One Fine Night

Special Ops Scots #0.5

by Kait Nolan

A Special Ops Scots prequel

As a Royal Marine, I've taken on countless missions, but navigating life as a civilian might be the biggest challenge of all. I need to stay focused and figure out what the hell I'm doing with this early retirement.

Then she crosses my path. A stranger on a train, she instantly captures my imagination. A beautiful, vibrant distraction I didn't know I needed. And maybe something more...

When my charming companion faces unwanted advances, I step in, pretending to be her boyfriend. But the connection between us is too real to be an act.

What might have been only a brief encounter turns into an unforgettable night as we both find far more than we were looking for, if only we both have the courage to hold on.

✅ fake relationship

✅ one night stand

✅ prequel

Genres: Romance, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Novella, Fiction, Scotland, Contemporary Romance

79 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2024

About the author

Kait Nolan is a RITA® Award-winning Mississippi author who calls everyone sugar, honey, or darlin', and can wield a 'Bless your heart' like a Snuggie or a saber, depending on requirements. She believes in love, laughter, and that tacos are the world's most perfect food. When she's not writing, reading, working the evil day job, or wrangling family (both the two-legged and the four-), you can find her obsessively watching The Great British Bake Off.

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Reviews

[Rellim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel book for Kait Nolan’s Special Ops Scots series.

For one of those people who hates reviews that only say, “I loved it!”… I’m at a bit of a loss here. I’m an unabashed Kait Nolan fan and she absolutely knows how to tease a new series, but this one actually had me DMing her, “YOU DID NOT!!!!”

Anyway, if you enjoy a chance meeting with someone and nearly immediate thoughts, “How can this possibly feel so right?” – then you’re going to love meeting Alex and Ciara. Funny, sexy, instant zing… beyond that, I can’t be spoiling things.

I’m ready for their full book, Before Highland Sunset.

Narration:
Amy McFadden and John Lane together make a dreamy dual narration pairing. Then. Then! These two with their Scottish accents and Nolan’s writing, I was blushing. I can’t wait for more Alex & Ciara.

I received a copy of the audiobook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Fine Night is a prequel to a new series, Special Ops Scots, and is told through alternating chapters about Alex, a recently retired Royal Marine, and Ciara, a university student. They meet by chance on a train and discover that they have much in common. It’s quickly apparent that there’s a special connection between them, but they’re each going their own separate way. Will they be able to find each other again?

This was a highly entertaining book. The story moved along quickly and left me wanting more. I loved the characters and thought the way they connected was real and believable. I especially loved when Alex had to track Ciara down.


The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s one that makes perfect sense and didn’t surprise me. I know that all will be resolved as the series progresses. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in this series. From experience, I can say that this author never lets her readers down. Can’t wait for the next installment.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading his book.

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, it was a huge mistake to listen to this audiobook now because the rest of Alex and Kiara’s story doesn’t come out until October and I don’t want to wait that long! This was a fantastic prequel and I can’t wait for a full length book with this couple.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Universal



Alex has left the Royal Marines and about to take a train ride to see his friend. Civilian life isn't looking great to him, he's still constantly surveilling his surroundings, ever alert for danger, for suspicious things, so he isn't expecting to see a gorgeous younger woman and feel an instant connection with her. Too bad he lets her walk away. But then he goes to find her after their train is delayed, and boy does he find her! After a short time, he's starting to think maybe civilian life won't be so bad, perhaps he and Ciara can have something wonderful together. If only the biggest revelation hadn't just revealed itself...

Ciara and Alex's backstory did exactly what a prequel is supposed to - gave a glimpse into their backstory, and hooked me so well that now I'm looking forward to the beginning of the present story. This is a short prequel, so I wasn't expecting it to be so well drawn and well fleshed out. I was riveted from the first word and swooned as they met and formed such a strong connection. But, as I said it's a prequel, so there's a huge cliffhanger. I'm more than a little impatient now to find out how they'll manage to get past this big bump in their journey.



ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Nathathida Atirekasâra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DO love when an author starts a new series with a prequel especially when that author is one of my favorite and one of main characters is from her/his previous series who I'm familiar with. And this one from Kait Nolan isn't different!

I may be take some time to recall why I'm familiar with the name "Ciara" then my memory takes me back when I read Nolan's Kilted Hearts series and it just like a lightbulb is turned on above my head, Ding Ding Ding, LOL.

I like the way Ciara and Alex meet, it's dreamy and romantic aside from Alex's grumpy feeling and their situation though. They are absolutely opposites attraction but I can feel and believe in their chemistry from their conversations. And who I am to judge Ciara and Alex if they want to give in to their attractions when they have a chance. I, for one, would do it too!

When it comes to meet someone new, I quite believe that they must have some connections at some point. If not a friend of a friend, it is going to be someone they knew or are familiar with... something like that. And Ciara and Alex are just like that except when they first met each other, they didn't know about that connection. The way Nolan left us hanging is a little but cruel but acceptable. Can't wait for Ciara and Alex's second chance with my favorite Scotland scenes!

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure of reading One Fine Night, a captivating prequel to her new Special Ops Scots series. This short story effectively sets the stage for the series, introducing readers to Alex, a former Royal Marine, and Ciara, a college student, who meet by chance on a train and instantly feel a connection.

Nolan does an excellent job of quickly developing the characters and the chemistry between them, making their chance encounter feel genuine and compelling. The narrative alternates between Alex and Ciara's perspectives, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in both of their journeys as they navigate the unexpected feelings they've developed. Their conversations and interactions are well-written, hinting at the depth of their connection.

However, the story ends on a cliffhanger that leaves readers eager to discover what happens next. While this may frustrate some, it effectively whets the appetite for the full-length novel featuring Alex and Ciara's story. Overall, One Fine Night is a promising start to Nolan's new series, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of two engaging characters. Fans of the author's previous work will likely enjoy this prequel, and new readers will find themselves quickly invested in Alex and Ciara's journey.

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel begins a new spin-off series starring Ewan’s friend Alex and young college student, Ciara. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. Because this is a prequel, there is not a HEA at the end of this book. Instead, readers get the back story for this couple and their HEA is due out in October.
Ciara is such a friendly young woman. At 22, she is finishing up her university degree in Edinburgh. As she nears graduation, she is questioning what she really wants to do with her life. Alex is recently separated from the Royal Marines and is also trying to decide what comes next for him in life. When they meet on the train, they share an instant attraction. They also share in depth conversation and get along incredibly well. After spending the night together, they exchange numbers and plan to meet up again because the connection between them is undeniable. There is one more thing that happens, but I will keep that spoiler out of this review. Let’s just say that I am sorry that their book isn’t ready right now because I need to read it.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Janine - The World Was Hers for the Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of the military and on his way to visit a friend while deciding on his next step in life, Alex meets a stranger on a train that will change his life forever.

Ciara wasn’t expecting to meet anyone while traveling back to university, but when a handsome stranger offers her a seat near him, she can’t deny their instant connection.

After a delay in travel and endless hours of conversation, Alex realizes it isn’t enough . . . and neither is the unforgettable night between them. But, will that be the end of their story, or will they find one another again? We’ll have to wait for the release of Before Highland Sunset to discover the rest of their story!

Color me intrigued! This prequel is a fantastic tease into what will be Alex and Ciara’s romance and I can’t wait! I’ve always loved Ciara’s character throughout the Kilted Hearts series. She’s sassy and independent and I can’t wait to see her tangle with the broody Alex struggling to reacquaint himself with the slower pace of civilian life after his military career. The twist at the end of this prequel let me know readers are in for a lot of fun! 4 stars!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an advanced reader copy and I can tell you - I have never read one of Kait Nolan’s books faster. The story begins with Alex, a former Royal Marine, out of the military and seems to be struggling with his decision to retire. He is still experiencing the cautions he used when he was in the military. He boards a train to go to a friend’s to begin to “relax”.
On the train walks Ciara, stunning and prettier than Alex anticipated. Eye contact made and the attraction is felt by both. They end up sitting together after a few incidents and conversations take place. Then a delay in the train ride and the connection between Alex and Ciara intensifies.
As you read this, you are hoping that they finally do SOMETHING that will continue this “relationship” but that is for you, as the reader to find out if it does happen. Great prequel and has me really interested in reading the complete story when it is released. I recommend this and be prepared to read it in one sitting. I am probably going to read it again to check if I missed anything that would give me a hint as to what will happen next. Enjoy the read!

[Nickole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. We meet Alex, a military man who just left thr service. He is on his way home to Scotland to figure out his next steps. On thr train, he sees a stunning woman who catches his eye. Ciarra is on her way home to Edinburgh after being in London for school. She is contemplating life right now but when a sexy man catches her eye on thr train, things looks up. A delayed train has Alex and Ciarra talking over lunch. Both don't want their cute- meet yo end but alas they both have plans. Alex is kicking himself for not getting her number but decides last minute to now take his next train and go in search of Ciarra. Ciarra is mad at herself for not kissing the Alex. She ends up at the pub where her friends are not but Is met with a man she went out with once who wouldn't take no for an answer and lowandbehold Alex saves the day. A lovely evening and night leaves them both wanting more. Chemistry, great conversation make this a great story with a twist at thr end!

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Fine Night by Kait Nolan is an amazing prequel/bridge from the Kilted Heart series to a new series, the Special Ops, starring Ewan’s friend Alex Conroy, who has just left his position in the prestigious Royal Marines, and young college student, Ciara, on her way to Edinburg to continue her studies. This has a “strangers on a train” meet-cute with an instant attraction. Both Alex and Ciara are at crossroads in their lives, seeking something undefined. They decide that maybe that "something" is each other, talk for hours and give in to the sizzling chemistry between them. When morning comes, they promise that this is so much more than just one night in Edinburgh. A promise Alex meant to keep until he visits with his retired Royal Marines pal, Ewan, and gets the shock of his life. Ending on a cliffhanger, without a HEA, I can't wait to see what happens when they cross paths again when their novel comes out in the fall.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This extremely well written prequel, introduces the readers to Alex Conroy , who has just left his position on the prestigious Royal Marines . Unsure what his future has in store for him, he’s decided to take a train and visit his former superior.
On board the train he meets Ciara, who is on her way to Edinburg to continue her studies.
Fate has them spending sometime together with a promise to meeting up again.
But what happens when Alex gets an unexpected surprise, more like a shock?!
Not sure how she does it, but once again this author excels in her storytelling and in being able to fully develop the characters and the plot within such a short novella. Leaving this reader eager to find out what happens next.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great prequel to the novel and the new series

I really enjoyed this beginning to Alex and Ciara’s strangers on a train romance. This prequel does not get us to their HEA, it is just the beginning and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger surprise. As long as you understand that, you’ll enjoy the story. Alex has recently separated from the Royal Marines and is unsure how to integrate back into civilian life. Ciara is in her last year of university but rethinking her course of study. They end up on the same train in the UK and make a connection that continues into a spicy night and a promise of more. Despite being short, the prequel was well written and included three dimensional characters, and an engaging storyline. I am going to read the rest of their story in book one because I am hooked in now.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific prequel for Ms. Nolan's new series, Special Ops Scots. Two strangers meet, and there is an instant connection. Alex is a recently retired Royal Marine who is finding his way back into civilian life when he meets Ciara, a university student who catches his attention. Their story is sweet, romantic and well-written. Changing the course of his destination, Alex seeks out Ciara and the two of them spend an unforgettable night together before Alex has to leave. Alex is a strong and swoon-worthy man, I mean who would change his plans and seek out a woman he's just met. Ciara is a sassy and confident woman who is trying to find herself and decide her future.
One Fine Night does end in a cliffhanger which was a surprise but did not take away from the story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Nolan has in store in Before Highland Sunset.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness… what a cliffhanger in this amazing prequel novella! Just enough to get you totally hooked for this new series Special Ops Scots. This book was a fabulous teaser; you got really caught up in the characters so quickly, invested in the next steps for their lives… and then the SURPRISE… and now wait for book one!

I am not usually a fan of cliffhangers and will often wait to read two books together, but I LOVE all Kait Nolan books and I knew she wouldn’t leave me feeling bereft. And she doesn’t. I feel invested and so eager for more, and yet pleasantly satisfied with the story so far… a rare talent.

This is going to be an amazing new series, and I am so excited for it to begin. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Lcr · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Fine Night is a very short prequel cute meet. It is a link between the fabulous Kilted Hearts series and the new Special Ops series.

I absolutely loved Clara and Alex and their meeting on the train was wonderful. What I did not like was the sudden cliffhanger ending.
Kait Nolan is a fabulous author and I love her books but this time I feel as if she has cheated the reader somewhat. Their story when it is released is obviously going to be excellent but I would have preferred the full story rather than this as it feels more like the first few chapters rather than a series prequel. This is only my opinion and One Fine Night is very good so if you don’t mind a short story with a cliffhanger then I can recommend it.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Alex has left his career in the Royal Marines, he finds himself wondering which direction his future will take. When he meets Ciara on the train, he is drawn to her in a way he has never felt before and the one thing he does know is he wants to see her again.

Now that Ciara has finished school, she finds herself at a turning point in her life as well. The feelings she has for Alex are unexpected and undeniable, but life is about to throw them a curveball they didn’t see coming.

This is the beginning of Alex and Ciara’s story which allows us to get to know the characters and a preview of the feelings between them which leaves us needing to know what the future holds for them.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast paced short read I found completely engaging. I was so involved that when the end came, I was shocked. I hate cliffhangers, but this one felt like it came out of the blue.

I had so many questions about Ciara and Alex consuming my imagination that I didn't anticipate the end of the prequel or the prequel ending the way it did. I could not even be upset that it was a cliffhanger. This one had me rubbing my hands together thinking I cannot wait to see what happens next.

An intriguing, sweet, entanglement that left me wanting more of Alex and Ciara's story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Prequel Novella to New Series - Meet Cute on a Scottish Train

This is a wonderful prequel start to a new series featuring Ciara from the Kilted Hearts series - making a great bridge if you have read that series. It is a great introduction to the characters and their fun "strangers on a train" meet-cute and instant attraction. They are beautifully written characters at different crossroads in their lives and I can't wait to see what happens when they cross paths again when the novel comes out in the fall.

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and Ciara meet and connect

This was a fantastic novella prequel to the upcoming Special Ops Scots series. Two people meet on a train, are attracted to one another, and when they get the chance to talk, have an immediate connection. I loved their introduction story and whoa, plot twist I didn’t see coming… it makes me more excited to read their story in the upcoming book, Before Highland Sunset. This is an introduction to the characters and their story continues in Before Highland Sunet, so they haven’t found their HEA yet. It was a quick lunchtime read, and I’m in love with Alex already!

[N.D. Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Ciara couldn’t be more different except for where they find themselves in life. He’s fresh from his military service and she’s not sure she’s on the right academic path in her life. One short train delay and they get to know each other better, which leaves them to wanting each other more, and we all know that means that anything can happen.
The element I loved most about this story is that it’s a riff on how easy it can be to talk to strangers about your problems and in this instance it creates a real connection that’s abruptly cut off…for now. Can’t wait to read the rest of their story!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delicious little nugget disappointed me only because I now need to wait to get the rest of Ciara and Alex’s story! But will they be book one, or is the talented and devious Kait Nolan going to make us wait until further in the series like she did with Hamish and Aston in the Kilted Hearts series!?
No matter…I’ll be along for the ride, wherever it takes us. Because already, after less than 100 pages, I’m fully invested in Alex, Ciara, their secrets and their HEA. And I know it’s going to be fabulous, because Ms. Nolan hasn’t written a book I have not loved. Special Ops Scots series is going to add to that count, I’m certain.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Fine Night is book .5 prequel in the series Special Ops Scots by Kait Nolan and what a start to this new series!

Ciara and Alex meet on a train in Scotland, they get delayed and spend time getting to know each other. When they reach her final destination, they part ways but before he gets on his last train something tells him he needs to find her..he does and they spend one night together…then he heads out the next day to his final destination..but he gets a surprise he never saw coming…can’t wait to read the next part of their story!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhhh. I really couldn’t put this book down. So much so that I finished it in one sitting! When a chance encounter on a train brings Ciara and Alex together, the heat goes up and the expectation is that they’ll continue to explore the chemistry between them. Unbeknownst to Ciara, Alex needs to choose otherwise. Since this is a prequel, I knew not to expect a happily ever after ending. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these two in the next book!

I received an ARC from the author through Book Funnel and am leaving my honest opinion.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. This sounds like it’s the start of an incredible mess. (And a lot of twisted, delicious fun for the rest of us who will be watching the spectacle take place.) I loved that even though the connection between Ciara and Alex was strong and instant, they still took time to build on it before they acted. Because this is a prequel, there is one heck of a cliff we’re left hanging from at the end. But, it’s teased me into a bit of a frenzy and now I’m desperate to learn where the rest of this story is going to take us.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Christyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so looking forward to this series. I loved the previous series set in Scotland and have looked forward to this spinoff. This is a short tease for the introduction of the first of the series. I loved Ciara in the previous books (though you don't have to read them to appreciate this book) and was happy to see her as the main character in this one. I already am intrigued by Alex. The characters connected quickly, and it was a great coincidental meeting. I'm anxiously awaiting the first book! I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the new series Special Ops Scots. This introduces us to a few of the characters, but specifically Alex and Ciara. Ciara and Alex share a train ride and a delay together. They feel an instant connection so they hate to say goodbye to one another. This fast read has piqued my interest in this series. I'm also glad we don't have to say a complete goodbye to Glenlaig either. I can't for the first full length book in the series and get the rest of Alex and Ciara's story. The little bombshell Alex gets at the end of this one it's going to be very interesting!!

[Gwenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick prequel read introducing how Alex and Ciara meet, on a train of course. Alex just got out of the military and is heading to see a friend that he served with that got out of the service earlier. Ciara is heading back to university from a trip. Instant attraction and they have a fine night together before he leaves in the morning to finish the last part of his trip, with the promise to see each other again. If you've read some of Kait's other books, you might recognize Ciara's home village and some of the characters.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great peak into what is to come. I love the books in Scotland. Alex and Ciara meet by accident on a train that is taking both to different places. Alex was usually quiet and to himself a get getting out of the military. The two were attracted to each other, but didn’t act on it after they got off the train. Alex may have a change of heart that leads to a big surprise down the road. You need to read this book to get prepared for the full story.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both of them are at a crossroads in life. Alex has recently left the Royal Marines and isn't sure how he will adjust to civilian life. Ciara is finishing up a degree that she no longer believes is the right fit for her. They meet on a train and really connect. I receive a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this introduction to a new series. Even though this is a shorter book that usual, I connected with the characters right away. I literally never put this book down once I started it. The story has a satisfying ending, but I look forward to seeing more of Alex and Ciara in a future book.