Twelve Kisses to Midnight

The Oxenburg Princes #3.5

by Karen Hawkins

Travel through the rolling hills of Scotland in this winter-themed love story from the bestselling author of the Oxenburg Princes series.

In the snowy Scottish countryside, New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins’s rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter in this delightful Regency novella. When the alluring lady he surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected—but a long-lost love with a score to settle—it’s clear that this will be a Christmas he won’t soon forget!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Christmas, Novella, Historical, Historical Fiction, Ebooks

143 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2016

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond books are a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible. To find out more about Karen, follow her at:
FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • PINTEREST

If you'd like to keep up with Karen's crazed and hectic schedule, win free books, find out about her coming releases, or just want to engage in some easy on-line snooping, sign up for Karen's amazing newsletter!

Reviews

[Lover of Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novella Review:

This was a charming quick fun read! I really had a fun time with this one but not as much as the other novella I read from this author recently by this author. This started out a bit slow for me. And there was a level of angst that I wasn't prepared for. My major issue with this one was that I never felt like the angst reasons for them was never fully resolved. It did have some swoon moments in the later half which was fun. The story just wasn't quite executed as I would have wanted. But still a solid quick read that got me some fabulous points for the romance readathon.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve Kisses to Midnight was such a romance and satisfying novella. I really enjoyed the previous books in this series, so I was super excited to jump into this novella! One thing I will say is that I was confused on the timing of this novella because it says it is number 3.5 but it felt more like 2.5? That didn't effect my enjoyment of this story, but it was something that confused me in the beginning!

The plot of this novella was entertaining and addictive. I really enjoyed the entire novella! Karen is an expert at weaving drama, humor, and steamy romance into every story. There is something just so addictive about Karen's writing! I could get lost in her words. I always know I am going to enjoy myself when I start any of her stories.

Marcus was the main male character, and he was very swoon-worthy. He was a sexy alpha male, and it actually worked really well in this story. I enjoyed watching him open up throughout the novella. Kenna was the main female character, and she was my favorite thing about this story! In the beginning of the novella, Kenna arrives at a formal event with a book and I knew she was a girl after my own heart.



Kenna was a strong and funny woman. She stood up for herself and that put a smile on my face! She was a great perspective to read from.

The romance in this novella was HOT! The chemistry and pent up tension between Kenna and Marcus was delicious. I thought the author did a great job at handling a new romantic couple in a short novella. The connection between Kenna and Marcus felt believable because of the history Karen created for the characters. That history helped the romance feel less like insta-love. It was a fun romance to read about! My main issue with the romance was that I got a bit frustrated with the couple's miscommunication, however, it kept the tension alive throughout the novella.

This was a charming and steamy novella. I would recommend this to any Karen Hawkins fan! If you love historical romances, you NEED to check this series out!

4 / 5 Fangs

*This ebook was given to me in exchange for an honest review. *

MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
Facebook
Twitter

[Mak ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wonderful: 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Karen Hawkins é uma divã... Esse eBook foi muito divertido do começo ao fim... Não importa quanto você tente negar sempre que existe amor, o destino faz tudo para que ele cresca e floresça...
(Karen Hawkins is a couch... This eBook was a lot of fun from start to finish... No matter how hard you try to deny that there is love, fate does everything for it to grow and flourish...)
🤩🤩
Marcus e Kenna 🥰🥰
Dois turrões que não desejavam dar o braço a torce, mas que se amam, perdidamente, e quando o destino dá um pequeno empurrar para ajudar, na forma de uma brilhante Senhora, não consigo pensar que isso não terá um final feliz... 🤣🤣 Desde já digo que amo a Avó do Prince... Bom voltando, tudo ocorre como deve acontecer... Um final feliz para esse dois...
Fofo e lindo...
Happy reading, and until the next reading... 😘😘😘

[A Romance Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good novella. The ending was too rushed though. Overall I liked it.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

Marcus was engaged to Kenna a decade ago. Kenna's father didn't approve. So after one big argument - in which Kenna confronted Marcus about a gossip she heard from her father, Marcus let his pride talked, they broke off their engagement, and went their separated way. With Marcus left for service and Kenna ended up marrying another man older than she was. Then they met again in a party, then ended up later on being stranded in a snow inside a love nest 😏

What I loved the most about these two stubborn, pigheaded, argumentative characters, was that in the end, they admitted their faults in the past. When they were engaged Marcus and Kenna was young, and I guess they let their pride and hurt got in the way. Oh, they still quarreled now, as they were stranded. Marcus still hold on to the pain of knowing Kenna got married not very long after they separated. BUT, they also, bared all the cards on the table.

I also loved when Kenna practically told her father to shove it up his ass, and told the viscount who wanted to marry her, that NOPE, she wasn't going to marry him and "If you ask me again, I will cut off both of your ears and stuff them in your mouth". That was ONE glorious moment 😂

Yes, the timeline was short... yes, there were a lot of squabbles... but I BELIEVE that they were still hots for one another, that it was passionate between them. I think they will be alright...

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good!

This book is a fast read. It has to do with broken love. They may find renewed love or love that has always been there. It was very good in my opinion. I read this story in very short period of time. It made me laugh. My only opinion is why the broken love was so easily broken, but to hard to repair. I think at the end of the story and it is revealed of the broken love and what happened was not to good for me. Again my opinion. I think one walked away a little to easy. Still a good read. It held my attention from being to end. Thank you Karen Hawkins.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the Oxenburg Princes series.

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve Kisses To Midnight, by Karen Hawkins, was available as a novella at booksellers in November of 2016 as an Oxenburg Princes story. Originally part of an anthology, What Happens Under The Mistletoe, from October 2015. As I read the story I knew I'd been here before. I'd read the anthology the year before. It's still a good tale. Marcus Sutherland, Duke Rothesay is a stubborn, prideful Scot, who walked away from his fiancee 10 years ago. He's run into her now and the old feelings are still there, the fight seemingly paltry in hindsight. He's a mans man that women love to love.

Kenna Stuart, Lady Montrose, is his former fiancee and currently a widow. She's just as attracted to Marcus as ever. A faux pas puts them in an awkward position that leads to a HEA. They finally learn to communicate, it was their biggest problem then and now. They're a cute couple who deserve to finally, finally be happy.

The best part of this series is, as always, the grandmother. She's a pistol who loves gossip and vodka, in no particular order. She's fabulous.

#KarenHawkins #PocketStarBooks #TwelveKissesToMidnight #OxenbergPrinces

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I love this series, this was a serious disappointment. The author should stick with writing about Scottish lasses as the Scottish lad in this book is lacking. I nearly put it down and didn't finish it. Perhaps I should have.

Goodreads lists this ebook novella as #3.5 in the series. That is seriously wrong. Crown Prince Nikolai falls in love and weds in book 3, yet here, he's interested in his best mates ex-fiancée. So it's out of order, obviously. Yet, another ebook novella is already listed as #2.5 in the series. Oh well.

Also, as others on Amazon reviews have noted, this was previously released in a 2015 historical romance holiday anthology, What Happens Under the Mistletoe. Crown Prince Nikolai and his grandmother, Grand Duchass Natasha are the only parts of the story that makes it part of the Princes of Oxenburg series. Our hero and heroine never appear elsewhere.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this novella was very funny and enjoyed both of the lead characters. I thought that the duration of the relationship and the circumstances were believable. There was one bit that that I thought was a little too circumstantial but I cannot divulge that since it's a spoiler. I did like the ending as well as the personalities of both characters. The steamy scenes were tame but the level of angst in the book was pretty high. I did become annoyed at times with Marcus' quotes or dialogue because of his accent but that's a personal thing. I normally don't like novels with hero's with accent or I don't like when the author misspells words to emphasize their accent.

After this one, I will definitely pick another one of her novels. It was just what a needed to bring me out of a reading slump.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this series and found this little novella by accident. So glad I got to read it! I didn't remember Marcus' character from the previous books, but I remembered how much I enjoyed the characters of Oxenburg, especially Tata Natasha! Feisty lady!

Liked Kenna's character and, though novellas always seem rushed to me, I did enjoy the way this one went and how it ended. I wanted to stand and applaud Kenna at the end! Nice little quick read here and a fun series!

My only teeny tiny quibble is that I think this one should also be a 2.5 in the series order as it seems to come before Nik's story, which is Mad for the Plaid!

[Amy Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus Sutherland, the Duke of Rothesay sees his mistress standing under the mistletoe and sweeps in for a kiss. As soon as his lips touch hers, he knows it is not his mistress. It's his former fiancee, Lady Kenna Montrose. Scandal ensues and Kenna leaves the house party to get her father to "fix" things. Of course, Marcus follows her and he gets injured. Kenna luckily finds shelter, but they are forced to stay for several days while a winter storm passes.

Will their close proximity rekindle the love they once held for each other?

A wonderful, quick read! I always love a reunion story and Hawkins hit it out of the park. It also helped that Grand Duchess Natasha Nikolaevna was there to meddle!!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is like taking the best part out of a novel and reading just that. It's a love story about two stubborn people, ex-lovers, who won't admit that they still love each other. Now, trap these two people together in a warm, cozy cabin in the middle of the woods AND during a terrific snowstorm! What could happen??

The secondary characters fit in perfectly and really add to the story. This novella has everyting....love, a little mystery, humor, wonderful snowstorm, etc.

Don't miss this delightful novella. I love it and I'm sure I will read it again.

[Jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this in the What Happens Under the Mistletoe collection, and though novellas aren't always a good representation of an author, I will hesitate to read another from Hawkins. Some stories are simple, but as long as you don't think very hard about them they're fine. I could not turn off my brain enough (without losing the ability to read) to enjoy this.

[María · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Novella is about love lost and found. Lady Kenna and Lord Marcus had been in love ten years ago. Now, she is a widow of a great man and Marcus is the attachè of prince Nicholas Oxenburg. When the couple is stranded in the snowstorm, they find refuge in a special cottage.
I liked it and I’ll look for more works by Karen Hawkins.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

We quite enjoyed this short "second-chance romance while snowed in with the duke" Christmastime novella. If you have ever wondered what a sex cabin in Regency Scotland looks like, this novella will answer that burning question.

8 Word Summaries:

Laine: Exes are snowed in at a sex cabin.⁠
⁠
Meg: Win ex back by masquerading as his mistress.⁠

www.linktr.ee/plottrysts

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun story. It is the first I have read by this author, and now I want to read the others in this series. The grandmother is opinionated, sassy, manipulative and I loved her. The main characters knew each other from before so it made sense that they could come back together in a short time frame due to their shared history.

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute novella but felt rushed. I would have liked to read more about their past issues and how they came to be engaged before.

[JmsBndGrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable, but still enjoyable for the short story it was.

[Theresa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and exciting!

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connected to the Oxenburg Princes series, this entrancing story taking place at Christmas had me laughing often and definitely smiling at the end. Karen Hawkins skillfully weaves plenty of humor into her compelling novella, while also delving into numerous emotional issues. The romantic couple is charmingly delightful on every page, and I thoroughly enjoyed observing them try to work through several matters that once tore them apart. TWELVE KISSES TO MIDNIGHT induces chuckles while also touching the heart with intensely sincere moments.

When Marcus Sutherland spied Kenna Stuart Graham at a large gathering, he kept telling himself that her presence would not affect him. They were to be married many years ago, yet their engagement was called off shortly before the wedding day. Marcus has no idea why his former fiancée is attending the same party in Scotland, but he plans to ignore her and enjoy his time visiting with friends over the Christmas holiday. Then fate steps in with a different goal.

As the paths of Marcus and Kenna keep crossing over and over, more memories that he has tried to forget keep being recalled. When the woman standing beneath a sprig of mistletoe turns out to be someone other than he believed, this is the first surprise of many more to follow. But how the couple decides to respond during each incident could vastly influence their futures.

A story by Karen Hawkins is always entertaining as amusement is guaranteed. Comments are often hilarious, especially when two intelligent individuals like Marcus and Kenna have a conversation. Their replies often contain sharp-witted retorts, and any reactions to these candid words show they are not as immune to each other as they would like to think. A big problem in their previous relationship was not conveying their thoughts and feelings when it counted, and I nervously waited to see if their differences could eventually be resolved when given a second chance. The passion between them simmers throughout the story, and Ms. Hawkins lets it ignite at exactly the right time.

The appearance of Grand Duchess Natasha Nikolaevna, is an extra special treat as she constantly expresses her views with frankness. She is the grandmother of the Oxenburg princes, and her manners plus most anything said is usually comical in some way. Details about the settings let me experience the aspects of each particular situation, while descriptions of a certain room caused much laughter. If you missed this novella when it was included in an anthology, be sure to read it now and get in the spirit of the Christmas season. TWELVE KISSES TO MIDNIGHT is an enchanting holiday romance.

Received copy from publisher via NetGalley for my honest opinion

[T Counce · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Twelve Kisses to Midnight" originally published in the anthology of "What Happens Under the Mistletoe" in 2015 has now been published as a stand alone book.

“Twelve Kisses To Midnight” by Karen Hawkins

Karen Hawkins is one of my most favorite authors of all time, as evidenced by the fact that most of my reviews previous to this one have been of her books. She never ceases to keep me entertained while drawing me into the characters emotions. The title of the book and of the novella threw me a little because I didn’t see the complete connection that I did with the first story, however I did find this to be an excellent Christmas tale of fiction. Two young people in love, too many things coming against them. They are pulled apart by elements and their own pride. Over time, questions begin to mount. Bitterness sets in. New lives are forged, time marches on. Fate however, steps in and brings them together again. Will her curiosity and ploy to get answers be her undoing? Will he be able to get passed his pride? You will have to read the book to find out.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

In TWELVE KISSES TO MIDNIGHT, Karen Hawkins revisits the world of the Oxenburg princes, as Crown Prince Nikolai Romanovin and his grandmother Grand Duchess Natasha Nikolaevna – one of my favourite fictional characters ever – spend Christmas in Scotland. At a house party, Marcus Sutherland notices the woman who broke his heart 10 years before, Kenna Stuart, now a widow. It’s a masquerade ball, Marcus is supposed to meet his mistress Lila under the mistletoe, but Kenna who had overheard the conversation, opts for the same disguise as Lila, and steals a kiss from Marcus, and thus they meet again…and how! Ms. Hawkins has penned a superbly entertaining story, gorgeously written, with swoony moments and several chuckles along the way. Two proud and headstrong characters battle their way to a happy-ever-after the second time around, unknowingly with the help of the formidable Grand Duchess. A most scrumptious morsel!


I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on What I'm Reading

Twelve Kisses to Midnight was originally part of What Happens Under the Mistletoe anthology. Now it's getting published by itself. So, if you read that book you read this story. Anyway, for those who haven't read this story basically this about Nik buddy Marcus Sutherland, fourth Duke of Rothesay, and Kenna Stuart, Lady Montrose. Now these two have a pass, and neither one can get passed. Marcus was a hothead when he was younger and he kind of blames Kenna for there disaster of a relationship. You got to love Tata (the Grand Duchess), because she can manipulate a situation. Anyway, the bottomline is Twelve Kisses to Midnight is basically about these two reconnecting. It's a fairly quick read. So, if love Oxenburg Princes books and would love a side story, here you go.

Copy provided by PocketBook via NetGalley

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming novella set in the snowy Scottish countryside during a Christmas house party. After being seemingly compromised when she is mistakely kissed at a masked ball, Kenna takes off for her father's nearby home to do damage control. Since another snowstorm is about to descend, her fiance from 10 years ago and the man who delivered the kiss, follows her to make sure she arrives safely. Of course they end up being trapped in a small cottage after their horses are spooked. There are unresolved issues between the two from their long ago broken engagement.

Since this is a novella, it is a quick read. The characters are likable and feisity. I love the use of a Scottish brogue for Marcus. It lends authenticity to the story.

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus Sutherland, the Duke of Rothsay comes face to face with his first love at a Christmas party. She is as beautiful as ever, but she hurt him badly when she married another.
Widowed , Lady Kenna Montrose is trying to avoid the host of the Christmas party. Her father has been pushing her to marry the man, but he is only after her money. There is only one man she wants, and he deserted her years ago.
This is a companion story to The Oxenberg Princes series but read as a stand alone. A short but very romantic second chance at love. Even marooned in a snow storm the two let the past play too big a part in the present. A very enjoyable read.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short story, but a reprint from a collection

I liked this story with a few Oxenburg characters, but was disappointed that I had read this previously in a compilation.

This is a second chance at love story. They don't talk things out like I wish they had. Both hero and heroine are very strong willed people and find it hard to get beyond what happened in the past. They don't want to discuss what had happened. The happy ever after happens pretty quickly.

It is still a good story and the great-aunt is as funny as ever. I would say to make sure it doesn't sound familiar before you buy this. Enjoy it if you haven't read it before.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this novella, I realized that I had already read it and that it in the 2015 historical romance holiday anthology, What Happens Under the Mistletoe. I enjoyed it then, and it was nice to revisit. This is connected to the Oxenburg Princes series, although it could be read as a standalone. Even though this is a novella, it has a depth of story that makes it feel dimensional, complete, and satisfying. Like all the Oxenburg Princes books, this had humor and great characters.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

A read without a purpose

Follow me!

[Julia David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus and Kenna have a history. Both are sure they don't want to go there again, but just can't seem to help themselves. They end up spending some alone time with a little help from Tata Natasha.