Midnight Kisses

by Esme Brett

She’s a plus size model with big dreams and a serious work ethic. He’s a nepobaby whose longest relationship is with his assistant.

Perry Anders is working a fancy New Year’s Eve party as the bathroom attendant. It’s a rock-bottom moment, career-wise.

Miles Lawrence comes crashing into her orbit with his mind on a wardrobe malfunction. The minute he lays eyes on the gorgeous attendant, his plans change.

One thing leads to another, and they’re kissing at midnight—but not the kind of kissing where they’re face to face.

After one taste, Miles is hooked, but Perry is focused on building her skincare empire and while Miles is charming, hot and magnetic, a f’boy is as a f’boy does—and not even his meddling mother can change that.

Opposites might attract, but can they make it last in this spicy Cinderella retelling?

Midnight Kisses is a 30,000-word m/f spicy Cinderella story with a fat protagonist. Perry is 27, and Miles is 35. Tropes include grumpy/sunshine, I-can-only-sleep-when-I’m-with-you, and a little bit of stretch k!nk.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Retellings, Contemporary

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

About the author

Esme Brett writes spicy romcoms that are horny, heartfelt, and hilarious. She is passionate about stories that intersect humour, heat, and take-no-bs feminism. Her areas of expertise include winged eyeliner, fits that clash, books that bang, peonies, and wine that’s less than 9 dollars. You can find her on Instagram and TikTok at @esmebrettbooks.

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok-ish. Though it didn't feel a lot like a Cinderella retelling except for the midnight she had to run away

[Miyawakiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very fun and spicy surprise read 💕

[Book Dragon Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL RATING: 4🌟

SPICE: Lukemoist 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: 🎧Audio

Plot 3.5🌟
I thought the plot of this little novella was pretty good. Obviously, it is a romance forward story. But, I did appreciate that the subplot was just as important and neither felt rushed or overlooked! I enjoyed the Cinderella portion of the romance, that was a fun and clever crossover. I did like that Perry had a career goal that she went after and it felt like Esme had done some research/had experience with entrepreneuring because it felt authentic! I don’t have any complaints for the plot, I think it was pretty standard.

Characters 4🌟
For short stories and novellas, sometimes character development can be two-dimensional. I do think this was the case here, and we truly only got a snippet in time for these characters and that is okay. Their personalities and quirks definitely made them interesting and fun to read the novella! What I absolutely loved is that Perry is "unapologetically fat” (Ryan’s phrase, which I love). Way too often, authors write a midsized FMC and call her plus-sized or fat, and miss the mark. But Esme not only created a true plus-sized character with all the softness in the right areas, but actually captured everything else around it. Perry was the true star of the show here! Miles was alright, he was kind of blah but paired with Perry it made things interesting! I do truly appreciate a male character written to love all parts of a female.

Writing & Pacing 4🌟
I really enjoyed Esme’s writing for the most part and will absolutely consider reading more books by her! I think this was paced perfectly and the length is great!

Audio Experience N/A

Romance 3.5🌟
The romance was really working for me up until the “girl is too busy for boy” trope that randomly happened in the middle. I love the Cinderella thing, and him seeking out his sexy bathroom attendant at another event was super fun. I really hated that Perry just out of the blue shut down and wanted to focus on her career, despite Miles being 100% for that for her and wanted to help. I get shutting down out of being overwhelmed, but this was kind of weird and off for me. They did make up in a super cute way, though!

Plot to smut ratio 5🌟
I thought this was perfect! We read these knowing they are spicy, so this did not disappoint!

Spice Quality 5🌟
I actually really liked the spice and thought it was well written! I loved that the first interaction between them is centered around Perry, I just really love a man who loves a woman in the right way, haha.

Overall Entertainment or Emotional Reactions 3🌟
In the beginning, I was very into the story! I did kind of rush through towards the end because I didn’t like that trope at all and it kind of ruined the story for me. I would still read other stories by Esme!

[Brandi Kluxen · Rating 1 out of 5]

You want me to believe that 6 pages in….2 STRANGERS meet in a BATHROOM one of whom is a ‘bathroom attendant’ and suddenly he’s demanding she let him go down on her?

Nah dog. I’m good.

[Deanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I read this book because the author is from NZ and attending the Ages of Pages book fair this year
so I decided to check Esme out.

It wasn’t good or bad, it was just a big ball of cheesy Cinderella mixed with a big scoop of spice. I’ll definitely have to try more from this author to get a better idea/opinion on the writing before AoP!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esme Brett is one of these authors who could write pretty much anything and I'd love it. So a spicy retelling of Cinderella with a hot, fat babe getting hot sex AND banter??? Spectacular, get me 14 of them right now ✨

Plus, as a fat woman myself, reading smut clearly written by someone who understands all the layers of struggling as a plus-size person in a romantic and/or sexual relationship is just so comforting.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★

Mmmmmmnope.
This is a me problem, not the book’s problem.
I just could not gel with Miles’ overgrown toddler fuckboi vibe. Couldn’t get into it, no matter how aesthetically hot he is in my head; every time he opened his mouth I was categorically like, nahhhhh.
I do appreciate his love of cunnilingus, however. Get you a man who eats, I say.


Perry:



Miles:



……………….


🎵 Memory Note(s):

Tate McRae - 2 hands
Tate McRae - sports car
Years & Years - desire

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairytale retelling? Check
Plus size FMC babe? Check
Self aware MMC nepobaby? Check
Spice off the charts? Check, check, check!!

I loved this book so much, it was short, sharp, and to the point with the smut starting very early on (we love to see it). As a plus size girlie myself I absolutely LOVE to see plus size representation that is written by someone who actually understands what its like to live in a bigger body, and isn't written from the perspective of fetishisation.

Our FMC is a total badass who knows her worth, is in touch with herself, doesn't take sh*t from anyone, including our MMC. Their chemistry was great, and the smut was definitely smutting in this book, and the story moved FAST, which for my ADHD is honestly great (I love a good slow burn too dont get me wrong!)

Esme is such a great writer, and all up this book was a really fun and enjoyable read!

[Treynibblins · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book

This author is new to me, and I wasn’t sure what to expect as I dove in. I love the “plus sized” trope, but it can be tricky for authors to pull off to my satisfaction. Well. This book was hilarious and heartwarming, as we watched our FMC navigate the challenges and emotional struggles that heavier women (actual “plus sized”, not merely “curvy”) face daily. I loved watching MMC evolve from an immature f@ckboy into a man-in-love, and I loved the confidence that FMC exuded, stating repeatedly throughout the book that she knew that she was a smoke show. Can’t wait to read more from this author!!

[leanna billings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this book while stuffing my kindle last week after Christmas and I’m super excited to read more from Esme Brett!

I love when people read the last line from a book to demand you read it immediately and believe me when I tell you I squealed!! So let me take it one step further because this was THE BEST declaration of love ever and that makes Miles a top 5 book boyfriend!!!!

“You’re it for me…Yeah. I want to fu€k you to sleep and li€k you awake. And I want to make you laugh and kiss you when you cry, and call bullshit when people try and wrong you. I want to be with you” 🤤🥵🫠

I’d found her by chance but I was keeping her on purpose. 🥰🤭

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heat Level: 🔥🔥

[Kiriwai Pitihira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites Attract

Kudos to author, Esme Brett and her delicious Kiwi humor. Lots of laugh out loud - LOL - moments as Perry and Miles explore their personal and professional relationships.
Nga mihi (Thanks) Esme for weaving refreshing bursts of Maoritanga (Maori culture) and Kiwi culture throughout Perry and Miles journey.
Also loved how - via Miles conversation - you presented the technical aspects of a strategic business marketing plan without overwhelming me with the details. Loved this and gonna thoroughly enjoy exploring your other books.
Mauri ora (May you continue to thrive), Kiriwai

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

There isn't a much better way to start a book than a powerful man thrilled to get on his knees to worship a hot fat woman. Miles is hooked on Perry immediately, and she has no interest in getting more involved. So he pines and fantasizes about the nameless woman until he manages to track her down and convince her to give him a shot.

This is a fun, sexy little slice of a Cinderella story. I like the things that Esme has to say about the world, and moving through it as a confident fat woman who deserves good things. This could have been longer, but it was satisfying at a novella length too.

[Jess • bestiebookshelf_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun cute read by a Kiwi author that I actually went to high school with!

Perry and Miles have a chance encounter in a bathroom and he’s determined to find out who she is and make her his! (That’s a weird sentence). This was an easy read, some cute moments and a man who loves to eat!

If you like:
- novella
- Cinderella retelling
- plus size FMC
- nepo baby MMC
- opposites attract
- ONS to more

[S.M. Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Perfect

I absolutely adored this story. It was almost perfect. The only issue? I needed more! I could have absolutely gotten lost in a full length novel. Miles is swoon worthy with all of his arrogance and charm. Perry is such an amazing representation for plus size women. She is confident, quirky, and just all around the perfect plus size FMC. Give this a read, it’s so worth it!

[Ramona Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best novella I've ever read. The only things keeping it from being 5 stars are a) the writing was a bit weak and b) it didn't need the epilogue.

Very sexy and funny, the characters had a bit of depth for how short the read was. It was very satisfying and complete for a novella.

Highly recommend.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, flirty, and spicy!

Cute & steamy story with a powerful FMC, who is confident in her own plus-sized body, and a cinnamon roll MMC, with his own perfectly flawed charm & confidence. The spice is definitely spicing in this short but plot-ful story. Will be reading more by this author for sure!

[Trianna/Treereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a great time with this one! I read it in one sitting and it was a fun read.

Tbh surprised it worked for me so well since the two characters don't know each other before the story and the pace is FAST which doesn't always work for me.

But, Esme Brett's writing is fun and enjoyable!

[Robyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

absolutely adored finding a spicy book that not only has a plus size FMC, but is set in Aotearoa!! if you love a good short stemy romance where it's f**k first, ask questions later, then this is for you

[Dahné "anotherbookchick" · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars so round up.

NZ author

the way Esme writes is so damn fun. the humour, the colloquial language. it's current, relevant, fun and without sounding to cringe.... "woke".

anything Esme writes I will be picking up !

[Courtney Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! The way Miles is OBSESSED with her from start to finish won me over. Perry is a boss woman and doesn't lose sight of her dream or let it keep her from finding love. Spice was placed so well and a balanced amount for the length. My only complaint is that it wasnt longer!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[3v4nny]

i expected a semi-quick palate cleanser and not expecting much but NOPE these two were so funny to read and it was so funny but also very cute

[Emma Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average

Nice quick short story, set in NZ. Can't say it blew it me away. The spice was very mild. I fin8shed it in half a day

[Nasra Ngururu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and Sweet

I love a well written, wholesome, happy, and sweet book! Perfect read for a rainy day under a warm blanket! ✨❤️

[✨Hannah✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️ 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

[Stacey Grammer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Midnight Kisses was a very quick and fun read with a unique twist on the classic Cinderella story. The characters pulled me in right away, though the development moved super quickly, which made it feel more like a whirlwind than a slow build. Still, it was charming, light, and perfect for when you want a feel-good escape with a touch of magic.

[SassyMamaReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a little slow for me at the beginning. The InstaSex was a little confusing. When Perry Anders was supposed to have been this woman who was serious about getting investors for her business she goes, and risks it all and has sex where anyone could walk in. Also, Miles Lawrence is supposed to be this mega-rich Casanova who has only gone on dates with rich beautiful socialites. So, why suddenly a BBW bathroom attendant, one he knew all of two seconds? However, she struck a chord within him that fed his soul and she rejected him. Not something she had ever experienced. The push back was something that gave him a bigger picture that feed and even bed more of that deep pit that most people called a heart. He needed to find her. Because that night after the best night of his life she didn't give her name because that was the plan and she stuck to them. So, let’s just say it started to pick up from there.

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was absolutely delightful. A Cinderella re-telling with a Cinderella who has no time for Prince Charming, because she's got shit to do. Perry's self-confidence was inspiring and Miles was gone for her from the second he laid eyes on her.

So happy I found this author, I need more of this in my life!