After Midnight

Ravens Hollow Coven #4

by Shari Nichols

An ancient curse has prevented astrologer Brooke Howe from ever finding true love. Using her gift to match other people up, she refuses to lose hope of becoming free. When Nico Denopoulos, the gorgeous younger brother of a friend, struts into her shop seeking a soulmate, she’s immediately drawn to his magnetic presence and his romantic heart. But why does she get this bone-deep sensation that’s she’s known him before? Could Nico hold the secret to reversing the curse and be the key to her destiny?
An ugly divorce has kept Nico laser-focused on his work as a chef, and the opening of his new restaurant. He’s been alone for years, but now loneliness has crept into the cracks of his heart. Fearing that he‘s grown bitter, he has high hopes that the beautiful and mysterious Brooke can help him with his problem, except for one thing— he wants her for himself. He never expected to connect with her on such a deep level.
As much as Brooke wants to believe Nico is the real deal, she fears that when the seasons change so will his feelings. Will a secret from their shared pasts bring them closer, or tear them apart forever?
.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 7, 2023

About the author

Sign Up for my newsletter and receive the first chapter of book one, MIDNIGHT DESIRE, in my award winning series, Raven's Hollow Coven. Enter a chance to win a free book. http://sharinicholsauthor.com/contact...
Shari Nichols grew up in a small town in Connecticut where haunted houses, ghosts and Ouija boards were common place, spurring her fascination with all things paranormal. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, going to the gym, or sharing a meal, and a cool glass of chardonnay with family and friends.
She lives in New Jersey with her husband,near her favorite park. Shari’s a member of Romance Writers of America, New Jersey Romance Writers, Liberty States Fiction Writers and Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance Writers.
Awards: Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer's Choice Finalist For Best Book, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer's Choice Finalist For Best Series. New York Book Festival Honorable Mention, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Award for Best Book, Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice Award for Best Series, Golden Leaf Finalist, Golden Leaf Finalist for Best Book by A NJ author Beverley Award Winner, HOLT Medallion Finalist, Literary Titan Silver Medal winner.
Here's my interview on the City Owl Press website. http://www.cityowlpress.com/

Reviews

[Sumbul Arsalan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it is the fourth book in the series, "Ravens Hollow Coven," it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The story follows the love affair of Brooke, a match maker and Nico, the owner of a restaurant. The book has a light-hearted and fast-paced narrative, which I found quite refreshing. Although I expected the situations to be dragged out a bit, as is typical in fantasy stories, this novella's pace is entirely justified.

Brooke's character who is cursed but destined to help others to fall in love, was a great idea, and I appreciated how her character developed alongside Nico's.

Speaking of Nico, he was also a well-written character, and despite his flaws, he was very likable. The story line itself was enjoyable. Overall, I would rate this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the last, I would like to thanks the author for providing me with the opportunity to read the book and review.

P.S: It should be noted that the novel contains explicit scenes that are only suitable for adult readers.

[Stephenee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a shorter book but it packed the punch of a full-length novel! The reader felt like they were once again a part of the story and they didn't want to leave the world that author Shari Nichols creates! This is technically book 4 in the series, but I feel like a reader could start here and be ok. The author creates a world where the reader can jump in and be ok.

This story brings us Brooke and Nico and a world of magic that leaves the reader zooming through the pages of the book and has them never wanting to leave this magical world. The reader loves the magic, the excitement, and the idea behind the book. The reader will want to visit Brooke to see if she can find their soul mate for them and they continue to root for Brooke and Nico to see if they are true soul mates.

This is a fast, fun read that leaves the reader wanting more! I can't wait to see what happens next in this series and to the characters that have become friends of the reader. This is a world that you want to join - don't hesitate to add this one to your TBR list and move it to the top!

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A magical short

My Review: After Midnight by Shari Nichols was a fast-paced insta-attraction romance. It featured two characters who shared great chemistry.

Nico and Brooke were always destined to be. Although they met during a time when both were dating other people, their paths happened to cross in a most unexpected way some time later. From the moment they reconnected, sparks flew. Could a generational curse be the thing that keeps them apart?

My Final Say: If you are looking for a fun, super short, quirky read for the weekend, this would be the book. It is humorous and heartfelt, guaranteed to bring out the warm fuzzies.

Other: I loved the concept of reincarnation mentioned in the story. It added an interesting twist to the couple's romance.

Rating: 3.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🍨and🌶

Thanks to the author, to the publisher (City Owl Press), and to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of an already established series but makes it easy for a new reader to drop right in to the story and get hooked.

Read full review in the 2023 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Jason Duby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright...so normally I'm much more on the ball on writing my reviews on Ms. Nichols' works, but life and the winter blahs have been conspiring against me. I honestly wasn't sure if I had the focus to commit to a full novel, no matter how good it was likely going to be. But now, on the other side of _After Midnight_, I can say that I shouldn't have worried, and like most good things my only question became "Why did I wait so long to read this?"

I should warn you up front that if you're looking for a long, full read that a novel can give then this piece may not be what you're looking for. But if you find yourself pressed for time yet still want to have the core experience of reading a romance novel, I would (and do) recommend that you return one more time to Raven's Hollow. The tale of the connection between Brooke and Nico taps into one of those core questions that I think are universal...can a person find happiness when the universe seems to conspire against that very condition?

Of course, in this world, the complications deal more with the supernatural than the more mundane issues, but that magical universe should be expected by now. The important thing is that the characters are believable in this alternate universe. Without realistic people to identify with, romance falls flat. I can only say that in this regard, readers have always been in good hands with Shari Nichols, and we are here as well.

[Andrea Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Midnight 
3.5 Stars 


I dove right into this book without reading the 3 precious books in Raven's Hollow Coven series. I found After Midnight can be read as a stand-alone book. Many books make this claim, but fail in practice. This is Brooke and Nico's story. 


After Midnight is a fun, fast & light read. It held my attention well enough, but failed to engage me fully. Many of the things that drew me into reading this book in the first place, such as magic, curses, astrology, and reincarnation, are what hindered their HEA. Though it definitely delivers the spice. 


Brooke is a witch who opened a matchmaker's business with her  best friend. Nico becomes her client. Let the fireworks begin!


We later learn of a generational curse on Brooke's family. Though it made me sad initially, I was tired of it by the end of the book. It became, I'm cursed so I can't date him, which left me frustrated by this story. There isn't much external conflict to fight or any build up to their relationship, which makes this book more predictable. I found the conclusion satisfying, but not a bit overdue. 


If I'm reading about witches, I want flashing magic and a few action-packed scenes. 


Thank you, NetGalley and City Owl Press, for an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mierfie Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book of Ravens Hollow Coven series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. Brooke is a witch, she open matchmaker business with her bestfriend and fellow witch Arabella. One day she get Nico as a client, they already meet previously and Brooke feel the electricity in his touch, spark flying between them but at that time they are already have plus one. Now Nico looking for his true soulmate.

I love how this book full of magic, witchcraft, astrology, crystal, tarot cards, incense, copper bowls, and spell candles. Its hook me up easily. I love how Brooke and Nico chemistry build, Nico dosnt lost time to ask her after knew she single. They spend time together, threw flirt here and there. The generational curse in Brooke family make me sad, longing for love but always lost the love one.

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#AfterMidnight #RavensHollowCoven #ShariNichols #CityOwlPress #ARCProvidedbyVictoryEditing #VictoryEditing #NetGalley #NetGalleyCoop #ARC

[Narelle Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the fourth in the 'Raven's Hollow Coven' - it did work as a book to read without knowledge of the others (my experience) but I think it probably would have been more helpful and enjoyable to have read the other books.
I would sit it exactly at 3.5 stars. It was well-written and Brooke's family love curse that causes lovers to forget her is certainly an intriguing proposition - particularly as it has guided her into becoming a match-maker helping others find true love. . It is interesting to see the story told from both Brooke's side and Nico's (the man who might be the one who finally helps her find true love). I just didn't completely invest in the story - whether because it was quite short and got to the point quite quickly or whether because I hadn't the grounding from the other books. There were times when I was intrigued by Brooke and hopeful for her but other times when I didn't care about the outcome.
Thank you, NetGalley and City Owl Press, for an advance review copy in exchange for a honest review.

[Jackie Uhrmacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Midnight was a short, sweet love story about a woman running away from a generational love curse. The curse manifests in different ways in different people. For Brooke, her lovers always forget her after the changing of the season. It motivated her to become a matchmaker where she can live vicariously through others.

Sexy restaurant owner Nico hires her under false pretenses. He's been crushing on Brooke ever since he saw her at a wedding, but she had a boyfriend at the time. Unable to stay away, he asks her to help him find his soulmate.

The premise of this book is strong. The characters just weren't fleshed out very well. I didn't feel like we really got to know them, and the dialogue between Nico and Brooke was sometimes forced and stilted. They had an adorable HEA. I just wasn't very invested in their story as a whole.

I was given an e-ARC of this book for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity!

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke is an astrology based matchmaker and witch and Nico is a restaurateur and chef. They meet at Nico’s brother’s wedding to Brooke’s best friend but they’re both in relationships with other people. Nico goes to Brooke for her matchmaking services, he’s actually into her but knows she’s in a relationship so he wants her help finding his soulmate. Recently single but remaining professional Brooke sets him up and works on matchmaking for him all while trying to stop a generations long curse that means she is unable to find love for herself.

This book was short and sweet. It didn’t feel super rushed like many of the shorter novels do. It was fun with full characters and natural development. Great spicy scenes and a fun quick mystery with spells and potions in several attempts to break the curse. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I haven’t read the other books in the series, this is the 4th book but it works fine as a standalone.

[Doreen Arroyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author Shari Nichols and City Owl Press for the ARC ebook.
This was a short book with all the elements of a longer read. I really enjoyed this book, it was easy to follow, even though it’s from a series it can be read as a standalone.
Cover : it represents the characters and the magic surrounding them
Characters: are likable and gorgeous, specially Nico. They have this instant attraction that only soulmates have. You feel their passion, their love.
Plot: A matchmaker with a curse that will keep her away from her happy ending. Star-crossed lovers from another time, cursed by a witch. The main characters are meant to be together, but will the curse win or will true love prevail.
Passion-meter: scorching hot. Emotional and passionate scenes, wufff!
Story: fast paced, not rushed.
Ending: predictable and well portrayed

[Marcia - itsabookthing2021 · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Midnight is the 4th in the Ravens Hollow Coven series and sees Brooke and Nico searching for Love.
I really enjoyed this story and thought the ending was really sweet. I really liked that Brooke was cursed in love but was destined to help others fall in love and I really liked how her character developed with Nico.
Speaking of which Nico was the perfect MMC, he was written really well and even though he had his flaws, he was still really likeable. The storyline itself was really enjoyable and I loved how it all played out - without spoilers.

As I mentioned in my review regarding book 3 and how I haven't read book 1 and 2 but it didn't take anything away from that book. I feel the same with this book. I feel like these are part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What A Story!

I do read and review quite a few books but I have to say this one made my heart ache with sadness and joy. What a swoon worthy romance full of emotion and passion.

Nico had been attracted to Brooke the first time he met her and when he got the chance to date her he couldn’t believe his luck but a curse was stopping Brooke from giving her all. Nico was one amazing romantic guy to fulfill any girls dreams,

You just have to read this story, it’s really amazing. Such a love story spanning centuries! If I could give it 10 stars I would but I’m only allowed to give it 5.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, that's all I can say. This was an excellent paranormal romance, and I loved Brooke and Nico from the start. Everything moves along fairly quickly from the start, but not so quickly that it all felt rushed. Brooke and Nico have their own obstacles and flaws, but it only makes them more realistic and endearing. Although this isn't long, Nichols manages to pack a lot into the pages. I promise by the end you'll find yourself wishing you could spend more time with Brooke and Nico, although there are no loose ends left to tie up. Overall, this was a nice new twist on the paranormal romance genre, and although it's part of a series, you can easily read it as a standalone.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally published on Myth and Magic Book Club

Myth: 4/5

I dove into Brooke and Nico’s story without reading any of the series' previous books. It didn’t stop me from enjoying this book. Brooke and Nico needed no prior introduction to enjoy their story. I may have had more fun tidbits about some side characters if I’d gone in order.

Magic: 3/5

Brooke was part of a coven focusing on astrology and used that to run a match-making business. The more considerable witchy element with her was a 100-year-old curse placed on her family. It seemed like some of the other characters in the series had more paranormal about them.

Overall: 4/5

Brooke and Nico’s story was a lot of fun. It was sexy, sweet, and direct.

[Candess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this story.. There was no build up to their relationship, just, "I'm cursed so I can't date him," to, "well, I can enjoy you for about a month." I would have liked there to be more to the story, more actual relationship than just straight to the spice. I have read the rest of the series and this was the only one that I just couldn't get in to.

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christine Galletly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this book had a good storyline and it was a really enjoyable read for me

The book had some great characters and they were really well developed and true to their feelings and never giving up. I thought that the plot was great and it was well developed with a good pace to keep me engaged throughout too

The story was romantic and sexy and a great read all around - I really enjoyed it!

It is 4 stars from me for this one – highly recommended!

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, quick read, easily finished in just under an hour. Although this is book 4 in the series, you do not need to have read any of the others in order to understand this one.

While it held my attention well enough, there was very little external conflict, making the plot wholly predictable.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[J.J. Lair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grabbed this when I read about the character of Brooke. She uses astrology to match couples. This is a new concept. Now she finds her match.
This novella took some twists and character changes. The passion is steamy throughout the story.

[Alice Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enchanting love story weaves fate, mystery, and second chances into a beautiful romantic journey. Brooke Howe, a gifted astrologer cursed to never find true love, spends her days helping others find happiness—until Nico Denopoulos walks into her life.

[Roni Denholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting paranormal romance! From the start, I sensed that the a hero and heroine were destined for each other. The climax is very intense!