After Midnight

Nightwind #2

by Suzanne Halliday

Former Delta Force and current Nightwind CEO Jon Weston has always thought of himself as a lone wolf. His solitary life suits him just fine, and he has no problem keeping it that way. Imagine his surprise when he meets Lorelai Midnight and something inside of him shifts.

Lorelai is a dancer, actress, and singer who’s busy chasing her Broadway dreams. But three years in without a big break has her family making noises about packing it in and moving back home.

Neither of them were looking for anything serious, but fate has other plans. With her family pressuring her to leave, Jon realizes he needs to seal the deal before she’s gone. Lorelai is definitely interested but there’s a catch.

After Midnight is what happens when a free-spirited beauty challenges a Delta’s outlook.

Sometimes all it takes is the right person.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Military Romance, Chick Lit, Military Fiction, Suspense

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author of military romance and contemporary fiction

I'm a lifelong reader of romance, and a busy storyteller with more than 2 million words in print. If you're looking for a new book boyfriend or a good time with laughter and sizzle, check out my catalog of books.

Warning: HAPPILY EVER AFTER GUARANTEED

You can find me all over social media as @suzannehalliday

Currently enjoying desert life in southern Nevada #VegasStrong

PROUD mother of USA Today Bestselling Author, Ella Fox.

Reviews

[Fiona Fog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in The Nightwind Series and I loved it! The follow up was exceptional! You sometimes go in reading the next book in a series and can’t help but wonder will it deliver. And it did. In spades. The emotional pull with our two leads Jon and Lorelai captures you from that opening chapter.

The brief glimpse we got in book one had me wanting answers to the questions I had going around in my head.

Jon Weston is partners with Lee Kingsley in the Nightwind agency. Both ex-miliitary. Jon Weston’s past is not for the fainthearted. His upbringing is the stuff of nightmares. Seeing his young life through his inner narrative and what he shares with Lorelia will make you cry. Even though the past is long gone the mental and the physical scars never fade.

He’s such a strong character and watching the slow burn between these two is hot. The banter is a given. Suzanne’s ability to engage a reader is second to none. She doesn’t just write a story. She makes the reader invested. Not only with the leads but also with the secondary characters. It’s always an experience when her books hit my kindle. I never know what I’m going to get but I know 100 percent I’m in for a ride I don’t want to get off from.

Lorelai is our lead heroine. Living in the building that King and Jon own, she’s here to pursue her dreams. She may have thought it was the stage but her dream I feel led her to where she was suppose to be. To Jon. She may be young but her strength shines through. Her vibrance lights up the pages. You’ll love her. Her empathy, and her ability to see more than what most people do is something I love in a character. She’s not a frivolous twenty something. I think that’s what I love most.


Watching these two navigate the attraction they have will have you in sucked in. Normally it’s always the female lead who emerges as a butterfly but for me it was watching Jon and the changes the younger Lorelai brought out in him. Her love and her faith in this man helped him open up. His character grew as the story went on. There was more to Jon than what you see. It just needed someone to see him. As a person and someone worthy of love. Someone who’d be there for him. No strings.

It’s pretty much the simple things in life that bring about the changes one thought they didn’t see or thought they deserved. And with Jon it was someone who cared about him. Not his money, his past. Just someone who looked at the man.

There’s no games. No coyness. It’s a simple love story. One that has you rooting for these two. For Jon to get his happily ever after and for Lorelai it’s someone to share the happiness that she has in abundance.



The characters are not dumbed down. I find some authors do that and for what reason I don’t know. because for me it’s a massive turn off. I don’t want dumb. I want strong leads. I want strong secondary characters. Ones that I can ponder on and wonder what’ll happen to them in future books. The ground work is laid now we just have to see what she’s going to do.

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 🤔🤔🌟s

There were parts that I couldn’t stop reading but there were bigger ones that didn’t excite me that much.
Jon and Lorelai were great characters, well developed, building their love story gradually.
It was emotional but a very slow burn read and had its cheesy moments which I don’t enjoy in first place.

[ZETTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting To Him!!!

Jon Weston, a former Delta Force, King's friend and business partner whom we've only heard about in the previous book, BEFORE DAWN...He came back home after an European assignment just in time to do his best man duty and take the reins of the agency while Lee spent time with his fiancee and their children before their upcoming wedding. He always thought his line wolf lifestyle was what he wanted until he met his beautiful, smart and talented neighbor, Lorelai Midnight.

Lorelai Midnight had a huge crush on her sexy and reclusive neighbor, Jon Weston. She was a dancer, actress and singer but things weren't working out for her. Her Broadway dreams were crashing around her and her family wanted her to pack up and move back home.



They both have been yearning for each other for kind some time now they were about to spend a lot of time together while they took care of the preparations of their friends' wedding. When Jon found out about her family's plans to call her back home, he decided to put all his cards on the table. She was very intrigued but she wasn't going to make things easy for him, that's for sure.

Jon had a rough childhood and his first marriage was a mistake, he was grateful to have found Lee and Toni, they were his family. Now that said family was expanding and he couldn't be happier.



Loved how open and comfortable Jon was with Lola, they just clicked. He was so honored that she trusted him with her most valued treasure. Ooh la la, it was a treat to see Roman Bishop ( HOUSE OF BISHOP , JUSTICE BROTHERS , FAMILY JUSTICE , WILDE WOMEN ) making a cameo. I enjoyed his banter with Jon.

Lorelai was the one Jon needed in order for him to come out of his shell, and vice versa. They complimented each other perfectly. Their journey was breathtaking. So glad that they both got their HEA.

AFTER MIDNIGHT is the second book in Suzanne Halliday's newest series, NIGHTWIND . It was fun, passionate and exhilarating. Magnificent job by Suzanne Halliday. This series keeps getting better and better with each book. 5++++

P. S. Looking forward to Arnie's story! ;)

****I received this book, without any obligation to review.****

***Teasers courtesy of Suzanne Halliday.****

[Heather Fudge · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Midnight is wonderful. As always, Suzanne Halliday does not disappoint with her characters and storyline.

Jon Weston thinks he's too older for his young, beautiful and enchanting neighbor Lorelei Midnight. However, he is captivated by her from their first meeting. He has always watched her from afar, but when his friend and business partner falls in love with one of her best friends, they need to collaborate as members of their wedding party. Lola quickly proves to him that age is simply a number. Her zest for life brings him out of the darkness cast on him by a nasty upbringing and former life as a Delta Force operative. Once they begin to explore their feelings for one another, they quickly learn that they are meant to be. He thought a happily ever after was never in the cards for him, but life After Midnight is more than he could've ever dreamed possible.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Nightwind series, and it was fabulous. After Midnight had everything that you need in a book. It has a great plot, an excellent play on words, sizzling romantic moments, lovable characters, and a happily ever after. The only thing that I didn’t like about it was that it ended. Life has been ugly to Jon. He doesn’t quite believe that he deserves that special someone. Lorelai is a full of life, and she is a wonderful friend of Dawn’s. She just hadn’t met the right person yet to fall in love with. Fortunately the right time and place bring them together. Suzanne Halliday delivers her usual, wonderful wit and awesome story telling. I can’t wait for more stories in this series!!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Midnight... so wonderful

The second book in the Nightwind series is a lovely story that checks all the boxes. It’s a steamy, slow burn romance. It’s laugh out loud funny. The characters are well developed, funny and lovable, and have faced challenges but aren’t tragic. It’s well paced, but it isn’t a short book. How the Ms Halliday managed to publish this book so soon after the first amazes me. It doesn’t feel hurried at all.

Jon and Lorelei’s story could be read on its own. There are enough details to fill you in about backstories that you wouldn’t feel lost. However there are plenty of references to other books, and cameo appearances to keep things really interesting if you’ve read Ms Halliday’s other books (which I highly recommend!)

The story is told with vivid imagery. The way scenes are described, the analogies used, the rich vocabulary... it drags you in and keeps the story moving along, and occasionally causes a case of the giggles. The music references are really fun, and I‘m still humming, “After Midnight.” The mental image of a former Delta operative having “Tiny Dancer” as a ring tone. The poopy diaper scene! I don’t want to spoil the story, so I won’t go on.

Going into the story, I knew Jon’s character was a good guy, but as his heartbreaking backstory was revealed, I was amazed by how good of a person he truly was. He approached finding his HEA with a sense of wonder that really get you to cheering for him. Lorelei is a hoot, quite the free spirit, coming from a privileged background, but not spoiled. The two characters are perfect for each other. Now, I need to wait impatiently for Arnie’s story.

[Sian Bulpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just know.

Omg After Midnight is an amazing modern day Beauty and the Beast but with lots more to it.
You have an Alpha male that wants to be left alone but can't keep his eyes off the young enchanting Lorelai.
Lorelai is a free spirt that just knows when he's the one but trying to convince Jon, a Delta force vet with a gruff exterior that is a different matter. Throw in the age difference that Jon is obsessed about and you know your in for alot of fun.
I couldn't put this book down, you'll laugh cry cringed slap your forehead and just plan love this read.
Plus you've got the fun of organising a wedding things, transforming Jon to be best man ready. Both denying what they feel and then the Nightwind crew to add to it all.
I would say just read it and see what I'm babbling about.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation

After Midnight is book 2 in the Nightwind series by Suzanne Halliday and what an amazing book!

This book is about Jon Weston, former Delta Force and CEO of Nightwind. He has always thought himself a loner and liked it that way until Lorelei Midnight came on the scene and blew it up! What happens between these two will make you chuckle, cry, chemistry, rooting for them as individuals and as a couple and finding a love that’s stronger than forever!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorelai (aka Lola) & Jon's story is super light & fun! There's no relationship drama - or really any outside drama, either. This story is all about their falling in love while working together on King & Dawn's wedding parties. I love the sense of family w/ this group, and how all the characters work well together. There are a lot of LOL moments, and some super sexy times as well. And I'm looking forward to reading Arnie's story next! I'm definitely intrigued... : )

[Carly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I dislike most age-gap romances. There’s something cheesy and borderline creepy about older men-younger women engaging in activities and behaviors that don’t quite fit. So, why did I pick this up to read? Because I like the way Ms. Halliday writes. I’ve read other books by her and enjoyed them. This one left me flat. It needs a plot, desperately. It is indeed character-driven, but I didn’t much care for the characters, none of whom showed a lot of depth.

We have a grumpy forty-year-old hero who survived a helicopter crash as a Delta operator. He is physically affected by the crash, as expected – helicopters don’t have a glide ratio; they go down fast and crumple up, sometimes exploding. He’s also had some bad life lessons in the forms of a cruel mother and a bully for a stepfather, as well as an ex-wife who wanted the military benies, but not the military man. The divorce was contentious.

Our heroine is a pampered suburban princess—her words—and she most certainly is. At twenty-five, she lives off her family’s dime. She’s never worked for a living, never had to make her own way, has had everything handed to her on a golden platter. The Brooklyn apartment she lives in—hugely expensive and housing other wealthy folk—is paid for by her parents. Her education at Rutgers and her current lifestyle have been financed by her parents. And now…at twenty-five…she’s pouting because they want her to come back home and help run the family landscaping/design business. Instead, she runs from her mom and dad into the arms of another daddy.

Lorelai is far removed from real life. As she muses to herself, “Coupon-clipping single moms who sleep on the sofa so her little ones get a bedroom could only dream about fancy spas and limousines.” Then she goes on to think how romantic her friend’s fiancé is to give a spa-gift to the bridal party. What? This makes her sound like a shallow, self-serving twit—which she is, actually—and this rather seals that opinion. The sentence is superfluous, vis á vis nothing. It is also bad grammar, missing subject-verb agreement.

When Jon Weston, our hero, meets Lorelai Midnight, our heroine, it’s instant lust complete with the obligatory rampant erection when he knocks on her door, and she answers wearing flimsy underwear. It’s not a meet-cute; it’s wildly inappropriate with a conversation that is as silly as it is banal. It’s awkward, and not in that cute way where both parties are tongue-tied but trying. It’s just…weird.

At chapter 6 (29% completion), I had to speedread. I hated doing this because I’ve always enjoyed Ms. Halliday’s way with words. In this book, however, there is no plot, just pages of cringeworthy scenes that I wanted to get through. I kept thinking the story would begin any moment, but it didn’t. Page after page included scenes depicting wedding planning and manscaping; this is the plot, set to an 80s soundtrack.

There are some disconnects that interrupt the story. For instance, Jon is telling Lorelai more about his past and admits that at age thirteen, he could cook anything and took refuge in food; he tells her he was fat and just counting down the days when he could get away from his abusive childhood home. But earlier in the book when he was sitting and reminiscing about his past, he remembers when he was fifteen and “getting laid for the first time,” he snapped and went after his stepdad who “ended up getting the mother of all smackdowns.” Somehow, these two images don’t go together. Jon calls himself fat, not chubby, not overweight, but fat. Ms. Halliday is a wordsmith, so the word has value. It doesn’t make sense that he’d beat down—not just hit but beat down—a large bully.

Early on, Lorelai gets “the daddy vibe” off Jon and this seems to appeal to “her sexually frustrated imagination” (cringe). Later this progresses to “daddy alpha and submissive baby girl.” Finally, Jon tells Lorelai, “Don’t push my buttons, baby girl. Daddy doesn’t like insubordination.” After this, there’s a lot of Daddy-talk. It feels creepy. It’s the age gap that makes it disturbing. If they were the same age, I think it might have worked.

At 60% completion, the lusting is on every page. Jon finds himself “overcome by a lust so strong and vivid he had trouble keeping it in check." The virginal Lorelai lusts right back at Jon; she is aware of the effect of her silly lusting behaviors which she spins easily to reel him in. Yeah…she’s the sweet, innocent spider that knows how to lure in a fly…zippered or otherwise.

Lorelai is a dancer; we’re told this often enough. We’re told she’s good. I would have liked to have been shown. Give us a glimpse into the backstage world of a serious dancer. Why not take us into the sphere of 2-bar phrases and 8-counts. Music is an integral part of a dancer’s life. If she were portrayed as a serious dancer, not just a manager at her uncle’s strip club touting how much she loves to dance, I would have seen her as a more complete person. As it stands, she’s a lot of fluff on the page, playing with her new daddy.

There are a few stoppers in the book, things that make a reader pull out of the story; for example:
 A misplaced comma gives the reader an inaccurate picture of what’s going on: “Standing before a rectangle door mirror, she propped on a pretty table rather than anchored to a wall…” The comma after “mirror,” indicates that the next phrase is what she is doing, propping (something) on a pretty table. The sentence is a jumble of odd punctuation and word choices (very strange for Ms. Halliday). It would be easier to understand like this: “Standing before a rectangular mirror that she had propped on a pretty table rather than anchoring it to a wall…” Now there’s no misinterpreting her actions, although an editor would no doubt have a better way to straighten out the sentence. [Also, a door mirror is typically the length of a door which would make it too long to prop up on a table.]
 Another sentence made me pause in my reading, “Her small but powerful Bose speaker cranked out “Soak Up the Sun…” Since speakers ramp up the high-fidelity of a sound system, there are usually two of them. I think this would be better if speakers were plural, “…powerful Bose speakers…”
 Ms. Halliday uses “iced” in the same paragraph in two different ways. “A half-cup of coffee and an iced croissant…” This seems to encourage the picture of something icy cold. Perhaps, “…frosted croissant…?” or some such? This is particularly true when the next sentence includes “…an iced coffee frappe…” This isn’t a serious problem by any means, but it did pause this reader momentarily.
 An article is missing here: “…he had brain fart moment…” This should read, “…he had a brain fart…”
 A plural form is used incorrectly: “Then I gathered all the cookbooks and recipes cards…” That should be “…recipe cards…” Recipe should be singular, used as an adjective, describing the cards.
 A vague pronoun is used here instead of a name (for better clarification): “Lorelai and Jade smiled at one another. They met in her apartment for coffee and donuts…” Which “her” is being referenced? Is it Lorelai’s or Jade’s apartment? We don’t know until we read further, hoping for an explanation.
 There’s a comma out of place here, and commas are stoppers when reading; their purpose is often to make a reader pause deliberately. Here, it doesn’t seem to be deliberate: “After stuffing his mouth, he moaned, “Fu**, yeah,” with appreciation.” This sentence contains four commas, all stoppers. Perhaps this would work better: “After stuffing his mouth he moaned with appreciation, “Fu**, yeah.” An editor could certainly suggest something better.
 I believe the wrong verb is used here: “…squeezed his eyes shot for half a second.” I think that should read, “…squeezed his eyes shut for half a second.”

I rated this book 0.5 stars and rounded up. The age gap, fifteen years, is not egregious, but it didn’t feel real. At times, Lorelai came across as a naïve, silly little girl with no life experience. At other times, she had good things to say about friends and her new love, our hero, Jon. She was oblivious to the real world (evidence her off-the-wall comment about single moms who had to clip coupons) regardless of how Jon tried to tell her about his horrible childhood. She made all the right comments, but her character never seemed to get it. She could sympathize but showed no real compassion.

Also, the love was missing. It was all lust and sex. There was no development towards love, just a huge buildup towards sex, which was indeed physically satisfying…but not emotionally. Jon and Lorelai were certainly heated up and driven towards satisfying their lust…but the love wasn’t shown. Lorelai said it best in chapter 1: “What the hell would someone like Jon see in her [Lorelai]? She was a twenty-five-year-old dabbling in urban living.” She asks an excellent question. She has zero life experience. She has never made her own way; she has loving, generous, indulgent parents who fund her every need. Jon is a forty-year-old who has lived a rough life and has scars (literal and figurative) to show for it. He’s had huge experiences that Lorelai cannot understand. There’s nothing wrong in this – they are worlds apart and Lorelai hasn’t lived enough yet to understand him.

This would have been so much more satisfying and believable if the heroine had been Jon’s age. They would have had so many life experiences to trade, to discuss, to understand. Their appreciation of each other’s stories would have been based on their own lives’ paths and understandings. They could have been true partners, not this daddy-baby relationship which was more than simple sex-play. Two similarly aged adults would have made the daddy-baby stuff play-acting. Instead, with Lorelai, it felt real. She truly was moving from one set of parents to another parent. And why was Lorelai’s virginity emphasized? It didn’t enhance or impede the story. It served to make Lorelai even younger than her twenty-five years. If that was its purpose, I remain unimpressed.

If I had read no other books by Ms. Halliday, I would not consider reading any more. However, previous books have been better written with characters much more realistic and genuine. If a reader likes lust over love, and daddy-baby relationships in and out of the bedroom, then they’ll probably like this book. It has zero plot. It’s all about the events leading up to a wedding between the two characters from the previous book. It feels like an over-extended epilogue of that book. For myself, I didn’t like this book at all.

[Jan Fyffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in NYC, After Midnight is the second book in a new series by Suzanne Halliday. The author cleverly includes Roman Bishop, a critical character in two other series by Halliday. I am looking forward to seeing how the author brings Bishop and this new group of characters together! As usual, the author brings all the feels into this lovely romance. I appreciate how quickly the characters realize their love for one another. Lorelai, a free spirit, and Jon overcome a serious question as to whether or not a relationship between them is feasible. Of course, Halliday includes some sizzling sexcapades, so if graphic scenes aren't your thing you can skim over them without missing any serious storyline moments. Once again, Halliday produces a winner in the Alpha'd Romance category with After Midnight.

[Davia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

How does Suzanne keep doing it! Epic ride after epic ride! This is incredible and so fun! I absolutely hope we see more of these guys! The entire clan is a hoot! This series is absolutely worth the read. 5 stars woman all the way.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 1st book in the series was better. I gave it four stars

I enjoyed Lorelai's and Jon's story It was good. I enjoyed both characters What I liked better about the 1st book were the trials and challenges the H/H faced I didn't feel that Lorelai's and Jon's story had any real challenges to face yes Jon had a horrific childhood, but he let it go. I kept waiting for something thrilling to happen, but it never did. I was also turned off by the Daddy references during the intimate encounters in the book, however that did not impact my rating. Hopefully the next book in the series is more like the 1st and not the second and has something exciting in thrilling and maybe a little scary that happens. What is the point of having such amazing heroes if they do not ever have to rescue the damsels.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific story

As part of King and Dawn's wedding party, energetic Lorelai and a very unsociable Jon get paired together to prepare for the upcoming events. Both have been secretly crushing on the other for the last 2 years, however due to the significant age difference, as well as other things, Jon is certain that she deserves someone better than himself. After spending time together and getting to know one another, neither are prepared for the fireworks between them. Can they find a way to make it work for them? You'll have to read this to find out!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[The Book Collector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly I enjoyed this one a lot. But regardless I wasn’t to keen on a situation in the book. It felt tacky. I get they were flirting & what not but it was tacky to me. They had sex & we’re dirty talking. But the dirty talk was thing like does daddy or do this or do you want daddy to spank you. Or something of that sorts it seemed turn of fish cause they literally just had sex & next day we’re making plans to for the future. Well with that being said I enjoyed. I look. I hope Toni gets a book. 🤞🏻

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sequel

I'm really enjoying this series. The heroes are complicated, and have issues, but they aren't filled with an overabundance of angst, which is vastly refreshing.
It doesn't take said heroes long to "get over themselves" and allow themselves to fall in love.
The first book had a kicka$$ herone, and this book had a delightfully energetic innocent, and a sweet love story. I can't wait to dive into the next book in the series!

[CA]

Read to the end,

I didn't give up but the stereotypical phrases of older man/ younger women got stronger and more frequent as the book progressed. I am not a prude by any means but to me the sex scenes should add to the story not be the story, which is how this began to feel as it passed half way through. I had been looking forward to reading this but was disappointed

[Jill Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these two!

Jon, his stoic self, flourished under Lorelai's attention. Lorelai knows what she wants - Jon! She assists him socially. They have several "sexy" moments, conversations, and more. Their group of friends are fantastic. Looking forward to reading the next book. Enjoy! 📚🎉❤️🌻

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne does it again!

I have eagerly read everything Ms. Halliday writes and enjoy the way she packs all the feels into her writing. I am proud to be part of the Halliday Harlots!

[Diane Metoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

I really loved Jon and Lorelai's relationship. Jon needed someone alpha like him to take away all of his fears. Lorelai needed to finger her alpha that she could grow with. Amazing story of two people finding an incredible love.

[Teri Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

It was interesting and emotional journey for all the people. It made you realize friends come with different views and perception. Keeping them real with hard life choices and new beginnings was awesome.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK

The characters are great. I laugh at the way the author tells the story. She brings it to life with the imagery and how she keeps you hooked by making you feel like you are there. I did shed a tear or two as Jon and Lorelei fell in love.

[Sophie Seara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please!!!

Dear Suzanne, Please, please finish this series! I live these books so much!! I can't wait for Izzy and Jade's books. These stories need to be told!!!!

[Margaret Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naughty

Laughs, fun and a few sobs are what you get. This family cobbled out of guys that served together and the women who love them is really adorable.

[CeeDragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first one! Please write more.

[Cheri Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

It's a very emotional journey for the characters and finding love in unusual situations with lots of laughter along the way.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 4 1/2!!!

[Susan Bunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read!

I love this series. Love the author have read all her books and this story did not disappoint funny, romance, made me cry. I highly recommend this book!

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️

[Esther Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jon

The wedding of King and Dawn fits so well with Jon and Laramie getting engaged. One by one the Nightwind crew are bound by love.