Talk to Me at Midnight

by Stephanie Harina

The voice that once saved her nights is now her trainer at work.

Forced out of Bangkok by her dad, Yannie finds comfort in one thing: a mysterious voice who calls her every midnight. He doesn’t know her. She doesn’t know him. And that’s exactly why it works.

Until she moves to Manila. And the voice gets a face.

Now a teaching intern navigating office politics and Manila slang, Yannie is assigned to Ash Anderson, her serious, exacting English curriculum trainer—who is nothing like the man she talks to every midnight.

Except he is that man.

To protect her secret, Yannie makes one rule: Ash must never recognize her. Not when he texts her under the table with that ridiculous grin. Not when he stands far too close while demonstrating materials. And definitely not when he singles her out to present in front of everyone… where she’s now a walking disaster in heels.

But when her fake deep voice slips, his smirks sharpen, and Ash starts calling her at work, Yannie realizes midnight secrets don’t survive daylight... especially when trouble wears a suit and knows all her confessions.

Genres: Romance

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 11, 2026

About the author

Stephanie Harina is a Filipino-Chinese writer who has been crafting stories since high school. A lifelong lover of romantic comedies, she creates feel-good stories that make readers laugh, swoon, and smile.

She has worked with American clients for over 10 years and also spent four years teaching English in Thailand. These experiences have shaped her voice and broadened her storytelling perspective.

Her writing is deeply personal, rooted in love, loss, and the belief that stories can outlive us. After losing her father at 44, Stephanie was reminded how short life is and how powerful it can be to share our words while we can.

Through every book, she shares her heart with the world and is forever grateful to every reader who chooses to be part of that journey.

Reviews

[Emily Gawlak · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review | Talk to Me at Midnight by Stephanie Harina

I absolutely adored this book! 💛✨ From the very first midnight phone call, I was completely hooked. The premise is so unique and charming, and watching an anonymous connection slowly collide with real life had me smiling, swooning, and desperately turning the pages.

Yannie and Ash have the kind of chemistry that leaps right off the page. Their banter is effortless, the tension is deliciously slow-burning, and every interaction had me grinning like an idiot. I loved the mix of awkward, hilarious, and heartfelt moments that made their relationship feel so genuine. Every time they came just a little closer to uncovering each other’s identities, I was practically holding my breath.

Stephanie Harina also does a wonderful job bringing Bangkok and Manila to life. The settings feel vibrant and immersive, adding so much personality to an already unforgettable story. The workplace romance, forced proximity, secret identities, and midnight conversations all blended together perfectly to create a romance that felt fresh and impossible to put down.

This book had me laughing out loud one minute and kicking my feet the next. It’s sweet, witty, emotional, and packed with all the slow-burn tension a romance lover could ask for. I finished it with the biggest smile on my face and immediately wanted to start it all over again.

If you love:
✨ Secret identities
🌙 Anonymous phone calls
💼 Workplace romance
❤️ Slow-burn chemistry
😂 Witty banter
📚 Characters you’ll fall in love with

…then Talk to Me at Midnight absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR. Stephanie Harina has gained a new fan, and I’ll be eagerly waiting to see what she writes next!

[Sivya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story with developing relationships. Didn’t know til I finished it that there’s a 2nd and 3rd book in the series coming out this fall. Curious to see where Ash and Yan go. But until then, this book had some great moments and some not so great moments. Light, easy read.
Received an ARC for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

The first half of the book is told in Yanisa’s POV, the second half is told from Ash’s.

Two people that had an accidental midnight phone call, ended up making that call every night. 2 strangers who found comfort in their midnight caller. That is, until Yanisa was told she was moving and ended up in the exact same place as Ash.

As would be expected, Yanisa is nervous around Ash once she finds out she’ll be seeing him daily.

I found the story very cute. It ends on a cliff hanger and I can’t wait to see where their story leads.

[Less · Rating 4 out of 5]

rtc

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 STARS

⚠️ Trigger Warning:
- on page DV (twice)
- verbal/emotional abuse from a parent

this is a rom-com told from a dual-POV; the first half being Yanisa's, and the second half being Ash's. i love the premise, and this was a read that had me giggling & kicking my feet. there were even times where i was full on cackling bcuz of how it plays out. the ending is open-ended, which i'm assuming is for the author to continue writing Yannie & Ash's story.

so, here's the thing... i'm an American-born Filipino. Yannie & Ash are characters that really hit close to home for me, especially in the sense where they've been wired to people please and make their parents proud. it's very common for Filipinos growing up to believe our happiness is dependent on making our parents happy... which is also dependent on our successes. it's a toxic and, often, traumatic thing to feel like our value to our family is in what we bring to the table. these characters really played that part, and it affects the storyline entirely. some may find that it slows down the story or becomes repetitive but, realistically speaking, it's believable & a real thing. it's a tough cycle to break. Yannie's mom in the beginning is also very verbally & emotionally abusive towards her. another thing that hit a little too close to home. but personally feel like it also adds to why she never feels like she's enough. homegirl is BROKEN! (i feel you, Yannie!) 💔

another thing, Yanisa's insecurities of people seeing her differently spoke volumes to me. in a lot of Asian cultures, people care too much about how they're perceived by others. our personal relationships can be heavily influenced by outside opinion. again, another people pleasing thing. while Filipinos are notorious gossipers (then again... who isn't?), being the topic of those gossips is one of our worst fears. Yanisa is frustratingly neurotic about that and is insistent on letting her work speak for itself. i found myself yelling "who cares!?" at her every time she panicked over someone seeing Ash orbiting her.

lastly, these two characters' inability to communicate is the reason why i knocked one star. so many problems could have been avoided if one of them said how they felt rather than turn into a ticking time bomb. all that secret yearning and they're either hiding or quietly sulking. but they're adults. SAY SOMETHING! i guess i should give some credit for the character growth in the last few chapters though.

all in all, reading this felt like watching one of those teleseryes on TFC (The Filipino Channel). it's funny, cute, cheesy, and sometimes cringe-y. in a good way though! some of the background characters even reminded me of my titas when they see good-looking men. 😂 this also brings the word "kilig" to mind, because that's how i felt reading Yannie & Ash's story. iykyk!

do i recommend it? YES. i haven't read many rom-coms recently and this reminded me that i need to pick up more. i looked like a crazy person laughing at my Kindle. (it happened twice in public.) 😅 needless to say, i'd love to see how Yannie & Ash work out in the future. preferably with more communication and a lot less sulking. lol.

disclaimer: this book was read as an eARC. thank you the author, Stephanie Harina, for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in advanced. i leave this review of my own volition; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Doroty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk to Me at Midnight immediately caught my attention with its premise. The idea of two strangers forming a connection through anonymous midnight phone calls and then unknowingly meeting in real life felt fresh, charming, and full of romantic potential. It had all the ingredients for a slow-burn romance I thought I would love, but in the end, I found myself enjoying the concept more than the execution.

Yannie was the character I connected with the most. Beneath her determination and hardworking nature is someone who has spent years measuring her worth through other people's expectations. Her fear of disappointing those around her shapes nearly every decision she makes, and it was easy to understand why she struggled to believe she deserved happiness. I appreciated that her insecurities weren't treated as a simple obstacle to overcome but as something deeply rooted in her upbringing and family dynamics.

Ash was equally interesting, although I found it took longer for me to fully understand him. He's kind, patient, and genuinely wants to be seen for who he is rather than for the image others have created around him. Underneath his calm and dependable personality is someone who has spent much of his life trying to become the version of himself that everyone else expects. His emotional restraint made sense, even if I occasionally wished he had communicated more openly.

Their relationship develops through quiet conversations and emotional intimacy instead of physical attraction, which I really appreciated. The midnight phone calls were easily my favorite part of the story because they allowed both characters to be their most honest selves. Once they began interacting face to face, however, I felt some of that magic faded. Miscommunication and hesitation kept driving the plot, and after a while I found myself wishing they would simply be honest with each other.

I also felt that several storylines were introduced with a lot of promise but never received the emotional payoff I expected. Some family conflicts and supporting characters seemed important early on, only to gradually fade into the background. Because of that, the ending felt a little incomplete, leaving me with more questions than answers.

Overall, Talk to Me at Midnight is a sweet, heartfelt romance with lovable characters and an original premise. I enjoyed the emotional themes, the cultural setting, and the gentle pace, but I was left wanting stronger character communication and more satisfying development of the story's many promising threads.

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[Elisabeth NoEurdhimmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★☆☆

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

The premise is what initially drew me to this book. Two people talking anonymously every night at midnight, then meeting in real life without one of them realizing who the other is? That's the kind of setup that immediately makes me want to start reading.

Unfortunately, while the idea was strong, the execution didn't fully live up to the potential for me.

There were moments I genuinely enjoyed. Yannie trying to evade Ash when they first meet in person was both entertaining and believable, and I found myself wishing there had been more scenes built around that tension. The Bangkok and Manila settings also added something different to the story. I particularly enjoyed the cultural aspects and would have loved to see them explored even further.

My biggest issue was that several storylines felt underdeveloped. The subplot involving Paul and SanSan seemed to hint at something important. There were repeated suggestions that urgent conversations needed to happen, but I never felt I received a satisfying resolution to those threads.

I felt similarly about Yannie's family situation. Her father's relationship with both her mother and his mistress plays a significant role in the opening chapters and serves as the catalyst for her move to Manila. Because of that, I expected those relationships to remain important to the story. Instead, they gradually fade into the background and never receive the payoff I anticipated. Like the Paul and SanSan subplot, this storyline felt as though it was setting up something significant that ultimately never materialized.

The pacing was also a challenge for me. I don't mind slow-burn romance. In fact, I often enjoy it. Here, however, the burn felt almost too slow. Ash's attraction to Yannie is evident throughout the story, yet the romantic progression felt surprisingly limited given the amount of page time devoted to building it.

There were also a few moments that pulled me out of the story. For example, after Yannie nearly drowns and is rescued, I kept expecting some sort of medical follow-up or consequence. When that never materialized, the scene lost some of its impact for me.

Overall, I think this book had a creative premise, an interesting setting, and several charming moments. I just wanted more development, more payoff, and a stronger emotional resolution to some of the threads that were introduced along the way.

[Rhiannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨️ - Talk to Me at Midnight by Stephanie Harina – ⭐⭐.75

I was really intrigued by the premise and tropes in this book. We get an accidental but adorable meet-cute, a forbidden workplace romance, a golden retriever MMC, and a very slow-burn love story.

Yannie is a 22ish-year-old kindergarten teaching intern with a complicated family situation and plenty of awkward charm. Ash is a former basketball star turned businessman who somehow still has absolutely zero game when it comes to dating. Despite their differences, they work well together, and I genuinely thought they made a cute couple.

The romance itself is a VERY slow burn, packed with plenty of will-they-won't-they moments that stretch throughout the story. While I enjoyed the overall concept, there were pacing issues and several plot points that pulled me out of the story. I found myself considering a DNF more than once, but I liked the premise enough to keep going in the hope that things would come together.

One thing I did really enjoy was the supporting cast. Ash's brother and friend group were great additions, Yannie's two friends were lovely, and honestly, Leonard was the real MVP of their little group.

🚨 **Spoilers ahead** 🚨

A few things that didn't quite make sense to me or felt unfinished:

• After Yannie moved to the Philippines, her family storyline seemed to fade away. We got very little about her mum, and there were almost no updates regarding her dad and brother.

• The beach incident left me with so many questions. There was no hospital visit, Ash never checked on her afterwards until she arrived (very late) to the group event, which is a worry as there are very real risks associated with drowning and requiring CPR. I also struggled to believe that a teaching intern wouldn't know what CPR was, considering first aid qualifications are generally required in that field.

• Paul and SanSan's storyline felt like it opened a door that was never fully explored or explained.

• Ash is apparently quite wealthy, yet still seems to live at home. Beyond a brief mention, there wasn't much explanation or development around that aspect of his life.

Overall, I loved the idea behind this story, and there were definitely moments that worked for me, but the pacing issues and unanswered questions made it difficult to stay fully invested.

[Luisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5 stars

Talk to Me at Midnight was such a fun and cozy read! The premise of an anonymous midnight connection slowly colliding with real life completely hooked me. From the dual-POV structure—Yanisa taking the first half and Ash the second—to the slow-burn workplace dynamic, I spent most of this book giggling, kicking my feet, and looking like a total wild person laughing at my Kindle in public.
Ash and Yannie have insane chemistry, vibrant banter, and those late-night calls were pure magic. Stephanie Harina also did an incredible job bringing the settings of Bangkok and Manila to life—the background details and side characters felt so authentic.
The first half of this book was an absolute highlight for me. I was completely invested in Yannie and Ash right from the start. Both felt beautifully authentic, deeply flawed, and emotionally complex. The dual-POV setup gives great insight into their individual struggles, particularly the cultural and family pressures to people-please and measure self-worth through achievement. Those midnight phone calls were pure magic—allowing them to build a deep foundation of quiet, emotional intimacy before their real-life collision.
However, the second half didn't quite maintain that initial momentum. Once the secret identity element gave way to face-to-face interactions, a bit of that early spark faded into heavy miscommunication. There was so much secret yearning, hiding, and quiet sulking where simple honesty could have saved both of them so much grief.
Additionally, several promising narrative threads and side characters seemed to fade into the background. Important family dynamics and interesting supporting characters introduced early on didn't get the emotional payoff or resolution I was hoping for. While I understand this is the first installment in a series, the open-ended conclusion felt a little incomplete, leaving key arcs hanging.

Overall, Yannie and Ash have a genuinely sweet connection, and watching them help each other grow was immensely satisfying.While the second half held it back from becoming an absolute favorite, it built a solid foundation, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing how their communication improves in book two.
Thank you Stephanie Harina for this ARC and I'm really looking forward to book 2 :)

[Nathalie Mariaud · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ ARC REVIEW ⭐️

Yannie is a student teacher in Bangkok, and her life is falling apart. Her father has left the family, money is tight, her mother takes out her frustration on her, she's in love with her best friend, who keeps sending mixed signals despite having a girlfriend, and one mistake during an evaluation could cost her future career.

Then, one night, she accidentally answers a phone call meant for someone else.

The stranger on the other end listens, comforts her, and somehow becomes the person she looks forward to talking to the most. Every night at midnight, they share their fears, dreams, and secrets. It's easier to be honest with someone you'll probably never meet, especially when they live in another country.

Until Yannie moves to Manila for her teaching placement...

...and discovers that Ash, her midnight confidant, is actually her supervisor.

I really enjoyed the first part of this book. The characters felt authentic, flawed, and emotionally complex, and I was quickly invested in their stories.

The second half, however, didn't quite have the same impact. Some characters felt less consistent, or almost disappeared.  I understand that this is the first book in a series and that some storylines will continue in the next installment, but I still would have liked a little more development here.

That said, Yannie and Ash's relationship was really sweet. Their emotional connection felt genuine, and I loved watching their bond evolve from heartfelt conversations into something more, each one helping the other to grow.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read that came very close to being a favorite. I'm hoping the second book delivers on all the potential this one has built.

✨ Long-distance connection
📞 Wrong number romance
🎓 Teacher romance
💛 Slow burn
‼️ verbal/emotionnal child abuse

⭐️3,5/5

⭐️ CHRONIQUE ARC ⭐️

Yannie est enseignante stagiaire à Bangkok, et sa vie est un véritable chaos. Son père a quitté sa mère pour une autre femme, les fins de mois sont difficiles, sa mère reporte toute sa colère sur elle, elle est amoureuse de son meilleur ami qui lui envoie des signaux contradictoires malgré une petite amie… et une erreur lors d'une évaluation pourrait compromettre son avenir professionnel.

Puis, un soir, elle répond par hasard à un appel destiné à quelqu'un d'autre.

L'homme au bout du fil l'écoute, la réconforte, et devient peu à peu celui avec qui elle attend minuit avec impatience. Chaque nuit, ils se confient leurs peurs, leurs rêves et tout ce qu'ils n'oseraient dire à personne. Il est tellement plus facile de se livrer à quelqu'un qu'on ne rencontrera probablement jamais… surtout lorsqu'il vit dans un autre pays.

Jusqu'au jour où Yannie part effectuer son stage à Manille...

...et découvre qu'Ash, son confident de minuit, est en réalité son superviseur.

J'ai beaucoup aimé la première partie de ce roman. Les personnages étaient crédibles, profonds, imparfaits, et leurs émotions sonnaient juste.

Par contre la transition avec la seconde partie ne m’a pas convaincue . Certains personnages ont perdu en cohérence voire ont quasi disparu. Je comprends que certaines intrigues seront développées dans le deuxième tome, mais j'aurais aimé que celui-ci prenne davantage son temps.

En revanche, la relation entre Yannie et Ash est vraiment touchante. Leur connexion émotionnelle est sincère, et j’ai beaucoup aimé son évolution. Chacun  soutenant l’autre dans son développement. 

Au final, un bon premier tome qui aurait pu être un véritable coup de cœur avec un peu plus de développement. J'espère que le second volume exploitera tout son potentiel !

✨ Romance au mauvais numéro
📞 Connexion à distance
🎓 Romance universitaire
💛 Slow burn

‼️ maltraitance verbale/émotionnelle de la part d’un parent

⭐️ 3,5/5

[Essentially Bookish Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Talk to Me at Midnight expecting a cozy, character-driven romance, and for the most part, that’s exactly what I’ve got. It’s a quiet story that focuses on two people getting to know each other through late-night conversations, with plenty of introspective moments along the way. While I enjoyed the overall vibe and found a lot to like, it didn’t completely click with me.

However there were definitely things I liked. The midnight phone calls were my favorite part of the story because that’s where Yannie and Ash felt the most authentic. Their conversations were heartfelt, and I loved watching them get to know each other without appearances or first impressions getting in the way. It made their connection feel genuine.

My biggest struggle, though, was the pacing. I usually like a slow burn, but this one felt a bit too slow for me. There were quite a few moments where I felt like the story was standing still, and I kept waiting for things—both romantically and plot-wise—to move forward. By the time they did, I wasn’t as emotionally invested as I wanted to be.

I also wish some of the side plots had been explored a little more. A few family dynamics and supporting characters seemed like they were building toward something important, but they never quite tied up as I was expecting to.

That being said, I still enjoyed spending time with Yannie and Ash. They’re both easy characters to root for, and I appreciated that their relationship was built on emotional intimacy rather than instant attraction. The Bangkok and Manila settings also gave the story a nice atmosphere and made it feel different from the romances I’ve read so far.

Overall, this was a cute, heartfelt romance with a creative concept. It didn’t completely live up to its potential for me because of the pacing and a few underdeveloped storylines, as I’ve mentioned before, but I’m still glad I picked it up. If you enjoy character-driven romances that take their time and focus on emotional connection, I think you will like reading this book.

I would also like to thank Stephanie Harina for the opportunity to reading her book in advance.

[Aye ◡̈ · Rating 2 out of 5]

🌟 2.5 / 5 Stars

A huge thank you to the author for providing an ARC!
All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The premise of Talk to Me at Midnight is incredibly charming. The concept of two people strictly communicating during the midnight hour was a lovely hook, and the mystery of uncovering who was on the other end of the line kept me genuinely engaged and thrilled early on.

Unfortunately, as the story progressed, the execution fell a bit short for me, leaving several key elements feeling unresolved.

🚨 WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD 🚨

Dropped Plot Lines: There were quite a few narrative threads that seemed to get lost along the way. The subplots involving Paul and his girlfriend, Sansan, and even Yannie’s mother—who abruptly disappears from the picture after the move to the Philippines—felt entirely unfinished.

A Rushed Conclusion: The pacing toward the end felt incredibly hurried, to the point where the book felt somewhat incomplete. The story ends abruptly right after they win the contract, completely bypassing the crucial conversation where they actually discuss their relationship or define what they are to each other.

Structure & Sequel Execution: Even if a sequel is in the works, it is much more satisfying to seal the deal at the end of Book 1 and allow the sequel to pick up where the narrative left off. Because we already know they are meant to end up together, leaving the central romance up in the air felt unnecessary.

Character Development & Awkward Dynamics: A few scenes felt uncomfortable and missed the mark for me. Specifically, when Yan was interacting with Ash’s friends, she came across as a bit of a pushover. As a result, her character growth felt stagnant in the second half of the book once the perspective shifted to Ash’s POV.

Final Verdict
While the initial concept and the midnight mystery were highly entertaining, the rushed pacing, lack of closure, and dropped subplots made this a bit of a mixed read. It is a fantastic concept with immense potential, but the execution ultimately left me wanting more.

[Book Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is presented as a romantic comedy that leans heavily into familiar tropes, but it offers more than that. Set against the vibrant backdrops of Bangkok and Manila, it also explores cultural differences in a way that adds depth and interest. As a middle-aged Western woman, I found the content both engaging and educational in its portrayal of culture, although I was occasionally bemused by the characters’ apparent innocence.
At its core, the story follows Yannie, a 22-year-old teaching intern who forms a late-night connection with a mysterious caller. She later discovers that he is actually her strict workplace mentor, Ash Anderson, 25. The premise is immediately intriguing: two people forming an emotional bond anonymously while interacting closely in real life. The “secret identity” angle—where Yannie must prevent Ash from recognising her—adds a layer of suspense and humour, especially as the story develops and reveals what he already knows.
I did have a moment of disappointment when I reached the end, only to realise I had initially downloaded just the sample rather than the full ARC copy. Fortunately, after checking my inbox, I found the complete version and ended up reading it in one sitting—something I rarely do, as I’m not usually good at returning to books.
The story itself is uplifting and entertaining, capturing the awkwardness and sweetness often found in first romances. It makes for a light-hearted and enjoyable escape, but what sets it apart is its incorporation of cultural themes that feel distinct from typical Western narratives.
That said, there were a few issues. The pacing was uneven—at times rushing through key developments, particularly towards the somewhat hurried six-week conclusion, while at other moments lingering too long on drawn-out conversations. Additionally, some characters seemed poised to play significant roles in the storyline but then faded away without resolution.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging read.

[LMB · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC

A lovely read, sweet characters, secrets, awkward and very human encounters whilst attempting to remain mysterious. It was impossible not to smile and chuckle along with them as they fumbled their way through the growing connections after an accidental phone call.

I loved the dual point of view, starting with Yannie’s and later following from Ash’s, this also gave a nice insight into their family and friend networks that both hinder and help them through life. A few plot points and characters at the start seem to drift off, however, I believe that these may come back in to the forefront with future books, which I look forward to seeing develop.

The characters are wholesome outsiders that seem to get swept away with their own insecurities which result in a lot of miscommunications. I love that their mystery midnight phone calls serve as a release for them to be honest with each other and themselves, thinking they’d never meet, and then they fall right back in to their chaotic selves in person.

I enjoyed the book, a lovely summer read.

*Spoilers* TW: serious injury

I felt a little confused at the misunderstanding regarding CPR, I think with the minimal first aid understanding that I would have expected of teachers that this would be something Yannie understood, but can understand teasing about the scenario after the worst has passed. The rescue serves as a device for more intimate contact in a high stakes scenario which I thought did up the ante, but the experience of actual drowning seemed to be brushed past without the seriousness of requiring further medical attention, which felt irresponsible (and not characteristic for the main characters who take their roles seriously) and less realistic. I felt perhaps that the incident would have been better suited with either saved during the struggle without drowning, or successful CPR after drowning with a follow up with emergency services and aftercare to match the extreme situation.

[VicM Corpus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here’s a review you could post on Goodreads, Amazon, Bookstagram, or an ARC site:

Talk to Me at Midnight was a sweet, character-driven romance that I ended up enjoying quite a bit. One of the things that stood out most to me was the unique dual POV structure. The first half of the book is told entirely from her perspective, while the second half shifts to his. It’s not a format I’ve seen before, and it was interesting to experience the same relationship journey from two very different viewpoints.

This is the definition of a slow burn. Watching their friendship gradually develop into something deeper felt natural and authentic. I usually gravitate toward romances with a lot more spice, but this book felt less focused on physical attraction and more focused on building a genuine relationship, which worked well for the story being told.

I will admit I struggled a little with the believability of the hero’s complete lack of romantic experience. He’s 25, a basketball star, incredibly attractive, and apparently has women constantly interested in him, yet he’s never even kissed anyone. That aspect felt a bit unrealistic to me and took me out of the story at times.

What I loved most was watching both characters grow and learn to advocate for themselves rather than living according to other people’s expectations. Their personal development was just as satisfying as the romance itself.

The storyline involving her mother felt somewhat unfinished by the end, but since there are still two more books planned, I’m hopeful we’ll get more answers and closure in future installments.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, relationship-focused romance with strong character growth, a truly slow-burn connection, and an interesting narrative structure that made it stand out from other books in the genre.

[Kayli Feher · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️Characters - The characters in this book have clear motivation from the beginning of their story, and we watch them grow as the book progresses. The characters have depth and are not one-dimensional. My only critique towards the characters was there is a moment where a character grows, but their struggle/opportunity for growth was not evident up until immediately proceeding the call to action.

⭐️Plot - The plot of this book is character driven and the author does a good job at increasing the stakes as the story progresses. The overall story was intriguing and held my attention, I really flew through this book.

⭐️Writing - I enjoyed the authors prose. The story was easy to follow along with and was fast-paced. The ability to create a story and characters that the reader feels connected to or empathetic towards is something that takes a great writer. My only critique towards the writing was that the time-line felt unevenly paced at times: some chapters taking place over one day, where other chapters take place over multiple weeks or gaps of time are skipped over. There are also times where it is called out that something took place over a given amount of time (20 minutes or so) when the dialog or scenarios presented would've occurred in far less time without identifying any intermittent activities that would've prolonged the time frame.

⭐️Fulfillment - The objectives and motivations identified in the story were addressed/fulfilled by the end of the book, making the story feel complete. As this is the first book in a series, the author does leave avenues for the story continue on, but in a way that makes sense for the plot.

⭐️Special place in my heart - This book does hold a special place in my heart as it was my very first ARC read and I am super thankful to be apart of something special.

[whatmrsdobbsreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that make you smile, books that make you swoon... and then there are books like Talk to Me at Midnight that capture your heart from the very first chapter.
That opening chapter absolutely broke me. 💔 Watching Yannie struggle through such a difficult time was so emotional, and I wasn't expecting a random prank call to become the start of something so beautiful.
What began as late-night conversations between two strangers quickly became the highlight of every evening. I loved watching Yannie and Ash's friendship grow through their midnight calls, building trust and sharing pieces of themselves before fate brought them together in person. Seeing Ash go from being just a mysterious voice on the other end of the phone to someone so much more was everything I wanted.
And then... that reveal! When the penny finally drops, I was completely stunned. I genuinely wish I could have stepped into the pages just to witness that moment unfold in real life!
The chemistry between Yannie and Ash is effortless, heartfelt, and full of the kind of tension that keeps you turning the pages long into the night. Their relationship develops so naturally that you can't help but root for them every step of the way.
Stephanie Harina has created characters that are easy to fall in love with, blending humour, emotion, romance, and unforgettable moments into a story that I didn't want to end.
I finished this with a huge smile on my face and I'm already desperate to see what's next for Yannie and Ash.
Highly recommend if you love: 💜 Strangers to lovers 📞 Anonymous phone calls 🌙 Slow-burn romance 💕 Emotional character growth ✨ Incredible chemistry
I honestly can't wait to return to Yan and Ash's world. What a fantastic read! ❤️

[Andrea Nagy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, wholesome college romance. It reminds me of the clumsiness of a first love where you are not quite sure what the next best step is and all the trepidation and nervousness that comes with those first interactions. it's a good story about that first step into the world unkown as your own person and the adventures that come with going to school in a new country, new environment and fresh starts.

**SPOILERS**

I would have loved a little more on the relationship between Yanisa and her mother - it started out extremely toxic, and then as the book progresses, Yanisa still checks in with her mom and keeps trying to maintain a healthy relationship with her, and her mom does a complete 180 in her personality - instantly, which does not really make sense - the relationship between Yanisa and her father are non-existent despite what he has done to set up his daughter as best as possible - it shows that he cares - but aside from the beginning of the book, you never hear about him again.

Yanisa's character development is prominent throughout the novel, and with Ash's assistance, she finally starts coming into her own. However, there was a time when she was about to meet her old crush, and I wish that conversation made it into the book - I would have loved to see that in there to showcase Yanisa's resilience and commitment to continuing to grow into an adult and move forward.

Some of the banter between Yanisa and Ash was wonderful. I also found that some of the banter made me truly cringe - especially in certain moments with Yanisa where I have yelled at the book telling her to grow up and the eyerolls followed.

Overall, I found this to be a refreshing vanilla, no-spice, book. Very tasteful and very cutesy.

[Kaitlyn Singer · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, thank you to the author for a chance to read this ARC!
This was a super cute almost rom com type feel. Ash and Yan are adorable in their own ways. And I love how their relationship started as a random phone call at midnight and continued on. And I do like that Yan got her dream contract for a job at the end and started to accept Ash more.

But while I enjoyed the story, it started feeling repetitive and there were some really awkward scenes that kinda took me out of the story.

Yannie goes to work, comes home, talks to Ash, tries to appease her mother, and so on. And the whole hot and cold behavior toward Ash from Yan was getting a little annoying. And there wasnt really a good reason; she just cared too much what people thought.... which i understand, but I dont think it was executed well.

The whole CPR scene was so......awkward. Yan acted like she didnt know what CPR was when Ash was explaining why his hands were on her. It just felt unnecessary and the whole encounter a little weird. Is Yan really that sheltered?

There was a little bit of growth from Ash and Yan, but I feel as if it wasnt enough for Yan. I absolutely adore Ash, but I stopped connecting with Yan as the story progressed. The ending felt....lacking and I didn't get the closure i wanted from Ash and Yan.
I liked Ash's friends; they were hilarious and everything best friends should be. And even Yan's friends. I definitely hope to see more of them!

I will be continuing the next book because I this was a fun little read, and I do hope to see more character development from Yan as she figures out her relationship with Ash.

[April Flynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced reader copy for my honest review. This was a really cute concept for a book. I think there may have been some regionally specific perspectives that fell short for me personally. I understand how important careers are, but I felt it was too big a topic for the characters for what I am used to. Also, originally Yan was willing to settle for a position and then her discussions with her mom and friends about her job were not discussed but briefly mentioned. Some parts were a bit slow for me. A lot of book but I thought the information I wanted was left out. Somethings were mentioned but not fleshed out. I loved the idea of a midnight caller, and preferred the beginning part in Yan's perspective to the second daylight parts in Ash's perspective. I would have preferred the daytime (Ash's perspective) part to be shorter. I found some of the writing to feel like it may have been translated, but then wasn't sure if it was just me. Some of the phrasing could have just been a regional way of speaking. I thought the love story was enjoyable and I did like that it was innocent. I generally prefer no spice and this was a sweet romance vs lusty relationships. I briefly considered putting the book down about 60%. It just wasn't working for me. I am glad I finished the book. I don't know if I will continue reading the upcoming books as I am not sure I am invested in the characters enough to keep reading. Again, I think maybe the regional specifics are hard for me to connect with. Overall, this was a good read, but maybe I am not the target audience. Give it a read and let me know what you think.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talk to Me at Midnight is a cute story that follows Yanyan, a trainee teacher living in Bangkok, who one day receives a late-night prank call from an unfamiliar number. That number belongs to Ash, who wrestles his phone off his friend to apologise. The pair begin an unlikely friendship across countries, with their midnight calls turning into confessions they’ve never shared with anyone else.

When Yanyan is forced to move to Manila and switch schools, she’s shocked to see that the person leading the training on the new curriculum is none other than her phone crush.

I’m a big fan of slow-burns, and this one is slooow. The pair really take the time to get to know each other before it leads to anything more. I liked both the main characters- Yannie grows in confidence throughout the book and Ash becomes more determined to follow his dreams. I liked how we started the book in Yannies POV, but mid-way through it flipped to Ash, so we saw some of the events from his perspective, which made it clear just how down bad he was for her.

Where I struggled a little was with the characters’ maturity. Some of the conversations they had, particularly with Ash’s friends about ‘bases’, made it feel like this was a YA romance. They’re both inexperienced (Although it's said numerous times that everyone is vying for Ash’s attention, so it's not like he hasn’t had the opportunity to have a girlfriend), but it still read like they were much younger, more like mid to late teens. It pulled me out of the moment when I tried to reconcile their ages with their behaviour.

Although I liked the change in POV, it did seem to mean that we lost some of Yannies storylines, with her parents and Paul, her best friend. Paul’s resolution in particular felt a bit anticlimactic because we didn’t actually see the conversation play out. And the beach scene, while dramatic, wrapped up very quickly. I expected more emotional fallout and repercussions.

That said, I did enjoy the premise of the book, and although some of the execution didn’t quite hit for me, I’m invested enough in Yannie and Ash’s that I’ll want to read the next book in the series.

I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittney Bodell · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW ✨

Talk To Me At Midnight - By Stephanie Harina


Wrong number turns into phone calls that just put you in your feels!


Right off the bat our MFC Yanisa, was having a hell of a hard time. Problems at home due to her parents, Bestie (that we are crushing on) has a girlfriend, and messing up our evaluation, but things start to get a little lighter with one prank call that turned into a nightly midnight conversation.

The slow banter between Yan and Ash is so cute and flirty, even tho Yanisa won't admit she is flirting or feeling something for him. They were just strangers with the thought of never meeting in person, until the biggest change in Yanisa's life happened.....they were made to move......to the Philippines where Ash lived.

Now when she found out he was set to be at her school, I was as giddy as a school girl! Even more so when he saw her. The instant thought of, he knows who she is.....she tried to avoid him which only made things more difficult for her. I literally squealed when he called her in the same room, and then asking her why she wasn't answering his phone call using her whole name, like eeek!!

Ash's POV was interesting, the way he took in how Yanisa reacted towards things. That part I won't lie, bothered me....Yanisa was actually annoying me some but I also see it as that's how some women truly react to things. I was amazed at how naive they both appeared to be with things especially at their age.

I will say this, things happen for a reason, I am honestly so happy that things turned out the way they did for both Ash and Yanisa because it definitely opened their eyes more to what is truly important in life. That in its self made me happy to keep reading! I cannot wait for book #2!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this as a ARC. If you’re looking for a character that comes out of their shells, this might be for you. If you’re looking for strong confident characters, not for you.

The things I liked most about this book: getting insight into another culture in a different way from how I have in the past. The romantic kissing scenes were incredibly written.

Definitely some things that didn’t fully understand that I had to look up like Viber and the author uses Tylenol one minute and paracetamol the next. I wouldn’t have bat an eye if it were Tylenol vs acetaminophen. Just seemed like a mix of global names instead of staying current to the region they were portraying.

Ultimately an easy read but I was so annoyed and had to really push through to not dnf. Some sections felt rushed. While others I almost wondered if they were necessary for the story or if they felt like fluff. Could have been a shorter book.

As someone who had an angry mom, the scenes at the beginning with her mom touched something deep in my soul.

Prologue gives away the big reveal. But also the excessive use of foreshadowing does too. Makes you bored if I’m honest.

When the book suddenly switches to the MMc’s pov I found myself asking “when are we switching back to her?” It’s like two books smushed together. The writing in the last 3rd is much better.

At the end of the day, the characters annoyed me. I wanted to shake them and tell them to stop adding made up challenges. That’s what annoyed me the most. Seems like trying to force a cute story into a slow burn unnecessarily. The characters just come across as dumb.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Talk to Me at Midnight is an emotional story about finding your voice, embracing your worth, and learning that vulnerability can be one of our greatest strengths.

One of my favorite aspects of the novel was its dual point of view. We experience the first part of the story through Yan’s perspective, allowing us to understand her fears, insecurities, and the emotional weight she carries. Then, the narrative shifts to Ash’s perspective, giving us a new understanding of the story and adding depth to their relationship. Seeing both sides made the characters feel more authentic and their emotional journeys even more meaningful.

The pacing kept me engaged throughout. Each chapter made me want to keep reading to discover what would happen next, balancing heartfelt moments with enough intrigue to make it difficult to put the book down.

What resonated with me most, however, was the book’s underlying message. It reminds us that we should never give up on ourselves, that we are always more than enough for the people who truly see and value us, and that our voice matters. Setting boundaries, expressing what we want, and saying “no” when something doesn’t feel right are acts of self-respect—and the people who genuinely love us will understand and support those choices.

This is a story that gently reminds readers that being loved starts with believing in your own worth.

A heartfelt, character-driven story with meaningful themes, engaging dual perspectives, and a message that lingers long after the final page.

[Lit With Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for providing me with this ARC!

Okay, this book was SO CUTE 😭📞🌙

Honestly, I was locked in before I even started reading. I saw the blurb, immediately thought, “Oh yeah, I NEED this,” and applied for the ARC. And I am so glad I did!

Without giving too much away, this story basically goes from an accidental, slightly annoying phone call to “oh SHIT, how are we at the same place at the same time?!” to something so much bigger and more beautiful.

I absolutely loved watching their relationship develop, but what really made this book stand out to me was everything happening outside of the romance.

These characters are dealing with REAL life.

Family drama and abuse. Financial stress. People pleasing. Working toward the life you actually want instead of the one other people expect from you. Learning to fight for yourself. Figuring out your dreams and then finding the courage to actually pursue them.

There was so much here that felt relatable, and those struggles made me connect with the characters on a much deeper level. They didn't just feel like two people placed into a cute romance, they felt like actual people trying to figure their shit out while also unexpectedly falling for someone.

And THAT is my kind of romance.

It was sweet, heartfelt, funny, relatable, and had me completely invested from beginning to end.

Easy 5 stars from me. 💚

Talk to Me at Midnight releases November 11, 2026, so go preorder your copy!!

Rating: 💫🌟✨🌟💫
📖 Format: eBook (ARC)
📓🖋️ Favorite Quote: “Because like anything in life, anything can be conquered as long as you have the guts to face it. Right now. While it's happening.”

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book and some spoilers ahead.

Cute concept, but execution could have been better. In my opinion, I think this would have would have been really cute as a graphic novel or webtoon! The cover art is so pretty and fits that theme.

I kept forgetting that Yannie is 23 and Ash is 25 because they would act much younger. There's no way that Yannie is that sexually naive at 23 with not knowing what an adult movie is or what the different bases signify. This is confusing because then she brings up to Ash how she was masturbating to the memory of their car makeout session. At the same time, the author brought up more mature themes of toxic family dynamics (Yannie's mom being emotionally abusive) and pressure by parents/fear of disappointing them (Ash with his dad) that make it clear that Yannie and Ash were older.

I did like seeing Ash and Yannie's relationship develop from strangers on the phone to eventually somewhat getting together. But the book did seem to drag on for me and I had a hard time concentrating to finish the book. I thought the hidden identity was going to be a longer portion of the story, but *spoiler alert!* by the end of chapter 16 (with 40 chapters and an epilogue), they know each other's true identity. Having this reveal so early made me wonder what the rest of the book was going to be about.

Spoiler alert! The ending ends a bit on a cliffhanger, so I'm intrigued to see what the other book(s) may be about.

[Laura Staes · Rating 4 out of 5]

‼️ Review of ARC book ‼️

Trigger warning: domestic violence and verbal abuse

*Talk to Me at Midnight* actually piqued my interest very quickly because the main characters got to know each other through anonymous phone calls that always took place at midnight.
Because they got to know each other this way, they quickly built an emotional connection. This made it easy for them to be completely themselves during their midnight phone calls. When they finally met in person, Yannie’s shyness and insecurities quickly took over.
This made it difficult for both characters to get a clear picture of their situation...

Yannie is a highly driven, hardworking young woman who, in fact, primarily lets the expectations and opinions of others determine her self-worth.

Ash is also a very driven and hardworking man, but he’s also a huge people-pleaser, which means he doesn’t actually do what he wants to do with his life. Through the choices he made and certain events that took place, he realized that it’s okay to say no and that you don’t lose anyone by doing so.

Throughout the book, you could tell that open communication was difficult for both characters.
However, I have to admit that some storylines don’t seem “finished” because there was a lot of talk about them at the beginning, and after a while, you didn’t hear anything more about them.

I enjoyed reading this book between “heavier” books because it’s an easy read. It’s a romance novel that portrays a different culture setting, which I liked very much.

I can’t wait IF there would be a second book ;)

Spice: 🌶️ (kissing)

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received and Advanced Reader Copy from the author.

This is my first book from this author and I enjoyed it. Please check the TWs before starting this book. It is divided in 2 parts, the first being Yan’ point of view, and the second part Ash’s. Yan lives in Thailand and is of mixed ethnicity. Her home life is difficult however she enjoys her time practicing for becoming a kindergarten teacher. She has a crush on her best friend Paul who just entered a relationship with someone else. By a stroke of luck she receives a “scam” call that turns into a friendship with Ash.

Ash lives in the Philippines and has to live up to his father’s expectations. He is constantly molding himself to what everyone expects from him. He is such a sweet innocent guy. He is famous because of his family’s background. As he and Yan become friends, he feels like he found someone that saw him for himself.

Yan ends up in Philippines and they run into each other in a movie worthy way. There is a lot of push and pull from her side because she doesn’t believe she is worthy and Ash helps her see that she is!

While I enjoyed the story, there are some unanswered questions left, specifically surrounding Paul and what the important conversation that they never had. I wish the dual POV was in real time so we could see both sides when each situation arose if I make sense. Definitely looking forward to book 2. This a very sweet romance with no spice, not my usual go to but definitely enjoyable. Truly recommend!

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I honestly wasn’t sure this book was going to be for me at first. The setting wasn’t something I immediately connected with, and I wasn’t sure how invested I’d become. Then the midnight phone calls started, and I couldn’t put it down.

What I loved most about this story was that the romance was built on friendship, trust, and emotional safety first. Ash and Yanisa became a place of comfort for each other long before they became anything more, and that foundation made every moment of their relationship feel authentic and earned.

I laughed, smiled, got frustrated, and found myself cheering for them more than once. Their fears, insecurities, and personal growth felt genuine, and I appreciated that both characters grew individually while also encouraging each other to pursue the lives they truly wanted.

Ash quickly became one of my favorite romance heroes. His patience, consistency, and quiet kindness made him impossible not to root for. Watching Yanisa slowly find the confidence to stop playing small and believe in herself was just as rewarding as watching their relationship grow.

This story reminded me that the best love stories aren’t only about falling in love—they’re about finding someone who makes you feel safe enough to be completely yourself.

If you enjoy slow-burn romance with meaningful character development, emotional intimacy, plenty of tension, and characters you’ll genuinely care about, I highly recommend Talk to Me at Midnight.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sounded like an summer time, easy going slow burn romance - and, for me, it was exactly that.

Ash, the MMC seems to be a typical golden retriever and is pretty easy to like, although there are some quite strong indicators that he has some alpha male inclinations, which at times felt a little jarring with the rest of the book.

The FMC, Yannie possess an innocent outlook, at times naive which, considering her age and future career, I found a troubling (although having read some of the other reviews, that may be reflective of the culture of the FMC). The side-story with her best friend, Paul, is a constant thread throughout the book, but I was rather frustrated with it towards the end - again, this may be explored in future books.

There is a glimpse into Yannies family life, but after the main turning point in the book, it seems to fade into insignificance - whether this will be explored in other books, I'm not sure.

The author makes excellent use of her teaching experience at various stages of the book, not least towards the end, during the presentation - the post power cut part was so cute🩷

There is on page DV in a couple of places which readers should be aware of, in what is otherwise a gentle, easy going romance.

I received the book from the author as an ARC, and although I enjoyed it, there were too many little things that prevented a higher scoring review.