of her team. Not sure I bought that line of thinking myself, although I could see how Buchman needed to have Emily & Mark out of the way so that Lola could lead the final mission.
September 10, 2014
I love the development in this series. We saw not just the H and h's romance but also the changes in the whole SOAR command. I was sad to see Emily and Mark leave the unit but it is also an inevitable progress for them - fantasy or reality.
I understand the h's fear and defficulty in filling Emily's proverbial big shoes. She did came out, at first, as an average soldier but as the author peel away her layers, she came out as one of a kind and more than earned her position with sweat and blood. A strong heroine I'd love to watch and read. I love that we got to know her as the H got to know her: layer by layer. No info dump which made me feel as satisfied as her when in the later chapter she said 'she came a long way' as she look back. And she did. Her character is someone I wish I am in strength when life turns up the heat.
Her confrontation with her crook of a father at the end is very dramatic as well as climactic for her own self esteem. Finally she made peace with her past without turning her back from it.
The hero, sigh...this author creates great heroes. In contrast to the h, he has a very loving and stable family. Which explains his devil-may-care/laid back/mischievous attitude. He is secure in his root and know that he will always have a safe place to land. He is a great friend, a son every mother could be proud of, and at the top of his field. See, he is perfect and every woman's dream. Which is why I understand the h's hardship to dream a life with him. But like any great H, he roped the h into his arm and kept her.
Great addition to the series.
I understand the h's fear and defficulty in filling Emily's proverbial big shoes. She did came out, at first, as an average soldier but as the author peel away her layers, she came out as one of a kind and more than earned her position with sweat and blood. A strong heroine I'd love to watch and read. I love that we got to know her as the H got to know her: layer by layer. No info dump which made me feel as satisfied as her when in the later chapter she said 'she came a long way' as she look back. And she did. Her character is someone I wish I am in strength when life turns up the heat.
Her confrontation with her crook of a father at the end is very dramatic as well as climactic for her own self esteem. Finally she made peace with her past without turning her back from it.
The hero, sigh...this author creates great heroes. In contrast to the h, he has a very loving and stable family. Which explains his devil-may-care/laid back/mischievous attitude. He is secure in his root and know that he will always have a safe place to land. He is a great friend, a son every mother could be proud of, and at the top of his field. See, he is perfect and every woman's dream. Which is why I understand the h's hardship to dream a life with him. But like any great H, he roped the h into his arm and kept her.
Great addition to the series.
April 21, 2015
Another solid entry in the Nightstalkers series and I think this is the last. I've always been intrigued by this series as it is written by a man. It gets into the real nitty gritty of flying in enemy territory and you definitely feel like you are part of the action. And yet it still manages to have a wonderful romance. This one was similar to the last one in many ways but I liked the heroine a lot better. Despite her being a "tough" girl, the romance was surprisingly sweet. My only complaint was making her from New Orleans and trotting out all the worn out cliches - she was brought up in a Storyville brothel. Are there even brothels anymore and I'm pretty sure Storyville falls into the category of "Ain't 'dere no more". Not only that but we have a crooked "sheriff" of New Orleans - there is no such thing. It got extremely tiresome to see my city so maligned in the pages of an otherwise pretty good romance.
May 4, 2015
This is my third ML Buchman book, and I have loved every one! I am reading the books out of order, but that does not detract from the books. In Take Over at Midnight, we meet Lola LaRue, as she joins the Night Stalkers Team. Lola has a troubled past, and she is truly tested as part of this new unit. Upon her arrival, she meets Sgt. Tim Maloney. Tim falls hard for Lola, but can she accept her love, in spite of her past and her drive to succeed? Another perfect combination of action and romance. A great military romance.
September 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this story and the author's writing. The military aspects were very well done and the romance deftly drawn. I'll be reading more from Buchman!
December 4, 2016
Chief Warrant Lola LaRue... mom dead... father an opportunist, drug dealer, corrupt lawman, indifferent to daughter... when she is 12, she goes to live at a brothel to Mama Cara, who puts her to work in the kitchen, and raises her with tough love... but when 19ish, and decides the easy money of prostitution is for her, 9/11 happens, and she sees a bigger picture - and she joins the air force - trains hard, makes into SOAR (rescue) and finally into The Night Stalkers... co-pilot to Emily Beale... where she has to overcome her innate sense of inadequacy to embrace her skills, and to be her best self - a brilliant pilot and strategist, equal to Emily but different...
Sergeant Tim Maloney... mechanic, gunner, easy going... comes from wealthy, loving cooking family in Washington DC... grows bored as a young man, and starts into car chop shops, and starts to push the button of really illegal activity - until 9/11 - and he joins the Air Force, compelled to make a difference...
Major Mark 'Viper' Henderson and Major Emily Beale... In love - and she discovers she's pregnant...
Tim befriends Lola from day one... and with his gentle spirit and self control, they become more than friends...
They all execute a mission, in Iran, of a deadly bioweapon... and they track it to the US... and intercept it before it can be used...
and Lola steps into Emily's shoes... Emily and Mark are joining a US rescue squad in Oregon... hmmmm
et al
Sergeant Tim Maloney... mechanic, gunner, easy going... comes from wealthy, loving cooking family in Washington DC... grows bored as a young man, and starts into car chop shops, and starts to push the button of really illegal activity - until 9/11 - and he joins the Air Force, compelled to make a difference...
Major Mark 'Viper' Henderson and Major Emily Beale... In love - and she discovers she's pregnant...
Tim befriends Lola from day one... and with his gentle spirit and self control, they become more than friends...
They all execute a mission, in Iran, of a deadly bioweapon... and they track it to the US... and intercept it before it can be used...
and Lola steps into Emily's shoes... Emily and Mark are joining a US rescue squad in Oregon... hmmmm
et al
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2018
I love ML Buchman's characters. The heroine definitely does a lot of growing in this one. The hero is determined if a little focused on his goal (yep just like a guy to not realize he might need to finesse a little with a gal's emotions...). This one is pretty much nonstop action from the first page. I look forward to every book in this series.
October 18, 2019
Lots of great action in this one. Lots of danger. The plot of chemical weapons unleashed on American soil is very scary. A peak into the White House when that possibility is discovered is really scary. This series also gives us a peak into what the lives of our servicemen ate like. We don't celebrate them enough. Plus, I'm fairly certain that these books barely touch the tip of the iceberg.
April 13, 2022
Great read!
Great continuous story line with believable characters. Loved the storyline continuing with The Majors! Strong references to other characters developing the next lead in to the next one. Recommended read if you enjoy action and romance with enjoyable characters you get to know like they are.real!
Great continuous story line with believable characters. Loved the storyline continuing with The Majors! Strong references to other characters developing the next lead in to the next one. Recommended read if you enjoy action and romance with enjoyable characters you get to know like they are.real!
April 16, 2018
Lola was a great pilot but her past life and early years screwed up her psyche about herself and love. Tim finally was able to break through that shell.
Was slower than the other books in the series
Was slower than the other books in the series
January 16, 2022
A great read!
I love this series and am enjoying the new version as well. A well crafted military romantic suspense. Great characters and supporting story threads. I highly recommend the series and the author.
I love this series and am enjoying the new version as well. A well crafted military romantic suspense. Great characters and supporting story threads. I highly recommend the series and the author.
November 17, 2024
Sadly, I didn’t care about this couple. And the story started feeling repetitive and at the end, too preachy about the virtuous president. The guy married a power hungry crazy woman who wasn’t good for anybody. Enough about him already!
April 23, 2021
Another book I enjoyed. Love when they have a Cajun or creel character.
library
July 30, 20210
July 5, 2022
I liked how the female lead character was portrayed in the final chapters of the book.
November 29, 2013
This series gets better and better with each book. Granted, I've missed the first book in the series when the two majors get together, though I get the impression that events referred to in this book definitely apply to that missing book (there are references to Pres. Mathews' late wife and a lot of guilty looks going between the majors).
I really liked how Lola was developed as a character. She had herself a really harsh beginning and it's not every day you see a character raised pretty much by a brothel house's cook without being encouraged toward the lifestyle herself. I also really admired that Lola considered it, but then the author allowed the natural time line to influence what happens (9/11, specifically) and what she decides to do with her life. And, as an aside, her father utterly deserves whatever torture he's put through in this life and the next. She also has a lovely little problem with Kee Stevenson from the last book I read in the series, and I liked seeing little Dalya again. The little girl's certainly growing up and proving herself smart as can be.
Tim - he's a hoot. He's got a fabulous family and really deserves his "crazy" moniker. He's not afraid to go after a woman, be the first one to own up to feelings, and to not utterly give up on one when she shoots him down. Oh, can't blame him for being hurt, and he was, buuuuut they also found their way to work through things.
The story was great - I learned a lot about the conflicts in the Middle East, and some of the earliest issues with Iran after the hostage situation in the 1970's. ML Buchanan took some of the current world's very real concerns (bioweapons being used) and turned it into a great thriller to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Lola and Tim were great as a couple, or even as a man/woman making eyes at each other without an initial plan as becoming a couple. ML Buchanan played well with the concerns that Lola rightfully would have had, as an officer having an affair/something with an enlisted individual.
I can't help but wonder if there are going to be any more books. I think the Night Stalkers (at least the unit with the Majors) have been all paired up, so I'm not sure who could be the next subject for this series. But I certainly hope so and know I'll eagerly read them if/when they come out.
Thank you so much, ML Buchanan and Sourcebooks!
I really liked how Lola was developed as a character. She had herself a really harsh beginning and it's not every day you see a character raised pretty much by a brothel house's cook without being encouraged toward the lifestyle herself. I also really admired that Lola considered it, but then the author allowed the natural time line to influence what happens (9/11, specifically) and what she decides to do with her life. And, as an aside, her father utterly deserves whatever torture he's put through in this life and the next. She also has a lovely little problem with Kee Stevenson from the last book I read in the series, and I liked seeing little Dalya again. The little girl's certainly growing up and proving herself smart as can be.
Tim - he's a hoot. He's got a fabulous family and really deserves his "crazy" moniker. He's not afraid to go after a woman, be the first one to own up to feelings, and to not utterly give up on one when she shoots him down. Oh, can't blame him for being hurt, and he was, buuuuut they also found their way to work through things.
The story was great - I learned a lot about the conflicts in the Middle East, and some of the earliest issues with Iran after the hostage situation in the 1970's. ML Buchanan took some of the current world's very real concerns (bioweapons being used) and turned it into a great thriller to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Lola and Tim were great as a couple, or even as a man/woman making eyes at each other without an initial plan as becoming a couple. ML Buchanan played well with the concerns that Lola rightfully would have had, as an officer having an affair/something with an enlisted individual.
I can't help but wonder if there are going to be any more books. I think the Night Stalkers (at least the unit with the Majors) have been all paired up, so I'm not sure who could be the next subject for this series. But I certainly hope so and know I'll eagerly read them if/when they come out.
Thank you so much, ML Buchanan and Sourcebooks!
February 15, 2014
I've loved this series from the cracktastic first book. Although books 2 &3 were more down to earth, I definitely enjoyed the mix of Tom Clancy/Nora Roberts mash-up.
Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to its predecessors. Don't get me wrong it isn't 'bad', it's just bland and it feels like such a long read. Why? Because it felt like NOTHING happened. For the most part we get the main characters sorta falling for each other? I guess even that wasn't very clear. Or the fact that the other women in the unit immediately hate the heroine.
I think part of the problem is that this felt like binging on episodes of a TV show, but missing the first 15 minutes of each one. I felt like I was missing something between each chapter. Something that would gel everything together. It's the only explanation I have since I did like the characters and the overall story, hence three stars rather than the normal four this series had garnered from me.
Now for the rant moment. In order to prevent, 'spoilers' I'll be very generic about this rant. 'Something' happens to a previous character and their reaction, or their reaction in a specific scene PISSED ME OFF to the nth degree because it was completely out of left field and unnecessary and lazy writing in my opinion. GRRRRRRR, it still pisses me off when I think about it.
Although, I liked this story, I'm not giving my blanket 'go read, now' rec for this story because it doesn't live up to the previous books in this series. However, if you like the series, it's good to be back in this world of kick-ass pilots even if it's slow at parts and somewhat disjointed and might lead to a nuclear case of 'what the....are you kidding me?'
Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to its predecessors. Don't get me wrong it isn't 'bad', it's just bland and it feels like such a long read. Why? Because it felt like NOTHING happened. For the most part we get the main characters sorta falling for each other? I guess even that wasn't very clear. Or the fact that the other women in the unit immediately hate the heroine.
I think part of the problem is that this felt like binging on episodes of a TV show, but missing the first 15 minutes of each one. I felt like I was missing something between each chapter. Something that would gel everything together. It's the only explanation I have since I did like the characters and the overall story, hence three stars rather than the normal four this series had garnered from me.
Now for the rant moment. In order to prevent, 'spoilers' I'll be very generic about this rant. 'Something' happens to a previous character and their reaction, or their reaction in a specific scene PISSED ME OFF to the nth degree because it was completely out of left field and unnecessary and lazy writing in my opinion. GRRRRRRR, it still pisses me off when I think about it.
Although, I liked this story, I'm not giving my blanket 'go read, now' rec for this story because it doesn't live up to the previous books in this series. However, if you like the series, it's good to be back in this world of kick-ass pilots even if it's slow at parts and somewhat disjointed and might lead to a nuclear case of 'what the....are you kidding me?'
December 6, 2013
I was pissed at most of the SOAR team for most of the book. Usually when a new member joins the team they welcome them, however this time it seemed like it was hate at first site. I thought that Emily would step in, so not the case, it left me feeling disappointed in her. It was a good thing that later the two women forged a good friendship. I was a little surprised by Emily's secret and how if affected her, especially at the end.
I liked how Tim was sweet on Lola from the start and did what he could to make her feel welcomed. It was a good thing too, as he was the only one. I liked them as a couple, but was a little stunned at Lola's reaction to Tim's question. It seemed so odd considering how close they managed to get. I loved how Tim was vague with who his family was and who was coming to dinner. It made for some great reading, some that had me laughing.
I really liked how Lola took charge at the end, she didn't think, just did what she knew needed to be done. By doing that she finally gained the support of the rest of the team.
I liked how Tim was sweet on Lola from the start and did what he could to make her feel welcomed. It was a good thing too, as he was the only one. I liked them as a couple, but was a little stunned at Lola's reaction to Tim's question. It seemed so odd considering how close they managed to get. I loved how Tim was vague with who his family was and who was coming to dinner. It made for some great reading, some that had me laughing.
I really liked how Lola took charge at the end, she didn't think, just did what she knew needed to be done. By doing that she finally gained the support of the rest of the team.
September 30, 2013
I’m sorry to say that I found this book boring. I realised as I was a couple of chapter into the book that I had a actually read another book in this series (books can be read as standalones) and the same thing happened. The characters are great; as I learn about a new character I hope the author will write their story. The concept of the book is great, pilots in a war zone trying to survive and have relationships.
I think the problem is that nothing happens. Although I must admit that I haven’t actually finished one of these book to see if something does happen. From what little I have read (about ¼ or a bit more of a couple of these books) the author focus totally on relationships and includes very little action or drama; maybe that comes later???
One day I will have to try and get through one of these books to see, at the moment though there are too many other interesting books out there to read.
I think the problem is that nothing happens. Although I must admit that I haven’t actually finished one of these book to see if something does happen. From what little I have read (about ¼ or a bit more of a couple of these books) the author focus totally on relationships and includes very little action or drama; maybe that comes later???
One day I will have to try and get through one of these books to see, at the moment though there are too many other interesting books out there to read.
November 19, 2013
I rate this about a 3.5 out of a score of 5.
This book was excellently written & believe me it was very descriptive, walking you through not only the scenery & action, but the emotion as well. The story was action packed & I thought the golf game was cool!! I'm going to ship some golf balls to my brother-in-law when he goes back on tour, wherever that may be...
I really felt the emotion running through this book, but it was sooooooo descriptive that for me it took away from the actual story. The story was excellent & I loved all the characters, wishing I could hang out with them too. Maybe the descriptions slowed down the story like a 4 hour movie that could fit in 3 hours without the fluff...
I was surprised a man wrote this way, but I could tell it was written by a mans perspective, because of the descriptions & the words used to describe actions. It was kind of funny. It wasn't supposed to be, but I smirked a few times at the bluntness without the schmooze of a woman's tone.
This book was excellently written & believe me it was very descriptive, walking you through not only the scenery & action, but the emotion as well. The story was action packed & I thought the golf game was cool!! I'm going to ship some golf balls to my brother-in-law when he goes back on tour, wherever that may be...
I really felt the emotion running through this book, but it was sooooooo descriptive that for me it took away from the actual story. The story was excellent & I loved all the characters, wishing I could hang out with them too. Maybe the descriptions slowed down the story like a 4 hour movie that could fit in 3 hours without the fluff...
I was surprised a man wrote this way, but I could tell it was written by a mans perspective, because of the descriptions & the words used to describe actions. It was kind of funny. It wasn't supposed to be, but I smirked a few times at the bluntness without the schmooze of a woman's tone.
December 8, 2013
This is the fourth book in the Night Stalkers series and the last in the current story arc.
This story differs from previous ones in that the climax of the action takes place in the US. But the build up happens at the soccer stadium aka base of operations and the surrounds. In this book we follow Lola LaRue. Lola featured in a previous book so her appearance wasn't unexpected as a further character. Lola is Emily's co-pilot and has to deal with the awe of flying with Major Beale and at the same time fit in with the crew. Needless to say there are some bumps along the way.
The romantic element with "Crazy Tim" was well done. I enjoyed reading about them as a couple.
I enjoyed this story.
I'm looking forward to the new series and finding out what is going to be the next step with the Night Stalkers. I'm also curious if Trisha O'Malley - a character who has featured in name and in person in this book and others - will get her own book.
This story differs from previous ones in that the climax of the action takes place in the US. But the build up happens at the soccer stadium aka base of operations and the surrounds. In this book we follow Lola LaRue. Lola featured in a previous book so her appearance wasn't unexpected as a further character. Lola is Emily's co-pilot and has to deal with the awe of flying with Major Beale and at the same time fit in with the crew. Needless to say there are some bumps along the way.
The romantic element with "Crazy Tim" was well done. I enjoyed reading about them as a couple.
I enjoyed this story.
I'm looking forward to the new series and finding out what is going to be the next step with the Night Stalkers. I'm also curious if Trisha O'Malley - a character who has featured in name and in person in this book and others - will get her own book.
February 10, 2017
I enjoyed this romantic suspense with a good plot and plenty of action although I skimmed some technical jargon but while the romance started building good, I got irritated with both heroine and hero's behavior when the problems started. Lola joins as co-pilot in the elite helicopter teams and is attracted to gunner 'Crazy' Tim.
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