12:01

by Bella Jay

380 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

Miami 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.

Reviews

[Sirrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without giving too much away this was a phenomenal book. Easily a 5 star😁⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. The plot was amazing and honestly something I never read before. From the first chapter I was xyz is messy boot until all the chips were lead out and I understood who the real villain was. I enjoyed all of the Characters growth and maturity as the story went on. There was communication, messiness, understanding, messiness, trust, messiness, ramen and the spicy baby was top tier 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ . I done told five people about this book, this was my first book by this author but won’t be my last. And the good sis is hometeam 305 you know im showing much love and respect 💕

[Demetria Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Midnight was BDE for me. The way he cared for Tmye was chef kiss.

[Shantell · Rating 5 out of 5]

12:01 was an absolute five-star read for me.

This book was drama, chaos, laughter, karma, and spice done right. From the very beginning, I was locked in. Tyme crashing her ex-fiancé’s wedding, destroying the cake, knocking over centerpieces, and ending up in jail before being bailed out by his twin brother? Bella J. came out swinging, and she did not let up.

What made this work so well is that the story knew exactly what it was. It was messy in the best way, but it never felt out of control. The drama was entertaining, the humor actually landed, and the chemistry between Tyme and Midnight was top tier. I laughed out loud reading this book, and I mean really laughed. At one point I laughed so hard my father asked if I was okay.

Midnight was everything. He was funny, sexy, chaotic, protective, and completely gone for Tyme in a way that made every interaction hit. The tension between them was there from the start, and once they got together, the spice delivered. Every scene between them felt bold, hot, and fully earned.

I also loved that this book gave me more than just romance. It gave family drama, jealousy, revenge, twin brother tension, social media mess, pregnancy drama, and a satisfying emotional payoff. Karma was karma-ing the entire time, and I enjoyed every second of it.

This book was funny, nostalgic, sexy, and wildly entertaining. Bella J. absolutely did what needed to be done here. If you want a romance full of drama, chemistry, humor, and payoff, I highly recommend 12:01.

[Bianca C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started with the prologue from the authors website which was great so start there. If not, there is some overlap in chapter one. Boy did this story start off with some true mess! But by no means was it not warranted especially compared to how it ended. I enjoyed the revelations of the relationship Tyme and Midnight had which led to her meeting Malachi (twin brother) A true enemies to lovers story showing how happiness can come around the second time.
The character development alongside the side characters was great. I also enjoyed the internal conflict conversations the characters had.

[Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved 12:01! Such an easy read I was able to gobble up. Lol I felt like I got Tyme and Midnight’s full story without finishing with a bunch of questions. I went thru many of the feels reading this, and even cried 😂 I know this won’t be my last time reading this story or more of Bella Jay!

[Shadaha Melvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I ate this book up. I loved every moment. The drama, was everything I needed it to be. I like a man the with the shits. I was a easy it read, and I wasn’t unnecessarily complicated. This book was sexy from being to the end. I’m glad the “cousin” got what she deserved at the end. This book was chef kiss for me. I need more for this type of drama in my book reading life.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew I was going to have a time with this book when I read the author's note " first and foremost, welcome to lick back season." I LOOOOVVVVEEEE when the FMC gets her lick back and Author Bella Jay definitely set the bar high with this one. The audio also made this ten times better!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! This was my introduction to Bella Jay and it didn’t disappoint. Yall this ultimate lick back is one for the books honey. Chile let me find me a Mr. Midnight! 😜

Tea was clocked! Edges were laid. Spice was off the charts. Love is in the air. Always and Forever Tyme & Midnight 🫶🏾

[Yvette Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. That party was so well-detailed it made me feel like I was there with them. He was it for her the whole time.

[Cairo BM · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I will say is read this book. Amazing from beginning to end.

[Tray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two days was the fastest I’ve ever read a book! 12:01 was so good that I just didn’t even want to put it down!!!! 5 stars Bella Jay!!! 5 starsssssssss

[Sheonna Mix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never found myself rooting for a more train wrecked couple that I totally disagree with on so many levels. But their disfunction was my entertainment so it kept me glued to the pages.

[Chareese H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. Read the book in January 2025 and listened to the audiobook in December 2025.

[Tonya Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually this is a 4.5. Bella Jay you did your thing. Crushing on Midnight. Tia got what she deserved. I could not put this good book down. I loved the group chats. All of the messiness. . I will be reading more from your catalog. Loved the spice.