Midnight Lessons

Midnight Falls, Texas

by Violet Rae

This Halloween, will love be a trick or a treat?

Willow
Owen Callahan cruelly broke my heart six years ago, but I didn’t allow him to break my spirit. I channeled my pain into building The Bewitched Bakery, a cozy bakery filled with cinnamon spice and buttercream dreams, right here in Midnight Falls. My spooky treats have become the town’s favorite indulgence, but not everyone is charmed. Someone’s targeting me and my bakery in the most degrading way imaginable, and I have no idea who’s behind it.

Now Owen’s back, older, wiser, and offering to help—but can I trust the man who once shattered me? As Halloween approaches, I’m forced to make a risk everything for a second chance at love, or guard my heart against the one person I never thought I’d need again.

Welcome to Midnight Falls, Texas, the small town that's big on Halloween. Literally. Around here, the festivities don't end. But finding forever in a town big on scares hasn't been easy for the lovelorn residents. Until now. This Halloween, everything changes. Love is in the air, and these matches were written in the stars. All these hunky alphas have to do to claim their spooky-ever-after is prove themselves worthy of the sassy women who drive them wild. No love potions, spells, or magic needed.

Genres: Second Chance, Romance

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 11, 2024

About the author

Mom. Author. Chocoholic.

I am the author of steamy contemporary and paranormal romances.

Thank you for checking out my Author page. You can find me on most social media platforms.

Reviews

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.

Owen and Willow knew each other growing up, they were best friends. They started dating one another until Owen was nineteen and Willow was eighteen, he let some of his friends influence him and broken her heart. Six years later, Owen comes back to Midnight Falls, Texas, he went to the big city but it didn't fit him. A year ago Owen came back for his parent's funeral, they did in a car accident. Owen comes back and becomes the biology teacher at the Midnight Falls High school. Willow never left Midnight Falls, and now she owns a bakery. After Owen broke Willow's heart she found some comfort in Matthew, one of Owen's enemies. For Willow she never felt anything for Matthew and broke up with him a year later even though he wanted to take things further. Willow's been feeling like someone has been watching her and following her. When Owen finds out there's a betting pool going around about Willow's virginity, he goes to her and tells her about it. Owen gets his best friend to do some digging to try to find out who set up the betting pool. Owen and Willow reconnect they start to talk about the old time, but she reminds him he broke her heart. Willow lets Owen know he's going to have to win her trust back. Owen makes sure Willow knows that what he told her that day he didn't mean any of the words he told her. Owen lets Willow know he's going to win her trust back, he finds out she's a virgin and he tells her so is he. Owen lets Willow know she was the only one he ever wanted he apologizes to her. Owen lets Willow know he never stopped loving her, and she means everything to him. Willow apologies to Owen she never gave him a chance to explain so she went running to Matthew. Willow lets Owen know that she used Matthew she never felt for him what she feels for Owen. They agree they want to figure this out together, but they're both scared then Owen kisses Willow. Over the next three weeks they have dinners together, either at Willow's apartment or a local diner. Over the next few weeks Owen and Willow are together, but not physical. Willow wants to know what is going on between them, Owen lets her know he doesn't want to push her. Willow lets Owen know she wants to go further with him, and then he kisses her. Owen takes Willow to her bedroom, where he pleasures her, when he pushes inside of her he knows she's in pain. Owen comes, but he knows it wasn't pleasurable for her. They are both quiet afterwards, Willow's not sure what to do, she figures maybe they need more time they're both new at this. Owen tells Willow he wants to make it pleasurable for her, he wants to try again. Willow asks Owen if she can show him what to do, then he takes over. Soon Owen is pleasuring her, then they make love, this time Willow comes. The next morning Owen wakes before Willow and heads to the kitchen to make breakfast. Owen calls his friend, Mark to see if he has anything on who was behind making the bets. When Willow wakes up Owen makes her breakfast, then they head out to the market. A few days later, when Willow is heading to the bakery she feels like someone is watching her. Willow wants to call Owen but she figures it's just her imitation, so she head to work. Willow goes about her day, by the end, when her help leaves she forgets to lock the door. Willow comes out to find her ex- Matthew standing there. Willow offers him a coffee to go, but he wants to know why she's spending so much time with Owen. Willow lets him know she's just reconnecting with Owen, but he tells her that Owen will never change. Willow lets Matthew know that what she's doing with Owen is none of his business, but he tells her that it's everyone's business since there's a wager going around. Willow wants to know if Matthew started the betting pool, but he tells her he just stopping in to say hello to an ex-girlfriend. Willow lets him know they were never together, then Matthew tells her to let him know when Owen breaks her heart again. Willow tells him to get out, then she calls Owen. After Owen arrives he suggest they get some security cameras for Willow's shop and apartment. Owen drives Willow to work the next day and promises to come by for lunch. When Owen stops by for lunch he finds Matthew standing outside watching Willow's bakery. Owen confronts Matthew and tells him to move along. A few days later, Owen takes Willow on a hay ride, to find pumpkins. Owen has a picnic area all ready for them, they lean into one another. Before they say anymore they hear someone coming, and Matthew stands at the edge of their picnic setup, asking Willow if she thought she could ignore him. Willow makes sure he understands she was never his, and never needs anything from him. Willow confesses she loves Owen and will until the day she dies. Willow and Matthew start arguing and Owen tries to step in between them. Well hotels on it's not worth it. Owen and Willow find out it was Matthew who started the online bedding for Willow's virginity. Owen steps forward, but Willow stops him. Soon they see headlights coming, and Sheriff Midnight steps out of his vehicle. The Sheriff tells Matthew that he's under arrest, for stalking, harassment, and a few others. Owen's friend Mark steps out from behind the sheriff when Matthew starts to argue that it wasn't him. Owen's friend Mark has all the proof that's needed. Owen and Willow head back to her apartment, where they make love. A few days later, Willow and Owen make it known to the whole town who betted on her virginity. Soon all the men who placed bets come into Willow's bakery to apologies. That night some of the woman come to show Willow their support and to apologies for their husbands behavior. After Owen and Willow head to her apartment he tells her maybe it's time they took a step forward, and move in together. Owen thinks it's time he sold his parents home and get a fresh start. One year later, it's been a year of rebuilding of healing old wounds, and proving Owen's here to stay. They've talked about their future, about houses, kids, and what's to come. Owen steps onto Willow's parent's porch and asks her if he can have a moment. Owen takes Willow to the center of the yard, then asks for everyone's attention. Owen drops to one knee and reaches in his pocket for a small box. Owen tells Willow he's loved her for as long as he can remember, coming back was the best decision, because it led him to her, he tells her he wants to spend his life with her, and ask her to marry him. Willow tells Owen yes she'll marry him. Owen slides the ring on Willow's finger, and pulls her into his arms, kissing her. Willow tells him she loves him and Owen tells her he loves her. Willow asks him if this means they're planning a big wedding in Midnight Texas, and Owen tells her yes. Owen tells her but he was thinking after the wedding they take some time off. Maybe travel on a long honeymoon, just the two of them. Willow tells Owen she would love that. As for Matthew he's serving time in state prison eight years with no parole. Everyone congratulates Owen and Willow, throughout the night. Owen sends up a silent pray to his parents thanking them for all they've done, and looking out for him and guiding him back to Midnight Falls and Willow. Tonight is the beginning of forever.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet story. I really enjoyed reading about Willow and Owen. It was fascinating to read them about being each other's first and learning together what turned each other on. The town being all about Halloween is made it fun.

[Chani · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good grief!

Im sure we could have wrapped this sucker up in an hour and a half.

This book was sooooo long in the tooth.

4 hours of my life, lost

[Suelen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Segunda Chance
Essa leitura foi um misto de emoções. Geralmente não curto muito histórias de segundas chances, mas como estou acompanhando a série, aqui estamos. O motivo para a separação de Owen e Willow foi tão surreal, que não combinou nem um pouco com o personagem. Não parece algo que Owen faria, no entanto ele fez (não foi traição). E não fez sentido nenhum ele fazer aquilo, pois os dois já eram amigos há uns 10 anos e já namoravam há um ano. Eles estavam sempre juntos, faziam tudo juntos. Por que ele falaria o que falou para os amigos dele? Pra mim pareceu só uma desculpa para separar o casal, mas não foi uma desculpa convincente. Muito do nada, muito nada a ver. E eles não eram crianças, como os pais dela falaram. Ela tinha 18 anos e ele tinha 19, então o comportamento não tinha desculpa. Willow teve toda razão de ficar arrasada como ficou. Como ele pode falar uma coisa daquelas da pessoa que ele dizia amar e com quem pensava em se casar? Quem faz isso? Esse foi um ponto que não gostei nessa história. Outro ponto foi o tamanho do livro. Desnecessariamente longo para a história que estava sendo contada. Com 35% da história, o passado já tinha sido resolvido e o casal já estava juntos. O que veio depois poderia ter sido enxugado para menos páginas. Algumas cenas ficaram cansativas e não foram relevantes.

Com tudo isso que falei, era de se imaginar que eu daria uma nota baixa para o livro, né?! Se fosse só isso, eu teria dado uma nota 2, provavelmente. Mas a história teve pontos maravilhosos que me surpreenderam. Para começar, Owen sabe que agiu errado e em momento algum tentou justificar o que não tinha justificativa. Ele apenas reconheceu seu erro, se arrependeu de verdade e passou o resto da história (e da vida dele) provando a Willow que valia a pena dar uma segunda chance a ele. Outro ponto legal foi que, depois que ficaram juntos, não se separaram mais. Os dois amadureceram e, a cada dúvida que tinham, cada momento de incerteza, eles conversavam de coração aberto, para não haver mais nenhum mal entendido. A história também ganhou mais pontos comigo pelo fato dos dois terem esperado um pelo outro. Nada de ficar dormindo por aí como se não houvesse amanhã enquanto juravam que o outro era o único amor da sua vida. Ele não dormiu com ninguém esperando por ela. E ela não dormiu com ninguém esperando por ele. Porque a ideia de estar com outra pessoa que não fosse o amor da vida deles era inadmissível, mesmo que em algum momento nesses 6 anos de separação eles até tenham pensado em encontrar outra pessoa para seguir em frente. Owen e Willow formaram um belo casal e eu realmente torci por eles. Ambos erraram (ela foi mais uma má decisão do que um erro, como consequência do erro dele), ambos se arrependeram, ambos amadureceram e estavam dispostos a fazer o relacionamento dar certo.

Outra coisa legal foi que essa história, sim, abordou o tema proposto pela série multiautoras. Mostrou bem a cidade que comemora o Halloween o ano todo, seus habitantes, seus costumes... Teve até mesmo a participação do Xerife Midnight, que faz parte de outra série, que é de outra autora, mas que tem a mesma cidade como cenário. O primeiro livro da série pecou feio nisso aí. A maior parte da história foi na estrada a caminho da cidade e, quando finalmente chegaram na cidade, não mostrou nada dela. Nem parecia ser da mesma série. Agora, sim, senti que realmente li um livro da série "Midnight Falls, Texas".

Sobre o vilão (alguém estava mirando em Willow de uma forma invasiva, humilhante, nojenta e perigosa), não foi nenhuma surpresa. No primeiro capítulo já dava pra sacar (o que tornou a demora da revelação cansativa, num livro extenso demais sem necessidade, uma vez que surpreendeu um total de zero pessoas quem era a pessoa por trás disso e o porquê). Ele teve a sua punição? Teve, mas achei pouco. E todos que participaram deveriam ter sido punidos também, deveriam ter recebido alguma acusação criminal. Aquele pedido de desculpa coletivo? Ah, não, né?! Deveriam sofrer a consequência de seus atos. Apenas pedir desculpas depois que foram expostos foi uma saída fácil demais. E insatisfatória. Em um livro grande desses (para o estilo) dava pra ter cortado várias coisas que não agregaram nada na história e ter dedicado alguns parágrafos para uma punição mais justa para todos os envolvidos no ataque a Willow.

Apesar de desejar que algumas coisas tivessem sido diferentes, o livro teve ótimas cenas e, mesmo não sendo meu estilo de trama e uma história que normalmente eu não leria se não fizesse parte de uma série que estou acompanhando, conseguiu me cativar e me surpreender. Valeu a pena a leitura, com certeza. Eu gostei demais e quem é fã desse tipo de enredo vai amar ainda mais. Claro que eu recomendo!

[Rainbowlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet brings us her contribution to the Midnight Falls series and it doesn't disappoint. A classic instalove romance, but with a hit of modern tech drama.
I don't want to give the angst twist away but I loved it. I didn't expect it and the scary thing is I can definitely see that happening in today's society. (honestly Violet brilliant story line).
Owen was the love of Willows life, until he broke her heart and said things which couldn't be unheard. Young and naive maybe, but Willow was headstrong enough to know her worth, and cut herself off from Owen. Though neither stopped loving one another for the six years they were apart, tragedy in Owens life brings him back home. And not only that, it puts his true feelings for Willow into perspective. Can the past be overcome? Or is it too much to forget?

If you enjoy spice, alpha males, strong willed females, second chance romance, small town romance, short read, instalove, short, steamy scenes, Halloween romance, standalone within a multi author series, dual pov writing, no cheating, angst, dual virgins, HEAs then this is for you.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love you to Halloween and back!

The sexy scientist and his bewitching baker welcome you to Midnight Falls and invite you to join them for yummy treats, steamy lessons and sexy reading.
You have to love Midnight Falls, so therefore somebody like Willow who lives and breathes Midnight Falls and embraces everything Halloween with every breath she takes is also someone you have to love, especially when she is so sweet, welcoming and thoughtful. She may feel broken and have a very bruised heart, but even she cannot deny the chemistry when Owen returns, her head may want to resist him but her heart is already on board. He knows he has to prove himself to her, has to earn her trust and then hopefully her love....but it also takes some nudging from others for Willow to realise you cannot live in the past and equally you cannot judge others by mistakes their teenage selves made....we were all idiots as teenagers!
This is a sweet second chance romance, with some steamy action too, but primarily about healing, forgiving, hoping and growing...together.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Lessons is part of the multi-authored Midnight Falls series. It's a steamy, OTT, double virgin, curvy girl gets her first love, second-chance Halloween romance. Willow is a 25 year old curvy baker. Owen is a 26 year old hunky biology teacher. He and Willow were best friends growing up and then dated in high school until he broke her heart when she was 18. He left Midnight Falls for the city when she froze him out and started dating someone else out of spite. Now, he is back for good after losing his parents in an accident. He is determined to show Willow he regrets being stupid in high school and is determined to win her back. It's clear these two still love each other, but Willow is so hurt. Will she let him back in? When Willow becomes the target of a cruel bet, Owen is determined to protect her. I loved this story. These two were perfect for each other. Their chemistry was hot, and we got a very happy ending after the drama was resolved. I loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise Temple · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a multi author series. There are 7 books in total. It collaborates as a part of Midnight Falls, Texas series. The series starts with Midnight Confessions by Tory Baker. I love this entire series. I have been reading through them quickly. I made a spreadsheet to cover all the books in this series and connecting ones. There is that much to read. I love that they are about a 4 hour read. Usually I get through a story every 2 days or so. Grab a coffee start reading this series and then go grab the others.

I felt a bit bored by this book. I like the idea of it but It didn't keep my attention well. I felt like there was content missing from each of the characters. I would have liked more information about Colt and his back story. We get a bit about both characters but in the end it left me feeling unclear. I did enjoy it, but it just didn't hit me like the other books. I wouldn't skip it based on my review. Maybe others will see what I missed. Happy Reading

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen Callahan broke Willow Winter’s heart six years ago. She channeled her pain into building The Bewitched Ove, a bakery in Midnight Falls. She has been feeling weird lately. It feels like people are watching her more than usual and it is creeping her out.

Owen is back in town as the new high school biology teacher. He was living in Houston. When his parents died in a car accident a year ago, Owen reevaluated where he wanted to be in his life. He wants a second chance with Willow. When he finds out about a threat to Willow, he offers to help her.

I wondered if Willow could trust Owen after he broke her heart six years ago. Finding out who was threatening Willow kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TTP · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

- Second chance
- 6 years separation
- High school sweethearts
- Dual v
- Omd
- No owd
- H not with anyone during separation
- H 25, h 24 in present time

He left because he tried being cool infront of his friends telling him it wasn’t serious with h when he was 19 years old, h was 18, h heard this, left him and started fake dating H enemies.
He’s back after 6 years, he lost his parents one year ago, wants to move back, and when he sees h again he decides that he also want her back.

Safety:
- H never even touched another woman, she was his one and only
- Dual v, they never did the deed when they were together as teenagers, both saved them self
- h fake dated the H enemie, he causes some drama, but she was upfront with om about them being fake, and when he wanted more, she broke things off. They have been broken up 1 year.

[laura.lovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! It’s Halloween themed, takes place in a small town, second chances, first love, a bit of angst and steam.
It flows naturally and is easy to read. I adore both main characters. I love a great love story, the idea of finding your one big great love and for them both to find it so young was sweet.
You experience the story from both perspectives and get an insight on how they are feeling, that makes the story as lovely as it is. You understand the heartbreak, the love. The male character isn’t the villain, even if he caused the break at first. They grew, communicated and got better throughout.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story takes place in Midnight Falls, Texas where Halloween reigns supreme all year long. Violet Rae brings the reader a second chance at love that is so beautiful with not alot of drama - there is some but that just moves the story along. Owen and Willow have always loved each other but a stupid mistake keeps them apart. Love, forgiveness and the support of family and friends combine to bring them together and it makes for a great read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Past Love Reignited

Owen has come back to Midnight Falls not just for his new job but for Willow, his childhood sweetheart and the only woman he has ever loved. Willow had not forgiven Owen for his cruel words before he left town but decides to give him a chance to probe himself again. Owen doesn't waste his second chance but Willow has more to worry about than Owen and their psst when she learns she is the subject of a cruel bet that Owen plans on protecting her from.in this sweet read.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance romance flowed well and had characters with good connection and chemistry. I liked the support they received from family and friends and seeing how they dealt with their shared past. I believed in them as a couple and with acceptance, good communication, forgiveness and trust they could move on from their past and get to that future together that they both wanted. Some things I guessed and others came as a surprise, I enjoyed reading their story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hanna Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a part of the Midnight Falls, Texas series and focuses on Owen and Willow. Owen and Willow have a past that neither one has been able to move on from. They were each other’s first and only loves but Owen messed up and broke Willow’s heart and in turn, his own heart as well. When Owen comes back to his hometown, he is determined to make things right between him and Willow and finally win back his girl. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Willow were high school sweethearts until Owen broke up with Willow leaving them both with broken hearts. Now he's back in Midnight Falls and determined to win back Willow's heart. This is a small town romance with believable characters who never got over each other. The writing is well done and this second chance romance had me cheering Owen and Willow on to get their happily ever after. Midnight Lessons is a great addition to the multi-author Midnight Falls, Texas series and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen made some mistakes, but he is back in his hometown. Owen is hopeful that he can right some wrongs.
Willow is a women with a big heart and a broken past.
Small town, Midnight Falls, curvy woman, hero & heroine virgins, mystery, second chance, HEA romance.

A huge thank you to Violet Rae and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a very nice second chance for Owen and Willow. They waited for each other and never stopped loving each other despite why they parted. I liked how Owen helped Willow when she is targeted and with the help of a friend they catch the culprit. I liked Willow's bit of revenge. It was good of the ones contributing to the problem to apologize to Willow.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bakery Woes

Owen and Willow have a past entrenched in teenage heartache. When trouble arises for her business and tragedy brings him home, reconnecting won't be easy. I enjoyed the fact that Owen wanted to show Willow he is no longer the same person he was and that his love for her is genuine. This was a fun and charming read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Willow and Owen. The story keeps us turning the pages with a shared past, heartbreak, a second chance, the return of an ex, an offensive betting pool and steam.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kyareth14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Falls is a great place, and this story takes place in that enigmatic place. Willow and Owen had a history of when they were both young and immature, stayed away for years and when they saw each other again there was mistrust, but the feelings remained there. It’s a great story with a very good happy ending.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Lessons is Willow and Owen's second chance HEA. Willow owns a bakery in Midnight Falls and the town loves to enjoy her treats. When she is targeted Owen offers to help Willow with her problem. Can she risk her heart again?
I enjoyed it. It was a sweet second chance romance.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second chance romance. It was a well written story that had a good flow. The storyline was entertaining and a little unexpected as well. Owen and Willow had good chemistry and I liked them both very much.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Boles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This is a great love story with great characters. Owen and Willow are the high school sweethearts that break up, but never stopped loving each other. Find each other again a few years later and their love is still strong. Their happy ever after ending is beautiful.

[Teri Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween tricks or treats

Owen and willow story was an emotional and amazing story to read. Both learning that love does last even after a break up. Owen losing both parents was sad and his grief was real. Both finding that growing up apart helped make the soul bond stronger.🤗

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay

Not the best I have read, not even that good. Took me longer to read then it should have about three chapters to long and kinda boring.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a warm and wonderful story! I'm so glad that Low and O finally found the life and love they were always meant to have.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jovette Bossé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, sexy and beautiful healing love story! I absolutly loved it! 😍❤️‍🔥🥰

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Read

This was a nice read. Owen and Willow may had their problems in the past but in the end they got their happily ever after. It was a sweet and steamy read