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Come Midnight
Forget the glass slipper. This Cinderella stole the Prince’s jacket... and she’s not giving it back.
"Olivia is a critical system failure in four-inch heels. I know better than to touch high-voltage machinery without protective gear. But when she looks at me with that raw, unfiltered want? Logic goes offline. I don’t just want to fix her problem. I want to be the glitch she never recovers from.”
— Casey Hobbs, Infrastructure Engineer & Reluctant Prince Charming
“My life is a series of executed protocols and mitigated risks. I don't do messy. I don't do impulsive. Then there’s Casey. She’s a variable I can’t control. I should manage the crisis. Instead, I’m managing a sudden, desperate urge to climb into her lap and let her handle everything."
— Olivia Cooper, Chief Technology Officer & Accidental Cinderella
Casey thinks she knows how to stay safe - keep your head down, fix what's broken, don't ask for more. Olivia thinks she knows how to stay in control - smile through the chaos, never let them see you crack.
When an emergency forces them back into the empty office on the Sunday before Christmas, professional boundaries are about to be disrupted. Suddenly, fixing the servers is the least interesting thing happening in the basement.
Come Midnight is a sizzling sapphic workplace romance featuring competence as an aphrodisiac, a very distinct lack of glass slippers, and two cats who judge everyone.
Guaranteed HEA. Contains mature themes.
"Olivia is a critical system failure in four-inch heels. I know better than to touch high-voltage machinery without protective gear. But when she looks at me with that raw, unfiltered want? Logic goes offline. I don’t just want to fix her problem. I want to be the glitch she never recovers from.”
— Casey Hobbs, Infrastructure Engineer & Reluctant Prince Charming
“My life is a series of executed protocols and mitigated risks. I don't do messy. I don't do impulsive. Then there’s Casey. She’s a variable I can’t control. I should manage the crisis. Instead, I’m managing a sudden, desperate urge to climb into her lap and let her handle everything."
— Olivia Cooper, Chief Technology Officer & Accidental Cinderella
Casey thinks she knows how to stay safe - keep your head down, fix what's broken, don't ask for more. Olivia thinks she knows how to stay in control - smile through the chaos, never let them see you crack.
When an emergency forces them back into the empty office on the Sunday before Christmas, professional boundaries are about to be disrupted. Suddenly, fixing the servers is the least interesting thing happening in the basement.
Come Midnight is a sizzling sapphic workplace romance featuring competence as an aphrodisiac, a very distinct lack of glass slippers, and two cats who judge everyone.
Guaranteed HEA. Contains mature themes.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 2, 2026
Okay read!
Enjoyed the 1st book in this series but this wasn't as enticing.. --- still readable.
Recommended book and series!
Enjoyed the 1st book in this series but this wasn't as enticing.. --- still readable.
Recommended book and series!
January 19, 2026
The writing style is so easy to fall into, the dialogue effortlessly made me laugh, the kitty antics made my eyes roll with understanding and even with the 80% ruhroh moment, it didn't linger and moved on into the adulting world. I am really enjoying the women this author is giving life to. You can tell Marren has experience in the corporate realm, maybe writing what she knows, and it is gift wrapped along with the character arcs as the MCs fall into sync with one another. Steamy scenes are sexy, the holidays aren't integral to the storyline, but a sweet HEA makes a perfect epilogue.
January 4, 2026
This is the second thing I've read from this author, the first one was a novella that I raved about.
It's a dual 1st person POV and I would argue Casey two cats are also main characters. They are both "older" Casey being 44 and Olivia being 39 but we all know age is merely a number.
The author states in their blurb that they are from the corporate world and it certainly reflects in the writing since I understand almost nothing of what the MCs jobs are aside from the corporate hierarchy.
That being said I can barely turn on my work computer so don't let my technological ignorance dissuade you from reading this book! Mechanics and Casey's motorcycle was more my speed so really there's something for everyone!
The majority of this book happens over the holidays and it's a cute workplace romance. I wouldn't call Olivia an ice queen but she can be cold and unapproachable should the scenario present itself.
The MCs are mature and witty and this is easily reflected in their communication and banter. The story isn't complex by any means and it follows the standard workplace tropes but with minimal angst.
There is a couple spicy scenes and a bonus spicy one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will continue to read what the author doles out!
It's a dual 1st person POV and I would argue Casey two cats are also main characters. They are both "older" Casey being 44 and Olivia being 39 but we all know age is merely a number.
The author states in their blurb that they are from the corporate world and it certainly reflects in the writing since I understand almost nothing of what the MCs jobs are aside from the corporate hierarchy.
That being said I can barely turn on my work computer so don't let my technological ignorance dissuade you from reading this book! Mechanics and Casey's motorcycle was more my speed so really there's something for everyone!
The majority of this book happens over the holidays and it's a cute workplace romance. I wouldn't call Olivia an ice queen but she can be cold and unapproachable should the scenario present itself.
The MCs are mature and witty and this is easily reflected in their communication and banter. The story isn't complex by any means and it follows the standard workplace tropes but with minimal angst.
There is a couple spicy scenes and a bonus spicy one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will continue to read what the author doles out!
May 11, 2026
Short, easy to read, dry humor and fast moving plot. It's a snack and I enjoyed it.
January 26, 2026
When I added this to my shelf, I didn't realize it was the second book in a series I had rated the first book poorly. This book started off so great, I feel Marren really knows how to write an interesting character. Then the book just suddenly puts the pedal to the metal, and everything happens within the first 30% of the book. It ended up leaving much to be desired and the forming of the relationship feel entirely unreal. I probably won't try another book by this author unless her books double in size and plot.
May 15, 2026
The first half of the book was readable, but I'm not sure I'll finish it. The quality of the prose was probably the best thing about it. But the story just wasn't very compelling or exciting for me. Sure, the two women are different in many ways, but certainly love can find its way around an org chart disparity. Plenty of bosses and secretaries fall for one another, so falling in love with a talented professional in your own field isn't much of a stretch. I kept hoping this would take a more interesting turn, but I am not confident it will.
I'm a software engineer so the technical details definitely appealed to my geekier side, but I feel sorry for people who couldn't relate to that.
I'm a software engineer so the technical details definitely appealed to my geekier side, but I feel sorry for people who couldn't relate to that.
January 14, 2026
My second A. Marren sapphic novel and it did not disappoint. Liked the way computer language was used in every day settings. Liked the way the two mature women preferred spending the X-mas break together in the computer basement solving a dramatic glitch, instead of spending time with their 'traditional' families. A little word of advice 'Princess': when you next need to break some bad news to your love interest, maybe start with the 'good news' first!?
February 13, 2026
A fun holiday romance
What more can one ask for? This is another well written and humorous work place romance. The characters are lovable and easy to relate to. The added spicy cat antics are a plus to anyone who has independent judgemental fur babies. Curl up with something warm and enjoy the fun.
What more can one ask for? This is another well written and humorous work place romance. The characters are lovable and easy to relate to. The added spicy cat antics are a plus to anyone who has independent judgemental fur babies. Curl up with something warm and enjoy the fun.
March 4, 2026
Delightful
Two books by this author are really delightful and interesting, characters who excel at their careers but insecure in personal lives, overlooked for promotion Casey all but gives up but is drawn to Olivia the cto of the company, the rest is history. Great characters and story, romance is 🔥 a great read.
Two books by this author are really delightful and interesting, characters who excel at their careers but insecure in personal lives, overlooked for promotion Casey all but gives up but is drawn to Olivia the cto of the company, the rest is history. Great characters and story, romance is 🔥 a great read.
May 18, 2026
I didn’t realize until I started the book, that this was the same author that wrote Chasing Red, and I gave that book 1/5 stars. I don’t regret giving this book a chance, but I’ll admit that I didn’t LOVE it. Some of the writing seemed very millennial (for lack of better phrasing), but the pacing was decent and had no workplace harassment this time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2026
Can’t Wait for More from this Author
Almost cried at multiple parts in this story. This is the second book from this author that I’ve read and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for more from this universe!
Almost cried at multiple parts in this story. This is the second book from this author that I’ve read and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for more from this universe!
March 10, 2026
I LOVED this one, everytime I had to put my kindle down I just wanted to pick it back up again (work is stupid)
The characters really felt like people. And I loved their dynamic
And the cats, as someone who has a house of 4, can relate to their antics
The characters really felt like people. And I loved their dynamic
And the cats, as someone who has a house of 4, can relate to their antics
March 22, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed!
I'm new to this author but hopefully this won't be the only time I read their work. Great characters and storyline and truth be told I was left wanting more. Don't go by give it a try!
I'm new to this author but hopefully this won't be the only time I read their work. Great characters and storyline and truth be told I was left wanting more. Don't go by give it a try!
April 6, 2026
This was a cute book, cute storyline and love the build up between the characters. They had entertaining banter and I enjoyed their dynamic. The ending seemed a little far fetched/ unrealistic, but overall it was a good story! Not terribly exciting or spicy for my taste.
December 29, 2025
New favorite author
Great follow up book to Chasing Red. Love the characters! Beautifully written. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
Great follow up book to Chasing Red. Love the characters! Beautifully written. Can't wait for the next book to come out!
January 12, 2026
Who doesn't love a cheesy spicy sapphic read?
January 16, 2026
This is the second story I have read but Alix. Even though these are short stories the characters are developed and are likeable. Looking forward to Alix's next story.
January 27, 2026
Coat of love
Really loved your. Book. I read it right after Chasing Red. Loved them both.
Casey and Olivia were definitely meant for each other. This also is an easy read.
Really loved your. Book. I read it right after Chasing Red. Loved them both.
Casey and Olivia were definitely meant for each other. This also is an easy read.
February 3, 2026
A good follow on from "Chasing red" I like the format and the characters. Look forward to more of what is building to be a series.
February 13, 2026
yeah not bad.
loved the cats!!
loved the cats!!
March 5, 2026
This book was phenomenal!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2026
easy to read
Loved this . Fun and enjoyable to read . Not the usual big conflicts like some books . Feel good story !!
Loved this . Fun and enjoyable to read . Not the usual big conflicts like some books . Feel good story !!
February 27, 2026
It was good, but I found it boring towards the ending.
January 12, 2026
two career women discover the magic of the holidays, and put off their annoying families to work through Christmas together
every romance needs a 'thing' to keep it from being two generic people making heart eyes at each other. this author's thing is what seems to be an intense knowledge of corporate day-to-day, and nicknames. Olivia and Casey both have what sounds like very serious and real job titles that has them doing what sounds like very serious and real work. while also calling each other "princess" and "stud"
there's competence porn from two mature, confident women who are good at their jobs, and an emotional core as the mature, confident women are also a little bit sad. it's not high angst or anything but Olivia is lonely and Casey is stuck. a little less "this is the blueprint on how to get rid of the mediocre men in your workplace" which did feel a little wish fulfilly in Chasing Red
this is the first third act breakup I've read that centres around a Chief Technical Officer initiating a project to sunset legacy architecture
every romance needs a 'thing' to keep it from being two generic people making heart eyes at each other. this author's thing is what seems to be an intense knowledge of corporate day-to-day, and nicknames. Olivia and Casey both have what sounds like very serious and real job titles that has them doing what sounds like very serious and real work. while also calling each other "princess" and "stud"
there's competence porn from two mature, confident women who are good at their jobs, and an emotional core as the mature, confident women are also a little bit sad. it's not high angst or anything but Olivia is lonely and Casey is stuck. a little less "this is the blueprint on how to get rid of the mediocre men in your workplace" which did feel a little wish fulfilly in Chasing Red
this is the first third act breakup I've read that centres around a Chief Technical Officer initiating a project to sunset legacy architecture
May 18, 2026
NO NOTES. I'M IN LOVE.
Okay, okay, but it was good. Perhaps not mind-blowing for some, but after a series of questionable book choices, this was my saving grace. If only I could forget it and read it again.
The story is about two already mature women who know what they want at this point in life. My favorite part is that we start right away—no waiting five chapters to meet each other. We have their meet-cute right away, and so it goes... What pleased me even more is that in some chapters, my mind was like, "Okay, so now she won't show up, huh?" BUT SHE DID. Then it was like, "But she will pull back, yeah?" AND SHE DIDN'T. I love when logic enters the chat. That was really healing, lol.
I hoped we wouldn't have to face some third-act breakup, but we do, and thankfully it doesn't take them 2-5 business days to solve along with illogical setbacks, so there's that at least.
Side note: at some chapters, it felt like AI wrote them. Some of the sentences felt like they were written by those chatbot apps, with wording so close to what you experience there that it set off alarms in my head. I do hope that's not what this is, and this is in no way an accusation.
Okay, okay, but it was good. Perhaps not mind-blowing for some, but after a series of questionable book choices, this was my saving grace. If only I could forget it and read it again.
The story is about two already mature women who know what they want at this point in life. My favorite part is that we start right away—no waiting five chapters to meet each other. We have their meet-cute right away, and so it goes... What pleased me even more is that in some chapters, my mind was like, "Okay, so now she won't show up, huh?" BUT SHE DID. Then it was like, "But she will pull back, yeah?" AND SHE DIDN'T. I love when logic enters the chat. That was really healing, lol.
I hoped we wouldn't have to face some third-act breakup, but we do, and thankfully it doesn't take them 2-5 business days to solve along with illogical setbacks, so there's that at least.
Side note: at some chapters, it felt like AI wrote them. Some of the sentences felt like they were written by those chatbot apps, with wording so close to what you experience there that it set off alarms in my head. I do hope that's not what this is, and this is in no way an accusation.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews