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Tropical Destiny #1
Mine at Midnight
Is this their happy ending? After her plans for a storybook wedding are derailed by a shocking discovery days before the big event, Ava Bradley retreats to a tranquil beach cottage. Days of intense soul-searching turn into nights of passionate yearning when she clashes with her infuriatingly arrogant and incredibly sexy Hideaway Island neighbor. Derek Patrick is tempting her, not just as a lover but as a soul mate, and it's a connection unlike anything she's ever experienced before. The up-by-his-bootstraps entrepreneur is proud to be mayor of the beautiful, secluded tropical island. Derek doesn't need some social-climbing diva messing with his hard-earned serenity. Yet Ava keeps surprising him. When their no-strings affair leaves them both hungry for more, Derek is tempted to take their island affair to the next level. But Ava doesn't intend to make her permanent home there…until a natural disaster threatens Derek's beloved island, making them realize what matters most-a love too precious to lose.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
13 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Pope
14 books137 followersJamie Pope first fell in love with romance at thirteen when her mother placed a novel in her hands. She became addicted to love stories and has been writing them ever since. When she's not writing her next book, you can find her shopping for shoes or binge-watching shows.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 25, 2021
Ava is preparing to get married in the wedding of the century in a few days to a Belgium billionaire when his long-time mistress shows up at her doorstep and makers herself and her children known. Oddly enough she insists she's not trying to break up the engagement but just wants to make her presence known and that she knows which position she plays. Well Ava isn't ready to fall in line with this arrangement and promptly calls off the wedding.
Derek is the handsome young mayor of Hideaway Island and owns the house next door to the one Ava is staying at. He's had run ins with Ava's fiancé and brushes her off as a woman similar to his mother who is easily impressed by rich men with no aspirations beyond being arm candy.
After watching Ava destroy a $25,000 he decides to check on her and stop her before she sets it ablaze. After that they start spending time together and Derek realizes she's not the spoiled princess he thought she was.
I don't think the title fit the story and I wonder what the inspiration was behind it because it certainly nothing in the book. No one became anyone's at midnight. And some of the banter was incredibly childish. They felt less like 20 something year old adults and more like children on the playground being childish. Like her teasing him about his kisses being gross and ridiculous name calling. It ripped me away from the story every time. Childish banter aside I was still digging the romance as they really got to know each other and become good friends. It was nice to see them freely talk about their families and insecurities and there were some sizzling scenes.
But then the longer Ava stayed in Hideaway the more she lost herself in the relationship. I didn't like how suddenly she was cooking for him, cleaning for him, organizing his paperwork. So many times it was emphasized that she gave up pieces of herself for her ex Max and she was so ready to do the same for Derek. But he wasn't giving up anything for her. And while he comforted her early on and helped her through the breakup she started to take on a more motherly role as he battled his own mother. Much of the conflict in this story stems from Derek's issues with both his mother and father. And for me the romance fell apart towards the end.
Also despite what Goodreads says this is not the first in the series it's the 3rd in the series.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Derek is the handsome young mayor of Hideaway Island and owns the house next door to the one Ava is staying at. He's had run ins with Ava's fiancé and brushes her off as a woman similar to his mother who is easily impressed by rich men with no aspirations beyond being arm candy.
After watching Ava destroy a $25,000 he decides to check on her and stop her before she sets it ablaze. After that they start spending time together and Derek realizes she's not the spoiled princess he thought she was.
I don't think the title fit the story and I wonder what the inspiration was behind it because it certainly nothing in the book. No one became anyone's at midnight. And some of the banter was incredibly childish. They felt less like 20 something year old adults and more like children on the playground being childish. Like her teasing him about his kisses being gross and ridiculous name calling. It ripped me away from the story every time. Childish banter aside I was still digging the romance as they really got to know each other and become good friends. It was nice to see them freely talk about their families and insecurities and there were some sizzling scenes.
But then the longer Ava stayed in Hideaway the more she lost herself in the relationship. I didn't like how suddenly she was cooking for him, cleaning for him, organizing his paperwork. So many times it was emphasized that she gave up pieces of herself for her ex Max and she was so ready to do the same for Derek. But he wasn't giving up anything for her. And while he comforted her early on and helped her through the breakup she started to take on a more motherly role as he battled his own mother. Much of the conflict in this story stems from Derek's issues with both his mother and father. And for me the romance fell apart towards the end.
Also despite what Goodreads says this is not the first in the series it's the 3rd in the series.
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
July 12, 2017
Read other reviews for a balanced view because if you are a die-hard Kimani fan then this book may be for you.
So Ava dumps her rich fiancé because she found he had a babymomma & three kids, then she hooks up with Derek, child of another baby-momma and rich daddy. Derek like most Harlequin Kimani heroes has 'mama' issues but he was brought up strong and the right way by others. And against the lovely backdrop of the island and them having plenty sex, the couple fall in love.
Compared to the other books in the Tropical Destiny series this isn't the best - Surrender at Sunset is the best. I did struggle to read it because though a lot happens in the book, it's nothing directly to do with the couple's relationship. So there is drama but not drama that affects the romance until the very end.
So Ava dumps her rich fiancé because she found he had a babymomma & three kids, then she hooks up with Derek, child of another baby-momma and rich daddy. Derek like most Harlequin Kimani heroes has 'mama' issues but he was brought up strong and the right way by others. And against the lovely backdrop of the island and them having plenty sex, the couple fall in love.
Compared to the other books in the Tropical Destiny series this isn't the best - Surrender at Sunset is the best. I did struggle to read it because though a lot happens in the book, it's nothing directly to do with the couple's relationship. So there is drama but not drama that affects the romance until the very end.
March 29, 2017
One of the best romance novels I've read in a long time. The characters were fresh and alive, the dialogue was hilarious and at times painfully real, the sexual attraction between the hero and heroine was smoldering. I didn't want it to end. Highly recommended.
December 1, 2017
Derek wasn't looking for love and neither was Ava until they found one another. She was trying to get over finding out that her billionaire ex-finance had a mistress and kids, while Derek was still dealing with his "deadbeat" mother who was never there for him. Although they had their own set of problems to deal with, they were magnets that couldn't be separated! Trust was a barrier that they both had to get over in order to finally have a life of love and pleasure together! Awesome love story!
April 15, 2020
Amazing!
My gosh! It was even better the second time around I read it!
I knew why I loved this couple so much! Their little bickering was too funny, but I could see that they were feeling each other. They tried to hide it, but couldn’t. Lol. That’s what make it enjoyable to read.
I didn’t like his mother.
But I’m happy they got their happily ever after. Ava deserved that ending, especially with what she went through with her ex
My gosh! It was even better the second time around I read it!
I knew why I loved this couple so much! Their little bickering was too funny, but I could see that they were feeling each other. They tried to hide it, but couldn’t. Lol. That’s what make it enjoyable to read.
I didn’t like his mother.
But I’m happy they got their happily ever after. Ava deserved that ending, especially with what she went through with her ex
February 28, 2019
Not bad. I like the way it turned out and I think it got stronger in the second half. I also liked the characters and their chemistry. But the story never quite gripped me, and some of the banter felt a bit childish rather than cute/hot (e.g. After kissing the hero, the heroine says it was gross and makes her want to throw up.)
September 6, 2017
Great Read
Ava is a loyal and loving woman who deserves nothing but the same in return. Derek is a strong man, loyal to his island and family. He doesn't believe in love and Ava is on the verge to give up on love. There story together is full of drama and romance.
Ava is a loyal and loving woman who deserves nothing but the same in return. Derek is a strong man, loyal to his island and family. He doesn't believe in love and Ava is on the verge to give up on love. There story together is full of drama and romance.
July 12, 2019
So so sweet
This story of Derek and Ava is just what I needed today. The characters in the book were described perfectly a d very believable to me. I read through the afternoon and til after midnight to go ish the book. What a warm and lovely feeling to end the day
This story of Derek and Ava is just what I needed today. The characters in the book were described perfectly a d very believable to me. I read through the afternoon and til after midnight to go ish the book. What a warm and lovely feeling to end the day
June 3, 2017
I loved this book. The characters were interestingly witty, childlike at times, but mature when it counted. If I wasn't working I would have read this book in one sitting!
February 9, 2019
Stumbled across this an it was actually a good read.
February 22, 2017
Ava Bradley is reeling from the end of her near marriage and wondering how she allowed a man to control so much of her life. Derek Patrick is Hideaway Island’s bachelor Mayor with trouble getting close to women due to parental issues growing up, though he refuses to admit that at first. Derek thinks Ava is a spoiled woman who wants to marry rich. Ava thinks Derek is annoyingly noble and definitely not her type. These two soon learn that their assumptions about each other are wrong and that they are just the balm each other needs to keep the romance alive on Hideaway Island.
Ava and Derek had very playful banter at the beginning of this book, almost to the point where it became childish. She didn’t know how to really be nice so she called him names and had an attitude. After they kissed for the first time, she threw him out and said she needed to gargle with bleach. Derek was noble to a fault, and while he gave back as good as he got at times, he remained extremely patient and nice.
Ava was afraid to let her guard down again, rightfully so, and lose herself in a man, but Derek showed her that not all men are the same. He was also an example of how time and thoughtfulness in a relationship will outweigh any expensive trinkets that someone can afford.
Aside from Ava getting over her relationship, and the question of whether she would stay in Hideaway Island, there wasn’t any conflict between them. Yes, they argued a bit in the beginning but it was all playful banter that continued on throughout their relationship. We all know how much I love conflict in my romance novels, so I would have liked to see a bit more of a test to their relationship.
While not one of my favorites, Mine at Midnight is a solid read about the importance of putting yourself first while still remaining open to love and happiness.
I would like to point out that the title Mine at Midnight is not indicative of the premise. It needs to be changed. She didn’t become him and he didn’t become hers at midnight so I don’t know where this title came from. It needs to go. Small things to most people but by the end of the book, I found myself annoyed because the title didn’t go well with the actual story.
This is the second book by Jamie Pope about this island and I can’t resist learning more about the people in this quaint town. I’ll be interested to see whose story is next.
Ava and Derek had very playful banter at the beginning of this book, almost to the point where it became childish. She didn’t know how to really be nice so she called him names and had an attitude. After they kissed for the first time, she threw him out and said she needed to gargle with bleach. Derek was noble to a fault, and while he gave back as good as he got at times, he remained extremely patient and nice.
Ava was afraid to let her guard down again, rightfully so, and lose herself in a man, but Derek showed her that not all men are the same. He was also an example of how time and thoughtfulness in a relationship will outweigh any expensive trinkets that someone can afford.
Aside from Ava getting over her relationship, and the question of whether she would stay in Hideaway Island, there wasn’t any conflict between them. Yes, they argued a bit in the beginning but it was all playful banter that continued on throughout their relationship. We all know how much I love conflict in my romance novels, so I would have liked to see a bit more of a test to their relationship.
While not one of my favorites, Mine at Midnight is a solid read about the importance of putting yourself first while still remaining open to love and happiness.
I would like to point out that the title Mine at Midnight is not indicative of the premise. It needs to be changed. She didn’t become him and he didn’t become hers at midnight so I don’t know where this title came from. It needs to go. Small things to most people but by the end of the book, I found myself annoyed because the title didn’t go well with the actual story.
This is the second book by Jamie Pope about this island and I can’t resist learning more about the people in this quaint town. I’ll be interested to see whose story is next.
March 17, 2017
Outstanding read
This is a great book and a first for my by this Author. Wonderful story of find true love and the holding on to it.
This is a great book and a first for my by this Author. Wonderful story of find true love and the holding on to it.
Read
April 27, 2017"This unconventional love story by Pope succeeds in making its characters both funny and charming because — and in spite of — some very immature behavior. Mine at Midnight flows seamlessly from the first page to the last, and its uniqueness elevates this story for the reader" (4 stars @ Rt Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Tropical Destiny
Miniseries: Tropical Destiny
March 28, 2017
Ava and Derek kept me laughing. First they couldn't stand each other, then they became friends; he thinks she's a social climbing diva and she thinks he's arrogant. Clearly they don't know they belong together.
April 20, 2017
3.5 stars
really enjoyed this story!
really enjoyed this story!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews