by Rebecca York
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
You Only Get a Second Chance ... Private operative and former Navy SEAL Jack Brandt barely escaped a disastrous undercover assignment, thanks to the most intriguing woman he's ever met. When his enemies track him to her doorstep, he'll do anything to protect Morgan from the danger closing in on them both... If You Stay Alive... Since her husband's death, Morgan Rains has only been going through the motions. She didn't think anything could shock her--until she finds a gorgeous man stumbling naked and injured through the woods behind her house. He's mysterious, intimidating--and undeniably compelling. Thrown together into a pressure cooker of danger and intrigue, Jack and Morgan are finding in each other a reason to live--if they can survive.
Bad Nights by Rebecca York drew me in with its synopsis and promise of fast-paced suspense. I enjoy romantic suspense and when you throw in a former Navy Seal as the hero I begin to drool. This was my first experience with the author and I found it to be entertaining. Three word review: suspenseful, and action-packed, with some hot insta-love.
Morgan Rains is at her cabin in the woods, cleaning it out to sell since it holds too many memories after the loss of her husband. Awakened by a noise, she grabs her firearm and carefully listens. What she discovers is a beat-up,and utterly naked, drop dead gorgeous man! The two are thrust together as Jack Brandt’s cover in a militia group is exposed and they want him dead. Together they must fight to survive and stop a plan to attack the US. The tale that unfolds was action-packed and filled with smexy moments as they learn to depend on each other.
I liked Morgan and Jack they are both noble characters, confident, strong, and work well together. While I eventually connected with them as a couple and was gung-ho for them finding their happily-ever-after, I did struggle a little with how quickly they connected. Jack’s reaction was more believable but Morgan’s came off as a little needy to me. Despite this she was totally kick-ass and didn’t fall to pieces under stress. I honestly cannot say whether it was just how it was written, or if they needed to be fleshed out more in the beginning. I enjoyed their banter and definitely felt the chemistry once I decided to just go with the flow but over-all this kept the book from being a clear winner for me. The villain had a strong voice, and the author did an excellent job with his POV. Getting inside his head was creepy and added to the overall tension.
Bad Nights‘ suspenseful plot with the militia and their plans to attack a US target was good, and held me captive. York created some twists that felt genuine and impressed me as they intensified the action. I wish Jack’s partners were a little more fleshed out, and would have liked more background on all of the characters. The plot moved rather quickly with intense action and then we would catch our breath with some heated scenes. The romantic scenes were steamy but left a lot of the detail to the reader’s imagination. Overall this was a great escape, and I easily consumed it in a single sitting.
Fans of suspense and action with a side dish of romance should check out Bad Nights. The insta-love was a little rough, and I wanted more depth and deets but overall this was a nice escape.
Three cups of coffee out of five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Dani C
I like more romance than suspense. Otherwise this does sound like an interesting book to escape to. Thanks for the review!
kimbacaffeinate
I liked a blend or a side dish of the romance, at least in this genre..LOL
Lauren
I’m not loving the sound of the instalove, but i guess tense situations escalate matters, so i suppose I could get on board. Glad you enjoyed it overall despite wanting more details and depth. Wonderful balanced review!
kimbacaffeinate
Usually I can handle insta-love especially in suspense..oh well 🙁
Christy
I always has gorgeous men stumbling naked behind my house. Of course they are trying to get away, but that’s besides the point.
kimbacaffeinate
ha..I can only imagine!
Naomi
Sounds like a fun read Kimberly! I understand your reservations about the insta-love connections, you do want the characters to work for it. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Naomi, sometimes I buy into it or feel it but I truly think they weren’t fleshed out enough to feel it 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Not a huge fan of the insta love stuff, but on occasion it doesn’t bother me. Usually I can deal with it more in romantic suspense. I am more worried that the characters needed more fleshing out. Hm… 3 stars is still decent, but I might see if the library has it first. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
for the suspense alone it was wonderful. I just couldn’t tell you anything about these men beyond their names and you know I love and need my deets! I so agree on insta-love in suspense..but this one just didn’t work for me.
Candace
Yeah, I don’t think this one would work for me with the insta-love. I love how you describe it in a comment to someone. Insta-lust is fine, but the undying love immediately usually doesn’t work for me.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Candace, and if it is done right I can handle it.
Heidi
An utterly naked drop dead gorgeous man on her doorstep? Yes please! Sounds like an interesting start…
kimbacaffeinate
*giggles* agreed!
Debbie Haupt
Thanks for the review Kimba and another new term for this rather conventional reviewer. Sort of like lust at first sight huh?
deb
kimbacaffeinate
Ha are referring to term “insta-love”? It is a term widely used in the reviewing world. LOL We all love, lust at first site..it’s the I love you, can’t live without you in two days we have trouble swallowing. I will say I can deal with it if the author makes it believable.
Jenea
Sounds good, and I don’t really minds the insta-love things, so I might have to try it. Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
I usually don’t have a problem either, this one just didn’t feel real. 🙁 but ooh the suspense was good!
brandileigh2003
Being noble strong and working together are traits I like in characters too
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Brandi 🙂
Kimberly
It’s too bad that this book had a dreaded case of insta-love, but I’m glad you mentioned that it did have some redeeming qualities. I’ve never read the author before but she’s been on my TBR pile for a long time and I’ve picked up a few of her books when they were freebies.
kimbacaffeinate
I will try her again, the suspense thread was rather good, and I can handle insta-love if the author sells it.
Andrea
What a great cover! I considered this for review simply based on that, but just couldn’t fit it in. I’m glad you enjoyed your first experience with York!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Andrea, and yeah the cover is pretty cool 🙂
aurian
Hmm I have only read her paranormal ones sofar, but have a whole stack of other books on my shelves catching dust. Oneday …
Thanks for the review and the reminder Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first read by her, and the suspense thread was good 🙂
A Voracious Reader
I always enjoyed Rebecca York’s books when I was reading Harlequins. After I moved into the Paranormal realm, I haven’t read anything by her (or Harlequin) in a number of years. This looks like a good one to pick up!
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the suspense thread, it may have been just me with the romance..it’s a good read,
braine
I love romantic suspense but I’ll pass on the insta-love.
kimbacaffeinate
I can handle insta-love if the author makes me believe, sadly this just didn’t.
glass
I have to be honest and say that I “clicked” on this review because of cover.:DDD Yep, I know – shallow.
I looks interesting, but I’m not big fan of romantic suspense novels. I usually end up disappointed.
kimbacaffeinate
It is one of my favorite genres, and the suspense aspect of this was solid, I just struggled with the couple.
Sarah
I’m with you, romantic suspense is a favorite. I just haven’t read any in awhile! This book looks great to me. I might have to add it to the TBR list. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Sarah 🙂
kindlemom1
Alright, it is still early here and all but I have to admit, that cover definitely makes my Monday morning better just looking at it. 😛
kimbacaffeinate
Not gonna lie, when Sourcebook sent me a list of books for review..the cover influenced my decision!
Nick
Hmm…
Insta-love. You know how much I dislike insta-love.
I do enjoy a good romantic suspense book from time to time and it seems that the suspense part was well-written.
Still though, I usually can’t connect with characters when they fall for each other easily.
Great honest review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I can go either way, if the author makes me believe. I got the physical part but it just didn’t work for me until I just let go and said ok, they are a couple.
Chene Sterckx
Hmmm its a bit disappointing when a book looks/sounds more promising than it delivers. Glad you still enjoyed it as an escape 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed it, once I got past the bumps I experienced in their romance 🙂
Tanja
Well nice abs right there 🙂 I haven’t heard of this one and I’d probably never picked it up, but it does sound interesting. I’m not a fan of insta love but maybe hot insta love will work for me. Great review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Tanja and yes the cover is nice..LOL
blodeuedd
In my head I explained the insta love with the near death experience 😉 Cos yes fast!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed usually that is enough for me, but I didn’t feel it with this couple.
Felicia The Geeky Blogger
I used a Discover New Love credit on this. I might wait until I am ready for an insta-love story. That mostly gets on my nerves!
kimbacaffeinate
I think if you know it’s there and that it isn’t quite up to snuff you will be fine because the suspense thread is very well done!