What do you think?
Rate this book
Midnight #1
Midnight Man
Interior designer Suzanne Barron always thought she’d fall in love slowly with a suitable man, a safe man. Former navy SEAL John Huntington—aka the Midnight Man-- is anything but safe. The day they meet, Suzanne shocks herself by having no holds barred sex with John. But her panic goes into overdrive when danger strikes. John will protect her, but who’s going to protect her heart from him? John is a SEAL, and he never backs down. The Midnight Man is used to fighting for what he wants, but the fight turns deadly when unknown enemies attack. Suddenly, Suzanne's life is on the line. Once John's had a taste of her, there's no doubt that Suzanne belongs to him, and whoever is after her will have to go through him first . . .
292 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2004
741 people are currently reading
5046 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Marie Rice
57 books1,610 followersLisa Marie Rice is eternally 30 years old and will never age. She is tall and willowy and beautiful. Men drop at her feet like ripe pears. She has won every major book prize in the world. She is a black belt with advanced degrees in archaeology, nuclear physics, and Tibetan literature. She is a concert pianist. Did I mention her Nobel Prize? Of course, Lisa Marie Rice is a virtual woman and exists only at the keyboard when writing erotic romance. She disappears when the monitor winks off.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 573 reviews
August 13, 2025
My lord.
As romance its alright, if you are able to suspend your disbelief as to the amount of time it takes the two to get physical. Basically, Suzanne (h) an interior designer, rents out some rooms to this big, tough, ex-military scary man. Whose name also happens to be John (H). They both feel an intense attraction and have sex against a wall the first night they meet. John also shows his apparent skill with disabling a security alarm with wire and some of his spit. Mmm. Manly.
Anyway. Suzanne gets targeted by some bad guys, John saves the day. And after saving the day he hits her over the head with his club and drags her back to his cave.
...just kidding. But seriously, thats a pretty good metaphor for what he does. And, note to the author, just because you continually address the 'caveman' nature of the H, that doesn't make it OK.
Thats one of the things that really REALLLY got under my skin. The sexist undercurrent this novel contained.
I will now provide numerous examples, like in math when you're learning a new method.
1; date scene at the restaurant. Suzanne comes out with 'Don't you have to pay, or something?' just 2 pages after reminding the reader that the meeting is supposed to be of a business nature. No mention of split bills. No mention of the fact that she chose the restaurant. No matter that it sounds damn expensive. Also, besides that, does she make all her clients pay for her meals? I DO NAY THINK SO!
Then he carries her to the car. Because she wore inappropriate shoes. :\
THEN! A few pages later, EXAMPLE TWO arrives when Macho Alpha Male John (Thats the best you could do? John? really?) walks the reader through the reasons why he believes a man is the only way a female could ever protect herself. In come the sweeping generalisations; apparently all women (stupidly) carry big, brightly coloured purses that 'paint a target' on their backs, calling naively to all would-be muggers and rapists. I mean, I can see why thats a bad idea in a rough part of town.
BUT THEN, three lines down comes this little gem; 'He never even paid lip service to the ridiculous notion that a woman could defend herself against a mugger; he didn’t care how many self-defense courses she took and no matter what her shrink said...It made a lot of women angry that he couldn’t pretend the world wasn’t full of predators and that nature had made women prey.'
Fuck off.
No seriously. Fuck off. Fuck you if you think that even A WOMAN WITH PROFESSIONAL TRAINING couldn't beat off mugger. ARGGH THIS MAKES ME SO ANGRY!!!!! I understand that, physically, women are designed weaker than men. But thats not the case all the time. Srsly. I do not see that happening. And who says all men can naturally fight? Thats just sexist bullshit! BULLSHIT! SO FUCK OFF WITH IT! ITS NOT EVEN NECESSARY TO THE STORY. WE GET IT. JOHN. IS. A. DOMINANT. MAN.
No need to beat me into submissiveness with your neanderthal politics.
And now for the last example I can manage without re-angering myself to the point of actually setting fire to this book.
'Some feminine magic led her unerringly to where he kept the plates. It was amazing.'
...
...
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! :@ :@ :@
As romance its alright, if you are able to suspend your disbelief as to the amount of time it takes the two to get physical. Basically, Suzanne (h) an interior designer, rents out some rooms to this big, tough, ex-military scary man. Whose name also happens to be John (H). They both feel an intense attraction and have sex against a wall the first night they meet. John also shows his apparent skill with disabling a security alarm with wire and some of his spit. Mmm. Manly.
Anyway. Suzanne gets targeted by some bad guys, John saves the day. And after saving the day he hits her over the head with his club and drags her back to his cave.
...just kidding. But seriously, thats a pretty good metaphor for what he does. And, note to the author, just because you continually address the 'caveman' nature of the H, that doesn't make it OK.
Thats one of the things that really REALLLY got under my skin. The sexist undercurrent this novel contained.
I will now provide numerous examples, like in math when you're learning a new method.
1; date scene at the restaurant. Suzanne comes out with 'Don't you have to pay, or something?' just 2 pages after reminding the reader that the meeting is supposed to be of a business nature. No mention of split bills. No mention of the fact that she chose the restaurant. No matter that it sounds damn expensive. Also, besides that, does she make all her clients pay for her meals? I DO NAY THINK SO!
Then he carries her to the car. Because she wore inappropriate shoes. :\
THEN! A few pages later, EXAMPLE TWO arrives when Macho Alpha Male John (Thats the best you could do? John? really?) walks the reader through the reasons why he believes a man is the only way a female could ever protect herself. In come the sweeping generalisations; apparently all women (stupidly) carry big, brightly coloured purses that 'paint a target' on their backs, calling naively to all would-be muggers and rapists. I mean, I can see why thats a bad idea in a rough part of town.
BUT THEN, three lines down comes this little gem; 'He never even paid lip service to the ridiculous notion that a woman could defend herself against a mugger; he didn’t care how many self-defense courses she took and no matter what her shrink said...It made a lot of women angry that he couldn’t pretend the world wasn’t full of predators and that nature had made women prey.'
Fuck off.
No seriously. Fuck off. Fuck you if you think that even A WOMAN WITH PROFESSIONAL TRAINING couldn't beat off mugger. ARGGH THIS MAKES ME SO ANGRY!!!!! I understand that, physically, women are designed weaker than men. But thats not the case all the time. Srsly. I do not see that happening. And who says all men can naturally fight? Thats just sexist bullshit! BULLSHIT! SO FUCK OFF WITH IT! ITS NOT EVEN NECESSARY TO THE STORY. WE GET IT. JOHN. IS. A. DOMINANT. MAN.
No need to beat me into submissiveness with your neanderthal politics.
And now for the last example I can manage without re-angering myself to the point of actually setting fire to this book.
'Some feminine magic led her unerringly to where he kept the plates. It was amazing.'
...
...
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! :@ :@ :@
February 13, 2014
2 1/2–WAY TOO MUCH NARRATIVE–Stars
I know this is a popular book among my friends and I can understand why–it's well written, intriguing, and deliciously steamy. That said, it also overflowed with narrative and very little character dialogue, which is a pet-peeve of mine. It's essential I have an abundance of character dialogue in order for me to connect with a couple and their love story. That did not happen with this book. Also, the HEA ending was way too abrupt for my liking. I felt gyped out of my warm, fuzzy HEA glow. Yet, there were aspects of this story that I really did enjoy. The scene where they decorating the Christmas tree melted my heart.
I listened to the audio version of this book and I have to wonder how much the narrator played a part in my overall dissatisfaction with the story. While there's no doubt the narrator has talent, she wasn't able to fully breathe life into the story for me. There can definitely be some drawbacks when you listen to rather than read a book.
I know this is a popular book among my friends and I can understand why–it's well written, intriguing, and deliciously steamy. That said, it also overflowed with narrative and very little character dialogue, which is a pet-peeve of mine. It's essential I have an abundance of character dialogue in order for me to connect with a couple and their love story. That did not happen with this book. Also, the HEA ending was way too abrupt for my liking. I felt gyped out of my warm, fuzzy HEA glow. Yet, there were aspects of this story that I really did enjoy. The scene where they decorating the Christmas tree melted my heart.
I listened to the audio version of this book and I have to wonder how much the narrator played a part in my overall dissatisfaction with the story. While there's no doubt the narrator has talent, she wasn't able to fully breathe life into the story for me. There can definitely be some drawbacks when you listen to rather than read a book.
March 15, 2017
Holy heck was this hot! This book has one of the most Alpha males I've ever read. You don't get more manly than Jon. He's ex-military but still behaves as if he's in a war zone. He's very protective and in charge, but also a gentleman. You get both POV's and his thoughts are pretty crude in places but honestly, it sounds true to what a male would think. Men do NOT think about rainbows and kittens. There was no game playing, just straight up attraction. It's a short read, with a short story line where Jon will show you just how protective and deadly he can be.
***Audible Review: I read the book first then decided to add on the narration for a re-read. The narrator was pretty good. Her doing Jon's voice was ok. I didn't hate it, but it could have been better. He doesn't come off as sexy in her impersonation. This might be better to read it first then enjoy the re-listen a second time.
***Audible Review: I read the book first then decided to add on the narration for a re-read. The narrator was pretty good. Her doing Jon's voice was ok. I didn't hate it, but it could have been better. He doesn't come off as sexy in her impersonation. This might be better to read it first then enjoy the re-listen a second time.
February 21, 2022
Completely enjoyed this fast paced steamy read!! John is an intense & aggressive ALPHA!! He meet's Suzanne and BAM!!!! It's game on (his nickname should be Steamroller!). Suzanne is sweet & quiet and completely unprepared for this ALPHA, since most the men in her life have been rather meek. But when danger comes calling Suzanne finds out just how much she needs and wants this intense man.
I am looking forward to the next two books in the series!! Thank you Kris (KindleRomance) and Vika for ALL your tempting comments when I added this to my TBR list. Because of those tempting comments I moved this to the top of my list....THANK YOU ladies!!
"You know John, maybe you should see someone about this wall fetish of yours"
I am looking forward to the next two books in the series!! Thank you Kris (KindleRomance) and Vika for ALL your tempting comments when I added this to my TBR list. Because of those tempting comments I moved this to the top of my list....THANK YOU ladies!!
"You know John, maybe you should see someone about this wall fetish of yours"
February 7, 2013
Personality-free alphahole has forceful, mindless sex on several occasions with the one and only Jellyfish Woman--a woman so pale and pure and delicate that he can't figure out how her internal organs fit inside her. (No, he really thinks that.) Oh, and her life is in danger, because OF COURSE IT IS! Also, the sympathetic effeminate gay male best (interior design!) friend character not only dies, but is actually tortured to death. He only lives long enough to tell her that what she really needs is a super masculine man's man.
She has "feminine magic" which allows her to effortlessly tame strange kitchens. Barefoot! In a flannel nightie!
OMG! He can't handle "female stuff." He can plow her six ways to Sunday, but he can't handle menstrual products. What a charmer!
He makes more per job than she has in savings. Imbalance of financial power: check.
Wants to kill the last boyfriend she had sex with. Very evolved.
"There she was, at his table. Heartbreakingly beautiful and forlorn. A unicorn at the edge of the forest." Well, I guess it's not true, what they say about unicorns and non-virgins.
Oooh. She's going to tame him by teaching him the nuances of color. It's not a "blue" nightie he's thinking of tearing off of her, it's "robin's egg."
Reference to Eve's tempting of Adam. Nice.
When she behaves in a forward manner, sexually, she's a "witch" who has "pure devil in her expression."
Aww! He doesn't know how to celebrate Christmas! Poor wubbie.
She uses sexual behaviors to override his (admittedly over-exaggerated) protective instincts. Because "what could happen?" What indeed?? I can't wait to find out...
Oh, nothing happens. Other than her going domestic goddess on his shack in the woods and "preparing herself for him" by applying perfume and make-up, which she hadn't done for two days. Poor man--why must he suffer so?
There's a corner of the shack that "positively cries out for a Christmas tree."
She knows she's in love with him the third time he smiles at her. Wow! I guess her love aesthetic really is "emotionally spartan."
"She must have been half-way [in love with him] already because the knowledge settled in her heart not as a blinding revelation, but as if there were a John Huntington-shaped place already there, waiting for him to fill it and waiting for her to acknowledge it." I don't know how that's going to work out, since her torso can already barely accommodate her own internal organs. Mystery!
Well, she's already planning accordingly, cutting herself a piece of apple pie a tenth the size of his. God knows, you can't fit John-Huntington-sized love and a normal slice of apple pie inside one woman...
The only thing that could redeem the book for me at this point would be if he actually hurt himself on the erection he's been sporting since pretty much the second he laid eyes on her. Like, maybe he'll poke his eye out with it! Or maybe he'll accidentally close a door on it! That would be awesome.
She has a magically different vagina--spicy and warm and exciting. Which is why he condescends to perform oral sex on her.
He uses the tempo of "Amazing Grace" to regulate his thrusting so he doesn't pound into her too hard. That reminds me of the British public service ads telling people to perform CPR to the tempo of "Stayin' Alive." Very much the same thing, really. Maybe a special public service campaign is in order for oversexed alpha males.
Oh, see? In another, more interesting book, she would have moved the throw rug under which he hides the high tech entrance to his underground surveillance lair while she was redecorating the shack. How did she not move the rug while she was performing all that feng shui?
Wow. He gets so angry when she wants to do the right thing.
Risk of danger: high. Car sex on the side of the road: immanent.
John becomes "the hunter": animalistic and deadly. That's a good way of dissociating his human persona from the vigilante murder he commits. Very subtle.
She's free! Free. To Go. Free to go be barefoot and pregnant! Yay!
She has "feminine magic" which allows her to effortlessly tame strange kitchens. Barefoot! In a flannel nightie!
OMG! He can't handle "female stuff." He can plow her six ways to Sunday, but he can't handle menstrual products. What a charmer!
He makes more per job than she has in savings. Imbalance of financial power: check.
Wants to kill the last boyfriend she had sex with. Very evolved.
"There she was, at his table. Heartbreakingly beautiful and forlorn. A unicorn at the edge of the forest." Well, I guess it's not true, what they say about unicorns and non-virgins.
Oooh. She's going to tame him by teaching him the nuances of color. It's not a "blue" nightie he's thinking of tearing off of her, it's "robin's egg."
Reference to Eve's tempting of Adam. Nice.
When she behaves in a forward manner, sexually, she's a "witch" who has "pure devil in her expression."
Aww! He doesn't know how to celebrate Christmas! Poor wubbie.
She uses sexual behaviors to override his (admittedly over-exaggerated) protective instincts. Because "what could happen?" What indeed?? I can't wait to find out...
Oh, nothing happens. Other than her going domestic goddess on his shack in the woods and "preparing herself for him" by applying perfume and make-up, which she hadn't done for two days. Poor man--why must he suffer so?
There's a corner of the shack that "positively cries out for a Christmas tree."
She knows she's in love with him the third time he smiles at her. Wow! I guess her love aesthetic really is "emotionally spartan."
"She must have been half-way [in love with him] already because the knowledge settled in her heart not as a blinding revelation, but as if there were a John Huntington-shaped place already there, waiting for him to fill it and waiting for her to acknowledge it." I don't know how that's going to work out, since her torso can already barely accommodate her own internal organs. Mystery!
Well, she's already planning accordingly, cutting herself a piece of apple pie a tenth the size of his. God knows, you can't fit John-Huntington-sized love and a normal slice of apple pie inside one woman...
The only thing that could redeem the book for me at this point would be if he actually hurt himself on the erection he's been sporting since pretty much the second he laid eyes on her. Like, maybe he'll poke his eye out with it! Or maybe he'll accidentally close a door on it! That would be awesome.
She has a magically different vagina--spicy and warm and exciting. Which is why he condescends to perform oral sex on her.
He uses the tempo of "Amazing Grace" to regulate his thrusting so he doesn't pound into her too hard. That reminds me of the British public service ads telling people to perform CPR to the tempo of "Stayin' Alive." Very much the same thing, really. Maybe a special public service campaign is in order for oversexed alpha males.
Oh, see? In another, more interesting book, she would have moved the throw rug under which he hides the high tech entrance to his underground surveillance lair while she was redecorating the shack. How did she not move the rug while she was performing all that feng shui?
Wow. He gets so angry when she wants to do the right thing.
Risk of danger: high. Car sex on the side of the road: immanent.
John becomes "the hunter": animalistic and deadly. That's a good way of dissociating his human persona from the vigilante murder he commits. Very subtle.
She's free! Free. To Go. Free to go be barefoot and pregnant! Yay!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2009
I´ve been on the fence about reading erotica/romantica for a long time, because I always need more than a bunch of sex scenes thrown together in a book. I finally made the jump into reading 'Midnight Man' after seeing several recommendations on the Romance Forum at Amazon and, boy, let me tell you... I loved it! It was hot - of course! - but the story wasn´t just about two people having sex. The book had a plot, and a good one! I only wish the end wasn´t so abrupt - I love epilogues - but I was warned about it and, in the end (no pun intended), it didn´t bother me that much.
I´m definitely going to read the next books in the Midnight series!
I´m definitely going to read the next books in the Midnight series!
December 9, 2013
2.5 Stars! Sex, sex and more sex, but no suspense!
I'm in the minority, a lot of readers like this book, and it was good as far as an erotic read went, but not much in the way of mystery and suspense. Lots of penis talk though! Another hero who sports a log between his legs, it's a wonder John Huntington could walk. Suzanne was obsessed and fascinated by it. It took on a life of it's own...almost like another character!
Suzanne searched in her depths for some way to deal with the situation. Some nice neutral ladylike etiquette that would help her handle having felt the penis of a complete stranger.
Erect penis, if you please.
Huge, erect penis.
Oh God.
Oh God is right...*groan*...
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I listened to the book, and hearing penis over and over in my ears made me cringe after a while! All these two could think of was sex! Remembering how it was, how it was going to be, if they weren't doing 'it' a the moment. The suspense fell flat, all the build-up about the stalker to an ending that fizzled out!
Don't go by me, read some other reviews. If erotica is what you're looking for, then Midnight Man is the ticket, but don't count on being wowed by the suspense factor!
On a final note, for those of you who might choose to listen to the audio book, the narration was good, it's the story that didn't work for me.
April 24, 2022
This book is sizzle off the pages hot, erotic and a wonderful escape from the drudgery of normal life. I'd like to say it had a twisty mystery to solve or that the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, but that just wouldn't be true. Don't expect it and you won't be disappointed when all you get is heart palpitations of the sexy kind.
Suzanne Barron is an interior designer who has a successful business and has rehabbed an old factory for her office and living space. She is looking for a tenant for the other space and in walks former navy SEAL John Huntington, aka the Midnight Man, looking for more space for his rapidly expanding security business. On, my, he is sex on a stick and all Suzanne can think of is how good he would taste and that is decidedly not a Suzanne reaction to a man, any man.
Not a problem for John, who is having a really tough time not throwing Suzanne on her very well designed desk, or the nearest wall, and making her scream with pleasure. John was injured and had to retire from the SEALs. He has built a wildly successful company and has tackled civilian life the same way he would any mission he was sent on.
When someone threatens Suzanne, John takes it very personally and will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe, but how is he going to keep his heart safe from Suzanne.
Suzanne Barron is an interior designer who has a successful business and has rehabbed an old factory for her office and living space. She is looking for a tenant for the other space and in walks former navy SEAL John Huntington, aka the Midnight Man, looking for more space for his rapidly expanding security business. On, my, he is sex on a stick and all Suzanne can think of is how good he would taste and that is decidedly not a Suzanne reaction to a man, any man.
Not a problem for John, who is having a really tough time not throwing Suzanne on her very well designed desk, or the nearest wall, and making her scream with pleasure. John was injured and had to retire from the SEALs. He has built a wildly successful company and has tackled civilian life the same way he would any mission he was sent on.
When someone threatens Suzanne, John takes it very personally and will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe, but how is he going to keep his heart safe from Suzanne.
April 5, 2021
A quick satisfying read with an uber alpha black-op type H who goes all out to protect his woman.
Suffice it to say - I love it when Hs take out the bad guys!
(Though that cover seems similar to one of Nalini Singh's. Alpha Night?)
Suffice it to say - I love it when Hs take out the bad guys!
(Though that cover seems similar to one of Nalini Singh's. Alpha Night?)
February 15, 2009
Pretty good overall. If you’re looking for one of those alpha hero special ops guys who protects the heroine at all costs this could interest you.
I generally liked the story, more towards the end though where the hero became more “human”. He’s a bit too animalistic for my taste which made the steam scenes too rough and raw at times---get out the fan for the wall scenes though (**whoaaaa**). He’s not an annoying uber-alpha but he has his “smack me one” moments. The heroine was a bit vapid and you didn’t really hear from her too much, but something about them together worked. Rice does a brilliant job with conveying colour —the heroine is an interior designer and this is woven well into the story.
The ending is very satisfying –sort of like a movie— but the book could have been a little longer. When all is said and done though Rice is an author I think I’ll try again.
I generally liked the story, more towards the end though where the hero became more “human”. He’s a bit too animalistic for my taste which made the steam scenes too rough and raw at times---get out the fan for the wall scenes though (**whoaaaa**). He’s not an annoying uber-alpha but he has his “smack me one” moments. The heroine was a bit vapid and you didn’t really hear from her too much, but something about them together worked. Rice does a brilliant job with conveying colour —the heroine is an interior designer and this is woven well into the story.
The ending is very satisfying –sort of like a movie— but the book could have been a little longer. When all is said and done though Rice is an author I think I’ll try again.
January 8, 2011
The ULTIMATE Alpha guy. Commander John Huntington. Since my book version had the worst front cover ever I had to find a replacement. So here he is....................
July 15, 2009
Great book, just how I like my steamy erotica reads. Non-cheesy sex scenes with great characters and a good plot to tie it all together. I now get why so many people consider this a favorite read!
September 5, 2010
4.5 stars. Hot lustful sex scenes, no kinkiness. Former Navy SEAL protects delicate heroine from a hitman.
STORY BRIEF:
Suzanne inherited a factory building which she converted into two units. Each unit has an office for the public in front and an apartment in the back (kitchen, bedroom, etc.) Suzanne is an interior decorator. She works and lives in her unit. Suzanne placed an ad for a tenant to rent the second unit. John sees the ad and ends up renting the second unit. He is a former navy SEAL and currently has a security firm. It’s love and lust at first sight. John takes Suzanne out for dinner the first night. On the second night, a hit man sneaks into Suzanne’s apartment planning to kill her. She calls John, and he is able to get there in time to save her. John takes her to a secluded cabin in the mountains until the authorities can figure out why she is a target.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I loved how John was always so intensely turned on that he couldn’t control himself and couldn’t be gentle. He tried, but his lust for Suzanne was too consuming. Character wise think powerful caveman with delicate angel. The sex, the characters and the plot were all excellent. I loved the ending. It made me think of Mr. Darcy’s “grand gesture.” Although different from Mr. Darcy’s gesture, John’s actions at the end of the book were a “grand gesture.” I loved what he did. The only weakness in the story was that a few times there was too much pondering in the minds of the characters. This book is shorter than most romance novels, but worthwhile. This is the first of three books in the Midnight series.
DATA:
Story length: 208 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 6. Total number of sex scene pages: 30. Setting: Portland and the mountains in Oregon. Copyright: 2003. Genre: erotic romantic suspense.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I enjoyed an article by the author titled “Five Things You Won’t Find in a Lisa Marie Rice Novel,” dated 2/25/08. I saw this on the HarperCollins website under News. Her books do NOT include 1. Kick-ass heroines. 2. Hero hates heroine moments. 3. Sex toys. 4. Serial killers. 5. Vampires. The article was great. Two of her comments from the article follow. “I worked for many, many years in a very difficult, mostly female profession which was chockablock with alpha females who could wrestle you to the ground while quoting Hegel, in German. They knew everything, were amazingly opinionated and boy, did I grow tired of the vibe. I don’t want them in my life, why should I want them in my books?” Under sex toys she says “My men don’t need sex toys to get excited, if anything, they need to be hosed down.” I laugh at how perfectly this describes “John” in the above story.
OTHER BOOKS:
To date, I’ve read the following Lisa Marie Rice books.
Midnight Series:
4.5 stars. Midnight Man (Book 1). Copyrt 2003. Review Date 3-17-09.
3 stars. Midnight Run (Book 2). Copyrt 2002. Review Date 3-22-09.
3.5 stars. Midnight Angel (Book 3). Copyrt 2005. Review Date 3-22-09.
Others:
3 stars. Port of Paradise. Copyrt 2003. Review Date 10-8-09.
3.5 stars. Woman on the Run. Copyrt 2004. Review Date 10-8-09.
3.5 stars. Dangerous Lover. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 3-22-09.
4.5 stars. Dangerous Secrets. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 8-24-09.
4.5 stars. Dangerous Passion. Copyrt 2009. Review Date 9-15-09.
STORY BRIEF:
Suzanne inherited a factory building which she converted into two units. Each unit has an office for the public in front and an apartment in the back (kitchen, bedroom, etc.) Suzanne is an interior decorator. She works and lives in her unit. Suzanne placed an ad for a tenant to rent the second unit. John sees the ad and ends up renting the second unit. He is a former navy SEAL and currently has a security firm. It’s love and lust at first sight. John takes Suzanne out for dinner the first night. On the second night, a hit man sneaks into Suzanne’s apartment planning to kill her. She calls John, and he is able to get there in time to save her. John takes her to a secluded cabin in the mountains until the authorities can figure out why she is a target.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I loved how John was always so intensely turned on that he couldn’t control himself and couldn’t be gentle. He tried, but his lust for Suzanne was too consuming. Character wise think powerful caveman with delicate angel. The sex, the characters and the plot were all excellent. I loved the ending. It made me think of Mr. Darcy’s “grand gesture.” Although different from Mr. Darcy’s gesture, John’s actions at the end of the book were a “grand gesture.” I loved what he did. The only weakness in the story was that a few times there was too much pondering in the minds of the characters. This book is shorter than most romance novels, but worthwhile. This is the first of three books in the Midnight series.
DATA:
Story length: 208 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 6. Total number of sex scene pages: 30. Setting: Portland and the mountains in Oregon. Copyright: 2003. Genre: erotic romantic suspense.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I enjoyed an article by the author titled “Five Things You Won’t Find in a Lisa Marie Rice Novel,” dated 2/25/08. I saw this on the HarperCollins website under News. Her books do NOT include 1. Kick-ass heroines. 2. Hero hates heroine moments. 3. Sex toys. 4. Serial killers. 5. Vampires. The article was great. Two of her comments from the article follow. “I worked for many, many years in a very difficult, mostly female profession which was chockablock with alpha females who could wrestle you to the ground while quoting Hegel, in German. They knew everything, were amazingly opinionated and boy, did I grow tired of the vibe. I don’t want them in my life, why should I want them in my books?” Under sex toys she says “My men don’t need sex toys to get excited, if anything, they need to be hosed down.” I laugh at how perfectly this describes “John” in the above story.
OTHER BOOKS:
To date, I’ve read the following Lisa Marie Rice books.
Midnight Series:
4.5 stars. Midnight Man (Book 1). Copyrt 2003. Review Date 3-17-09.
3 stars. Midnight Run (Book 2). Copyrt 2002. Review Date 3-22-09.
3.5 stars. Midnight Angel (Book 3). Copyrt 2005. Review Date 3-22-09.
Others:
3 stars. Port of Paradise. Copyrt 2003. Review Date 10-8-09.
3.5 stars. Woman on the Run. Copyrt 2004. Review Date 10-8-09.
3.5 stars. Dangerous Lover. Copyrt 2007. Review Date 3-22-09.
4.5 stars. Dangerous Secrets. Copyrt 2008. Review Date 8-24-09.
4.5 stars. Dangerous Passion. Copyrt 2009. Review Date 9-15-09.
January 2, 2009
John Huntington is known to his fellow SEALS as the Midnight Man, a man who works best under the cover of darkness. He's just come back from a messy job in South America, right in time for his appointment with Suzanne Barrons. Suzanne is interviewing him as a possible tenant for her building. She lives in an up and coming neighborhood and the possibility of having a big strong man around is appealing to her. Until she sees him and he wreaks havoc on her femininity. With his adrenaline still running high from his job in South America, John instantly marks Suzanne as his next military objective. He isn't used to patiently luring a woman into his arms, his usual line being, "lets get it on" but for Suzanne he is more than willing to play the gentleman. After a dinner thinly disguised as foreplay, his control snaps and he takes her passionately in their building's hallway. It's a wild, unreserved need that shocks them both and causes Suzanne to flee like a frightened rabbit. She hopes to hide the next morning but John is there, determined that she face him. He's not willing to let her go now that he's got her. He was still willing to play the gentleman but Suzanne is suddenly, inexplicably attacked. The first person she thinks to call is John, knowing instinctively that he was her best chance for survival. He comes to her rescue in a cold, lethal manner, all his protective instincts fired up. He ruthlessly protects her by stealing her away and hiding her in his mountain cabin. There Suzanne comes to terms with the fact that John has killed for her and marked her in a way as old as time. She seeks to sooth his inner beast and make him whole. Just when things look as homey as a Rockwell painting, they realize why Suzanne was attacked, and what that means for their growing relationship. Both understand honor and duty so Suzanne chooses to do the right thing and walk away from him. John however has just found the woman he wants for the rest of his life and is not about to let her go without a fight.
There are some cons with this story. There were some easily fixable spelling mistakes and the plot was as transparent as water. But honestly.......WHO CARES! This book was great! John's protective instincts was hot enough to make me want to swoon. Yes, I said swoon. He is not a gentle, easy man. He only smiles maybe three times in the whole book. Suzanne counts his smiles because they are so rare. He's described as a predator, a silent assassin and he practically stalks poor Suzanne. Wait, did I say, "poor Suzanne?" Yeah, right. That girl is one lucky SOB. The sex wasn't very graphic. On the Ellora's Cave grading curve of eroticism, this was a sensual read. However, Lisa Marie Rice built up sexual tension like there was no tomorrow and it was delicious! I wish it could have gone on and on, but I also know this book was done perfectly. It was tightly woven, suspenseful and incredibly sexy. Also for those who might want to know, there was only about 230 pages to this story, so depending on your own inclinations you might want either the ebook version or the paperback version. I like curling up with a good book however, so I'm happy I got the book version. Get this book. Now.
There are some cons with this story. There were some easily fixable spelling mistakes and the plot was as transparent as water. But honestly.......WHO CARES! This book was great! John's protective instincts was hot enough to make me want to swoon. Yes, I said swoon. He is not a gentle, easy man. He only smiles maybe three times in the whole book. Suzanne counts his smiles because they are so rare. He's described as a predator, a silent assassin and he practically stalks poor Suzanne. Wait, did I say, "poor Suzanne?" Yeah, right. That girl is one lucky SOB. The sex wasn't very graphic. On the Ellora's Cave grading curve of eroticism, this was a sensual read. However, Lisa Marie Rice built up sexual tension like there was no tomorrow and it was delicious! I wish it could have gone on and on, but I also know this book was done perfectly. It was tightly woven, suspenseful and incredibly sexy. Also for those who might want to know, there was only about 230 pages to this story, so depending on your own inclinations you might want either the ebook version or the paperback version. I like curling up with a good book however, so I'm happy I got the book version. Get this book. Now.
January 30, 2016
Written March 26, 2013
OMG, my heart still pounds - what a wonderful hot and funny novel - 5 thick hot Stars to this divine alpha male and his sweet baby.
I knew after just a few pages that this was just the right book for me to read. I wanted a fast read romance, something to giggle with, something a little light hearted and a lot of steam & heat. I got it!
We have an large muscular alpha male (think: lion/bull) and a petite blonde sweetie (think: bambi/bunny) who meets. She will be his new landlord and neighbor. He, a cold warrior, knows all about tough battles and safety. She, a classy aesthete, knows all about color and shape. He, Navy Commander John Huntington a former SEAL (aka 'Midnight Man'), just look at her and become stone h~d. He know instantly that she must be his. She, Interior decorator Suzanne Barron, looking shocked at this scary huge man in a leather jacket and combat boots. She immediately get breathing difficulties and shaky jelly legs. Once the lease is signed literally invades John, the now a little bit anxious, Suzanne's life. He has a new target - to get her into the bedroom as soon as possible.
Mission Conquer has started.
This is predictable, relatively simple and full of stereotypical men and women. But I LOVE IT - Yummy, yummy! It's fast-paced, exciting, sexy and hot, hot. But it is also written with irony, it's funny, tender and romantic. The hero is a all alpha male crude model, massive (everywhere), dominant and is thinking with the "little" brain. He really struggles to behave to not throw himself over sweet Suzanne. He really, really tried, but it was so tough. The heroine is a kind of girl who needs a strong and protective man. She is trying so hard to be steadfast and withstand John - at least a tiny moment.
Yay, yay, wow ...!
It's hard for a woman with good eyesight, hearing and sense of touch to resist a dedicated men. The steam rises and I laugh, read until my eyes bleed and gasps of reading enjoyment. A lovely novel with two real cuties. A new favorite that will be picked off the shelf soon again.
I LIKE and love. Absolutely astonishing!
Do.Not.Miss.This.One / Mission Accomplished
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
... a single small failure to note: the cover of my paperback version is so lame.
OMG, my heart still pounds - what a wonderful hot and funny novel - 5 thick hot Stars to this divine alpha male and his sweet baby.
I knew after just a few pages that this was just the right book for me to read. I wanted a fast read romance, something to giggle with, something a little light hearted and a lot of steam & heat. I got it!
We have an large muscular alpha male (think: lion/bull) and a petite blonde sweetie (think: bambi/bunny) who meets. She will be his new landlord and neighbor. He, a cold warrior, knows all about tough battles and safety. She, a classy aesthete, knows all about color and shape. He, Navy Commander John Huntington a former SEAL (aka 'Midnight Man'), just look at her and become stone h~d. He know instantly that she must be his. She, Interior decorator Suzanne Barron, looking shocked at this scary huge man in a leather jacket and combat boots. She immediately get breathing difficulties and shaky jelly legs. Once the lease is signed literally invades John, the now a little bit anxious, Suzanne's life. He has a new target - to get her into the bedroom as soon as possible.
Mission Conquer has started.
This is predictable, relatively simple and full of stereotypical men and women. But I LOVE IT - Yummy, yummy! It's fast-paced, exciting, sexy and hot, hot. But it is also written with irony, it's funny, tender and romantic. The hero is a all alpha male crude model, massive (everywhere), dominant and is thinking with the "little" brain. He really struggles to behave to not throw himself over sweet Suzanne. He really, really tried, but it was so tough. The heroine is a kind of girl who needs a strong and protective man. She is trying so hard to be steadfast and withstand John - at least a tiny moment.
Yay, yay, wow ...!
It's hard for a woman with good eyesight, hearing and sense of touch to resist a dedicated men. The steam rises and I laugh, read until my eyes bleed and gasps of reading enjoyment. A lovely novel with two real cuties. A new favorite that will be picked off the shelf soon again.
I LIKE and love. Absolutely astonishing!
Do.Not.Miss.This.One / Mission Accomplished
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
... a single small failure to note: the cover of my paperback version is so lame.
August 25, 2018
Audible: Narrated by Alexandra R. Josephs
A bit disappointed in the narrator’s vocalization of John. Her other male voices were not a problem, just when she did the hero’s. I made the conscious decision to shake any annoyances off and quickly found myself lost in her voice and the story.
This is one of my all-time favorite books due to John Huntington. It is a go to on my reread shelf when I want a feel good, big old over the top alpha hero. Plenty of possessiveness, protectiveness and take charge action. If you don’t read it for any other reason, you’ve got to read it to learn about the crumbling brick wall and his self-control. So dang hot! This is a true hero who will do anything for the woman he loves. And he does.
Dual POV – I loved John’s POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
A bit disappointed in the narrator’s vocalization of John. Her other male voices were not a problem, just when she did the hero’s. I made the conscious decision to shake any annoyances off and quickly found myself lost in her voice and the story.
This is one of my all-time favorite books due to John Huntington. It is a go to on my reread shelf when I want a feel good, big old over the top alpha hero. Plenty of possessiveness, protectiveness and take charge action. If you don’t read it for any other reason, you’ve got to read it to learn about the crumbling brick wall and his self-control. So dang hot! This is a true hero who will do anything for the woman he loves. And he does.
Dual POV – I loved John’s POV
Safe
No apparent triggers
Read
December 30, 2016I loved it and I'm pissed at the same time....I need some info before I post my review .......
May 25, 2017
I first read this a while back and liked it. Initially I gave it 3 stars as the ending was rather abrupt and ended on a HFN and I need my HEA - always :)
The author re-released this in December 2015 after lightly re-editing and I was provided an ARC for my honest review. I couldn't see any obvious changes and enjoyed it even more the second time around because I know that HFN becomes a dead cert HEA - we meet up with John and Suzanne frequently in the rest of the series.
I LOVE LMR's alpha males, they are so focussed on their women to the exclusion of all else and John Huntington is exactly that. Man, he fell HARD. Suzanne was his exact opposite - refined, gentle, extremely feminine and just what he needed. I loved their story.
The author re-released this in December 2015 after lightly re-editing and I was provided an ARC for my honest review. I couldn't see any obvious changes and enjoyed it even more the second time around because I know that HFN becomes a dead cert HEA - we meet up with John and Suzanne frequently in the rest of the series.
I LOVE LMR's alpha males, they are so focussed on their women to the exclusion of all else and John Huntington is exactly that. Man, he fell HARD. Suzanne was his exact opposite - refined, gentle, extremely feminine and just what he needed. I loved their story.
December 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, but I gotta tell you it felt like a "Wham bam thank you Ma'am". it was fast and furious and over before i knew it! The story was intense, the sex was amazingly hot and and the hero was a bit of a caveman, but sometimes that's exactly what i like in my heroes! It would have been nice to have more story to this and the ending was abrupt to say the least. I gotta tell you, it definitely kept my interest and i will be reading the next book in this series and hope i get to see more of these two...
short book, so short review! On to the next book....
short book, so short review! On to the next book....
October 17, 2016
On sale for .99
3.5 stars
Thought the h was too perfect. Plot could of been developed more. Story was fun to read. Sex scenes were meh. Lacked heat & creativity. The h didn't get enough foreplay (lol)
3.5 stars
Thought the h was too perfect. Plot could of been developed more. Story was fun to read. Sex scenes were meh. Lacked heat & creativity. The h didn't get enough foreplay (lol)
April 27, 2014
I have to admit the very first Lisa Marie Rice book I read a couple of weeks ago did not inspire me to read any more, I enjoyed it, I just had a few issues at the start. However I found myself days later thinking how much I actually liked the first book I read of hers which was Woman on the Run , went back and upgraded my rating and then decided to try out some more of her books.
Well, I loved this book.
Interior decorator Suzanne Barron is renting out office and living space in the building she lives and works. Ex Navy Commander John Huntington, a former SEAL is the man who is her new tenant.
There is something about how Lisa Marie Rice writes an Alpha hero that is seriously endearing and almost cute. Which is hardly a description to use for a man, that it is acknowledged within the book that he made the heroine feel like she was "in a cave where the man with the biggest club won"
But, and as with Woman on the Run I loved the hero. He knew what he wanted as soon as he saw it and never wavered from that. Seriously, he was just focused completely and nothing was getting in his way.
The attraction was instant.
"Suzanne searched in her depths for some way to deal with the situation. Some nice neutral ladylike etiquette that would help her handle having felt the penis of a complete stranger.
Erect penis, if you please
Huge, erect penis
Oh, God"
Anyway, back to why I find the super alpha cavemen heroes of Lisa Marie Rice oddly cute and endearing.
"He was going to have to get through this evening. And probably a few other evenings after this one. Asking her out to dinner - out on dates - was necessary. There had to be something between meeting her and having sex. He couldn't just say, "Let's go to bed". It didn't work that way, not with ladies.
Or so he presumed. He didn't have much experience with the species. So here he was, locked into getting through an evening making conversation."
"He took her elbow and a deep breath. First things first. He had to feed her and strangle out some conversation before climbing on top of her."
"He'd decorated it in exactly one extremely painful and clueless hour at the closest Wal-Mart, choosing the first pieces of furniture he'd come across, not knowing what the hell he was doing, and having three beers afterwards to calm his nerves"
The plot was exciting, fast paced and scorching. It is funny and oddly tender considering our super, intense alpha caveman of a hero.
The ending was a bit abrupt, however, looking at reviews for book 2, I believe their story as secondary characters continues on book 2, which I am starting straight away.
Well, I loved this book.
Interior decorator Suzanne Barron is renting out office and living space in the building she lives and works. Ex Navy Commander John Huntington, a former SEAL is the man who is her new tenant.
There is something about how Lisa Marie Rice writes an Alpha hero that is seriously endearing and almost cute. Which is hardly a description to use for a man, that it is acknowledged within the book that he made the heroine feel like she was "in a cave where the man with the biggest club won"
But, and as with Woman on the Run I loved the hero. He knew what he wanted as soon as he saw it and never wavered from that. Seriously, he was just focused completely and nothing was getting in his way.
The attraction was instant.
"Suzanne searched in her depths for some way to deal with the situation. Some nice neutral ladylike etiquette that would help her handle having felt the penis of a complete stranger.
Erect penis, if you please
Huge, erect penis
Oh, God"
Anyway, back to why I find the super alpha cavemen heroes of Lisa Marie Rice oddly cute and endearing.
"He was going to have to get through this evening. And probably a few other evenings after this one. Asking her out to dinner - out on dates - was necessary. There had to be something between meeting her and having sex. He couldn't just say, "Let's go to bed". It didn't work that way, not with ladies.
Or so he presumed. He didn't have much experience with the species. So here he was, locked into getting through an evening making conversation."
"He took her elbow and a deep breath. First things first. He had to feed her and strangle out some conversation before climbing on top of her."
"He'd decorated it in exactly one extremely painful and clueless hour at the closest Wal-Mart, choosing the first pieces of furniture he'd come across, not knowing what the hell he was doing, and having three beers afterwards to calm his nerves"
The plot was exciting, fast paced and scorching. It is funny and oddly tender considering our super, intense alpha caveman of a hero.
The ending was a bit abrupt, however, looking at reviews for book 2, I believe their story as secondary characters continues on book 2, which I am starting straight away.
November 3, 2011
Oh my freakin' dang I liked this book!
Prepare to be gushed upon!
Parts of this book were perfection (like the hunter/prey scene- I really dug the writing technique employed there- brilliant). I loved the structure, loved being in John's head for the initial sequences and that the author honed in on the sensual romance with development of the characters as the priority of the story.
If anything the suspense is like wallpaper here (we aren't forced into the head of the bad guy and there's not even interaction with him (which I HATED in some books *cough* Dark Lover *cough*). It was just a dash of suspense and it wasn't drawn out or overly-contrived. It was just enough to move the story along without the torture and brutality I have to either slog through or skim in some books (*scratches nose then discreetly points to the entire In Death series*).
It had that short story feel to it where there's not much fluff, just character development, lots of sensuality, and a good little plot.
Bonus: There's no TSTL moments! There's no misunderstandings (unless you count her slipping away and closing the door behind her a misunderstanding... hmmm. Nope, I think John knew exactly what that was about!).
Other reviews have stated the ending was too abrupt, but I thought it was great. *possible spoiler alert* The conflict was resolved and the leads had their "moment". I thought it was perfect- short, but sweet. Another reviewer thought it ridiculous that John can't cook after so many years in the military, but sheesh, if he did that well too, he would be too perfect imo. His only other flaw was that no matter how much he wants to take his time from point A to slot B, he just can't do it :) but he improves!
*Add'l gushing, possible spoilers and overuse of the word "liked" alert*
Things I liked:
I liked that ultimately Suzanne recognized the world as dangerous and he recognized more of its beauty (his appreciation of her design, the color thing, her Christmas traditions, his own desire for foreplay, etc).
I liked that they each had their moments of sacrifice.
I liked that the characters here are almost caricatures of male and female extremes (which may grate as old fashioned or stereotypical), but they embrace those extremes in one another and also bring each other more to the center. It was very appealing to me.
*end of spoilers*
I am glad this book came down in price because I just couldn't bring myself to spend ten bucks or more on an e-book let alone a shortish one, but seven bucks was do-able. If you notice, my friends, its under my loanable tags, so step right up, don't be shy. I can likely only do it once, so don't wait too long.
One other thing, the color "fudge" made me laugh. If you read the book, you'll have to tell me if I'm just being a 12-year old :)
Prepare to be gushed upon!
Parts of this book were perfection (like the hunter/prey scene- I really dug the writing technique employed there- brilliant). I loved the structure, loved being in John's head for the initial sequences and that the author honed in on the sensual romance with development of the characters as the priority of the story.
If anything the suspense is like wallpaper here (we aren't forced into the head of the bad guy and there's not even interaction with him (which I HATED in some books *cough* Dark Lover *cough*). It was just a dash of suspense and it wasn't drawn out or overly-contrived. It was just enough to move the story along without the torture and brutality I have to either slog through or skim in some books (*scratches nose then discreetly points to the entire In Death series*).
It had that short story feel to it where there's not much fluff, just character development, lots of sensuality, and a good little plot.
Bonus: There's no TSTL moments! There's no misunderstandings (unless you count her slipping away and closing the door behind her a misunderstanding... hmmm. Nope, I think John knew exactly what that was about!).
Other reviews have stated the ending was too abrupt, but I thought it was great. *possible spoiler alert* The conflict was resolved and the leads had their "moment". I thought it was perfect- short, but sweet. Another reviewer thought it ridiculous that John can't cook after so many years in the military, but sheesh, if he did that well too, he would be too perfect imo. His only other flaw was that no matter how much he wants to take his time from point A to slot B, he just can't do it :) but he improves!
*Add'l gushing, possible spoilers and overuse of the word "liked" alert*
Things I liked:
I liked that ultimately Suzanne recognized the world as dangerous and he recognized more of its beauty (his appreciation of her design, the color thing, her Christmas traditions, his own desire for foreplay, etc).
I liked that they each had their moments of sacrifice.
I liked that the characters here are almost caricatures of male and female extremes (which may grate as old fashioned or stereotypical), but they embrace those extremes in one another and also bring each other more to the center. It was very appealing to me.
*end of spoilers*
I am glad this book came down in price because I just couldn't bring myself to spend ten bucks or more on an e-book let alone a shortish one, but seven bucks was do-able. If you notice, my friends, its under my loanable tags, so step right up, don't be shy. I can likely only do it once, so don't wait too long.
One other thing, the color "fudge" made me laugh. If you read the book, you'll have to tell me if I'm just being a 12-year old :)
April 17, 2011
I’ve had Midnight Man in my TBR for three years. I’m glad I finally decided to pick it up. It is a quick easy read, and would satisfy the LMR fan. She doesn’t differ from formula here.
John is an ex SEAL (with gunmetal grey eyes), who’s started up his own security company. Suzanne is an interior decorator who runs her own successful business as well. They meet when he wants to lease part of her building for his latest office. When he walks in, he is immediately stricken will lust for this tiny, elegant, blonde, woman. He strikes her initially as a very large, mysterious, dangerous, man. She’s never felt such an instant attraction for any one like this prior. He’s not her normal type. Within hours of meeting, he’s taking her roughly up against a brick wall.
There is an attempt on her life, and he sweeps her away to a hideaway high in the mountains. A good portion of the 210 pages is spent on telling the reader about John’s constant ‘blue steeler’, and how small this woman is. He is constantly picking her up, thinking how small and delicate she is. He’s always thinking about how difficult sex is with her because she is so ‘small’….ahem get it?
Anyway, it’s not a bad book. It got a little slow for me in middle while they were at the cabin because there wasn’t much happening besides their attraction for each other. It picked up in the end with the wrap up of the bad guy. It has a sweet HEA.
I would give it a 3 ½ stars, because I just didn't feel enough character development.
John is an ex SEAL (with gunmetal grey eyes), who’s started up his own security company. Suzanne is an interior decorator who runs her own successful business as well. They meet when he wants to lease part of her building for his latest office. When he walks in, he is immediately stricken will lust for this tiny, elegant, blonde, woman. He strikes her initially as a very large, mysterious, dangerous, man. She’s never felt such an instant attraction for any one like this prior. He’s not her normal type. Within hours of meeting, he’s taking her roughly up against a brick wall.
There is an attempt on her life, and he sweeps her away to a hideaway high in the mountains. A good portion of the 210 pages is spent on telling the reader about John’s constant ‘blue steeler’, and how small this woman is. He is constantly picking her up, thinking how small and delicate she is. He’s always thinking about how difficult sex is with her because she is so ‘small’….ahem get it?
Anyway, it’s not a bad book. It got a little slow for me in middle while they were at the cabin because there wasn’t much happening besides their attraction for each other. It picked up in the end with the wrap up of the bad guy. It has a sweet HEA.
I would give it a 3 ½ stars, because I just didn't feel enough character development.
June 13, 2008
I'm glad I read the third book ("Midnight Angel") first, or I might not have gone on with this series. Don't get me wrong - "Midnight Man" was good, but not GREAT. A couple of things really bothered me about it once I finished: the heroine was never told of the violent death of someone significant in her life; and the HEA (which I'm a sucker for, I have to admit) was summed up, not in one page, not even in one paragraph, but in one SENTENCE! AND ... though it was obvious to the reader that the H/H loved each other ... the words were never spoken! Now, will this stop me from reading the second book, "Midnight Run"? Not a chance. It's possible that Rice improved on her way to the magic of "Midnight Angel" and I'm not going to pass up the opportunity to find out for myself!
November 8, 2018
This was the first explicit romantic suspense novel I ever read so it has a special place in my special place.
That said, it was not as entertaining upon reread.
I would still recommend Lisa Marie Rice for anyone looking for hot vanilla.
February 26, 2024
2.5 but low 2.5
December 5, 2015
Midnight Man es el primero de los tres libros que forman la serie Midnight de la autora Lisa Marie Rice y tiene como protagonistas a John y Suzanne.
Estaba un poco harta de leer historias romanticas, buscaba algo un poco distinto y mirando en Goodreads encontre esta saga, al leer la sinopsis me recordo a la serie de Pamela Clare y pense ¿ Porque no ? . No esperaba que me gustara tanto, la verdad es que pense que no me gustaria pero realmente me sorprendio gratamente.
Si. Tiene algun que otro cliche y quizas tambien eche en falta un poco mas de desarrollo pero es una historia que se lee muy rapido y es bastante entretenida.
Perfecta apra pasar una tarde tranquila!
3 Estrellas!
August 23, 2025
The first book in the Midnight series by Lisa Marie Rice. John Huntington is looking for a new space for his business and decides that Suzanne Barron's renovated factory will work just fine. A former military man, John aka Midnight Man, is now the owner of Alpha Security International. Suzanne is an interior designer.
Another story that could have used a little more character development but I loved it anyway. A spicy little read with a nice plot and a little suspense.
Another story that could have used a little more character development but I loved it anyway. A spicy little read with a nice plot and a little suspense.
August 1, 2013
3.5 stars.
I did enjoy this. The romance was lust filled and steamy with some sweet moments.
And I loved John. Total caveman, total alpha male. That man has one hell of a sex drive.
But the climax... What climax? What should have been suspenseful and dramatic wasn't. It just fell completely flat. There wasn't enough suspense. And the ending! It was too abrupt, I mean, it was a good ending but I wished it would have been longer.
I did enjoy this. The romance was lust filled and steamy with some sweet moments.
And I loved John. Total caveman, total alpha male. That man has one hell of a sex drive.
But the climax... What climax? What should have been suspenseful and dramatic wasn't. It just fell completely flat. There wasn't enough suspense. And the ending! It was too abrupt, I mean, it was a good ending but I wished it would have been longer.
May 7, 2015
3.5 Stars
There were parts I really liked and others I thought were okay, but overall it was a good read. I liked the characters and story. I think would have liked an epilogue even if it was short.
It usually bothers me when the heroine has sex with the hero the first day she meets him, but I never got the impression she was slutty. The entire meeting and interaction flowed well. It was steamy and I loved how protective the hero was to the heroine.
There were parts I really liked and others I thought were okay, but overall it was a good read. I liked the characters and story. I think would have liked an epilogue even if it was short.
It usually bothers me when the heroine has sex with the hero the first day she meets him, but I never got the impression she was slutty. The entire meeting and interaction flowed well. It was steamy and I loved how protective the hero was to the heroine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 573 reviews