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Before the Clock Strikes Twelve

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New Year's Eve, the time when people wash away one year and welcome the next.

Tessa Richards is no different.

As the eighteen-year-old fancies herself for a night out with her best friend, Aimee Butler, excitement ripples through her nerves with the idea of spending the occasion at a night club dancing in the New Year.

Much to Tessa’s surprise, Aimee hasn’t been entirely honest. Her best friend sets them up at a party hosted by the object of Tessa’s affection; the gorgeous and enigmatic Ethan Alderidge.

Talking for the first time, an instant connection zaps between the two.

Tessa’s inexperience and untimely humour lead her away from the experienced cool and collective dream man.

As she plays the wallflower and stands alone in the garden contemplating her thoughts, the stroke of midnight ticks closer.
The cheers of the countdown—Ten, nine, eight, seven, six—echo in her ears from inside the party.

Her eyes meet Ethan in the threshold with midnight only seconds away.

Tessa’s mind races unsure if she will get that first kiss from the man of her dreams.

This is a new series of short stories from husband and wife writing team, Zane and Jenna Michaelson.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 30, 2019

3 people are currently reading
22 people want to read

About the author

Zane Michaelson

122 books323 followers
My name is Zane Michaelson and I am a best-selling, multi-genre author with over fifty titles released.

I was born and raised in the North West of England but moved away to study Law at University, before returning and meeting the woman of my dreams.

Now I live in Spain with my beautiful wife, four wonderful children, who are the lights of my life, and a host of animals.

It has been four years since my debut release, and I still have so much to say.

With more books planned, including further co-writes with my wife Jenna Michaelson and fellow author, Kaylee Rose, I'm excited for what the future brings.

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Jenna Michaelson.
Author 44 books22 followers
October 16, 2019
'BEFORE THE CLOCK STRIKES TWELVE - THE MIDNIGHT SERIES: BOOK ONE'
A new series of short stories by Zane Michaelson & Jenna Michaelson

Releasing on 31st December 2019
Only 99p/99c

Pre-order Link - https://geni.us/Gv0856

Blurb;
New Year's Eve, the time when people wash away one year and welcome the next.
Tessa Richards is no different.
As the eighteen-year-old fancies herself for a night out with her best friend, Aimee Butler, excitement ripples through her nerves with the idea of spending the occasion at a night club dancing in the New Year.
Much to Tessa’s surprise, Aimee hasn’t been entirely honest. Her best friend sets them up at a party hosted by the object of Tessa’s affection; the gorgeous and enigmatic Ethan Alderidge.
Talking for the first time, an instant connection zaps between the two.
Tessa’s inexperience and untimely humour lead her away from the experienced cool and collective dream man.
As she plays the wallflower and stands alone in the garden contemplating her thoughts, the stroke of midnight ticks closer.
The cheers of the countdown— Ten, nine, eight, seven, six— echo in her ears from inside the party.
Her eyes meet Ethan in the threshold with midnight only seconds away.
Tessa’s mind races unsure if she will get that first kiss from the man of her dreams.
Profile Image for The Redhead.
272 reviews23 followers
December 30, 2019
Such a fun story to read while celebrating the new year.
Everyone wants to have that special someone by their side at midnight. Tessa and Aimee are no different.

Tessa’s innocence is endearing and such a contrast to her best friend Aimee, who is loud, blunt, sarcastic and absolutely hilarious. She’s the friend we all need in our life. The one who is genuine and keeps you smiling.

Beware, do not take sips of water while reading unless your e-reader is water resistant. Aimee will have you bursting with laughter as she attempts to guide Tess towards Ethan before the clock strikes twelve.

This husband and wife co-writhing team have done a great job of bringing the reader into this sweet and funny romance. A fantastic short read I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Zane Michaelson.
Author 122 books323 followers
December 31, 2019
THE MIDNIGHT SERIES'
‘Before the Clock Strikes Twelve – Book One'

Releasing 31st December 2019

Pre-order Link - https://geni.us/Gv0856

Blurb;
New Year's Eve, the time when people wash away one year and welcome the next.
Tessa Richards is no different.

As the eighteen-year-old fancies herself for a night out with her best friend, Aimee Butler, excitement ripples through her nerves with the idea of spending the occasion at a night club dancing in the New Year.

Much to Tessa’s surprise, Aimee hasn’t been entirely honest. Her best friend sets them up at a party hosted by the object of Tessa’s affection; the gorgeous and enigmatic Ethan Alderidge.

Talking for the first time, an instant connection zaps between the two.

Tessa’s inexperience and untimely humour lead her away from the experienced cool and collective dream man.

As she plays the wallflower and stands alone in the garden contemplating her thoughts, the stroke of midnight ticks closer.

The cheers of the countdown— Ten, nine, eight, seven, six— echo in her ears from inside the party.

Her eyes meet Ethan in the threshold with midnight only seconds away.

Tessa’s mind races unsure if she will get that first kiss from the man of her dreams.

Profile Image for Susan Freestone.
131 reviews31 followers
December 30, 2019
Wow! This book was sweet, funny, and beautifully written.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a good feel story, it made me laugh especially Aimee she was hilarious. I was left wanting more at the end.
 
What a great start to a new series from the Michaelson's they do write so well together so its really nice to see them writing together again! I'm really looking forward to the rest of this series.

I can highly recommend this book and these two authors.
Profile Image for Karen Moriarty.
52 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2019
Sweet and funny



This was a lovely story that reminds you of what it is to be young and carefree around the Christmas and New Years Eve time of year.. Aimee is a riot, and her friendship with Tessa had me smiling from the beginning...Ethan and Tessa have the start of something special l feel.... Looking forward to the next installment....
323 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2019
Brilliant and funny!!

Oh I loved this first part! Aimee is hilarious and I laughed out loud so many times; such a contrast to Tess's gentle personality. Ethan is a perfect gentleman and I can't wait to see what happens with their relationship in the rest of the series!!
52 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2019
Oooh this book is so exciting. I didn't think I would care very much at first who Tessa ended up going out with or whether she ever found the man of her dreams. I mean, everyone out there is looking for the perfect partner so it's not like this story sounds any different from any other romance out there. But if you actually read it, you WILL end up caring what happens to Tessa, because you end up liking Tessa so much you end up caring about her and what happens to her. So yeah I would like to find out if Tessa gets the man of her dreams, and what he will turn out to be like, because you end up feeling like Tessa is a good personal friend of yours and you can't wait to get on the phone with her and find out what her latest date was like. So I can't wait to find out what happens to Tessa and who she ends up going out with and if that person turns out to be good for her.
277 reviews8 followers
December 30, 2019
I absolutely loved this hilarious short story of friendship between two best friends Tess and Aimee....
Everyone needs an Aimee in their lives, shes’s very crass with her sayings and her straightforwardness, but she had me in fits of laughter with all her ramblings and terminologies😂😂😂... I’m so looking forward to the next part of this series, and dying to see what happens between Tess and her dream man Ethan.
Profile Image for Susan  (Sandra Loves Books) .
39 reviews21 followers
December 30, 2019
Wow! This book was sweet, funny, and beautifully written. I loved it!

This was a good feel story, it made me laugh especially Aimee she was hilarious. I was left wanting more at the end.
 
What a great start to a new series from the Michaelson's they do write so well together so its really nice to see them writing together again!

I can highly recommend this book and these two authors.
Profile Image for Gloria Nuckols.
482 reviews
February 22, 2020
Oh my what a story. Sweet yet sexy, this one feels like delayed gratification. Toss in the hilarious interaction between Tessa and Aimee and this is a fabulous story. Can't wait to see where it goes next.
Profile Image for Joanne .
215 reviews6 followers
October 21, 2023
An addictive series starter!

I have found my next series to binge read!
Having read a few of Zane and Jenna Michaelson’s other books, I was a bit intimidated by the sheer number of books in this series but I had nothing to fear as Before the Clock Strikes Twelve has me instantly hooked!
Aimee (wild and funny) and Tessa (shy and reserved) are polar opposites yet the dynamics of their friendship is perfection!
Each book of the series are short and if this book is any indication, I’m in for a fun adventure following the antics of Aimee and Tessa!
Profile Image for Debra  Williams.
2,495 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2020
Loved It

This is a new author for me and what a way great way to start. I loved it with all the good banter between friends. Can’t wait to see what is in store next
52 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2020
Well written and a good storyline. Love how Tessa's father is not afraid to tell it like it is. Looking forward to seeing what happens between Tessa and Nathan.
Profile Image for Patricia Cordovez.
496 reviews6 followers
December 7, 2020
Awesome start

Amazing start to a series by very talented authors. Michael and Jenna are a force to be reckoned with when writing together or alone
391 reviews6 followers
July 6, 2020
Before the Clock Strikes Twelve was an enjoyable read. I really liked the friendship between Tessa and Aimee. I really liked the banter between the two. The book is a short read and is the first story of a series.
Profile Image for Jen ODonnell.
236 reviews7 followers
December 31, 2019
This is so much fun to read, I absolutely loved it. I really enjoy the friendship Tessa and Amiee. You will laugh very much reading this. I just love how Amiee makes you crack up. Zane and Jenna Michaelson are an exceptional husband and wife writing team. I can't wait to see what us going to happen next with Tessa and Ethan. What will Amiee say next to make us laugh? You will love this once you start reading. I cannot recommend this enough. A must, must amazing read.
625 reviews
December 31, 2019
Aimee is a friend who gets you out of your comfort zone and doesn't have a filter with her mouth. Where as, Tessa is quiet who needs a friend like Aimee to help her reach out. Love the writing team of Zane and Jenna Michaelson! I can imagine with this first short story of "The Midnight Series", that they had fun writing together. I look forward to continue reading Aimee and Tessa's growth and friendship journey. Don't miss out on this six part series of laughter, friendship, and love.❤
Profile Image for Jennifer .
698 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2019
A midnight kiss?

This is a cute short story that's ending up to be a series of sorts. It will be three books. This is book one.
I thought it was so cute. Tess's dad is a character. He'll make you laugh out loud . Least he did me lol. Tess so far seems to be like so many of us. Unsure of herself and letting her friends convince her to do things. Not a bad thing considering Ethan will be at the party her bestie is taking her too.
Can't wait to see what happens at midnight.
Profile Image for Lynne Garlick.
2,423 reviews27 followers
December 30, 2019
Great read!

What a great short read! It has had me in stitches, Aimee had me rolling round, laughing my head off!! Reading about them getting ready for a boozy New Year's Eve house party, lol! Will Tessa be where Oregon she wants to be with when the clock strikes midnight?!
Next!!!!!!
Profile Image for Sandy House.
337 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2020
This is the first book in this new series. I found it to be a quick easy read that left me wanting to know what happened next. Of course I had to read the next book immediately. This was a fun read.
Profile Image for Martha Lindblom.
826 reviews4 followers
December 31, 2019
This is book one in this series and it is hilarious. You have two 18 year old girls going out on New Years Eve. What could possibly happen. You will laugh at Aimee and her antics. Tess is the quiet one. A must read and enjoy.
Profile Image for Jodi Ball.
436 reviews10 followers
January 3, 2020
Before the clock strikes twelve

Love this book!
Short, funny and straight to the point!
Leaving us thirsting for the next in the series.
Can't wait to see whats in store for Tess and Ethan.
More, More, More please Zane!
117 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2020
This is the first book in this series and it was such a fun read. It is a light and delightful story of the friendship between two girls getting ready to go out in New Years Eve. I’m looking forward to see their antics in the next book.
Profile Image for Julia Leonard.
804 reviews16 followers
January 21, 2020
Short but intriguing

The beginning of a promising short yet sexy series will leave you wanting more.
Just as things start to heat up, we are left hanging.
The Michaelson's love to tease.
38 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2019
This was a lovely story.

It was well written and describes each character so you can know them as you read.
I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Joy Boutwell.
1,607 reviews16 followers
December 31, 2019
This is a great start to a new short series. Tessa and Aimee are amazing characters that are hilarious. This short story does leave you hanging but grabs your attention leaving you wanted more.
339 reviews
December 31, 2019
Great story

This was a great story with a great friendship humor and hoping Tessa gets what she wants for the new year. Can’t wait to see how this story turns out
8 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2020
Another Fantastic Book!!

This was another great read. I laughed so hard all through the book!! Anyone who reads this book will wind up laughing!!
Profile Image for Marguerite Robinson.
570 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2020
Fantastic read

Loved it. Can't wait for more. Amiee had me laughing so hard. Kudos Zane and Jenna. Definite must read. ❤️🤗❤️
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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