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12:01
Picture this: Your fiancé cheats on you the night before your wedding with someone he claimed was his cousin. Then, just months later, he's at the altar with the same "cousin.".
What would you do?
A: Crash their wedding and unleash chaos.
B: Accept an invite to attend a play party with his brother.
C: Get the ultimate "lick back" by having a fling with his brother at that very party.
For Tyme Henley, it's all of the above.
But things take an unexpected turn when Tyme finds herself falling for Midnight Drayton, the very person she's despised for a solid two years. As emotions and schemes collide, Tyme navigates a path filled with revenge, unexpected attraction, and a messy entanglement. Step into Tyme's shoes as she seeks to rewrite the narrative she once knew, exploring the thin line between vindication and unanticipated romance.
What would you do?
A: Crash their wedding and unleash chaos.
B: Accept an invite to attend a play party with his brother.
C: Get the ultimate "lick back" by having a fling with his brother at that very party.
For Tyme Henley, it's all of the above.
But things take an unexpected turn when Tyme finds herself falling for Midnight Drayton, the very person she's despised for a solid two years. As emotions and schemes collide, Tyme navigates a path filled with revenge, unexpected attraction, and a messy entanglement. Step into Tyme's shoes as she seeks to rewrite the narrative she once knew, exploring the thin line between vindication and unanticipated romance.
376 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2024
1635 people are currently reading
4086 people want to read
About the author
Bella Jay
23 books576 followersMiami bred, Bella Jay (born Precious Rodgers) has had a love for books since she was a little girl. Getting lost in them was a favorite past time but writing them has become a true love. In 2018, with a little push she stepped out on faith and released her first novel to the world allowing her writer alter ego, Bella Jay, to take flight into the writing industry.
She writes spicy & contemporary Black romance books with unapologetically flawed characters who she loves to fix.
When she’s not wrapped up in her characters, she can be found traveling the world, building her empire, sipping on tea or wine while reading a book, and wishing healthy eats were pancakes or cupcakes.
She writes spicy & contemporary Black romance books with unapologetically flawed characters who she loves to fix.
When she’s not wrapped up in her characters, she can be found traveling the world, building her empire, sipping on tea or wine while reading a book, and wishing healthy eats were pancakes or cupcakes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 891 reviews
November 4, 2023
“No buts……”🥰🥰
Have you ever had your heart broken? That DEEP public humiliation heartbreak that left you in shambles making rash decisions that landed you in jail? That heartbreak that had you turning into Babe Ruth at your ex’s wedding because he in fact did not have the right one that day and instead had the wrong one?! Well if you answered yes to any of these questions you may be entitled to get your lick back just call 1-800- fk-dat-n*gga 🤣🤣🤣
Chyyyyy this was the ultimate get back story and this need to be the standard, the blueprint and the protocol moving forward! Tyme was the true definition of getting your lick back and Midnight was the true definition of taking one for the team!
Midnight and Tyme had a few things in common but the main one was Malachi, Tyme’s ex who also happened to be Midnights twin brother! After experiencing the ultimate heartbreak, Tyme’s arch nemesis Midnight came to her aid in more ways than she could ever imagine! Malachi went low but these two took it 20 levels below hell!
12:01 was a breath of fresh air. I mean I didn’t expect anything less from Bella Jay so it was no surprise that I enjoyed 12:01 as much as I did! The concept of the story held my attention and the witty banter between the characters was entertaining to say the least. I loved the creativity behind 12:01 and all I need to know is who sneaking me in to the next event because babyyy Neo knows how to throw a party!
This is a book you definitely want on your tbr! The visuals, the drama, the seggs, the comedy was cohesive and the story just flowed really well! Don’t sleep on this one y’all! *chefs kiss*
Have you ever had your heart broken? That DEEP public humiliation heartbreak that left you in shambles making rash decisions that landed you in jail? That heartbreak that had you turning into Babe Ruth at your ex’s wedding because he in fact did not have the right one that day and instead had the wrong one?! Well if you answered yes to any of these questions you may be entitled to get your lick back just call 1-800- fk-dat-n*gga 🤣🤣🤣
Chyyyyy this was the ultimate get back story and this need to be the standard, the blueprint and the protocol moving forward! Tyme was the true definition of getting your lick back and Midnight was the true definition of taking one for the team!
Midnight and Tyme had a few things in common but the main one was Malachi, Tyme’s ex who also happened to be Midnights twin brother! After experiencing the ultimate heartbreak, Tyme’s arch nemesis Midnight came to her aid in more ways than she could ever imagine! Malachi went low but these two took it 20 levels below hell!
12:01 was a breath of fresh air. I mean I didn’t expect anything less from Bella Jay so it was no surprise that I enjoyed 12:01 as much as I did! The concept of the story held my attention and the witty banter between the characters was entertaining to say the least. I loved the creativity behind 12:01 and all I need to know is who sneaking me in to the next event because babyyy Neo knows how to throw a party!
This is a book you definitely want on your tbr! The visuals, the drama, the seggs, the comedy was cohesive and the story just flowed really well! Don’t sleep on this one y’all! *chefs kiss*
November 30, 2023
If what you not gon’ do is play in my face and think I’ma let that shyt slide was a person, that person would 100% be Tyme Henley. Allow me to set the scene. Tyme thought everything was good between her and Malachi until she finds out he’s been f*ckin’ his “cousin” damn near their entire relationship the night before their wedding. As if that weren't disrespectful enough, Malachi marries this trick six months later and gives her the winter wonderland wedding he gaslit Tyme out of. Now, ask yourself, what’s a girl to do when Sir Cheater breaks your heart, and your supposed “cousin-in-law” betrays you so horribly?!!! You and your trusty bat catch a flight and pull up to their wedding to remind them who TF you are. Duh! Tyme said it best, "They had to know I wouldn't let that shit slide." 😏😏😏😏 F*ckin’ up your ex’s wedding and becoming social media famous does come at a cost so, Tyme has to spend a few days in jail and, while there, she reflects on her actions. Does she regret what she did? Absolutely TF not! Insert “And I’ll do it again” GIF here. While she's stewing in jail, Tyme is shocked that her archnemesis and ex- fiancé’s twin brother Midnight Drayton bails her out. The thing to know about Midnight and Tyme is, they have history but you gotta read the book to find out about all of that. These two decide to press pause on their animosity towards each other and call a truce so Midnight can take Tyme on a journey of revenge she’ll never forget. Lick back season activate! 12:01 far exceeded my expectations. Just saying it was a good book almost feels like an insult and minimizes how good it really was. You will absolutely fall in love with Tyme and Midnight. Their love for each other was so genuine and organic and the witty back and forth banter between them was effortless. I really loved how Bella Jay incorporated the social media posts into the storyline. It gave such a real life feel to the book. And, it sucks to be you if you didn’t pre-order 12:01 and get The Aftermath because, you really missed out. There just aren’t enough good things I can say about 12:01. If I could give it 10 stars I would. Bella Jay put her whole right leg and left arm in this book and sis owes nothin’.
May 9, 2025
4/5
- This book was WILDDD and I couldn’t put it down! Definitely only of the spiciest books I’ve ever read, but I loved the plot. It felt like a movie!!
- This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really loved it because her banter is so good. Found myself laughing out loud.
- It’s rare that I pick up a book by a new to me author and immediately want to start more books from their backlist, but that’s exactly how I felt after this read!
- This book was WILDDD and I couldn’t put it down! Definitely only of the spiciest books I’ve ever read, but I loved the plot. It felt like a movie!!
- This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really loved it because her banter is so good. Found myself laughing out loud.
- It’s rare that I pick up a book by a new to me author and immediately want to start more books from their backlist, but that’s exactly how I felt after this read!
January 15, 2024
3.5
not sure why this is marketed as enemies to lovers when they just didn’t like each other… that’s not enemies lol. this was fun in the beginning but i found the FMC insane and really stubborn, it came off really immature and got frustrating after a while.
not sure why this is marketed as enemies to lovers when they just didn’t like each other… that’s not enemies lol. this was fun in the beginning but i found the FMC insane and really stubborn, it came off really immature and got frustrating after a while.
November 7, 2023
Wheww 🥵
Lick back season , but leveling up !
Tyme and Midnight were a match I didn’t know I needed. What started as Midnight trying to save Tyme from spiraling and ending up stuck in jail , turned into a spicy filled new years. Their journey is definitely one to read. I highly suggest you also go get 1201 Aftermath.
I hated the way Malachi acted and treated Tyme , so to say he definitely got what he deserved he did. Tia was just sick and honestly obsessed with Tyme.
Lick back season , but leveling up !
Tyme and Midnight were a match I didn’t know I needed. What started as Midnight trying to save Tyme from spiraling and ending up stuck in jail , turned into a spicy filled new years. Their journey is definitely one to read. I highly suggest you also go get 1201 Aftermath.
I hated the way Malachi acted and treated Tyme , so to say he definitely got what he deserved he did. Tia was just sick and honestly obsessed with Tyme.
March 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Well, this was FUN! After reading a heavier HF book, I needed to jump back into the romance genre. I'm so glad I picked this one up! I really enjoyed this story! The banter between Midnight and Tyme was hilarious. This book was HEAVY on the spice, so be prepared!
After reading the first several chapters, I had no idea where this story was going. 🫣
I was worried that the spice would overtake the story, but the author did a great job incorporating a strong (believable) love connection between the two main characters. I just wish I could've felt that connection sooner in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it! 🍷🕐
Well, this was FUN! After reading a heavier HF book, I needed to jump back into the romance genre. I'm so glad I picked this one up! I really enjoyed this story! The banter between Midnight and Tyme was hilarious. This book was HEAVY on the spice, so be prepared!
After reading the first several chapters, I had no idea where this story was going. 🫣
I was worried that the spice would overtake the story, but the author did a great job incorporating a strong (believable) love connection between the two main characters. I just wish I could've felt that connection sooner in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it! 🍷🕐
March 31, 2024
I LOVED this book! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 RTC later.
November 14, 2023
I wasn’t sure where this story was going but I wanted to see it through. This plot is messy but I was here for Tyme GET BACK. Cause how you tryna play her face AT YALL WEDDING !! I couldn't believe Malachi and his hoe still didn't realize the error of their ways. It seemed strange to me that Malachi's family wasn't sympathetic to how she was feeling; how was she expected to recover so quickly? Midnight and Tyme's adventure through 12:01 seemed like it dragged on for the better part of the book for me. Their connection following that night was not explored in any great depth. But I enjoyed Midnight and Tyme's banter and just the relationship they had. Midnight and Tyme had a great connection, and I liked seeing them interact. To be honest, I believe Midnight understood how to deal with Tyme; but, being Malachi's brother caused him to second-guess his choices.
October 21, 2023
I was blessed to receive an ARC and completely devoured this in less than 24 hours (over a 3 day span b/c adulting). I’m going to take some tyme (see what I did there) to collect my thoughts but Bella Jay I got a bone to pick with you!! Teasing me with the novelette and now I have to wait until the release to finish. I can’t even touch the true epilogue yet because I NEED to finish “The Aftermath” first.
Well done sis! 5 starts across the board!
UPDATE:
City girls up by 1 million by the end of this one! After seeing a few tease videos on TikTok, I just knew I had to request the ARC! I’ve read “The Countdown” “12:01” and “The Aftermath.”
If you love a little mess and a great love story this one is for you! We enter this story with Tyme crashing the wedding of her ex-fiance and his “cousin,” well at least that’s what he claimed her to be until Tyme caught them together during what would have been Tyme’s wedding night. This lady her in jail and she was eventually released only to come face to face with her ex-fiance’s twin brother, Midnight Drayton.
Tyme and Midnight has a complex “hate-hate” relationship. I felt their chemistry during their first on page encounter. And the banter? *chefs kiss*
Tyme’s journey had some ups and downs. I loved her as a character. Obviously she had a right to be hurt and I can’t even be mad at her for crashing the wedding and wanting to get her lick back.
Midnight Drayton…MY MAN. The way he cared for Tyme and acknowledged his wrong doings. Love him down!
By the time the ending came (before the epilogue), I was wanting more time with the couple. The Aftermath was just what I needed and the drama carried through with that. It was the perfect wrap to this couple and the epilogue was evening sweeter.
10/10 highly recommend!
Let’s talk about the meaning of the name…got me ready to try some things 🫣🫢
Thank you Bella Jay for the ARC. Will be purchasing the paperback as soon as it becomes available. ❤️
Well done sis! 5 starts across the board!
UPDATE:
City girls up by 1 million by the end of this one! After seeing a few tease videos on TikTok, I just knew I had to request the ARC! I’ve read “The Countdown” “12:01” and “The Aftermath.”
If you love a little mess and a great love story this one is for you! We enter this story with Tyme crashing the wedding of her ex-fiance and his “cousin,” well at least that’s what he claimed her to be until Tyme caught them together during what would have been Tyme’s wedding night. This lady her in jail and she was eventually released only to come face to face with her ex-fiance’s twin brother, Midnight Drayton.
Tyme and Midnight has a complex “hate-hate” relationship. I felt their chemistry during their first on page encounter. And the banter? *chefs kiss*
Tyme’s journey had some ups and downs. I loved her as a character. Obviously she had a right to be hurt and I can’t even be mad at her for crashing the wedding and wanting to get her lick back.
Midnight Drayton…MY MAN. The way he cared for Tyme and acknowledged his wrong doings. Love him down!
By the time the ending came (before the epilogue), I was wanting more time with the couple. The Aftermath was just what I needed and the drama carried through with that. It was the perfect wrap to this couple and the epilogue was evening sweeter.
10/10 highly recommend!
Let’s talk about the meaning of the name…got me ready to try some things 🫣🫢
Thank you Bella Jay for the ARC. Will be purchasing the paperback as soon as it becomes available. ❤️
January 23, 2024
The story was nice, and the romance was captivating but the dialogue was cringing at times. Midnight is said to be a successful rich black man who is "private jet rich" by the way, and his vocabulary makes him sound like an uneducated broke-ass corner boy, same for his entire family, (they didn't read like rich people), actually everybody in this book read like they didn't utilize the common vocabulary often. Actually, their inner monologues were written better. I can understand slang written in some cases but it was ALMOST EVERY TIME THEY SPOKE. I was rolling my eyes every time I read coochie, lick back, nigga, bet, nah, and a whole lot of other words that I don't care to remember because I just tried to skip over. GEEZ, we don't sound like this in most conversations, even around friends and family.
For instance, for a grown man to say- you think because you can smashed my ex...yo bitch ass. There were many more cringe-worthy quotes that I can't remember because that would require me to go back and read to find them, and I can't have my IQ dropping even more.
For instance, for a grown man to say- you think because you can smashed my ex...yo bitch ass. There were many more cringe-worthy quotes that I can't remember because that would require me to go back and read to find them, and I can't have my IQ dropping even more.
January 21, 2024
Karma wins
Karma is a b*tch and Tyme made sure those words were true for her cheater, arrogant, trash azz ex fiance.
Tyme was devastated after the life she planned with her ex came tumbling down. The situation was beyond messy and she just wanted him to feel some remorse. However, all the mess she pulled just showed she wasn't over him yet.
Then enters her ex's twin brother who is shorter, but finer and swag on 100 thousand. Midnight felt like Tyme was the one that got a way and he hated to see her hurting at the hand of his brother. So, he set out to get her thinking about other things.... One weekend of fun, left them both feeling like something was missing. What started out as Tyme getting the ultimate lick back, turned into maybe just maybe she found her one.
Listen the seggs was on point, chemistry hott, banter funny. This is a good read!
Karma is a b*tch and Tyme made sure those words were true for her cheater, arrogant, trash azz ex fiance.
Tyme was devastated after the life she planned with her ex came tumbling down. The situation was beyond messy and she just wanted him to feel some remorse. However, all the mess she pulled just showed she wasn't over him yet.
Then enters her ex's twin brother who is shorter, but finer and swag on 100 thousand. Midnight felt like Tyme was the one that got a way and he hated to see her hurting at the hand of his brother. So, he set out to get her thinking about other things.... One weekend of fun, left them both feeling like something was missing. What started out as Tyme getting the ultimate lick back, turned into maybe just maybe she found her one.
Listen the seggs was on point, chemistry hott, banter funny. This is a good read!
November 27, 2023
Now listen!!! Bella Jay, you really just changed the game with this one. I love how you write the unexpected. I can tell that time was taken seriously (no pun) in creating these characters and storyline. I feel like I really got to know them and I'm in love. There are so many aspects that were amazing. Midnight is top tier book bae. Malachi probably gonna be book bae in another life, I'll wait on it. I have a tendency to love the ones everyone hates. This story was so thoroughly told, it really is complete and I am beyond satisfied. I laughed, I cried, I swooned I definitely clutched my pearls at 12:01...this was a full experience. Worth every penny...actually it was a steal. I highly recommend supporting this author by pre-ordering her work. You won't regret it.
October 19, 2023
Lick back season has arrived. Enjoy it.
November 10, 2023
RESD READ READ!!!
From the cover I didn’t think I’d like this but boy was I wrong. Tyme gave that girl and I love that for her. She was hurt but I love how she gave into her feelings. Midnight was the better twin- period. He gave all the vibes! Def book bae material.
I honestly loved their relationship from knowing the background to the engagement. It was so cute and it gave what it was supposed to give- she understood the assignment. I just loved them as a couple and the kissing cousins definitely got what they deserved.
From the cover I didn’t think I’d like this but boy was I wrong. Tyme gave that girl and I love that for her. She was hurt but I love how she gave into her feelings. Midnight was the better twin- period. He gave all the vibes! Def book bae material.
I honestly loved their relationship from knowing the background to the engagement. It was so cute and it gave what it was supposed to give- she understood the assignment. I just loved them as a couple and the kissing cousins definitely got what they deserved.
December 1, 2025
11-30-25 reread update:
Thank you to Bella Jay for sending me an ALC of 12:01’s audiobook! Emmanuel Ingram! Madison C. Marie! Y’all know y’all ate! They played Tyme and Midnight so well and truly breathed new life into this story overall. The narration was well worth the wait. I still really enjoy this book!
Overall, I loved Midnight! He truly stood on bidness and didn't care about nothing or no one but Tyme. However, Tyme needed to get a GRIP during the first half of the book, and her back-and-forth about how she felt about Midnight really slowed down the narrative at one point, but she ended up being really likable by the end—I felt like she had a lot of growing up to do and she did that growing gradually. Malachi was insufferable and controlling and immature and served as a very lackluster villain, but I loved the times Midnight dealt with him. Midnight is a MAN, honey!
While this book had several unfavorable terms for body parts during the spicy scenes and I felt like the BDSM aspect and 12:01 as a whole was tame, I overall really enjoyed this!
4.5 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
Thank you to Bella Jay for sending me an ALC of 12:01’s audiobook! Emmanuel Ingram! Madison C. Marie! Y’all know y’all ate! They played Tyme and Midnight so well and truly breathed new life into this story overall. The narration was well worth the wait. I still really enjoy this book!
Overall, I loved Midnight! He truly stood on bidness and didn't care about nothing or no one but Tyme. However, Tyme needed to get a GRIP during the first half of the book, and her back-and-forth about how she felt about Midnight really slowed down the narrative at one point, but she ended up being really likable by the end—I felt like she had a lot of growing up to do and she did that growing gradually. Malachi was insufferable and controlling and immature and served as a very lackluster villain, but I loved the times Midnight dealt with him. Midnight is a MAN, honey!
While this book had several unfavorable terms for body parts during the spicy scenes and I felt like the BDSM aspect and 12:01 as a whole was tame, I overall really enjoyed this!
4.5 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
October 23, 2023
ARC REVIEW
Midnight and Tyme are entirely too cute. I didn’t like the way he played in her face at the NYE party. It legit rubbed me the wrong way, but outside of that one moment I truly enjoyed both the book and the novelette, The Aftermath. I can’t recall if the internal dialogue that the mains do is a signature writing tool for Belle or not but I liked it. It’s where a good majority of the humor and emotions took place. Leaving everything else to be dialogue, making it an easy and quick read. I know that’s kind of common but something about the way it was done here was really enjoyable. This was messy and outlandish in such a fun and entertaining way. And who doesn’t love a romance where a thick fine fmc is protected and catered to? This book also has a few little detail touches that I really loved. I know the lick back is the catalyst but it’s really the second chance, taboo romance for me!!
Midnight and Tyme are entirely too cute. I didn’t like the way he played in her face at the NYE party. It legit rubbed me the wrong way, but outside of that one moment I truly enjoyed both the book and the novelette, The Aftermath. I can’t recall if the internal dialogue that the mains do is a signature writing tool for Belle or not but I liked it. It’s where a good majority of the humor and emotions took place. Leaving everything else to be dialogue, making it an easy and quick read. I know that’s kind of common but something about the way it was done here was really enjoyable. This was messy and outlandish in such a fun and entertaining way. And who doesn’t love a romance where a thick fine fmc is protected and catered to? This book also has a few little detail touches that I really loved. I know the lick back is the catalyst but it’s really the second chance, taboo romance for me!!
February 18, 2024
This book took me through a rollercoaster ride & I enjoyed every bit of it. A little bit of enemies to lovers, a lot of my ex fiancés twin LMAO! And guess what? I support it (in book life ofcourse) I can’t write much on this review without spoiling, but Midnight and Tyme are everything.
November 26, 2025
The rent MUST have been due for these narrators.. my God. Stay tuned for a full review.
November 8, 2023
Lick back season in full effect! Well, Miss Bella, you just got it poppin’ right off the bat huh? No pun intended! 🤣 Tyme was a woman on a mission! Think you can embarrass and humiliate me like that? Hmmmm…. let me show you my Louisville slugger! Sis tore the club up, well the wedding, but you know what I mean! 😂
I felt so bad for Tyme, cause that was some punk ish Malachi pulled! Ughhh…. anywho, as Tyme is sitting in jail, who comes to save her? None other than her arch nemesis, and Malachi’s brother, Midnight!
Midnight wonders, why am I here? This woman hates me, and I go out of my way to be an asshole to her, this is what we do. I get that she is angry about what went down, as she should, but I can’t leave her in jail! The back and forth between Tyme and Midnight, along with Tyme’s internal conversations were hysterical! I mean laugh out loud funny! When Midnight poses question to Tyme about spending time with him, on some get back ish, I knew all hell was bout to break loose!
Midnight, is it honey! Bae all day! 😍 He still has regrets about fumbling Tyme and uses this opportunity to show her what a real man is like. This man is everything that Tyme needs, and she hates that she is starting to feel things for him. NOW, 12:01! Are e-tickets being sold in every city, cause imma need to cop a couple! That party was lit! 🔥
I thought I would feel a way about the whole brother situation, but NOPE! This read was so much fun, and a bit messy, but the love shined through. Loved it!
I felt so bad for Tyme, cause that was some punk ish Malachi pulled! Ughhh…. anywho, as Tyme is sitting in jail, who comes to save her? None other than her arch nemesis, and Malachi’s brother, Midnight!
Midnight wonders, why am I here? This woman hates me, and I go out of my way to be an asshole to her, this is what we do. I get that she is angry about what went down, as she should, but I can’t leave her in jail! The back and forth between Tyme and Midnight, along with Tyme’s internal conversations were hysterical! I mean laugh out loud funny! When Midnight poses question to Tyme about spending time with him, on some get back ish, I knew all hell was bout to break loose!
Midnight, is it honey! Bae all day! 😍 He still has regrets about fumbling Tyme and uses this opportunity to show her what a real man is like. This man is everything that Tyme needs, and she hates that she is starting to feel things for him. NOW, 12:01! Are e-tickets being sold in every city, cause imma need to cop a couple! That party was lit! 🔥
I thought I would feel a way about the whole brother situation, but NOPE! This read was so much fun, and a bit messy, but the love shined through. Loved it!
November 15, 2023
The story started off strong but the scene at 12:01 dragged out way too long. The phrase arch nemesis was over used, but I did enjoy the evolving narrative between Tyme and Midnight. The visuals were the cutest! 🥰
March 16, 2024
DNF at 45% I just couldn’t keep forcing myself to read this book. It wasn’t terrible, so it’s probably the cup of tea of someone else, but I just can’t get into books which a good portion of the whole plot surrounds one main event (usually a party). It takes a really good author to keep me intrigued. This wasn’t one.
So the book is about the relationship between Tyme (weird name) and Midnight (also weird name, why??). They had a thing very briefly, but he ended it cause he was in a bad place, and she went on to date his shitty brother by coincidence. The shitty brother cheats on her with his “cousin” (*family friend) and eventually marries her. On the wedding day, Tyme goes to fuck it up, understandably. She gets arrested, Midnight gets her out, they have a moment, blah blah blah.
Things I liked:
-the first 2/3 chapters, where they were acting like their normal bantering selves.
Things I disliked:
-their names (Tyme and Midnight, really??)
-the cheating ex
-the stupid sex party that took up most of the book, ALSO that readers were not warned about the length of cause Lord knows I wouldn’t have even bothered with this otherwise.
-their POVs really, especially Tyme’s. She’s quite immature, and their entire monologue was trying too hard to sound trendy by using popular slangs that just made it seem like it was written by an older person who thinks this is how all black, young, ‘hip’ people speak. I just couldn’t get into it.
-the fact that Midnight never apologized (at least not early enough for me to read anyway) to Tyme for the hurtful message he sent her calling her desperate and all. Maybe that’s just cause I personally wouldn’t be able to move past that if it were me, cause it was so unnecessary. Also, yes, I get you were going through some shit, but she didn’t cause it, neither was she aware of it.
-the weird tension. I sometimes didn’t feel like these two actually liked each other cause every interaction was so sexualized. That’s all that was emphasized, how they turned each other on with every action and word. It got boring real quick.
-couldn’t get into the pacing of the writing. It just felt like things were being dragged out, which they were, but the reader shouldn’t feel that way really.
-oh, did I mention the sex party? It was so cringe.
Anyway, I won’t bother finishing this. On to the next.
So the book is about the relationship between Tyme (weird name) and Midnight (also weird name, why??). They had a thing very briefly, but he ended it cause he was in a bad place, and she went on to date his shitty brother by coincidence. The shitty brother cheats on her with his “cousin” (*family friend) and eventually marries her. On the wedding day, Tyme goes to fuck it up, understandably. She gets arrested, Midnight gets her out, they have a moment, blah blah blah.
Things I liked:
-the first 2/3 chapters, where they were acting like their normal bantering selves.
Things I disliked:
-their names (Tyme and Midnight, really??)
-the cheating ex
-the stupid sex party that took up most of the book, ALSO that readers were not warned about the length of cause Lord knows I wouldn’t have even bothered with this otherwise.
-their POVs really, especially Tyme’s. She’s quite immature, and their entire monologue was trying too hard to sound trendy by using popular slangs that just made it seem like it was written by an older person who thinks this is how all black, young, ‘hip’ people speak. I just couldn’t get into it.
-the fact that Midnight never apologized (at least not early enough for me to read anyway) to Tyme for the hurtful message he sent her calling her desperate and all. Maybe that’s just cause I personally wouldn’t be able to move past that if it were me, cause it was so unnecessary. Also, yes, I get you were going through some shit, but she didn’t cause it, neither was she aware of it.
-the weird tension. I sometimes didn’t feel like these two actually liked each other cause every interaction was so sexualized. That’s all that was emphasized, how they turned each other on with every action and word. It got boring real quick.
-couldn’t get into the pacing of the writing. It just felt like things were being dragged out, which they were, but the reader shouldn’t feel that way really.
-oh, did I mention the sex party? It was so cringe.
Anyway, I won’t bother finishing this. On to the next.
December 1, 2025
3/22/25 First read ebook.-This book is actually a sexy Rom-com. It is a fun and funny read and not as messy as I expected. 12:01 is a cute love story that begins under messy circumstances. I loved Midnight and Time! My only complaint is wanted Tia disrespectful ass to really get hers.
11/24/25-
🚨ALC Review‼️📢 The audiobook for 12:01 by Bella Jay elevates this sexy rom-com from a great book to an experience! And it starts on the one, Emmanuel Ingram and Madison C. Marie devour this narration!
🍷 Madison makes Tyme feel like your bestie as you root for her healing and her shenanigans. Emmanuel had me 🫠🫠🫠 at the opening credits.😮💨 He delivers a Midnight Drayton that can talk you through ANYTHING but will also have you giggling and kicking your feet. 💕
🍷12:01 is a cute, spicy love story that begins under the messiest circumstances but delivers a HEA you’ll love. This audiobook is a time and you will love Midnight and Tyme!
Thank you Bella Jay for the ALC!
11/24/25-
🚨ALC Review‼️📢 The audiobook for 12:01 by Bella Jay elevates this sexy rom-com from a great book to an experience! And it starts on the one, Emmanuel Ingram and Madison C. Marie devour this narration!
🍷 Madison makes Tyme feel like your bestie as you root for her healing and her shenanigans. Emmanuel had me 🫠🫠🫠 at the opening credits.😮💨 He delivers a Midnight Drayton that can talk you through ANYTHING but will also have you giggling and kicking your feet. 💕
🍷12:01 is a cute, spicy love story that begins under the messiest circumstances but delivers a HEA you’ll love. This audiobook is a time and you will love Midnight and Tyme!
Thank you Bella Jay for the ALC!
February 25, 2024
So. My favorite thing about this book was Midnight Drayton. I also loved the banter between him and Tyme. They got some chuckles out of me.
I really wanted to love this but I felt like the 12:01 thing draggedddd. When we finally got around to it, it was underwhelming for me. If we talking BDSM, then give it to me all the way 😭
I really wanted to love this but I felt like the 12:01 thing draggedddd. When we finally got around to it, it was underwhelming for me. If we talking BDSM, then give it to me all the way 😭
October 19, 2023
ARC Review:
im normally not a romance girly but i looooove a messy love story! imagine starting off a story by sitting in a jail cell for ransacking your ex-fiance's wedding because he cheated on you with his cousin! all to be bailed out by his twin brother!! midnight and tyme's relationship started off very rocky but ultimately became one of my favorite love stories. this book was SO good. bella jay really took her time in developing these characters .. i mean look at their names! there was so much symbolism, life gems, and funny moments to remember. midnight drayton is THAT guy! he definitely put tyme on to new experiences & helped her realize how aint shit her ex was.. even if he is his twin brother! 10/10!
im normally not a romance girly but i looooove a messy love story! imagine starting off a story by sitting in a jail cell for ransacking your ex-fiance's wedding because he cheated on you with his cousin! all to be bailed out by his twin brother!! midnight and tyme's relationship started off very rocky but ultimately became one of my favorite love stories. this book was SO good. bella jay really took her time in developing these characters .. i mean look at their names! there was so much symbolism, life gems, and funny moments to remember. midnight drayton is THAT guy! he definitely put tyme on to new experiences & helped her realize how aint shit her ex was.. even if he is his twin brother! 10/10!
June 17, 2024
Hunny I love me a good enemies to lovers trope and what Bella Jay wrote in this book was chefs kiss. The chemistry the banter the sexual tension and then the spice was everything. This book could do know wrong and i’m a forbidden romance kinda of girl and this book had me buzzing from beginning to end. I love Midnight for Tyme and i loved how things progressed so naturally between them and then it was up from there. Drama was a given but not overwhelming and I really enjoyed this book definitely can’t wait for what’s next
May 15, 2025
Funny AF!! I enjoyed this read. I was thoroughly surprised at the humor in this book. Tune kept getting funnier and funnier. Though it did feel drawn out at times, the spice and banter between the two MCs wears fun to read. Midnight Drayton got a name on him. 🤣 And Nene, the bff, was funny and refreshing. Overall, 12:01 (the party and book) was a unique creative concept and executed well. 🖤
March 6, 2024
Enemies to Lovers is my fav ❤️ I love Midnight and Tyme!
Lawd every time Midnight whispered in our ear I was a mess.
🚨New Book Bae ALERT🚨
Lawd every time Midnight whispered in our ear I was a mess.
🚨New Book Bae ALERT🚨
July 26, 2024
This book was nothing but drama, drama, drama and I loved it! I'm a fan of mess and 12:01 was full of it. Definitely add 12:01 to your TBR if you haven't already.
November 9, 2023
Bella Jay does not disappoint. I love reading an African American author writing an African American love story. This story started with a bang and the banging did not stop until the very end. Tyme Henley had a bone to pick with her ex-boyfriend, Malachi Drayton, and the girl he cheated on Tyme with on their wedding day. She wrecked shop and landed in jail. Who would have thought the only person that she hated as much as Malachi would bail her out of jail? Midnight Drayton is Mal's twin brother. He and Tyme had a serious hate-hate relationship going on. There was always something to argue about. If Midnight said it was blue, Tyme would swear it was green just to spite him.
There was something that Tyme didn't know. Midnight always felt like she was on the that got away. He knew he was at fault and was willing to let it go so Tyme and Malachi could have the life they wanted. Now Tyme was back on the market. Why not see where this could go? Tyme was frustrated with herself and this whole situation. She had let Malachi's misdeeds mess up her life. She thought she was getting her dream, but it turned into her worst nightmare. Midnight decided to cheer Tyme up by treating her to a New Year at 12:01 and throwing some salt on his twin's wound by posting them together. Inhibitions are thrown out the door at 12:01 am on New Year's Day. Tyme was ready to throw caution to the wind just this once.
Once turned into again and Midnight and Tyme realized that they enjoyed their back and forth. They knew it could not last. There was no way that Midnight's family would accept her being with his brother and now him. Midnight was over not getting what he wanted. He wanted Tyme and nothing was going to keep him from her. This book moved so fast and had so much going on. I loved it. I don't know how Bella makes a love story so exciting. The messiness and love were at just the right mix. I always enjoy her books and will be anxiously waiting for the next one.
There was something that Tyme didn't know. Midnight always felt like she was on the that got away. He knew he was at fault and was willing to let it go so Tyme and Malachi could have the life they wanted. Now Tyme was back on the market. Why not see where this could go? Tyme was frustrated with herself and this whole situation. She had let Malachi's misdeeds mess up her life. She thought she was getting her dream, but it turned into her worst nightmare. Midnight decided to cheer Tyme up by treating her to a New Year at 12:01 and throwing some salt on his twin's wound by posting them together. Inhibitions are thrown out the door at 12:01 am on New Year's Day. Tyme was ready to throw caution to the wind just this once.
Once turned into again and Midnight and Tyme realized that they enjoyed their back and forth. They knew it could not last. There was no way that Midnight's family would accept her being with his brother and now him. Midnight was over not getting what he wanted. He wanted Tyme and nothing was going to keep him from her. This book moved so fast and had so much going on. I loved it. I don't know how Bella makes a love story so exciting. The messiness and love were at just the right mix. I always enjoy her books and will be anxiously waiting for the next one.
November 5, 2023
I had very high hopes for this novel after coming across the promotions about it online. I can say that this book 100% lived up to my hype. There was good banter, good drama, and the MOST satisfying karma. Tyme was very relatable & Midnight was something straight out of most women’s fantasies.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
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