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One Night in South Beach #1
Stroke of Midnight
One night.
New Year’s Eve in Miami. Even workaholic Alana Hernandez can’t resist the call of the city, especially if it will get her little sister off her back. But a night of celebrating turns into a night of mischief when an alluring stranger catches her eye across the dance floor.
No names.
Former Navy Seal Cole Roberts isn’t looking for anything more than a good time in Miami. Since leaving the military and being betrayed by his former fiancée, he’s not interested in unnecessary complications. But the moment he sets eyes on the sultry beauty, Cole knows this night will be far from ordinary.
No going back .
Neither Cole nor Alana are looking for a relationship, so they strike a deal: One night. No names. No repeats. But things get complicated when their night of passion becomes something neither can walk away from.
New Year’s Eve in Miami. Even workaholic Alana Hernandez can’t resist the call of the city, especially if it will get her little sister off her back. But a night of celebrating turns into a night of mischief when an alluring stranger catches her eye across the dance floor.
No names.
Former Navy Seal Cole Roberts isn’t looking for anything more than a good time in Miami. Since leaving the military and being betrayed by his former fiancée, he’s not interested in unnecessary complications. But the moment he sets eyes on the sultry beauty, Cole knows this night will be far from ordinary.
No going back .
Neither Cole nor Alana are looking for a relationship, so they strike a deal: One night. No names. No repeats. But things get complicated when their night of passion becomes something neither can walk away from.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2017
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351 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 5, 2018
***3.5 Stars***
This was a great debut by Andie J. Christopher and I'll definitely be reading her future work.
Alana works at the family business. The end. That's her life. The most action that she's gotten lately is when a spreadsheet accidentally brushed against her breast. That was an exciting day for Alana. Her brother is drowning his relationship sorrows in women and booze, so she's not only carrying her load but picking up his slack as well. After some cajoling from her younger sister...a night out may be just what Alana needs.
Cole is an ex-Navy Seal in town visiting a friend for some R&R. South Beach may be just what he needs to get out of his funk...a funk he's been carrying around since he was rejected by his girlfriend when he proposed to her. How silly of him to think that her high society lifestyle would ever be accepting of a man raised in a trailer park by a drunk mother and absentee father.
A chance encounter on New Year's Eve changes everything for Cole and Alana. One night of no-strings, no-names sex was supposed to be a way to let off steam...but feelings have a way of throwing a wrench in things.
Alana was such a likable and relatable heroine. She wasn't waiting around for a man to validate her or pat her on the back for her accomplishments or make her life complete. She was comfortable in her own skin, even if her family was trying to push their old world values on her. But Cole brought out a side of her that she'd long forgotten...the part of her that craved the passion and desire of great sex...of nights covered in sweat and mornings dawning with bone deep satisfaction.
Cole was a terrific balance of strength and vulnerability. His take charge attitude between the sheets is what makes your lady parts beep, but his insecurity about not being good enough is what makes your heart reach out to him. He finds an ease with Alana that he's never felt before with any woman, including his ex, but those old doubts have a way of sneaking in.
Cole and Alana had fantastic chemistry. They may come from two totally different backgrounds, but they easily clicked. They effortlessly fit together. However, the relationship doubts they had were believable. I really liked that.
And the sex....just the perfect combination of unadulterated lust and sensuality. You aren't bombarded with sex scenes to prove that these two have chemistry...it just oozes off the page when they're together. Did I mention that I loved the ease of their relationship?
I do have to admit that the book is a bit rough around the edges. There are some editing issues, a few bumpy transitions and a couple of underdeveloped emotional aspects of the story that I would have liked explored more.
But overall, this was a great start to what looks like a promising series by an author who has terrific potential.
Now gimme Javi's book....
July 14, 2017
4 - "I could never help wanting what I can't have." Stars!
Stroke of Midnight is the first book in Andie J. Christopher’s One Night in South Beach series. It’s also the first book I have read by her, but it definitely won’t be the last.
Cole and Alana’s story pretty much took off from the beginning, and the author delivered a sexy-hot, sweet romance. I love it when an alpha is given a chance to show his vulnerabilities and the last couple of chapters of this one made me want to give Cole a big ole squeeze.
I have one whinge, and that is I really didn't find much too like about Alana’s brother and sister, so will be interested to see how their stories play out in the next two books.
Stroke of Midnight is the first book in Andie J. Christopher’s One Night in South Beach series. It’s also the first book I have read by her, but it definitely won’t be the last.
Cole and Alana’s story pretty much took off from the beginning, and the author delivered a sexy-hot, sweet romance. I love it when an alpha is given a chance to show his vulnerabilities and the last couple of chapters of this one made me want to give Cole a big ole squeeze.
I have one whinge, and that is I really didn't find much too like about Alana’s brother and sister, so will be interested to see how their stories play out in the next two books.
March 1, 2022
4 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
SPICY!!! Workaholic meets former Navy SEAL for a one-night stand only to find they have a connection. I TRULY ENJOYED IT!!
Video review available in Week 7: Feb 13 – Feb 19, 2022, 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.
SPICY!!! Workaholic meets former Navy SEAL for a one-night stand only to find they have a connection. I TRULY ENJOYED IT!!
Video review available in Week 7: Feb 13 – Feb 19, 2022, 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.
June 17, 2021
Review to come soon. Actually finished this last week, but needed some time to reflect on it. It's been a while since I've picked up anything from Andie J. Christopher but I enjoyed this really quick read. Overall score likely to be a solid 4 stars.
September 22, 2018
1.5 stars
This comes out of the gate strong! When I read this on page 2 (I think? - my kindle didn't display page numbers) I was all in:
... because what show am I in the middle of watching on Netflix??? Yes, that is correct: Arrow! (Sadly, Arrow is never mentioned again.)
This has a lot of potential, but it lurches along unevenly, like a stick shift driven by an inexperienced driver. It's almost like the author couldn't decide if she was writing a romance or erotica.
At first it was okay because I kind of liked the characters, but then I got sick of them, I got sick of the repetition and stupid secrets and the auxiliary characters who are nothing but stereotypes, and I started hoping this romance would have a plot twist where the h& H don't end up together. And that's never a good sign.
Also:
Noooooooooooo!! REINS! You. Take. The. Reins.
There are other minor typos, such a sentence missing a word, "of" instead of "off," and so on. I think the proofreaders took the day off when this book came through.
And then there are lines like this:
So, yeah. There's that.
Bonus content: I ate a Cuban (sandwich) for lunch while I read this romance involving a half Cuban heroine.
This comes out of the gate strong! When I read this on page 2 (I think? - my kindle didn't display page numbers) I was all in:
She was here, polishing a client proposal on New Year’s Eve instead of binge watching Arrow because her brother had scheduled a client meeting next week and neglected to tell her about it until this morning.
... because what show am I in the middle of watching on Netflix??? Yes, that is correct: Arrow! (Sadly, Arrow is never mentioned again.)
This has a lot of potential, but it lurches along unevenly, like a stick shift driven by an inexperienced driver. It's almost like the author couldn't decide if she was writing a romance or erotica.
At first it was okay because I kind of liked the characters, but then I got sick of them, I got sick of the repetition and stupid secrets and the auxiliary characters who are nothing but stereotypes, and I started hoping this romance would have a plot twist where the h& H don't end up together. And that's never a good sign.
Also:
She had expected him to take her once she really gave him the reigns.
Noooooooooooo!! REINS! You. Take. The. Reins.
There are other minor typos, such a sentence missing a word, "of" instead of "off," and so on. I think the proofreaders took the day off when this book came through.
And then there are lines like this:
His balls were empty, but his chest was full.
So, yeah. There's that.
Bonus content: I ate a Cuban (sandwich) for lunch while I read this romance involving a half Cuban heroine.
did-not-finish
October 9, 2021More family angst that I can deal with right now, especially considering most of it is toxic masculinity. To be clear - the book isn't apologizing for it, and the hero isn't toxic at all (he's a doll), but the family. My god, the family.
July 27, 2020
If you’re in the market for misogyny and chauvinism, hop on in! No, but seriously—the author was doing her best but she reinforced waaaay too many of the same ideas she was trying to confront. Stroke of Midnight tried but did not succeed.
Meet Alana, an overworked, introverted Cuban lady. Her manwhore brother is having a major spiraling depressive episode and has left her to do 80% of his work at the family business in addition to her own. Meanwhile Alana’s chauvinist father is browbeating her for failing to do the only thing a woman is good for: making babies.
Meet Cole, a self-indulgent, self-hating macho man. He thinks he’s trash because one woman humiliated him one time, so clearly he must be awful. He sleeps around in order to mask his massive insecurities. As Chbosky so famously said: “We accept the love we think we deserve.”
Alana and Cole have a one night stand. Then: surprise! It turns out Cole is one of Alana’s manwhore brother’s friends. Manwhore brother basically pees on Alana in some kind of nasty territorial display, sending the message that it’s okay to treat women like sex objects unless the woman is his sister. Right on. Obviously Cole and Alana continue to sleep together. Shit goes down. Supposedly they get a Happily Ever After. Supposedly.
Where do I start with Stroke of Midnight? So much to unpack, so little patience.
Firstly, this is probably the single worst iteration of the “best friend’s sibling trope” I’ve ever read. Alana’s brother, Javi, is an absolute Neanderthal. He’s beyond disgusting. And while it is brought up (at the very end of the book!) that Javi is clearly projecting his own manwhore issues into Cole, it’s still a big yikes. The Dark Moment of this novel is a scene in which Javi tracks down Cole and Alana, barges into their condo, drags them out of bed, calls Cole “trailer trash” and other delightful things, and proceeds to physically assault Cole while a naked Alana watches.
Like. What the fuck? No. (And if the author honestly expects me to read the next book in the series, which is about Javi? She better have another think coming.)
Beyond that, though, this book does a lot of other things that really got me steamed.
For one thing, Christopher fully buys into the combination of misogyny and “not like other girls” rhetoric that often go hand in hand. Every woman in this book is highlighted as a shallow, coke-addicted slut, whereas Alana is shy and introverted and purely beautiful in her minimal makeup. Fuck that. As I’ve said numerous times before and probably will have to say again: if you think that needlessly dragging down other women is the way to make your female protagonist interesting/special/whatever? KEEP THINKING.
And on a related but slightly different point: I hate books that fetishize “innocence” as if that makes your main character worthy of love or something. Alana is beautiful but she doesn’t know it! She’s a natural at sex but she has no experience! She’s amazing and interesting but has no clue! But she learns all this as soon as Cole arrives and tells her so. Nope. Women don’t need a man to be the vehicle of their own self-actualization. It’s entirely possible for a woman to be smart, beautiful, sexy, and worthy—and to KNOW that she is all those things without a single man telling her so. Women don’t need men to save their self-esteem; women need men to partner with them in the pursuit of further joy and fulfillment.
Again: I feel like Christopher was trying to convey all these points, but it doesn’t work. The misogyny displayed by the characters is subtly reinforced by the structure of the narrative itself, and the challenges to that harmful thinking come too late and without much resolution. For instance, I don’t think we actually see Alana’s brother apologize for being an abusive creep?
Stroke of Midnight is well-written, but it’s not a good book.
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Meet Alana, an overworked, introverted Cuban lady. Her manwhore brother is having a major spiraling depressive episode and has left her to do 80% of his work at the family business in addition to her own. Meanwhile Alana’s chauvinist father is browbeating her for failing to do the only thing a woman is good for: making babies.
Meet Cole, a self-indulgent, self-hating macho man. He thinks he’s trash because one woman humiliated him one time, so clearly he must be awful. He sleeps around in order to mask his massive insecurities. As Chbosky so famously said: “We accept the love we think we deserve.”
Alana and Cole have a one night stand. Then: surprise! It turns out Cole is one of Alana’s manwhore brother’s friends. Manwhore brother basically pees on Alana in some kind of nasty territorial display, sending the message that it’s okay to treat women like sex objects unless the woman is his sister. Right on. Obviously Cole and Alana continue to sleep together. Shit goes down. Supposedly they get a Happily Ever After. Supposedly.
Where do I start with Stroke of Midnight? So much to unpack, so little patience.
Firstly, this is probably the single worst iteration of the “best friend’s sibling trope” I’ve ever read. Alana’s brother, Javi, is an absolute Neanderthal. He’s beyond disgusting. And while it is brought up (at the very end of the book!) that Javi is clearly projecting his own manwhore issues into Cole, it’s still a big yikes. The Dark Moment of this novel is a scene in which Javi tracks down Cole and Alana, barges into their condo, drags them out of bed, calls Cole “trailer trash” and other delightful things, and proceeds to physically assault Cole while a naked Alana watches.
Like. What the fuck? No. (And if the author honestly expects me to read the next book in the series, which is about Javi? She better have another think coming.)
Beyond that, though, this book does a lot of other things that really got me steamed.
For one thing, Christopher fully buys into the combination of misogyny and “not like other girls” rhetoric that often go hand in hand. Every woman in this book is highlighted as a shallow, coke-addicted slut, whereas Alana is shy and introverted and purely beautiful in her minimal makeup. Fuck that. As I’ve said numerous times before and probably will have to say again: if you think that needlessly dragging down other women is the way to make your female protagonist interesting/special/whatever? KEEP THINKING.
And on a related but slightly different point: I hate books that fetishize “innocence” as if that makes your main character worthy of love or something. Alana is beautiful but she doesn’t know it! She’s a natural at sex but she has no experience! She’s amazing and interesting but has no clue! But she learns all this as soon as Cole arrives and tells her so. Nope. Women don’t need a man to be the vehicle of their own self-actualization. It’s entirely possible for a woman to be smart, beautiful, sexy, and worthy—and to KNOW that she is all those things without a single man telling her so. Women don’t need men to save their self-esteem; women need men to partner with them in the pursuit of further joy and fulfillment.
Again: I feel like Christopher was trying to convey all these points, but it doesn’t work. The misogyny displayed by the characters is subtly reinforced by the structure of the narrative itself, and the challenges to that harmful thinking come too late and without much resolution. For instance, I don’t think we actually see Alana’s brother apologize for being an abusive creep?
Stroke of Midnight is well-written, but it’s not a good book.
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February 9, 2017
Andie J. Christopher's debut romance novel Stroke of Midnight begins on New Year's Eve in Miami. Growing up in a Cuban traditional family, Alana Hernandez has to work harder and longer than the men in her family to prove that she deserves a top place in the family business. It's particularly galling because her brother Javier, recovering from a bad breakup, is drinking and whoring it up and not pulling his weight at work, leaving her to fix his messes. When her sister Carla convinces her to put the paperwork aside and head to a club with her for New Year's Eve, she's determined to make the most of it. A sexy stranger, no names, and a one night stand that knocks her socks off is just what she needs to forget her trouble for a few hours. But Cole Roberts, a retired Navy SEAL is hoping he'll see the woman who rocked his world again, and gets his wish when she turns out to be none other than his buddy Javi's little sister.
This story has a fairly typical romance storyline. Alana's brother Javier warns Cole away from her but that doesn't stop them from indulging in a secret (and very heated) affair. What makes it unique is the Cuban flair. The setting of little Havana, the cultural expectations, the food, and the politics make for an enjoyable story background. The family dynamics are a key part of the plot, Alana's relationship with her parents and siblings driving the story and making her affair with Cole the one place where she can be free to express herself fully. Naturally there is conflict to overcome, and the reality that Cole is only in Miami for a vacation while he sorts out what to do next with his life means he has to make some decisions that will affect both his and Alana's future. It's a good solid start to this series, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. And one last note – I'm counting this one as my first success in the 'New to Me' challenge I picked to do this year from All About Romances 'The AAR Seventeen in 17 Reading Challenge' blog post. (I've yet to decide if I'll mark it as 'debut romance' or 'new to me' author, since it technically qualifies for both!).
This review appears as a 'mini-review' at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/midweek-mi...
This story has a fairly typical romance storyline. Alana's brother Javier warns Cole away from her but that doesn't stop them from indulging in a secret (and very heated) affair. What makes it unique is the Cuban flair. The setting of little Havana, the cultural expectations, the food, and the politics make for an enjoyable story background. The family dynamics are a key part of the plot, Alana's relationship with her parents and siblings driving the story and making her affair with Cole the one place where she can be free to express herself fully. Naturally there is conflict to overcome, and the reality that Cole is only in Miami for a vacation while he sorts out what to do next with his life means he has to make some decisions that will affect both his and Alana's future. It's a good solid start to this series, and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. And one last note – I'm counting this one as my first success in the 'New to Me' challenge I picked to do this year from All About Romances 'The AAR Seventeen in 17 Reading Challenge' blog post. (I've yet to decide if I'll mark it as 'debut romance' or 'new to me' author, since it technically qualifies for both!).
This review appears as a 'mini-review' at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/midweek-mi...
May 15, 2018
3.5 STARS
A cute book but was too fast paced for me and whenever a book has a giant lack of communication, it always frustrates me
A cute book but was too fast paced for me and whenever a book has a giant lack of communication, it always frustrates me
November 12, 2017
4 Solid Stars
This was my first read by this author and won't be my last, I really liked this story a lot! The writing was great, the storyline flowed very well with no "dull" moments, I enjoyed BOTH characters as well as left intrigued by the secondary.
What I didn't like at times was the rather "low" opinions that Cole had of himself. I felt he was a bit OTT with the "I am not good enough" trope, that got old fast! I would have liked a bit more "angst" because as much as I loved them, I felt that the storyline could have been "amped" up a bit in the right way just to get it up to the next level of excitement but all in all a good low angst and fairly drama free read.
I loved the Epilogue BUT would have liked so much more! I am planning to read Javi's book even though his character for me was sort of ehhhhhhh, not sure I liked him or his manwhoring ways, lol, but I am hoping to get more of a glimpse into Alana and Coles' future!
This was my first read by this author and won't be my last, I really liked this story a lot! The writing was great, the storyline flowed very well with no "dull" moments, I enjoyed BOTH characters as well as left intrigued by the secondary.
What I didn't like at times was the rather "low" opinions that Cole had of himself. I felt he was a bit OTT with the "I am not good enough" trope, that got old fast! I would have liked a bit more "angst" because as much as I loved them, I felt that the storyline could have been "amped" up a bit in the right way just to get it up to the next level of excitement but all in all a good low angst and fairly drama free read.
I loved the Epilogue BUT would have liked so much more! I am planning to read Javi's book even though his character for me was sort of ehhhhhhh, not sure I liked him or his manwhoring ways, lol, but I am hoping to get more of a glimpse into Alana and Coles' future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
New Year’s Eve one night stand into something much bigger - I enjoyed this one!
February 9, 2017
Liked it a lot. It was hot, funny. Loved when Alana's sister would not allow her workaholic sister to spend New Years Eve at work.
So she finally went out. The last thing she expects to do is hook up with a total stranger. But for one night it might be just what she needs. Let loose. Live a little...and she did. That's until she met her no name, fun one night man again.
Former Navy SEAL Cole Roberts was not in the mood to go out, but meeting up with his buddy for a little fun..he could do. It was one women who caught his eye.
When Alana and Cole left they agreed no names. What happened afterwards was a shock to them both.
See what happens...
So she finally went out. The last thing she expects to do is hook up with a total stranger. But for one night it might be just what she needs. Let loose. Live a little...and she did. That's until she met her no name, fun one night man again.
Former Navy SEAL Cole Roberts was not in the mood to go out, but meeting up with his buddy for a little fun..he could do. It was one women who caught his eye.
When Alana and Cole left they agreed no names. What happened afterwards was a shock to them both.
See what happens...
September 21, 2018
I would have liked more relationship development before an ILY, but if this was a debut novel it wasn't bad. I straight up hate the brother, though, so if he's a hero later, I'm going to have a real hard time with that.
February 2, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 2/5
Characterisation: 4/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 2/5
June 30, 2019
Stroke Of Midnight.
Ah.. What can I say?
I DNF'ed at the fourth chapter because it was littered with cliché after cliché and poorly masked Insta-love.
On the first page, Alana is being urged (and bullied) into going out, by her younger sister.
I can't even count the number of times I've seen this before. Shy, nerdy girl gets pressured into going to a party/bar/celebration by her supposed best friend/sister.
Yawn.
Just once I'd like to see the main character doing the "let's go out" urging.
This is what Alana's sister Carla says :
“I’m not taking no for an answer. You’re so boring now. I’ve let it go until now, but enough is enough. We are going out."
Carla is making Alana do something she doesn't want to under the guise of being 'concerned' for her.
Alana would rather sit around in her pajamas and drink a couple of bottles of good wine.
and what's wrong with that? She wants to relax after a stressful day of work? Leave her alone. So what if she doesn't want to get drunk in a bar?
But of course Alana caves in and goes to a bar with her sister, who soon after her arrival ignores Alana in favor of flirting with some guys.
Then there's Cole.
Who clearly the author was trying to make sexy and broody and all that jazz. She might even have succeeded if Cole wasn't whining about his ex-girlfriend all the time.
"He didn’t go home for the holidays anymore, not after his fiancée had humiliated him and then proceeded to procreate with some rich redneck."
The first time, I was sympathic but that wore off quickly enough.
"At least this one hadn’t humiliated him in front of his whole hometown."
and
"All of them since the one who cheated on him while he was deployed, then publically humiliated him when he returned."
Just stop with the "woe is me" routine.
Then there's the insta-lust with a dash of insta-love.
"He didn’t know why he was gut-punched by her."
I'll tell you why, it's because the author is going to make you fall madly in love.
"But none of them held themselves the way she did. Like she had a secret from everyone else in the room. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was luminous. He’d never met a movie star, but he’d bet that she had the same thing that made people look at them."
Really? I mean, seriously? Like, relax, you haven't even met her yet. She could be a bitch.
and then Cole starts making assumptions about Alana without knowing anything about her.
" Underneath all that fuck-hot magnetism, she looked expensive. Probably too rich for his blood. Leave it to him to spot the one spoiled rich girl in the place."
How does one look expensive? I'd like to know.
Then the subtle insta-love starts.
"He grabbed her like he never meant to let her go, which was ludicrous—this was clearly headed toward one-night stand territory. He probably just didn’t want a sure thing to fall down and break her ankle."
Also Cole is such a good guy and makes sure that this is what she really wants.
" He tipped up her chin and looked her in the eye. “Are you sure you want to do this? I can put you in the cab.”
Super hot girl wants to sleep with him. What does he do? Double check. Sure, believable.
Cole makes sure she knows that he won't be staying long.
“That’s not even rowdy for South Beach.
You should see one of my parents’ parties.”
“I should? Who says I’m going to be around long enough to see that?”
During, you know what, Alana sees Cole's scars, her reaction?
"Respect for what he’d been willing to sacrifice for his country flowed through her just as surely as lust."
Um.. Gross.
When Alana leaves in the morning, Cole is annoyed.
"Would he ever learn? Spoiled, rich girls might take a tumble or two with a guy like him, but they didn’t stick around.
Why is he so irritated that she didn't stay? They didn't even know each other's names so why would she stay?
"Girls like her always were, and they always sought out guys like him for a walk on the wild side—guys who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and didn’t have sweet cars or country club memberships to impress a girl."
OK, getting angrier.
"He might not like the fact that Alana had walked out on him, but he didn’t regret the night before."
And then we find out the real reason why he's pouting.
"He still couldn’t believe she’d snuck out of his room while he was sleeping. That was his move."
So Cole throws a fit, starts calling Alana 'spoiled rich girl' just because she snuck out when usually it was he who did that?!
Real mature, Cole.
"At the same time, his hackles were up. He’d never had a woman walk out on him. Most of them, he had to push them out the door."
usually he had to push women out the door but when Alana leaves him easily, he gets annoyed?
Make up your mind Cole.
I think you can understand why I DNF'ed this book.
Ah.. What can I say?
I DNF'ed at the fourth chapter because it was littered with cliché after cliché and poorly masked Insta-love.
On the first page, Alana is being urged (and bullied) into going out, by her younger sister.
I can't even count the number of times I've seen this before. Shy, nerdy girl gets pressured into going to a party/bar/celebration by her supposed best friend/sister.
Yawn.
Just once I'd like to see the main character doing the "let's go out" urging.
This is what Alana's sister Carla says :
“I’m not taking no for an answer. You’re so boring now. I’ve let it go until now, but enough is enough. We are going out."
Carla is making Alana do something she doesn't want to under the guise of being 'concerned' for her.
Alana would rather sit around in her pajamas and drink a couple of bottles of good wine.
and what's wrong with that? She wants to relax after a stressful day of work? Leave her alone. So what if she doesn't want to get drunk in a bar?
But of course Alana caves in and goes to a bar with her sister, who soon after her arrival ignores Alana in favor of flirting with some guys.
Then there's Cole.
Who clearly the author was trying to make sexy and broody and all that jazz. She might even have succeeded if Cole wasn't whining about his ex-girlfriend all the time.
"He didn’t go home for the holidays anymore, not after his fiancée had humiliated him and then proceeded to procreate with some rich redneck."
The first time, I was sympathic but that wore off quickly enough.
"At least this one hadn’t humiliated him in front of his whole hometown."
and
"All of them since the one who cheated on him while he was deployed, then publically humiliated him when he returned."
Just stop with the "woe is me" routine.
Then there's the insta-lust with a dash of insta-love.
"He didn’t know why he was gut-punched by her."
I'll tell you why, it's because the author is going to make you fall madly in love.
"But none of them held themselves the way she did. Like she had a secret from everyone else in the room. She wasn’t just beautiful. She was luminous. He’d never met a movie star, but he’d bet that she had the same thing that made people look at them."
Really? I mean, seriously? Like, relax, you haven't even met her yet. She could be a bitch.
and then Cole starts making assumptions about Alana without knowing anything about her.
" Underneath all that fuck-hot magnetism, she looked expensive. Probably too rich for his blood. Leave it to him to spot the one spoiled rich girl in the place."
How does one look expensive? I'd like to know.
Then the subtle insta-love starts.
"He grabbed her like he never meant to let her go, which was ludicrous—this was clearly headed toward one-night stand territory. He probably just didn’t want a sure thing to fall down and break her ankle."
Also Cole is such a good guy and makes sure that this is what she really wants.
" He tipped up her chin and looked her in the eye. “Are you sure you want to do this? I can put you in the cab.”
Super hot girl wants to sleep with him. What does he do? Double check. Sure, believable.
Cole makes sure she knows that he won't be staying long.
“That’s not even rowdy for South Beach.
You should see one of my parents’ parties.”
“I should? Who says I’m going to be around long enough to see that?”
During, you know what, Alana sees Cole's scars, her reaction?
"Respect for what he’d been willing to sacrifice for his country flowed through her just as surely as lust."
Um.. Gross.
When Alana leaves in the morning, Cole is annoyed.
"Would he ever learn? Spoiled, rich girls might take a tumble or two with a guy like him, but they didn’t stick around.
Why is he so irritated that she didn't stay? They didn't even know each other's names so why would she stay?
"Girls like her always were, and they always sought out guys like him for a walk on the wild side—guys who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and didn’t have sweet cars or country club memberships to impress a girl."
OK, getting angrier.
"He might not like the fact that Alana had walked out on him, but he didn’t regret the night before."
And then we find out the real reason why he's pouting.
"He still couldn’t believe she’d snuck out of his room while he was sleeping. That was his move."
So Cole throws a fit, starts calling Alana 'spoiled rich girl' just because she snuck out when usually it was he who did that?!
Real mature, Cole.
"At the same time, his hackles were up. He’d never had a woman walk out on him. Most of them, he had to push them out the door."
usually he had to push women out the door but when Alana leaves him easily, he gets annoyed?
Make up your mind Cole.
I think you can understand why I DNF'ed this book.
February 5, 2017
New Year’s Eve, midnight, a kiss? More? It only happens once a year but when lighting strikes between two people sometimes that is a once in a lifetime kind of thing.
Alana Hernandez was fed up with so much and for one night she was going to put it all to the side. She was going to go out, have a good time and get laid. Tomorrow was soon enough to go back to working her butt off and being the girl her family wanted, no needed, her to be. When she saw him, it was like nothing before, and she had the strangest feeling it would be like nothing after.
Cole Roberts was tired. He had come down on New Years and was looking forward to hanging out with his old friend who had now blown him off on New Year’s of all times. Whatever, he would just go out to a club and have a couple of beers, maybe more, maybe not. Then he saw her and he knew he was definitely having more tonight.
One night without names was all it was supposed to be, then they realized it was going to be more, a lot more. Now the question was how would Alana and Cole handle it? And how would the entire Hernandez clan?
Wow! This is my first experience with Andie Christopher and I can tell you this won’t be my last. This story flies by as you won’t want to put it down. The characters are real and relatable. The story is not overly verbose giving the reader just what they need. It is hot and undeniable. Pick this one up but be prepared to fall in love.
Alana Hernandez was fed up with so much and for one night she was going to put it all to the side. She was going to go out, have a good time and get laid. Tomorrow was soon enough to go back to working her butt off and being the girl her family wanted, no needed, her to be. When she saw him, it was like nothing before, and she had the strangest feeling it would be like nothing after.
Cole Roberts was tired. He had come down on New Years and was looking forward to hanging out with his old friend who had now blown him off on New Year’s of all times. Whatever, he would just go out to a club and have a couple of beers, maybe more, maybe not. Then he saw her and he knew he was definitely having more tonight.
One night without names was all it was supposed to be, then they realized it was going to be more, a lot more. Now the question was how would Alana and Cole handle it? And how would the entire Hernandez clan?
Wow! This is my first experience with Andie Christopher and I can tell you this won’t be my last. This story flies by as you won’t want to put it down. The characters are real and relatable. The story is not overly verbose giving the reader just what they need. It is hot and undeniable. Pick this one up but be prepared to fall in love.
October 15, 2017
2.5 A category-type romance (both emotional depth- and length-wise) with a mixed race heroine and a white hero. Workaholic Alana Hernandez, half Cuban, half Irish, is keeping the family business afloat while her brother, Javi, recovers from being thrown over by his wife. She's not getting much appreciation for it from anyone in the family, especially from her traditional chauvinist father. Little sister party girl Carla convinces Alana to lighten up and take New Year's Eve off; at a Miami beach club, she encounters a smoldering white southern boy hottie and winds up in his bed, having of course the hottest sex of her life. Needless to say, she's not too thrilled to discover the next day that unnamed hottie is actually a best friend of her brother's: Cole, a 33-year-old ex Navy SEAL who attended Wharton with Javi.
The stereotypical class dynamic is inverted here, with Alana coming from a wealthy family, Cole from an underprivileged (and abusive) one. Despite hating being bossed around by men in her everyday life, she enjoys submitting sexually to Cole (pretty mild BDSM), and begins a relationship with him. But Cole has a major inferiority complex (see said abusive background), so when Javi finds out about their relationship, Cole denies he has feelings for Alana. The expected groveling and apologies ensue when Cole realizes he's made a big mistake.
The stereotypical class dynamic is inverted here, with Alana coming from a wealthy family, Cole from an underprivileged (and abusive) one. Despite hating being bossed around by men in her everyday life, she enjoys submitting sexually to Cole (pretty mild BDSM), and begins a relationship with him. But Cole has a major inferiority complex (see said abusive background), so when Javi finds out about their relationship, Cole denies he has feelings for Alana. The expected groveling and apologies ensue when Cole realizes he's made a big mistake.
February 7, 2017
I don't read much romance anymore, but I really enjoyed this book. It definitely fits within the "I'm not good enough for him/her, so I'll just sabotage this relationship" storyline (and since it's a romance, it's not a spoiler that they end up together in the end), but there were minor plot points that let me know the author is a feminist and was playing with what is generally expected of a romance novel. One example: the male love interest sees a very drunk girl in a bar and makes sure to put her in a cab back to her hotel. This is what we all expect from our friends and loved ones - that the best of them will make sure that a stranger gets home safely. I also liked that the main character was a competent attorney without being written as a caricature of a loveless shrew. She had brief romances in her past but just not a lot of time for men now. I also can't think of any time in which Alana was portrayed as a weakling who needed the help of men around her- which bugs the hell out of me when that character trait is played up in romance novels.
May 31, 2017
thanks to Lyrical Shine publishing for ARC in exchange for honest review..
Stroke of Midnight of New Year's Eve, Alana met someone without name... They spend a night together.. Alana never imagine she will have one night stand with anyone.. But she didn't reveal her name nor number to the guy and she felt safe until she faced him again at her parents house for New Year's Brunch.
When Cole woke up after fantastic night with someone he met at the Miami club a night before. But she was gone without giving any info. He wanted to know more about her but she is gone without a trace. Now, he has to go meet up with his best friend who abandoned him at his house. His friend his Alana's brother Javier.
Both didn't know they would see each other until the brunch. Javier warns his sister about Cole being player and not a relationship kind of guy despite being his best friend. Javier keeps reminding Alana Cole is not from same background and he is not a good fit for her.
Alana had enough of his father and brother meddling with her life. She decided to rebel against both them by seeing Cole. She is not bothered by Cole's past and she doesn't think it will become long term since he will be leaving after couple of weeks..
Things are heating up for both but there is expiration date but Javier offers permanent job but Cole doesn't know if he should stay and pursue Alana more seriously or is she willing to risk more than a fling??
It was quick read and fun... I can't wait to read about Alana's sister and brother. All the characters were interesting and different.
Stroke of Midnight of New Year's Eve, Alana met someone without name... They spend a night together.. Alana never imagine she will have one night stand with anyone.. But she didn't reveal her name nor number to the guy and she felt safe until she faced him again at her parents house for New Year's Brunch.
When Cole woke up after fantastic night with someone he met at the Miami club a night before. But she was gone without giving any info. He wanted to know more about her but she is gone without a trace. Now, he has to go meet up with his best friend who abandoned him at his house. His friend his Alana's brother Javier.
Both didn't know they would see each other until the brunch. Javier warns his sister about Cole being player and not a relationship kind of guy despite being his best friend. Javier keeps reminding Alana Cole is not from same background and he is not a good fit for her.
Alana had enough of his father and brother meddling with her life. She decided to rebel against both them by seeing Cole. She is not bothered by Cole's past and she doesn't think it will become long term since he will be leaving after couple of weeks..
Things are heating up for both but there is expiration date but Javier offers permanent job but Cole doesn't know if he should stay and pursue Alana more seriously or is she willing to risk more than a fling??
It was quick read and fun... I can't wait to read about Alana's sister and brother. All the characters were interesting and different.
January 2, 2019
This was promising but didn't quite hit the mark for me. Christopher's characters really come alive and I could practically see this as a movie, thanks to her great descriptions. However, I really struggled with Alana, particularly the way she was essentially a doormat for her family. I had even less patience with her dad and brother's toxic masculinity and just wanted her to stand up for herself already. She did eventually push back but it felt too little, too late. The plot felt rushed, likely because this is more of a novella than a book. The characters behaved in ways that felt implausible to me and I could not suspend my disbelief by the end. Alana and Cole needed to communicate like the adults they were supposed to be. They both deserved better.
I'm going to try more from this author. I believe this was her debut and like I said, it's promising. I want to see whether a different book would be a better fit.
I'm going to try more from this author. I believe this was her debut and like I said, it's promising. I want to see whether a different book would be a better fit.
did-not-finish
June 13, 2023DNF @ 23%
I just couldn't get into STROKE OF MIDNIGHT. Alana seemed like an interesting character but I couldn't really get a hold on her personality, at least in the first quarter. Cole spent the first 23% obsessing over how hot Alana was so again, not much on his personality. We also get introduced to Alana's siblings who I can only guess will be in the next books in the series and I wasn't too impressed with them either. Overall, just wasn't the book for me, some of the dialogue felt off and unrealistic.
I just couldn't get into STROKE OF MIDNIGHT. Alana seemed like an interesting character but I couldn't really get a hold on her personality, at least in the first quarter. Cole spent the first 23% obsessing over how hot Alana was so again, not much on his personality. We also get introduced to Alana's siblings who I can only guess will be in the next books in the series and I wasn't too impressed with them either. Overall, just wasn't the book for me, some of the dialogue felt off and unrealistic.
February 26, 2017
Entertaining read
## Mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, this hero was hot and could dirty talk like no other. On the other hand, he was weak not being able to stand up to the heroine's brother. Same with the heroine. She was beautiful, smart, and playful which I loved, but was a doormat for her brother and her dad. So even though I enjoyed this book for the most part, I won't be reading again.
## Mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, this hero was hot and could dirty talk like no other. On the other hand, he was weak not being able to stand up to the heroine's brother. Same with the heroine. She was beautiful, smart, and playful which I loved, but was a doormat for her brother and her dad. So even though I enjoyed this book for the most part, I won't be reading again.
Read
January 28, 2020DNF at 45%. This just wasn't for me. I really hate it when men think they own their sisters/daughters and get to dictate who they date, and I don't love the guys who think that's okay and play along with it. The writing was good, but I couldn't get past my frustration with the characters' behavior long enough to really get into the story. Maybe the heroine fights the patriarchy and sets healthy boundaries by then end. Maybe I'll try again another time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2019
It took me WAY too long to finally read a book by this author, and I’m glad I finally did. Alana and Cole’s story was awesome. She needed a man who wouldn’t try to box her in, and he needed a woman who would love him for who he is. Together, they were perfect!
November 16, 2022
I loved Stroke Of Midnight so much! Brothers best friend, banter, forbidden...
My only qualm with it was that it was in third person. I feel like it would have absolutely been a five star read had it been in 1st person.
My only qualm with it was that it was in third person. I feel like it would have absolutely been a five star read had it been in 1st person.
December 30, 2016
Really great read this is a fun sexy book that i did not want to put down a super book.Just loved Cole and Alana the chemistry was scorching.would recommend this book
February 7, 2017
New Year’s Eve in Miami. One night. No names. No going back. Workaholic, Alana Hernandez and former Navy Seal, Cole Roberts have a one night stand. Cole is seeking to soothe his injured heart, Anna is looking for a quick hook up, but ohhhh how life throws a huge wrench in their "perfect" plan when morning comes!
Stroke of Midnight is Ms. Christopher's debut, and not only has she captured the flavor and spirit of Miami but she has written, in my opinion, a Hero and Heroine who experience a true and realistic romance. I thoroughly enjoyed "watching" Alana & Cole's relationship unfold. The pacing and story flowed very well. Cole is a dirty talking hero who not only loves Alana very much, but is just as determined to show her that what may have started out as a one night stand, quickly became so much more for him. I felt like Alana and Cole could be a part of my inner circle, that's just how authentic the romance feels.
Stroke of Midnight is a well written, sexy, hot romance that will have you not only laughing out loud but wishing for your very own Cole. I am eagerly anticipating Alana's brother, Javi and her sister, Carla's HEA's. Kudos on your debut, Ms. Christopher and keep 'em coming! Stroke of Midnight is a perfect combo of romance with a dirty talking hero, a take charge heroine, hot sex & unny story, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Reviewed by Joy for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/2iPSDh2
Stroke of Midnight is Ms. Christopher's debut, and not only has she captured the flavor and spirit of Miami but she has written, in my opinion, a Hero and Heroine who experience a true and realistic romance. I thoroughly enjoyed "watching" Alana & Cole's relationship unfold. The pacing and story flowed very well. Cole is a dirty talking hero who not only loves Alana very much, but is just as determined to show her that what may have started out as a one night stand, quickly became so much more for him. I felt like Alana and Cole could be a part of my inner circle, that's just how authentic the romance feels.
Stroke of Midnight is a well written, sexy, hot romance that will have you not only laughing out loud but wishing for your very own Cole. I am eagerly anticipating Alana's brother, Javi and her sister, Carla's HEA's. Kudos on your debut, Ms. Christopher and keep 'em coming! Stroke of Midnight is a perfect combo of romance with a dirty talking hero, a take charge heroine, hot sex & unny story, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
Reviewed by Joy for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/2iPSDh2
September 18, 2018
Cole is a dreamboat, Alana’s family is the worst.
November 18, 2019
Andie's writing is like catnip to me :)
January 3, 2020
This quick read was funny and sexy. Excellent series starter. I want more!
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