New York Nights by C. J. Duggan
(Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook)
Published by Hachette Australia on January 29th 2017
Genres: Collections & Anthologies, Contemporary, Fiction, General, New Adult, Romance
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Goodreads

The second standalone book in CJ Duggan's HEART OF THE CITY series - a very sassy, super sexy New Adult romance from the internationally bestselling author of the SUMMER and PARADISE series.Sarah Williams is a spirited, independent Aussie who has always dreamed of New York City. So when a job opportunity arises to become an au pair for a successful businessman in the heart of Manhattan, Sarah jumps at the chance to follow her dream.What she didn't bet on was a beautiful newborn and a distant, abrasive man whose eyes hold a million anguished secrets. Determined to care for his daughter and face the challenges of the impossible Ben Worthington, Sarah was always prepared to follow her heart; she just wasn't prepared to lose it to a complicated man like Ben.PRAISE FOR CJ DUGGAN'S PREVIOUS BOOKS:'I loved this book - it's the perfect beach read.' Flying Through Pages'I loved every moment . . . C.J. is a born storyteller that breathes a realism into her characters and situations that we've all found ourselves in.' Diva Book Nerd'PARADISE CITY is the same brand of feel good, fun and sexy romance that I have come to love from this author' Book Briefs'I love Duggan's writing and PARADISE CITY was a hoot. I cannot wait for the next book! Is it August yet?' Reading With ABC 'Duggan's writing is addictive, and I really didn't want to put this book down.' Escape Into Words'PARADISE CITY is going to be on my mind until I can get my greedy eyes on PARADISE ROAD. I need that book yesterday!' Book Cat Pin'A fast paced fun read with so many steamy situations.' Dreamy Addictions'Guaranteed her readers will come back for more.' My Guilty Obsession'Drama, deception, love and a little mystery . . . the ending left me hungry for the next book! I can't wait for PARADISE ROAD!' Paranormal Tendencies on Goodreads'A bit of HOME AND AWAY meets PUBERTY BLUES feel about the novel makes is a great read for older teens and YA. I will be desperately waiting for part 2 in September.' Samantha on Goodreads'Again Ms Duggan had created a winner. Paradise City was a perfect introduction to the series and characters. I was left needing more and it had so much laugh-out-loud fun. This really did have everything from intrigue to addiction, realism of high school antics, steamy sizzles and fast paced readability. I am certainly hooked and desperately want more of all these characters. I highly recommend this to all new adult readers,fan-bloody-tastic!' Turner's Antics'This is my first taste of Duggan's work and it won't be the last ... It's a story that will have you coming back for more.' Sassy Book Lovers'convincing and authentic ... Perfect for fans of Abbi Glines and Anna Todd, PARADISE CITY is a fun and exciting read about love, family and surviving high school.' Fictional Thoughts

Misunderstandings, family secrets, steamy rendezvous and a young Aussie au pair to tie it all together – New York Nights is the perfect Manhattan love story. Sarah Williams accepts the job as an au pair to infant Grace not realising it isn’t just baby Grace who needs Sarah’s help. Grace’s father Ben is standoffish, cold and distant yet Sarah can’t help but be drawn to him. Wanting to do the best by Grace, Sarah finds herself becoming entangled with Ben’s family and realises she risks losing her job (and her heart) if she isn’t careful.

There is a lot to love about CJ Duggan’s latest novel. It’s fun and flirty with elements of complex family drama. Add in a dangerously sexy leading man and one of the most exciting cities in the world and you know it’s a winner.

New York Nights delivers a fast paced story with realistic characters. One of the things I loved most about this book was how real Sarah was. Her problems with her job being the primary caretaker for a baby were believable and her frustration was palpable. As someone who has never been to NYC, I loved following her around Manhattan as she played tourist. And then there’s the romance. It’s a great combination of steamy interactions combined with humour and drama.

When it comes to the overall relationship between the leading couple, I wasn’t completely sold on Ben but I could understand why Sarah was attracted to him. With the entire novel being told from her point of view and we only see what she does, I didn’t feel like he had proven himself to be invested in her beyond the superficial. That said their scenes are together sexy, funny and full of all kinds of delicious drama  good romance novels are built on. There are a few common romance tropes thrown in the story but one of the things I like about this author is whilst many of the plot points may be a staple in the romance novel genre, Duggan gives it to you in a way which feels new and exciting.

And then there’s the baby bit. I’m not overly fond of books featuring children and whilst Grace is an important part of the novel, she doesn’t take over the book. Grace’s involvement in the book is nicely integrated into Sarah’s life and helps to show just where Ben is at regarding both his past and his future.

IF you enjoy New Adult romance novels – don’t go past CJ Duggan. New York Nights delivers a gorgeous story where the setting adds to the overall romance. Characters you can believe mix well with a sexy setting and plenty of delicious drama.

Many thanks to Hachette Australia for the review copy.