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After Midnight
Two strangers. A midnight kiss. It’s just like a fairy tale … if they can find their way to happily ever after …
When Miles Shepard sees gorgeous Nora Hart across a crowded room on New Year’s Eve, he leaps at the chance to steal a super-sexy kiss at midnight. Then he flees the party without swapping numbers with her. He’s ready to put this year in his rearview mirror—and the last thing he needs are complications.
But he hasn’t reckoned on Nora. Despite her own miserable year, she can’t forget Miles’s kiss—and she won’t quit till she tracks down her mystery man. Miles can’t deny the force of their attraction—even as he wrestles with how much to tell her about the trouble he’s in.
Putting their painful pasts behind them won’t be easy. But if they can face their doubts boldly, they might just get a second chance to start the year in each other’s arms.
When Miles Shepard sees gorgeous Nora Hart across a crowded room on New Year’s Eve, he leaps at the chance to steal a super-sexy kiss at midnight. Then he flees the party without swapping numbers with her. He’s ready to put this year in his rearview mirror—and the last thing he needs are complications.
But he hasn’t reckoned on Nora. Despite her own miserable year, she can’t forget Miles’s kiss—and she won’t quit till she tracks down her mystery man. Miles can’t deny the force of their attraction—even as he wrestles with how much to tell her about the trouble he’s in.
Putting their painful pasts behind them won’t be easy. But if they can face their doubts boldly, they might just get a second chance to start the year in each other’s arms.
114 pages, ebook
First published October 28, 2014
About the author
Serena Bell
49 books660 followersNewest Release!
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.
Sign up for new release updates here! http://www.serenabell.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 8, 2019
4 - "Have you ever had a countdown for a first kiss before...?" Stars!
A short, sweet satisfying novella, not overly seasonal, but plenty of sexy and perfect if you are looking for a couple of hours of escapism between Christmas and New Year.
I liked Miles and Nora, and how they worked through the issues, they had in relation to living in different locations, as well as Miles work problems. The time jumps a couple of times so the novella takes place over a couple of years, but I didn’t mind, it was easy to read and a great way to spend an evening.
What are the odds..?
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
A short, sweet satisfying novella, not overly seasonal, but plenty of sexy and perfect if you are looking for a couple of hours of escapism between Christmas and New Year.
I liked Miles and Nora, and how they worked through the issues, they had in relation to living in different locations, as well as Miles work problems. The time jumps a couple of times so the novella takes place over a couple of years, but I didn’t mind, it was easy to read and a great way to spend an evening.
What are the odds..?
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
October 28, 2019
I really enjoyed Miles and Nora. It was a good meet cute story. The chemistry between them was so good. There were a few issues that they had to deal with before they could get their HEA, like they didn’t know who each other was. They meet at a New Year’s Eve party but before they could exchange names, Miles had to leave. It took some time for them to reconnect and not for the lack of trying by Nora. They were finally able to reconnect but would they be able to finally get what they wanted. Quick story that you can read in one sitting.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2021
This turned out to be a steamy, moving NYE romance! I’m not going to lie: I’ve never had such good odds as Nora and Miles at midnight on NYE and I’m jealous. Although they had immediate great chemistry, they did not have an easy road, in part because they never even exchanged names before Miles had to leave the party. Once they reconnect, the novella explores the idea of self-trust and the ways both have come to doubt their internal compass and the ways others see them. I almost teared up at one point, which I was not expecting! But that’s how invested I felt in their respective plights. Also: their chemistry is legit.
A few qualms: Miles’s friend Owen gave Nora Miles’s phone number and later his address without telling him. This is such a violation of privacy and I would not be okay with a friend doing this to me, especially with the latter information since she wound up flying there to surprise him after they’d exchanged only a few phone calls. Sure, it mostly worked out okay but I kept thinking about how it would look if genders were swapped and Owen had procured Nora’s address after such brief contact. Safety first, y’all!
They also needed to communicate with each other instead of making grand gestures that could easily blow up in their faces. I’m not sure about some of the legal aspects, as Miles is under suspicion of embezzlement, but I found the way his case was handled to be odd and was surprised he could still fly somewhere while under investigation.
All that aside, this turned out to be an enjoying, very hot read. I need to read more from this author for sure.
Character notes: Nora is a 29 year old white 6th grade science teacher. Miles is a white nonprofit executive director. This is set in Boston and Cleveland.
Content notes: unwelcome sexual advances/sexual assault , FMC’s ex cheated, on page sex, phone sex, alcohol, “girl parts” as euphemism, gender essentialist language, ableist language
A few qualms: Miles’s friend Owen gave Nora Miles’s phone number and later his address without telling him. This is such a violation of privacy and I would not be okay with a friend doing this to me, especially with the latter information since she wound up flying there to surprise him after they’d exchanged only a few phone calls. Sure, it mostly worked out okay but I kept thinking about how it would look if genders were swapped and Owen had procured Nora’s address after such brief contact. Safety first, y’all!
They also needed to communicate with each other instead of making grand gestures that could easily blow up in their faces. I’m not sure about some of the legal aspects, as Miles is under suspicion of embezzlement, but I found the way his case was handled to be odd and was surprised he could still fly somewhere while under investigation.
All that aside, this turned out to be an enjoying, very hot read. I need to read more from this author for sure.
Character notes: Nora is a 29 year old white 6th grade science teacher. Miles is a white nonprofit executive director. This is set in Boston and Cleveland.
Content notes: unwelcome sexual advances/sexual assault , FMC’s ex cheated, on page sex, phone sex, alcohol, “girl parts” as euphemism, gender essentialist language, ableist language
October 4, 2019
After Midnight by Serena Bell is blow-me-away good.
Miles Shepard and Nora Hart end up at the same New Year's Eve party. Neither of them is looking for anything, but they seem to share a connection. They don't even have a chance to exchange names--just two strangers ringing in the next year.
When Nora's tenacity and some twists of fate bring them back into contact, they have a chance to explore this thing between them. Ms Bell does a beautiful job of letting them wrestle with their pasts and their weaknesses, and how together, they can create a shared future that is both strong and full of hope and possibility.
Ms Bell does such an incredible job with letting us get inside people's heads and hearts, and I love how her characters are mostly grown ups about life, and ultimately are able to be brave and to face their fears and be vulnerable and find strength in that.
An absolute gem of a read any time of year.
Miles Shepard and Nora Hart end up at the same New Year's Eve party. Neither of them is looking for anything, but they seem to share a connection. They don't even have a chance to exchange names--just two strangers ringing in the next year.
When Nora's tenacity and some twists of fate bring them back into contact, they have a chance to explore this thing between them. Ms Bell does a beautiful job of letting them wrestle with their pasts and their weaknesses, and how together, they can create a shared future that is both strong and full of hope and possibility.
Ms Bell does such an incredible job with letting us get inside people's heads and hearts, and I love how her characters are mostly grown ups about life, and ultimately are able to be brave and to face their fears and be vulnerable and find strength in that.
An absolute gem of a read any time of year.
November 30, 2020
3.75 stars. I liked this short story. Sometimes works of this length are too rushed or not enough, but I felt the pacing was pretty spot on. A lovely New Year’s Eve story. Very sugary and not incredibly deep, but I kind of liked that about this story.
Miles is down on his luck and wishes the year to just be over already so he can get back to the way life used to be. Nora is coming off of a terrible year, but is willing to grasp new possibilities with both hands. With a Chance meeting on New Year’s Eve, they can’t both get what they want. Or can they?
Will read author again. I’m curious what she does with a full length novel.
Miles is down on his luck and wishes the year to just be over already so he can get back to the way life used to be. Nora is coming off of a terrible year, but is willing to grasp new possibilities with both hands. With a Chance meeting on New Year’s Eve, they can’t both get what they want. Or can they?
Will read author again. I’m curious what she does with a full length novel.
March 19, 2018
It was okay. The best was the chemistry between them.
May 8, 2020
This novella was a bit of a miss for me. I’ve loved everything else that I’ve read by Serena Bell, but this one just smacked of manufactured angst.
Can’t win ‘em all I guess.
Can’t win ‘em all I guess.
October 26, 2019
I've read this one as a part of "Heating up the Holidays"
A good one! :) a story about trust or mis-trust. Both Nora and Miles find themselves quite miserable on New Years's Eve. Nora just ended a long relationship after discovering her ex has cheated on her repeatedly and Miles is accused of something he didn't do but as it seems his girlfriend didn't believe him or believe in him enough to stay. They meet at the party - two total strangers enjoy 15 minutes together then disappear from each other's life. Both Nora and Miles try searching for the other but to no avail. I loved that they used the Social medias - Facebook/Twitter - to try and find each other. It felt so "modern" :D something most of us would do being in the same situation. As you can guess they find each other, but wanting each other, being attracted to each other isn't enough. Not when Miles life is falling apart, when he can't expect anyone to be with him (because of what he is facing) and Nora has her trust issues she wished she wouldn't have had but she does.
The story ended sweetly for them. Like in the first novella in this bundle - I felt that Miles legal situation ended a little too quickly but it wasn't the main thing in the story and since it's a short novella maybe there wasn't any time and place to put more details about it.
I think the idea of trusting oneself and how it is expressed in the story is beautiful.
More Reviews HERE
A good one! :) a story about trust or mis-trust. Both Nora and Miles find themselves quite miserable on New Years's Eve. Nora just ended a long relationship after discovering her ex has cheated on her repeatedly and Miles is accused of something he didn't do but as it seems his girlfriend didn't believe him or believe in him enough to stay. They meet at the party - two total strangers enjoy 15 minutes together then disappear from each other's life. Both Nora and Miles try searching for the other but to no avail. I loved that they used the Social medias - Facebook/Twitter - to try and find each other. It felt so "modern" :D something most of us would do being in the same situation. As you can guess they find each other, but wanting each other, being attracted to each other isn't enough. Not when Miles life is falling apart, when he can't expect anyone to be with him (because of what he is facing) and Nora has her trust issues she wished she wouldn't have had but she does.
The story ended sweetly for them. Like in the first novella in this bundle - I felt that Miles legal situation ended a little too quickly but it wasn't the main thing in the story and since it's a short novella maybe there wasn't any time and place to put more details about it.
I think the idea of trusting oneself and how it is expressed in the story is beautiful.
More Reviews HERE
April 4, 2021
Miles Shepard and Nora Hart have never met before, but they’re both attending the same fancy New Year’s Eve party. They flirt, they dance, they kiss; sadly, however, the force of their attraction is muted by their painful pasts.
Miles leaves the party without getting her number . . . or her name. His has been a difficult year and he’s more than ready to put it behind him. Nora can’t forget the kiss she and Miles shared; now she’s determined to track down the mystery man she simply cannot forget.
Will Miles and Nora get their second chance? Are they destined to be together?
This charming, tender novella spans some eighteen months in the lives of Nora and Miles; both characters struggle with the ways the events in their pasts have changed them, and, in addition, Miles carries a tremendous burden and fears it will drive Nora away if she knows about it.
As the two characters share their fears and hopes with readers, the story takes on an intimacy that draws the reader into the telling of the tale. As the story unfolds, the two find ways to let go of the past, to trust in themselves and in each other, and to look ahead.
Readers may find this quick, satisfying read leaves a smile on their faces . . . and in their hearts.
Recommended.
Miles leaves the party without getting her number . . . or her name. His has been a difficult year and he’s more than ready to put it behind him. Nora can’t forget the kiss she and Miles shared; now she’s determined to track down the mystery man she simply cannot forget.
Will Miles and Nora get their second chance? Are they destined to be together?
This charming, tender novella spans some eighteen months in the lives of Nora and Miles; both characters struggle with the ways the events in their pasts have changed them, and, in addition, Miles carries a tremendous burden and fears it will drive Nora away if she knows about it.
As the two characters share their fears and hopes with readers, the story takes on an intimacy that draws the reader into the telling of the tale. As the story unfolds, the two find ways to let go of the past, to trust in themselves and in each other, and to look ahead.
Readers may find this quick, satisfying read leaves a smile on their faces . . . and in their hearts.
Recommended.
August 18, 2023
mf - contemporary romance - white MCs - moderate steam - POV: third person dual - holiday romance (New Year's Eve) - missed connection - grumpy/sunshine - 4 stars. I really liked the sex scenes, the premise, and the backstory for Miles. I knocked a star off for NLOG thoughts in the beginning especially around
January 2, 2021
This was a good story about trusting yourself and your partner wrapped up in a holiday romance. Though I am not much of a NYE celebrator myself, I always love a good holiday romance for every season and thought the meet cute was great. I also loved how there was time between the two meet-ups to sort of move the plot and characters along without them being wrapped up in a whirlwind relationship. If you're looking for a satisfying short to pass the time, I'd recommend this title.
July 18, 2021
CEO under investigation for embezzlement meets a girl at a New Years Eve party but gets separated without their exchanging names or contact info. It takes her a year to find out his contact information. Some very hot scenes.
August 10, 2018
3.75 stars
October 10, 2021
It was really cute. Short and sweet, and I loved the characters
February 21, 2022
Definitely a hot storyline and they main characters are great!!
January 27, 2020
WOW FANTASTIC!!!!!!! This book is positively magical and spellbinding. This book is the most spellbinding, captivating, riveting reads I have read. This book is magical and will capture you from the word go. The characters are fantastically written. Clear and easily to see while reading makes the flow and smoothness of the writing a fantastic journey. This book soared into my heart and stayed with me for so long I didn't want to read anything after. This book is cleaverly written and I am positively smitten with the dialogue in this book. Serena Bell will capture you like no other. Get this book today.
November 11, 2014
Read this as part of the Heating Up the Holidays budle.
OMG. My love for Serena Bell only grows from story to story of hers I’m reading.
Who doesn’t have a love/hate relationship with NYE? I sure do. And when something life changing (personally and not for the better) happens shortly before? Yuck.
That’s what happened to Miles and Nora. Each of them suffered a sort of betrayal and each of them chose to deal with it completely differently. In a chance meeting they hit it off. For 15 minutes. And then…
Nora and Miles both go through a growing process as characters, through dealing with their own personal challenge, and while it takes a long time, it’s genuine and real.
Bell’s writing is so relaxed and real, and I love the emotions she manages to carry forward through the characters.
Oh, also – and this was verified with Serena Bell herself – Miles and Nora are pure coincidence that’s completely unrelated to NBC’s Revolution. She doesn’t even watch it. LOL
My rating: 4.5 stars
OMG. My love for Serena Bell only grows from story to story of hers I’m reading.
Who doesn’t have a love/hate relationship with NYE? I sure do. And when something life changing (personally and not for the better) happens shortly before? Yuck.
That’s what happened to Miles and Nora. Each of them suffered a sort of betrayal and each of them chose to deal with it completely differently. In a chance meeting they hit it off. For 15 minutes. And then…
Nora and Miles both go through a growing process as characters, through dealing with their own personal challenge, and while it takes a long time, it’s genuine and real.
Bell’s writing is so relaxed and real, and I love the emotions she manages to carry forward through the characters.
Oh, also – and this was verified with Serena Bell herself – Miles and Nora are pure coincidence that’s completely unrelated to NBC’s Revolution. She doesn’t even watch it. LOL
My rating: 4.5 stars
October 9, 2019
Miles and Nora have a chance meeting at midnight on New Year's Eve, find they have a lot in common, and an easy undeniable connection. But with both of them coming out of disastrous relationships, and not being ready to start something new, they decide it best to go their separate ways. But days later they wonder if they made a huge mistake letting each other go...
This short, but oh so sexy, read captured my attention right from the start and had me flying right through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a heartwarming and spicy happy ending... and I am happy to report that I got my wish.. and a whole lot more!! I loved what I found between the pages of this one it had moments to tug on the heartstrings and moments that left me blushing... it turned out to be a very satisfying little afternoon literary escape! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
This short, but oh so sexy, read captured my attention right from the start and had me flying right through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a heartwarming and spicy happy ending... and I am happy to report that I got my wish.. and a whole lot more!! I loved what I found between the pages of this one it had moments to tug on the heartstrings and moments that left me blushing... it turned out to be a very satisfying little afternoon literary escape! Highly recommend!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
October 25, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by the author)...
This a short novella.
I really wanted to love this novella, but I didn’t really connect with Miles and Nora. They both have their own issues going on when they meet, but they seemed to become a lovely distraction for one another. However, Miles was stuck on his “oh woe is me” attitude throughout the entire novella; meanwhile, Nora believes she has trust issues because of a previous relationship, however, with her actions, I wouldn’t fully agree she has total trust issues (she did fly to another state to see a man she has only met once in person).
There is a lot of inner dialogue between both characters and the switch between character dialogue was a bit difficult to follow, I couldn't tell who was talking until a few paragraphs in.
My favorite character throughout the novella was Owen, he was a great friend and he helped Miles find his happiness even if Miles was acting a like sad jerk the entire time.
This a short novella.
I really wanted to love this novella, but I didn’t really connect with Miles and Nora. They both have their own issues going on when they meet, but they seemed to become a lovely distraction for one another. However, Miles was stuck on his “oh woe is me” attitude throughout the entire novella; meanwhile, Nora believes she has trust issues because of a previous relationship, however, with her actions, I wouldn’t fully agree she has total trust issues (she did fly to another state to see a man she has only met once in person).
There is a lot of inner dialogue between both characters and the switch between character dialogue was a bit difficult to follow, I couldn't tell who was talking until a few paragraphs in.
My favorite character throughout the novella was Owen, he was a great friend and he helped Miles find his happiness even if Miles was acting a like sad jerk the entire time.
November 6, 2019
A great connection. An impulsive act. A really fun meet cute romance with terrific chemistry, witty conversations, and some steamy fun. The story does have some angst, but it's pretty low, making this engaging romance a great bit of escapism, especially with the busy holidays coming up. Both Miles and Nora are likable characters that you can't help but want good things for, and if those good things happen to involve them being a couple, so much the better. I will say that it is totally not fair of Serena Bell to mention Sweet Caroline because - well, it's Sweet Caroline, and now I've been singing it in my head for the past two days! That aside, or maybe even that included, After Midnight is a thoroughly charming romance that left me with a smile.
October 12, 2019
This was quick little story, perfect for for the airport or a drive in the car over the holidays. Miles and Nora meet on New Years Eve and have instant chemistry. But when Miles has to leave suddenly, they both realize they didn't get each others names. Both Miles and Nora are dealing with their own issues and live in different states, but that doesn't stop them from thinking about each other. I enjoyed reading how they overcome the things that are keeping them apart. It was sweet and sexy. 3 1/2 stars
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November 21, 201660 second review :
That awkward phone conversation had me in stitches. So much more realistic than those perfectly worded ones you usually read. I feel like I got a bit lost here and there as the characters would ramble off in their own thoughts during most things which is completely realistic but utterly confusing at times. All round sweet. Makes me want to go out on New Years.
That awkward phone conversation had me in stitches. So much more realistic than those perfectly worded ones you usually read. I feel like I got a bit lost here and there as the characters would ramble off in their own thoughts during most things which is completely realistic but utterly confusing at times. All round sweet. Makes me want to go out on New Years.
November 16, 2014
This novella was in a book called"Heating up the Holidays". I enjoyed the story. Two people meet at a party on New Years and never exchange names or numbers. They are forced apart and it takes 11 months for them to reconnect.
December 30, 2014
4 stars for AFTER MIDNIGHT by Serena Bell.
I really enjoyed this story, both Nora and Miles are likeable and they have amazing chemistry.
I really enjoy Serena Bells writing, she manages to give her reader enough detail to be left satisfied :)
I really enjoyed this story, both Nora and Miles are likeable and they have amazing chemistry.
I really enjoy Serena Bells writing, she manages to give her reader enough detail to be left satisfied :)
June 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
October 25, 2019
This is a sweet and sexy novella. The story is engaging and the characters are entertaining and vulnerable. Great uplifting holiday story to read any time of the year.
December 31, 2019
I read this previously in a holiday anthology and enjoyed it. I enjoyed it just as much this time.
June 28, 2016
Super cute story. I love that they were able to find one another again. Quick fun read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews