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Call Me at Midnight
Late-night confessions can lead to unexpected connections... especially when love calls at midnight.
By day, Kaila King rules Cleveland's airwaves with practical relationship advice. By night, she hosts "Late Night Love Lines," where lonely hearts call in seeking wisdom for their romantic woes. She has all the answers for everyone else's love life— but her own heart is off the air.
When a mysterious caller known only as "Night Owl" begins phoning her show, his deep voice and midnight confessions have Kaila's heart fluttering. And sparks an undeniable connection that captivates both Kaila and her listeners. As their connection deepens on-air, she can't help but who is the man behind the voice?
Meanwhile, Kaila's new neighbor, Nathaniel Okoro, a successful architect who seems to have a few secrets of his own, enters her life. The chemistry between them grows as they navigate their newfound friendship, leaving Kaila questioning her own heart, torn between the man on the other end of the line and the man right outside her door.
With the help of her best friend and producer, Sonny Cho, Kaila embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind Night Owl's identity. As the lines between reality and fantasy blur, Kaila must confront her own fears and insecurities to find the courage to trust in love once again.
Call Me at Midnight is a heartwarming contemporary romance about unexpected connections and the power of vulnerability. It explores the modern complexities of digital and real-life relationships in our hyper-connected world, reminding us that true love often finds us in the most unexpected places.
Secret Identity/Hidden IdentityNeighbors to LoversFriends to LoversMistaken IdentitySlow Burn RomanceMeet CuteParallel RomanceMatchmaking ParentsEmotional HealingSecond Chance at LoveBlind Date with a BookCONTENT Explicit sex (chapters 23 and 35) Mentions victims of domestic violence.
By day, Kaila King rules Cleveland's airwaves with practical relationship advice. By night, she hosts "Late Night Love Lines," where lonely hearts call in seeking wisdom for their romantic woes. She has all the answers for everyone else's love life— but her own heart is off the air.
When a mysterious caller known only as "Night Owl" begins phoning her show, his deep voice and midnight confessions have Kaila's heart fluttering. And sparks an undeniable connection that captivates both Kaila and her listeners. As their connection deepens on-air, she can't help but who is the man behind the voice?
Meanwhile, Kaila's new neighbor, Nathaniel Okoro, a successful architect who seems to have a few secrets of his own, enters her life. The chemistry between them grows as they navigate their newfound friendship, leaving Kaila questioning her own heart, torn between the man on the other end of the line and the man right outside her door.
With the help of her best friend and producer, Sonny Cho, Kaila embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind Night Owl's identity. As the lines between reality and fantasy blur, Kaila must confront her own fears and insecurities to find the courage to trust in love once again.
Call Me at Midnight is a heartwarming contemporary romance about unexpected connections and the power of vulnerability. It explores the modern complexities of digital and real-life relationships in our hyper-connected world, reminding us that true love often finds us in the most unexpected places.
Secret Identity/Hidden IdentityNeighbors to LoversFriends to LoversMistaken IdentitySlow Burn RomanceMeet CuteParallel RomanceMatchmaking ParentsEmotional HealingSecond Chance at LoveBlind Date with a BookCONTENT Explicit sex (chapters 23 and 35) Mentions victims of domestic violence.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Howard
34 books99 followersRevealing secrets. Igniting passion. One page at a time.
Author of mystery stories featuring a strong female protagonist, a diverse cast of characters, and a dash of romance.
Barbara Howard is a mystery, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance author based in Cleveland, Ohio with a passion for creating stories that delve into complex relationships and hidden truths. Her works often explore themes of love, trust, and the past's influence on the present. With extensive experience as a Department of Defense/Pentagon Project Manager, KPMG Eastern Region Project Leader, and Corporate Sales Representative for Borders Books & Music, Ms. Howard brings a unique perspective to her writing. Now back in her hometown, she spends her days treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits.
Board President (2024-2025), Great Lakes Fiction Writers
Memberships/Affiliations: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Sisters in Crime (SinC), Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Authors Guild (AG)
She has also published a collection of books on food-related topics, food safety, and heirloom recipe cookbooks under the pen name, Arlene Lee.
Author of mystery stories featuring a strong female protagonist, a diverse cast of characters, and a dash of romance.
Barbara Howard is a mystery, romantic suspense, and contemporary romance author based in Cleveland, Ohio with a passion for creating stories that delve into complex relationships and hidden truths. Her works often explore themes of love, trust, and the past's influence on the present. With extensive experience as a Department of Defense/Pentagon Project Manager, KPMG Eastern Region Project Leader, and Corporate Sales Representative for Borders Books & Music, Ms. Howard brings a unique perspective to her writing. Now back in her hometown, she spends her days treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits.
Board President (2024-2025), Great Lakes Fiction Writers
Memberships/Affiliations: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Sisters in Crime (SinC), Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Authors Guild (AG)
She has also published a collection of books on food-related topics, food safety, and heirloom recipe cookbooks under the pen name, Arlene Lee.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 7, 2025
Author Barbara Howard has done it again.
She has written another contemporary romance novel full of emotions and connections that draws readers in and gives them a front row seat as they watch the story happen as though it's in real time. Plus her playlist is top tier!
I love Call Me at Midnight so much. I loved the chemistry, the vulnerability, the yearning, the heartbreak, the confessions, the healing, and the humour contained in these pages. I wanted Kaila and Nathaniel to get together so fast and disliked that I had to wait until it actually happened. I also love the people in their community, their thoughtfulness, and how they rallied when needed.
I love all the love that is included in this novel which was released in August.
And, as I'm come to accept, beyond the main theme of love, this is a story that delves below the surface to explore themes of trust, identity, and how technology connects, shapes, and divides us in this digital era. This novel also serves as a reminder that true love can be found when we least expect it.
Set in Cleveland (the author's descriptions are vivid so you visualise everything), the story revolves around Kaila King, a radio show host who dispenses practical relationship advice during the day and massages lonely hearts and share her wisdom during the night via her podcast "Late Night Love Lines". The thing about this though, is that she keeps her heart guarded after a breakup shattered her.
A mysterious caller known only as Night Owl becomes a regular caller on the show and soon enough, there's a connection between them sparked in part by his insightful contributions and other parts his deep voice that captivates Kaila and the listeners who can't help but notice their attraction.
Enter Kaila's neighbour, Nathaniel Okoro, literally. She meets him on the elevator of the apartment building they live in. LOL.
He is a very successful architect who is so good looking, smells noice, caring, thoughtful, helpful who catches her attention. But this man has some secrets, some information, he is keeping close to the chest because, let's say it can change their dynamic when revealed.
The attraction between these two is strong and although she keeps Nate at bay, he still designs a way for them to be friends. Coffee dates, book club dates - I enjoyed the blind date with a book meetings - movie nights, etc. As their friendship grows so too does the chemistry and the conflict within themselves. More than once when they're together and Nate says something, Kaila thinks she's heard it before or it sounds familiar but she can't place it.
Still, she can't help but wonder who Night Owl and why is he affecting her the way he does? Why does she get excited when he calls after midnight and disappointed when he doesn't?
So, together with her best friend and producer Sonny Cho, they set out to find out who he is in an effort to get him on the show.
This search for his identity is one of the most important aspects of this story to me. Who are we offline, away from our online personas? Can we trust others at face value? Can we afford to be vulnerable and trusting when we meet someone who purports to know us?
This search and initial revelation leads to a pivotal moment in the story. It upends everything, exposes vulnerabilities, breaks things apart before making them whole again.
There are many sweet moments is this story that will have you cheering and smiling. There are also parts that will make you mad, characters you'll give a serious side eye and want to throttle. There's conflict and resolution too.
The only reason this book didn't get a five star rating is the inclusion of a section that confused me. I had to read it more than once to understand. That apart it was so, so good.
Y'all already know how I feel about Barbara's work. Go read this one!
Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an ARC.
She has written another contemporary romance novel full of emotions and connections that draws readers in and gives them a front row seat as they watch the story happen as though it's in real time. Plus her playlist is top tier!
I love Call Me at Midnight so much. I loved the chemistry, the vulnerability, the yearning, the heartbreak, the confessions, the healing, and the humour contained in these pages. I wanted Kaila and Nathaniel to get together so fast and disliked that I had to wait until it actually happened. I also love the people in their community, their thoughtfulness, and how they rallied when needed.
I love all the love that is included in this novel which was released in August.
And, as I'm come to accept, beyond the main theme of love, this is a story that delves below the surface to explore themes of trust, identity, and how technology connects, shapes, and divides us in this digital era. This novel also serves as a reminder that true love can be found when we least expect it.
Set in Cleveland (the author's descriptions are vivid so you visualise everything), the story revolves around Kaila King, a radio show host who dispenses practical relationship advice during the day and massages lonely hearts and share her wisdom during the night via her podcast "Late Night Love Lines". The thing about this though, is that she keeps her heart guarded after a breakup shattered her.
A mysterious caller known only as Night Owl becomes a regular caller on the show and soon enough, there's a connection between them sparked in part by his insightful contributions and other parts his deep voice that captivates Kaila and the listeners who can't help but notice their attraction.
Enter Kaila's neighbour, Nathaniel Okoro, literally. She meets him on the elevator of the apartment building they live in. LOL.
He is a very successful architect who is so good looking, smells noice, caring, thoughtful, helpful who catches her attention. But this man has some secrets, some information, he is keeping close to the chest because, let's say it can change their dynamic when revealed.
The attraction between these two is strong and although she keeps Nate at bay, he still designs a way for them to be friends. Coffee dates, book club dates - I enjoyed the blind date with a book meetings - movie nights, etc. As their friendship grows so too does the chemistry and the conflict within themselves. More than once when they're together and Nate says something, Kaila thinks she's heard it before or it sounds familiar but she can't place it.
Still, she can't help but wonder who Night Owl and why is he affecting her the way he does? Why does she get excited when he calls after midnight and disappointed when he doesn't?
So, together with her best friend and producer Sonny Cho, they set out to find out who he is in an effort to get him on the show.
This search for his identity is one of the most important aspects of this story to me. Who are we offline, away from our online personas? Can we trust others at face value? Can we afford to be vulnerable and trusting when we meet someone who purports to know us?
This search and initial revelation leads to a pivotal moment in the story. It upends everything, exposes vulnerabilities, breaks things apart before making them whole again.
There are many sweet moments is this story that will have you cheering and smiling. There are also parts that will make you mad, characters you'll give a serious side eye and want to throttle. There's conflict and resolution too.
The only reason this book didn't get a five star rating is the inclusion of a section that confused me. I had to read it more than once to understand. That apart it was so, so good.
Y'all already know how I feel about Barbara's work. Go read this one!
Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an ARC.
October 15, 2025
ARC Review: Call Me at Midnight by Barbara Howard
Barbara Howard’s Call Me at Midnight is a heartfelt and beautifully written romance that swept me off my feet from the very first page. This story follows Kalia, the warm and empathetic host of Late Night Love Lines, and Nathaniel, a loyal listener whose quiet devotion hides years of heartache. Both characters are carrying old wounds, yet the way they find each other feels like a tender reminder that love often arrives when we least expect it.
What makes this book shine is how Howard captures the delicate dance between healing and opening up to someone new. Kalia and Nathaniel are hurt souls, but their journey never feels rushed or contrived—every late-night phone call, every hesitant step toward vulnerability, paints a picture of two people learning to trust again. The “meet-cute” moments sparkle with gentle humor, and the slow-burn romance is swoon-worthy without ever losing its emotional core.
I loved how the story weaves in the theme of timing—sometimes life doesn’t hand us perfect, cinematic moments. As the book reminds us, “Sometimes perfect timing doesn’t exist, sweetheart. Sometimes life just has to wait.” That sentiment lingers long after finishing, as does the idea that love isn’t about erasing scars, but building something beautiful in spite of them.
If you’re looking for a tender, uplifting read with heart, heat, and hope, Call Me at Midnight is a gem. Life surprises you when you least expect it—and this story delivers that magic flawlessly.
* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Barbara Howard’s Call Me at Midnight is a heartfelt and beautifully written romance that swept me off my feet from the very first page. This story follows Kalia, the warm and empathetic host of Late Night Love Lines, and Nathaniel, a loyal listener whose quiet devotion hides years of heartache. Both characters are carrying old wounds, yet the way they find each other feels like a tender reminder that love often arrives when we least expect it.
What makes this book shine is how Howard captures the delicate dance between healing and opening up to someone new. Kalia and Nathaniel are hurt souls, but their journey never feels rushed or contrived—every late-night phone call, every hesitant step toward vulnerability, paints a picture of two people learning to trust again. The “meet-cute” moments sparkle with gentle humor, and the slow-burn romance is swoon-worthy without ever losing its emotional core.
I loved how the story weaves in the theme of timing—sometimes life doesn’t hand us perfect, cinematic moments. As the book reminds us, “Sometimes perfect timing doesn’t exist, sweetheart. Sometimes life just has to wait.” That sentiment lingers long after finishing, as does the idea that love isn’t about erasing scars, but building something beautiful in spite of them.
If you’re looking for a tender, uplifting read with heart, heat, and hope, Call Me at Midnight is a gem. Life surprises you when you least expect it—and this story delivers that magic flawlessly.
* ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this one even though I got irritated and took a little break from it (lol iykyk) and I know I’m not the only one who gets irritated at characters choices throughout a book!
Anyway Kaila and Nate are two very attractive ships passing in the night, both intentional in healing and being able to properly move on from damage cause from their past romantic relationships. And of course they make some mistakes and then some forward movement - you get a good depth from them both and even from the people around them.
The narrative is slow enough that everything gets to layer and build, but not slow enough that it loses you. And at the end I did close the book and say - dang - in a good way of course! And you might too if you give this romance a chance!
Anyway Kaila and Nate are two very attractive ships passing in the night, both intentional in healing and being able to properly move on from damage cause from their past romantic relationships. And of course they make some mistakes and then some forward movement - you get a good depth from them both and even from the people around them.
The narrative is slow enough that everything gets to layer and build, but not slow enough that it loses you. And at the end I did close the book and say - dang - in a good way of course! And you might too if you give this romance a chance!
December 11, 2025
Great read. Love the ending. Definitely kept me guessing how it was gonna end. Nate waited so long to tell her, but when he did boy was it beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews