Until the Clock Strikes Midnight

by Alechia Dow

The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, a cozy, romantic fantasy from award-winning author Alechia Dow.

Darling is the most talented—and unusual—Guardian to get a chance at winning the coveted once-in-a-generation Mortal Outcome Council mentorship. Getting the spot would mean having the opportunity to shape the future happiness of all mortal realms—if she succeeds at her first assignment, Lucy Addlesberg. Darling thinks it’ll be an easy razzle-dazzle job… until she actually meets Lucy. Her life is a complete mess, from her failing bookshop in her downtrodden village to her doomed flirtation with the princess of Lumina. But if there’s one thing Darling’s good at, it’s a makeover.

Calamity is the most talented—and arrogant—Misfortune of his class. It’s his job to save mortals from their own terrible decisions made in the pursuit of the mythical "Happily Ever After." When Calam is granted a shot at the Mortal Outcome Council mentorship, he thinks his dreams are finally coming true. But first, he must pass the test. It should be easy—Lucy Addlesberg has been unfortunate for years. All he has to do is continue her string of bad luck so she can finally come to terms with reality and settle for a safer, more logical path in life. Yet when he arrives, he finds that Lucy has a Guardian assigned to her too—a chipper overachiever who is as colorful as the magic pouring from her glittery wand.

To thwart each other, Darling and Calam insert themselves into Lucy’s life posing as a betrothed couple. As they try to guide her down what they each see as the best path for her, they start questioning their roles and ultimately what they truly want for themselves... and if those feelings of loathing they have for each other might actually be something more like love.

Also by Alechia Dow
Just a Pinch of Magic

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, LGBT, Retellings, Fiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef, food critic, culinary teacher, and Youth Services librarian. When not writing about determined black girls (like herself), you can find her chasing her wild child, baking, or taking teeny adventures.

Reviews

[Mildly Mad Hatter · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 33%
I am so sad! I was really hoping this would be good and I wanted to enjoy it so bad! But sadly, there is content in here that makes it impossible.
The language that I read: 1 f word, 1 s word, and 1 d word.
LGBTQ: lots of it. The main girl kissed another girl, it talks about a story of a lgbtq couple and one of the mainish characters is in a lgbtq relationship. Lots about being inclusive and no gender is disqualified from going to the princesses ball to try and win her hand.
This would have been so good! But as a Christian I can’t support any of this content. Although, I did love the content warning, even though it didn’t mention the lgbtq and language, it did talk about some other things good to know going in. Sadly, I can’t recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This was so amazing. Even though this is fantasy, I loved the accurate portrayal of people who want to see others fail. Who will tell you to your face you will amount to nothing. No matter how smart you are, or how hard you try, they are always there. Especially when you are 'different'. Doesn't matter what the difference is. In this book, she's a fairy, and everyone else in the school is a celestial.

There are two separate love stories in the book. Lucy's, which may result in a Happily Ever After (Darling's goal) or an Ordinary Ever After (Calam's goal). Then there is Darling and Calam, which is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers.

I would recommend this book to everyone who loves fantasy/paranormal rom-coms. Unless, of course, you are a homophobic piece of trash. Then don't read it.

Content warning: Bipolar disorder, intrusive thoughts, "brief self-harm and passive suicidality" (straight from author's content warning).

[ji · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was a yes, yes, and another resounding yes for me! i had so much fun reading, much more than i had expected to honestly.

dow’s writing is soft, cozy, and warm to read. i wanted to inhale it at some point because her descriptions were speaking to meeee, especially when food got brought up; i would think, “that sounds yummy. i need to make that.” it’s not the kind of writing i usually encounter, but given how life has been lifeing, it brought me comfort i didn’t even know that i had needed.

even though the plot is pretty low stakes in my opinion, i couldn’t help but become heavily invested. it’s hard not to; the cast is so earnest, lovable, and passionate. both leads, darling and calam, are imperfectly perfect. on their own, they’re intriguing, relatable, but together?? the chemistry was insane. banter was A+++ (i wrote that in my notes, by the way), tension was thick, the push and pull was just right. like RAHHH!!! i could go on and on about them. and on that note: the YEARNINGGGGG. both of them were down bad, but calam??? the amount of highlights i have of him losing his mind over darling is atrocious. i devoured it every time.

i also liked the messaging/parallels in this book, i think its special to be able to read something as whimsical as this, but still relate and see yourself somewhere. there was a diverse amount of representation and i especially appreciated the exploration of darling’s character as a disabled black woman. (i just love darling in general lol)

this story was well balanced, full of life, and was always a fairytale but didn’t stray away from difficult topics that mirrors our reality. things were kept pretty wholesome, and the takeaways in the end are hopeful, positive. if you’re looking for a book that feels like snuggling in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa this is IT.

you could tell that dow had a lot of fun with this book and she made the story she wanted to tell, not for anyone else. i love how i can feel that through the pages. i look forward to seeing what else she writes in the future.

most of all, i’ll miss darling and calam; you couldn’t ask for better leads. their growth, their banter, their love, their fights even… you’ll catch me rereading this book every time i wish to see them again. <3

~

thank you feiwel and friends and netgalley for the arc!

[&#x131a9;♡&#x131aa; BonBon &#x131a9;♡&#x131aa; · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I adored this! I was so excited to see a cozy fairytale retelling by Alechia Dow because I absolutely love her as an author and her amazing writing. This story did not disappoint! It’s an adorable and refreshing Cinderella retelling that will be perfect to read in the fall or winter. I can not wait to buy a physical copy 💕

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🖤Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

[Levi Wilhelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving
me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. 4.5/5 stars

until the clock strikes midnight is, at its core a cinderella retelling, only from the perspective of two wildly different “fairy godmother” like people. darling is a fairy who believes everyone deserves a happily ever after. calamity is a misfortune who excels at preventing unhappily ever afters. the two of them are assigned the same case, lucy addlesburg. will she get a happily ever after or an ordinary ever after?

this book was such a delightful spin on the classic cinderella tale. i loved seeing darling and calamity’s journeys both as individuals, with each other, and the whole town. seeing darling’s mental struggles portrayed in such a way was a breath of fresh air.
while this was a complete story, i hope we get to see darling and calam together again!

[Fanna]

i just know alechia dow would write something real cute; cozy fantasy is in right hands

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Until the Clock Strikes Midnight" is the cutest standalone YA fairytale retelling for anyone who loves Cinderella.

Darling, a Fairy hoping for an internship with the Mortal Outcome committee, is given one last assignment to prove she has what it takes- namely, a bookkeeper named Lucy who she needs to ensure has a happily ever after. It should be a cinch, but she was not expecting Calamity- a misfortune vying for the same internship whose task is to get Lucy to an ordinary after. Calamity and Darling insert themselves in Lucy's life by posing as a couple, and work towards making Lucy's life better while also helping the rest of the village, and maybe even falling in love.

This Cinderella retelling was a really unique take on the tale! I loved the competition aspect of both characters needing to win the internship for different reasons, and the way they came to understand each other's perspective as well as how they could go about creating ever afters in the future. This was a perfect story for teens, super cute and wholesome, fast paced and engaging. I loved that there were all different types of couples in here (LGBTQ+ inclusive). The main couple was m/f, while there were side couples that were f/f and m/m.

There were just a few things that weren't to my taste- first, a lot of characters were characterized only by their skin color. For instance, multiple times we meet a "white lady" or a "black man" etc with no other characteristics. I think these characters could be fleshed out a bit or at least described in a different way. The second was that I felt the love between the 2 main characters went from 0 to 100% real fast. The author is well aware of this and even has the characters mention it on page, but I still feel the relationship could have been fleshed out a bit more. My last complaint is that the book is dual perspective, but Calamity and Darling had too similar a voice and sometimes I couldn't tell whose perspective I was reading, or who was speaking when they were in a conversation together.

Overall, this was an enjoyable, sweet, fairytale retelling perfect for YA readers!

4/5 stars

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this delightful tale!

[rachel x]

"The Good Place meets the Brandy version of Cinderella in this cozy, romantic fantasy"

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a PERFECT young adult fantasy book. A Cinderella retelling from the point of view of the Fairy, but she is not alone! She was sent on this mission with a rival who has opposing goals for the girl they were sent to help. A brilliantly told story, I honestly wasn’t sure how it was going to end until it happened! Until the Clock Strikes Midnight is a new favorite for me.

-rivals
-opposing goals
-forced proximity
-one bed
-fake dating
-mental illness representation
-lgbt+ representation

It has it all!! If you love Once Upon a Broken Heart, then you will love this!

Thank you to the author, publishing, and Netgalley for letting me read this beautiful story early! I cannot wait to buy it and share it with my friends when it comes out.

[Chloe]

This book is an absolute delight. It is sweet and earnest and absolutely unapologetic in the boldness of it's joy. I adored it.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you netgalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for my review !

signed up for the whimsy, stayed for the 1 star homophobic review 😂✨

the premise of this book is very creative, magical, and maybe a pinch too sweet at times. however, i loved the rivalry between darling and calam and all of the side characters that grew along the way.

i was happy with the mental health representation and many of the lgbt characters. both of the main characters are also non-white as are many of the side characters.

i recommend this book to everyone looking to add a little sparkle in their reading line up.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Alechia Dow’s “Until the Clock Strikes Midnight” is a cozy, whimsical Cinderella retelling that feels like curling up under a blanket with hot cocoa. At its heart, it’s the story of Darling, a determined fairy who believes everyone deserves a happily ever after, and Calamity, a misfortune whose job is to prevent unhappily ever afters. When both are assigned to the same mortal case involving a struggling bookseller named Lucy Addlesburg, they find themselves competing for a coveted internship. Posing as a couple while working their magic on Lucy and her town, Darling and Calamity soon discover that their rivalry might just transform into something deeper.

Dow’s writing is warm, soft, and delightfully comforting, with vivid imagery and mouthwatering descriptions (especially when food appears). The atmosphere leans more cozy than high-stakes, but the heartfelt storytelling and lovable characters keep the pages flying. Darling shines as a bold, compassionate, and refreshingly complex heroine, especially in her portrayal as a disabled Black woman navigating both her limitations and her strengths. Calamity, meanwhile, brings sharp banter and reluctant charm, even if his arrogance occasionally grates. Together, their chemistry is undeniable: the yearning, the push-and-pull, and the banter practically leap off the page.

The book also thrives on its inclusivity. Alongside Darling and Calamity’s m/f romance, there’s LGBTQ+ representation with f/f and m/m couples throughout the story. The central themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery are complemented by thoughtful touches, such as examining how prejudice is taught and how joy can be an act of resistance.

That said, I did find the romance tropes laid on a little thick, with Darling and Calamity’s relationship accelerating quickly. A few side characters felt flat (described more by appearance than personality), and the alternating perspectives between Darling and Calamity sometimes blurred together. Still, the humor, heart, and fairytale magic outweigh these bumps.

Sweet, hopeful, and brimming with charm, “Until the Clock Strikes Midnight” is a refreshing spin on Cinderella that delivers comfort and enchantment in equal measure. Perfect for readers who love romantasy with cozy vibes, tropey fun, and characters you’ll want to revisit again and again.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling is the only fairy in her school, and she is determined to secure a coveted mentorship with the Mortal Outcome Council. Assigned to a mortal named Lucy whose life is teetering on the edge of joy, Darling is prepared to use her skills to help Lucy find her “happily ever after.” Little does Darling know that Calam, a Misfortune, has also been assigned to Lucy for his own mentorship opportunity, and the two immortals have markedly different goals. With only seven days to complete the challenge and a future career on the line, the two must focus if they are to win. But what begins as a caustic rivalry quickly turns into something more as circumstances conspire to bring Darling and Calam into closer collaboration with one another.

This deliciously adorable romantic comedy blends the fantastical with the ordinary in amusing and resonant ways. Told from the alternating perspectives of Darling and Calam, the narrative advances with a brisk pace that makes the time limit of their shared quest even more palpable. Neither character is perfect, and both have flaws that make them at once endearing and recognizable despite their immortal natures. Additionally, each character has altruistic reasons for wanting to succeed in their individual goals, and as a result, neither is the true antihero. While the competition for the mentorship is the primary focus of the plot, however, the simmering romance between Darling and Calam becomes increasingly central, and readers will rally for a positive outcome for everyone.

Deep physical and psychological challenges plague both protagonists, and these obstacles are made more prominent thanks to the first person narrative structure of the individual chapters. A content warning at the beginning of the book alludes to this aspect of the story, and readers with similar experiences will feel seen as a result of the storytelling. Rather than holding them back, the challenges the characters face make Calam and Darling stronger as they aim for success while managing their own intrinsic needs. Quirky humor and lighthearted exchanges balance out these weighty topics, leaving readers with a robust sense of emotional satisfaction at the story’s conclusion. Charming, witty, and thoughtful, this is an enjoyable addition to library collections for young adult readers who enjoy cozy romantic comedies with a touch of whimsy.

[The Atlas of Stars · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Alechia Dow, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an eARC of this!

Brief Overview:
In this Cinderella inspired romantasy novel, Darling, a bright young recently graduated Guardian is up for an internship with the Mortal Outcome Committee. After defying all odds by being not only the first fairy in the Guardianship program in over a century and being the top of her class, she is sent to an assignment that will determine her future. Upon her arrival, she meets Calamity, an equally as bright but arrogant, Misfortune who is up for the same internship. This unconventional pair must compete to determine the outcome of Lucy Addlesburg, a down on her luck bookseller with an uncertain future.

This book had very vivid imagery, our main character's had clear goals and ambitions, the side character's added a lot to the story, and how the story touched on how bigotry is a taught thing. My biggest hang up is that I felt like the author was trying to shove as many romance tropes into the book as possible. It was honestly a bit much. Especially considering that Calamity was honestly not my favorite. I found him to be pedantic and self obsessed.

The best part of this whole story was the level of care that Darling showed everyone. She is bold and kind and wants everyone to be happy. Where some parts of this story dragged, the warmth that Darling brought made up for it.

If you like trope heavy romantasy books, this is absolutely something that should go on your TBR!

[The Bookish Chimera - Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But… conformity's not really my thing, and I’ve never been particularly good at it.”

Reading Until the Clock Strikes Midnight was delicious (yes, like Darling, I have a sweet tooth), and I devoured the book in one go. It felt particularly cozy, and I loved how tales were used in the background, but twisted, to question —especially— free will and what it means to be happy.
The MCs are complete opposites —and complementary— and I got engaged in my reading starting page one, caring for them. Yet, they are anything but smooth. They carry their pasts and traumas, the injunction to comform… and none of them is good at that. That might explains why instead of focusing on only one person’s HEA, despite the competition between them, , they help a whole village (with such great small town vibes). I absolutely adored how Darling’s mental health was represented, as much as the + size rep.
The banter, competition and forced proximity are super fun and create a lovely romance. I loved seeing so much inclusivity, about a lot of marginalized communities.
A read that was fun, light, but also meaningful.

Thank you to the author and Fierce Read for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

4.5/5

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

This book is made for the cozy fantasy romance fans. Make yourself a warm cup of hot chocolate with a tower of whipped cream and plenty of sprinkles, then get comfy under your favorite blanket and enjoy.

The most important takeaway of this story is that you are never too much. Anyone that tells you so isn’t someone you need to keep around. The vibe actually reminded me quite a lot of The Good Place - funny, sweet, and imparting much-needed lessons that left me an emotional wreck.

You know I have to talk about our main couple! Darling and Calam are the grumpy/sunshine final boss, and it’s cute as all get-out. I can’t wait to see the fanart of these characters emerge. The supporting cast backs up the idea that happiness doesn’t exist in a vacuum; if you surround yourself with happiness, it will spill over into your life.

Representation of bipolar disorder is very rare in books that don’t center around the subject, but Dow handles it very well. Darling certainly isn’t perfect - she spirals, she goes overboard, she tries to hide all the parts she doesn’t deem worthy of the public eye - but she also doesn’t let her BPD stop her from achieving her goals. She has a great support system, and never once is her disorder leveraged against her. Most importantly, Darling doesn’t feel like A Character With Bipolar Disorder; it’s a part of her, it’s something that she lives with, but it isn’t her entire personality. It’s a piece of the whole.

This was such a fun Cinderella retelling, and it encouraged me to jump into Dow’s other books that have been on my TBR for ages. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

[Rachel Rauch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this! I really did. The world, the premise, Darling, the fun silly light-hearted tone of the book that balanced the serious of it perfectly...just...AHHHHH! SO GOOD!!! I did have a bit of a hard time rooting for Calam for the first half of the book. The way he hid HUGE stuff from Darling but also was falling in love with her and ALSO giving fuel to her disorder made it REAL hard for me to be on his side. Especially when it felt like there were times when he wasn't as...dynamic as her. Where he felt VERY selfish compared to how truly selfless Darling felt. But eventually I came around to him a little bit more. Just took me a while to really appreciate his character growth. Anyways, if I could give this 4.5 stars I would but ALAS those don't exist so I hope a 4 star review is good enough. Again VERY good, highly recommend. (And I love the little references, didn't really notice them until they happened twice and then was like "OOOOOH!" but I am extremely looking forward to reading this when it comes out in February!!!)

[Jadyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Until the Clock Strikes Midnight, Dow explores the idea of whether it's better to live an Ordinary Ever After rather than risking it all for a HEA and ending up with an Unhappily Ever After instead. The novel is an adorable enemies to instant attraction deal, fast-paced, cozy, and inoffensive. I was thrilled to see Lucy come into her own and push back against some of the more patronizing interference in her choices, and was compelled by the idea of a multiverse in which some places experience magic. Darling's struggles with mental health are an excellent reminder that even high achievers who have beaten the odds might have more going on beneath the surface.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy for review.

[Cleanbooks4ever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling Sparkleton is a fairy Guardian who believes in dazzling Happily Ever Afters. Calamity is a Misfortune who prefers grounded, Ordinary Ever Afters. Both are competing for a coveted mentorship from the Mortal Outcome Council—and their final test is to influence the life of Lucy Addlesberg, a struggling bookshop owner with a complicated past and a spark of potential.
Over seven enchanted midnights, Darling and Calamity use their powers to guide Lucy toward different futures. But as they clash over what’s best for her, they begin to question their own beliefs, their roles in the mortal world, and what it truly means to help someone find their path.

[Aiden Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sparkling fairy-tale remix, Until the Clock Strikes Midnight brims with sly humor, swoony romance, and enough glitter to light up a kingdom. Between bookshop magic and razor-sharp banter, Alechia Dow crafts a world where queer love stories bloom in the unlikeliest places, and midnight kisses linger long after the clock has struck. Witty, tender, and delightfully chaotic, this is proof that happily-ever-afters can be messy, magical, and worth every risk!

I LOVED THIS ONE, YOU GUYS. SERIOUSLY. A LOT.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until the Clock Strikes Midnight is pure charm from start to finish—a whimsical, feel-good fantasy with heart, humor, and just the right touch of romance. I loved how it takes the idea of fate versus choice and turns it into a sparkling battle between two celestial beings who can’t help but get tangled in their own emotions. The world feels cozy yet magical, and Lucy’s imperfect, hopeful journey adds a grounding warmth to all the enchantment. It’s a story about love, purpose, and the messy beauty of being human—even when you’re not. I finished it smiling.

[Desi Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.
So sweet!! I loved Darling and Calam. I hope to see some more of them.

The Cinderella story with a fairy godmother for a happily ever after and a grump for a just stay alive. Okay that is way over simplifying how fun this read was. This is definitely for all those people who have been told you are just too much!! (Yes, I am one.)

Characters are fun, town is fun, but Darling and Calam are on fire.

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brandy meets cinderella!

This book deals with the contest between Darling a fairy and Calamity, he is like another being that wants people to have a normal everyday life. They were both at the top of their classes respectively and they have one week to help a mortal fix her life up.

What ensues is fun, they wind up saving the town, the princess finds a spouse, and in the end....well you will have to read the book yourself to see what happens to Calamity and Darling :)

[Deirdre Megan Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is so cute. A mix of reimagined fairytales and fantasy, the rep is beautiful (especially the curvy rep and queer rep), I am obsessed. Is it perfect, no… but it was so fun and real and just a delight.

I need more lol.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the Earc.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!

Very cute romance, I liked the main characters and the side characters were really nice too. However I did find the characters cringey at times so that dampened it a little. The writing was easy to get through tho and I flew through the book crazy fast. Overall a good read!

[Anna Gergerich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quirky, magical, and lighthearted rivals-to-lovers YA fantasy romance. It’s a wonderfully diverse fairytale-like story with its own unique magic system and intriguing fairy hierarchy. Add in some queer and disability representation, and we have a delightful tale about romance, the emotional complexity of the human condition, and the daring cost of following your heart and finding happily ever after.

Our protagonists want the same thing: to save their client from an unhappy ending, but they’re competing against each other to make it so. Darling’s task is to give Lucy a magical happily ever after. Calamity is hoping for Lucy to settle for a more mundane and secure option. Sparks fly as these two competing guides pose as an engaged couple to insert themselves into Lucy’s life. And chaos ensues. The banter is fantastic, the characters are well developed, and I loved it.

I’m thankful to Macmillan Children’s for providing a complimentary eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my thoughts.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

I've been looking for some fresh YA "romantasy" that would also work for middle school, but this didn't quite work. I did enjoy Dow's middle grade books, and would buy this for a high school.

[Jenny Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read a very early version of this book and it is SO good. More to come closer to release.

[Kamilah Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful dessert of a book, full of warmth and sweetness!

[Jessica Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced, addictive, and filled with just the right amount of drama