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Midnight #1
Midnight Kiss
Tormented by a mysterious blood malady that had tormented him for three centuries, Marquis Louis Radman, no ordinary London bachelor, sweeps Arabella Howland into a dark romance of desire and intrigue. Original.
398 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1994
About the author
Nancy Gideon
51 books1,024 followersWith over 72 sales to her credit since her first publication in 1987, Michigan author Nancy Gideon’s writing career is as versatile as the romance market, itself. Her books encompass genres from historicals and regencies to contemporary suspense and the paranormal. Her works have been published overseas in Romanian, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Danish, German, Icelandic and Chinese, among other languages.
Also listed on the International Movie Database (IMDB), she collaborated on the indie horror films In the Woods and Savage with screenwriting and ADR script credits, and even played the character “Bar Extra.”
A national speaker on writing in general and romance in particular, Gideon is a Western Michigan University honors grad with a major in journalism and minors in history and communications. She’s a member of Novelist, Inc. and the Mid-Michigan, Greater Detroit, PASIC and FF&P chapters of Romance Writers of America®, and is former vice-president, published author co-liaison and award-winning newsletter editor for MMRWA.
The mother of two grown sons, one married and proud producer of her grandson and the other shanghaied into being her occasional assistant, she 's retired from 18 years as a legal assistant.
A prolific writer, Gideon who also writes as Dana Ransom and Lauren Giddings, attributes her creative output, which once peaked at seven novels in one year, to her love of history and a gift for storytelling. She also credits the discipline learned through a background in journalism and scheduling writing time around diaper changes, Scout meetings, band lessons and outings to the Zoo Boo...and, of course, OCD. The due date for her third book and her second son were on the same day...and both were early! When on deadline, she'd turn on the laptop between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to get a chapter in before work.
While the pace is often hectic, Gideon, a Gemini, enjoys tackling diverse projects. One month it’s researching the gritty existence of 1880’s Texas Rangers only to jump to modern themes of intrigue and possibly a legal thriller or two. Then, it’s back to the shadowy netheworld of shape shifters, vampires and movie serial killers. When not working on her latest plot twist before sunrise, even now that she no longer works 9-5, she enjoys indulging in Netflix, hosting her critique group, and feeding all things fur, fin and fowl. And, of course, reading.
Also listed on the International Movie Database (IMDB), she collaborated on the indie horror films In the Woods and Savage with screenwriting and ADR script credits, and even played the character “Bar Extra.”
A national speaker on writing in general and romance in particular, Gideon is a Western Michigan University honors grad with a major in journalism and minors in history and communications. She’s a member of Novelist, Inc. and the Mid-Michigan, Greater Detroit, PASIC and FF&P chapters of Romance Writers of America®, and is former vice-president, published author co-liaison and award-winning newsletter editor for MMRWA.
The mother of two grown sons, one married and proud producer of her grandson and the other shanghaied into being her occasional assistant, she 's retired from 18 years as a legal assistant.
A prolific writer, Gideon who also writes as Dana Ransom and Lauren Giddings, attributes her creative output, which once peaked at seven novels in one year, to her love of history and a gift for storytelling. She also credits the discipline learned through a background in journalism and scheduling writing time around diaper changes, Scout meetings, band lessons and outings to the Zoo Boo...and, of course, OCD. The due date for her third book and her second son were on the same day...and both were early! When on deadline, she'd turn on the laptop between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to get a chapter in before work.
While the pace is often hectic, Gideon, a Gemini, enjoys tackling diverse projects. One month it’s researching the gritty existence of 1880’s Texas Rangers only to jump to modern themes of intrigue and possibly a legal thriller or two. Then, it’s back to the shadowy netheworld of shape shifters, vampires and movie serial killers. When not working on her latest plot twist before sunrise, even now that she no longer works 9-5, she enjoys indulging in Netflix, hosting her critique group, and feeding all things fur, fin and fowl. And, of course, reading.
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March 31, 2023
Midnight Kiss
by Nancy Gideon is a vampire romance from way back in 1994.
Gideon is an author I’m familiar with only through her identity as Dana Ransom. As Dana Ransom, Gideon has written some of my favorite historicals.
Although I’ve read a few vampire romances, I’ve never been a sucker for them, so this Halloween, I decided to bite my teeth into Gideon’s Midnight Kiss. (The puns are awful, aren’t they?)
Set in Regency Era England, Midnight Kiss begins with a man prowling the dark London streets. This man is no man, however; he is an immortal–a vampire named Louis.
Marquis Louis Radman is desperate to find a cure for his preternatural malady. He has spent one hundred thousand nights wandering through the cities of Europe for sustenance, cursed as one of the–surprisingly many–undead who exists by drinking human blood.
Like the vampires of legend, he cannot die a natural death. A stake through the heart or sunlight can destroy him. Nor can Louis tolerate the touch of a crucifix or the smell of garlic.
Driven mad by his doomed eternal state, he seeks the help of Stuart Howland, an English physician who specializes in bloodborne illnesses. Dr. Howland attempts to cure Louis of his vampiric disease by experimenting with blood transfusions.
Meanwhile, Louis is drawn to the doctor’s lovely assistant, his daughter, Arabella–the OG Bella of vampire romances.
Arabella is a clever and capable young miss who didn’t fare well in her only London Season due to her outspoken personality. Although she doesn’t fully comprehend the nature of Louis’ illness, she is drawn to the dark, mysterious man who can only be seen at night.
Louis is enchanted by Arabella and vows if he can live as a mortal, he will make her his bride.
Another man has eyes for Arabella, and his fiendish attempts to make her his will draw a horrific danger close to home.
At last, when the treatments seem to work, Louis and Arabella marry. Inexorably drawn to Louis, Arabella has no idea what evil lurks ahead. The pair have a passionate start to their relationship, believing a bright future lies on the horizon.
Recall that Louis is not the only vampire who walks the earth. He shares a turbulent connection with several who will seek him out and try to take the life of his innocent human bride.
When the truth of her husband’s nature is unveiled, will Arabella be horrified by his monstrosity? Or will she become drawn to him even more?
Louis cannot escape his past, as he is a being trapped in time. The vampire who created him is obsessed with him and hunts him down. Death awaits.
By the end, Louis and Bella vanquish some of his enemies, while others survive for another day.
Husband and wife leave England to flee to Vienna. Arabella is pregnant with Louis’ child, and a world of possibilities lies before them.
However…
SPOILERS ⚠
For that reason, I don’t think I’ll be finishing the series. Knowing this also affects my perspective on this book, and reduces my enjoyment factor. YMMV, but I’m a stickler for the rules.
I wish I had read Midnight Kiss when it came out in 1994. At 16 years old, that would have been around the end of my vampire-craze phase. The 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula & 1994’s Interview With the Vampire, along with Anne Rice’s Vampire series (up to Tales of the Body Thief–oh, Lestat, how I loved you!), the Dark Shadows TV reboot, and a life-long adoration for Christopher Lee led to my passion for blood drinkers.
Alas, I no longer hold vampires in the same romantic light I did back then. The angsty themes of eternal suffering while existing as a human-but-not-human once fascinated me. It’s all a bit too emo for me now.
Still, I found Midnight Kiss to be engaging if a bit overwrought. I’m not certain if Nancy Gideon was the first author to pen a full-length vampire romance. Undoubtedly, she was one of the firsts. So I commend Gideon for trying something innovative and fresh–as this was thirty years ago.
(NOTE: I have a bad case of Senioritis. According to the book The Romance Novel in English by Rebecca Romney, the 1st vampire romance was obsession by Lori Herter in 1991 published by Berkeley. So Gideon was not the 1st by any means but certainly not the last.)
Nevertheless, I know there are better vampire romances the genre has to offer.
Midnight Kiss was the first in a long-running series. I’d rate Midnight Kiss 3.5 stars if I view it as a standalone. Since I’m not continuing the series, I’ll keep that rating.
Gideon is an author I’m familiar with only through her identity as Dana Ransom. As Dana Ransom, Gideon has written some of my favorite historicals.
Although I’ve read a few vampire romances, I’ve never been a sucker for them, so this Halloween, I decided to bite my teeth into Gideon’s Midnight Kiss. (The puns are awful, aren’t they?)
Set in Regency Era England, Midnight Kiss begins with a man prowling the dark London streets. This man is no man, however; he is an immortal–a vampire named Louis.
Marquis Louis Radman is desperate to find a cure for his preternatural malady. He has spent one hundred thousand nights wandering through the cities of Europe for sustenance, cursed as one of the–surprisingly many–undead who exists by drinking human blood.
Like the vampires of legend, he cannot die a natural death. A stake through the heart or sunlight can destroy him. Nor can Louis tolerate the touch of a crucifix or the smell of garlic.
Driven mad by his doomed eternal state, he seeks the help of Stuart Howland, an English physician who specializes in bloodborne illnesses. Dr. Howland attempts to cure Louis of his vampiric disease by experimenting with blood transfusions.
Meanwhile, Louis is drawn to the doctor’s lovely assistant, his daughter, Arabella–the OG Bella of vampire romances.
Arabella is a clever and capable young miss who didn’t fare well in her only London Season due to her outspoken personality. Although she doesn’t fully comprehend the nature of Louis’ illness, she is drawn to the dark, mysterious man who can only be seen at night.
Louis is enchanted by Arabella and vows if he can live as a mortal, he will make her his bride.
Another man has eyes for Arabella, and his fiendish attempts to make her his will draw a horrific danger close to home.
At last, when the treatments seem to work, Louis and Arabella marry. Inexorably drawn to Louis, Arabella has no idea what evil lurks ahead. The pair have a passionate start to their relationship, believing a bright future lies on the horizon.
Recall that Louis is not the only vampire who walks the earth. He shares a turbulent connection with several who will seek him out and try to take the life of his innocent human bride.
When the truth of her husband’s nature is unveiled, will Arabella be horrified by his monstrosity? Or will she become drawn to him even more?
Louis cannot escape his past, as he is a being trapped in time. The vampire who created him is obsessed with him and hunts him down. Death awaits.
By the end, Louis and Bella vanquish some of his enemies, while others survive for another day.
Husband and wife leave England to flee to Vienna. Arabella is pregnant with Louis’ child, and a world of possibilities lies before them.
However…
SPOILERS ⚠
For that reason, I don’t think I’ll be finishing the series. Knowing this also affects my perspective on this book, and reduces my enjoyment factor. YMMV, but I’m a stickler for the rules.
I wish I had read Midnight Kiss when it came out in 1994. At 16 years old, that would have been around the end of my vampire-craze phase. The 1992 film Bram Stoker’s Dracula & 1994’s Interview With the Vampire, along with Anne Rice’s Vampire series (up to Tales of the Body Thief–oh, Lestat, how I loved you!), the Dark Shadows TV reboot, and a life-long adoration for Christopher Lee led to my passion for blood drinkers.
Alas, I no longer hold vampires in the same romantic light I did back then. The angsty themes of eternal suffering while existing as a human-but-not-human once fascinated me. It’s all a bit too emo for me now.
Still, I found Midnight Kiss to be engaging if a bit overwrought. I’m not certain if Nancy Gideon was the first author to pen a full-length vampire romance. Undoubtedly, she was one of the firsts. So I commend Gideon for trying something innovative and fresh–as this was thirty years ago.
(NOTE: I have a bad case of Senioritis. According to the book The Romance Novel in English by Rebecca Romney, the 1st vampire romance was obsession by Lori Herter in 1991 published by Berkeley. So Gideon was not the 1st by any means but certainly not the last.)
Nevertheless, I know there are better vampire romances the genre has to offer.
Midnight Kiss was the first in a long-running series. I’d rate Midnight Kiss 3.5 stars if I view it as a standalone. Since I’m not continuing the series, I’ll keep that rating.
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Stars *****
Louis has been alone for centuries. He is tired of being immortal, and wants to live a normal life. When he hears about a research involving blood transfusion, he funds Bella's father to help him succeed. Louis believes Bella's father is his key to mortality.
Bella isn't your typical girl. She doesn't want to marry and become an accessory. She would rather assist her father in his work. She has the heart of an angel and falls in love with the man that Louis is.
Midnight Kiss is a romantic vampire story with a classical vibe. The forbidden love between Bella and Louis is touching and thrilling. I'm excited to read more stories from this series.
Louis has been alone for centuries. He is tired of being immortal, and wants to live a normal life. When he hears about a research involving blood transfusion, he funds Bella's father to help him succeed. Louis believes Bella's father is his key to mortality.
Bella isn't your typical girl. She doesn't want to marry and become an accessory. She would rather assist her father in his work. She has the heart of an angel and falls in love with the man that Louis is.
Midnight Kiss is a romantic vampire story with a classical vibe. The forbidden love between Bella and Louis is touching and thrilling. I'm excited to read more stories from this series.
January 26, 2020
Read this book way back in the day (18 years ago?) and I have never forgotten it.
October 12, 2015
Midnight Kiss is a hauntingly beautiful romance that aims straight for the heart. This book has all the elements of a historical romance with one big added plus - the hero, Louis Radman, is a vampire and the heroine, Arabella Howland, is a very enticing mortal that Louis desires.
Louis Radman is a tormented, lonely shell of a man who has roamed the earth for 300 years as a vampire. He is desperate to regain the life that was cruelly taken from him so many years ago. Louis seeks the help of a physician, Stuart Howland, to cure his blood malady in hopes of reclaiming his mortal life and a shot at claiming the heart of the good doctor's daughter, Arabella. When a blood transfusion seems to work, Louis takes Arabella as his wife, and they begin living the dream of a long, blissful life together. But Louis's secrets, nightmares from his past, surface to reclaim Louis and threaten the life of his new mortal bride. Louis finds himself in a battle for everything he holds dear, including his wife.
Arabella Howland works as her father's physician assistant. She is smart, curious, outspoken, pretty, and in love with her father's strange but gorgeous patient. She can't solve the mystery of Louis's ailment or learn the reason her father is treating him, but she knows he is hypnotic, and she is drawn to him like a moth to a flame as he stirs before unknown desires in her. Her greatest wish is realized when Louis asks her to marry him. Little does she know that her dream will soon turn into a devastating, endless nightmare that doesn't disappear when the sun rises. Arabella's life, as well as the lives of everyone she loves, is in mortal danger as she learns the horrifying truth about the man she has married. Will she stand beside him to help him fight the past he can't escape? Or will she run for her life?
I was quickly drawn into the plot of Midnight Kiss and the lives of Louis & Arabella as they battle the ultimate evil for a chance at eternal love. The supporting cast of secondary characters is strong, adding intrigue and intensity to the story. I'm especially intrigued by Gerard & am looking forward to more of his story. Midnight Kiss is mesmerizing, hauntingly addictive, and beautifully written. The historical setting sets the mood & atmosphere to the point that it almost becomes another character in this book. Fans of paranormal and historical romance should give this book a read. It comes in as one of my all time favorites. A great start to the series! A must read!
Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
Nancy Gideon By Moonlight GRs Group
Louis Radman is a tormented, lonely shell of a man who has roamed the earth for 300 years as a vampire. He is desperate to regain the life that was cruelly taken from him so many years ago. Louis seeks the help of a physician, Stuart Howland, to cure his blood malady in hopes of reclaiming his mortal life and a shot at claiming the heart of the good doctor's daughter, Arabella. When a blood transfusion seems to work, Louis takes Arabella as his wife, and they begin living the dream of a long, blissful life together. But Louis's secrets, nightmares from his past, surface to reclaim Louis and threaten the life of his new mortal bride. Louis finds himself in a battle for everything he holds dear, including his wife.
Arabella Howland works as her father's physician assistant. She is smart, curious, outspoken, pretty, and in love with her father's strange but gorgeous patient. She can't solve the mystery of Louis's ailment or learn the reason her father is treating him, but she knows he is hypnotic, and she is drawn to him like a moth to a flame as he stirs before unknown desires in her. Her greatest wish is realized when Louis asks her to marry him. Little does she know that her dream will soon turn into a devastating, endless nightmare that doesn't disappear when the sun rises. Arabella's life, as well as the lives of everyone she loves, is in mortal danger as she learns the horrifying truth about the man she has married. Will she stand beside him to help him fight the past he can't escape? Or will she run for her life?
I was quickly drawn into the plot of Midnight Kiss and the lives of Louis & Arabella as they battle the ultimate evil for a chance at eternal love. The supporting cast of secondary characters is strong, adding intrigue and intensity to the story. I'm especially intrigued by Gerard & am looking forward to more of his story. Midnight Kiss is mesmerizing, hauntingly addictive, and beautifully written. The historical setting sets the mood & atmosphere to the point that it almost becomes another character in this book. Fans of paranormal and historical romance should give this book a read. It comes in as one of my all time favorites. A great start to the series! A must read!
Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
Nancy Gideon By Moonlight GRs Group
August 17, 2015
I very much enjoyed this first in the series. Bella is quite a tough, plucky heroine and I loved seeing her and Louis together. I look forward to the next in the series.
July 23, 2016
This was just as good the second time around. Love vampires and throw in the setting being a historical fiction time line...... Love it!
November 29, 2015
The entire time I was reading I kept thinking that the story was very familiar to me. Turns out that this was originally published in 1994 and that I read it about 10 or so years ago.
You have a vampire not wanting to be a vampire anymore. He seeks out the help of a doc and falls in love with the doc's daughter. The daughter doesn't now that her new man is a vampire and doesn't listen to her father's protests against their coupling.
This is paranormal romance, if you like the genre you will most likely like this.
I recieved a copy of this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You have a vampire not wanting to be a vampire anymore. He seeks out the help of a doc and falls in love with the doc's daughter. The daughter doesn't now that her new man is a vampire and doesn't listen to her father's protests against their coupling.
This is paranormal romance, if you like the genre you will most likely like this.
I recieved a copy of this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2015
Yeah, this was OK. It read pretty quickly, but it really didn't do it for me. Arabella & Louis had quite the chemistry, and the story was good, but there was just something that I didn't connect with.
August 2, 2015
This is a reread for me. Love the new covers!
Originally reviewed at Midnight Kiss
Originally reviewed at Midnight Kiss
November 12, 2024
1,5
Der Handlungsstrang ist... Viel. Man hätte mit etwas Ausarbeitung bestimmt eine Handvoll eigener Geschichten daraus machen können. Alles bleibt also ziemlich seicht und schnell. Auch das ganze "er ist einer der wenigen Guten und voll lieb" aber jedesmal wenn wir ihn Blut trinken sehen bringt er fast jemanden um, ist ...fragwürdig? Warum kann unser Vampir sich nicht tatsächlich beherrschen können? Wäre das weniger Attraktiv? Ich bezweifele es. Aber ich wage zu behaupten, dass man weiß worauf man sich von der Geschichte her einlässt wenn man nach einem Buch mit dem Titel "Der Kuss des Vampirs" greift.
Was die Bewertung für mich ausgemacht hat ist der Schreibstil. Ich habe "Midnight Kiss" in der deutschen Übersetzung gelesen. Ich kann das englische Original also nicht bewerten.
Im Deutschen war das Geschriebene oft schwerfällig.
Ich hatte den Eindruck, dass die Autorin/Übersetzerin Wörter gefunden hat die sie so toll fand, dass sie sie anschließend konstant wiederholt. Daraus entsteht der Eindruck, dass immer wieder die gleichen Ideen durchgekaut werden und man den ganzen Text einfach hätte kürzen können.Vielleicht bin ich auch etwas pingelig, z.B. ist mir die Übernutzung von "Dämon/in" irgendwann negativ aufgefallen. Anderes Vokabular hätte mehr Nuancen reinbringen können, mit dem "Dämon" bleibt man einfach bei "ja weil untot und böse" stehen. Andere Leser hat das aber bestimmt nicht gestört.
Auch hat mich die plumpe Beschreibung der Gefühle der Charaktere irgendwann genervt. Es gibt doch bessere Art und Weisen die Emotionswelt zum Ausdruck zu bringen anstatt immer Sätze mit Erklärungen dran zu hängen: "da", "weil".
Alles in allem war der Schreibstil echt nicht für mich.
Der Handlungsstrang ist... Viel. Man hätte mit etwas Ausarbeitung bestimmt eine Handvoll eigener Geschichten daraus machen können. Alles bleibt also ziemlich seicht und schnell. Auch das ganze "er ist einer der wenigen Guten und voll lieb" aber jedesmal wenn wir ihn Blut trinken sehen bringt er fast jemanden um, ist ...fragwürdig? Warum kann unser Vampir sich nicht tatsächlich beherrschen können? Wäre das weniger Attraktiv? Ich bezweifele es. Aber ich wage zu behaupten, dass man weiß worauf man sich von der Geschichte her einlässt wenn man nach einem Buch mit dem Titel "Der Kuss des Vampirs" greift.
Was die Bewertung für mich ausgemacht hat ist der Schreibstil. Ich habe "Midnight Kiss" in der deutschen Übersetzung gelesen. Ich kann das englische Original also nicht bewerten.
Im Deutschen war das Geschriebene oft schwerfällig.
Ich hatte den Eindruck, dass die Autorin/Übersetzerin Wörter gefunden hat die sie so toll fand, dass sie sie anschließend konstant wiederholt. Daraus entsteht der Eindruck, dass immer wieder die gleichen Ideen durchgekaut werden und man den ganzen Text einfach hätte kürzen können.Vielleicht bin ich auch etwas pingelig, z.B. ist mir die Übernutzung von "Dämon/in" irgendwann negativ aufgefallen. Anderes Vokabular hätte mehr Nuancen reinbringen können, mit dem "Dämon" bleibt man einfach bei "ja weil untot und böse" stehen. Andere Leser hat das aber bestimmt nicht gestört.
Auch hat mich die plumpe Beschreibung der Gefühle der Charaktere irgendwann genervt. Es gibt doch bessere Art und Weisen die Emotionswelt zum Ausdruck zu bringen anstatt immer Sätze mit Erklärungen dran zu hängen: "da", "weil".
Alles in allem war der Schreibstil echt nicht für mich.
October 11, 2025
First of all, let me say that my expectations were …. On the floor to begin with for this one, solely based on the cover. I did end of giving it a generous 3/5, but it’s more like a 2.5. The saving grace for me was the author’s writing style, which I enjoyed. I thought it was super interesting that it was a HFN vs HEA, and that they didn’t “cure” Louis. That being said, the lack of HEA doesn’t bother me, and I’d probably read others in the series to see Louis’ other love stories, except for the fact that I really didn’t find him that likeable as a character. His lack of self control I found super off-putting in a MMC, and I felt like their “love story” was pretty filmy. Arabella could have had way more character development, as she had promise, but sort of fizzled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2016
This story was ridiculous. It was extremely cliche and lacked imagination. I don't really know what else to say, except that I power-read it in a few hours because I just wanted to get it over with, and was secretly hoping it would improve. As far as romance goes, it was about as spicy as a banana pepper... so, not very spicy at all. Sorry... I guess vamp romance novels, and the Twilight For Grownups Club is just not meant for me.
May 11, 2018
Loved it!!!
Louis and Bella! What can I say? This story captured my heart from the start. By the end of the book the main characters were like old friends. My only regret is that Bianca didn't die too. But I guess that's for another day.
Louis and Bella! What can I say? This story captured my heart from the start. By the end of the book the main characters were like old friends. My only regret is that Bianca didn't die too. But I guess that's for another day.
May 24, 2022
3 stars
This was real 90s vampire fiction. It had that oldie bodice ripper vibe, and it was an insta-love. Our vampire hero Louis is also of the brooding variety, which isn't my usual preference but it worked for the story.
ヽ(*^^*)ノ
This was real 90s vampire fiction. It had that oldie bodice ripper vibe, and it was an insta-love. Our vampire hero Louis is also of the brooding variety, which isn't my usual preference but it worked for the story.
ヽ(*^^*)ノ
April 17, 2025
Enchanted since she first laid eyes on him the heroine has secretly longed for the dark and mysterious man who frequents her home in search of her father’s doctoring. She tries to distinguish what could be wrong with such a vital man but obviously it's something very dire as one night, when her father is away, the marquis comes to visit. He is horribly distraught and a little bit crazed with a burning need she can't figure out how to aid him with. She pleads with him to let her help him but he denies her and flees into the night. The next time she sees him he is far more composed but still that vale of pain and torment surrounds him and this time, she craves to make him happy, to make him see she would do anything for him. Secrets abound between this man and her father, the marquis seems to desire her in return, frightening off forward suitors and kissing her senseless but still, he holds himself back. Not used to being shut out from her father’s work, the heroine is confused and hurt when they keep her away from their discussions. Until the night of the change. She finds the hero strapped to a table in her father’s lab with a dead man next to him and her father planning to transfer the dead man’s blood into the hero. Horrified by the fear of his death, she neither the less listens to her father and aids in the procedure.
The hero's hopes and dreams are realized when he awakens the day after the treatment to feel the sun’s rays on his face and a void of the consuming hunger that has plagued him for 300 years. He dared to change and he has finally succeeded, he is a true man again! He is entirely happy, filled with so much yearning to experience life again. He may not be able to stomach food yet and he does regret the loss of power and immortality but none of that matters in the face of finally having the heroine for his wife. Never before could he have offered her a true marriage but now he is free! Free to love her and grow a family with her. He wastes no time taking her to wife and for the first few days, life is good. They spend time just simply being--until the past comes back to haunt him. The hero knew his dreams were too big, his freedom too much to wise for and now he's to face the evil of his past in the fragile body of a human. How is he to protect his wife from the fiend when he can't even save himself? When confronting the man, he once considered a friend, hoping to entice him into forgiveness with the idea of a cure, he is instead greeted with the reintroduction with the beast inside. Deadly afraid of losing the heroine's love or worse, of hurting her, the hero tries to keep his secret for as long as he can. But his beast ruins this by feeding on his wife until she is nearly dead. This creates a link between them that will see both connection to each other until death. And the heroine isn't even disgusted. She's angry for him keeping this from her but not disgusted by the monster she's in love with because it's plain to see he didn't choose this life and secondly, her love for him is endless and as deep as the ocean. She'd do anything for him and he needs this strength to save her from the evil hunting them as well as from himself.
This is a beautiful angst-ridden story with a tormented hero and an innocent but resilient heroine. I adored characters for their strength and vulnerable because they had both in spades. There was every reason for the heroine to fear and hate the hero, both for what he did to her and for the death and destruction he brought to her family but no matter what he did or what he caused, she loved him implicitly. This devotion never wavered and it's what kept the hero strong because so much guilt and torment rested on his soul that it threatened to drown him. Sure, he was selfish because he took the heroine as his bride knowing that the procedure was reversing and that their time together was short but how can one blame him for reaching for that spark of happiness? It was such a sweet story and one I did enjoy reading again especially having read the sequel with their daughter for my 2016 challenge. This was a great very old school sort of vampire romance novel and I really liked it.
The hero's hopes and dreams are realized when he awakens the day after the treatment to feel the sun’s rays on his face and a void of the consuming hunger that has plagued him for 300 years. He dared to change and he has finally succeeded, he is a true man again! He is entirely happy, filled with so much yearning to experience life again. He may not be able to stomach food yet and he does regret the loss of power and immortality but none of that matters in the face of finally having the heroine for his wife. Never before could he have offered her a true marriage but now he is free! Free to love her and grow a family with her. He wastes no time taking her to wife and for the first few days, life is good. They spend time just simply being--until the past comes back to haunt him. The hero knew his dreams were too big, his freedom too much to wise for and now he's to face the evil of his past in the fragile body of a human. How is he to protect his wife from the fiend when he can't even save himself? When confronting the man, he once considered a friend, hoping to entice him into forgiveness with the idea of a cure, he is instead greeted with the reintroduction with the beast inside. Deadly afraid of losing the heroine's love or worse, of hurting her, the hero tries to keep his secret for as long as he can. But his beast ruins this by feeding on his wife until she is nearly dead. This creates a link between them that will see both connection to each other until death. And the heroine isn't even disgusted. She's angry for him keeping this from her but not disgusted by the monster she's in love with because it's plain to see he didn't choose this life and secondly, her love for him is endless and as deep as the ocean. She'd do anything for him and he needs this strength to save her from the evil hunting them as well as from himself.
This is a beautiful angst-ridden story with a tormented hero and an innocent but resilient heroine. I adored characters for their strength and vulnerable because they had both in spades. There was every reason for the heroine to fear and hate the hero, both for what he did to her and for the death and destruction he brought to her family but no matter what he did or what he caused, she loved him implicitly. This devotion never wavered and it's what kept the hero strong because so much guilt and torment rested on his soul that it threatened to drown him. Sure, he was selfish because he took the heroine as his bride knowing that the procedure was reversing and that their time together was short but how can one blame him for reaching for that spark of happiness? It was such a sweet story and one I did enjoy reading again especially having read the sequel with their daughter for my 2016 challenge. This was a great very old school sort of vampire romance novel and I really liked it.
July 30, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Midnight Kiss is the haunting tale of a vampire who finds himself so vile that he will do anything to return to his mortal state – even risk his life or immortality by taking part in a blood experiment by his physician. Neither of them know for certain if this treatment will work or if it does, what side effects Louis may encounter. But he doesn’t care. At this point he merely wants a cure or destruction.
Bella is content to assist her father in his research. The lure of the marriage mart where prospective brides are checked over like horseflesh holds no temptation for Bella. Now she is drawn to her father’s mysterious patient… and it seems that Louis is drawn to her as well. When an overzealous suitor is more determined to fix his place alongside her father’s research and won’t take Bella’s no for an answer, he sets out to place her in a compromising situation. Louis will save Bella and create a powerful enemy in Wesley – one who will lead the most vile creatures of all straight to Louis and Bella’s doorstep.
How far will one vampire go to protect the woman he loves? Far enough to give up his desire to walk free in the sunlight? Guess you’re just going to have to read Midnight Kiss for yourself to find out.
I was delighted beyond words to find that several of these original stories, which are difficult to find in print at any cost these days, are now being re-released in e-book format. If you loved Nancy Gideon’s earlier vampire novels but weren’t able to find a copy lately or if you are discovering her later works and wished you could have read her earlier works – be sure to check out her releases to see if what you are looking for has now been brought back to life and affordability in e-books. I know that my Kindle is fatter, and I am a happy paranormal reader from discovering that these classics are not lost to me because of price.
Midnight Kiss is a lovely, haunting, mesmerizing tale of a vampire who will do anything to protect the woman he loves. Rich in historical details and feeling, this is a novel that hits the romance, paranormal and historical readers on all of the important features for a story that will captivate and entertain anyone who loves a really good love story. Go on, check it out – you know you’re tempted. Give in and enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of Midnight Kiss from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Midnight Kiss is the haunting tale of a vampire who finds himself so vile that he will do anything to return to his mortal state – even risk his life or immortality by taking part in a blood experiment by his physician. Neither of them know for certain if this treatment will work or if it does, what side effects Louis may encounter. But he doesn’t care. At this point he merely wants a cure or destruction.
Bella is content to assist her father in his research. The lure of the marriage mart where prospective brides are checked over like horseflesh holds no temptation for Bella. Now she is drawn to her father’s mysterious patient… and it seems that Louis is drawn to her as well. When an overzealous suitor is more determined to fix his place alongside her father’s research and won’t take Bella’s no for an answer, he sets out to place her in a compromising situation. Louis will save Bella and create a powerful enemy in Wesley – one who will lead the most vile creatures of all straight to Louis and Bella’s doorstep.
How far will one vampire go to protect the woman he loves? Far enough to give up his desire to walk free in the sunlight? Guess you’re just going to have to read Midnight Kiss for yourself to find out.
I was delighted beyond words to find that several of these original stories, which are difficult to find in print at any cost these days, are now being re-released in e-book format. If you loved Nancy Gideon’s earlier vampire novels but weren’t able to find a copy lately or if you are discovering her later works and wished you could have read her earlier works – be sure to check out her releases to see if what you are looking for has now been brought back to life and affordability in e-books. I know that my Kindle is fatter, and I am a happy paranormal reader from discovering that these classics are not lost to me because of price.
Midnight Kiss is a lovely, haunting, mesmerizing tale of a vampire who will do anything to protect the woman he loves. Rich in historical details and feeling, this is a novel that hits the romance, paranormal and historical readers on all of the important features for a story that will captivate and entertain anyone who loves a really good love story. Go on, check it out – you know you’re tempted. Give in and enjoy.
*I received an e-ARC of Midnight Kiss from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
December 1, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley.
Midnight Kiss is book 1 in the Touched by Midnight Series. It's the story of a young woman named Bella who spends her days as an assistant for her father, a recognized physician. As a young lady of a certain historical period in London, Bella is fully expected to marry and live out her life as a doting wife. She is no where near ready to settle down and marry. Eventually, she's introduced to a mysterious patient named Louis who is seeking a cure for his condition from Bella's father. Of course, Louis and Bella fall in love and Bella eventually comes to find that Louis has a dark secret in that he is a vampire. Louis also has his own dark demons from his past that try to interfere with Louis's plans for him and Bella. Since this is the first book in a series, it does end on a cliffhanger.
This was my first book by Nancy Gideon. Decent pace. Didn't really find myself getting too bored. I found some parts of the story to be predictable. Love scenes weren't too overly done. The copy I read did still have a few typos here and there. The character development was a little choppy. I had a difficult time believing that a woman as strong and intelligent as Bella would just fall all over herself for a man she had just met. The vampire aspects of the book were nothing out of the ordinary. I read a lot of vampire novels, so I was hoping that maybe this author would provide something new. As a scientist, I did appreciate the attempt at adding a medical explanation to the vampire story. I do plan to continue with the series since the cliffhanger left me intrigued.
Midnight Kiss is book 1 in the Touched by Midnight Series. It's the story of a young woman named Bella who spends her days as an assistant for her father, a recognized physician. As a young lady of a certain historical period in London, Bella is fully expected to marry and live out her life as a doting wife. She is no where near ready to settle down and marry. Eventually, she's introduced to a mysterious patient named Louis who is seeking a cure for his condition from Bella's father. Of course, Louis and Bella fall in love and Bella eventually comes to find that Louis has a dark secret in that he is a vampire. Louis also has his own dark demons from his past that try to interfere with Louis's plans for him and Bella. Since this is the first book in a series, it does end on a cliffhanger.
This was my first book by Nancy Gideon. Decent pace. Didn't really find myself getting too bored. I found some parts of the story to be predictable. Love scenes weren't too overly done. The copy I read did still have a few typos here and there. The character development was a little choppy. I had a difficult time believing that a woman as strong and intelligent as Bella would just fall all over herself for a man she had just met. The vampire aspects of the book were nothing out of the ordinary. I read a lot of vampire novels, so I was hoping that maybe this author would provide something new. As a scientist, I did appreciate the attempt at adding a medical explanation to the vampire story. I do plan to continue with the series since the cliffhanger left me intrigued.
August 16, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Louis is a Vampire looking for a "cure". He has heard about Dr. Howland and confided in and asked him for help. Bella, the doctors daughter, is very involved in her fathers work but not this project.
She is very attracted to Louis, as he is her, but keeps away because of what he is When he thinks he is "cured" he professes his love for her and they marry soon after. And then some old friends come to visit.....
Will his cure last? Will his marriage last?
I liked the book but it was unrealistic in some areas, especially when he thought he was cured and then to wed right after that. He was having an issue but I guess he didn't want to believe that the cure wasn't effective.
What I did like was the love they felt for one another, it was all-consuming without being too cheesy. Their concerns were about all they loved, not just one another. I also loved that Bella was outspoken and not a quivering mess.
Gerard and Bianca are the uninvited friends that come back looking for Louis. Gerard wants revenge and Bianca just wants him for herself again. She really is a psychopath. Wesley, a human, is quite the villain also. He is sneaky and greedy, willing to do what it takes to get what he wants.
The book is well written and the characters written well. It is a standalone read but I felt it would continue Louis and Bella's story in the next book,
Louis is a Vampire looking for a "cure". He has heard about Dr. Howland and confided in and asked him for help. Bella, the doctors daughter, is very involved in her fathers work but not this project.
She is very attracted to Louis, as he is her, but keeps away because of what he is When he thinks he is "cured" he professes his love for her and they marry soon after. And then some old friends come to visit.....
Will his cure last? Will his marriage last?
I liked the book but it was unrealistic in some areas, especially when he thought he was cured and then to wed right after that. He was having an issue but I guess he didn't want to believe that the cure wasn't effective.
What I did like was the love they felt for one another, it was all-consuming without being too cheesy. Their concerns were about all they loved, not just one another. I also loved that Bella was outspoken and not a quivering mess.
Gerard and Bianca are the uninvited friends that come back looking for Louis. Gerard wants revenge and Bianca just wants him for herself again. She really is a psychopath. Wesley, a human, is quite the villain also. He is sneaky and greedy, willing to do what it takes to get what he wants.
The book is well written and the characters written well. It is a standalone read but I felt it would continue Louis and Bella's story in the next book,
July 29, 2015
Happy to see this series coming back to be share via E-Book Edition, since the actual books are hard to find.
Arabella Howland, a woman born to the light of day. Louis Radman , a man haunted by everlasting darkness. Bound together by the burning passion of a...Midnight kiss.
I have always been attracted to Paranormal Genre, especially Vampires. This combination of my favorite Paranormal/Historical Romance is just “fantastic”! Once again, I found myself captivated by a story I’ve read in the past. The plot and the characters evolved hand by hand. There is no way to predict what’s going to happened next, which is wonderful.
Midnight Kiss by Nancy Gideon is a well written story, that’s going to keep you turning the pages in auto pilot. Can’t wait to start with the next installment!
This series is a “must read”. I strongly recommend you to get your copy as soon as is made available!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
Arabella Howland, a woman born to the light of day. Louis Radman , a man haunted by everlasting darkness. Bound together by the burning passion of a...Midnight kiss.
I have always been attracted to Paranormal Genre, especially Vampires. This combination of my favorite Paranormal/Historical Romance is just “fantastic”! Once again, I found myself captivated by a story I’ve read in the past. The plot and the characters evolved hand by hand. There is no way to predict what’s going to happened next, which is wonderful.
Midnight Kiss by Nancy Gideon is a well written story, that’s going to keep you turning the pages in auto pilot. Can’t wait to start with the next installment!
This series is a “must read”. I strongly recommend you to get your copy as soon as is made available!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
September 12, 2015
Louis has had enough of being a vampire and wants noted London physician, Dr. Howland, to “cure” him. But the cure is always very temporary and requires blood and medications frequently. Arabella is fascinated with Louis before she knows that he is a vampire and falls for him. She is in love and swears to stand by him once she finds out. There are dangers surrounding their alliance and nothing is simple or easy.
This is a compelling romance between a vampire and a human. It is in the vein of Dracula or perhaps an Anne Rice novel. It is dark, violent and not all that much romantic unless you like your romance bloody and quite dangerous. Personally this is not in my wheel-house. However this book is well written and is sure to appeal to those who do like Gothic Vampire stories.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
This is a compelling romance between a vampire and a human. It is in the vein of Dracula or perhaps an Anne Rice novel. It is dark, violent and not all that much romantic unless you like your romance bloody and quite dangerous. Personally this is not in my wheel-house. However this book is well written and is sure to appeal to those who do like Gothic Vampire stories.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
September 27, 2015
Loved this book
I love vampires and this was one of my favorite books. I've never read anything from this author before but I've been pleasantly surprised with this book. Once I started on this book I didn't put it down until I finished...and that was 3 this morning. I loved how the characters were "fleshed out", you could picture them in your mind and feel there emotions as if you knew them personally. The suffering of Louis, the love from Arabella, the moral struggle of the doctor as he tries to balance science and morality in his experiments and the greed and ambition of his student. When all come together with the evil forces threatening them all, it becomes a fight for their lives and futures. I would certainly recommend this book and I look forward to reading the next book from Ms Gideon.
I love vampires and this was one of my favorite books. I've never read anything from this author before but I've been pleasantly surprised with this book. Once I started on this book I didn't put it down until I finished...and that was 3 this morning. I loved how the characters were "fleshed out", you could picture them in your mind and feel there emotions as if you knew them personally. The suffering of Louis, the love from Arabella, the moral struggle of the doctor as he tries to balance science and morality in his experiments and the greed and ambition of his student. When all come together with the evil forces threatening them all, it becomes a fight for their lives and futures. I would certainly recommend this book and I look forward to reading the next book from Ms Gideon.
August 3, 2015
Midnight Kiss, book one in the Touched by Midnight series was originally released in 1994 and has held up well in its current re-release. Dark and emotionally overcast this book had a lingering ominous feel throughout the story. A raw depiction of the characters positive and negative traits coupled with unexpected conclusions completed this work successfully. At times Ms. Gideon's writing style felt a bit stiff but as a whole an interesting plot and cast make this book worth discovering.
*I received this Arc via Netgalley.*
*I received this Arc via Netgalley.*
May 18, 2022
These are fun, quick reads with stories that hold just a bit more oomph than others in the genre. The subverting of common themes is soooo close sometimes you just want to grab the book and shake the potential a little closer to the surface...then the words "female" and "male" are used and you find /yourself/ shaken back to the silly reality of what you're reading.
The characterization of Takeo the "Asian servant" is routinely obnoxious and tone deaf. A mystical, mute, martial arts teaching, throwing star-using East Asian man...really....??? Do better, Gideon.
The characterization of Takeo the "Asian servant" is routinely obnoxious and tone deaf. A mystical, mute, martial arts teaching, throwing star-using East Asian man...really....??? Do better, Gideon.
April 12, 2026
If you like vampires and spice it's a decent book that has a twist on the genre. The synopsis of the other books didn't want to make me read the rest of the series but I did enjoy this one because of the relationship and the twist at the end.
January 3, 2008
Book 1 in her Vampire Series. Very good. Try to get your hands on her books to read if you can, they are very hard to find.
June 7, 2011
good for a rainy day
October 23, 2015
Review pending.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
December 23, 2015
Fantastic! I didn't want it to end.
February 10, 2016
Wow, what an exciting book! This book was long and I enjoyed every page!
August 14, 2021
I need my own Louis 😭
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