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Two lonely souls with countless secrets — what’s the harm in one more?

Zoey McCarren goes by many labels: keyboard player, fashion industry darling — but she is not a lesbian. As the only not-queer woman in the infamously queer band, The Shrikes, she spends an exhausting amount of time resisting that title. In fact, she’s spent so much time being the not-lesbian that it would be a cliche if she ever did find herself attracted to a woman. Luckily, she’s too busy focusing on her career to date at all.

Pia Marino has everything she’s ever wanted. Almost. She’s the host of a popular daytime talk show, she’s a household name, and people respect her. She’s achieved such wild levels of success by her mid-40s that others only dream about. But most people don’t realize that the smiles and comedy conceal that tragedy has underscored her life in the ten years since her wife’s death.

When Pia and Zoey find themselves alone together at midnight at a New Year’s Eve party, neither one expects anything more than a simple kiss to distract themselves from the loneliness they feel. And after, when they find that one kiss wasn’t enough...

But they soon realize that secrets and lies do nothing to dull the ache of hiding their true selves, and who they bring out in one another.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2019

128 people are currently reading
272 people want to read

About the author

Bryce Oakley

24 books259 followers
Bryce grew up in the mountains of Colorado with a taste for adventure and a head full of clouds. She never grew out of either. She lives in Denver with her partner, two adorable rescue dogs, and a very opinionated cat.

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5 stars
260 (44%)
4 stars
225 (38%)
3 stars
85 (14%)
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10 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace.
1,461 reviews180 followers
September 3, 2020
**'Push yourself beyond what you think is possible or safe and to the point where it feels exciting and a little scary because the ideas of any writer is someone interested in everything and anything...'

Delightful read!
The best book in this series so far. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for pipsqueakreviews.
588 reviews508 followers
March 5, 2022
An unforgettable kiss.

This is the third book of the Kaleidoscope series and while it's a toaster-oven story, it's more about the public image rather than coming to terms with one's sexuality. Zoey has always been the only straight member of an indie band, The Shrikes, but as it turns out, she isn't so straight after all. She can't get an unexpected kiss with the charming talkshow host, Pia out of her head, and while she does get a bit confused about what this means for her, she doesn't deny that she wants more. What she can't lose though is the edge in her public persona as the only straight member in a lesbian band. Pia too, has public image concerns of her own, which I agree is valid to an extent. But what I wish they had more of was better communication and honesty.

That being said, I think the heat in this one is turned up a notch and I really like the Pia and Zoey pairing. Both of them are made out to be really attractive characters, with Pia modeled after Ellen Degeneres in many ways professionally and Zoey being a really gorgeous half Black, half Filipino woman.

I really like this one and I think I prefer this book over the first two. Oh, and I'm starting to be a Bryce Oakley fan.
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,321 reviews2,167 followers
March 12, 2022
This is third in a series and some important character relationships are illustrated in previous books. I recommend reading in order.

Short review because I'm way behind and need to lessen the psychic weight of my own expectations.

I really liked how Pia acted as a bit of a tribute to Ellen DeGeneres, though without trying too hard to be that. And Zoey was just sweet, though I always have a hard time engaging with sexual identity as a crisis. I mean, I've always considered people to be complex and that labels are convenient shorthand, valid only so long as they're useful; particularly when applied to self. But I know that's a me thing, so I was along for it in this story.

I'll admit I was a bit impatient with the central conflict resting on image and that it was in the hands of a single individual. Indeed, Pia's entire background seemed artificial in many ways. I couldn't tell if she was supposed to be suffering grief or a form of PTSD or some kind of shame. So the dark moment, when it came, was hard to pin down because I didn't know how seriously to take it. And doubting Zoey at that point was a bigger betrayal than the story treated it.

Or maybe that's all just me. At any rate, I'm going with four stars. I think Zoey and Pia just fit really well and I liked how they supported each other (when they weren't dark momenting).

A note about Steamy: There are a handful of explicit sex scenes putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance. Oakley pulls curtains early a couple of times in this one, and I think that was very wise. I mean, Zoey is in full-on exploration mode and she's a curious experimenter by nature so going into all the details would have made this more erotica than romance.
Profile Image for Sterling Sapphic Reads.
395 reviews486 followers
November 15, 2025
Midnight, the third installment in The Kaleidoscope Album series by Bryce Oakley, is everything you want in a sapphic romance: tender, deliciously slow-burning, emotionally rich, and packed with that particular kind of yearning that only midnight kisses and closely guarded secrets can bring. Narrated with her signature warmth and emotional depth by Lori Prince, this audiobook is an utter delight—equal parts sexy, soulful, and sparkly.

Zoey McCarren is the outlier in The Shrikes, the wildly queer, wildly beloved band we’ve come to know and adore through the series. She’s not queer. Or so she tells herself—and everyone else—on repeat. She's so deep in her own self-preservation shell that when she does start catching feelings (and then some) for Pia Marino, the result is a gorgeously messy, heart-pounding unraveling of identity and longing.

Pia, on the other hand, is confident, accomplished, and carrying grief so quietly it's easy to miss—unless you’re paying attention. And Zoey is. Their connection begins at a New Year's Eve party with a kiss that’s meant to be harmless—a temporary balm for two lonely women who’ve grown too used to hiding behind polished personas. But what follows is a cascade of honesty, vulnerability, and sensuality that neither of them saw coming.

I adore this series for the found family energy that pulses through every book, and Midnight does not disappoint. Getting to revisit past couples, seeing The Shrikes come together in all their chaotic, queer glory—it’s like checking in on your favorite group chat, complete with emotional support, teasing, and hard-won love.

Zoey’s queer awakening is written with grace and authenticity—there’s fear, there’s confusion, but also an overwhelming sense of rightness when she begins to shed the layers she’s outgrown. And Pia? Her capacity for love, even through grief, is chef's kiss.

With the perfect blend of sweet and spicy moments, this is a short but satisfying listen that leaves you giddy and misty-eyed in equal measure. And Lori Prince’s narration? Flawless. She nails every nuance of Pia’s charm and Zoey’s anxious defiance, elevating the story into something intimate and electric.
If you’re already invested in The Kaleidoscope Album series, Midnight will feel like a warm hug and a fresh spark. If you’re new—start at the beginning, but know you’re in for something truly special. I, for one, cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Sam.
844 reviews114 followers
June 18, 2021
I think this might be my favourite so far in the Kaleidoscope Album.

Zoey is a character we haven’t read much about in the other books. All we know is that she is pet of the band, plays the keyboard and is the only straight member of the band. Well maybe she isn’t so straight after all when she gets kissed by talk show host Pia. Pia is about 15 years older than the other leading ladies. I think you can like her to Ellen in what she does. I suspect she is somewhat modelled after her as well.
This book is different from the others because the women struggle not only with their feelings towards each other but also their own image and believes. And this one doesn’t have the continuity issues, it actually clears the issues from the other books up.
Profile Image for Lexxi Kitty.
2,060 reviews476 followers
June 20, 2020
The first two books were about the Rush sisters, who are also the writers of the songs the band performs. Or they were. This book stars Zoey, the only non-lesbian in the band, who has been asked, along with Meg, to help with the writing. The title of this book, which is a common theme in this series (and the series itself gets its name from the band's second album title, which is also the name of a song), is the name of a song. A song Zoey wrote.

The other main character is Pia, comedian and host of a popular television show. Pia is roughly 20 years older than Zoey and has been previously married. Which plays an important role in this book (more the dead wife and less the age difference).

The two meet at Madonna's New Year's eve party. They have an interesting encounter but Zoey is straight and Pia doesn't think she can 'do' relationships. Not after her wife died.

Naturally, the two meet again. About six months later. When the band is releasing singles running up to the release of their second album. Which will include an appearance on Pia's show.

The two reconnect, and stuff. But, you know, issues.

This is either my third favorite book in the series, or my second least favorite book in the series.

There were issues I had with the book that I cannot recall at 2:51 am. Though not huge issues.

Rating: 4.45

June 19 2020
Profile Image for Judy - JC.
226 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2022
This book is the third of the series The Kaleidoscope Album where we meet Zoey McCarren the keyboard player of The Shrikes and Pia Marino the most popular TV host at the moment. Zoey is straight in a band full of lesbians, she has embraced her sexuality as her isignia and differentiator. Pia is a widower who is anchored to the past.

Last night I left the last two chapters of the book for this morning. I felt a little mmm let down. I think that this book had so much potential, the first half was well written and the storyline was great. I think that what threw me off was that the angsty part was forced and weird and not expected at all, that was a bummer.

The main characters' dialogues were nice, and the friends' support system was also great. In this book you can also see how each character including Billie, Domino, Meg, Isla, Sabrina and even Zoey have grown up.

Also, I like an age-gap book where the age difference is not necessarily the main issue, here we get that!
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews107 followers
June 13, 2020
A great toaster oven story that actually works out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Deb.
389 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2025
After parts 1 and 2 in this series, I now finished part 3. These are relatively short books that are quick to read, so you could also consider all four together as a longer story. The nice thing is that you get the POV of all the main characters, the four band members of The Shrikes, so you can easily empathize. Midnight is about Zoey and Pia. Something unexpected grows between these two, while neither of them is really looking for it.

I really enjoyed this story and thought it was the best in the series so far. On to part 4.
Profile Image for Angie.
685 reviews83 followers
August 10, 2024
Easily my least favorite of the books in this series. Not only is there a massive age gap (sigh) but consent doesn’t seem especially important in this—at least not in the beginning of whatever is going on between The Shrikes *straight* keyboardist, Zoey, and super successful talk show host, Pia. I also didn’t appreciate Pia’s over-the-top expressions gifts/gestures for Zoey. And, also, how do you write a character who’s a comedian-turned-talk-show-host and not give them any funny lines or even a sense of humor? It didn’t work for me. But I didn’t hate it, so I’m gonna give it an overly generous two stars.
Profile Image for DeStijlx.
153 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2022
This book was not what I expected. I was quite skeptical of it when I first picked it up but the story definitely grew on me.

This year I'm finding myself constantly waiting for well anticipated books to be published so it was nice to finally read one that was already out but still just as great.

Midnight has some of my favourite tropes in it; age gap romance, celebrity dating as well a closeted MC - when done well it creates a perfect balance. I also enjoyed the relationship the MCs had with the supporting characters and the important roles those characters played.

This was funny, a little bit angsty & had the right amount of romance in it.

Normally I would say this book is on the shorter side length wise but it actually worked for this book. It was sort of fast paced but at the same time it wasn't. The only thing that lacked for me I'd say is the sex scenes. It was too brief and the emotions weren't necessarily translated into the actions during these scenes, it kept me wanting more and feeling disappointed but nonetheless, overall I enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Nicki Kelly.
18 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2020
Full of clichés, I knew what was coming every step of the way. The reluctance to fall in love, the drama, the getting back together, and then the happily ever after. That is exactly why I loved this book. Sometimes a cheesy romance is exactly what a girl needs. Love it!
3 reviews
December 30, 2019
Awesome read.

I've read all 3 books of this lineage in the past 24-36 hours and they're all 5 stars, 10\10's without question. These books are perfectly written and allow a great connection to the characters.
Midnight was cool as it was interesting to have the age difference yet both characters were still so relatable. Plus all the old couples.
493 reviews15 followers
September 13, 2020
Heart Racing Delight

This is my 2nd Bryce Oakley book and I love her good writing, fantastic storytelling, and excellent character portrayal. This story has some fierce drama in places, but I survived and so did the wonderful characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good lesbian romance.
Profile Image for Adrian Brown.
225 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2021
I'm so hooked on this series. Lesbian rockers, yes, please. (who says "rockers"?! Lol) Aside from some typos here and there, I'm living theses books...though the first and third are my favorite so far. I both can't wait to read more and dread the moment I'll finish the series, all at the same time. But that's a sign of a good read. I'm already excited to reread them all again a second time!
25 reviews
June 29, 2020
oh god my favorite one of the serie. loved it.
Profile Image for Shannon Herron.
153 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2021
Great

These two characters are my fav couple so far. Pia was lost without her wife and she found her heart again with Zoey.
Profile Image for C.M. Michaels.
Author 4 books34 followers
March 15, 2021
Not as gripping as the first two in the series, but still an enjoyable read

I loved the ongoing plot arc with the band, and continuing to spend time with Billie, Domino, Zoe, Meg and the gang. But Joey's love interest, Pia, just didn't work. Not only is Pia old enough to be Zoe's mom, she's portrayed as an A list celebrity for hosting a daytime talk show, whereas Zoe - a character who in the first two books is made out to be a megastar super model / member of an ultra-popular alternative rock band - is presented like a D list nobody far below her celebrity status. And their relationship was far too focused on having sex. I didn't feel like they ever really got to know each other like the love interests did in the first two books. The fact that Zoe was so submissive toward Pia bugged me as well. I pictured Zoe as a bad-ass, independent, mega-star, only to see her portrayed in her feature book as an insecure, inexperienced young girl who is starstruck by a 45-year-old Ellen Degeneris like woman. And with all the beautiful women her own age who Zoe comes in contact with daily, we're supposed to believe a mother figure is who makes a supermodel question her sexuality? Just didn't ring true for me.
Profile Image for Marcia.
355 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2020
This was a wonderful book!, I am so excited to go back and read the first ones in this series. I choose this based on the description alone and didn't realize it was part of a series. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well done it was. The characters are fully formed, fantastic women who have each others backs and get to do the coolest job on the planet. Be rock stars! I guess my only disappointment was that these are not available in print. I'm trying to find good lesbian mainstream romances for my libraries collection and would have loved to get all of Bryce's books on our shelves. If you want a great story full or wonderful characters, (even one that was obviously based on Ellen!) than pick up these books!
Profile Image for Mel.
1,502 reviews9 followers
June 3, 2020

I really feel that books such as this have a negative impact on the perception of people who identify as LGBT. There is a woman who does not hide the fact that she is straight, but the lesbian character still manages to get her into bed within a matter of days. Yes, I know this happens but it is not usually as “easy” or as “quick” as this author would have you believe. There was however plot and character development after this! Maybe if the initial sex scene hadn’t been so quick my initial perception would have been entirely different?

I enjoyed the interaction between characters and their friendship group, this had a genuine feel to it. It’s not often a book manages to completely change my opinion of it, but this did.
130 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2020
The last chapters left a distaste for me

It baffles me why Pia couldn't be both. Why did she have to put her life on hold because she was doing an interview highlighting the cause of her wife death? Why couldn't she be a widow who's bringing forth a disease and a foundation while been a woman who's currently dating? Are we stuck in the 50s still? This made no sense to me her wife died ten years ago it wasn't insensitive or tasteless and how does she go straight to accusing Zoey poor girl can't even figure out herself much less to plot such a strategy for promotion. The book needed more chapters and more growth because Pia sitting in a restaurant and saying sorry to amend her accusation and distrust just didn't do anything for me
Profile Image for Teddy.
342 reviews55 followers
August 28, 2022
This is the 3rd book in the Kaleidoscope series. I thought it was on par with book 1. It’s fun to learn more about the band and Zoey and Pia are interesting characters. I liked that Zoey resisted labeling herself, bc why should she? I did want to know more about how she felt about Pia’s ex and mother-in-law; that was a big part of the story that was kind of glossed over. It was also an age gap but I wasn’t sure their ages- maybe I missed it. The passage of time also wasn’t always clear to me. A cute, easy read overall with not much angst.

Great line: “If I knew by the strike of twelve, I’d find you, I wouldn’t have wasted all of my midnights.”

Short summary: a sexy midnight kiss leads to an unlikely relationship that defies labels.
Profile Image for Pixip.
133 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2020
Another addictive read

I'm really loving this series, the ladies of the shrikes are just so amazing and loveable. Zoey and Pia's relationship was fantastic, just the right amount of tension and sexiness. The ups and downs made it so much more interesting. Also loved Domino stepping up on the friend front.
Part of me wants these books to be longer just because I want more of these ladies but at the same time they feel so complete and perfect as they are. Almost a little sad to be reading the last one.
Profile Image for Amanda.
66 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2020
Amazing romance story

Loved the intrigue, the fast and slow burn of the relationship between the 2 main characters! Being the token straight girl in an all girl game was a great spin on regular society - reminded me of a few all girl bands that I love seeing live! Their music and the stories that are their music grabs you and you feel it in your soul and that’s how I felt reading Midnight! Will now have to go and find the other installments in this series! I laughed I cried I cheered alongside these amazing female characters!
249 reviews
April 21, 2023
I badly wanted to more than like this book, but the lack of polish is so egregious. Worst of all was "survivors of stoke." Really? After highlighting throughout the story how important this cause was to Pia, this typo had me shaking my head.

It also continues the series trend of abruptly ending after the resolution and proceeding to an epilogue where everything's hunky-dory between the leads. Important to know if you're the type to want a bit more meat towards the rump of a story. I'm that person. Typos aside, I generally enjoyed the read.
432 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2020
,Midnight (The Kaleidoscope Album Book 3)

Really enjoying this series. This time it was about Zoey the straight one in the band .Who meets Pia a show /comedian host at a New Years party and kiss.. We have the rest of the characters as well
This is. a heartfelt story and also an age gap ,trust and much more.
Bryce Oakley again did a brilliant job writing this and looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Recommend -- Definitely. Plus 5******STARS
Profile Image for Wanda.
342 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2020
First of all, yay Filipino representation with Zoey! Tbh, if I ever meet someone who owned a pho restaurant, I'd fall in love twice as fast too.

(Jokes aside, I've read the previous two books and this in a span of a few days so all the characters definitely felt fresh. Again, I feel like I have the same sentiments which is that these books have their cute moments that make you want to keep reading but at the end of it, you wish there was something more.)
304 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2025
Beyond the book beyond shorter than I prefer — I really enjoyed it. I love music. Not so much a fan of people who aren’t sure of their sexual identity unless early trauma made them afraid of touch — but I liked the characters and the storyline and I knew other characters from a previous book which is always nice. It is like a 4.5 rounded up. I still wish we had a 1-10 scale because it is so limited in options.

Much love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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