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Langston Hotels #1
Night and Day
Attending the charity masquerade ball was my chance to let loose for one night. And as soon as I see him, I let the handsome stranger show me the hottest night of my life.
Except then I learn he isn’t a stranger.
He’s my new boss.
Tessa
I’m Windward born and bred. I love my family, my town, and my dream job managing my hotel. But now we’ve been bought by Langston Hotels. Cue stress and panic.
I’ll do anything to make sure they don’t ruin the charm and turn my hotel into a slick, modern, soulless shell.
What I wasn’t counting on was jet-setting hotelier Ambrose Langston. Handsome, bossy, with a wide workaholic streak.
It doesn’t take me long to realize he’s also the man I let do very wicked things to me.
Ro
Transforming the Windward Resort is next on my plan. I’m on a mission to make Langston Hotels thrive and rub my father’s face in it.
What I never expected was the locals of Windward being less than happy with my acquisition. And I definitely wasn’t expecting Tessa Ashford.
I’ve always been professional with my employees, unlike my philandering father, but smart, beautiful Tessa—the mysterious woman who rocked my world—makes it a challenge.
Working side by side, all I can think about is her. I never stay. I work, then leave. But she has me questioning everything.
Then the strange “accidents” start happening. Someone doesn’t want me in Windward.
Now, I need to keep Tessa safe from whoever wants me gone.
Except then I learn he isn’t a stranger.
He’s my new boss.
Tessa
I’m Windward born and bred. I love my family, my town, and my dream job managing my hotel. But now we’ve been bought by Langston Hotels. Cue stress and panic.
I’ll do anything to make sure they don’t ruin the charm and turn my hotel into a slick, modern, soulless shell.
What I wasn’t counting on was jet-setting hotelier Ambrose Langston. Handsome, bossy, with a wide workaholic streak.
It doesn’t take me long to realize he’s also the man I let do very wicked things to me.
Ro
Transforming the Windward Resort is next on my plan. I’m on a mission to make Langston Hotels thrive and rub my father’s face in it.
What I never expected was the locals of Windward being less than happy with my acquisition. And I definitely wasn’t expecting Tessa Ashford.
I’ve always been professional with my employees, unlike my philandering father, but smart, beautiful Tessa—the mysterious woman who rocked my world—makes it a challenge.
Working side by side, all I can think about is her. I never stay. I work, then leave. But she has me questioning everything.
Then the strange “accidents” start happening. Someone doesn’t want me in Windward.
Now, I need to keep Tessa safe from whoever wants me gone.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2025
1471 people are currently reading
2128 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
173 books2,947 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
August 3, 2025
Audio:
5 stars for Aiden Snow
5 stars for Erin Mallon
Book: 3 stars
It’s been a long time since I have read an Anna Hackett book. I thought the beginning was strong, but then about halfway it just didn’t flow how I wanted and the relationship felt too fast from where it started.
Overall it was good but forgettable.
5 stars for Aiden Snow
5 stars for Erin Mallon
Book: 3 stars
It’s been a long time since I have read an Anna Hackett book. I thought the beginning was strong, but then about halfway it just didn’t flow how I wanted and the relationship felt too fast from where it started.
Overall it was good but forgettable.
November 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
June 3, 2025
I loved the H. 😍 He was so sweet and protective of the h. And he was also so sweet with her little cousin.
I loved the tension between the two. The h was sweet and very competent. She was very good at solving her problems and everyone else’s.
Safety
Safe. No ow/om drama. Neither virgins. Doesn’t go into a lot of detail about their pasts.
I loved the tension between the two. The h was sweet and very competent. She was very good at solving her problems and everyone else’s.
Safety
Safe. No ow/om drama. Neither virgins. Doesn’t go into a lot of detail about their pasts.
June 9, 2025
4 1/2 stars.
Night and Day was another gem I found when scrolling through the Amazon charts and I'm so glad I decided to give this one a try because I really enjoyed it.
Ambrose Langston, who goes by Ro, is the CEO of Langston Hotels, and they have recently acquired the Windward Resort in Colorado. The hotel manager, Tessa Ashford, is practically married to the hotel - she knows it inside and out. The Windward hosts a masquerade ball every year to raise money for charity, and one the night of the ball, Tessa meets a mysterious stranger and ends up hooking up with him, which is not like her. Guess who her mystery man turns out to be? You guessed it, Ro.
Ro was a little rough around the edges at the beginning, very married to his job and trying really hard to be the polar opposite of his philandering father. After Ro and Tessa's hook up, he starts to soften and he becomes a much more likable character. There is a bit of suspense in this book too, and it wasn't at all predictable.
This book had some great side characters, and I can't wait to continue reading this series. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Night and Day was another gem I found when scrolling through the Amazon charts and I'm so glad I decided to give this one a try because I really enjoyed it.
Ambrose Langston, who goes by Ro, is the CEO of Langston Hotels, and they have recently acquired the Windward Resort in Colorado. The hotel manager, Tessa Ashford, is practically married to the hotel - she knows it inside and out. The Windward hosts a masquerade ball every year to raise money for charity, and one the night of the ball, Tessa meets a mysterious stranger and ends up hooking up with him, which is not like her. Guess who her mystery man turns out to be? You guessed it, Ro.
Ro was a little rough around the edges at the beginning, very married to his job and trying really hard to be the polar opposite of his philandering father. After Ro and Tessa's hook up, he starts to soften and he becomes a much more likable character. There is a bit of suspense in this book too, and it wasn't at all predictable.
This book had some great side characters, and I can't wait to continue reading this series. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
June 12, 2025
Anna Hackett is one of my favorite writers. One of the best series I’ve read is her Team 52 books – all eight of them are great reads. The main theme that runs through that series is original and top notch. The Norcross Security series is a good one as well, and I was looking forward to reading a new Anna Hackett series.
At first, I was dubious about the book because the “billionaire boss” is my least favorite romance trope. And I am not a fan of first-person point of view. I love a good third-person subjective omniscient POV – very tough to write which is probably why it’s fallen out of favor with editors and publishers, and don’t get me started on literary agents who hate it, too.
However, Ms. Hackett writes so well that I decided to read this book anyway. So glad I did. I was swept away in the basic goodness of the heroine, Tessa Ashford, who was a decent human being – beautiful, too, of course, or else she’d never have caught the eye of our hero, billionaire Ambrose “Ro” Langston. Tessa’s decency is her best trait.
Our two protagonists met when Langston came to visit the hotel he was buying – the hotel that Ms. Ashford manages. He stayed a couple hours and left, having decided to buy the hotel. He returns as the new owner and decides to show up at a masquerade ball incognito, masked and trying to blend in. Tessa is also at the ball, having organized it, and is wearing a mask. The two meet again…and…
That was a major bump in the plot. First, the incognito bit. Langston is at the hotel under an assumed name and has done some sort of express check-in. That’s okay, but no desk clerk would allow a guest to occupy any room—let alone the penthouse—without knowing who the guest is. I traveled a lot with my work and just called a friend who manages a Hilton property. She laughed when I told her about the billionaire boss checking in under an alias. She said that celebrities do this often, but the manager, security, and the front desk staff are aware of who the celebrities are, and that ensures their privacy. Wouldn't the hotel in this story follow these protective rules?
Second, Tessa and Langston had met before he attends the masquerade ball. Even with masks that covered the tops of their faces, it is difficult to believe they didn’t recognize each other. Here’s why: Tessa researched Langston when she learned he was looking to buy the hotel. She knows what he looks like, both in person and in photographs. He is distinctly handsome with a fine profile, or so we’re told. I think she would have recognized him from his height, his hair, his voice, and his manner. AND…she wears a distinctive bracelet. It’s mentioned multiple times in the book. She would’ve been wearing it when they met initially, and she was wearing it at the masquerade ball. He would have recognized it, and then her.
The two leave the ball to head up some stairs to a landing where they have sex—no spoiler here; this is in the book’s advert—which everyone euphemistically calls “sleeping together.” What a humorous misnomer. No sleeping and they were together mere minutes. And yet, it was the ultimate sex-meet-cute of all time for both of them. That boggles believability. He’s a jetsetter and as handsome as our heroine is beautiful, so it’s a stretch to think that minutes of a quickie on a landing overlooking the masquerade is going to stack up against hours of bedtime romping.
After this bump, the story smooths out and opens into a world of work-work-workaholism on both their parts. They slow down for each other, though, and this is a believable approach. They seem to be nicely blindsided by their mutual attraction. When Langston resumes his normal identity, they recognize each other from the landing-sex and decide to put it behind them and remain professional. They can’t, of course. And their inability to keep their hands off each other blends well with the storyline. The sex occurs naturally and is part of the plot. It’s well done.
There are very few issues in the book.
One has to do with a Langston hotel banner that is shredded into pieces – not everyone is happy with the Langston buyout. In chapter 3, the banner is slashed during the masquerade ball; Lara, the receptionist, reports that it was fine the last time she looked, and this was at the masked ball. Later, in chapter 15, Tessa tells Langston that the banner was slashed “before the Mountain Masquerade.” Not quite true.
In chapter 15, Tessa has one of Langston’s favorite breakfast meals prepared for him and waiting for them after a hike up the mountain to a cabin with a beautiful view. The dish is eggs Florentine which is served with a hollandaise sauce. The problem is that hollandaise sauce is finicky and not just to make but also serve. It is perfection when served fresh. For that perfection, the sauce should be kept at about 60° C (140° F). That wouldn’t have been possible at the cabin.
[Sidebar: amazing hollandaise can be found at Brennan’s on Royal Street in New Orleans…oh, yum!]
Tessa tells Langston that she can’t drink coffee all day because she gets too wired; she drinks “chai tea” instead. Two things: first, black tea contains caffeine (about half the amount found in coffee, but it can still “wire” a drinker) and second, “chai” means tea, so she drinks chai. Period. Or perhaps masala chai if she likes star anise, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
In chapter 17, there is a phrase, “…the amount of exclamation marks she was using was alarming.” It’s a funny observation regarding text messages, but it’s “…number of exclamation marks…” When items can be counted, use “number” – exclamation marks can be counted. If the items cannot be counted, then “amount” is used (as in amount of caffeine, or amount of money).
I rated this book 4-stars. It’s well written, fun to read, and the characters are enjoyable. Even the secondary characters are well-depicted. Tessa’s cousins are children who have little personalities of their own. They feel real, not simply props to show how the protagonists behave around children. Tessa’s family is wonderful, something that Langston is drawn to, given his own background and upbringing. I liked Tessa a good bit and, truth to tell, I liked Langston because Tessa liked him. As much as I dislike the billionaire boss trope in general, and the first person POV, I liked this book a lot and am looking forward to the second book in the series, Before and After, due out in August 2025.
At first, I was dubious about the book because the “billionaire boss” is my least favorite romance trope. And I am not a fan of first-person point of view. I love a good third-person subjective omniscient POV – very tough to write which is probably why it’s fallen out of favor with editors and publishers, and don’t get me started on literary agents who hate it, too.
However, Ms. Hackett writes so well that I decided to read this book anyway. So glad I did. I was swept away in the basic goodness of the heroine, Tessa Ashford, who was a decent human being – beautiful, too, of course, or else she’d never have caught the eye of our hero, billionaire Ambrose “Ro” Langston. Tessa’s decency is her best trait.
Our two protagonists met when Langston came to visit the hotel he was buying – the hotel that Ms. Ashford manages. He stayed a couple hours and left, having decided to buy the hotel. He returns as the new owner and decides to show up at a masquerade ball incognito, masked and trying to blend in. Tessa is also at the ball, having organized it, and is wearing a mask. The two meet again…and…
That was a major bump in the plot. First, the incognito bit. Langston is at the hotel under an assumed name and has done some sort of express check-in. That’s okay, but no desk clerk would allow a guest to occupy any room—let alone the penthouse—without knowing who the guest is. I traveled a lot with my work and just called a friend who manages a Hilton property. She laughed when I told her about the billionaire boss checking in under an alias. She said that celebrities do this often, but the manager, security, and the front desk staff are aware of who the celebrities are, and that ensures their privacy. Wouldn't the hotel in this story follow these protective rules?
Second, Tessa and Langston had met before he attends the masquerade ball. Even with masks that covered the tops of their faces, it is difficult to believe they didn’t recognize each other. Here’s why: Tessa researched Langston when she learned he was looking to buy the hotel. She knows what he looks like, both in person and in photographs. He is distinctly handsome with a fine profile, or so we’re told. I think she would have recognized him from his height, his hair, his voice, and his manner. AND…she wears a distinctive bracelet. It’s mentioned multiple times in the book. She would’ve been wearing it when they met initially, and she was wearing it at the masquerade ball. He would have recognized it, and then her.
The two leave the ball to head up some stairs to a landing where they have sex—no spoiler here; this is in the book’s advert—which everyone euphemistically calls “sleeping together.” What a humorous misnomer. No sleeping and they were together mere minutes. And yet, it was the ultimate sex-meet-cute of all time for both of them. That boggles believability. He’s a jetsetter and as handsome as our heroine is beautiful, so it’s a stretch to think that minutes of a quickie on a landing overlooking the masquerade is going to stack up against hours of bedtime romping.
After this bump, the story smooths out and opens into a world of work-work-workaholism on both their parts. They slow down for each other, though, and this is a believable approach. They seem to be nicely blindsided by their mutual attraction. When Langston resumes his normal identity, they recognize each other from the landing-sex and decide to put it behind them and remain professional. They can’t, of course. And their inability to keep their hands off each other blends well with the storyline. The sex occurs naturally and is part of the plot. It’s well done.
There are very few issues in the book.
One has to do with a Langston hotel banner that is shredded into pieces – not everyone is happy with the Langston buyout. In chapter 3, the banner is slashed during the masquerade ball; Lara, the receptionist, reports that it was fine the last time she looked, and this was at the masked ball. Later, in chapter 15, Tessa tells Langston that the banner was slashed “before the Mountain Masquerade.” Not quite true.
In chapter 15, Tessa has one of Langston’s favorite breakfast meals prepared for him and waiting for them after a hike up the mountain to a cabin with a beautiful view. The dish is eggs Florentine which is served with a hollandaise sauce. The problem is that hollandaise sauce is finicky and not just to make but also serve. It is perfection when served fresh. For that perfection, the sauce should be kept at about 60° C (140° F). That wouldn’t have been possible at the cabin.
[Sidebar: amazing hollandaise can be found at Brennan’s on Royal Street in New Orleans…oh, yum!]
Tessa tells Langston that she can’t drink coffee all day because she gets too wired; she drinks “chai tea” instead. Two things: first, black tea contains caffeine (about half the amount found in coffee, but it can still “wire” a drinker) and second, “chai” means tea, so she drinks chai. Period. Or perhaps masala chai if she likes star anise, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
In chapter 17, there is a phrase, “…the amount of exclamation marks she was using was alarming.” It’s a funny observation regarding text messages, but it’s “…number of exclamation marks…” When items can be counted, use “number” – exclamation marks can be counted. If the items cannot be counted, then “amount” is used (as in amount of caffeine, or amount of money).
I rated this book 4-stars. It’s well written, fun to read, and the characters are enjoyable. Even the secondary characters are well-depicted. Tessa’s cousins are children who have little personalities of their own. They feel real, not simply props to show how the protagonists behave around children. Tessa’s family is wonderful, something that Langston is drawn to, given his own background and upbringing. I liked Tessa a good bit and, truth to tell, I liked Langston because Tessa liked him. As much as I dislike the billionaire boss trope in general, and the first person POV, I liked this book a lot and am looking forward to the second book in the series, Before and After, due out in August 2025.
May 18, 2025
Series: Langston Hotels #1
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Tessa Ashford is the manager of the Windward Hotel. It has recently been bought by the Langston Hotels and she is stressing out about what might happen to her beloved Windward. During their annual charity masquerade she tries to let go of the stress for a little bit and finds herself sneaking off to enjoy a quick one night stand with a handsome masked stranger. What she doesn’t expect is for that man to end up being her new boss, Ro Langston.
This was a great start to a new series. Ambrose “Ro” Langston was briefly introduced in the Fury Brother’s series so he’s not really a new character. Ro has been the CEO of Langston Hotels for only about 18 months after a hostile takeover from his father. He is determined to revitalize the Langston Hotels brand. Ro was a determined and protective man. I found him to be a likeable character, especially since he was protective but respective of Tessa’s independence.
Tessa is an independent and family oriented woman. She lost her parents at a young age and now treasures the relatives she has left, so much so that she lives across the street from them and helps with raising her cousins. Her passion though is in managing the Windward Hotel. She is determined not to let Ambrose Langston change anything about her hotel and especially not destroy it. Tessa was a great heroine. I liked her determination, grit, and passion for her job. She doesn’t back down and fights to show Ro just how amazing the hotel is. She also is willing to admit the truth that things at the hotel should be updated, even if she hates change.
Ro and Tessa have a passionate and action packed relationship. They start as an anonymous quickie at a masquerade, but quickly leads to a fling once they admit they can’t stay away from each other. These two both have a lot of childhood trauma to overcome during their relationship. Tessa has to be willing to risk love and loss for the relationship, and Ro has to realize not all relationships are toxic or a shame, true love does exist.
While these two are getting to know each other, they are also dealing with someone sabotaging the hotel and targeting Langston. I enjoyed the mixture of romance and suspense in this one. The romance was steamy, intense and emotional. The suspense was perfectly placed and the villain wasn’t who I expected, which is always good.
Overall, this was a great start to a new series! I really enjoyed Tessa and Ro’s relationship and the hurdles they faced. Also I really liked all the secondary characters in this and wonder which of them will be getting their own books.
TW: death of parents in car accident; toxic parents; poisoning; kidnapping; toxic masculinity;
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Tessa Ashford is the manager of the Windward Hotel. It has recently been bought by the Langston Hotels and she is stressing out about what might happen to her beloved Windward. During their annual charity masquerade she tries to let go of the stress for a little bit and finds herself sneaking off to enjoy a quick one night stand with a handsome masked stranger. What she doesn’t expect is for that man to end up being her new boss, Ro Langston.
This was a great start to a new series. Ambrose “Ro” Langston was briefly introduced in the Fury Brother’s series so he’s not really a new character. Ro has been the CEO of Langston Hotels for only about 18 months after a hostile takeover from his father. He is determined to revitalize the Langston Hotels brand. Ro was a determined and protective man. I found him to be a likeable character, especially since he was protective but respective of Tessa’s independence.
Tessa is an independent and family oriented woman. She lost her parents at a young age and now treasures the relatives she has left, so much so that she lives across the street from them and helps with raising her cousins. Her passion though is in managing the Windward Hotel. She is determined not to let Ambrose Langston change anything about her hotel and especially not destroy it. Tessa was a great heroine. I liked her determination, grit, and passion for her job. She doesn’t back down and fights to show Ro just how amazing the hotel is. She also is willing to admit the truth that things at the hotel should be updated, even if she hates change.
Ro and Tessa have a passionate and action packed relationship. They start as an anonymous quickie at a masquerade, but quickly leads to a fling once they admit they can’t stay away from each other. These two both have a lot of childhood trauma to overcome during their relationship. Tessa has to be willing to risk love and loss for the relationship, and Ro has to realize not all relationships are toxic or a shame, true love does exist.
While these two are getting to know each other, they are also dealing with someone sabotaging the hotel and targeting Langston. I enjoyed the mixture of romance and suspense in this one. The romance was steamy, intense and emotional. The suspense was perfectly placed and the villain wasn’t who I expected, which is always good.
Overall, this was a great start to a new series! I really enjoyed Tessa and Ro’s relationship and the hurdles they faced. Also I really liked all the secondary characters in this and wonder which of them will be getting their own books.
TW: death of parents in car accident; toxic parents; poisoning; kidnapping; toxic masculinity;
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
May 25, 2025
Well this new series starts off with a rather hot and steamy encounter which certainly sets the scene for two workaholics to actually find love . Ro is in charge of Langston hotels after an effective hostile takeover from his own father who is quite the philanderer . Tessa has also been shaped by her family but her parents died meaning that her young aunt stepped in to raise her. Now Tessa has to convince her new boss that the hotel she manages is full of warmth and charm that the guests love. As modern meets traditional it soon becomes obvious that someone definitely doesn't want Ro around or is it Tessa that is in danger ?
I think that the couple definitely deserved to be together and happy as both have experienced unhappiness. I quite enjoyed the hotel setting and indeed we meet new characters although I'm not sure what the author intends for them although truthfully I'd love Tessa's aunt to get a happy ever after. The central couple are pleasant and driven and there is some suspense to help push the story. What I missed was well action I guess as I didn't really find much here. Yet if you want a reasonably fast paced romance then this certainly delivers and of course there's a happy ending !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts are I believe fair
I think that the couple definitely deserved to be together and happy as both have experienced unhappiness. I quite enjoyed the hotel setting and indeed we meet new characters although I'm not sure what the author intends for them although truthfully I'd love Tessa's aunt to get a happy ever after. The central couple are pleasant and driven and there is some suspense to help push the story. What I missed was well action I guess as I didn't really find much here. Yet if you want a reasonably fast paced romance then this certainly delivers and of course there's a happy ending !
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts are I believe fair
May 25, 2025
I loved this book! Ro and Tessa are so freaking adorable together. The suspense was great. I can't wait to get more stories in this series.
"'Like he's been standing in the middle of a thunderstorm, and you're the sun breaking through the clouds.'"
"'I love you, Tessa. Every minute. Night and day. For the rest of our lives.'"
"'Like he's been standing in the middle of a thunderstorm, and you're the sun breaking through the clouds.'"
"'I love you, Tessa. Every minute. Night and day. For the rest of our lives.'"
June 2, 2025
I loved this book SO much! It was more contemporary romance rather than her usual romantic suspense but I was still completely hooked and the intrigue that was there was amazing! I literally couldn’t put this book down!
June 18, 2025
This was fun! Nothing special but I really enjoyed the setting and some of the tropes in this!
3.25⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
3.25⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
May 25, 2025
Great start to the series
I love anything Anna Hackett writes and this is no exception. Ambrose "Ro" Langston is a billionaire hotelier. Tessa manages his latest acquisition the Windward Resort. For both professional and personal reasons, Tess doesn't want the resort to change. Ro sees this as his next conquest, just one more step in his plan to best his father. He gives Tess a week to convince him that renovating is better than demolition. Both have been hurt before and it causes them to hide their emotions. They agree to a fling. Instead he finds love and acceptance and Tess realizes hiding from love won't protect her heart. Of course, there's all the heat you expect from the author from their first steamy encounter at the masquerade ball. Great secondary characters in Tess' friends and his executive team, can't wait for their stories! Plus there's the suspense brought about by a faceless saboteur who's escalating attacks put them in mortal danger. While I guessed the villain very quickly, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of their story.
I love anything Anna Hackett writes and this is no exception. Ambrose "Ro" Langston is a billionaire hotelier. Tessa manages his latest acquisition the Windward Resort. For both professional and personal reasons, Tess doesn't want the resort to change. Ro sees this as his next conquest, just one more step in his plan to best his father. He gives Tess a week to convince him that renovating is better than demolition. Both have been hurt before and it causes them to hide their emotions. They agree to a fling. Instead he finds love and acceptance and Tess realizes hiding from love won't protect her heart. Of course, there's all the heat you expect from the author from their first steamy encounter at the masquerade ball. Great secondary characters in Tess' friends and his executive team, can't wait for their stories! Plus there's the suspense brought about by a faceless saboteur who's escalating attacks put them in mortal danger. While I guessed the villain very quickly, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of their story.
August 22, 2025
Home is a who, not a where
One of the things I loved most about Night and Day by Anna Hackett is how perfectly the title captured the heart of the story. That little moment when Tessa says it in reference to her and Ro just clicked—it was sweet, meaningful, and such a clever tie-in. It set the tone for a romance that was both intense and heartfelt, while still keeping plenty of danger and action.
Yes, the danger itself was fairly predictable, but I didn’t mind at all. Hackett layered in just enough suspense and a solid twist to keep me invested. The balance between romance, action, and mystery made this one of those books I didn’t want to put down. I ended up flying through it in record time.
The secondary characters are another highlight. They’re vivid, memorable, and full of potential. I found myself hoping that each one will get their own book, because there are definitely some storylines waiting to be explored. There are early sparks of romance with Ro’s team that I can’t wait to see play out, and I have my fingers crossed that we’ll be seeing more of Enzo—he’s one of those characters who jumps off the page and leaves you wanting more.
The setting was magical. Between the small town and the gorgeous resort, Hackett’s descriptions painted such a vivid picture that I felt like I could step right into this world. It’s the kind of place that feels cozy, welcoming, and just a little bit enchanting. The family dynamics added another layer, too—colorful, warm, and heartfelt, they created the perfect sense of community that made the romance feel even richer.
Overall, Night and Day was exactly the kind of romantic suspense I love: a strong couple with undeniable chemistry, danger lurking in the background, a community you want to move into, and secondary characters that practically beg for their own stories. It was a five-star read for me, and I cannot wait to see what Anna Hackett has planned next in this world.
One of the things I loved most about Night and Day by Anna Hackett is how perfectly the title captured the heart of the story. That little moment when Tessa says it in reference to her and Ro just clicked—it was sweet, meaningful, and such a clever tie-in. It set the tone for a romance that was both intense and heartfelt, while still keeping plenty of danger and action.
Yes, the danger itself was fairly predictable, but I didn’t mind at all. Hackett layered in just enough suspense and a solid twist to keep me invested. The balance between romance, action, and mystery made this one of those books I didn’t want to put down. I ended up flying through it in record time.
The secondary characters are another highlight. They’re vivid, memorable, and full of potential. I found myself hoping that each one will get their own book, because there are definitely some storylines waiting to be explored. There are early sparks of romance with Ro’s team that I can’t wait to see play out, and I have my fingers crossed that we’ll be seeing more of Enzo—he’s one of those characters who jumps off the page and leaves you wanting more.
The setting was magical. Between the small town and the gorgeous resort, Hackett’s descriptions painted such a vivid picture that I felt like I could step right into this world. It’s the kind of place that feels cozy, welcoming, and just a little bit enchanting. The family dynamics added another layer, too—colorful, warm, and heartfelt, they created the perfect sense of community that made the romance feel even richer.
Overall, Night and Day was exactly the kind of romantic suspense I love: a strong couple with undeniable chemistry, danger lurking in the background, a community you want to move into, and secondary characters that practically beg for their own stories. It was a five-star read for me, and I cannot wait to see what Anna Hackett has planned next in this world.
May 23, 2025
Tessa Ashford has always, always wanted to be the manager of the Windward Resort in her beautiful Colorado hometown. The thing about achieving your dream and being on top of the world is that there’s nowhere to go. Not that Tessa isn’t enjoying maintaining the iconic resort in the style and status to which it, and the locals in the surrounding town that rely on it, have come to expect.
But things are changing, and there’s no way to know whether that change will be for the better. Tessa is afraid that it won’t, at least not for the staff. And possibly not for the locals who need the Windward, the town’s biggest economic engine, to keep on chugging along.
The original owner of the Windward, however, just received a big payday, in the form of Langston Hotels, a luxury hotel empire, buying the Windward. And being very clear that their first order of business is to bring the Windward up to the Langston’s standard of luxury, even if that requires knocking off a bit of the mountain resort’s signature charm.
Or tearing it down and starting over, which is what Tessa truly fears. She may have an ironclad contract for two more years, but her entire staff would be out of work and the whole town would lose its biggest moneymaker for the time it took to tear the resort down and build it back.
So Tessa’s worried about her new boss, Ambrose Langston, and all the changes he’s going to bring with him and his team.
Which is why her friends convince her to take, not even a whole night, but to do a bit of reverse Cinderella and join the Charity Masquerade Ball that’s being hosted at the Windward that very night even though she won’t arrive until after midnight.
Even workaholics need a break now and again – whether they are able to admit it to themselves or not.
Which is how Tessa finds herself dressed as a ‘dark fairy queen’, masked and anonymous, playing wallflower at a ball in her own hotel. At least until a masked and anonymous, but clearly also tall, dark and handsome stranger appears just in time to whisk her away for the kind of adventure she’s never taken the time to have.
Only to discover a few mornings later that her sexy stranger is her new boss, and that neither of them can seem to forget the best night either of them has ever had – even if it only lasted an hour.
Escape Rating A: This first entry in the author’s new Langston Hotels series was delightfully fun because it was just a bit more on the light and frothy side than her usual. Not that I haven’t loved her action-adventure romances and especially her science fiction romances but this one was a delicious change of pace in that the romance stood front and center and the dramatic tension was on the back burner to the very end. Marvelously, however, the UST – which doesn’t stay unresolved all that long – drove the story forward. (Also in other directions. Ahem.)
(Although speaking of directions, I’ve used the special edition cover of the book for this review and for the instagram post. I just like it better. Like lots, LOTS better. Maybe that’s part of what makes it special. But if you are curious, the original cover is at left so you’ll know what you’re looking for.)
What also made this a bit different from the author’s usual direction is that, as the series opener, it sets up a story that looks like it’s going to remain close to the location and to the team that sets it all up. Meaning that we’ve already got hints of the next two stories and they look like they’ll be between Tessa’s and Ro’s inner circle teammates AND be at least partially set at Langston Windward.
This initial romance begins with a classic trope, the one-night stand between strangers who turn out to be stuck working together. And it’s beautifully done because the excuse for them being strangers is also a classic. Masked balls may be rarer these days, but it’s the perfect setup for this meet-cute-and-strange. (That should be its own trope.)
And this is where the story slips straight into enemies-to-lovers, because Tessa and Ro are already set up to be on opposite sides. She wants to keep everything exactly the way it is, because she’s protecting the people involved in that ‘everything’. He needs to make changes, both to put his own brand’s stamp on the place AND because nothing is perfect and the Windward Resort isn’t either.
Which is where their meeting of the minds finally comes in, because, well, they’ve already met EVERYWHERE else. Although there are plenty of misplaced assumptions on the way to that meeting of minds, which works because their workplace tension isn’t so much a result of a misunderstandammit as it is a function of 21st century workplace communication.
We all know that email sucks at conveying nuance. It’s cold and impersonal and that leans into Ro’s interpersonal style a bit too well even as it triggers all of Tessa’s anxieties about her people with every curt, clipped exchange.
The romantic suspense subplot of this story was, well, not fun as having someone out to get you is never fun, but it was well-done and different as it wasn’t some danger following either of them around for years, neither of them was stupid about it, and it also tied into those misplaced assumptions as the investigation focused in the wrong but logical direction for quite a bit, making the reveal that much more of a surprise.
All in all – and clearly there’s been a lot of that all in this review, I had a great time with Tessa and Ro and both of their teams at the Langston Windward and I’m really looking forward to more, in August with Before and After.
Originally published at Reading Reality
But things are changing, and there’s no way to know whether that change will be for the better. Tessa is afraid that it won’t, at least not for the staff. And possibly not for the locals who need the Windward, the town’s biggest economic engine, to keep on chugging along.
The original owner of the Windward, however, just received a big payday, in the form of Langston Hotels, a luxury hotel empire, buying the Windward. And being very clear that their first order of business is to bring the Windward up to the Langston’s standard of luxury, even if that requires knocking off a bit of the mountain resort’s signature charm.
Or tearing it down and starting over, which is what Tessa truly fears. She may have an ironclad contract for two more years, but her entire staff would be out of work and the whole town would lose its biggest moneymaker for the time it took to tear the resort down and build it back.
So Tessa’s worried about her new boss, Ambrose Langston, and all the changes he’s going to bring with him and his team.
Which is why her friends convince her to take, not even a whole night, but to do a bit of reverse Cinderella and join the Charity Masquerade Ball that’s being hosted at the Windward that very night even though she won’t arrive until after midnight.
Even workaholics need a break now and again – whether they are able to admit it to themselves or not.
Which is how Tessa finds herself dressed as a ‘dark fairy queen’, masked and anonymous, playing wallflower at a ball in her own hotel. At least until a masked and anonymous, but clearly also tall, dark and handsome stranger appears just in time to whisk her away for the kind of adventure she’s never taken the time to have.
Only to discover a few mornings later that her sexy stranger is her new boss, and that neither of them can seem to forget the best night either of them has ever had – even if it only lasted an hour.
Escape Rating A: This first entry in the author’s new Langston Hotels series was delightfully fun because it was just a bit more on the light and frothy side than her usual. Not that I haven’t loved her action-adventure romances and especially her science fiction romances but this one was a delicious change of pace in that the romance stood front and center and the dramatic tension was on the back burner to the very end. Marvelously, however, the UST – which doesn’t stay unresolved all that long – drove the story forward. (Also in other directions. Ahem.)
(Although speaking of directions, I’ve used the special edition cover of the book for this review and for the instagram post. I just like it better. Like lots, LOTS better. Maybe that’s part of what makes it special. But if you are curious, the original cover is at left so you’ll know what you’re looking for.)
What also made this a bit different from the author’s usual direction is that, as the series opener, it sets up a story that looks like it’s going to remain close to the location and to the team that sets it all up. Meaning that we’ve already got hints of the next two stories and they look like they’ll be between Tessa’s and Ro’s inner circle teammates AND be at least partially set at Langston Windward.
This initial romance begins with a classic trope, the one-night stand between strangers who turn out to be stuck working together. And it’s beautifully done because the excuse for them being strangers is also a classic. Masked balls may be rarer these days, but it’s the perfect setup for this meet-cute-and-strange. (That should be its own trope.)
And this is where the story slips straight into enemies-to-lovers, because Tessa and Ro are already set up to be on opposite sides. She wants to keep everything exactly the way it is, because she’s protecting the people involved in that ‘everything’. He needs to make changes, both to put his own brand’s stamp on the place AND because nothing is perfect and the Windward Resort isn’t either.
Which is where their meeting of the minds finally comes in, because, well, they’ve already met EVERYWHERE else. Although there are plenty of misplaced assumptions on the way to that meeting of minds, which works because their workplace tension isn’t so much a result of a misunderstandammit as it is a function of 21st century workplace communication.
We all know that email sucks at conveying nuance. It’s cold and impersonal and that leans into Ro’s interpersonal style a bit too well even as it triggers all of Tessa’s anxieties about her people with every curt, clipped exchange.
The romantic suspense subplot of this story was, well, not fun as having someone out to get you is never fun, but it was well-done and different as it wasn’t some danger following either of them around for years, neither of them was stupid about it, and it also tied into those misplaced assumptions as the investigation focused in the wrong but logical direction for quite a bit, making the reveal that much more of a surprise.
All in all – and clearly there’s been a lot of that all in this review, I had a great time with Tessa and Ro and both of their teams at the Langston Windward and I’m really looking forward to more, in August with Before and After.
Originally published at Reading Reality
June 18, 2025
Any Anna Hackett book is an instant download for me. I love her writing and storytelling, and when I am looking for a good read, Anna is one of my go-to authors. Recently, however, I always find something in the plot that just does not sit well with me. And for the life of me, I can’t recall if these “annoyances” were present in her older books, but I think not, else I would not have enjoyed it as much as I did.
Night and Day is the first book in the new Langston Hotels series. In this book, we meet Ambrose/Ro and Tessa. Ro buys the smalltown hotel where Tessa happens to be the manager. Tessa grew up in this town and is not going to allow a fancy big corporation to devoid it of its charm, something the Langston Group is known for. The two know about each other and seem to have met during the takeover, but there is no love lost. Ro decides to attend the hotel’s annual Masquerade Ball, and he and Tessa come face-to-face—masked, of course—during the event. The chemistry is immediate, and they end up having a one-night stand, after which Tessa runs away. They meet again when Ro moves to town to manage the transition, and sparks fly; Ro sees Tessa as problematic (but still valuable) and Tessa sees him as the heartless tycoon who wants to change things. When they discover each other’s identities, all bets are off and they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Running in parallel with this storyline is a mysterious person who is unhappy about Ro buying the hotel, and this leads to dangerous incidents when that person tries to scare Ro away.
What I like about this author is the absence of OW/OM drama, and her ability to tell a story well and keep the reader interested. This book was light, entertaining, and an enjoyable read. Although I guessed the antagonist’s identity early on, the story flowed well, and the suspense kept me captivated. This book was also spicier than the author’s other works, which I enjoyed. However, the character building and relationship development could have done with more depth.
Leading back to those things that “rub me up the wrong way” (and this is just personal preference): in recent books from this author, I’ve noticed that the FMC is primarily the aggressor in the relationship. Like I’ve mentioned before: I don’t know whether this is something new or if it’s always been there, but (for me) it makes the FMC come across as lacking self-respect and dignity. Tessa was always the one to make the first move, i.e., she touched him first, kissed him first, initiated intimacy first, declared her love first, etc. I’m sorry, but I prefer the MMC to do the chasing, and when these roles are reversed it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. There was this one scene where Ro and Tessa were trapped in the basement, and she just “lost her mind” and kissed him. Totally out of the blue. I was like, why? What was that for?
The other problem I had was with Ro and Tessa’s chemistry. So, they met before and did not like each other. Ro knew what Tessa looked like and vice versa, and there was just nothing that attracted them to each other. Then we got the Masquerade Ball where both were masked, and the chemistry was hot (leading to the one-night stand). And then, they met again when Ro moved into Tessa’s hotel, and again, no sparks. Nothing. Nada. Oh, but then they discovered each other’s identities in relation to the one-night stand, and suddenly we had sparks flying all over the place. Yeah, this did not gel for me because it made the chemistry look forced. If the chemistry was really there, it would have been present regardless of whether they were wearing masks or not. Just my view.
Then there was this over-sharing—with friends and colleagues—of everything from their relationship dynamic to their s£x lives. It irritates me when FMCs share absolutely EVERYTHING with their BFFs, and in this one we had Ro over-sharing with his chief of security and COO (who happened to be another woman, Piper). Just no. In this case, Ro telling his colleagues about the “arrangement” he had with Tessa came across as unfeeling and not giving a toss about how they will view Tessa going forward. I tell you, something like this does not exactly give me good vibes where romance is concerned. And again, this comes down to personal preference; others might not find it as off-putting as I did.
There were a couple of plot inconsistencies, i.e., Tessa not wanting to get her heart broken again (who broke it before and when?) and Piper (the COO) telling Ro that she “heard” his father was there … this when she was with Ro when his father’s arrival was announced. But other than the above, I still enjoy this author’s books and am looking forward to the next one in the series (which sounds like it will be Cayden and Allie’s story). I can only hope that Allie has more dignity and self-respect.
Night and Day is the first book in the new Langston Hotels series. In this book, we meet Ambrose/Ro and Tessa. Ro buys the smalltown hotel where Tessa happens to be the manager. Tessa grew up in this town and is not going to allow a fancy big corporation to devoid it of its charm, something the Langston Group is known for. The two know about each other and seem to have met during the takeover, but there is no love lost. Ro decides to attend the hotel’s annual Masquerade Ball, and he and Tessa come face-to-face—masked, of course—during the event. The chemistry is immediate, and they end up having a one-night stand, after which Tessa runs away. They meet again when Ro moves to town to manage the transition, and sparks fly; Ro sees Tessa as problematic (but still valuable) and Tessa sees him as the heartless tycoon who wants to change things. When they discover each other’s identities, all bets are off and they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Running in parallel with this storyline is a mysterious person who is unhappy about Ro buying the hotel, and this leads to dangerous incidents when that person tries to scare Ro away.
What I like about this author is the absence of OW/OM drama, and her ability to tell a story well and keep the reader interested. This book was light, entertaining, and an enjoyable read. Although I guessed the antagonist’s identity early on, the story flowed well, and the suspense kept me captivated. This book was also spicier than the author’s other works, which I enjoyed. However, the character building and relationship development could have done with more depth.
Leading back to those things that “rub me up the wrong way” (and this is just personal preference): in recent books from this author, I’ve noticed that the FMC is primarily the aggressor in the relationship. Like I’ve mentioned before: I don’t know whether this is something new or if it’s always been there, but (for me) it makes the FMC come across as lacking self-respect and dignity. Tessa was always the one to make the first move, i.e., she touched him first, kissed him first, initiated intimacy first, declared her love first, etc. I’m sorry, but I prefer the MMC to do the chasing, and when these roles are reversed it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. There was this one scene where Ro and Tessa were trapped in the basement, and she just “lost her mind” and kissed him. Totally out of the blue. I was like, why? What was that for?
The other problem I had was with Ro and Tessa’s chemistry. So, they met before and did not like each other. Ro knew what Tessa looked like and vice versa, and there was just nothing that attracted them to each other. Then we got the Masquerade Ball where both were masked, and the chemistry was hot (leading to the one-night stand). And then, they met again when Ro moved into Tessa’s hotel, and again, no sparks. Nothing. Nada. Oh, but then they discovered each other’s identities in relation to the one-night stand, and suddenly we had sparks flying all over the place. Yeah, this did not gel for me because it made the chemistry look forced. If the chemistry was really there, it would have been present regardless of whether they were wearing masks or not. Just my view.
Then there was this over-sharing—with friends and colleagues—of everything from their relationship dynamic to their s£x lives. It irritates me when FMCs share absolutely EVERYTHING with their BFFs, and in this one we had Ro over-sharing with his chief of security and COO (who happened to be another woman, Piper). Just no. In this case, Ro telling his colleagues about the “arrangement” he had with Tessa came across as unfeeling and not giving a toss about how they will view Tessa going forward. I tell you, something like this does not exactly give me good vibes where romance is concerned. And again, this comes down to personal preference; others might not find it as off-putting as I did.
There were a couple of plot inconsistencies, i.e., Tessa not wanting to get her heart broken again (who broke it before and when?) and Piper (the COO) telling Ro that she “heard” his father was there … this when she was with Ro when his father’s arrival was announced. But other than the above, I still enjoy this author’s books and am looking forward to the next one in the series (which sounds like it will be Cayden and Allie’s story). I can only hope that Allie has more dignity and self-respect.
May 22, 2025
Night and Day is book one in Anna Hackett’s new series called Langston Hotels. It focuses on the owner of the Langston Hotels chain, Ambrose or Ro Langston and Tessa Ashford.
Ro is pretty much a workaholic who is driven to restoring the brand of Langston Hotels and showing up his father. He’s a jet-setting driven, man of the world. In contrast, Tessa is very much a small town girl, family oriented and she loves managing ‘her’ hotel. It is what she does, and she is good at it. She’s scared that what she loves is going to be destroyed by Ambrose and his team.
Tessa is guarded and she never mixes business with pleasure and neither does Ro. However, this is going to change for both of them on the night of the charity masquerade ball. They both let loose, and it is a hot and very sexy encounter. What is going to happen in the light of day?
The chemistry and attraction between Tessa and Ro is energetic and despite both vowing not to mix business with pleasure, they just cannot keep their hands off each other. The thing is there is someone out to get Ro. Strange and deadly things start to happen and then Tessa is put in danger. What is Ro going to do? Can they work out who the culprit is before someone is seriously hurt or dies?
I loved this first book - it wasn’t set in a huge bustling city, like so many of the previous series have been (there’s nothing wrong with settings being in cities but the feel in this book as a result of another setting was different), but rather in a mountain town that welcomes tourists and where the focus was on the characters and the hotel and its surrounds. It was interesting to see how Ro and Tessa, both of whom had their own baggage worked their way to each other, despite the dangers.
I look forward to the other books that follow – Tessa has some interesting friends who need partners and likewise Ro works with some very interesting characters! I am now guessing at who is going to be next - hints and clues were provided! A great start to a new series!
Ro is pretty much a workaholic who is driven to restoring the brand of Langston Hotels and showing up his father. He’s a jet-setting driven, man of the world. In contrast, Tessa is very much a small town girl, family oriented and she loves managing ‘her’ hotel. It is what she does, and she is good at it. She’s scared that what she loves is going to be destroyed by Ambrose and his team.
Tessa is guarded and she never mixes business with pleasure and neither does Ro. However, this is going to change for both of them on the night of the charity masquerade ball. They both let loose, and it is a hot and very sexy encounter. What is going to happen in the light of day?
The chemistry and attraction between Tessa and Ro is energetic and despite both vowing not to mix business with pleasure, they just cannot keep their hands off each other. The thing is there is someone out to get Ro. Strange and deadly things start to happen and then Tessa is put in danger. What is Ro going to do? Can they work out who the culprit is before someone is seriously hurt or dies?
I loved this first book - it wasn’t set in a huge bustling city, like so many of the previous series have been (there’s nothing wrong with settings being in cities but the feel in this book as a result of another setting was different), but rather in a mountain town that welcomes tourists and where the focus was on the characters and the hotel and its surrounds. It was interesting to see how Ro and Tessa, both of whom had their own baggage worked their way to each other, despite the dangers.
I look forward to the other books that follow – Tessa has some interesting friends who need partners and likewise Ro works with some very interesting characters! I am now guessing at who is going to be next - hints and clues were provided! A great start to a new series!
May 19, 2025
I think we're all in agreement that the only billionaires we want are fictional ones - especially when they are hotel magnates! Millionaire/Billionaire is not a trope that sells me on a book - there has to be something more enticing for me and this had it in spades!
Tessa is the small town girl, running the local but well known Windward Hotel. Now she has to put up with Corporate America and she dreads what Langston Hotels may do to her beloved 2nd home. AS the epitome of good girl she never really lets her hair down - she is always "on". But the masquerade ball gives her the chance to unwind with a stranger and leaver her glowing!
Ambrose, aka Ro, recently took over from his feckless father as the CEO of Langston Hotels (daddy dearest really is like a certain "leader" and I struggled to read scenes when he appeared as he gave me the proverbial ick)! He wants to be the man his father never was and doesn't want to abuse the power that he has but wants to do what he can to improve his company and he's not afraid to make waves doing it.
Tessa is smart, diligent, loyal to her friends and staff and independent. She has made a little family for herself and has wrapped her life around this hotel. Ro is suave, intelligent, dedicated and a bit of a workaholic but he isn't money centred. He has a core of friends that he trusts and he doesn't give that trust easily.
Ro and Tessa have intense chemistry and try to keep a handle on their attraction to each other, especially with the power imbalance between them. But the heart wants what the hearts wants and they soon give in. There is a "hawt" zoom-type call scene that will leave you fanning yourself, lol.
The sabotage/suspense storyline is well plotted and paced and I'm proud to say I called the big bad before the big reveal. The secondary characters are quirky and empathetic and I'm already eyeing a few of them up for future books. I especially have my eye on a certain head of security and all his grumpy goodness!
CW: death of parents/toxic family/stalking/hurt-comfort/power imbalance/kidnapping/misogyny
Tessa is the small town girl, running the local but well known Windward Hotel. Now she has to put up with Corporate America and she dreads what Langston Hotels may do to her beloved 2nd home. AS the epitome of good girl she never really lets her hair down - she is always "on". But the masquerade ball gives her the chance to unwind with a stranger and leaver her glowing!
Ambrose, aka Ro, recently took over from his feckless father as the CEO of Langston Hotels (daddy dearest really is like a certain "leader" and I struggled to read scenes when he appeared as he gave me the proverbial ick)! He wants to be the man his father never was and doesn't want to abuse the power that he has but wants to do what he can to improve his company and he's not afraid to make waves doing it.
Tessa is smart, diligent, loyal to her friends and staff and independent. She has made a little family for herself and has wrapped her life around this hotel. Ro is suave, intelligent, dedicated and a bit of a workaholic but he isn't money centred. He has a core of friends that he trusts and he doesn't give that trust easily.
Ro and Tessa have intense chemistry and try to keep a handle on their attraction to each other, especially with the power imbalance between them. But the heart wants what the hearts wants and they soon give in. There is a "hawt" zoom-type call scene that will leave you fanning yourself, lol.
The sabotage/suspense storyline is well plotted and paced and I'm proud to say I called the big bad before the big reveal. The secondary characters are quirky and empathetic and I'm already eyeing a few of them up for future books. I especially have my eye on a certain head of security and all his grumpy goodness!
CW: death of parents/toxic family/stalking/hurt-comfort/power imbalance/kidnapping/misogyny
June 2, 2025
A new AH series and I'm IN LOVE already. (which isn't unusual when it comes to books by AH, so take that as you will). We briefly met Ro in Beau Fury's book and he was everything I'd expect from someone acquainted with the Fury brothers. In other words, he's smart, driven, and decisive.
To say that Tessa threw Ro for a loop might be an understatement. They shared an anonymous night together at the masquerade ball, they both VERY MUCH liked what the other did, and then Tessa fled the scene because she's not the type who normally engages in semi-public sexcapades. As it turns out, Ro isn't the type either, but Tessa had a moment and left. She only realized it was Ro she got physical with when she saw the mask he was wearing and the reality of what she did came crashing down.
Fortunately for both of them, Ro's not the vindictive type. In fact, he hasn't been able to get the bewitching woman he met at the ball out of his mind. Finding out she was the not-thrilled-with-the-new-owner hotel manager is a shock. But the more time he spends with Tessa, the more he comes to admire her passion for the hotel and her commitment to the community.
So when accidents put Tessa's wellbeing in danger, Ro does whatever he has to do to protect the woman he's starting to catch feelings for.
A group of dedicated hotel employees, a ownership group with some serious workaholic tendencies, a few strange occurrences that escalate quickly, a man who works hard to prove he's not his father, and a lady who is willing to fight for the things that matter to her. *thumbs up* all around.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
To say that Tessa threw Ro for a loop might be an understatement. They shared an anonymous night together at the masquerade ball, they both VERY MUCH liked what the other did, and then Tessa fled the scene because she's not the type who normally engages in semi-public sexcapades. As it turns out, Ro isn't the type either, but Tessa had a moment and left. She only realized it was Ro she got physical with when she saw the mask he was wearing and the reality of what she did came crashing down.
Fortunately for both of them, Ro's not the vindictive type. In fact, he hasn't been able to get the bewitching woman he met at the ball out of his mind. Finding out she was the not-thrilled-with-the-new-owner hotel manager is a shock. But the more time he spends with Tessa, the more he comes to admire her passion for the hotel and her commitment to the community.
So when accidents put Tessa's wellbeing in danger, Ro does whatever he has to do to protect the woman he's starting to catch feelings for.
A group of dedicated hotel employees, a ownership group with some serious workaholic tendencies, a few strange occurrences that escalate quickly, a man who works hard to prove he's not his father, and a lady who is willing to fight for the things that matter to her. *thumbs up* all around.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
May 25, 2025
4.5 Stars
Ambrose (Ro) Langston (of Langston Hotels Group) has purchased the Windward Mountain Resort in Windward, CO that Tessa Ashford manages. She’s resisting the change in ownership because the Langston group has a soulless, cutthroat reputation and Tessa’s resort has a lot of heart, and really knows and cares about its clientele. What Tessa doesn’t realize is that Ro’s father has been ousted from his CEO position, and Ro, the new CEO, is doing what he can to bring more humanity to the Group. As the story opens, Tessa has a poor opinion of Ambrose, and Ro is intrigued by the underlying sarcasm in Tessa’s communications with him. When Ro makes a surprise visit to the resort during a masked ball, they are inexplicably drawn to each other without knowing who the other person really is, because of the masks.
This story weaves in some interesting background details for both protagonists, and for a few other key characters within the book. Someone is sabotaging the hotel, and that brings out Ro’s protective instincts. Since neither Ro nor Tessa is sure exactly who the target is, Tessa gets somewhat protective as well. The story flows well and the protagonists are mostly likable. The tension ratchets up as the story develops, and the pacing is relentless. I finished the story quickly, as it kept me interested the whole time I was reading.
This is the start of a new series, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes!
Ambrose (Ro) Langston (of Langston Hotels Group) has purchased the Windward Mountain Resort in Windward, CO that Tessa Ashford manages. She’s resisting the change in ownership because the Langston group has a soulless, cutthroat reputation and Tessa’s resort has a lot of heart, and really knows and cares about its clientele. What Tessa doesn’t realize is that Ro’s father has been ousted from his CEO position, and Ro, the new CEO, is doing what he can to bring more humanity to the Group. As the story opens, Tessa has a poor opinion of Ambrose, and Ro is intrigued by the underlying sarcasm in Tessa’s communications with him. When Ro makes a surprise visit to the resort during a masked ball, they are inexplicably drawn to each other without knowing who the other person really is, because of the masks.
This story weaves in some interesting background details for both protagonists, and for a few other key characters within the book. Someone is sabotaging the hotel, and that brings out Ro’s protective instincts. Since neither Ro nor Tessa is sure exactly who the target is, Tessa gets somewhat protective as well. The story flows well and the protagonists are mostly likable. The tension ratchets up as the story develops, and the pacing is relentless. I finished the story quickly, as it kept me interested the whole time I was reading.
This is the start of a new series, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes!
May 26, 2025
NIGHT MEETS DAY IN THIS UPLIFTING FIERY SMALLTOWN ROMANCE
“Night And Day,” is a fast-paced read with a thunderstorm of emotions, witty engaging characters, family drama, flirtatious innuendos, sizzling passionate romance left me breathless, mysterious accidents occur, action, humor, and an incredible happy forever.
Story takes place in the small town of Windward, Colorado where the breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains wow tourists and the townspeople. The Windward Resort hotel has a cozy, romantic, friendly atmosphere that Langston Hotels has purchased. The norm for Langston is to tear down and rebuild.
Tessa Ashford, an intelligent beauty is the manager of the Windward Hotel. Her priority is to convince Ambrose Langston who prefers the name Ro not to rebuild a new hotel. He’s gorgeous, smart, bossy and lives for his work without taking a break to enjoy life. They have an unforgettable night together at the Charity Masquerade Ball that Tessa helped organize for children at the Windward Hotel. How they get their happy forever is a wild ride.
Memorable, entertaining read with an intriguing storyline that kept wanting to learn what happened next. The author shows compromise, trust, and communication are pivotal in relationships. Backstories bring you closer to the characters. Ro and Tessa’s romance is genuine: you feel their love. Reviewed a pre-release copy and loved every minute reading this uplifting story. Look forward to the next book in this series.
“Night And Day,” is a fast-paced read with a thunderstorm of emotions, witty engaging characters, family drama, flirtatious innuendos, sizzling passionate romance left me breathless, mysterious accidents occur, action, humor, and an incredible happy forever.
Story takes place in the small town of Windward, Colorado where the breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains wow tourists and the townspeople. The Windward Resort hotel has a cozy, romantic, friendly atmosphere that Langston Hotels has purchased. The norm for Langston is to tear down and rebuild.
Tessa Ashford, an intelligent beauty is the manager of the Windward Hotel. Her priority is to convince Ambrose Langston who prefers the name Ro not to rebuild a new hotel. He’s gorgeous, smart, bossy and lives for his work without taking a break to enjoy life. They have an unforgettable night together at the Charity Masquerade Ball that Tessa helped organize for children at the Windward Hotel. How they get their happy forever is a wild ride.
Memorable, entertaining read with an intriguing storyline that kept wanting to learn what happened next. The author shows compromise, trust, and communication are pivotal in relationships. Backstories bring you closer to the characters. Ro and Tessa’s romance is genuine: you feel their love. Reviewed a pre-release copy and loved every minute reading this uplifting story. Look forward to the next book in this series.
May 16, 2025
5 STARS +++ Slow Burn Romance
What I love most about this story is 1) how interesting, kind, caring, and friendly the characters are—well, except for the bad guy. 2) The incredible scenery and the vintage resort that fits into the mountains so beautifully 3) the love between families, friends and the new love developing between Tessa and Ro.
Their meeting is so romantic and sexy. The instant attraction drives them into a frenzied sexual encounter. Then Tessa panics and runs. No names were shared, and the masks hid most of their faces. A few days later, Ambrose “Ro” Langston and his team come to the Windward Mountain Resort, a Langston Hotels new acquisition. He’s very impressed with the efficiency of the hotel's manager, Tessa Ashford. And soon he finds that this lady, who pulls no punches, is his mystery seductress. There are tours of the entire beautiful resort, and updating plans are discussed, and changes are suggested, and then there is someone trying to kill Ro. What the heck?? There have been so many attempts, and poor Tessa seems to have gotten the brunt of the injuries.
This story will definitely be a reread for me. I loved every minute of this warm, cozy, and very sexy story. Linda
What I love most about this story is 1) how interesting, kind, caring, and friendly the characters are—well, except for the bad guy. 2) The incredible scenery and the vintage resort that fits into the mountains so beautifully 3) the love between families, friends and the new love developing between Tessa and Ro.
Their meeting is so romantic and sexy. The instant attraction drives them into a frenzied sexual encounter. Then Tessa panics and runs. No names were shared, and the masks hid most of their faces. A few days later, Ambrose “Ro” Langston and his team come to the Windward Mountain Resort, a Langston Hotels new acquisition. He’s very impressed with the efficiency of the hotel's manager, Tessa Ashford. And soon he finds that this lady, who pulls no punches, is his mystery seductress. There are tours of the entire beautiful resort, and updating plans are discussed, and changes are suggested, and then there is someone trying to kill Ro. What the heck?? There have been so many attempts, and poor Tessa seems to have gotten the brunt of the injuries.
This story will definitely be a reread for me. I loved every minute of this warm, cozy, and very sexy story. Linda
May 22, 2025
good
When Ambrose (Ro) Langston, owner of Langston Hotels takes over the mountain lodge where she works, Tessa is determined to make sure the new owner doesn’t change it, or worse still, tear it down and build a modern monstrosity in its place.
She doesn’t intend to have a hot fling with the new owner, but a masquerade and a definite attraction provide complications. And when a saboteur seems intent on harm, Tessa and Ambrose find themselves in the crosshairs.
He’s a billionaire with an uncaring family, while Tessa is an orphan who was brought up by a loving aunt (I really hope she gets a story too).
Tessa is an enjoyable character, determined to make Ro have fun, and see the charm in the cosy Winward hotel. She’s everything he needs, but never knew he needed!
An enjoyable, fast paced, and spicy romantic suspense, this is the first book in the Langston Hotels series, but not the first time Anna Hackett fans will have met Ro (you can catch him briefly in the Fury Brothers series). It’s an engaging story, with lots of interesting characters, while several potential pairs are prepping to set sail.
Hacketteers will enjoy this new setting, and a whole new set of characters, while romantic suspense fans can enjoy the quick read, and fast paced action.
When Ambrose (Ro) Langston, owner of Langston Hotels takes over the mountain lodge where she works, Tessa is determined to make sure the new owner doesn’t change it, or worse still, tear it down and build a modern monstrosity in its place.
She doesn’t intend to have a hot fling with the new owner, but a masquerade and a definite attraction provide complications. And when a saboteur seems intent on harm, Tessa and Ambrose find themselves in the crosshairs.
He’s a billionaire with an uncaring family, while Tessa is an orphan who was brought up by a loving aunt (I really hope she gets a story too).
Tessa is an enjoyable character, determined to make Ro have fun, and see the charm in the cosy Winward hotel. She’s everything he needs, but never knew he needed!
An enjoyable, fast paced, and spicy romantic suspense, this is the first book in the Langston Hotels series, but not the first time Anna Hackett fans will have met Ro (you can catch him briefly in the Fury Brothers series). It’s an engaging story, with lots of interesting characters, while several potential pairs are prepping to set sail.
Hacketteers will enjoy this new setting, and a whole new set of characters, while romantic suspense fans can enjoy the quick read, and fast paced action.
June 6, 2025
3.5
- Ons to boss/ employee
- Billionaire
- Strong FMC
- Mystery/romance
- No owd or cheating
Nothing very exiting with this book, even tho its some mystery with who is trying to hurt the H. Wished the H was a little sooner aware of his feelings, they both gradually felt at the same space, but he had never been loved or loved anybody before (not even his parents), so the concept was strange for him.
Liked how the H multiple times noted that what he felt for the h, he had never experienced before.
Safety:
- Both experienced
- on occasion, H took a woman out and he often slept with them, but got the feeling it’s been a while, since he’s been having a lot of work due to taking over the company. Didn’t get the manwhore vibe, but he definitely got around. But he was all in with the h from the moment he saw her again (he saw her once right when he bought her hotel, but he was so occupied that the few hours he was there, he only registered her big, beautiful eyes). Seemed like he hadn’t been with anybody in the meantime because he had been very busy after taking his job from his father, that he hadn’t had time for any alone time.
- Some omd (can’t spoil this because it’s part of the mystery in the book)
Very excited for the next book.
- Ons to boss/ employee
- Billionaire
- Strong FMC
- Mystery/romance
- No owd or cheating
Nothing very exiting with this book, even tho its some mystery with who is trying to hurt the H. Wished the H was a little sooner aware of his feelings, they both gradually felt at the same space, but he had never been loved or loved anybody before (not even his parents), so the concept was strange for him.
Liked how the H multiple times noted that what he felt for the h, he had never experienced before.
Safety:
- Both experienced
- on occasion, H took a woman out and he often slept with them, but got the feeling it’s been a while, since he’s been having a lot of work due to taking over the company. Didn’t get the manwhore vibe, but he definitely got around. But he was all in with the h from the moment he saw her again (he saw her once right when he bought her hotel, but he was so occupied that the few hours he was there, he only registered her big, beautiful eyes). Seemed like he hadn’t been with anybody in the meantime because he had been very busy after taking his job from his father, that he hadn’t had time for any alone time.
- Some omd (can’t spoil this because it’s part of the mystery in the book)
Very excited for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2025
Ro and Tessa
FMC: Tessa Ashford
MMC: Ambrose “Ro” Langford
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 305
Tropes: Billionaire Romance, Workplace Romance, One Night Stand, Hidden Identity, Romantic Suspense, Fling to Forever
Setting: Windward, Colorado
Thoughts: This was everything I’ve come to expect from an Anna Hackett book. It was fast paced, had plenty of twists, and a romance with banter, chemistry and emotion. The development of Tessa and Ro’s relationship was full of ups and downs and back and forth. It started with a one night stand with a masked stranger and ended up being two people who conquered their fears and found their person in the most unlikely way. I loved the way both Tessa and Ro grew as individuals over the course of the book. They both had things that held them back, and they conquered those together. Because this was the first book in a new series, there were a lot of characters introduced. Ro’s small circle of friends, Tessa’s family, the employees of the Windward Resort, and Tessa’s three best friends. They were all great secondary characters who added an element of found family to the book.
FMC: Tessa Ashford
MMC: Ambrose “Ro” Langford
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 305
Tropes: Billionaire Romance, Workplace Romance, One Night Stand, Hidden Identity, Romantic Suspense, Fling to Forever
Setting: Windward, Colorado
Thoughts: This was everything I’ve come to expect from an Anna Hackett book. It was fast paced, had plenty of twists, and a romance with banter, chemistry and emotion. The development of Tessa and Ro’s relationship was full of ups and downs and back and forth. It started with a one night stand with a masked stranger and ended up being two people who conquered their fears and found their person in the most unlikely way. I loved the way both Tessa and Ro grew as individuals over the course of the book. They both had things that held them back, and they conquered those together. Because this was the first book in a new series, there were a lot of characters introduced. Ro’s small circle of friends, Tessa’s family, the employees of the Windward Resort, and Tessa’s three best friends. They were all great secondary characters who added an element of found family to the book.
July 22, 2025
Tessa has lived in Windward her whole life and now manages the Windward hotel. Ro Langston is a wealthy hotel owner who just bought Windward. Tessa worries that the charming mountain hotel will be ruined when Ro comes in and changes everything. She will do whatever she can to keep everything the same.
Ro is headed to the small town of Windward to oversee the hotel plans. His team will access the costs of renovating compared to a rebuild. Once he arrives, there is something about Tessa that intrigues him. First, she is honest and he finds that refreshing. So, when she pleads to give her a week to prove the hotel shouldn’t be torn down, he grants it.
Ro and Tessa spend a lot of time together and he can’t deny he is quite impressed with Windward. But not only Windward, with Tessa also. As the two get closer, strange things start to happen around the hotel. Someone doesn’t want Ro there and things are escalating.
Good start to the series. The issues that happen around the hotel gets to be a bit odd, as how could no one possible know…but ok. The side characters are great which sets up the series perfectly. This is fast paced with some suspense and quite entertaining.
Ro is headed to the small town of Windward to oversee the hotel plans. His team will access the costs of renovating compared to a rebuild. Once he arrives, there is something about Tessa that intrigues him. First, she is honest and he finds that refreshing. So, when she pleads to give her a week to prove the hotel shouldn’t be torn down, he grants it.
Ro and Tessa spend a lot of time together and he can’t deny he is quite impressed with Windward. But not only Windward, with Tessa also. As the two get closer, strange things start to happen around the hotel. Someone doesn’t want Ro there and things are escalating.
Good start to the series. The issues that happen around the hotel gets to be a bit odd, as how could no one possible know…but ok. The side characters are great which sets up the series perfectly. This is fast paced with some suspense and quite entertaining.
August 16, 2025
Tessa has always wanted to run the hotel resort in her mountain town since she was a child and she’s living her dream now she’s the hotels manager. But when they’re bought out by Langston Hotels she worries it will lose its charm and appeal. At the annual masquerade ball she has an encounter with a masked stranger that she can’t stop and thinking about, which isn’t ideal when her new boss is flying in. Ro is on a mission to make the newest acquisition thrive and prove a point to his father. But he wasn’t expecting Tessa. He usually keeps things professional with his employees but when he discovers she’s the woman he hooked up with at the ball he can’t keep away and starts questioning every rule and boundary he has. Then ‘accidents’ start happening, someone doesn’t want Ro around but Tessa gets hurt instead and he will do anything he can to protect her.
I can’t even tell you how much I loved this book! Slight enemies to lovers vibes, forbidden, billionaire, boss/employee and the danger too. It was pretty much perfect! I couldn’t put it down and was sad when I finished! I adore Ro- he’s one of my favourite MMC’s now! I’m so ready for this series to continue but I have some thoughts on who’s gunna end up with who!
I can’t even tell you how much I loved this book! Slight enemies to lovers vibes, forbidden, billionaire, boss/employee and the danger too. It was pretty much perfect! I couldn’t put it down and was sad when I finished! I adore Ro- he’s one of my favourite MMC’s now! I’m so ready for this series to continue but I have some thoughts on who’s gunna end up with who!
August 23, 2025
OK, right up front, here are my cards. This is a pretty standard, pat romance with a little suspense tossed in. Plus, I'm a big Anna Hackett fan, so i tend to be on board with a lot of what she writes.
The FMC is close to perfect. Gorgeous and humble, quite the Mary Sue, beloved by virtually all, and on a mission to Save the Local Resort. She's frankly a little boring in her perfection.
The MMC is super hot, a billionaire, desperate to prove he's not his scumbag, entitled father, and determined to stay single. Again, it is a fairly cardboard character.
However, the romance is spicy goodness, and I loved it. Even when it was swirled in with too much "I'm independent and staying single!" from the FMC and "No, I'm independent and staying single!" from the MMC, on repeat by both leads. Sigh. Regardless, the $ex was amazing. Anna Hackett is great with the heat.
The suspense part was super weak, but the romance drove the story.
I think this series will be kinda hometown, small town versus the Big City, Big Money deal. It's kinda charming and better than a lot of the tripe that's put there now. I'll continue with the series.
The FMC is close to perfect. Gorgeous and humble, quite the Mary Sue, beloved by virtually all, and on a mission to Save the Local Resort. She's frankly a little boring in her perfection.
The MMC is super hot, a billionaire, desperate to prove he's not his scumbag, entitled father, and determined to stay single. Again, it is a fairly cardboard character.
However, the romance is spicy goodness, and I loved it. Even when it was swirled in with too much "I'm independent and staying single!" from the FMC and "No, I'm independent and staying single!" from the MMC, on repeat by both leads. Sigh. Regardless, the $ex was amazing. Anna Hackett is great with the heat.
The suspense part was super weak, but the romance drove the story.
I think this series will be kinda hometown, small town versus the Big City, Big Money deal. It's kinda charming and better than a lot of the tripe that's put there now. I'll continue with the series.
May 22, 2025
If you want a book to lose yourself in, Night and Day is it. This first book in the Langston Hotels series just whisks you away from reality. I started reading Anna Hackett books quite a while ago, starting with her sci-fi series called Hell Squad, and have been enamored since. This new series isn't sci-fi, but takes you into the corporate hotel business world and especially its practices of buying out of smaller chains. But don't worry, it's not a nitty gritty business story but more of an accidental romance ( love that charity masquerade ball scene where they meet...hee hee hee:) between two people who figure out that working together is sometimes more beneficial than fighting each other. Now add in some deadly accidents odd shenanigans and you have an added twist to the tale. Great book, super interesting characters that you get invested in, fun teasers for future books, and a highly appreciated HEA. I had no problem reading and reviewing Night and Day and look forward to the next installment!
June 5, 2025
"I expected some obstacles, a few challenges...
...I didn't expect you"
Ro has never had anyone question him before, and certainly not tell him he was wrong! Tessa not only surprises him and challenges him, but she also brings light into his world, opening his eyes and his heart, showing him that home isn't a place but a person, and love doesn't have to hurt or be cruel. It can be warm and uplifting when given freely and unconditionally, it's not about the grand gestures or the expensive gifts, but the small things done with thought or even automatically without thought, simple hugs, a smile, a look.
For the first time ever Ro is obsessed with something other than work and it is lovely to see him completely bewildered by his feelings for Tessa, she is his light and sunshine during the day, but by night his dark fairy princess who tempts and seduces him. This first book in the Langston Hotels series manages to combine sweet with sexy, intrigue with humour, danger with crazy and packs it all with plenty of sizzle!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
...I didn't expect you"
Ro has never had anyone question him before, and certainly not tell him he was wrong! Tessa not only surprises him and challenges him, but she also brings light into his world, opening his eyes and his heart, showing him that home isn't a place but a person, and love doesn't have to hurt or be cruel. It can be warm and uplifting when given freely and unconditionally, it's not about the grand gestures or the expensive gifts, but the small things done with thought or even automatically without thought, simple hugs, a smile, a look.
For the first time ever Ro is obsessed with something other than work and it is lovely to see him completely bewildered by his feelings for Tessa, she is his light and sunshine during the day, but by night his dark fairy princess who tempts and seduces him. This first book in the Langston Hotels series manages to combine sweet with sexy, intrigue with humour, danger with crazy and packs it all with plenty of sizzle!
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
June 6, 2025
So Hot!!!
Wow, what a fantastic book! Ro and Tessa were so alike and yet so different. Ro is a workaholic and is trying to prove to the world he is not his philandering father. His heart is closed off. He has bought a new hotel in Windward and is trying to decide how to incorporate it into his Langston brand hotels.
Tessa is also a workaholic and has her heart closed off, but for another reason. She lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her young aunt. She doesn't ever want to feel hurt again. She is managing the Windward hotel when it gets bought out. She sets her sights on showing Ro all the great things about the current hotel and why it shouldn't be changed.
Someone isn't thrilled Ro bought the hotel and Tessa is getting injured as sabatoge incidents occur. Can both Ro and Tessa protect their hearts and each other before something fatal happens.
What a fantastic start to a new series! I loved Ro and Tessa as well as a whole host of new characters! I can't wait for the next book! I highly recommend!
Wow, what a fantastic book! Ro and Tessa were so alike and yet so different. Ro is a workaholic and is trying to prove to the world he is not his philandering father. His heart is closed off. He has bought a new hotel in Windward and is trying to decide how to incorporate it into his Langston brand hotels.
Tessa is also a workaholic and has her heart closed off, but for another reason. She lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her young aunt. She doesn't ever want to feel hurt again. She is managing the Windward hotel when it gets bought out. She sets her sights on showing Ro all the great things about the current hotel and why it shouldn't be changed.
Someone isn't thrilled Ro bought the hotel and Tessa is getting injured as sabatoge incidents occur. Can both Ro and Tessa protect their hearts and each other before something fatal happens.
What a fantastic start to a new series! I loved Ro and Tessa as well as a whole host of new characters! I can't wait for the next book! I highly recommend!
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