Midnight Prince

Once Upon Ever After #2

by Julie Saman, J. Saman

My objective was simple: Break into the royal wedding, gain intelligence, and leave. Then I met Prince Rowan.
Charming, sexy, and impossible to say no to, we danced and drank before he took me to his suite and not only shattered my innocence but made me feel alive for the first time. By midnight, I was gone, leaving behind a fallen earring and intending to never see him again.
That is until months later, I'm placed in the palace as a royal servant and put directly in his path.
He doesn't recognize me, but that doesn't mean he trusts me either.
Nor should he.
I'm part of the curse his family can't seem to escape. A slave with an evil agenda. One that's darker and more sinister than death herself.
Only the longer I'm in the palace and the more time I spend with the prince and his family, the harder it is to plot their downfall.
Lines get crossed. Tension and mistrust turn into passion and obsession.
But when everything I thought I knew about my life and the royal family is suddenly flipped upside down and my midnight prince discovers who I am, I have a decision to make.
Run again to save them all. Or burn down both our worlds.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Royalty, Dark Romance, Workplace Romance, Romance, Steamy

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2026

About the author

See main profile J. Saman

Reviews

[Kealyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Prince by Julie Saman

4/5 stars

When I reviewed the previous book in this series I mentioned that I missed some clarity with Sebastian and Bellamy's story. And while this book is the story of Rowan and Marcella, it is also a continuation of Sebastian and Bellamy's story and I am so grateful for that. Their presence didn't take anything away from Rowan and Marcella. It was beautifully balanced and a true joy to read the stories of these four amazing characters.

Midnight Prince is a modern day retelling of the Cinderella fairytale and I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful book. The book starts with Marcella who is Samil's, who tried to kill Bellamy in the previous book, half sister. They also have another half sister named Jaqueline. The three of them share a father. And after Samil's death in the last book, Samil's mother is hellbent on revenge. She has been using Marcella for her nefarious actions and control's every bit of her life. Marcella is no one, she has no last name and no social security number. Marcella is getting severely physically abused and does everything in her power to protect Jaqueline.

Her stepmother sends her on a reconnaissance mission and there she meets Rowan. The prince is instantly drawn to her and he loves how she doesn't have any interest in him whatsoever. He doesn't give up and eventually they spend the night together. I won't spoil too much about that night. But something happens that ties them together intricately.

6 months pass and Marcella gets a position in the palace all in order to obtain evidence against the king and his awful ways. But the second she enters the palace grounds she sees a different family than that the family her own family spoke off. She sees true love, amazing children, happiness and a fiercely protective family.

But she keeps reminding herself that they killed her brother and that revenge is justified no matter what. But things get more complicated by the day. And after she changed her appearance before she entered the palace Rowan is still after her and wants to claim her heart and soul. Things get complicated fast and she tries her hardest to set clear boundaries. But the longer she spends time in the castle, the more she figures out and the more the world gets thrown from under her feet.

I really love how the fear Bellamy and Sebastian carry is still present in this book. How much they want to protect the children and the children that are on the way. I loved the bond between them and Rowan. And I love how even Marcella cements a place in their lives. Even after those terrible events that took place months ago.

All relationships, friendships and bonds change and evolve in this book. It was a stunning journey to grow alongside them in this novel. I also loved how the mystery of Desta still is present in this one and how the brothers still chase the truth of what happened with their little sister.

4 huge stars from me for Midnight Prince! I cannot wait to read the fourth book in this series. ♥

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't want to rag on this book. It just wasn't my vibe. I love this author, however, the way this one played out was frustrating for me.

I had a tough time seeing the connection beyond the physical between these two. Their was hate sex, distrust, and stress the whole way through. After the situations in books 1 and 2 in this series, the fact that King Sebastian would let Ella around his family stretches the believable. It made Rowan seem EXTREMELY reckless and almost aloof to the danger.

At the same time, I did feel for Ella. I know she was between a rock and a hard place. That hard place being Rowans dick, apparently. *eye roll* But the amount of times she just let him fuck her, when her little sister was on the line and she was risking it all? WTF?

I just could not get on board with it. Ever discussion they tried to have ended in sex. I'm serious. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. They never talked. Beyond threats and angst and then sex. I just wanted more.

But enough, I am hooked overall, and the through line mystery has me interested. I just hope the next one balances things out better.

Dual narration by Alex Knox & Emma Wilder and they killed it! They kept me listening when I was struggling at certain points.

3.5 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale

CW: Dubious consent, torture (including to a child), poisoning, dangerous pregnancy and emergency c-section, blackmail and more.

[J. Saman]

Midnight Prince is now live!

MIDNIGHT PRINCE is a STEAMY, suspenseful, and darker contemporary (not paranormal or romantasy) fairytale retelling. It is a standalone HEA for our couple but has a continuous underlying plot and the series is best read in order.

Blurb
My objective was simple: Break into the royal wedding, gain intelligence, and leave. Then I met Prince Rowan.

Charming, sexy, and impossible to say no to, we danced and drank before he took me to his suite and not only shattered my innocence but made me feel alive for the first time. By midnight, I was gone, leaving behind a fallen earring and intending to never see him again.

That is until months later, I'm placed in the palace as a royal servant and put directly in his path.

He doesn't recognize me, but that doesn't mean he trusts me either.

Nor should he.

I'm part of the curse his family can't seem to escape. A slave with an evil agenda. One that's darker and more sinister than death herself.

Only the longer I'm in the palace and the more time I spend with the prince and his family, the harder it is to plot their downfall.

Lines get crossed. Tension and mistrust turn into passion and obsession.

But when everything I thought I knew about my life and the royal family is suddenly flipped upside down and my midnight prince discovers who I am, I have a decision to make.

Run again to save them all. Or burn down both our worlds.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited https://bit.ly/4aXUSXL

Start the Once Upon Ever After Series with book 1, Cursed King! http://geni.us/CursedKing

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟, 3🌶️

This was such an easy book to get lost in.

I had high hopes for Rowan and this really delivered, but I still did not expect to fall for him this quickly. Beneath that prince image, he is intense, loyal, and carrying more than he lets on, and I was hooked on him almost instantly.

The story leans into a darker Cinderella feel, but it is the emotional pull that really stood out. Rowan and Marcella’s connection is immediate, messy, and full of tension, with secrets constantly getting in the way. I loved how her strength showed up in quieter ways, especially as her world starts to shift and she begins to question everything she has been told. Their chemistry is strong, but it is the vulnerability and push and pull between them that made it land.

It is layered with just enough suspense and family drama to keep things engaging without overshadowing the romance. A few moments toward the end felt a little rushed, but I was still fully invested in them.

Overall, this was such an addictive, emotional read that left me wanting more.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Julie Saman & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl named Ella sneaks into the ball (wedding reception), shares a dance (and more) with the prince, and then flees before midnight leaving her glass slipper (earring) behind. Of course that's only the beginning of the story.

Months later, Marcella is ensconced in the castle as a maid, but her real mission is to gather intelligence in order to ruin the royal family. There's just one wrinkle as Marcella endears herself to the king and his family and becomes a trusted member of their staff. Prince Rowan is completely obsessed with Marcella, yet he doesn’t trust her. And with good reason.

There are so many things I love about this one, but the layers are what really hooked me. There are stories within the story with many moving parts, masterfully crafted into an intense, gripping read that I devoured in one sitting.

It’s captivating and compelling, full of high energy and smexy times. A perfect addition to an adrenaline-fueled series, it has all the elements we love in an unputdownable romance, all perfectly balanced for an exquisite, unforgettable, phenomenal  read. You'll definitely want to add this to your TBR ASAP.

[Amanda - leftamongthepages · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
⭐️ 4/5
📅 April 27, 2026

❤️ Cinderella Retelling
❤️ Assassin FMC
❤️ Hidden Identity
❤️ Royal Romance
❤️ Protective Hero
❤️ Touch Her and Die

AHHH I love a Cinderella retelling and this one?? I was locked in immediately.

Marcella being an assassin?? Yeah, I didn’t stand a chance.

This book is honestly chaos in the best way. I was reading like “wait… WHAT is happening right now???” every five seconds and somehow it just kept getting worse (better) 😭

Marcella is such a badass. The things she goes through?? Insane. And she just keeps going.

And Rowan… sir. Once he started softening up?? I was done. Him with his nieces and nephews, FaceTiming Marcella every day, buying her gifts?? Yeah no.

Also Rowan not putting it together the ENTIRE time?? Like OF COURSE it’s the same laugh 😭 men. 🤦🏻‍♀️

And the plot twists?? I was not prepared. The Samil reveal?? I literally had to pause like “excuse me???” because WHAT. 😩

Also… Marcella casually handling things the way she does?? Girl 😅 I was both impressed and slightly concerned.

And when everything starts coming out?? Rowan had me stressed for a second there, I’m not even going to lie 👀

There’s a lot going on in the background, but I was able to keep up—it was just one of those stories where things keep unfolding and you’re like “okay wait… hold on” the whole time 😅

Overall I absolutely adored Marcella and Rowan. I was stressed, confused, and obsessed the whole time and honestly… I’d do it again. 🥰

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of Midnight Prince Book 3 in the Once Upon Ever After Series by Julie Saman This book is part of an interconnected series it has its own HEA and can be read as a standalone but has a continuous underlying plot throughout the series and is best read in order. I absolutely love this series and this book. This is a 5 star read for me. I love fairytale retellings and this one was fantastic I loved the darker spin on Cinderella. I am happy to be back in Messalina with the infamous cursed royal family. I loved all the twists, drama, tension, secrets and suspense. I was hooked from the very first page I couldn’t put this book down. This is Marcella and Rowan's story. I have been in love with Rowan since book 1 he is so bold, charming, and funny. Marcella is a mystery and I love finding out more about her. My heart breaks for her and everything she has endured. I love the tension and banter between Rowan and Marcella. I loved their chemistry and spice it was on fire. I also love how Marcella formed a friendship with Bellamy (the Queen). This is a slow burn, spicy, suspenseful, dark, cinderella contemporary fairytale retelling, enemies to lovers, 10 year age gap, mistaken identity, one night stand, forced proximity, virgin fmc, obsessed mmc, royal romance. Rowan is 33 he is the playboy prince of Messalina and his family is rumored to be cursed. Marcella is 23 and meets Rowan when she crashes the royal wedding of his brother the King of Messalina. Rowan is immediately drawn to her and they spend the evening together until she sneaks out on him leaving him to wake up alone. Rowan has been searching for her ever since that night but hasn’t been able to find her. Marcella never expected to see him again but months later ends up working in the palace as a housemaid and winds up directly in Rowans path. He doesn’t recognize her since she was wearing a disguise the night they met an didn’t tell him her real name. When he sees her she seems so familiar to him even though he doesn’t realize she’s who he’s been searching for. He’s also wary of her and doesn’t trust her. She has a secret agenda for being in the palace and is following the orders of her evil family while also wanting revenge for personal reasons. Her family hates the king and wants to see him ruined. Rowan tries to stay away from her and she tries to avoid him but they cant resist each other. He swears Ella and Marcella are the same person even though all the evidence say otherwise. Their road to their HEA is filled with hurt, betrayal, and secrets they have a lot to overcome to be together but I loved the ending and that they got their HEA it was well deserved.

I also listened to the audiobook and absolutely loved it the narrators were great I loved all the emotion they brought to the story.

[Annie Soto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kingdom of Messolina has experienced great tragedy and triumph with their royal family in recent months. With the King and new Queen expecting twins alongside their 3 other children, and their re-entrance back into life outside the palace, things have been seemingly on the up. But there are still mysteries and secrets from the royal family's past left to uncover and Rowan has made it his mission to leave no stone unturned. After encountering the mysterious woman of his dreams at a royal engagement, Rowan has not been able to get Ella off his mind and when he discovers she never went through any security check and snuck in and out without a trace, he is even more determined to find out what her true motives were in the presence of royalty.
Marcella has been born and bred to be a tool and assassin against the royal family. With no official documentation, her and her younger sister are ghosts and after being fed propaganda able the evil royals, Marcella has no issue going after them by any means necessary and that includes Rowan. After their night together, she can't seem to get him out of her mind and she expects never to see him again, but when she is planted into the palace as a maid, facing Rowan becomes her biggest fear. The more they interact, the more Rowan has a suspicion about Marcella that he just can't seem to pinpoint. No matter who she is, he can't help but fall for her and as they fall for each other, her secrets become the heaviest burden to carry.
As the secrets unravel and truth and lies are blurred, Rowan has to decide if her love for him is genuine and who he will choose when he is faced with the ultimate choice of love vs duty. This story was fantastic - full of drama, suspense, spice, and really drove the overarching plot of the series with one truth bomb after the other that kept me on the edge of my seat. Excited for what is next!
Emma Wilder and Alex Knox were fantastic on this title. Alex is new to me and I loved his performance full of charm and charisma to emulate Rowan well. Emma is one of my favorites and her accent work on this was amazing!

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Valentine PR for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.

A prince finally stepping into the light and revealing a side never seen before

Some characters linger in the background of earlier books, quietly building intrigue and leaving questions behind. Prince Rowan has always been one of those characters. Present, yet never fully understood. Until now.

In 'Midnight Prince' by J. Saman, the focus finally shifts to Rowan, and what unfolds is a version of him that feels both surprising and deeply satisfying. Where earlier books showed him from a distance, this story peels back his carefully guarded layers, revealing a prince with unexpected vulnerability, emotional depth, and a strength that feels far more human than royal.

What makes this installment stand out most is how different Rowan feels compared to his earlier appearances, in the best possible way. Seeing him in his own story adds nuance to his character and makes his emotional journey feel meaningful and earned. His interactions, especially within the forced proximity elements, create tension that builds naturally and keeps the pages turning.

J. Saman’s writing style remains smooth and immersive, making it easy to sink into the story from the very first page. The pacing feels well balanced, allowing emotional moments to land while still maintaining suspense and romantic tension. The blend of dark romance elements, forbidden feelings, and romantic suspense adds intensity without overwhelming the emotional core of the story.

The Cinderella-inspired elements woven into the royal setting give the story a familiar yet refreshing touch, while the dynamic between prince and servant adds an extra layer of tension and vulnerability that strengthens the romance.

By the final pages, Rowan no longer feels like a prince seen from afar, but a fully realized character whose story lingers long after the last chapter ends.

royal romance | age gap | billionaire | black cat heroine | boss/employee | Cinderella retelling | enemies to lovers | forced proximity | fairytale retelling | golden retriever hero | he falls first | mistaken identity | obsessed hero | one night stand | virgin heroine | workplace romance

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Prince

What an exciting, intense and totally unexpected experience for the Prince. He is the typical playboy, never thinking of THE ONE, until he sees this woman at the wedding. She totally blows him off, but that doesn’t stop him, makes him more determined, yet she has secrets. There is danger lurking around the Royal family, there are people who are wanting to hurt them. There is more behind this woman than it appears, yet once all is revealed can everyone come out ok, be safe, or is there still something or someone who has a vendetta against the royal family. This is an amazing story, just full of never ending threats, and still potential for HEA. A must read.

[abire · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.



I'm sorry, I understand what the author tried to do with this one, but it simply didn't land. And that's coming from someone who usually loves anything J. Saman. But this one.. just wasn't it for me.

First of all, the characters are frustrating. The chemistry is there, sure, but it's just that. The MMC knew she wasn't trustworthy from the start, but had no issue letting her around his family because he liked fucking her, and that's.. mostly what they did. Fuck. There was no other connection beyond that, or at least, I didn't feel it. Everytime they shared a scene for like 40% onwards, all they did was fuck, no matter how the chapter started. It just annoyed the fuck out of me. And I quickly grew tired of the push and pull too if we're being honest.
And even when it wasn't for the "romance" (if you can even call it that), most things felt unfinished or sloppy... Sebastian's quick forgiveness being at the top of the list.

Honestly, this book might just be my least favorite from this J.Saman. I honestly can't think of anything I enjoyed all that much. It was honestly nothing but disappointing.

[Ashley Down | pagesinparadise · Rating 5 out of 5]

👑Midnight Prince👑

Once Upon Ever After; Book 3

Audiobook & ebook: amazing audio! 🎧

The way I could not wait to dive into Rowan’s story - especially after the sneak peak at the end of Cursed Queen! And yall… he is SO down bad for Marcella, even if he knows she has secrets he can’t help but be completely obsessed with her. I absolutely loved how they pushed each others buttons and all of the tension that came with it- because when they finally snapped 🔥

•Cinderella Retelling
•Golden retriever/Black cat
•Enemies to lovers
•Age Gap
•Royalty
•Workplace
•Suspense
•Forced Proximity
•Boy obsessed

[Lissereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I ate this audiobook up! I love their accents 🩵 this Cinderella retelling was great, I enjoyed Maricella’s sassiness that melted and captured the Prince Charming! One night, and he was changed forever, one item left behind and now he must find the owner. A new staff member that is also making him weak, what can he do to protect his kingdom and save the girl of his dream? But one catch, this Princess, doesn’t need saving, she just needs someone to chose her! Loooove this retelling so much!

PS : this Prince was 🔥🔥🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️

Can’t wait for the next book in the series, because there’s has to be more 😍😍😍😍

4.25 ⭐️
3🌶️
5🎧

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC & ALC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

Midnight Prince was completely different from what I imagined, and yet it exceeded my expectations, Julie Saman gave me a beautiful love story, an intriguing and interesting plot, and continued to surprise me with the story behind the royal family’s curse.

Marcella is a darker reinterpretation of Cinderella, a girl raised to be invisible with a personal history that broke my heart, which is why I loved reading about her finding true friendship with Bellamy, falling in love with the children, and although it was painful to read her discover that everything she believed was a lie, I loved that she chose to find her freedom by discovering the truth.

Rowan was everything I hoped for: I loved his fun personality and how amazing he is with his nephews. And although I had already seen a bit of his guilt over his father’s death, it was painful to read him carrying so much more than that in this book, fighting to keep his family safe and uncover the truth behind his family’s tragedies.

Rowan and Marcella have an unexpected and unforgettable encounter, and I loved reading about how obsessed Rowan is with his Ella, the touch of revenge and love that drives Marcella, and how she ends up falling in love with the prince, but also with the others in the palace. I also loved the twists Julie crafted for this couple, Rowan’s reaction when he discovers the truth, how amazing Marcella’s abilities are, and how far she’s willing to go to protect those she loves.

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

✨Narrators: Emma Wilder & Alex Knox
💙Dual narration
✨Narration: 5/5

The audiobook was fantastic! Julie Saman chose the perfect narrators to portray Rowan and Marcella because they made me enjoy this story in a special way.

It's always a pleasure to listen to Emma Wilder, and I LOVED hearing her as Marcella. She broke my heart with this character's suffering, with the vulnerability she shows when she discovers the truth about Samuel, and the many times she confronts Rowan in the funniest ways. But I think what I enjoyed most was hearing this narrator bring Ella's bravest side to life.

This was also my first time listening to Alex Knox, and I loved him! His narration brought to life the Rowan I'd imagined since the first book, revealing his more flirtatious side, and I was so happy to hear him with his nephews, being vulnerable with his feelings for Marcella and turning to Sebastian when he needs love advice.

✨Marcella: 5/5
✨Rowan: 5/5
✨Plot: 5/5
✨Love story: 5/5
✨Secondary sharacters: 5/5
✨Universe: 5/5
✨Cover: 5/5
🥵: 2/5

ARC & ALC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

Midnight Prince fue completamente diferente a lo que imaginaba, y aún así superó mis expectativas, Julie Saman me dio una historia de amor hermosa, una trama intrigante e interesante y me siguió sorprendiendo con la historia detrás de la maldición de la familia real.

Marcella es una reinterpretación más oscura de Cenicienta, una chica criada para ser invisible y con una historia personal que me rompió el corazón, por eso me encantó leerla encontrando una amistad sincera en Bellamy, enamorándose de los niños, y aunque fue doloroso leerla descubrir que todo lo que creía era una mentira, amé que prefiera encontrar su libertad descubriendo la verdad.

Rowan fue todo lo que esperaba: me encantó su personalidad divertida y lo hermoso que es con sus sobrinos. Y aunque ya había visto un poco de su culpa por la muerte de su papá, fue doloroso leerlo cargando con más que eso en este libro, luchando para mantener a su familia a salvo y descubrir la verdad de las tragedias de su familia.

Rowan & Marcella tienen un encuentro inesperado e inolvidable para ambos y me encantó leer lo obsesionado que Rowan está con su Ella, el toque que le da a su historia de amor la venganza y el amor que mueven a Marcella y cómo termina enamorándose del príncipe, pero también de las otras personas del palacio. También me encantaron los giros que Julie preparo para esta pareja, la reacción de Rowan cuando descubre la verdad, lo geniales que son las habilidades de Marcella y hasta donde está dispuesta a llegar para proteger a los que ama.

🎧Reseña del audiolibro🎧

✨Narradores: Emma Wilder & Alex Knox
💙Dual narration
✨Narración: 5/5

El audiolibro fue genial! Julie Saman eligió a los narradores perfectos para interpretar a Rowan & Marcella porque me hicieron disfrutar de esta historia de una forma especial.

Siempre es un placer escuchar a Emma Wilder y AMÉ escucharla como Marcella, me rompió el corazón con el sufrimiento de este personaje, con la vulnerabilidad que muestra cuando descubre la verdad sobre Samuel y las muchas veces que enfrenta a Rowan de las maneras más divertidas, pero creo que lo que más disfruté fue escuchar a esta narradora darle vida al lado más valiente de Ella.

Esta también fue mi primera vez escuchando a Alex Knox y me encantó! Su narración me dio al Rowan que imagine desde el primer libro, le dio vida a su lado más coqueto y me hizo muy feliz escucharlo con sus sobrinos, siendo vulnerable con sus sentimientos por Marcella y recurriendo a Sebastian cuando necesita concejos de amor.

✨Marcella: 5/5
✨Rowan: 5/5
✨Trama: 5/5
✨Historia de amor: 5/5
✨Personajes secundarios: 5/5
✨Universo: 5/5
✨Portada: 5/5
🥵: 2/5

[Audio book lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

👑🖤 A spy in disguise, a cursed legacy, and a prince who was never meant to fall 🖤👑

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Spice-meter: 🌶️🌶️☆☆☆ (2/5)
Audiobook: 🎧 Dual
Series: Once Upon Ever After, Book 2 (must be read in order)
HEA: Yes

Midnight Prince expands the dark, emotionally layered world Julie Saman built in Cursed King and Cursed Queen, but shifts the focus from grief-driven, high-stakes romance to something more suspenseful, secretive, and intrigue-heavy. Where the original duet thrived on emotional intensity, power imbalance, and the weight of a curse, this installment leans further into hidden identities, deception, and shifting loyalties.

After meeting Prince Rowan in the previous books, expectations were high and while his story delivers on drama, twists, and tension, it feels like a different kind of fairytale. Less about surviving love under pressure, and more about questioning whether love can even exist when everything starts as a lie.

The Story

A mission. A disguise. A single night that was never supposed to matter.

Until it does.

Their connection begins in secrecy and desire, but when fate places her inside the palace months later, everything changes. Rowan doesn’t recognize her, but the tension is immediate. Suspicion replaces trust, and every interaction feels like a test neither of them can afford to fail.

What sets this story apart from the earlier books is the constant undercurrent of danger. In Cursed King and Cursed Queen, the threat was external but deeply tied to emotion and legacy. Here, the threat is her. Her secrets. Her purpose. Her past.

And the longer she stays, the harder it becomes to remember which side she’s on.

The story builds steadily, layering mistrust, attraction, and political tension until the third act delivers exactly what this series does best: chaos, revelations, and consequences that flip everything upside down.

🎧 Narration

Performed by Emma Wilder and Alex Knox, and they bring a strong, immersive quality to the story.

Emma Wilder captures the duality of the heroine beautifully, balancing her guarded nature with the vulnerability that slowly seeps through. There’s a constant tension in her performance that mirrors the character’s internal conflict.

Alex Knox gives Rowan both charm and authority, but also a subtle edge of suspicion that fits perfectly within this world shaped by betrayal and curses. His performance adds depth to a character who could have easily leaned too far into “golden prince” territory.

Together, they create a listening experience that feels dynamic, emotional, and engaging throughout.

What I Liked

✔️ A darker, intrigue-heavy continuation of the royal world
✔️ Strong connections to the original duet without repeating it
✔️ Plot twists that genuinely shift the narrative
✔️ Palace drama (the petty staff? still iconic)
✔️ A more action-driven third act
✔️ That teaser for what’s next absolutely unfair

Tropes & Vibes

✔️ Contemporary Cinderella Retelling
✔️ Royalty / Billionaire
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ Golden Retriever Prince x Black Cat FMC
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Hidden Identity
✔️ Suspense & Political Intrigue

Final Thoughts

Midnight Prince is an engaging continuation of the Once Upon Ever After world, but it stands apart in tone. Where Cursed King and Cursed Queen were emotionally heavy, grief-centered, and deeply rooted in the cost of love, this story leans more into suspense, secrets, and shifting allegiances.

That shift won’t work for everyone, especially if you’re expecting the same emotional intensity as Sebastian and Bellamy’s story. But if you’re open to a more intrigue-driven romance with strong twists and a layered plot, there’s a lot here to enjoy.

It’s dramatic, addictive, and full of questions that aren’t fully answered yet.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

The second book in the Once Upon Ever After series, this is a Cinderella retelling that is sexy, suspenseful and fun, with great chemistry, fantastic characters, and an against-the-odds love story that stole my heart. I loved it!

This book follows on from Cursed King, and is the story of Prince Rowan of Messalina (a fictional European country). There is a lot of storyline carry-over from the first book, and an ongoing mystery that runs through the series, so I would not recommend reading this as a standalone.

Rowan is known as the ‘playboy prince, but his world is shaken when he meets a woman at his brother’s wedding and shares an unforgettable night with her. In the morning he wakes up alone with only her earring to remind him of his mystery woman, and despite his best efforts, he is unable to find her or discover who she is.

Months after her secret encounter with the prince, Marcella is back in the palace as a house maid, this time without the disguise she used to crash the royal wedding. When she is promoted to care directly for the Royal family, she is put in direct contact with Rowan, who does not recognise her, but he is immediately suspicious and has no hesitation in letting her know that he’ll be keeping a close eye.

The situation is filled with delicious tension, and it only gets better when the chemistry between them starts to build. They are both attracted to each other, and though they snark and bicker, their playful teasing and banter is so entertaining. And when their attraction becomes impossible to ignore, they can’t keep their hands off each other, and it’s so freaking hot!

“You’re way too into me.”
He tilts his head. “Baby, my obsession with you has its own definition because the current one doesn’t do me justice.”

It’s sexy and intense, Rowan is a dirty talker with all the moves, and this book is seriously steamy! Despite their differences, he falls hard and he’s completely open and unapologetic about it, and I loved watching it happen!

“I don’t want it to be impossible. I want what I feel when I look at you to never stop.”

But despite Rowan’s devotion, Marcella is holding back, and she has a damn good reason to do so. She’s a spy and assassin who has been sent into the palace by her powerful family to bring down the royals, with little choice but to obey their commands. It brings mystery and suspense to the story, linking in with the curse on the royal family, and creating fantastic tension. Marcella is falling hard for Rowan and coming to genuinely care for his family, but she can’t open up to him, and their situation is full of emotion.

“You can trust me,” I whisper against her lips between bites and kisses. “I’m safe. I’ll never hurt you. Choose me, and I’ll always take care of you. Trust me.”

It’s a rollercoaster read which is a mix of sweet, sexy, snarky and fun, emotional, mysterious, suspenseful, and beautifully romantic. As always, Saman blends all of the elements into a cohesive story that had me completely hooked and desperate for more. I loved these characters, I loved their journey, and loved watching them find their happy ending.

We get to see plenty of Sebastian and Bellamy and the kids, which I loved, and I’m so excited to continue on with the series.

5 stars.

An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.

[Mayville (Tourbiez Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars✨
3.5 Spices🌶️

Falling in love with King Sebastian has been a given after finishing his story. But what I didn't expect was to go feral for Prince Rowan after finishing this book. I even wanted to read it again! This book was mind-blowing with all the suspense, secrets, and revelations that you can't put down. I devoured this within 48 hours, and it was all worth it with all the nail-biting and gasps I had while reading it. Oh, and Prince Rowan is not the usual and charming one we’ve always known in our fairy tales. This prince is the embodiment of man-possessed, obsessed, sexy, and oh so much more! Undoubtedly, Midnight Prince is my favorite Julie Saman book so far.

The second novel in the Once Upon Ever After series, Midnight Prince, explores themes of deception, betrayal, loyalty, and redemption in a contemporary and dark retelling of Cinderella.
It tells the story of Marcella (Ella), who was assigned to sneak into the King's wedding reception and obtain information for her stepmother's revenge scheme. But she had no intention of meeting Prince Rowan. However, meeting with Prince Rowan wasn't in her plans. But the instant connection was magnetic and irresistible, leading to a one-night stand with the hot prince, then leaving him before midnight, and ghosting him for months. When they eventually crossed paths again, their bond remained unbroken. Yet, Rowan is adamant that she won't flee once more. However, what would happen if Rowan discovered who she truly is? Will he leave her in devastation, or will he stay to be the prince who saves her?

I'm currently on my Julie Saman era, and this second installment further boosted my love for her writings. She masterfully wrote a book that will leave you speechless from beginning to end by carefully balancing mystery, seduction, passion, and moments of tenderness.

Marcella exhibits an enigmatic, perceptive, calculating, and reserved character. Beneath her kindness and beauty, however, is a vulnerable woman who has been groomed as an assassin to exact revenge for the death of her half-brother. She faces her own ethical standards and the repercussions of her previous choices after discovering some startling truths, and she chooses to act morally to find freedom and redemption.
Prince Rowan is a man caught between perception and reality. His internal battle - torn between his commitment to protect his family and his desire to save Marcella, who has no identity- puts him to a complicated test of loyalty. The plot was made much more dramatic by his unwavering pursuit to discover Marcella's true identity in addition to capturing her heart.
The intensity of their chemistry and the push and pull between them create an unfiltered dynamic. Oh, and the fact that Rowan is filthy in the finest style only makes it hotter and better!

At its heart, Midnight Prince is not only a love story that considers the duality of identity, second chances, and the possibility of redemption, but also explores revenge as a self-consuming force and calls into question the notion of moral symmetry between truth and lies.
If you fancy stories with a multi-layered plot and characters seeking to redefine themselves, then Midnight Prince is one book you should be adding to your TBRs.

Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Julie Saman and Valentine PR for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.

[Nonna 2K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderella With a Twist

Midnight Prince is book 2 in the Once Upon Ever After series by Julie Saman. Although this follows a different couple than book 1, I recommend reading Cursed King first, since there is an overarching plot through the series. This is a contemporary fairy tale retelling series, it is not romantasy or paranormal.

Midnight Prince gives us the story of Prince Rowan and Marcella (Ella). Their initial meeting was during a royal ball held for the wedding reception of King Sebastian and his Queen Bellamy. Ella was an uninvited guest who snuck in to the event. Her purpose was to gather information on King Sebastian and remain unnoticed. That didn’t happen once she locked eyes with Prince Rowan, who was intrigued by not only her beauty, but her ability to walk away and resist his charms. His fascination with her resulted in them leaving the ball early and spending the night in his room. As in the fairy tale Cinderella, his Ella left something behind when she left while he was sleeping.

Six months pass and Rowan’s fascination with the mysterious Ella remains. When Emily, the house manager for the King, is out for surgery, she chooses Marcella as her stand in. Due to recent events (Cursed King) the family is wary of anyone, but Marcella’s background check cleared when she was hired months prior. Little do they know who she truly is and what her agenda is, because she has managed to stay under their radar while working there. Still, something about her niggles at Rowan’s mind, but he cannot grasp it firmly.

Marcella’s life up to now hasn’t been the best. She’s trapped into carrying out the plans of others, but she starts questioning what she’s been told the more she is around the royal family. Rowan pursues her and even though she honestly tells him she isn’t good for him, without providing details, he doesn’t give up.

I love how Julie Saman continues to use the basic format of the fairy tale she is retelling, but manages to give it her own twists and turns. I enjoyed Marcella as the FMC, especially how she questioned her life, the things she was made to do, and how she just wanted to start over living a good life with her half-sister. With her, nature won out over the nurture (or lack of it) in her life. Her contributions to the royal house show her innate goodness. Rowan is still carrying the guilt on his shoulder for his father’s murder and his sister’s kidnapping, although he was young at the time and none of it was his fault. It was interesting to see him put his duty before his heart at one point in the story. I enjoy how this author builds family, not only through blood, but through loyalty and friendship. The side characters in this story (Emily, Javier, and Althea) support it so well, too. Phaedra, Sabrina, Zayer, and even Arthur manage to lighten up the somber mood at times.

Initially, this was book 3 in the series, after Cursed King and Cursed Queen, but the author combined those two stories into one book, Cursed King. The author does have a list of content warnings, so make sure you check them out before starting.

I’m truly invested in the royal family and continuing the journey to get the answers. Looking at the titles of the next two books in the series, Stolen Princess and Enchanted Knight, has me guessing at the main characters.

If you enjoy fairy tales and retellings, I recommend reading Cursed King and then Midnight Prince.
If you are a J. Saman fan, you will not be disappointed with this series.

[Kazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Prince is the second book in the Once Upon Ever After series and this is the story of Marcella (Ella) and Prince Rowan. Marcella has been sent to the King and Queen’s wedding reception to gain information, she wasn’t meant to grab anyone’s attention, much less the Prince’s! He spots her and is fascinated when she is not the usual woman trying to catch a royal prince. She tells hims her name is Ella, she agrees to have a drink with him and begrudgingly a dance, all the while their banter is quite funny. The chemistry between them is incredibly hot and they end the night in a sizzling one night stand, where she gave him her virginity. Rowan wakes the next morning alone and only finds a diamond earring as the only clue left of Ella. He has the attendance list for the wedding reception checked without luck, checks the camera feed, then checks facial recognition without luck although he keeps looking for months, he has never felt like this about a woman before! Marcella has been given a new task and that sees her getting a job at the palace, she was worried about running into Rowan even though she didn’t have the dark wig on and the heavy makeup she wore when she attended the reception as Ella, she thought he may recognise her even with her long blonde hair, she can’t afford for Rowan to recognise her, she will surely be thrown in jail and if she fails, her stepmother has said she will kill her half sister. Marcella has been working at the palace for around three months until her boss needed to take a medical leave and recommended Marcella as her replacement while she was away, that put her in front of both the King and Queen, which is exactly what she needed to get her assignment done. The problem was it would also put her in front of Rowan, the Queen loved her and the King and Rowan were both suspicious but her background checks were all good! She became very good at her job, and close to the Queen, the children loved her and managing the staff became easier. The chemistry between Rowan and Marcella was incredibly hot and as much as she tried to ignore it and push him away inevitably their relationship moved on to physical. Marcella was trying to work out how she was going to deal with what her stepmother wanted her to do now that she had found out the truth about betrayals and lies that have been told to her in the past. She knows that she must find where her stepmother has her young half sister hidden, because until she has her back, there is always the threat from her stepmother that she will kill her unless Marcella does her bidding!
An intriguing and captivating read that I just couldn’t put down, it was filled with danger, lies, betrayal, witty banter, insane chemistry, incredibly hot steamy scenes, friendships and even love.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookFunnel and Valentine VR and I am writing this review voluntarily

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Ella (Marcella) and Prince Rowan. Ella is sent to gate crash the royal wedding reception to watch, listen, and gather information but she never expected to capture the attention of the charming Prince Rowan or be swept away by temptation. Now, the only way to get what she needs to survive is get a way into the palace and get close as a servant. But what happens when Prince Rowan becomes increasingly drawn to her presence? And will he uncover the truth she’s desperately trying to hide?

This was a fantastic Cinderella retelling and such an amazing audiobook experience. Emma and Alex were brilliant as Marcella and Rowan, and I highly recommend picking up the audiobook if you decide to read this one.

Starting with the storyline it grips you immediately from chapter one. This book balances both plot and character development. It’s suspenseful, full of secrets and constantly keeps you wanting to know what happens next. I also loved getting to see a lot of Bellamy and Sebastian from the first book. It makes the world seem so connected.

I absolutely loved watching Ella and Rowan together they had incredible chemistry. What made it even better was how hard Ella tried to keep him at a distance. She’s such a quiet force with a genuinely beautiful soul, and my heart hurt for everything she has had to endure in her life. I was so glad she found Prince Rowan.

Then we have Rowan a handsome, flirty prince who completely falls for Ella. What he did to remember her absolutely melted me. I also loved how persistent he was in wanting to know her and uncover what she was hiding. While the spice between them was absolutely brilliant.

The only thing I will mention is that there are a lot of characters discussed throughout the story. At times, I had to stop and think about who someone was or how they connected to the story. I did have to stop and think and back track a few times.

Overall, I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what retelling comes next!

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 13hrs 22mins
Narrators: Emma Wilder and Alex Knox - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spicy Chapters: 3,18, 21, 22, 26, 36 and Epilogue
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The Once Upon Ever After Series (Note this would be book three but author merged book one and two)
Tropes or Themes: Cinderella Retelling, Enemies To Lovers, Age Gap (23/33 10yrs), Workplace, He Falls First, Forced Proximity, Royals, Obsessed MMC, Chemistry, Tension, Blackmail, Secrets, Scars, Suspense, Physical Abuse, Violence, Blood, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Virgin, Dirty Talk, Eyes On Me, Oral Play, Impact Play, Taken Bare, Toys, Breath Play, Rough Play, Outdoor Scene and Phone Scene.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

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[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story & Narration🎧Alluring & Thrilling!

Midnight Prince
Once Upon Ever After, Book 2
By: Julie Saman
Narrated by: Emma Wilder, Alex Knox

Julie Saman pens another fantastic novel set in her amazing “Once Upon Ever After” series, a modern-day retelling of the classic fairytale Cinderella, putting her own unique spin on the story. The series started off with the “Cursed King” Sebastian and Bellamy’s story, and I highly recommend starting there, not only is the book just as amazing, but knowing their backstories and what took place in that book are beneficial and adds depth to the story. You also meet Prince Rowan in that book, who is King Sebastian’s brother, a real charmer who gets his world turned upside down in this book when he meets the one who sweeps him off his feet. A woman caught Rowan’s eye at the royal wedding of Sebastian and Bellamy, and he had to have her, Ella, and he did, in the hottest of ways, and he wanted more, but she disappeared before midnight, leaving only an earring behind. He searched for her for months, but came up with nothing, not even sure how she made it into the royal wedding without an invitation, but it turns out there was much more to Ella and that would not be the last he’d see of her. Marcella’s evil stepmother sends her on another mission, this time taking a job in the palace to get closer to the King and to get dirt on him. Both her stepmother and half-brother have trained her well, and she changed her appearance enough not to be recognized by Rowan. Except Rowan finds familiarity in her and is very suspicious of her, but she is a tough cookie to crack and winds up giving as good as she gets, yet he does not give up on her. I admired both these characters, his protectiveness of his family, and her bravery and looking out for others over herself. There is never a dull moment in this book, and the story had me hooked right from the start, a complex and multi-layered story with plenty of drama, angst, thrilling and suspenseful moments, profound emotions, and steamy romance. As always, the writing, plot, and world-building are fantastic, as are the character growth and development. Julie Saman, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧And for the fabulous audiobook listen, performed by the wonderfully versatile voice artists Emma Wilder and Alex Knox, who did an amazing job bringing the characters to life, giving each a voice that was fitting and believable, accents and all. Wilder’s take on Marcella was spot-on, embodying the role completely, grasping every aspect of her personality, from her fierceness to her vulnerabilities, and all in between. Knox did the same as Rowan and was just as fantastic at showcasing his personality and demeanor, and was a natural in the role. Both were amazing performing the roles of the side and secondary characters, too, young and old. They set the ideal tone for the story, and their expressive performance conveyed all the characters’ emotions, making you feel them all. These two are a perfect pairing, with talent and voices that complement each other, and their captivating performance keeps you hooked to the story. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.

[Destany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

The next installment in the Once Upon Ever After series delivers a Cinderella-inspired romance that’s equal parts steamy, suspenseful and irresistibly fun. With electric chemistry, compelling characters and a love story that feels truly hard-won, this book had me all up in my feels.

Picking up after Cursed King, the story centers on Prince Rowan of Messalina, a fictional kingdom. There’s a strong continuation of plot threads from the first book, including an overarching mystery that runs through the series. So while this book CAN be read as a standalone, it's best enjoyed as part of the sequence.

Rowan has a reputation as a carefree playboy, but everything shifts after a chance encounter at his brother’s wedding. One unforgettable night with a mysterious woman leaves a lasting impression, only for her to vanish by morning, leaving behind nothing but a single earring. Despite his efforts, he can’t track her down, and the memory lingers far longer than he expects.

Months later, Marcella returns to the palace, this time as a housemaid, no longer hidden behind the disguise she used to infiltrate the royal wedding. When she’s unexpectedly assigned to serve the royal family directly, she finds herself face-to-face with Rowan. He doesn’t recognize her, but his instincts immediately put him on edge, and he makes it clear he’ll be watching her closely.

What follows is a delicious slow burn filled with tension and sharp, playful banter. Their attraction is undeniable, simmering beneath their snarky exchanges until it finally boils over. When it does, the result is intense, passionate, and seriously steamy. Rowan is confident, bold and not at all shy about what he wants, which makes their dynamic all the more compelling.

But beneath the heat lies a deeper conflict. Marcella is hiding a dangerous secret: she’s been sent to the palace as a spy and assassin, bound to carry out her powerful family’s mission to destroy the royal line. Torn between duty and her growing feelings, she finds herself caught in an emotional struggle she can’t easily escape. As she begins to care not just for Rowan but for his family as well, the stakes rise, adding layers of tension, mystery and heartache.

The story balances romance, intrigue, humor and emotional depth with ease. It’s a fast-paced, immersive read that moves seamlessly between lighthearted moments and high-stakes drama, all while building toward a deeply satisfying love story. The journey these characters take is both captivating and heartfelt, making their ending all the more rewarding.

It’s also a treat to revisit Sebastian, Bellamy and their children, whose presence adds warmth and continuity to the series. I’m already eager to see where the story goes next.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐-> ♾️🌟
🌶️🌶️.75


💕 Contemporary Cindarella Retelling
✨️ Enemies To Lovers
💕 Suspense
✨️ Virgin FMC
💕 Age Gap
✨️ Golden Retriever Prince x Black Cat
💕 Workplace Romance
✨️ Forced Proximity



✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 & 🎧 ALC 🎧 REVIEW ✨️

🎙Narrators: Emma Wilder & Alex Knox 🎙

Emma and Knox were the perfect couple for this audiobook! I loved their voices and how much emotion that put into everything! I know this is Cindarella retelling but lemme just say his voice reminds me of Lumiere off of Beauty & The Beast! NGL it only made this story even better although its the wrong fairytale.


✨️📖 On To The Book Review 📖✨️

A prince on his knees for me, and I shake my head. Utterly at a loss.

Rowan and Marcella are such a unique couple! She is just like Cindarella and he is the prince that can't stop thinking about her. I loved their interactions and how mcuh Rowan shows her how he feels! Marcella has no reason to believe anything he says because she is on a mission and she has to complete it to save Jaqueline. Jaqueline is innocent in everything, even though Marcella is very good at what she does.

I don't know how to stop. You're my star and my viper, beautiful and venomous. La mia stella velanosa. I tried to stay away, but you're all I think about, all I want, and now here I am.

Rowan was so down for Marcella! He wanted everything she had ot give him evenw hen it was very little. He still wanted her, because she was it for him. He didn't care where she came from nor what she could do for him. Even though Marcella had a mission, she figured out that things were not what they were always told to her to be! She was able to see the constant lies that she was told the whole time she was seeking vengeance for her brother. But she didn't know who her brother really was until she saw everything for herself.

Sweetheart, I'm going to give you my world. Every piece of me. Even the ones I shouldn't.

Rowan refused to give up on Marcella. She was his end game, and he would roam the earth looking for her until he found her.

I loved Rowan and Marcella!!! I didn't know how much I was going to love this story since I really fell hard for the first two books in the series! But this book really gave me so many feels as Rowan and Marcella came together. Their story is one that I will always want to come back to and love for the first time all over again!

🔥 Let's Talk About Sex Baby 🥵:
🌶️🌶.75 /5

Y'all should know that Julie came in clutch with her brand of spice! 6% in and she gave us some great spice to start off the book! I loved the spice throughout that kept it exciting and titilating until the end!


Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Julie Saman ✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚 & 🎧 ALC 🎧. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Prince & the Assassin

📖ebook & 🎧audio review

A fairytale retelling which was edgy, had numerous twists, and a love story which had me on the edge of my seat was exactly what I found in Julie Saman's MIDNIGHT PRINCE. There was drama, emotions, secrets, deception, and suspense. I couldn't get enough of this story, it was irresistibly perfect.

Ella entered the masquerade ball on a mission ... to gain information to betray King Sebastian. What she didn't expect was to capture the attention of Prince Rowan. With an instant attraction and connection they end up spending the night together, then Ella literally disappears for months only to reappear as Marcella, who has been hired to work at the palace. Rowan senses something familiar about Marcella and is determined to find out all her secrets.

Marcella was incredible, considering the trauma she suffered over the years at the hands of her stepmother while being trained as an assassin to bring about revenge on the king. While originally appearing to be cold and calculating, beneath the facade is a woman who is sweet, vulnerable, and wants her own identity. Rowan has the reputation of being a playboy, but one look at Ella/Marcella he's a changed man. He will do anything for his family, but his draw to Marcella tests his loyalty. Rowan made my heart swoon with his "Marcella obsession", even when his suspicions made him think twice. The chemistry between them was red hot, staying away from each other an impossibility ensuring their spice burned the sheets. The longer Marcella is at the palace the more she questions what she has been told and comes up with plans of her own. What will happen when Rowan finially discovers her secrets?

I was lucky enough to have the audio for an immersive read. Emma Wilder and Alex Knox gave the perfect narration. Emma was sublime as Marcella, bringing out her fierceness, strength, sweetness, and vulnerabilities. Alex was Rowan. His portrayal of Rowan's humour, charm, dominance, and authority was panty melting. Their narration was engaging, they were amazing at bringing all the characters to life, their accents were exquisite, and their voices complemented each other beautifully.

MIDNIGHT PRINCE was an addictive read with a mixture of drama, humour, spice, angst, and suspense. Julie's writing draws her readers in ensuring her characters are ones you want to cheer for. I always know when I open one of her books I know I am going to be dragged through an emotional wringer, and this story was no different. I can't wait for the next book, Stolen Princess .

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cinderella story with a twist 👠 I am absolutely loving this series and it continues with Rowan and Marcella (Ella) and their tale certainly didn’t disappoint. Now this story while it may focus on Rowan and Marcella for the most point, there is a continuation of a storyline from Sebastian and Bellamy’s duet and this will set up the plot of book 3 which is looking quite interesting 🤭.

But I am getting ahead of myself here… if you have read Cursed King and Cursed Queen you will most likely be aware of how this book will start out. In the previous books Rowan is completely hung up and desperately searching for a woman who goes by the name of Ella that he met at the Wedding Ball. And let’s just say his search isn’t going pretty well as he only has a first name and an earring to go on. Well in the opening chapters of this book we actually get to discover what went one this night between the pair.

Marcella was basically sent to the ball to gather information in order to bring down the king, by none other her stepmother. But her plans seems to deviate when she catches the attention of the Kings brother, Prince Rowan. Things escalate quite quickly and things get spicy🤭. After spending an evening together, Marcella sneaks out and because she was unable to gather what she needed she was soon put back into the Royal families path when she joins their household staff in the attempts to move forward with her stepmothers plan.

While initially Rowan doesn’t recognise Marcella as Ella due to the wig she wore at the ball, he cannot deny that there is something quite familiar about her and he is completely drawn to her. Marcella tries to remain in the background and unnoticed as the last thing she needs is to have the Princes attention while she’s snooping but alas she has it. Marcella also holds the fate of her half sister in her hands, so failing is not an option. It is because of that she tries (and fails might I add) to keep him at a distance, but you just cannot deny chemistry and these two most certainly had it.

I don’t want to give too much away about this book, but overall I absolutely loved it. Rowan and Marcella had me in a chokehold. Marcella is certainly no damsel and Rowan oh he is like a sweet golden retriever but is absolutely possessive when it comes to his women. As we dove deeper into this book the overarching plot unfolded further and further. This makes me even more excited for the next instalment.

Thank you to VPR who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Kay Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to be back in this world and to experience a new fairytale retelling.

Rowan, the Prince, meets Ella at the wedding celebration of his brother King Sebastian to Queen Bellamy. She surprises him by being completely uninterested in him and his title. He convinces her to spend the night with him, but at midnight she runs leaving Rowan and the feelings he awakened within her behind.

Months go by with Rowan trying to find this mystery woman to no avail. When one of the main palace staff members needs time off she assigns a newer staff member to take her place. From their first introduction Rowan is immediately drawn to the new palace aide Marcella. While she looks nothing like the woman from the wedding he can’t help feeling like she’s hiding something and he’s not going to give up until he finds out what it is.

The closer Rowan gets to Marcella, the more he realizes just how many secrets she is hiding but he can’t deny his obsession with learning every single one.

I absolutely loved this one. This series has kept me absolutely hooked from the beginning. Everytime you think you have things figured out there is another layer to add more complexity to the storyline and keep you guessing. I am loving the mystery and suspense elements as Kind Sebastian and Prince Rowan try to unravel the tangled web of secrets and lies that have haunted their family for decades.

I have loved Rowan since I first met him and he did not disappoint. His fun and easy going personality brought a lightness to story and was a good balance to the darkness of Marcella’s character. Even while carrying a great deal of weight due to the tragedies that have plagued his family, he was still able to bring lightness and joy to his family and those around him. He was so down bad for Marcella and I loved it. He knew she had secrets but was completely obsessed with her anyways despite them.

Marcella was a very interesting character. While she had some similarities to the classic Cinderella, she was a darker interpretation, with a history that will break your heart. I honestly loved watching her journey through this book and seeing her really discover herself and so many things that she has missed out on through her life.

Overall, I thought this was a really engaging and interesting story. Julie crafted a great suspense element and the mystery of trying to unravel all of the secrets buried within the royal family. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time waiting to see what was going to happen next.

I absolutely love the dual narration by Emma Wilder and Alex Knox. Emma Wilder did an incredible job as Marcella. Not only with the accent but also capturing the characters vulnerability and strength. Marcella had a complex journey of emotions through this book.

Thank you so much to Julie Saman and Valentine PR for the opportunity to receive an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. I truly appreciate the opportunity and I am absolutely loving this series.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

From what I've read about this story, we are going to have a little bit of a Cinderella story. Well, the truth was, it was more than that. We finally have Rowan's story, and we will see who was the mystery woman that enchanted him.

Rowan and Marcella met at a night ball and had a one-night stand. But she never told him her real name. The truth was, she was there on a mission, but never finished it because she was mesmerized by him. A couple of months later, she started working in the castle as a housemaid, and she had to finish her mission. She was prepared to meet Rowan again, but never expected that she would fall in love with him.

When he first saw her at the castle, he knew she looked familiar, but couldn't figure out from where. That didn't make him want her any less. She had things to do, and she wasn't thrilled to do anything they told her, but her sister needed her. Over time, she became attached to the royal family and started seeing that the truth was different from what she was told. She realized she had been lied to her whole life and started dreaming of getting out. Sooner or later she will have her life back and will do everything to be free.

In this book, I had the chance to really get to know Rowan. He loved his brother and his family and he never stopped looking to find out what happened to their sister. After a while, he realized Marcella was "Ella", the woman he met at the ball. He was wondering what she was doing in the castle and was quite suspicious of her. But even after all that, he could not stop thinking about her. His days were filled with thoughts of her. At one point, I think he wanted to be her Prince Charming and sweep her off her feet. He knew she was hiding something.

I was actually a bit irritated, because they started to trust each other quite late in the story. They were already in love, but this exact thing was missing. Even so, they knew they wanted to be together.

When it comes to the love scenes, Julie Saman doesn't miss. This is one of the things I like when reading her books. The chemistry was literally off the charts, and it was even stronger when they got together. Rowan definitely had quite the dirty mouth and between the sheets he was fir 🥵. There was so much smut between those two that my ears caught fire 🔥. In this story, the spice was at a top level, and it was worth all the wait and pent-up tension.

Overall, I loved reading "Midnight Prince" and I can't wait for the next book.

***I received an ARC from the author and my review is given voluntarily***.

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review.

This is book 3 in The Once Upon Ever After series by Julie Saman and a Re-telling of Cinderella..I would suggest reading or listening to the first 2 books before diving into Midnight Prince,because then you will get the whole picture and understanding of what is happening in this story.
It is delicious Prince Rowan's turn to fall in love,in the previous books he is known as a bit of a playboy and so much fun.
But here we see a different side of Rowan possessive,obssessive,demanding and sexy he is very easy to fall in love with.
Marcella is the woman he falls in love with,but she is an Assassin whose mission is to destroy and kill King Sebastian,Rowans brother.
They meet at King Sebastian and Bella's wedding,Marcella is there to get information to give to her stepmother the woman who controls and abuses her...All in the name of revenge.
What she didn't expect was to meet Prince Rowan were she tells him her name is Ella.They have a passionate night together and then she flees into the night leaving her earring behind.
Rowan is determined to find her because he is suspicious she is not who she says she is,but there is no trace of her anywhere.
Then a woman called Marcella starts working at the Palace getting close to the staff and King and Queen earning everyones trust except for Sebastian.
He does not trust Marcella and then discovers she is Ella the woman he can't stop thinking about what happens next is a mixture of Romance,intrigue,secrets,lies and an inferno of an attraction between Rowan and Marcella,that inevitably leads to forbidden encounters and a passion that won't die.
To say Rowan and Marcella's relationship is complicated is an understatement and what they don't realise is that the story of their lives is more entwined with one anothers than they could imagine.
I loved that we still have the continuation of Sebastian and Bella's relationship also and I found moments with them were emotional,because of their situation.
Narration by Alex Knox and Emma Wilder was something special as they both had to put on an accent all the way through the book for Rowan and Marcella and it was so good and authentic.
Both Alex and Emma did such a great performance as these characters they made this story so much better and I loved listening to them.
Midnight Prince is a fabulous edition to this series and I love Julie Saman's writing her imagination is a wonderful thing.
Excellent 5 Stars.- Cat W.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review.

This is book 3 in The Once Upon Ever After series by Julie Saman and a Re-telling of Cinderella..I would suggest reading or listening to the first 2 books before diving into Midnight Prince,because then you will get the whole picture and understanding of what is happening in this story.
It is delicious Prince Rowan's turn to fall in love,in the previous books he is known as a bit of a playboy and so much fun.
But here we see a different side of Rowan possessive,obssessive,demanding and sexy he is very easy to fall in love with.
Marcella is the woman he falls in love with,but she is an Assassin whose mission is to destroy and kill King Sebastian,Rowans brother.
They meet at King Sebastian and Bella's wedding,Marcella is there to get information to give to her stepmother the woman who controls and abuses her...All in the name of revenge.
What she didn't expect was to meet Prince Rowan were she tells him her name is Ella.They have a passionate night together and then she flees into the night leaving her earring behind.
Rowan is determined to find her because he is suspicious she is not who she says she is,but there is no trace of her anywhere.
Then a woman called Marcella starts working at the Palace getting close to the staff and King and Queen earning everyones trust except for Sebastian.
He does not trust Marcella and then discovers she is Ella the woman he can't stop thinking about what happens next is a mixture of Romance,intrigue,secrets,lies and an inferno of an attraction between Rowan and Marcella,that inevitably leads to forbidden encounters and a passion that won't die.
To say Rowan and Marcella's relationship is complicated is an understatement and what they don't realise is that the story of their lives is more entwined with one anothers than they could imagine.
I loved that we still have the continuation of Sebastian and Bella's relationship also and I found moments with them were emotional,because of their situation.
Narration by Alex Knox and Emma Wilder was something special as they both had to put on an accent all the way through the book for Rowan and Marcella and it was so good and authentic.
Both Alex and Emma did such a great performance as these characters they made this story so much better and I loved listening to them.
Midnight Prince is a fabulous edition to this series and I love Julie Saman's writing her imagination is a wonderful thing.
Excellent 5 Stars.

[Raquel (BookishRaquel) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ | 3 🌶️ | 4.5 🎧

What to Expect:
- Royal Romance
- Contemporary Cinderella Retelling
- Golden Retriever + Black Cat
- Enemies to Lovers
- Hidden Identity
- V!rgin FMC
- Age Gap
- Forced Proximity
- He Falls First
- Suspense + Secrets
- Dual POV
- Dual Narration

My Thoughts:
Midnight Prince is a dark and addictive Cinderella retelling that takes the classic story and turns it into something much more intense and exciting. From the opening masquerade ball, there are secrets, tension, and plenty of suspense. Marcella (Ella) is smart, guarded, and carries a painful past that has shaped who she is. Prince Rowan is charming, playful, and carefree on the surface, but there is much more to him underneath. After one unforgettable night together at Bellamy and Sebastian's wedding, Ella disappears, and Rowan spends months trying to find the mysterious woman he cannot forget. When she suddenly shows up again at the palace as a staff member, Rowan can't quite put his finger on it, but something about her feels familiar.

What Rowan doesn't know is that Ella was sent to the palace with a hidden agenda. What Ella doesn't know is that the information she has been fed for years about the royal family might not really be the truth. The more time she spends with Rowan and his family, the more she starts questioning everything she has been made to believe. Ella and Rowan's relationship is full of tension, mistrust, attraction, and vulnerability. They both know they should keep their distance, but they can't stay away. Rowan doesn't fully trust her, and honestly, he has every reason not to, but their connection is not easy to ignore. Rowan falls hard for Ella, and I loved every second of these two being together.

Beyond the romance, the underlying suspense really kept me locked in. I was just as invested in uncovering the truth as I was in seeing Ella and Rowan get their happy ending. Midnight Prince is a fun, fast-paced, and twisty read filled with secrets and a love story that is worth the wait. I am excited for the next book in this series!

Narration:
Emma Wilder and Alex Knox performed this audiobook in dual-style narration. They did a wonderful job bringing Marcella and Rowan to life. Emma and Alex perfectly conveyed the characters’ emotions and really delivered the chemistry, banter, tension, softer moments, and heat. Their performances made the characters feel real and believable. This was a fun listen!

Thanks to Julie Saman and Lyric Audiobooks for the opportunity to review. Opinions expressed are my own.