"A nicely written contemporary."

Nick Sinclair and Ryanne Whitaker were childhood friends and neighbors but Ryanne had dreams and ambitions that took her away from their small town. Now Nick is a divorced dad and the town sheriff, and Ryanne has temporarily moved back into her mother's house. She is trying to get her life back together after the breakup of her marriage and suffering heavy financial losses.

When they meet again Ryanne discovers an attraction to Nick that she has never felt before. She knows she will be leaving soon, but she really wants to explore this attraction before she goes, and sets out to seduce him. Nick has always secretly been in love with Ryanne, and wants to give in to her overtures but will he be able to stand the heartbreak of watching her walk away a second time?

First I have to admit that the "going back home again" plot is not one of my favorites. There is an exception to every rule, however, and NICK ALL NIGHT was certainly it. The story was a different and refreshing take on this plot. Ryanne didn't have any idea Nick was in love with her, so she hadn't "wronged" him in any way all those years ago. Ryanne's pursuit of Nick, and his reluctance to open his vulnerable heart to her were very nicely written. Nick's son Jamie was also a nice touch, well adjusted and not at all the difficult child I have come to dread in romances. At first Ryanne came across as abrasive and selfish, difficult to like, but we are made to understand why this was so, and to finally see the insecure and loving person she really was. Nick was a quiet, giving man who had spent his whole life taking care of other's needs but never his own. I loved seeing these two find each other, and the ending was perfect for the story. I will be looking forward to more from Ms. St. John!

Reviewed by Janice Bennett
Posted May 10, 2002