Minutes to Midnight

by A.S. Adams

Chloe Macnamara only has one wish this year, to get over her toxic ex by getting under someone else. After a friend sets her up with Xander Lawson, the younger but experienced owner of the kink club Taboo, she thinks she’s found the perfect teacher. That is until he shows up at a family dinner, and is introduced as her soon to be step-brother.

With their parents’ engagement looming, Chloe wants to end their spicy arrangement but Xander has a compromise. He’ll continue the lessons, while keeping things strictly professional, and in the meantime try to find her a replacement teacher. Tempted by his offer and a chemistry they both can’t seem to ignore, Chloe is swept up in a world of debauchery and delight, learning more about herself and Xander with every passing day.

As the deadline for their affair comes to an end, Chloe has to face the reality that the wrong guy just might be the perfect one for her.

Minutes to Midnight is an adult spicy, taboo romance.

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[A.F. Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book Adams writes is my new favorite of hers. Her books always have the perfect blend of spice and wit. They speak to my millennial heart! In Midnights to Midnight, she flexes her storytelling skills while navigating new dynamics, emotional storylines, and unforgettable characters. Check TW, but know, as always, she navigates these with care.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid spicy short read. Chloe is a gym owner coming out of a relationship with a total narcissist. Xander is a kink club co-owner asked to take on a new sub for lessons. There's a lot going on (reverse age gap, step brother, etc.) but Adams makes it work. These two characters are great and there is chemistry and emotion between them along with mild kink and lots of sex.

[Brittany Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOTTTTTT!!!! I kept seeing teasers on IG for this and omg it didn’t disappoint 👅👅 this was a she’s older age gap ANDDDD a step siblings ANDDDDD Dom/sub like omg delicious delicious delicious. Xander and Chloe were meant to be from their first random encounter to their inevitable meeting as step siblings, I loved that they worked so well together. Dom/sub and kink exploration are two of my favorites to read about, so def recommend!!!