Not2Nite

by Barbara Burke

When ARP warden Molly sees a light shining through the darkness of London on a cold winter's night in the middle of the blitz she's infuriated with the careless American who struck it. Doesn't he know there's a war on?

Guy's just trying to find his way through a maze of unlit streets. He's very sorry and Molly reluctantly forgives him. When he accompanies her on her nightly rounds the two learn about each other, themselves and whether it's really possible to fall in love in only one night - especially when there's no guarantee of tomorrow.

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2016

About the author

Barbara Burke’s peripatetic life means she’s lived everywhere from a suburban house in a small town to a funky apartment in a big city, and from an architecturally designed estate deep in the forest to a cedar shack on the edge of the ocean. Now she lives on a tidal river in a house that was built before her country was. Everywhere she’s gone she’s been accompanied by her husband, her animals and her books. For the last fifteen years she’s worked as a freelance journalist and has won several awards. She was a fan of Jane Austen long before that lady was discovered by revisionists and zombie lovers and thinks Georgette Heyer was one of the great writers of the twentieth century. She lives by the philosophy that one should never turn down the opportunity to get on a plane no matter where it’s going, but deep down inside wishes she could travel everywhere by train.

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet short story.

[Tricia Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a WWII era romance, set in London during the Blitz of 1941. Molly is an Air Raid Precautions warden. Her job is to look out for enemy aircraft so she can alert the neighborhood of danger and help people find safety during air raids. During the night, London enforces blackouts to make it more difficult for enemy bombers to find their targets. Molly meets Guy, a visiting American, as he is lost among the darkened city streets and lights a match to see his way. Guy is intrigued by Molly and finds every excuse to spend more time with her, even accompanying her on her lookout for the night. During their night atop a roof they learn a lot about each other and by the next morning they promise to meet again in four days. Meanwhile, Guy heads to Leicester in search of his uncle, whom his mother wants to return with him to America. When Guy returns to London four days later, he finds…. Well, I won't tell you what he finds. I don't like spoilers!


What I can tell you is that this is a charming and sweet romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is a story about love at first sight. The characters were well-rounded and likeable. The dialogue between the couple was flirty, engaging and witty. There are historical details woven throughout giving the reader an interesting glimpse of life in London during the Blitz. Not2Nite was filled with a range of emotions that kept me turning the pages with eager anticipation of the happily-ever-after these two characters deserved. Also, I enjoyed reading about Molly's cousin. I loved her spunkiness. I'd like to see her in a story of her own one day.

[April Hollingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth

So this was a pretty wonderful story, you have the atmosphere of London during the blitz. You have an American lost in the streets, during the nightly blackouts, and an English ARP warden who finds him. Throw in some atmosphere, humor and a little 'oh no' and you end up with this pretty awesome novella. Barbara Burke has managed to weave a story of war torn England and yet held onto the hope of the people during the terror of the blitz.

The Review:

When ARP warden Molly sees a light shining through the darkness of London on a cold winter's night in the middle of the blitz she's infuriated with the careless American who struck it. Doesn't he know there's a war on?
Guy's just trying to find his way through a maze of unlit streets. He's very sorry and Molly reluctantly forgives him. When he accompanies her on her nightly rounds the two learn about each other, themselves and whether it's really possible to fall in love in only one night - especially when there's no guarantee of tomorrow.

[Laura Strickland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful story that takes place around Valentine’s Day in London during the blitz. When two strangers meet on an air raid-darkened street one night, they can’t immediately see each other. But somehow they still manage to fall into love at first sight. Molly, already widowed by the war, is an air raid warden; Guy’s a Yank come looking for his uncle. They should have nothing in common yet they spend all night talking while plane-spotting on the top of a building. And when morning comes, they don’t want to part.
I thought the author did a great job of capturing the feel of this era and giving us a window into a time of desperate, fierce uncertainty. The spirit of the British people comes shining through despite hit after hit, and Guy proves his courage to be a match for that of his lady. The characters are great and the emotions convincing. Do yourself a favor, snatch this one up and take a trip back in time.

[Katie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1941 London, this beautifully written novella is a tale of love at first sight during wartime. The language and dialogue whisk the reader back in time, the story unfolding like a movie on the big screen. A sweet story and totally appropriate for the time period, I reveled in the light banter between the characters, set against the dark backdrop of the London Blitz.

The main character, Molly, reminds me so much of Agent Carter from the Captain America series, down to the quick witted comebacks and humor. This is not my usual choice of genres, but I loved every moment of this story and will be looking for more books by Barbara Burke. 5 sweet candy hearts for this wonderful tale!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in London during the Blitz, this book reminded me of the stories my father used to tell about his bomber missions during the war.

British ARP warden, Molly, has her hands full with this handsome American named Guy who seems to easily forget there’s a blackout going on.

Author Barbara Burke does a nice job of describing the horrors of war without overdoing it. Her scenes with the two main characters are very uplifting during such a somber time.

A thoroughly satisfying read that will have you saying, “yes, 2Nite, please.”

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story. Ms Burke has created really likeable characters in an interesting setting, London during the Blitz, and the dialogue between the main characters as they get to know each other is particularly witty and entertaining. I even learned a little history.