A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James

A Kiss at Midnight (Fairy Tales, #1)

by Eloisa James

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 fiancée, 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.

Reviewed by Stephanie on

3 of 5 stars

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Really a 3.5.

Why I Picked It Up: I wanted to read an Eloisa James book and I love fairy tale retellings. Why not kill two birds with one stone?

What I Loved: James’ characters were great! The evil stepmother was atrocious, the stepsister a sweet yet stupid thing, and Brew with his sharp wit added to the book. Kate was everything a Cinderella should be. She stood up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves and put everyone ahead of her, yet she knew her value as a person and didn’t let the prince run over her. Gabriel was trying to have his cake and eat it too. He wanted Kate but needed money. While that sounds deplorable, Gabriel had several people who were depending on him.

What I Could Have Lived Without: Really there wasn’t much. There was an author’s not at the end mentioning that A Kiss at Midnight is not a historical romance but a fairy tell retelling in a historical atmosphere. It would have helped to know that before hand. It really pulled me out of the story when Kate’s “fairy godmother” said Gabriel needed to “man up.” If you remember that going in you’ll be fine.

Recommended For: Fans of fairy tale retellings.

Avoid If: Historical inaccuracies ruin a story for you. While it’s historical setting, it’s not a historical romance. Eloisa James explains it better in the back of the book.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 14 January, 2012: Finished reading
  • 14 January, 2012: Reviewed