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A Kiss at Midnight
529 pages
A sparkling, witty twist on a classic fairy tale where sharp banter meets swoon-worthy romance.
What it feels like
Reading this historical romance feels like stepping into a lush, sparkling ballroom where the banter is as sharp as the fashion is dazzling. It takes the familiar bones of a classic fairy tale and breathes vibrant, witty life into them, trading passive sweetness for a heroine with a spine of steel and a hero who must learn that ambition is a poor substitute for passion. The prose is elegant and buoyant, carrying the reader through a briskly paced dance of wills that is both deeply romantic and delightfully funny. It is a cozy, swoon-worthy escape perfect for readers who crave intelligent historical romance, crackling chemistry, and the deeply satisfying emotional payoff of watching a pragmatic cynic finally surrender to a happily ever after.
- Mood
- sparkling
- enchanting
- swoony
- cozy
- Tone
- witty
- playful
- romantic
- wry
- charming
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- duty versus desire · class divides · redefining fairy tales · finding self-worth · the power of choice
- The writing
- Elegant and buoyant, characterized by sharp, intelligent dialogue and lush historical detail.
- The arc
- Moves from cynical resignation and duty-bound ambition to a joyful, passionate surrender to true love.
- Who it's for
- Fans of historical romance who love witty banter, clever fairy tale retellings, and heroes who must reevaluate their priorities for love.
Content notes
- emotional neglect
- classism
About the book
Miss Kate Daltry doesn't believe in fairy tales... or happily ever after.
Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince... and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.
Gabriel likes his fiancee, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn't love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.
Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.
Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble...
Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune...
Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything.
Description from Open Library.
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