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The Nooner

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See all of the Lunchtime Chronicles series HERE.

Lunchtime Chronicles: The Nooner was written by USA Today Bestselling Author Reana Malori

Forbidden desire can be sexy.

Joy was not frigid. Her ex-boyfriend made that claim just before he walked out the door —after she discovered he was cheating. But something about his words lingered long after their disastrous relationship ended. Focused and career-driven, she had no time for men who couldn't handle her in the bedroom or outside of it. Loneliness was not a good bedfellow, and she was tired of not having someone by her side at night. It was fun exploring her newly awakened desires alone. Luckily for her, she heard about this new dating site...

Kane hadn't yet found the woman who was his perfect fit. Then again, maybe he had. Everything in Kane's life seemed to be coming up roses, but something was missing, and the string of women passing through his bedroom wasn't the solution. When he'd first noticed Joy, his mind blanked, his heartbeat increased, and his mouth went dry. Inappropriate didn't begin to describe his desire for her. Luckily for him, he had the perfect plan to get her attention.


This is an IR novella in the Lunchtime Chronicles Serial with Siera London, Olivia Gaines, and Xyla Turner.

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2019

377 people are currently reading
139 people want to read

About the author

Reana Malori

89 books388 followers
The characters I write will not be perfect. None of us are. They will make mistakes. All of the hero's will have redeeming qualities, but on the outset, you may not be their biggest fan. My heroine's will be the kind of women you want to hang out with. They're the women next door, down the street and around the corner. They are the ladies you would want to spend time with on a Saturday night drinking a martini.

I have been an avid reader of romance novels since the age of 14 and know what appeals to me as reader. My goal is, and will always be, to provide that same experience for the women and men who read my novellas and short stories.

I’m a former Marine and served for 8 years, so strong military men will always be a favorite topic of mine. I will continue to write stories with military heroes’ front and center. I’m also a fan of Alpha-males and strong women who love with everything they have.

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5 stars
274 (50%)
4 stars
179 (32%)
3 stars
76 (13%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Karen's Bookshelf.
470 reviews
October 8, 2024
The Nooner is a steamy quick read that had me hooked from beginning to end. What happens when you find out that your work crush is crushing you right back? Well in Joy and Kane’s case, going to work starts to have a whole new meaning and going over briefs turns into a lot more fun when they decide to give into their desire for one another. If you’re looking for a quick read with love in the afternoon and any other time the mood hits them, you are going to love Kane and Joy’s story.
Profile Image for Nycskpe.
766 reviews
January 29, 2020
🙂🙂😏

Extremely Predictable!!! To say the least.
However, I will continue to read these lunchtime chronicles! Some are really good, others not so good. But, the authors get at least a smile from me for putting it together and publishing!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
June 19, 2020
After being betrayed by her ex Joy has been messaging a man on a dating site in the hopes that it will help her overcome her attraction to Kane. Kane has been attracted to Joy since they started working together and he has decided that he has waited long enough to show her how he feels.

Joy is surprised to find out that the man she has been messaging is Kane and her first instinct is to walk away but Kane is determined to show her that they belong together and not just for one night but for the rest of their lives.

The chemistry between them was off the charts and I liked how Kane wasn’t going to let anyone or anything stand between them and that included their jobs.
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,868 reviews1,399 followers
December 27, 2021
4 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans

Joy and Kane work together but also have a budding online relationship. I was here for this quick, sexy, fun read! The Nooner was my first Reana Malori book, but it will NOT be my last. I enjoyed the writing style and flow.

Video review available in Week 51: Dec 19 – Dec 25, 2021, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Profile Image for Olivia Gaines, Romance Author.
Author 135 books347 followers
October 23, 2019
I love how Kane knew what he wanted and didn't hesitate to get it. This is a quick, steamy read, full of all the right elements to get your mind into overdrive.

What I loved about the story, and she packed a lot into it, that the conflict between Joy and Kane had a nice, plausible, and workable solution that came about with ease.

I recommend this read.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,021 reviews154 followers
August 24, 2022
I felt a little cheated…

Kane and Joy were a time bomb waiting to explode. They were part of the same firm. Him a senior partner and her head of the paralegals. He was a dream and her online hook up was the real thing. Do she need to choose fantasy or reality? Fantasy was not offering her anything. Reality was within her grasp.

I have to say I was getting all up in Joy and Janes business when it came to an end. I felt cheated out if something more.
Profile Image for Jae Juice.
90 reviews
November 9, 2019
I’ll take a NOONER any day!!

Baaaaay-be!!! Kane is something else! Mr. Take Charger and go for anything he wanted... and he had his eyes set on Ms. Joy! She didn’t know what she was getting herself into. Lol. Need something to give you a quick fixing on your lunch break? I highly recommend The Nooner... just make sure you get back to work on time 🤣😘
Profile Image for Cherryl.
2,159 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2020
She was his Joy in more ways than one.

When Kane Patrick Hansen, a junior partner at his law firm Reed, Oliff, & Porter, saw Joy Young for the first time, he wanted her from her first day working there. But he had to play his cards carefully. He did not want to jeopardize their careers at the firm. So, when he found a way to make Joy his, he jumped at the opportunity. Joy thought she was getting to know her new beau of interest online for the past several months. But when she found out who he really was she nearly bolted. She'd been crushing on Kane since the beginning of her work at the firm and never thought she caught his eyes. She did not think she was his type. Boy was she wrong. Kane wanted EVERYTHING from her and he was not going to let her insecurities stop him or her from their HEA together.

Reana wrote an easy quick read in this series. Kane and Joy were just so cute and swoon-worthy with their initial attractions to each other. I wanted to slap Joy upside the head a couple of times but she had her legitimate reasons, but Kane, being the man that he was handled that quickly so she would no longer have any excuses.
Profile Image for NubianJoí .
2,112 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2025
Update: I read this book twice, however my viewpoint of “The Nooner” remains unchanged! …What🤔🥴⁉️ ”They made their own rules and created something amazing out of an online hook-up.”…really, because that’s not what I read? Was there another seventy eight pages I wasn’t privy too? hmmm, 🤨..and when precisely did this transition occur between Joy & Kain? Actually, more accurately when did the transition aka figment of imagination begin 🧐⁉️Oh yea, I know at Joy & Kane’s initial lunch date…of discovery after two years working together 🥴🙄‼️Sorry, but nope, not a plausible scenario within the parameters provided 🤷🏾‍♀️‼️ Consequently, the greater majority of “Lunchtime Chronicles: The Nooner” was shrouded in hypocrisy. Lethargy nor objectification are malleable defensives for ignorance by dereliction or coercion. Furthermore, I just didn’t relate to Joy’s characterizations of a cyber charmer (to obliterate her fragility) as a professional Nubian woman in a corporate environment or Kane’s trivial oppositional narrative as a harmonious & strategic pursuit to capture Joy’s heart. 🥴Nice try or not but wiggah, please‼️The ending didn’t reflect implied romantic journey of Joy & Kane🤦🏾‍♀️.
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,701 reviews22 followers
October 22, 2024
Fantastic

WOW! I am really enjoying these books they will easily put a smile your face. The chemistry between the two characters is powerful with such a compelling romance. The characters are excellent which makes it a beautiful story. I even enjoyed all of the secondary characters their friendships are amazing. The story is fantastic and when you add in the drama along with their emotions about their love then you have their happy ever after tale that's truly delightful. I couldn't help but enjoyed their story along with how the relationship is built up that it's naturally such a beautiful thing that it never seemed forced." I had hope to read this story all night but even good things come to a end and This Is Definitely A Awesome Story To Read.
Profile Image for Tera L. Kirksey.
751 reviews21 followers
November 21, 2020
Lunchtime Chronicles: The Nooner

Imagine working with your boss for two years having a secret crush on him and him secretly lusting for you too. But as fate would have it, you get to know him in an intimate way but never really knowing it's him. You took him up on a lunch date and you get the shock of your life.
A very steamy read of Joy's and Kane's rendezvous encounters at lunch. A true Alpha man, Kane knows exactly what he wants and he goes out to prove it. But will it be enough for Joy's past relationship flare-ups of doom. Will she finally give in to love?
My first read from this author. Definitely won't be my last!
Profile Image for Michelle.
889 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2022
Another of the Lunchtime Chronicles I liked.

Wasn't sure how Joy was going to react to her workplace crush sitting in the spot she was to meet her online dating guy "Patrick". I must say she handled it well and the relationship took off and bloomed. What I didn't like was her hesitation and the waiting to take their relationship public. Well, guess I wasn't the only one who didn't like it. Kane had enough of waiting and made a huge BOSS MOVE. Bravo for him. I am so loving these Lunchtime Chronicles they're giving the readers quick romances and HEA that don't seem rushed. So glad there are so many of them to keep me entertained and all mushy inside.
358 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2024
he waited for two years

for two long, excruciating years he watched and waited. until one day, he saw that she was on the market to date. and he found his opening and took it. I liked that he wanted an open and upfront relationship. He was the one pining and chasing. Usually, it's the woman, but Kane is sexy and demanding and knows what he wants. which just so happen to be Joy. and Joy did bring him joy. enough to make him strike out on his own because she was more important than any job. loved it, just got into it good, and it was over. (I have tears in my eyes. You just can't see them.) I wanted more. ok. on to the next one.
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,521 reviews11 followers
September 24, 2023
Joy and Kane

Kane finally went after the woman he's been wanting for two years even though it was in an different kind of way. They got to know each other without her knowing it was actually him. They "met" on a dating site which he uses his middle name and older pictures. They bonded and he wanted her all. Tho she was a lil hesitant because of her ex but I'm glad she reasurred her of his love.💚💚
503 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2019
Everybody needs a Nooner

Kane loved him some Joy and made sure that she knew it at every turn. These two coworkers have been attracted to each other but neither will admit it. A chance occurrence gives Kane the opportunity to make Joy his and he takes full advantage. This is a quick & hot read.
Profile Image for Stephanie Jynelle.
1,252 reviews8 followers
November 12, 2019
I want lunch

Well then. Love this series. These two were good because they already knew each other. Words of others can cut deep. Their words and selfishness should not be allowed to destroy future happiness. So glad they went for it. Everyone needs a love this deep. Time isn't everything but love is.
Warning Kane can throw down for real!
564 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2020
😍Aww..quirky..cuteness

Liked this yarn with Joy & Kane. Joy did carry a lot of baggage for much too long and was way too obviously inappropriate with Kane before the cat was let out the bag. Kane is quite the wheeler dealer..sneaky but deliciously so. I loved how methodical and patient he was. Things that make you go hmmmm...😌
1,064 reviews2 followers
August 28, 2020
Nooner

This is another short that is jam packed with great strong characters, plot, storyline, and lust to love. This is a quick read with a little angst. Kane is a fantastic man, not just a white man, as Joy has to admit. If you enjoy instalove stories thus book is definitely for you. I love this author's writing style. On to my next Lunchtime Chronicle 😍😁😻!!!
Profile Image for Cammyjoe.
1,429 reviews8 followers
December 26, 2020
Joy and Kane

Working side by sides every day, they are having the hot for each other, but never showing it. However, Kane is not someone who stands still when he wants something, therefore when an opportunity showed itself, he grabbed it. You want to know what and how, get a copy and find out.
Short and HOT!!!
Profile Image for Jackueline Graves.
241 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2020
Good Read

Joy and Kane story. She is a paralegal office manager and he is a partner in the firm,for two years he has been wanting her,but in the last two months he has been communicating with her they text thank to the web site N2U as Patrick. They eventually meet and the sex is hot. Good writing,like the story.
223 reviews
October 22, 2024
Morning, Noon...

And night or anytime and anyplace seems alright when you think you have found the one that checks all your boxes on the list and you just can't get enough of that person...even at work throwing caution to the wind...that's something... Simply amazing...great first time read
107 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2019
Yes

This is an other lunchtime chronicle that is just as good as the others. I enjoyed it and looking for more to come. Loved how kane showed and told her loved her,and how she didn't dismiss his feelings about him. Beautiful story. Thanks again
Profile Image for Jennifer Copeland.
1,733 reviews44 followers
October 24, 2019
Fantastic Book

I enjoyed reading this book so much! I couldn't put my kindle down! I enjoyed the storyline and the chemistry between Joy and Kane! Such a fantastic book! Reana Malori brought the heat in this book!
Profile Image for Nikkia.
59 reviews
October 25, 2019
NOONER!!

Oh my! This one is definitely going into my TBR again pile. I loved every word of it. It did throw me off a little at first because my grandson's name is Kane, but I got over it very quickly! Great read!!
800 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2019
Great Book!

I really enjoyed this story! It was a little to spicy for me but otherwise great story. I love the relationship between Kane and Joy! I truly recommend this book great lunch time snack. You will not want to stop reading it. Great job Ms Malori.
Profile Image for Pamelon.
928 reviews17 followers
October 26, 2019
Kane 💘 Joy

The Nooner was perfect! Kane and Joy's story was awesome. Kane knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted Everything Joy had to offer. No settling. It was All or Nothing! Thank you Reana Malori.👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
486 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2019
Joy And Kane Are Hot, Hot, And Hot!

"The Nooner" was a delightful read that I wished was longer, but was satisfyingly told. The reason that I rated five stars is because this is a book that I can see myself enjoying reading it again and again.
Profile Image for Zenobia.
82 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2019
A Quicky Like No Other

When grown folks meet on the job and fall for each other romantically, they will find a way to get it in and keep their jobs. Malibu this was a fantastic quick read. Well-written. A classic. Loved it!
Profile Image for Geri Evans.
669 reviews
November 25, 2019
YES To Joy and Patrick and Kane!! 🤗

These Chronicles take lunchtime to another level, and this one didn’t disappoint! This story is not for the faint of heart! It is filled with hot and steamy romance! I definitely recommend this book! Kudos, Reana Malory! 💜
Profile Image for Speed.
995 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2020
Another quick read by this author and I enjoyed it. Joy and Kane have had the hots for each other for a long time but have kept their feelings under wraps due to their job positions. I tots fell in love with Kane and all that he did to finally hook up with Joy and give her the comfort and security that she needed. Those nooners were hot! Lol. Loved it! 4 solid stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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