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Hot Night
The Predator
Gold. The most precious of metals. And someone would kill to get at the dazzling exhibit of priceless spanish treasures Abby Maitland just landed for the museum. Too bad Zan Duncan had to show up to protect her, but someone's waiting--and watching. She's in the crosshairs and she doesn't have a clue.
The Prey
Abby is mesmerized by Zan's untamed strength and his very sexual vibe. From the long dark hair, the thick, hard muscles, and the black leather jacket right on down to the honed fighting skills and the tattoos, Zan is everything a bad boy ought to be...and everything Abby has sworn to avoid. Yet he's a master of subtle seduction, pushing her buttons with tantalizing promises of night after hot night of secret, endless pleasure. Promises that he keeps, to the letter...
But danger stalks them both, for a lethal game of deception, greed and murder is underway--a game more sinister than Abby and Zan ever imagined. And when no one can be trusted and no place is safe, passion may be the only thing that can save them...
Gold. The most precious of metals. And someone would kill to get at the dazzling exhibit of priceless spanish treasures Abby Maitland just landed for the museum. Too bad Zan Duncan had to show up to protect her, but someone's waiting--and watching. She's in the crosshairs and she doesn't have a clue.
The Prey
Abby is mesmerized by Zan's untamed strength and his very sexual vibe. From the long dark hair, the thick, hard muscles, and the black leather jacket right on down to the honed fighting skills and the tattoos, Zan is everything a bad boy ought to be...and everything Abby has sworn to avoid. Yet he's a master of subtle seduction, pushing her buttons with tantalizing promises of night after hot night of secret, endless pleasure. Promises that he keeps, to the letter...
But danger stalks them both, for a lethal game of deception, greed and murder is underway--a game more sinister than Abby and Zan ever imagined. And when no one can be trusted and no place is safe, passion may be the only thing that can save them...
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2006
46 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Shannon McKenna
125 books1,449 followersAlso wrote five category romances under the penname Shannon Anderson
::From The Author's Website::
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.
So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.
It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.
That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.
::From The Author's Website::
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.
So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.
It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.
That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
May 16, 2016
3.25/5
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the suspense part. I was amazed at how brilliant the author created this psycho villain. I was terrified of him whenever he showed up in the story.
This should be my five-star read, unfortunately, two main characters fell flat. At first I liked Zan and Abby just fine until Zan let me down. He gave up on Abby and walked away from their relationship too easily. Not just once, but three times! He hurt her feelings over and over again just because he misunderstood her. That wasn't cool, man! And Abby wasn't much better either. She's such a doormat at times. She let him use her body for his pleasure, and let him stomp all over her heart, and ended up crying her eyes out. WTH?! And the funny thing was that she welcomed him back with open arms (and legs, too! Argh!) every time he wanted to get into her pants again!
Even though the sex scenes were extremely intense and incredibly hot, I couldn’t give this book more than 3 stars. In the end when Zan tried to save Abby’s life and then apologized to her for being a jerk, it was too little too late. I just couldn’t bring myself to like him.
By the way, this was a good romantic suspense story, another one of my enjoyable reads.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the suspense part. I was amazed at how brilliant the author created this psycho villain. I was terrified of him whenever he showed up in the story.
This should be my five-star read, unfortunately, two main characters fell flat. At first I liked Zan and Abby just fine until Zan let me down. He gave up on Abby and walked away from their relationship too easily. Not just once, but three times! He hurt her feelings over and over again just because he misunderstood her. That wasn't cool, man! And Abby wasn't much better either. She's such a doormat at times. She let him use her body for his pleasure, and let him stomp all over her heart, and ended up crying her eyes out. WTH?! And the funny thing was that she welcomed him back with open arms (and legs, too! Argh!) every time he wanted to get into her pants again!
Even though the sex scenes were extremely intense and incredibly hot, I couldn’t give this book more than 3 stars. In the end when Zan tried to save Abby’s life and then apologized to her for being a jerk, it was too little too late. I just couldn’t bring myself to like him.
By the way, this was a good romantic suspense story, another one of my enjoyable reads.
June 27, 2010
4 stars – Romantic Suspense
Whew...This gave me a "Hot Night" indeed! Zan Duncan is a girl's ultimate tattooed, leather-clad bad boy fantasy: tall, muscular, with long, silky dark hair, topaz gold eyes, a naughty, dimpled grin, and an impressive...package...with the stamina and skills to match. I liked Zan, even though he definitely pushed into creepy macho category several times, but I found Abby so annoying and wishy-washy that his sometimes aggressive behavior towards her didn't really bother me. Okay, so maybe he likes to rule in the bedroom and goes all crazed, stalker-possessive, heavy-handed alpha when he's jealous, but he's funny, insecure, sweet, and adorably goofy at times, too. Besides, his dirty talk and domination in the bedroom was hot and cats love him, so this bad boy can't be all bad.
Whew...This gave me a "Hot Night" indeed! Zan Duncan is a girl's ultimate tattooed, leather-clad bad boy fantasy: tall, muscular, with long, silky dark hair, topaz gold eyes, a naughty, dimpled grin, and an impressive...package...with the stamina and skills to match. I liked Zan, even though he definitely pushed into creepy macho category several times, but I found Abby so annoying and wishy-washy that his sometimes aggressive behavior towards her didn't really bother me. Okay, so maybe he likes to rule in the bedroom and goes all crazed, stalker-possessive, heavy-handed alpha when he's jealous, but he's funny, insecure, sweet, and adorably goofy at times, too. Besides, his dirty talk and domination in the bedroom was hot and cats love him, so this bad boy can't be all bad.
July 17, 2011
Hot and steamy romantic suspense. I love the heroes this author writes. Animal magnetism and over the top sexual heat along with a heroine I liked despite their tendencies to over react to things that could easily be worked through... if u were a mature couple anyway. Despite this and a predictable plot, the scorching chemistry these two generate makes it worth the read. 4.5 from me! :P
September 18, 2019
3.5 stars.
This was not quite what I expected, but I stuck it out. And it was pretty good.
We have ourselves a scary, psycho stalker/murderer and and almost-as-scary pyscho hero (that man had some serious issues and the pushing away of the heroine became annoying).
And the sex scenes- whew! So a little eye candy.........
But I will read more by this author, even if it’s all very OTT!
This was not quite what I expected, but I stuck it out. And it was pretty good.
We have ourselves a scary, psycho stalker/murderer and and almost-as-scary pyscho hero (that man had some serious issues and the pushing away of the heroine became annoying).
And the sex scenes- whew! So a little eye candy.........
But I will read more by this author, even if it’s all very OTT!
August 3, 2012
The good stuff:
I learned some new words: speechifying and galleon to name a few.
The hero, Zan (Ale"xan"der): He's real, domineering, vulnerable and absolutely amazing. I wish this story would have been less about the suspense/thriller and more about the relationship because Zan was so, so great. I know it might not have been such a good read without all the plotting but all the pages wasted on Matty, Lucien, Elaine, Nannette, Bridget, etc. took away from Zan.
The intensity between Abby and Zan whenever they are together is sheer awesomesauce!
Pages 1-18. I just loved the way Zan and Abby met. I love what they say, what they do and don't do. It's clever, real, bold and sweet.
Sheba (with Zan) - Gotta love cats.
The sex scenes - What they lack in pace and details they made up for in intensity, frequency and steaminess.
The not so good stuff:
The love story isn't really there. There is lots of lust, naughty language, steamy scenes and overall cuteness between the pair. I'm not sure why these two fall in love and the HEA was even less realistic because of it but I didn't really care to be honest. It didn't lose anything for me, but it is a point to mention for other readers.
The villain murders one person in particular and the whole thing is quite upsetting. I believe the story could have had similar results had this person been instead, discovered comatose or kidnapped but alive in the end. I've only read a handful of books where people (good, evil or guilty by association) are killed/die and generally I'm neutral on the subject. This wasn't a deal breaker for the book though, likewise the planning and history revealed as a result of this character's death was thoroughly convincing and damning. That requires great skill and planning, I simply wished it hadn't happened. As a reader it's hard to continue on with the love story after a death and still have things flow lightly and naturally. The love story suddenly seems cheapened and that's why I'd assume most authors avoid it. McKenna does a decent job of not letting that happen, she probably even does an excellent job, but had the death not occurred it wouldn't have been a hindrance to the love story at all.
Some dialogue and language seemed silly. I don't think we are told the heroine's age (hero is 36) but she uses words like butt hole. I haven't used that word since I was 8, maybe 10. If she happens to be 10 in this book then, whoa...this book has issues I hadn't considered. In the event that she's over 10, the word usage wasn't cute or endearing and made the heroine unconvincing and immature. I'll concede that it was funny when the hero repeats the word while he's sulky. At one point the author writes something about (I'm paraphrasing) - 'Zan puts his face to her muff...and copious amounts of girl juice...' - and well, I'm not sure what to say to that but it seemed really strange. I've read this stuff a dozen times, described a dozen ways, but never like this so the language for me had bizarre points.
This isn't a complaint that only applies to this book but I don't like when we're about to read something really juicy at a chapter's end and instead of the next chapter continuing on, we are switched to the villain or lesser characters' point of view. I get that it's meant to build suspense, tension, blah, blah, blah. All if does it slow the momentum, cools my interest, removes me from the story and drives me bananas.
I suppose my biggest complaint is that all the elements of greatness exist in this book but something small, perhaps simply a matter of personality clashes (author vs reader), made this read less than great...but only a little.
My final verdict
3.5+
Overall a very good read. Minor complaints that shouldn't have had such a big impact but for me they did. This is perhaps a 4 star book but based on my preferences I couldn't rate it thus. If suspense/thriller romance is your thing this is probably something you'll enjoy. Maybe not a masterpiece but far from disappointing. I'm disheartened to not see any books following this one where the author explores Zan's siblings Jack, Jamie, Fiona and Christian. They'd all make for some great stories.
I learned some new words: speechifying and galleon to name a few.
The hero, Zan (Ale"xan"der): He's real, domineering, vulnerable and absolutely amazing. I wish this story would have been less about the suspense/thriller and more about the relationship because Zan was so, so great. I know it might not have been such a good read without all the plotting but all the pages wasted on Matty, Lucien, Elaine, Nannette, Bridget, etc. took away from Zan.
The intensity between Abby and Zan whenever they are together is sheer awesomesauce!
Pages 1-18. I just loved the way Zan and Abby met. I love what they say, what they do and don't do. It's clever, real, bold and sweet.
Sheba (with Zan) - Gotta love cats.
The sex scenes - What they lack in pace and details they made up for in intensity, frequency and steaminess.
The not so good stuff:
The love story isn't really there. There is lots of lust, naughty language, steamy scenes and overall cuteness between the pair. I'm not sure why these two fall in love and the HEA was even less realistic because of it but I didn't really care to be honest. It didn't lose anything for me, but it is a point to mention for other readers.
The villain murders one person in particular and the whole thing is quite upsetting. I believe the story could have had similar results had this person been instead, discovered comatose or kidnapped but alive in the end. I've only read a handful of books where people (good, evil or guilty by association) are killed/die and generally I'm neutral on the subject. This wasn't a deal breaker for the book though, likewise the planning and history revealed as a result of this character's death was thoroughly convincing and damning. That requires great skill and planning, I simply wished it hadn't happened. As a reader it's hard to continue on with the love story after a death and still have things flow lightly and naturally. The love story suddenly seems cheapened and that's why I'd assume most authors avoid it. McKenna does a decent job of not letting that happen, she probably even does an excellent job, but had the death not occurred it wouldn't have been a hindrance to the love story at all.
Some dialogue and language seemed silly. I don't think we are told the heroine's age (hero is 36) but she uses words like butt hole. I haven't used that word since I was 8, maybe 10. If she happens to be 10 in this book then, whoa...this book has issues I hadn't considered. In the event that she's over 10, the word usage wasn't cute or endearing and made the heroine unconvincing and immature. I'll concede that it was funny when the hero repeats the word while he's sulky. At one point the author writes something about (I'm paraphrasing) - 'Zan puts his face to her muff...and copious amounts of girl juice...' - and well, I'm not sure what to say to that but it seemed really strange. I've read this stuff a dozen times, described a dozen ways, but never like this so the language for me had bizarre points.
This isn't a complaint that only applies to this book but I don't like when we're about to read something really juicy at a chapter's end and instead of the next chapter continuing on, we are switched to the villain or lesser characters' point of view. I get that it's meant to build suspense, tension, blah, blah, blah. All if does it slow the momentum, cools my interest, removes me from the story and drives me bananas.
I suppose my biggest complaint is that all the elements of greatness exist in this book but something small, perhaps simply a matter of personality clashes (author vs reader), made this read less than great...but only a little.
My final verdict
3.5+
Overall a very good read. Minor complaints that shouldn't have had such a big impact but for me they did. This is perhaps a 4 star book but based on my preferences I couldn't rate it thus. If suspense/thriller romance is your thing this is probably something you'll enjoy. Maybe not a masterpiece but far from disappointing. I'm disheartened to not see any books following this one where the author explores Zan's siblings Jack, Jamie, Fiona and Christian. They'd all make for some great stories.
May 9, 2012
So, I don't really know how to rate this book. Did I like it? I am pretty sure I did, there is definitely a lot that I loved about it. I am going to end with that though, so the review doesn't seem so negative.
For one thing, Zan really irritated me as a name. I pretended his name was Dan. For another thing, like Travis in Beautiful Disaster, he was a what you see is what you get, wrong side of the tracks asshole where there is really no excuse at all made for his controlling and dickish behavior. Will they live happily ever after of will Abby show up in a women's shelter in for years having to explain why she got married to someone she knew for a fact loved to punch people after she had known him for like 4 days? You be the judge. To me, all romance characters live happily ever after by definition even if my brain is telling me that it is far fetched.
Speaking of things that are far fetched, these two regular people investigating the murder/ theft/ bizarre rape thing-a-ma-jig... yeah, they should've just called the police. I mean, I know that they did and the police didn't believe them, but apparently being a museum director dating a locksmith doesn't prepare you for investigating a murder. I think that Inspector Gadget was a more competent detective. I really think I would've enjoyed this a lot more if it had just been a straight romance with no suspense plot.
Anyway, onto the good- if you are the sort of person who loves to see macho assholes dating sweet young creatures, this book is amongst the best. If it was just a straight dating book I would probably have rated it much higher- it is the best romance of this type I have read since Beautiful Disaster, and I think that many fans of that book would really like this one. Zan's family was sweet and kind, and I loved reading about them. I also loved that he was just a regular guy and that there was no real explanation for his alphaness- he was just a manly locksmith, not a Navy seal or a vampire or a MMA champion. The sex scenes are scorching and amongst the best the genre has to offer. Even though this book wasn't really my thing at all times, it was extremely well written and I think that a lot of people will really love it!
For one thing, Zan really irritated me as a name. I pretended his name was Dan. For another thing, like Travis in Beautiful Disaster, he was a what you see is what you get, wrong side of the tracks asshole where there is really no excuse at all made for his controlling and dickish behavior. Will they live happily ever after of will Abby show up in a women's shelter in for years having to explain why she got married to someone she knew for a fact loved to punch people after she had known him for like 4 days? You be the judge. To me, all romance characters live happily ever after by definition even if my brain is telling me that it is far fetched.
Speaking of things that are far fetched, these two regular people investigating the murder/ theft/ bizarre rape thing-a-ma-jig... yeah, they should've just called the police. I mean, I know that they did and the police didn't believe them, but apparently being a museum director dating a locksmith doesn't prepare you for investigating a murder. I think that Inspector Gadget was a more competent detective. I really think I would've enjoyed this a lot more if it had just been a straight romance with no suspense plot.
Anyway, onto the good- if you are the sort of person who loves to see macho assholes dating sweet young creatures, this book is amongst the best. If it was just a straight dating book I would probably have rated it much higher- it is the best romance of this type I have read since Beautiful Disaster, and I think that many fans of that book would really like this one. Zan's family was sweet and kind, and I loved reading about them. I also loved that he was just a regular guy and that there was no real explanation for his alphaness- he was just a manly locksmith, not a Navy seal or a vampire or a MMA champion. The sex scenes are scorching and amongst the best the genre has to offer. Even though this book wasn't really my thing at all times, it was extremely well written and I think that a lot of people will really love it!
October 7, 2015
I think Shannon and I are breaking up. She's only got four characters: the main character woman who giggles, weeps, and stammers, and with whom -- despite these character traits -- men are obsessed; the main character man who knows various obscure forms of martial arts, is a sex god, and who sabotages the main character woman's job in all kinds of embarrassing ways because he knows that she's in danger; the eeeeeeevil villain who is just oh so evil, like really evil, like splashily, excessively, unnecessarily evil; and the sidekicks (old coots, aging mentors, pathetic victims, wrong place at the wrong timers, clueless sisters, patsies, coworkers, nemeses from the past, hapless henchmen, over-muscled brothers about whom there will be sequels, etc.).
I had my hopes up on this one. A locksmith! That's different. But it turns he's the same guy and she's the same girl and there's lots of the same edgy violence and edgy sexy -- all oozy and heave-y -- so I'm good. Moving on.
I had my hopes up on this one. A locksmith! That's different. But it turns he's the same guy and she's the same girl and there's lots of the same edgy violence and edgy sexy -- all oozy and heave-y -- so I'm good. Moving on.
February 9, 2015
3.5 คือมันก็สนุกนะเรื่องนี้ไม่ช่ายไม่สนุก พระเอกจู่โจมมากตั้งแต่มาไขกุญแจบ้านให้นางเอกล่ะ แล้วยังโคตรขี้หึงเลย หึงมากกกกกก สิ่งที่ไม่ชอบมีอย่างเดียวคือ เดี๋ยวดีเดี๋ยวร้าย เมื่อกี้่ยังคุยกันอยู่ดีๆอยู่เลย ทะเลาะกันอีกแล้ว แต่โดยรวมทั้งเรื่องสนุกดี ต้องชมนางเอกนะเรื่องนี้ ตามหาตัวคนฆ่าเพื่อนได้ไม่ต้องพึ่งตำรวจเลย
September 28, 2010
Wow! Great! Loved it! Wanted to read the whole book in one sitting.
This is equal parts suspense thriller and scorchingly hot romance. The suspense was frightening and kept me awake for a couple of nights, so be forewarned. The bad guy Lucien is frighteningly evil, cunning, smart, smooth and handsome. Zan is MIT intelligent, passionate and a gorgeous hunk. Abby has had some bad luck in life, including her bad choices in men. She survived and has succeeded in spite of those drawbacks.
Because of appearance and superficial reasons, Abby believes Zan is like her no-good past boyfriends and should be avoided. But the truth is he is right for her, she just doesn’t know it yet. Zan has a computer consulting business during the day, and he works as a locksmith at night. He doesn’t sleep much due to insomnia. Abby works in fundraising and project management in a local museum. Lucien is planning to steal an exhibit from the museum. Great storytelling.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: fifteen. Setting: current day Silver Fork, Oregon. Copyright: 2006. Genre: romantic suspense.
For a list of my reviews of other Shannon McKenna books, see my 5 star review of “Ultimate Weapon” posted 11/15/08.
This is equal parts suspense thriller and scorchingly hot romance. The suspense was frightening and kept me awake for a couple of nights, so be forewarned. The bad guy Lucien is frighteningly evil, cunning, smart, smooth and handsome. Zan is MIT intelligent, passionate and a gorgeous hunk. Abby has had some bad luck in life, including her bad choices in men. She survived and has succeeded in spite of those drawbacks.
Because of appearance and superficial reasons, Abby believes Zan is like her no-good past boyfriends and should be avoided. But the truth is he is right for her, she just doesn’t know it yet. Zan has a computer consulting business during the day, and he works as a locksmith at night. He doesn’t sleep much due to insomnia. Abby works in fundraising and project management in a local museum. Lucien is planning to steal an exhibit from the museum. Great storytelling.
Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: fifteen. Setting: current day Silver Fork, Oregon. Copyright: 2006. Genre: romantic suspense.
For a list of my reviews of other Shannon McKenna books, see my 5 star review of “Ultimate Weapon” posted 11/15/08.
September 5, 2011
2.5-3 stars.
This is the second book by SM I've read and it'll probably be my last. There is, unfortunately, something about her writing that I don't connect with completely.
The story was fine and entertaining in some parts but I wanted the book to end about 100-150 pages before the author ended it. Both books I've read have been a struggle for me to get through.
Hot Night had very few characters I liked. I liked Zan, I sometimes liked Abby, I really liked Nanette, but pretty much everyone else I either hated or just mildly disliked. I didn't understand why Abby started telling Lucien . Ugh.
Unforunately is it highly unlikely that I'll try this author again.
This is the second book by SM I've read and it'll probably be my last. There is, unfortunately, something about her writing that I don't connect with completely.
The story was fine and entertaining in some parts but I wanted the book to end about 100-150 pages before the author ended it. Both books I've read have been a struggle for me to get through.
Hot Night had very few characters I liked. I liked Zan, I sometimes liked Abby, I really liked Nanette, but pretty much everyone else I either hated or just mildly disliked. I didn't understand why Abby started telling Lucien . Ugh.
Unforunately is it highly unlikely that I'll try this author again.
February 25, 2012
This is typical Shannon McKenna fare. If you've read one book, you've read them all. I'm not complaining. She's a decent writer with a knack for the outrageous. Her stories won't bore you. I've just decided, however, that I really don't like her heroines or her heroes (for the most part). The women are blithering, mindless idiots who swing from constant anger to constant desire. It's annoying. The main girl in this book was Abby Maitland, and I intensely disliked her. She's a materialistic, shallow excuse of a person. The hero, Zan Duncan, would've been okay if he didn't allow himself to be treated like a doormat. He was overall super-pathetic. I was very disappointed in this one.
December 15, 2010
OK this was more like 2.5 stars. I usually really like Ms. McKenna's work, but this one I just didn't like all that much. There really was no mystery, no guessing who did it since you know all along. I didn't buy into the HEA ending at all. I mean, beyond lust, how did they fall in love? They never talked about themselves, they were either having sex or fighting. Seriously no communication either. I've read better by her.
May 12, 2013
She's good. All her stories are so similar and yet different. Strong women who might seem weak but aren't. Bad boys with issues for heroes. Proper plots - she does romantic suspense better than most. Hot sex. Hotter actually that I usually expect from Brava books but always fits with the story. The villain was horrible - which was great! An very enjoyable read.
March 21, 2008
A hot and steamy read. Ms McKenna can certainly put out some drool-worthy heroes. The hero, Zan, is smart, gorgeous and alpha. Abby had her issues and doesn't trust Zan's interest. Great balance of romance and suspense with an emphasis on HOT romance.
March 2, 2022
GREAT SUSPENSE THRILLER!
Shannon writes amazing erotic thriller books and I had wonderful time reading them. I highly recommend this and the rest of her books. It is beautifully written and very addictive. All her books have alpha male and strong female and she has such excellent talent.
Shannon writes amazing erotic thriller books and I had wonderful time reading them. I highly recommend this and the rest of her books. It is beautifully written and very addictive. All her books have alpha male and strong female and she has such excellent talent.
March 7, 2008
This is my favorite Shannon Mckenna book... Zan is HOT!
March 29, 2009
LOVE LOVE LOVE Shannon!
January 10, 2025
กู้ข้อมูลสมัยที่เขียนรีวิวที่ exteen มาได้เลยเอามาแปะไว้ค่ะ สมัยนั้นรีวิวไปเล่าเรื่องส่วนตัวไป เลยจะมีเรื่องชีวิตประจำวันมาแทรกตลอดนะคะ ขออภัยด้วย
เพิ่งอ่านเรื่องนี้จบไปแบบสดสดร้อนร้อน นั่นก็คือเรื่อง Hot Night ของแชนน่อน แม็คเคนน่า ซึ่งเป็นนักเขียนที่เราชื่นชอบมากที่สุดคนหนึ่ง หนังสือเรื่องนี้เราค่อนข้างตั้งหน้าตั้งตารอคอยนะคะ เพราะเข้าใจผิดคิดว่ามีพล็อตเรื่องแบบที่เราชอบ
คงเห็นคำว่าเข้าใจผิดที่เราพิมพ์ไป
ความเข้าใจผิดของเราก็คือคิดว่าหนังสือเรื่องเป็นเรื่องแนวผจญภัยหาสมบัติเรือสแปนิชโบราณ นางเอกเป็นนักโบราณคดี ส่วนพระเอกเป็นนักผจญภัย แต่เมื่อหยิบหนังสือมาอ่านเราก็พบว่าเราคิดผิดทั้งหมด
เริ่มตั้งแต่นางเอกไม่ใช่นักโบราณคดี แต่เป็นผู้จัดการฝ่ายจัดหาเงินทุนของพิพิธภัณฑ์ที่กำลังแสดงโชว์สมบัติจากเรื่องสแปนิชโบราณ ส่วนพระเอกก็เป็นช่างกุญแจ
ใช่แล้ว คุณไม่ได้ตาฝาด พระเอกเรื่องนี้เป็นช่างกุญแจ
ทั้งสองได้พบกันเมื่อนางเอกลืมกุญแจไว้ในบ้านของตัวเอง และต้องโทรศัพท์ตามช่างกุญแจมาช่วยสะเดาะกลอน และพระเอกของเราก็มา ตามแนวของแชนน่อนอาการเจอกันครั้งแรกก็ร้อนแรงสมชื่อเรื่อง พระเอกของเราไม่ต้องการเงินค่าสะเดาะกุญแจ แต่ขอแลกเป็นเบอร์โทรศัพท์และจุมพิตจากนางเอก
เท่าที่อ่านงานของแชนน่อนมา เราว่าเรื่องนี้เป็นงานที่ดีที่สุดของเธอค่ะ เฉือนชนะเรื่อง "กลับมาหาฉัน" (Return to me) ได้นิดเดียวเอง ที่ชอบเรื่องนี้มากเพราะเรามองว่านี่เป็นพัฒนาการก้าวสำคัญของผู้แต่ง ในที่สุดเธอก็เขียนพระเอกที่ไม่มีอาการเหมือนคนเป็นโรคจิต และนางเอกที่มีกระดูกสันหลังมากพอจะกล่าวคำว่าไม่ กับพระเอกได้
เรื่องนี้เราชอบแซน (คิดว่าอ่านอย่างนี้นะ เพราะพระเอกชื่อเต็มว่าอเล็กแซนเดอร์) เขาเป็นผู้ชายที่มีภูมิหลังแต่ไม่ปล่อยให้มันมีอิทธิพลเหนือการกระทำของตัวเอง เราชอบที่เขาพร้อมจะเปลี่ยนแปลงตัวเองเพื่อให้คู่ควรกะนางเอก ชอบที่เขายังคงรักษาความดิบเถื่อนตามสไตล์พระเอกของแชนน่อนเอาไว้โดยไม่ดูเหมือนพวกโรคจิต
เราชอบแอ็บบี้นางเอก แม้ว่าจะน้อยกว่าแซนมาก ชอบที่เธอมีสติมากพอ และใจร้ายกับพระเอก แม้ว่าหลายครั้งเรารู้สึกว่ามันเกือบจะข้ามเส้นไป เธอเคยมีประสบการณ์กับผู้ชายที่ผิดพลาด และพยายามเรียนรู้จากมัน เธอมีรายชื่อคุณสมบัติผู้ชายในสเป็คยาวเหยียด และเกือบทุกข้อไม่ใช่สิ่งที่พระเอกของเรามี เธอพยายามปฏิเสธเขา และนี่เองเป็นสิ่งที่ทำให้หนังสือเรื่องนี้น่าอ่าน เพราะแซนไม่ยอมแพ้โดยง่าย เขาตามตื้อเธอแม้จะถูกปฏิเสธ
แน่นอนว่าอาวุธสำคัญที่พระเอกของเรามีก็คือประกายไฟวูบวาบที่ทั้งคู่มีให้กัน ซึ่งก็เป็นไปตามชื่อเรื่อง มันกลายเป็นค่ำคืนแห่งความร้อนแรง เมื่อแซนยื่นข้อเสนอขอเป็นคนรักแบบลับกับนางเอก เขาบอกกะเธอว่า ไม่จำเป็นจะต้องพาเขาออกโชว์กับเพื่อนฝูง ไม่ต้องกังวลว่าเขาจะทำให้เธอขายหน้า ขอแค่ให้ยอมรับเขาเป็นคนรักในความมืดกับเธอ
ผู้หญิงคนไหนจะปฏิเสธข้อเสนออย่างนั้นได้ แอ็บบี้ก็เช่นกัน
ธีมหลักของเรื่องก็คือการสอนนางเอกว่า ชายในฝันไม่จำเป็นจะต้องสมบูรณ์แบบ ผู้ชายที่มีคุณลักษณะตรงกับที่แอ็บบี้ต้องการ สุดท้ายก็กลายเป็นฆาตกรโรคจิต ในขณะที่ช่างกุญแจที่ทำงานกะดึกของเรากลับเป็นเจ้าชายขี่ม้าขาวที่เธอรอคอยมานาน
โดยรวมแล้วไม่ผิดหวังกับเรื่องนี้ค่ะ ไม่รู้ว่าส่วนหนึ่งเป็นเพราะได้ยินข่าวลือจากเพื่อนมาว่าเรื่องนี้ไม่สนุกหรือเปล่า ทำให้เราไม่ค่อยได้ตั้งความหวังเท่าไหร ทำให้พออ่านเข้าจริงจึงรู้สึกสนุกมาก
เพิ่งอ่านเรื่องนี้จบไปแบบสดสดร้อนร้อน นั่นก็คือเรื่อง Hot Night ของแชนน่อน แม็คเคนน่า ซึ่งเป็นนักเขียนที่เราชื่นชอบมากที่สุดคนหนึ่ง หนังสือเรื่องนี้เราค่อนข้างตั้งหน้าตั้งตารอคอยนะคะ เพราะเข้าใจผิดคิดว่ามีพล็อตเรื่องแบบที่เราชอบ
คงเห็นคำว่าเข้าใจผิดที่เราพิมพ์ไป
ความเข้าใจผิดของเราก็คือคิดว่าหนังสือเรื่องเป็นเรื่องแนวผจญภัยหาสมบัติเรือสแปนิชโบราณ นางเอกเป็นนักโบราณคดี ส่วนพระเอกเป็นนักผจญภัย แต่เมื่อหยิบหนังสือมาอ่านเราก็พบว่าเราคิดผิดทั้งหมด
เริ่มตั้งแต่นางเอกไม่ใช่นักโบราณคดี แต่เป็นผู้จัดการฝ่ายจัดหาเงินทุนของพิพิธภัณฑ์ที่กำลังแสดงโชว์สมบัติจากเรื่องสแปนิชโบราณ ส่วนพระเอกก็เป็นช่างกุญแจ
ใช่แล้ว คุณไม่ได้ตาฝาด พระเอกเรื่องนี้เป็นช่างกุญแจ
ทั้งสองได้พบกันเมื่อนางเอกลืมกุญแจไว้ในบ้านของตัวเอง และต้องโทรศัพท์ตามช่างกุญแจมาช่วยสะเดาะกลอน และพระเอกของเราก็มา ตามแนวของแชนน่อนอาการเจอกันครั้งแรกก็ร้อนแรงสมชื่อเรื่อง พระเอกของเราไม่ต้องการเงินค่าสะเดาะกุญแจ แต่ขอแลกเป็นเบอร์โทรศัพท์และจุมพิตจากนางเอก
เท่าที่อ่านงานของแชนน่อนมา เราว่าเรื่องนี้เป็นงานที่ดีที่สุดของเธอค่ะ เฉือนชนะเรื่อง "กลับมาหาฉัน" (Return to me) ได้นิดเดียวเอง ที่ชอบเรื่องนี้มากเพราะเรามองว่านี่เป็นพัฒนาการก้าวสำคัญของผู้แต่ง ในที่สุดเธอก็เขียนพระเอกที่ไม่มีอาการเหมือนคนเป็นโรคจิต และนางเอกที่มีกระดูกสันหลังมากพอจะกล่าวคำว่าไม่ กับพระเอกได้
เรื่องนี้เราชอบแซน (คิดว่าอ่านอย่างนี้นะ เพราะพระเอกชื่อเต็มว่าอเล็กแซนเดอร์) เขาเป็นผู้ชายที่มีภูมิหลังแต่ไม่ปล่อยให้มันมีอิทธิพลเหนือการกระทำของตัวเอง เราชอบที่เขาพร้อมจะเปลี่ยนแปลงตัวเองเพื่อให้คู่ควรกะนางเอก ชอบที่เขายังคงรักษาความดิบเถื่อนตามสไตล์พระเอกของแชนน่อนเอาไว้โดยไม่ดูเหมือนพวกโรคจิต
เราชอบแอ็บบี้นางเอก แม้ว่าจะน้อยกว่าแซนมาก ชอบที่เธอมีสติมากพอ และใจร้ายกับพระเอก แม้ว่าหลายครั้งเรารู้สึกว่ามันเกือบจะข้ามเส้นไป เธอเคยมีประสบการณ์กับผู้ชายที่ผิดพลาด และพยายามเรียนรู้จากมัน เธอมีรายชื่อคุณสมบัติผู้ชายในสเป็คยาวเหยียด และเกือบทุกข้อไม่ใช่สิ่งที่พระเอกของเรามี เธอพยายามปฏิเสธเขา และนี่เองเป็นสิ่งที่ทำให้หนังสือเรื่องนี้น่าอ่าน เพราะแซนไม่ยอมแพ้โดยง่าย เขาตามตื้อเธอแม้จะถูกปฏิเสธ
แน่นอนว่าอาวุธสำคัญที่พระเอกของเรามีก็คือประกายไฟวูบวาบที่ทั้งคู่มีให้กัน ซึ่งก็เป็นไปตามชื่อเรื่อง มันกลายเป็นค่ำคืนแห่งความร้อนแรง เมื่อแซนยื่นข้อเสนอขอเป็นคนรักแบบลับกับนางเอก เขาบอกกะเธอว่า ไม่จำเป็นจะต้องพาเขาออกโชว์กับเพื่อนฝูง ไม่ต้องกังวลว่าเขาจะทำให้เธอขายหน้า ขอแค่ให้ยอมรับเขาเป็นคนรักในความมืดกับเธอ
ผู้หญิงคนไหนจะปฏิเสธข้อเสนออย่างนั้นได้ แอ็บบี้ก็เช่นกัน
ธีมหลักของเรื่องก็คือการสอนนางเอกว่า ชายในฝันไม่จำเป็นจะต้องสมบูรณ์แบบ ผู้ชายที่มีคุณลักษณะตรงกับที่แอ็บบี้ต้องการ สุดท้ายก็กลายเป็นฆาตกรโรคจิต ในขณะที่ช่างกุญแจที่ทำงานกะดึกของเรากลับเป็นเจ้าชายขี่ม้าขาวที่เธอรอคอยมานาน
โดยรวมแล้วไม่ผิดหวังกับเรื่องนี้ค่ะ ไม่รู้ว่าส่วนหนึ่งเป็นเพราะได้ยินข่าวลือจากเพื่อนมาว่าเรื่องนี้ไม่สนุกหรือเปล่า ทำให้เราไม่ค่อยได้ตั้งความหวังเท่าไหร ทำให้พออ่านเข้าจริงจึงรู้สึกสนุกมาก
September 12, 2020
Trying to act human
I have to start off by saying that I really liked the first few installments of McKenna's McCloud brothers series. As I read these books for their escapist fantasies I don't mind improbable plots, slightly needy heroines, sinister villains and alpha males with a controlling tendency, although McKenna has skated the edge with some of her heroes. I even enjoy graphic sex scence with some kink. So, why didn't I then like "Hot Night" at all?
First, the plot is not only improbable but over wide stretches also quite unmotivated and has consistency breaks all over it. The psychopath villain is gorgeous to look at, can function perfectly well in all social situations and has no psychological motivation at all. The secondary villain is a really sad slob but he turns hero at the end, again with no psychological motivation. The hero and heroine are particularly overdrawn; her main attraction seems to be a pair of big boobs on which the hero is fixated and the hero in turn is very well endowed, too, in fact they refer to his "rude brute" all the time. The sex scenes are just awful; they are neither sexy nor exciting but seem to be scripted from a bad porn movie. They have sex all the time, perform fellatio on each other on the first (or was it second) date, can go all night, and practice conception by him pulling out just before the grand finale (as if that would work). The biggest turnoff for me was the gazillion descriptions of him taking himself "in hand".... And if all that wasn't bad enough I felt there was absolutely zero emotional connection between the two, no clue as to what they saw in each other as persons. In their dialogue it didn't even feel as if they were remotely on the same plane. As a matter of fact the two main protagonists of this novel felt to me as if they were aliens trying to be human; they tried feeling and behaving like humans but didn't quite manage to get it right...
I think at the end I would have liked the book better if the villain had managed to kill off the hero and the heroine...
I have to start off by saying that I really liked the first few installments of McKenna's McCloud brothers series. As I read these books for their escapist fantasies I don't mind improbable plots, slightly needy heroines, sinister villains and alpha males with a controlling tendency, although McKenna has skated the edge with some of her heroes. I even enjoy graphic sex scence with some kink. So, why didn't I then like "Hot Night" at all?
First, the plot is not only improbable but over wide stretches also quite unmotivated and has consistency breaks all over it. The psychopath villain is gorgeous to look at, can function perfectly well in all social situations and has no psychological motivation at all. The secondary villain is a really sad slob but he turns hero at the end, again with no psychological motivation. The hero and heroine are particularly overdrawn; her main attraction seems to be a pair of big boobs on which the hero is fixated and the hero in turn is very well endowed, too, in fact they refer to his "rude brute" all the time. The sex scenes are just awful; they are neither sexy nor exciting but seem to be scripted from a bad porn movie. They have sex all the time, perform fellatio on each other on the first (or was it second) date, can go all night, and practice conception by him pulling out just before the grand finale (as if that would work). The biggest turnoff for me was the gazillion descriptions of him taking himself "in hand".... And if all that wasn't bad enough I felt there was absolutely zero emotional connection between the two, no clue as to what they saw in each other as persons. In their dialogue it didn't even feel as if they were remotely on the same plane. As a matter of fact the two main protagonists of this novel felt to me as if they were aliens trying to be human; they tried feeling and behaving like humans but didn't quite manage to get it right...
I think at the end I would have liked the book better if the villain had managed to kill off the hero and the heroine...
February 2, 2022
This is one of the hottest books I've ever read! We knew who the serial killer was it was just a guess when it would be revealed to the characters in the book. I was not sure I was going to like the hero Zan, Alexander Duncan, because he was such a dominant and Abby Maitland couldn't decide if she liked him or not. They have animal chemistry that is off the charts. Abby seems to bring chaos and trouble in her wake everywhere she goes, much to her frustration. We meet them when she's coming home from another bad blind date and is locked out of her apartment. Zan, a computer consultant who moonlights as a locksmith, comes and rescues her from her abusive date and lets her into her apartment. Their lives keep intersecting and their chemistry can't be denied. Eventually they end up investigating her best friend's murder that leads to the unexpected serial killer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
February 13, 2022
Long before there were review sites I discovered Shannon McKenna's books in my local library. After reading her anthology, I became hooked on her writing style and immediately read every book that she had written at the time. Hot Night will always be one of my favorites. Zan and Abby have a very unique "meet cute" and that sets the tone for their entire story. What really draws the reader into Hot Night is the suspense aspect of their story. Abby works at the local art museum and Zan is a local locksmith. When they are thrown together again on the job neither realizes what is happening all around them. Zan and Abby are multi-layered characters and as their story unfurls I really became invested in them and their future. Hot Night was a great romantic suspense stand alone however I have always wished that there would be additional stories connected to it. It was told from dual POV and was twisty and hot and everything that I wanted and more!
March 2, 2022
Another thrilling enthralling plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Shannon Mckenna has a way with characters: from irresistibly witty and totally charming to twisted evil, all drawn in a magnificent way. She just knows how to make it work and that works for me!
Hot Night tells the story of Abby who's trying to figure out her romantic life and the murder of her bestfriend.... Zan just happens to tag along... okay, not exactly... he does way more than that. Somehow, he just keeps finding himself in awkward situations overwhelmed by jealousy, even if for good reason.
Time flew by as I was reading. An amazing page turner this one. And the best part? The dialogues, of course!
It was heartwarming, funny, smartly-written, filled with well-thought twists and terrifying villains.
It was easy (and oh so nice!) to get sucked in the book and forget the real world for a while.
Shannon Mckenna has a way with characters: from irresistibly witty and totally charming to twisted evil, all drawn in a magnificent way. She just knows how to make it work and that works for me!
Hot Night tells the story of Abby who's trying to figure out her romantic life and the murder of her bestfriend.... Zan just happens to tag along... okay, not exactly... he does way more than that. Somehow, he just keeps finding himself in awkward situations overwhelmed by jealousy, even if for good reason.
Time flew by as I was reading. An amazing page turner this one. And the best part? The dialogues, of course!
It was heartwarming, funny, smartly-written, filled with well-thought twists and terrifying villains.
It was easy (and oh so nice!) to get sucked in the book and forget the real world for a while.
July 19, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Shannon McKenna. My introduction to her style was a good book. Not overwhelmingly great, but a good enough book to keep me reading. The sex was a little in your face, hot to be sure, but seemed a little over the top to me. And no those are not puns! I did like the male character, Zan. His character seemed more developed than his costar, Abby. Try as she might, Abby left me with an impression of a weak damsel. Not my favorite type of leading lady. The overall plot was pretty good, but left a little something to be desired. Too contrived maybe? Anyway, it was good enough to have me trying another of her titles, but not so great I'm rushing to tell everyone I know to read her book.
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February 8, 2022Absolutely loved this book!! It's a classic Shannon with lots of action, emotion and steamy love scenes. I love how long it was so that we could really fall in love with the characters Zan and Abby. I am a sucker for a rescue story but of a strong-willed independent woman. Even though it was full length I flew through it wanting to see what happened. Zan's brooding personality is my favorite in a main character, I love how unvarnished and raw he is *blush* Shannon never disappoints and I always look forward to her books. They are the most thumbed through on my bookshelf. Happy reading fellow book lovers!
February 9, 2022
She’s in more danger than she knows.
Abby is done with dating bad boys. Absolutely DONE! But when Zan rescues her from a nice guy gone rogue date, where she also managed to lock herself out of her home, she’s not sure she can resist him. But no, she’s sticking to her guns no matter how much trouble she’s in. When Zan offers no strings, she’s up for that but they’ve become the target of a dangerous man. Can Zan save Abby? Will their red-hot chemistry allow her to break her rules and will they find an HEA? Fast paced read. Smoking hot. Fun heroine, even if she can’t see what’s in front of her. Great hero, he’ll save and protect his woman, and keep the heat up. Good read.
Abby is done with dating bad boys. Absolutely DONE! But when Zan rescues her from a nice guy gone rogue date, where she also managed to lock herself out of her home, she’s not sure she can resist him. But no, she’s sticking to her guns no matter how much trouble she’s in. When Zan offers no strings, she’s up for that but they’ve become the target of a dangerous man. Can Zan save Abby? Will their red-hot chemistry allow her to break her rules and will they find an HEA? Fast paced read. Smoking hot. Fun heroine, even if she can’t see what’s in front of her. Great hero, he’ll save and protect his woman, and keep the heat up. Good read.
March 28, 2022
A supposed romantic suspense but a little convoluted. Abby likes bad boys but always has bad luck with them. Duh! She has a list of requirements which is shallow and stupid. Zan is a hunk with bad boy written all over him. They both have murky pasts and throw in a psycho thief and murderer and dominant sex and there's your book. My first book by this author and not really interested in anything else she may have written.
September 21, 2017
I'm giving this four stars for the writing style & readability, but there were several factors that didn't sit well with me. The intrigue had a bit too much ick factor, and although Zan was good in bed, he could be a real butthead. In the end, I actually felt sorry that Abby was in love with him. She had a hard life to look forward to.
January 31, 2022
Zan will be your next book boyfriend! This sexy romance features an alpha male and a skittish female who's been burned too many times. Not to mention the suspense! I was glued to the pages. This author is new to me but I will definitely be reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2023
I didn't think I would like it. The banter was sub par with intense bedroom scenes that made me uncomfortable. Could be a trigger for someone who has been in an abusive relationship. BUT the thriller aspect did keep me on my feet and by the end of the book the two main characters made sense. Their banter was even ok.
Happy ending
Happy ending
February 6, 2022
I enjoyed this story. It had suspense, intrigue, and romance. The story moved a long a good pace and the development of the characters and stories was well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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