A sizzling "brother’s best friend" standalone in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series
Bartender Toni Del Rey is the quick-witted queen of the Olde Salt Saloon, famous for trading barbs with grizzled fishermen and putting rowdy customers in their place. Independent and fearless, she’s only ever lost her cool over one man—the childhood crush who got away. These days she sticks to the F’s: friends, fun, and fu…well, you know. But now Bash is back, and more crush-worthy than ever. Worst of all, he just bought the Olde Salt, which makes him her brand-new boss.
Bash left Lost Harbor long ago to become a professional fighter—and to forget his nightmarish childhood. He’s only back to return a favor, but when he sets eyes on Toni, he may never want to leave again. His best friend’s little sister has gone from tomboy to tempting, from mischievous to maddening—a fact he can’t ignore while they work side by side at the Olde Salt. But between Toni’s fierce independence, his reputation as “Bad News” Bash, and a few deep dark secrets, they’re hardly suited to anything lasting.
Then again, you never know what a little mischief after midnight will lead to…
Jennifer Bernard is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “an irresistible reading experience” full of “quick wit and sizzling love scenes.” A graduate of Harvard and former news promo producer, she left big city life in Los Angeles for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She still hasn’t adjusted to the cold, so most often she can be found cuddling with her laptop and a cup of tea. No stranger to book success, she also writes erotic novellas under a naughty secret name that she’s happy to share with the curious.
You can connect with Jennifer online at http://JenniferBernard.net or email her at Jen@JenniferBernard.net.
Mischief After Midnight is the ninth in Jennifer Bernard’s excellent Lost Harbor, Alaska, series. Set in the small town in the beautiful Alaskan wilderness, Mischief After Midnight is a heartwarming, thrilling story. It's got a bit of brother's best friend, secret crush, workplace hijinks, with a smart, tough heroine and a hero who is gone for her.
Jennifer Bernard's writing is warm and charming and emotionally satisfying. Mischief After Midnight is a fantastic addition to the series, and I'm SO eager for more!
Fall in love with Alaska while falling in love with Toni and Bash. I was giggling and deeply sighing while rapidly flipping pages over this adorable couple so I could watch them fall in love even faster.
I love falling in love with the town over and over again, but even more with each couple that finds their couple match up. Toni and Bash are absolutely perfect and so is their story!
There is almost nothing better than when a childhood crush finally gets fulfilled. For me, those are one of my favorite and fully satisfying romance stories to read. Toni had a huge crush on her brother's best friend, Bash Rivers, from the moment she knew what a teenage crush was. Unfortunately, in the ultimate definition of the word, Bash crushed her teenage heart when he left town years ago and he ultimately took her heart with him, unbeknowingly. Toni's kept every relationship superficial up to that point, but when Bash comes back to town as much as she'd like to reexamine those old feelings...well...Bash is now her boss, perhaps it's time to take a look at her life and the next phase of where she wants to go. It might be time to unfriendzone some people and take a long hard look at what she wants.
Bash owes a lot to Sally, the owner of the Olde Salt Saloon, along with the Del Rey family. When Sally decides to retire Bash can't pass up her offer, but more than that he wants to visit his best friend, Tristan, who recently had an accident and even see Tristan's tagalong sister, Toni. It's been a few years since he's actually seen Toni and once he does he likes what he sees, but things are complicated, even with the intense chemistry he feels brewing between them. She technically works for him now, she's also the sister of his best friend who is still recovering from a serious accident and lastly, but no more important, Bash doesn't know if he's actually going to stay in Lost Harbor for good. Ignoring all his feelings and emotions is best, until he no longer can.
Some of my favorite parts of this book are when either Toni or Bash are in the Saloon. The patrons are hilarious, especially when Bash is first learning. They give him grief, in the best way that a small town knows how. Toni of course knows everyone, and even though Bash should since he grew up there, it's been over a decade since he left and new people come and old people go. That saying that as much as things stay the same, things also change. Toni and Bash are perfect together for that very reason, especially in a local hangout.
I get giddy anytime someone new pops up wondering whose story could potentially be next. I seriously could never get tired of returning to Lost Harbor. Fan for life here.
Another great read! Ms. Bernard always hooks me with the first sentence, first chapter for sure. Mischief after Midnight is about Toni Del Ray, a long-time personality in the Lost Harbor series. Bash Rivers is new but he did grow up in Lost Harbor, Alaska, with Toni and her brother, Tristan. Being Tristan’s younger sister, Toni was always a tagalong tomboy. Toni had a serious crush on Bash but he just left one day. Bash went on to become a successful fighter with the UFC while Toni stayed in Lost Harbor. As we know from previous books, Toni manages the Olde Salt Saloon for Sally Buchanan (and by the way, I’d like to learn more about Sally in upcoming books). Sally has not been in Lost Harbor much so Toni has really more or less been the one to run the bar since she started working there at 19. The old-timers like and respect her and, of course, give her a hard time. Unknown to Toni, Sally sells the bar …. to Bash which she finds out when he walks in the bar one night. Toni knows she can’t work for Bash but knew she didn’t want to work forever at the Olde Salt which is why she turned down Sally’s offer to buy the bar just minutes before Bash walked in. Toni had already started planning a brewery and tourist attraction with Chrissie (we met her in Flirting with Forever) so she immediately quit the Olde Salt, but relented and agreed to stay on until Bash could hire her replacement. Needless to say, Bash and Toni rekindle their romance. It’s a rocky road, but a sexy one. Bash still has serious problems with his father who was a drug addict and mean, hence his name, Basher. Bash spent most of his childhood with the Del Rays and received help and support from Sally when he was young. Toni became extra independent after an experience when she was 15. Bash rescued her then but left soon after, reinforcing Toni’s independence and safely resigning all men to the friend dungeon. There are so many spoilers I’d like to describe but I’ll leave them to all of Jennifer Bernard’s fans to discover when they read Mischief after Midnight. This book isn’t my favorite book in the Lost Harbor series in some ways but it by no means disappoints. The story line moves along with all the quirky characters. We check in with Tristan, Maya, Ian, Alastair, and Trixie and meet a few new characters. Bash and Toni heal their hearts and find their lost love. Lost Harbor is definitely a unique and surprisingly inclusive small town in Alaska. Everyone should read Mischief after Midnight. You can’t go wrong with a Jennifer Bernard book. Can’t wait for the next in the series!
I can’t believe Mischief After Midnight is Ms. Bernard’s ninth book in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series. This is the story of Bash Rivers and Toni Del Rey. Bash Left Lost Harbor after graduating high school to escape from a toxic relationship with his father. He put all of his pent-up frustration and fighting skills he learned growing up into becoming a champion fighter. He returns to Lost Harbor to help out an old friend who gave him a safe haven when things at home become too toxic to stay. Toni Del Rey is the bartender, counselor, and bouncer at the Olde Salt since graduating high school. Sally gives Toni the first chance to buy her out, but Toni has other plans and declines the offer. Bash is best friends with Toni’s brother, Tristan. Toni, affectionately known as “Ant” was always a tagalong when Bash and Tristan were up to their antics. Growing up, Toni harbored a deep crush for Bash and was not ready for his return or for him to take over the saloon. Maybe Sally has an ulterior motive for wanting Bash back in town?
There are so many things I love about Ms. Bernard’s writing. One is that she writes about strong female characters who are only strengthened more by their male counterparts. I also love the fact that the characters we meet in previous books are seen again throughout the whole series. Because of Toni’s interactions with the bar patrons, we learn a little more about some of these other characters. One that comes to mind is Old Crowe. Wanting to prove that she was strong, brave, and worthy to hang out with Tristan and Bash, Toni took something of Old Crowe’s. When Toni was bringing her "trophy" back to show them, she was attacked and dropped it in the harbor. She always felt guilty over which made her more protective and caring of Old Crowe. Bash helps Toni rectify that mistake as she comes clean to Old Crowe about what happened. After Bash and Toni do some soul searching and confront the issues in their past, they are able to begin the healing process and figure out where they are going. Sally helps give Bash a little push in the right direction at the end.
If it existed, Lost Harbor, Alaska is a place I would love to visit and maybe even live. The strong friendships, camaraderie and sense of family make it sound like a lovely place. Even though Mischief After Midnight is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book; however, I think once you read Bash and Toni’s story you will want to go back and read the previous eight books. I look forward to book ten in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review that is my own. I rate Mischief After Midnight 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I’ve waited FOREVER for Toni’s story! Toni and her brother grew up in Lost Harbor. As a child, Toni tagged along with her brother and his best friend Bash-always competing with each other. While Toni developed a crush on Bash, he never thought of her as more than a “little sister”. After an attack, in which Bash rescued her, Bash left town to become a professional fighter. Leaving Toni and Lost Harbor behind. Toni worked hard at the Olde Salt Saloon, took self defense classes, and made sure she did not have to EVER depend on anyone for anything. Toni also supported her besties as they each found their HEA, never believing that was in the cards for her. Sally, the owner of the Olde Salt Saloon, returns to Lost Harbor to offer Toni first dibs in buying the saloon. But Toni feels as though there’s more than the Olde Salt Saloon and wants to explore other opportunities. So Sally offers the saloon to another prospective buyer…Bash.
Bash returns to Lost Harbor to “repay a debt”. Bash grew up in an abusive environment. When things got rough and he needed to escape to someplace safe, Sally was there to help. Bash feels as though he owes it to Sally to buy the saloon to repay her kindness, so he buys the Olde Salt. Bash is not sure he wants to leaving professional fighting forever, but needs a break. But being Toni’s new boss proves harder than he ever imagined. He no longer thinks of her as a little sister and has trouble keeping his hands to himself. When Toni quits, all bets are off!
I absolutely LOVE best friend’s little sister stories! I also appreciate the fact that Toni was a STRONG woman. No one messed with Toni. She’s sassy, strong-willed, but so incredibly kind and loving. She’s also excellent with kids. I loved that Bash had to confront his past in order to have a better future. I especially liked that he was vulnerable and needed Toni to go with him to see his dad—baby steps. This was a very enjoyable story and well worth the wait. Loved seeing Maya and Old Crow!!! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
I can’t believe that MISCHIEF AFTER MIDNIGHT is book number NINE in Jennifer Bernard’s Lost Harbor series. Honestly, there are so many fun characters in a beautiful area that it’s hard to get tired of visiting. Bernard keeps each book fresh and fun in such a way that you are always happy to visit. Toni, as bartender and manager of the Olde Salt, has been a part of the series from the beginning, so it was great to FINALLY get her story. I say finally, but her entry comes at the right time in the series. I initially thought that she would end up paired with the handsome Scotsman that came to Lost Harbor a few books ago and keeps coming back, but that was before Bash walked (back) into the Olde Salt. Bash owes Sally a favor, so when Toni decides not to buy the Olde Salt from her, Bash steps in. The last thing Toni wants is to revisit her crush on her brother’s best friend, especially not as her boss…but…. Yes, there are so many “buts” and things for them each of them to work through. Bash has be gone a long time, and Sally’s not he only one that needs him to stick around. Bash’s best friend is Toni’s brother Tristan who has not been the same since his fishing injury resulted in brain surgery. Bash is determined to do what it takes to see his best friends back to normal, even if it includes dares and antics better suited to teenagers. There is so much fun in this book as Toni and Bash work their way through their pasts and put themselves on their way to their HEA together. Come for Toni and Bash, stay for Lost Harbor and it’s quirky residents…and the humor. I love the humor Bernard injects into each of her novels. Each new novel had my new favorite couple. I can’t wait for the next one. Thank you to the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy of this novel. All opinions are my own and freely given. #MischiefafterMidnight #JenniferBernard #LostHarborAlaska
Jennifer Bernard created another amazing story with Mischief After Midnight, book nine in her Lost Harbor, Alaska series. This story has all the feels, a couple of misfits, a community of friends who care about each other like family, and of course love. This time it’s Toni Del Rey’s story. Bartender Toni is known as the quick-witted queen of the Olde Salt Saloon; trading barbs with the grizzled fishermen and putting rowdy customers in their place. Toni is independent, strong, and fearless, allowing only one man to get to her; her childhood crush. Bash left Lost Harbor a long ago to become a professional fighter and hopefully forget this abusive childhood. Now, Bash has returned repay a favor by buying the Olde Salt Saloon. Seeing Toni again heats his blood making him think about staying in town. His best friend’s sister has grownup; going from tomboy to temptation, from mischievous to maddening. Bash is finding it difficult to work along- side Toni, and to ignore the magnetic attraction and sizzling chemistry they share. Between Toni’s strong independence, his reputation as “Bad New” Bash, and a few deep hidden secrets, these two won’t find a lasting love until they find closure. However, this is Lost Harbor and anything can happen; even a little mischief after midnight.
Ms. Bernard wrote an amazing, emotional, heartwarming, and magical story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with reconnecting friends, magnetic attraction, off the charts chemistry, amusing conversations, and endearing eccentric characters, helping Toni and Bash find a forever love and answers to an old secret. I highly recommend Mischief After Midnight to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
We've been eagerly anticipating the romance of tough, sassy bartender, Toni Del Rey, and I knew it would be great, but I never anticipated this! Who knew that Toni had a teenage crush, and that he was her brother's best friend, and that he would return to Lost Harbor?
Toni is a gal with a tough, crusty shell and a squishy marshmallow inside. She gives as good as she gets from both the grizzled old fishermen and belligerent tourists at the Olde Salt Saloon. She's also someone who loves her friends and family with her whole heart and is an amazing role model to her students at the dojo. She likes her mostly predictable life and her connection to the community, but when Bash Rivers strolls into her bar, he has a way of turning her life upside down.
Bash is back home to pay what he considers a debt. His family life growing up was unstable, at best, and the owner of the Olde Salt, Sally, gave him a safe place to land and took care of him under the radar. Now Sally wants to sell the Olde Salt, which means not only is Toni off limits as his best friend's sister, but Bash will be her boss.
There's something so appealing about a tortured hero and a smart, independent shero. As much as they may try to avoid the attraction, Bash and Toni are headed for the inevitable, but hold on to your hats. It's one bumpy but highly entertaining ride! Each new romance in this series seems to be better than the last, and I adore Toni and Bash's story. The humor will tickle your funny bone, the steam will make you blush, the abundance of heart will make your own happy sigh all the way to the end. Make sure you don’t miss it!
Mischief After Midnight is the ninth book in Jennifer Bernard’s Lost Harbor, Alaska series. This was such a heartwarming read that brings two friends together that hadn’t seen one another in many years. Bash Rivers is the best friend of Toni Del Ray’s brother. While growing up, he spent many hours at the Del Ray house. His father had quite a few issues and Bash did everything he could to stay away from home.
Toni is the bartender at the Olde Salt Saloon. When she is approached by the owner, Sally, to purchase the bar, she turns down the chance. She wants to spread her wings and move into another adventure with her close friend. Little does Toni know, but Bash has set his eyes on the bar and becomes the new owner.
There is a lot of history between these two characters that sets the scene for his fabulous novel. Working side-by-side doesn’t work when Toni’s feeling for Bash takeover. That on top of being attacked, she decides to leave the saloon earlier than expected.
As Bash and Toni seek to undercover her mysterious attacker, they also work to uncover an attack that took place fifteen years earlier which altered Toni’s life. Of course, the attack she experienced circles back to Bash’s father. Now, not only does Bash need to learn to deal with his past he also works to establish a new relationship with his father.
Mischief After Midnight is a wonderful addition to the series. I highly suggest reading it along with the prior books in the series. This is a standalone book but Ms. Bernard does treat us to glimpses of past characters. I received an advance copy which I chose to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
Book 9 explores how childhood friends end up soul mates near Lost Souls Wilderness.
Toni Del Rey had a crush on her brother Tristan’s best friend Bash since she was, like twelve. Now back in Lost Harbor, Bash has two purposes. One, repay Sally, the owner of the Olde Salt Saloon by buying her saloon. Sally was there with a small cot and a place for Bash to lay his head when things were bad at home. He slept more at the saloon or the Del Rey house then her did at his own house. Second, his best friend Bash was in a severe boat accident and needed brain surgery. Bash is back to check on Tristan.
Toni’s boss is her crush, great. How long was Bash going to stay in Lost Harbor? He is a fighter, he will leave soon to head back to the ring, right?! Toni and Bash share a secret never revealed until Toni is attacked from behind. Are these two attacks, while years apart, connected? Let Maya handle the case.
What I liked was there is no real drama of the past. These two grew up together but now see each other as adults, adults they are equally attracted to. Bash definitely has some issues/problems with his father. What we learn about Bash’s upbringing running into his father isn’t high on his list. Hiring a new bartender to replace Toni is. Amy will tie the Bash men together.
Tristan hits Bash with a couple of shots to make him see he is being an idiot - isn’t that what best friends are for?! Why isn’t Tristan back on his boat ready for a summer season? Seems Alastair is moving permanently to Lost Harbor.
When I grow up, I think I wanna be Sally Buchanan, the owner of the Old Salt Saloon in Lost Harbor, Alaska. But I digress… Toni Del Rey is really the one who runs the bar while Sally enjoys her “golden years” [ahem; don’t let Sally know I wrote that] and it operates like a well-oiled machine. She has larger career aspirations, though, but you’ll have to read the story to find out what they are. While Toni is figuring out what is going on with Sally – which is just a hoot to read – Bash Rivers comes back to town. Normally it wouldn’t be an issue for Toni but this is BASH! She crushed on him all thru her teenage years. Bash left town, seeing her as little sister to his friend, but let’s say Toni has grown up. But did she get over her crush? You’ll need to read Mischief After Midnight to find out.
I will say this: Wow. These two have SO much to work thru and their chemistry is off the charts. Bash had a horrific childhood, with Toni’s family being Bash’s salvation. But Toni’s got some bad in her past, too. They both have work to do to get to an HEA. Visiting with the other Lost Harbor residents is always fun! Completely standalone story but visiting with these characters makes me laugh. Love these quirky residents! And if I were only younger…maybe I could give Toni a run for her money with Bash…
Mischief after Midnight was a great way to get me back to Lost Harbor! Normally after a few books some series start getting lackluster. Not so with the Lost Harbor series. The characters are so well developed and unique that I sincerely hope that this series does not end for awhile! Toni Del Rey is the beloved bartender at the Old Salt saloon. She doesn't take guff from anyone and is independent as can be. She is surprised that Sally the owner of the Old Salt is selling the saloon and moving to the Caribbean but she is even more shocked that the new owner is Bash Rivers, her older brother's childhood best friend (and her childhood crush). Bash left Lost Harbor right after high school. He went on to create a successful career for himself in MMA and has mixed memories of his youth in Lost Harbor. He loved his friends and the town however he had a less then stellar family life that made the need to leave necessary. These two were so much fun together. The banter, the push and pull and the heat just floats off the pages! If you haven't read the other books in the series it really will be okay because every story stands alone however I really recommend reading the entire series so that you can get to know all of the quirky characters that call Lost Harbor home. Mischief after Midnight was told from dual POV and it made me laugh, tear up a bit and will definitely heat up your night!
"Mischief after Midnight" by Jennifer Bernard was a funny, sweet, and heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance between Toni Del Rey, the bartender at Lost Harbor's Olde Salt Saloon, and her older brother's best friend, UFC fighter Bash Rivers. I've been a fan of Toni's ever since she was introduced as a secondary character earlier in the series, and she shines as the lead character in this installment. Toni faced a lot more adversity in her life than anyone ever knew, and learning the reasons behind the tough image she always tried to project made me admire her even more than I already did. She needed to work through her past traumas before she was ready to commit to a mature relationship with Bash, but with the help of her friends, she came out stronger on the other side.
It wasn't easy for Bash to return to his hometown of Lost Harbor because it brought up painful memories of growing up with a meth-addicted father and neglectful mother. However, the owner of the Olde Salt, Sally Buchanan, had always cared for him and even gave him a place to stay when things were too difficult at home, so when she called to ask him for help, he was happy to oblige. Seeing his best friend Tristan and Tristan's sister Toni again was an added bonus. When he and Toni reconnected, I loved their teasing banter as well as the underlying tension and chemistry between them. It made for a fantastic slow burn romance and I couldn't wait for them to finally give into their feelings.
The books in this series always hit me in the feels, and "Mischief after Midnight" was no exception. I loved this book and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
*Review copy provided by the author via InkSlingerPR. All opinions expressed are my own.
Mischief After Midnight is the ninth book in Jennifer Bernard’s Lost Harbour, Alaska series. This was the first book I’ve read in this series and now I will be going back to the previous books to catch up. However, I did not miss anything by reading this one first, as the author ensures the characters and plot lines are fully defined.
Toni is such a strong woman, basically running the Olde Salt Saloon on her own. She is given the opportunity to purchase the bar, but chooses to venture into a new endeavour with her best friend instead. She is willing to work with the new owner to transition while her new venture is just starting to come together. But then, the new owner comes in the bar! Bash was Toni’s crush growing up. He was her brother’s best friend, but he left Alaska for a career fighting. Now he’s back, and Toni can’t seem to shake off the attraction, or maybe she doesn’t want to?
I really enjoyed this book. Many books are more about the physical relationship lately, and I loved that this one had a real story that that the reader could relate, and the reader could see and feel what the characters were thinking and feeling! Highly recommended!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
So glad Toni got her book! We met her in previous book sin this series and knew she would gets hers soon enough. The badass bartender with a huge heart was fun to get to know.
A near drowning when she was a teenager, along with a secret crush on her brother's best friend Bash Rivers made Toni steer her life in the direction of being an independent female who could take care of herself. She is loved by the town of Lost Harbor, Alaska and privy to lots of information being the bartender at the Old Salt Saloon. When the owner of the Old Salt decides to sell the place, she give Toni the first chance at buying it, since she pretty much runs the place anyway. When Toni declines to buy the bar as she wants to pursue other things, the new owner happens to be someone she knows.......Bash Rivers........her childhood crush.
Bash came back to Lost Harbor after leaving years ago to pursue his MMA fighting career. He returned as a favor to Sally, who owned the bar, as she helped him out when he was younger and gave him a safe place to be instead of his abusive house. When he arrived at the Old Salt, he found a very grown up Toni and a reason for sticking around.
I really enjoyed getting to know these two and wish I could have joined their fun. Who doesn't love a good challenge or dare?? Wish this book was longer as these two were so much fun!
Toni is the manager at the Olde Salt Saloon. The owner decides to sell. The new owner Bash, is Toni's childhood crush, and best friend of her brother Tristan. She decides its time to open her own brewery with Chrissie, but slow construction on the lighthouse pushes their plans back. They work together, he spends time with Tristan, she hangs out with Alistair, he's been in previous books. They flirt, Tristan tells Bash she had a crush on him. He realizes his crush on her is still there. She gets hurt by someone, and he rescues her and takes care of her, helping her get cleaned up. They go talk to Police Chief Maya, and Toni tells her of when she was assaulted at age 15 and Bash rescues her. She never told anyone, afraid her parents would move them back to Chile. They spend time together, she quits to spend her time at the brewery. His 6 year old half sister Amy falls in the water, and Toni swims out to rescue her. We find out who hurt her at age 15, we don't know him. Tristan knocks some sense into Bash who was leaving, but he goes back to Toni. Words are said, questions are answered, houses are looked at. The next book is about Alistair, and Ruthie, both will be working at the brewery in Slow Burn at Starlight.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to leave an honest review. This is actually the 9th book in the series but can be read as a complete stand alone. The book is very well written with a cohesive timeline, humor, romance and some intrigue.
This book follows Toni, a long time resident and bartender in Lost Harbor, and Bash, a former resident and UFC champion. Bash comes back to Lost Harbor to buy the bar that Toni works at when she declines the offer to buy. He had a rough childhood and left Lost Harbor when he had the chance. But he owes a lot of his success to the former bar owner so decides to come back to take over. Toni has known Bash forever since her brother is his best friend. She always had a crush on him back in the day which she tries to ignore now that he is back. They also have a secret/past together that no one knows and ties them together. The main synopsis is these two independent people finding their way together. Of course there is some drama and intrigue (confronting family, dealing with new family, accidents and assaults) to keep you on your toes.
Overall a fun, fast read. The whole series is great and getting to know the characters adds an element throughout the books. I would recommend.
Toni Del Rey is the queen at the Olde Salt bar. Many people think she owns it but she doesn't. And her boss Sally is looking to sell. Toni considers it but she has an opportunity to move on and do something more than just bartend. The new owner is a surprise and not necessarily a good one. Bash Rivers is her older brother's best friend and someone who hasn't been back to Lost Harbor in many years. He owes Sally and will buy the bar so Sally can have her HEA in the tropics. What comes as a surprise to Bash is the attraction he can't ignore to Toni, his best friend's sister and the tag a long from his youth. I loved the tension between these two. Both of them are trying to fight off what could be spectacular. Both of them have things from their past that prevent them from moving on. Even things they share but won't talk about. Toni is the most independent person guarding her heart from potential love or heartbreak. She friend zones every guy she dates claiming she doesn't need to be with anyone. Bash has to bash his way through that wall. Bash hasn't had a serious relationship either and that is something that Toni must overcome as well. These are two complicated people that with some understanding will come out stronger together than apart. And just for he record, Toni is my new girl crush.
Who can get bored with all the shenanigans going on in Lost Harbor? Not me! And Ms Bernard is back again with another unique and exciting story in the Series.
Toni and Dash, uhhmmmm I mean Bash, are both skittish of committed relationships and both bear emotional scars and bad childhood memories, for different reasons. Bash’s sudden return and buying Toni’s beloved bar, The Olde Salt, surprises Toni and reopens her youthful crush on her brother’s best friend. In return Bash is surprised by her admission as he felt unworthy of ever contemplating romantic feelings for her (at the time). The weighty underlying trauma is uplifted with their head-butting and hilarious banter. And the invisible bond between them can’t be denied or broken. The chemistry between them sizzles and brews and when eventually it combusts? Oh my! It literally (over)takes them all over the place! Drooling here…
As with all her books, Ms Bernard baits her readers with not only her vivid description and knowledge of Alaskan life and nature, but plots the story masterfully. Beautifully written.
I love Lost Harbor and all of the people in it! Ms. Bernard has, once again, taken us on an adventure in her fictional town!
Toni, bartender extraordinaire at the Olde Salt Saloon, can't believe it when she's given the chance to purchase the business. Sally, the Saloon owner, has found love and is leaving. Toni decides to not purchase the Saloon from Sally, because she has other things she wants to do.
Bash, who was and still is best friends with Toni's brother Tristan, has decided come back to Lost Harbor to repay a debt. He owes Sally more than he can ever repay, so when she gives him second dibs on the Olde Salt Saloon, he purchases it.
Problem. Toni has had a crush on Bash since she was a kid. Now he's her boss.
The machinations Toni and Bash, with the help of others in town, go through to finally realize that their long ago attraction to each other is now real, is such a great plot! Funny, endearing, lovable, and just sweet! I laughed. I cried. I felt so good once I'd finished this book!
Another great addition to the Lost Harbor series. I can't wait to see what's next!
This was a great read and once you start it you don't want to put it down. Jennifer Bernard wrote it as part of a series but it can be read as a stand alone book. It has a little bit of everything. There is intrigue, mystery, comedy, hijinks, happiness and sadness. Jennifer is a creative storyteller and her characters really draw you in to the story.
Toni has been crushing on Bash since they were kids. He was always a fixture in their house and though he had a rough home life growing up he was able to escape and make something of himself. Toni has been stagnant tending bar in the same town she has grown up in. She is the Queen of it and what she says goes until Bash comes back after buying the bar from her boss.
Bash has grown up and is as hot as ever. He sees Toni and for the first time realizes that she is more than the tagalong little sister of his best friend. There is mystery about what happened in the past, present and what happened to Tristan. The sparks fly as the two of them work through their past to enter their future.
Growing up, Toni had the biggest crush on Bash, her brother's best friend. But then he graduated and immediately left town. It's years later and now he's back. He's buying the Olde Salt Saloon where Toni works (read: runs the place). She's ok with it all though, she has future business plans with one of her friends, plus she's completely over Bash. Isn't she??
Such a fun and fast-paced romance. I enjoyed spending time again in Lost Harbor. I loved Toni and Bash! They were so good together. They both have some trauma in their past that has changed the way they deal with people (got a little teary-eyed reading about their pasts). Can they help each other move away from the past and look toward a promising future? The characters (main and secondary), the drama and angst, the danger, the romance and steamy smexy-times, make this book a real page-turner for me. As in, I couldn't stop turning the pages until I had finished the book. Highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Every new story in the Lost Harbor series inevitably becomes my favorite, and Mischief After Midnight is no exception. Toni Del Ray has always been that intriguing character that is the friend to most of the former hero and heroines, runs the run-down bar in town and seems like a tough cookie. But Toni not only harbors an unrequited crush on her brother’s best friend, but she’s holding tight to another secret that only said crush, Bash, knows about. So of course sparks fly, as well as some great dialogue and confusing feelings, when MMA fighter Badh comes to town…as the new owner of The Old Salt bar. It’s fun to watch Bash try to get a handle on Toni’s managerial style, and how she deals with the fishermen who are regulars. I’m also very intrigued by Tristan, Toni’s brother who’s recovering from his serious head injury from the previous book. There’s a mystery there to be uncovered…and I can’t wait! Yup, Toni and Bash have push everyone else aside to become the Lost Harbor couple to beat in the next book. Bring it in, Jennifer Bernard!
Who knew mischief could be so exciting?! I love Toni and Bash's story - a friends to lovers where they have some issues to overcome. It took me a minute to warm up to Toni's very independent and determined personality but, she won me over especially with the small hints of vulnerability she lets bubble to the surface. I love when Bash refers to Toni as a "warrior mermaid" because it is exactly how she is and his pride and admiration for her is one of my favorite aspects of their relationship. Bash's exceptionally difficult upbringing is devastating and I admire and appreciate his fierce determination to overcome his past. He is back in Lost Harbor to repay the kindness that Sally, the owner of Old Salt bar extended him when he was younger. In doing so, that puts Toni right in his path and the sparks fly. Toni and Bash are an interesting and exciting couple. They have your full attention so, when there are the bumps, you are hypnotized by the pages.
It is never dull in Lost Harbor, Alaska with all the amazing and unique characters that call it home. I highly recommend this must read book as well as the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This seriously makes me wish I could visit the Olde Salt Saloon in Lost Harbour, Alaska.
This is a cute and sweet romance book with a splash of suspense.
I really enjoyed reading Bash and Toni’s story and seeing them overcome things that happened in the past. I loved the sass that Toni was throwing at everyone and how Bash straight up supported her at all times. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between these two.
I also loved the relationships that are happening in this little Alaskan town and how these two characters interacted with their friends. You could just feel the importance of those relationships.
The writing was just wow, I love how nicely this all flowed.
This says it can be read as a standalone but to fully understand and appreciate all that is Lost Harbour, I would definitely recommend you read other books in this series first.
I received an ARC and in return this is my honest review.
I’ve been waiting forever to see what kind of story Jennifer was going to write for Toni, and let’s just say that this one is a winner! Toni is such a strong and independent woman and I love how she handles herself as a bartender and as a self-defense instructor. She is the type of person you just want to have as a best friend. Now enter Bash who grew up with Toni and her brother and who she also secretly had a crush on before he left town. Now he is the owner of the Olde Salt Saloon and they start working together. One thing leads to another and these two start enjoying a little mischief after midnight. Love how that got worked into the story line. Watching these two come together and grow their friendship and relationship was wonderful to read about. I just loved their story.
Bartender Toni Del Rey has run the Olde Salt Saloon in Lost Harbor, Alaska for years now. She loves her job and is devastated when her boss decides to sell==to Toni's childhood crush, Bash. Toni has always had a thing for Bash, but he left years ago to become a famous MMA fighter. Now that he's back, Toni doesn't know what to do. Thing is that her crush never went away. Also, Bash is her brother's best friend. Bash is happy to be back home and to see Toni again. He's forgotten though that Toni has always been determined to be as strong and independent as possible, something that has protected her from her history. Bash has stayed away so long because of his childhood and is afraid that he will turn out the same way as his dad. The play by play between these two is so cute and wonderful to read!!! It was great to return to this wonderful town again!!
Toni Del Rey and Bash Rivers…a perfect brother’s best friend romantic suspense!
With the return of Bash Rivers to the small fishing town of Lost Harbor, Alaska, Toni needs to push her past crush aside…because he is now her new boss.
This book has a bit of everything! Mix my favorite trope (Brother’s best friend), small town, strong heroine, a light suspense storyline, healing, romance, and fantastic storyline from a wonderful author…and you get Mischief after Midnight…the 9th book in the Lost Harbor series by Author Jennifer Bernard. I loved the personalities of the characters and the twists in the story.
This was such a great book that filled my heart, made me smile and laugh, and kept me guessing throughout! I really enjoyed this one! 4.5 stars!