Kissed at Midnight

by Samantha Holt

August Avery, a renowned civil engineer, has found himself the sole custodian of his cousin’s six month old daughter and he needs assistance—fast. He understands how to build railways, to construct bridges and to save the railway tycoons thousands of pounds. He doesn’t understand, however, how to care for a child.

When Ivy Davis turns up at his door looking for work, he believes his prayers are answered. If only the exotic, exuberant young woman did not prove to be such a distraction from his busy workload.

Unsure if she is even up to the task of looking after a baby, Ivy finds herself swayed by the handsome and slightly desperate August into working for him. With her singing career failing before it even started and no other talents, she decides looking after a young child cannot be so hard... surely?

But the child may turn out to be the least of her worries. Her handsome, brooding master seems to keep her awake more than the baby. Add to that her desire to achieve her dreams of singing on stage and the machinations of the indomitable Mrs Pepperwhite who sees her as competition for August’s hand, Ivy finds this simple job growing harder by the day—as does her desire for her master...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2015

About the author

Samantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.

Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.

Reviews

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly what I hoped it would be - a romantic romp between a master and servant. Set in Victorian Manchester, it felt like I'd escaped into a time where a woman's reputation is everything and where a man really is expected to be the alpha male, taking care of his woman. It made a really pleasant change from reading about a modern so-called alpha male who's mostly just a bossy git.

The romance built slowly with lingering glances and chaste yet still forbidden touches that made for some really sizzling smutty scenes. Tasteful, yes, but hotter than I dared hope for.

August Avery, the male lead is an engineer responsible for creating a pioneering railway tunnel that he hopes will make all corners of the UK accessible and pave the way for future prosperity. He's a real forward thinker and someone I found it quite easy to imagine striding around in his top hat. Ivy is employed as nursemaid to August' s ward who he takes responsibility for following the death of his cousin. I love to see otherwise gruff and belligerent men go all caring and protective with a baby so this really worked well for me.

This was an easy to read book that really held my interest. It's a complete story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll be looking out for more books from this author. Recommended if you fancy a historical romance.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kissed at Midnight by Samantha Holt is the story of August Avery and Ivy Davis.
August takes in his cousin 6 month old child which leaves him at a loss of what to do. As it happens Ivy comes to his door looking for work and he thinks this might be just want he needs for the child..but then he starts to have his own feelings for her. I really enjoyed this book and the author's writing.

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

He🐺🍆⛲ Couldn't Deny Her Anything💕

ADULT Victorian Romance💕
Ivy💃💋 has a wonderful voice🎶. She wants to be a singer on the stage. She flees to London to follow her dream and to escape an arranged marriage👰. She attends several auditions but realizes she has terrible debilitating stage fright!

So, she ends up taking a governess job by default, for August Avery🐺🍆⛲💪, a handsome and wealthy single railway engineer who is raising his late cousin's baby👶. Still, Ivy💃💋 dreams🌈🐉 of auditioning for a singing🎶 job in a theatre.

August🐺🍆⛲💪 becomes infatuated with Ivy💃💋, but he knows he shouldn't touch her because she's his servant. Her passion and love of life lift him up every time he is able to spend a few minutes with her. It's all he can do to keep himself in check around Ivy💃💋, despite the promise he made to never touch her. They shared one kiss💋, and now he is lost💘.

August's🐺🍆⛲💪 need for Ivy💃💋 is so great, it becomes really humorous at times. He chastises himself for wanting her but he's kissing💋💋 her at every opportunity! Ivy💃💋 just wants him, forever.

ARC Provided by Booksprout🌱
I also got this ebook with KU.

What a sweet and endearing ADULT 💘Historical Love story. I would classify this book as a Historical Romantic💕 Comedy. Author📚 Holt's well written romances💕 have never let me down and I loved this one, too! Recommend!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ivy Davies was a determined woman and she left home because she wanted to fulfill her dream of being a singer. However, she often acted before thinking through the consequences of her actions. August Avery was a railway engineer, who had the care of his cousin’s baby. When Ivy begins to work for August and they get to know and like each other, Ivy is torn between her love for August and her dream. They both try to fight against their feelings for each other. This was an enjoyable read. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Davis left home to become a famous singer, but success has eluded her. She needs to find work to support herself. She applies for a job as a governess. However she goes to the wrong address. The harried man who answers the door desperately needs help. He's caring for his late cousin's child. He hires Ivy to care for the infant so that he can concentrate on his work as a civil engineer. She can't refuse. Will she every achieve her dream? Samantha Holt has written strong and compelling characters. Ivy is beautiful and feisty. She's determined to succeed. Even though she's drawn to her employer, she knows that nothing can come of it. August Avery is an honorable man who has taken it upon himself to care for a baby. He enjoys Ivy's company and her joyful spirit but his code of honor will not allow him to seduce an innocent. He's her employer. Society would condemn any relationship. I loved seeing Ivy and August together. Their interaction showed both their attraction and caring. I liked the way they want to helped each other achieve their goal. Ivy and August's love was uplifting. It touched me. Kissed at Midnight is a wonderful romance. Samantha Holt has outdone herself. She made her characters come alive. I was caught up in their passionate emotions. This book is a keeper. I was captured by Ivy and August from the first page.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Avery, a renowned civil engineer, has found himself the sole custodian of his cousin’s six month old daughter Elsie. He understands how to build railways, to construct bridges and to save the railway tycoons thousands of pounds but not how to look after a baby. When Ivy Davis turns up at his door looking for work, he believes his prayers are answered. Unsure if she is even up to the task of looking after Elsie, Ivy finds herself swayed by the handsome and slightly desperate August into working for him. With her singing career failing before it even started and no other talents, she decides looking after a young child cannot be so hard!
I loved the way the relationship between August & Ivy developed & how they tried to resist each other. I also loved that this novel took place in Manchester away from ballrooms, aristocracy instead in a working town with a working man & woman – a refreshing change.

[Whit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am disappointed that this was listed as a historical romance. It was not. No Dukes, Prince Regents, nothing! It was a reasonably interesting New Adult Novel. However it did have great characters. I loved the fact that August didn't shy away from raising his deceased cousin's 6 month old daughter. I also loved the chemistry between August and Ivy, although their communication skills needed improvement.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

August has become the guardian of his cousin’s six-month-old daughter and is desperately in need help. Ivy comes to the house to interview for a nanny position and even the it is the wrong house ends up with a job. What will happen when sparks fly between them. Fast-paced historical read with characters with fun and entertaining personalities. The story has plenty of drama and plenty of steam. I liked it.

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read..

I Love Samantha Holt books but I had a real problem with this one. August was just a working man. No Duke, no Earl, no Viscount, no nothing. And when someone is a Duke, Earl or Viscount they refer to their employees as ‘servants.’ So why was Ivy always referring to August as her “master?” And why did August refer to himself as the “master” of the men who worked for him on the railroad? I just hate that word when it’s in a romance novel and it was used 35 times.

As I’ve said time and again “no one writes sexual tension like Ms. Holt,” and this book was no exception. August, poor thing, was kind of funny in his thoughts and desire of Ivy. He could barely function from wanting her so badly but this story was much more angsty than her others. However, there was some very nicely written sex involved.

It was a good story but not one of my favorites. I liked Elsie and Mrs. Cartwright but Mrs. Pepperwhite was a little vicious when it came to Ivy.

Anyway, everyone’s dreams came true and there was a HEA.

I got this book free with KU.

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starring Mr. August Avery and Miss Ivy Davis.

Aww... this was a hot little book!! Ivy and August were definitely a steamy couple!!
I love that these two are both working class. Ivy is a down on her luck aspiring singer with stage fright. August is a railway engineer who is thrust with the care of his infant niece. Ivy needs money to make ends meet... August is in desperate need of a nursemaid for his niece. So he hires Ivy for the job, knowing this was only suppose to be temporary arrangement. But of course they try to resist their attraction for each other, but to no avail coz these two had so much chemistry.

But August knows that Ivy’s dream is to pursue a singing career. So he helps her come out of her shell and go for it... even knowing it means letting her go. But this, of course, has an HEA... and August and Ivy work things out and love conquers all.

It was a good story and I enjoyed it. Love Samantha Holt. She’s one of my “Keeper Shelf” authors and this one is going on my “Loved this Book” List.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My Star Rating: 4 stars
Book was great. Loved the characters. Book kept me entertained. Will definitely be re-reading this story... but didn’t make me cry.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting Hero, Not Sure of the Rest

I have read a number of books by this author, and I find her work to be of variable quality, unfortunately. I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing style was smooth and enjoyable. I couldn't help but like the hero from the start as he himself actually took care of an infant who became his ward. The heroine... I am not so sure about. While I might admire her desire to become a singer, such wasn't common in those times. And it somehow rubbed me wrong that she thought she could just try anything, whether or not she had any knowledge or aptitude for it. I thought the whole sleepwalking thing was a little bizarre and didn't feel quite believable. I also think our heroine acted atypical of a true Victorian woman in her circumstances, living in the home of a bachelor employer. A true Victorian woman would not have allowed some situations with her employer, especially if she cared about her reputation. I thought the book became sensual too quickly, without enough buildup to make it seem believable for the characters. I also felt that the story lacked true conflict and tension. There was a little, but it didn't have much steam… at least in that way!

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Lisa Spofford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a predictable love story about an impetuous young woman with aspirations to become a singer and a serious man who hires her to care for his cousin’s orphaned daughter, despite her inexperience. Despite the dictates of society they give in to their attraction to each other and they fall in love. Each successfully helps the other overcome obstacles holding them back. They each hold back their true feelings feelings convinced that each is not what the other wants in the long-term, but in a moment of crisis they admit their love for each other and find a solution that meets all of their needs. They are amazingly unburdened by society’s opinion of their relationship. Ivy is a delightful, uninhibited heroine and August is a dreamboat hero who worries about Ivy having a chance to realize her dreams and support her in doing so. While this seems unlikely to be realistic for the times, it isn’t realism that the reader is looking for to enjoy this story. The book is light-hearted and easy to read and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to love?
Two people brought together unexpectedly and by chance..... or was it meant to be?
Ivy was a singer.. Well that was her dream and she had come to London to hopefully make that dream come true. Only, she needed a job for funds to survive. That is how she ended up on the wrong doorstep to apply for the governess job. What she found was a gentleman answering the door with a crying baby in his arms and found out she was at the wrong address! But what she ended up with was a job as a nursemaid! Not having cared for children before, much less a baby, she was determined to do a good job.
August was at his wits end. He had taken over the guardianship of his deceased cousin's child and had no idea how to manage the baby and his work. It seemed Ivy may not have been the best choice but he was desperate.
I adored this story but of course it was written by one of my very favorite authors Samantha Holt. She always makes me fall in love with her characters and watching August and Ivy as they made their way together was delightful!

[Dotty M · Rating 5 out of 5]

One good read

Men faced with unexpected fatherhood and the women who rescue them. By the hands of fate Miss Ivy Davis aspiring singer lands a job at the home of August Avery renowned railway engineer. Although Ivy longs to be a famous singer she is in need of funds and applying to be a governess. A position she absolutely no experience in. Luckily she arrives at the wrong house the home of August who has no experience in hiring a governess. After a somewhat unusual interview Ivy lands the job as a governess for his infant niece. Each going down their own road to happiness only to find their true happiness lays with each other. While being supportive of each others dreams they set off down a crooked path to that happiness. Alas they arrive at a complete happy ever after. One thing I guarantee Samantha Holts books always deliver a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

August Avery is a civil engineer who can construct bridges and build railways to make a better future for everyone – but becoming sole custodian of his cousin’s six-month-old daughter, Elsie, is a daunting experience. When Ivy Davis goes to the wrong address expecting to find a governess job, she ends up eventually agreeing to care for baby Elsie, her only previous experience being that she had played with some of her young cousins once or twice, but figuring it can’t be all that difficult.

Torn between the fact that Ivy is working for him while he is starting to care for her, August is put in a frustrating position trying to keep his promise of not touching her. She is likewise being drawn to him, and sharing a kiss did not make their dilemma any easier at all! Still thinking of her singing career dreams, falling for her employer, and having to deal with a bit of competition along the way, this charming story will keep the reader intrigued from start to finish.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy was so sweet and forthright. And August was caring and loving. Ivy was the daughter of a wealthy merchant, but her parents expected her to marry an aged duke or earl, so she left home to pursue her dream of being a singer. But she gets stage fright so she falls into the job of nursemaid to a baby named Elise. Elise’s guardian is a wealthy up and coming train engineer and builder named August. His work has suffered whil taking care of Elise and he hopes to resume his work and normal pursuits. But Ivy is young and attractive and he can’t ignore her. They are both attracted to each other, and several times almost act upon it, but she still wants a career on the stage, and he doesn’t want to ruin her dreams. Can they meet in the middle and both get what they want? Each other. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Donna Till · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Victorian era Ivy wants to be a singer, o much that she has left home to purse her dreams. But she needs a job until she can make her dreams happen. She become the governess for August Avery and his ward Elise. August is a busy man constructing railways but Ivy becomes a distraction to him and despite how much he fights it his feelings for her grow especially when he realizes that Ivy feels the same towards him.
This was an easy book to get into and I enjoyed the story between the two main characters, no matter what they are there for each other from the beginning and help each other to follow their dreams despite what it may mean for their relationship.
This is the first book I haver read by Samantha Holt and I would definitely read more of her books

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kissed at Midnight is one of the best historical novels that I have read this year. The writing is outstanding. The setting and underlying story is interesting and entertaining. The characters are realistic and well written with depth and dimension. I love that Ivy is so strong and brave and such a happy person. I love that August thinks he is so gruff and tough and yet he is so sweet and protective and caring. Their interactions and banter is witty and so much fun. Their chemistry is well timed and their passion is perfectly placed. The secondary characters add a nice flavor to the story. I truly enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story about a singer turned governess/nursemaid and her single employer who takes in his orphaned baby cousin. Ivy dreams of being a singer, but her parents don't approve and she has trouble making it through auditions, so she decides to apply for a governess position to pay the bills until she knocks on the wrong doorstep. Avery is trying to juggle his baby cousin and his work and he needs help. Even though she has little experience Ivy is the answer to his prayers, except she is destined for something bigger. This was a steamy historical romance with plenty of funny and some scary moments.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Holt is definitely one of my favorite romance authors. She always delivers a great story with emotion, passion, and depth. This one certainly does not disappoint! August and Ivy are wonderful together and the chemistry between them is undeniable. Ms. Holt has a great talent for making her characters come alive and really pulling you into the story. This was no different. An intriguing read with wonderfully developed characters and a storyline that kept me totally engrossed through the very end. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary]

This is amusing, interesting and romantic. When Ivy knocks on August's door to apply for the governess job, she finds that she's at the wrong address. But before she walks away August offers her a job, to take over the care for his infant ward. Having no money, and nowhere to live, Ivy accepts. She had been trying to become a singer, but every time she tried to audition, she had stage fright. Neither of them had ever been drawn to anybody before, and both were struggling with it. August refused to do anything that would sully her, though she kept trying. He's a determined, kind and noble man. She's a strong, naive and stubborn lady. I loved the characters and the storyline.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice light read romance book. It is about August Avery who is the guardian of his cousin’s little girl. He was raising her on her own but was getting a little overwhelmed. Ivy wanted to be a singer, but she needed money. She went to apply for a Governess job but landed on the wrong house. When August found this out, he asked her to work for him and take care of his niece. There was some fun moments and some romantic moments. I enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review. 

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sexy Regency romance set in Manchester.
There are no Dukes or Earls etc and no ton.
August Avery is an engineer who has become guardian to his sister’s baby daughter.

Ivy Davis has left home to become a singer but in the meantime she seeks employment as a governess. She goes to the wrong address and ends up being employed by August to look after the baby.

This is the start to their story. This is an easy to read sexy romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can she have it all?
I liked the story a great deal Ivy is a bit over her head but does a fine job with the babe. August a hard-working civil engineer is also a bit over his head with now taking care of cousin’s six-month-old daughter. We have a paired set you might say. I also believe Mrs. Pepperwhite may not get what she wants and then again you have to read the book to find out. I like how it ended with action packed danger and sweetness. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is said that everything happens for a reason, and in this story, arriving at the wrong address becomes the best mistake Ivy has ever made. This author does a wonderful job creating her characters. Ivy is open and vulnerable, while August is professionally driven and completely unprepared for the disruption she causes in his life. This book has all kinds of treats for the reader, including an adorable infant, a contankerous housekeeper and an obnoxious neighbor. Very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[5 Kindles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Davis has a passion to sing, August Avery is a brilliant railway engineer, yet they are drawn together by his need for a nursemaid as she mistakenly show up at hos door seeking employment as a governess. Totally unsuited and inexperienced for the position, Ivy ends up taking on the job and is drawn into August and Elsie's life. This is a wonderful tender story of the love that grows between the three as Ivy gains confidence to pursue a singing career. The only question is will it be enough?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of August Avery, a civil engineer who loves working with the railroads, and exhausted guardian of a six-month old baby, and Ivy Davis, an aspiring singer who becomes nursemaid to his niece. From the moment she joins his household, she turns the world upside down for both of them. This is a charming story about realizing dreams and making a family. There is just a little drama and a good dose of humor.

[Lana Birky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This plot took the reader away from balls & nobility to August Avery, was master of his house, an engineer & he has just become guardian to his cousin's 6 month old daughter. He needs help, now & he finds it in Ivy Davis but his attraction to her is going to be tough to stifle his attraction to her. The denial of feelings, the difference in society classes - even between a master of a house & a nanny. I loved August & Ivy & rooted for them from the moment they met!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy Davis comes to the wrong home for a Nanny position and August Avery who has guardianship of his deceased cousin's baby daughter Elsie, hires her. I enjoyed seeing this story come together. Ivy and August just belonged together, they will have a lot to get through though. I liked the way Ivy's dreams came true with her singing. I recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivy is desperate for a job so when she goes for a interview for a governess for two children but ends up at the wrong address Avery answers the door with a infant clutched in his arms. Avery is raising his cousins six month old daughter and knows nothing about children so when Ivy shows up he offers her more than enough to take the job as nanny for Elsie. This is a sweet romance between employer and servant that was uncommon in those times. Wonderful book with great characters.