The Brightest of Stars

Night Tales #3-4

by Nora Roberts

Their love shines brightest on the darkest of nights

Nightshade

The moment her eyes locked on Colt Nightshade, she knew he was trouble. But Lieutenant Althea Grayson prided herself on being in control, and she wouldn't let her new partner ruin that. The man was a renegade, had no respect for rules—and the worst part was he got to her. The way he challenged Althea's thinking, stared right into her eyes…and held her in his arms. What defense could her heart have when Nightshade didn't play fair?

Night Smoke

Arson investigator Ryan Piasecki was a man who got the job done no matter the obstacle…or how beautiful she was. Ambitious executive Natalie Fletcher's new business was going up in smoke, literally, and she needed Ryan's help to catch the arsonist. But if he wasn't careful, the sparks flying between him and this hothouse rose would erupt into a five-alarm blaze—and they'd both be engulfed by the night smoke.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Suspense

496 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

About the author

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

Reviews

[Alanna Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shorter stories but still amazing! Lots of romance and a good short book for when you don’t want to use your brain too much.

[Beth Lechman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roberts has a way to draw you in to the story and keep you coming back for more.

[Ariel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had two stories in it. The first was a pretty stereotypical coupling. Uptight, no nonsense, married to her job girl and here comes “take what ever I want, my way” kind of guy. The story outside of their relationship wasn’t even that interesting.

Night Smoke was a little more compelling, but not by much. Just a slightly different bend on the same troupes, but the main characters had a smidge more depth. I actually was interested in the story outside of their relationship a bit more too.

Both stories had connecting characters which I liked and I assume the family of characters are probably in other books too.

[C.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series when they first came out but now that I'm rereading them - and having read all 60 of Nora's J.D. Robb's In Death series, I can see the seeds of that series, especially in this book. The tough, capable detective with the horrific past, the found family, the swift falling in love, it all says Eve and Roarke to me.

[Kaycee Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love reading Nora Roberts, it's what I read when I'm having a hard time reading. This was no different and I had a good time while reading, as always when it comes to her books.

[Drew Heath · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew what I got myself into reading this book but why are Colt and Ry two of the most obnoxious, annoying cis straight white men?!? Do people actually enjoy these sorts of relationship dynamics in romance novels??

The one saving grace was that the main storylines were genuinely interested. I guess I should cleanse my brain with mystery novels after this lol

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering these books are pretty old, you really do get the feeling of the 90's. I don't really know why, but it kept me turning pages and even though I'm an avid reader of paranormal stories, this rather normal one kept me reading until the very last page.

The first story is about Althea and Colt who partner up to find a missing girl and oust a pornographic video ring. The story is a page turner and you really feel the cold fury that just lurks behind Althea and Colt. On the other side there's that smoldering attraction that might just be too distracting... or not?!

The second story is about Nathalie and Ryan and a story that could be Cinderella material if the two protagonists didn't have switched roles: Ryan is a fire fighter turned arson investigator who is looking into the suspicious fires of Nathalie's Million Dollar company. But who would have guessed ( ;-) yeah, right!) that the fire between them is just as hot? (God, that sounds cheesy.)

I liked both stories equally good, though I kind of digged the Nathalie and Ryan story just a little more.
This is definitly a good read and I know understand why Nora Roberts Stories, whichever you happen to read, have such great characters and stories behind them. It's addicting!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nora Roberts has delivered two steamy, sizzling tales of romantic suspense that a hard to put down.

Nightshade-An ambitious hard nosed detective goes up against a stubborn PI on the trail of the missing daughter of friends. Colt and Althea step on each others toes and hearts as they solve the case.

Night Smoke--Natalie and Ryan are fanning the flames of passion as they search for a pyro and try to keep her business from going up in smoke.

The two stories are the second in Roberts Night tales series and will light a torch for romance fans while creating spine tingling suspense. This a smoldering 5 star read.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Change of pace for me, but nice light reading

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightshade
3.5 stars

[Dale Pearce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hours between dusk and dawn are filled with mystery, danger...and romance.
NIGHTSHADE: The moment her eyes locked on Colt Nightshade, she knew he was trouble. But Lieutenant Althea Grayson prided herself on being in control, and she wouldn't let her new partner ruin that. The man was a renegade, no respect for rules -- and the worst part was he got to her. The way he challenged Althea's thinking, stared right into her eyes...and held her in his arms. What defence could her heart have when Nightshade didn't play fair?
NIGHT SMOKE: Arson investigator Ryan Piasecki was a man who got the job done no matter what the obstacle...or how beautiful she was. Ambitious executive Natalie Fletcher's new business was going up in smoke, literally, and she needed Ryan's help to catch the arsonist. But if he wasn't careful, the sparks flying between him and this hothouse rose would erupt into a five-alarm blaze -- and they'd both be engulfed by the Night Smoke

[Julie Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK 3 in the Night Tales Series NIGHTSHADE ***** 5/5 stars. I am just reading these NIGHT TALES in 2021. I am getting vibes of her practicing with characters, that led her to Eve Dallas and Roarke. Love that the name O'Roarke in the first two books. In this book I feel she was setting up a strong female detective and her getting used to having someone work with her. Also, her personal background is similar to Eve.
BOOK 4 in the Night Tales Series NIGHT SMOKE **** 4/5 stars. This book was interesting because I liked hearing about the detective work involved in the analysis of how the fire started, spread and the different types of people who set fires. I did not so much like the ending where Ryan is chasing her around to try to apologize. I did like the disparity in their economic backgrounds. In this book it is Natalie the female who has the wealth. With Eve and Roarke that is reversed, but Eve struggles with Roarke’s wealth, as Ryan struggled with Natalie’s wealth in this tale.

[Regina Pride · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this without knowing that it was part of a series. I had read some of Ms Roberts other books of different genres, but I really like her Night series books. This series of books deals with people officers and their private lives as well as their jobs. In fact, I like them better than any of her other genres of books. Check this series out.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the hardest Nora Roberts books I’ve ever read. I have the book with all the “Night” books, 4 books total. This was the 3rd book and again I really had to push through it. Why am I forcing myself to get this book read, I don’t know! This story was so unbelievable. He fell in love and wanted to marry her without even getting to know her. Within minutes of meeting her. I just thought it was hokey. Only one more to go and I can finish this stupid book. And I really like Nora Roberts but this book is just really hard to get through!!

[Terri Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a five book series so I will do one review for all five. The books are great. The characters are easy to like although at times you wonder what they are thinking. The 3rd one has an odd twist that doesn't really fit in with the series but doesn't diminish from the storyline. I would recommend all these books although not so much to be listened to as the narrator isn't the best. I almost didn't listen to the series but I'm glad I did.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved both books........Nightshade's story is about Althea and Colt.....Althea used to be Boyd Fletchers partner in Night Shift..... Then we have Night Smoke about Natalie who is Boyd's sister and Ryan an arson investigator. The book also has a brief run in with the character Nemisis from Night Chadow. Loved all the books ......NIGHT SHIFT, NIGHT SHADOW, NIGHTSHADE , NIGHT SMOKE AND the final book NIGHT SHIELD. Will definitely be re-reading all of them again in the future.

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up after about half way through and a year later. Just couldn't make myself go back into book. Story was predictable. I will read simple romances and suspense/crime of some of my favorite. There needs to be an interesting, twisting, oppositional or humorous path along the way. There is opposition but it is straight forward and predictable.

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must remember to not read a series of Nora Roberts books in a row! The hero and heroine are interchangeable with each other, especially in her earlier novels. However, I did enjoy the first story. the second was not so good, I thought. I felt that she didn't have enough for the length she needed, so she padded it out. So a three star rating for Night Smoke.

[bexbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed both stories and this bind up. I really enjoy all of the books in this series and these two are no exception.

I love the banter back and forth between a strong woman and an equally stubborn man and you get that in both of these.

The couple's seem to be a relatively good match and I enjoyed reading their romance.

[Leek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read…okay…not great. For Nightshade. I’m getting the books of this series singly. The 2-story version doesn’t seem to be available. Feb. 20 (2024), finished Night Smoke…so far the most outrageous of the series. The same day they met, she’s sharing the remaining food on her plate with him. Even as she seems to totally dislike him. Could be the quickest love at first sight ever. But it was a fun read.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another one consisting of two stories/books. It helps if the reader has read The Darkest of Nights or Secrets of Nightfall (same book, different titles) before reading this book. The characters are connected to characters in the prior book. This book can be read independently but it's nice, as the reader, to go, "Ahhh! I know all about them!"

[M.D. Jerome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightshade: 5 Stars
Looooooved this story and all its beats! It had everything and I could not put it down!

Night Smoke:
I don't have an interest in this book and for now, it is being put on hold... perhaps

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved both of these stories!!! Loved that they played off one another just slightly. Amazing reading!!

[Veronica Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two good romances. Have lots of the criminal element and some arson too.

[Shirley Hinderliter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! Two books by Nora Roberts that I hadn't read before! Who woulda thunk it.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

1st Story- 1 star
2nd Story- 3 stars

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, the first story kept my attention, but the 2nd was bland and superficial. Not so great.

[Amy Ravenel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed both of these books. I liked Night Smoke better than Nightshade, and it was great to see Nemesis again.

[Canyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series!

[sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

third book was my favorite , fourth got to be cheeeesy at times