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Awakened by a Kiss #3
A Duchess by Midnight
USA Today bestselling author Charis Michaels concludes her Awakened by a Kiss series with another enchanting romance, this time telling the real story of Cinderella’s stepsister and the man who can’t help falling in love with her.
A Former Ugly Duckling...
Miss Drewsmina “Drew” Trelayne is a former awkward child and one-time wicked stepsister. Raised by a bitter, overbearing mother, Drew is all grown up and has made peace with her orange hair and bean-pole height. Her transformation has inspired her dream of opening a finishing school that emphasizes inner beauty, capability, and confidence. But launching a school costs money so Drew must begin with private clients who pay well and don’t ask many questions.
A Reclusive Duke...
Ian Clayblack, the Duke of Lachlan, lives alone on his Dorset estate, forced by scandal into a smuggler’s life. When his estranged sister arrives with her two daughters, he feels obligated to give the girls a proper Season. Venturing back to society could clear his name and provide his vagabond nieces with a better life. Who better to help than the striking Miss Trelayne?
A Midnight Kiss...
Affording Drew’s services isn’t a problem for Lachlan, but his growing desire for her is. As his nieces warm to her gentle charm, he is overwhelmed by her unique beauty and open manner. When they’re caught in a scandalous embrace, nothing short of marriage will save all of them from further scandal.
Can a marriage made in haste be love’s saving grace?
A Former Ugly Duckling...
Miss Drewsmina “Drew” Trelayne is a former awkward child and one-time wicked stepsister. Raised by a bitter, overbearing mother, Drew is all grown up and has made peace with her orange hair and bean-pole height. Her transformation has inspired her dream of opening a finishing school that emphasizes inner beauty, capability, and confidence. But launching a school costs money so Drew must begin with private clients who pay well and don’t ask many questions.
A Reclusive Duke...
Ian Clayblack, the Duke of Lachlan, lives alone on his Dorset estate, forced by scandal into a smuggler’s life. When his estranged sister arrives with her two daughters, he feels obligated to give the girls a proper Season. Venturing back to society could clear his name and provide his vagabond nieces with a better life. Who better to help than the striking Miss Trelayne?
A Midnight Kiss...
Affording Drew’s services isn’t a problem for Lachlan, but his growing desire for her is. As his nieces warm to her gentle charm, he is overwhelmed by her unique beauty and open manner. When they’re caught in a scandalous embrace, nothing short of marriage will save all of them from further scandal.
Can a marriage made in haste be love’s saving grace?
386 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
61 people are currently reading
3746 people want to read
About the author
Charis Michaels
13 books503 followersCHARIS MICHAELS is thrilled to be making her debut with Avon Impulse. Prior to writing romance, she studied Journalism at Texas A&M and managed PR for a trade association. She has also worked as a tour guide at Disney World, harvested peaches on her family’s farm, and entertained children as the “Story Godmother” at birthday parties. She has lived in Texas, Florida, and London, England. She now makes her home in the Washington, D.C.-metro area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 13, 2024
✨Bird-watching is exhausting. Especially that bit at the end.✨
I only want MORE because I love them all so much and this was already a 400 page book! It turned the Cinderella trope on its head and it was so wonderful. I laughed, I swooned, I took notes.
I love a redeemed villain character and Drew absolutely did not disappoint. This felt like a classic, nutty, HOT Eloisa James romance! It was nuanced, clever, and so full of charm. Ian was delicious like my god that bird-watching scene! I was watching something but it wasn’t a bird.
I loved Drew’s relationship with Ivy, Imogene, and Timothea. Each character was interesting in their own regard. Their cultish background was intriguing and kept me reading outside of the main romance! I love the prickly character type that is Imogene and was Drew. It’s was lovely to see Imogene come into herself and play matchmaker. I totally want books for both Ivy and Imogene.
Drew and Ian’s relationship was just so fun. In my opinion, it was pretty low angst, while still being unique and energetic. It was also HOT. The first kiss? Hot. The wedding night? HOT. The bird-watching? HOT. The palace? HOT. Education. Praise. Pampering. Outdoors. Against walls. The need to be quiet. Most every scene was feverish and electric and it felt like I was reading at 2.0x speed. Did I already reread the bird watching scene after already rereading immediately after I read it? Obviously.
I really appreciated the scope of the events within the story. There’s a moment towards the end that I knew was coming, but had been on the back burner. Honestly, I was not looking forward to having to get through that scene to get to the ending. However! It was pretty much just summed up and topped with a bow and I was like !!!! (Spoiler: It’s the end riot scene with his tenants and him trying to tamp it down.)
Overall, this is my favorite of the series by far and so far! Drew and Ian were both wonderful characters together and apart. Like I said, if you’re a fan of Eloisa James and her Fairytale series, I definitely think this will be up your alley. This is definitely the hottest of the series but also the most emotionally invested I’ve been. I can’t wait to see what fairytale Charis spins next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25*/5
*The three scenes were all lovely and definitely hot but the language wasn’t explicit at all (“cock” wasn’t even mentioned 🥲) and he didn’t go down or really even get handsy. So I’m rather confused as to why the book IS that hot because it really was! I think it was Ian and that beautiful, creative mouth of his. Also every scene felt charged and the anticipation was through the roof so I was absolutely riveted. My kingdom for a bonus bathtub scene. Oh and we got a few good girls. Praise and pampering were big here.
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
I only want MORE because I love them all so much and this was already a 400 page book! It turned the Cinderella trope on its head and it was so wonderful. I laughed, I swooned, I took notes.
I love a redeemed villain character and Drew absolutely did not disappoint. This felt like a classic, nutty, HOT Eloisa James romance! It was nuanced, clever, and so full of charm. Ian was delicious like my god that bird-watching scene! I was watching something but it wasn’t a bird.
I loved Drew’s relationship with Ivy, Imogene, and Timothea. Each character was interesting in their own regard. Their cultish background was intriguing and kept me reading outside of the main romance! I love the prickly character type that is Imogene and was Drew. It’s was lovely to see Imogene come into herself and play matchmaker. I totally want books for both Ivy and Imogene.
Drew and Ian’s relationship was just so fun. In my opinion, it was pretty low angst, while still being unique and energetic. It was also HOT. The first kiss? Hot. The wedding night? HOT. The bird-watching? HOT. The palace? HOT. Education. Praise. Pampering. Outdoors. Against walls. The need to be quiet. Most every scene was feverish and electric and it felt like I was reading at 2.0x speed. Did I already reread the bird watching scene after already rereading immediately after I read it? Obviously.
I really appreciated the scope of the events within the story. There’s a moment towards the end that I knew was coming, but had been on the back burner. Honestly, I was not looking forward to having to get through that scene to get to the ending. However! It was pretty much just summed up and topped with a bow and I was like !!!! (Spoiler: It’s the end riot scene with his tenants and him trying to tamp it down.)
Overall, this is my favorite of the series by far and so far! Drew and Ian were both wonderful characters together and apart. Like I said, if you’re a fan of Eloisa James and her Fairytale series, I definitely think this will be up your alley. This is definitely the hottest of the series but also the most emotionally invested I’ve been. I can’t wait to see what fairytale Charis spins next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25*/5
*The three scenes were all lovely and definitely hot but the language wasn’t explicit at all (“cock” wasn’t even mentioned 🥲) and he didn’t go down or really even get handsy. So I’m rather confused as to why the book IS that hot because it really was! I think it was Ian and that beautiful, creative mouth of his. Also every scene felt charged and the anticipation was through the roof so I was absolutely riveted. My kingdom for a bonus bathtub scene. Oh and we got a few good girls. Praise and pampering were big here.
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
July 29, 2022
It should come as no surprise that we absolutely adored this book! Charis Michaels's signature seems to be "fantastical situation with authentic characters," and this book is no exception. Drewsmina is one of Cinderella's wicked stepsisters - specifically, she's the tall beanpole sister with orange hair a la Disney's Cinderella. This is not her redemption arc - she has spent the last decade or so going no-contact with her mother, low-contact with her sister, repairing her relationship with Princess Cynde, and working on herself. Now her goal is to use her hard-won experience by working with young debutantes to give them the opportunity to enjoy their season without falling into the same traps she did. Drew meets the Duke of Lachlan when he's basically coerced by his friend to take her on as the finishing governess for his nieces. It should come as no surprise to any romance reader that their forced proximity and shared goals give them the perfect chance to fall in love.
Lachlan's past has elements of tragedy, adding to the overall theme of learning to live with the consequences of your actions by doing better. The secondary characters are also fully-realized actors. Lachlan's nieces' trauma and the way they are dealing with it are beautifully written, without losing any of the charm or humor of a fairy tale retelling. It also may be the first time we've ever read this specific situation in a historical novel, and it's one that has special interest to us. (Possible spoiler: escaping from a cult!)
Finally we want to point out that this book is 100% absolutely the sexiest Charis Michaels we've ever read. The first two books in the series lean more on the sexual tension than the sexual resolution, but this one has it all for you. (As we've said before and will say again whenever it's merited: POINTS FOR LOCATION!)
47-Word Summaries:
Meg: Drew has managed to overcome a toxic family and her own history of toxic behavior to become a functioning adult. Ian is dealing with his own fraught past while also trying to care for some recently rediscovered family members. They’re so good together, especially when they’re birdwatching.
Laine: Ian had absolutely no plan for repairing his own estate and reputation, let alone helping his recently-escaped-from-a-cult family. Good thing Cinderella's formerly wicked stepsister is everything Ian didn't know he needed. While everyone's scandalous past may seem like the biggest challenge, in fact it's the undeniable lust.
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
Lachlan's past has elements of tragedy, adding to the overall theme of learning to live with the consequences of your actions by doing better. The secondary characters are also fully-realized actors. Lachlan's nieces' trauma and the way they are dealing with it are beautifully written, without losing any of the charm or humor of a fairy tale retelling. It also may be the first time we've ever read this specific situation in a historical novel, and it's one that has special interest to us. (Possible spoiler: escaping from a cult!)
Finally we want to point out that this book is 100% absolutely the sexiest Charis Michaels we've ever read. The first two books in the series lean more on the sexual tension than the sexual resolution, but this one has it all for you. (As we've said before and will say again whenever it's merited: POINTS FOR LOCATION!)
47-Word Summaries:
Meg: Drew has managed to overcome a toxic family and her own history of toxic behavior to become a functioning adult. Ian is dealing with his own fraught past while also trying to care for some recently rediscovered family members. They’re so good together, especially when they’re birdwatching.
Laine: Ian had absolutely no plan for repairing his own estate and reputation, let alone helping his recently-escaped-from-a-cult family. Good thing Cinderella's formerly wicked stepsister is everything Ian didn't know he needed. While everyone's scandalous past may seem like the biggest challenge, in fact it's the undeniable lust.
This objective review is based on a complimentary advanced reader copy of the novel.
May 19, 2023
First of all, I want to thank my friend Michelle for giving me an uncorrected proof of this wonderful and amazing book! I loved everything about this book and I connected to this book so much on so many levels. I felt connected to all of the characters in the book in their similar and unique ways. There are three characters who I felt the most connected to. Like the main character, Drewsmina, when I was younger I was conceited and vain but as I grew older I was able to find empathy and compassion for those around me. Like Ian, the love interest, I really don't enjoy surprises but I am slowly getting used to them and I also enjoy going on walks when I am feeling stressed out. Like Imogene, one of Ian's twin nieces who Drewsmina is helping in order to prepare them for their London Season, I love horses and walking for tons of miles and cats and being an independent woman. There's also an adorable plus size cat who I absolutely loved too. I enjoyed the romance in the book and how the characters grew to love one another. I enjoyed the time period because the Regency era is one of my favorite eras. I also enjoyed learning more about the Luddite riots and how Ian was involved in trying to bring peace to both sides. I enjoyed the Author's Note at the end of the book. However, one thing that I did not enjoy were how many grammatical and spelling errors that there were in the book. But that is to be expected in an uncorrected proof.
March 20, 2022
A Duchess by Midnight is book 3 in Charis Michaels’ Awakened by a Kiss series. The first book has a spin on Snow White, the second a spin on Tinkerbell, and this 3rd is a spin on Cinderella. But instead of the usual characters getting their HEAs, this series gives those overlooked fairy tale characters their much-deserved HEAs. Sadly this 3rd book in the series was my least fav in the series and I had a really hard time with this read.
Drewsmina “Drew” is 28-years-old and this reformed mean girl is fine with being looked at as a spinster. She’s hoping to open her own business of coaching young debutantes through their coming-out season in London society, her speciality would be outsiders…outcasts, so called “ugly ducklings”, girls who hovered on the margins of society life. Exactly the type of girl Drew had once been. When she receives a summons from her stepsister Princess Cynde, Drew shows up to find out Cynde wants help for her husband’s old army friend, Ian, the Duke of Lachlan. Ian has twin 16-year-old nieces, Imogene and Ivy, that have recently come to live with him at his estate and Cynde has offered to sponsor the girls next spring and present them to her mother-in-law, the Queen. But the girls will definitely need Drew’s help in getting them prepped for a season. Not only have they been sequestered away in the country with their mother and some sort of church/community situation (Temple of Order in Eden—still not sure what was going on there), they have little knowledge of anything “proper” for society debutantes, and their uncle Ian was also the cause of scandal several years ago. His reputation was so damaged that he was forced to leave London. Drew steps in to help and moves in with the family, and things quickly get complicated when she and Ian themselves in a compromising position, in front of his family and staff, after he finds out she has never been kissed and decides to rectify that.
This book was very hard to get into, it took quirky to a whole other level where I just did not enjoy it. The characters, the convos, the situations just felt so out there and I honestly didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t find myself enjoying any of the characters and the romance was insta-love with very little development. Some good: the cover is absolutely gorgeous, Drew enjoys bird-watching, Drew has a fondness for bug/insect/crawling critter jewelry (beetle brooch, caterpillar bracelet, butterfly hairpins, jeweled dragonfly comb, spider cloak-pin). I do think that this book has some good info for someone new to historical romance as it really explains a lot about a Season, what behavior is deemed “proper” for ladies of the time, and what is all involved for a debutante’s first foray into being “out in society”.
Thank you to the publisher (Avon Books) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. A Duchess by Midnight has a release date of July 26, 2022.
Drewsmina “Drew” is 28-years-old and this reformed mean girl is fine with being looked at as a spinster. She’s hoping to open her own business of coaching young debutantes through their coming-out season in London society, her speciality would be outsiders…outcasts, so called “ugly ducklings”, girls who hovered on the margins of society life. Exactly the type of girl Drew had once been. When she receives a summons from her stepsister Princess Cynde, Drew shows up to find out Cynde wants help for her husband’s old army friend, Ian, the Duke of Lachlan. Ian has twin 16-year-old nieces, Imogene and Ivy, that have recently come to live with him at his estate and Cynde has offered to sponsor the girls next spring and present them to her mother-in-law, the Queen. But the girls will definitely need Drew’s help in getting them prepped for a season. Not only have they been sequestered away in the country with their mother and some sort of church/community situation (Temple of Order in Eden—still not sure what was going on there), they have little knowledge of anything “proper” for society debutantes, and their uncle Ian was also the cause of scandal several years ago. His reputation was so damaged that he was forced to leave London. Drew steps in to help and moves in with the family, and things quickly get complicated when she and Ian themselves in a compromising position, in front of his family and staff, after he finds out she has never been kissed and decides to rectify that.
This book was very hard to get into, it took quirky to a whole other level where I just did not enjoy it. The characters, the convos, the situations just felt so out there and I honestly didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t find myself enjoying any of the characters and the romance was insta-love with very little development. Some good: the cover is absolutely gorgeous, Drew enjoys bird-watching, Drew has a fondness for bug/insect/crawling critter jewelry (beetle brooch, caterpillar bracelet, butterfly hairpins, jeweled dragonfly comb, spider cloak-pin). I do think that this book has some good info for someone new to historical romance as it really explains a lot about a Season, what behavior is deemed “proper” for ladies of the time, and what is all involved for a debutante’s first foray into being “out in society”.
Thank you to the publisher (Avon Books) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. A Duchess by Midnight has a release date of July 26, 2022.
August 5, 2022
Thanks to Avon Books for my ARC copy of “A Duchess by Midnight” by USA Today Bestselling Author Charis Michaels. 📚 ❤️
Try not to be shocked but I’ve never read a “romance novel” before, but this was shockingly enjoyable. Just the first chapter alone invokes hysterical mayhem in this poor woman’s life—and who of us can’t relate to that?!!! Well intentioned plans with big hopes and dreams gone awry in a moment of saying too much, especially out of intense nervousness?!! We’ve all been there, and rooting for our underdog Drew is as natural as the writing style of Author Charis Michaels. I knew from the first chapter this book wasn’t anything like I’d expected because it was going to be a very fun filled, exciting enjoyable read. I love the smaller size book because it fit into even the smallest purse or beach bag, or tucked under your arm as you dash away to find a place to live in Drew and Ian’s delicious world. Get this book and go hide!! All of us deserve a great summer romance!! 😊
Try not to be shocked but I’ve never read a “romance novel” before, but this was shockingly enjoyable. Just the first chapter alone invokes hysterical mayhem in this poor woman’s life—and who of us can’t relate to that?!!! Well intentioned plans with big hopes and dreams gone awry in a moment of saying too much, especially out of intense nervousness?!! We’ve all been there, and rooting for our underdog Drew is as natural as the writing style of Author Charis Michaels. I knew from the first chapter this book wasn’t anything like I’d expected because it was going to be a very fun filled, exciting enjoyable read. I love the smaller size book because it fit into even the smallest purse or beach bag, or tucked under your arm as you dash away to find a place to live in Drew and Ian’s delicious world. Get this book and go hide!! All of us deserve a great summer romance!! 😊
July 18, 2022
Miss Drewsmina Trelayne is a once wicked stepsister who has transformed herself and dreams of opening a finishing school. Drew is determined to prove herself by shepherding the nieces of Ian Clayblack, Duke of Lachlan. Marred by scandal, the return of his estranged sister and nieces force Ian to return to society. But Ian's and Drew's attraction takes a compromising turn.
This is the third book in the Awakened by a Kiss series, which offer up creative fairytale reimaginings. This book stands alone, although the hero from book two makes an appearance.
This was a solid story, but I was expecting an automatic five stars and - for me - it wasn't as strong as books one and two. The plot involving Ian's backstory and his nieces were in the foreground and I felt like the romance took a backseat for a large portion of the book. There was some classic Charis Michaels fun, though, and I was happy to see a little more heat.
Tropes: Fairytale Reimagining, Working Heroine, Class Difference, Forced Proximity, Compromised
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #ADuchessbyMidnight #NetGalley
This is the third book in the Awakened by a Kiss series, which offer up creative fairytale reimaginings. This book stands alone, although the hero from book two makes an appearance.
This was a solid story, but I was expecting an automatic five stars and - for me - it wasn't as strong as books one and two. The plot involving Ian's backstory and his nieces were in the foreground and I felt like the romance took a backseat for a large portion of the book. There was some classic Charis Michaels fun, though, and I was happy to see a little more heat.
Tropes: Fairytale Reimagining, Working Heroine, Class Difference, Forced Proximity, Compromised
Steam: 3
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #ADuchessbyMidnight #NetGalley
June 21, 2022
“That’s one of the many wonderful things about love, isn’t it?… It’s instinctual. It is a waiting, late, inside all of us, like a seed. You needn’t be shown. It helps, perhaps, but love can erupt inside you, a wellspring, even if you’ve never heard of it before in your life.”
This series is a retelling of fairytales, from the perspective of a side character. This one is a retelling of Cinderella. In this book, ‘Cynde’ has married a prince, albeit the eighth son. Drew was one of Cynde’s wicked stepsisters, and has no reformed and wants to open a finishing school for the girls of the ton. Cynde and her husband have roped Ian Clayback, the Duke of Lachlan into being Drew’s first client. Ian has two nieces who have a somewhat flighty mother and a mysterious past following the death of their father. They are in great need of finishing, and the stakes are incredibly high for Drew.
This was a longer and somewhat more complex plot than I tend to expect from a modern historical romance, but I ended up really enjoying the extra meat to the story. The nieces were an integral part of the story and were really well fleshed out. There were sort of two distinct sections of the story, the first part where Drew was working in the home to work on finishing the girls, and then once her and Ian were discovered, their marriage of convenience and how they worked through that. I found this very enjoyable, but I think it does say something that the most poignant quotes about love were said by Ian’s sister, about her now-dead husband—both the quote at the top of this review and below.
This one is between 3 and 4 for me, but more towards 4!
“Do you know, what Tribble said to me the night we met? He said, ‘There you are. I’ve been searching for you my whole life, and now you’ve finally come. Thank God.’ It was the most gratifying thing, to be seen and wanted.”
______________________________
Initial Review: This one had much more plot and focus on side characters than many HRs, but I thought it added a really enjoyable layer. Four stars for now, I plan on going through for some notable quotes and thoughts today!
February 22, 2023
Drewsmina Trelayne used to be the wicked stepsister, as well as awkward and unsuccessful on the London marriage mart, mostly thanks to the parenting style of her embittered, overbearing mother. Now Drew has grown up and reinvented herself, finding confidence in the bright red hair and stick thin figure her mother always reviled. Since her own transformation was so rewarding, Drew now dreams of opening her own finishing school to help girls who are overlooked develop their own confidence and own their beauty. But since she doesn’t have the funds for such an endeavor at the moment, Drew must start small, and that means private, well-paying clients.
Ian Clayblack, the Duke of Lachlan, isolated himself on his Dorset estate after a tenant disagreement got out of control and resulted in a deadly riot for which he was blamed and ridiculed. But when his estranged sister and her twin daughters arrive on his doorstep, Ian feels he must take them to London for the chance at a proper season. A foray back into society to clear his own name and tame his utterly wild yet sheltered nieces is necessary, but Ian is in over his head and Drew is just the woman to help him.
Ian is well able to afford Drew’s services, but he’s less equipped to deal with his immediate attraction to her. As she begins to thaw his prickly nieces with her gentle guidance, Ian is overwhelmed by her easy manner and her beauty. When they are inevitably caught in a compromising position, they must marry if they hope to stave off damaging scandal.
This book was an utter delight, full of whimsy and a very sweet, sincere brand of romance that I loved. Drew was a bit of an ugly duckling, or at least that’s how she saw herself thanks to her awful mother, and had worked very hard to better herself and be a nicer, more empathetic person. Ian was in over his head and overwhelmed with trying to be a good and fair landlord to those relying on his dukedom while also trying to deal with two rather hostile nieces and a very detached sister. He was reluctant to be forced to hire Drew but, once he got over the surprise of it, quickly and readily acknowledged how much he needed her and set about assuring her of her worth, both as a stylist to young debutantes and as a person in general. Ian helped Drew shore up her belief in herself and she wound up doing the same for him by loving him. I loved the whirlwind, haphazard way these two were thrown together and how they simply made the best of it. Drew refused to keep her feelings to herself and in so doing, she helped Ian learn to recognize and express his own feelings. Having never been shown love, this was a struggle for Ian and that just melted my heart even if it did make him frustratingly clueless at times. The twins and their mother were something else, but they added dimension to this story and a deeper level to the romance aspect here as Drew and Ian established a true family with all the emotions that go along with it. I loved seeing these two come together and learn how to communicate and love each other. This title will be going onto my favorites shelf and I’m looking forward to more fairytale retellings.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Ian Clayblack, the Duke of Lachlan, isolated himself on his Dorset estate after a tenant disagreement got out of control and resulted in a deadly riot for which he was blamed and ridiculed. But when his estranged sister and her twin daughters arrive on his doorstep, Ian feels he must take them to London for the chance at a proper season. A foray back into society to clear his own name and tame his utterly wild yet sheltered nieces is necessary, but Ian is in over his head and Drew is just the woman to help him.
Ian is well able to afford Drew’s services, but he’s less equipped to deal with his immediate attraction to her. As she begins to thaw his prickly nieces with her gentle guidance, Ian is overwhelmed by her easy manner and her beauty. When they are inevitably caught in a compromising position, they must marry if they hope to stave off damaging scandal.
This book was an utter delight, full of whimsy and a very sweet, sincere brand of romance that I loved. Drew was a bit of an ugly duckling, or at least that’s how she saw herself thanks to her awful mother, and had worked very hard to better herself and be a nicer, more empathetic person. Ian was in over his head and overwhelmed with trying to be a good and fair landlord to those relying on his dukedom while also trying to deal with two rather hostile nieces and a very detached sister. He was reluctant to be forced to hire Drew but, once he got over the surprise of it, quickly and readily acknowledged how much he needed her and set about assuring her of her worth, both as a stylist to young debutantes and as a person in general. Ian helped Drew shore up her belief in herself and she wound up doing the same for him by loving him. I loved the whirlwind, haphazard way these two were thrown together and how they simply made the best of it. Drew refused to keep her feelings to herself and in so doing, she helped Ian learn to recognize and express his own feelings. Having never been shown love, this was a struggle for Ian and that just melted my heart even if it did make him frustratingly clueless at times. The twins and their mother were something else, but they added dimension to this story and a deeper level to the romance aspect here as Drew and Ian established a true family with all the emotions that go along with it. I loved seeing these two come together and learn how to communicate and love each other. This title will be going onto my favorites shelf and I’m looking forward to more fairytale retellings.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
September 19, 2022
this might be my favorite historical romance of the year!! I had so much fun reading it.. yes there were a couple of instances when I could be critical but you know what this is such a fun read with great characters that I just didn't care about the flaws...
love love love these two and this series is amazing overall...
love love love these two and this series is amazing overall...
May 30, 2022
This is such a fun historical romance series. Each book puts a unique spin on classic fairy tales, which I loved. This book has total Cinderella vibes, except the protagonist is not Cinderella. It’s her wicked step-sister.
I found Drew’s character really interesting. She is different from the typical historical romance heroine in that she was a mean and vindictive person when she was younger. However, her maltreatment of others, destructive behavior, and mean-spirited attempts to hurt others are in the past, and she is a changed woman. Now much older and wiser, Drew wants to use her experience and growth to help others by becoming a stylist for upcoming debutantes. This is how she meets Ian, who has two nieces in need of assistance.
Ian is an interesting character as well. A scandal in his past has pushed Ian to live a pretty isolated life. However, devoted to his family and determined to help his sister and nieces who have just come to live with him, Ian brings them to London to introduce them to society. At the behest of the prince, Ian begrudgingly agrees to Drew’s assistance, and he soon realizes that Drew is exactly what his family needs. I enjoyed Ian’s character arc and how hard he works to do right by his family and tenants. I also loved his swoon-worthy romance with Drew.
The romance between Drew and Ian is filled with chemistry, and when they are forced to marry after being caught in a compromising situation, the chemistry only intensifies. However, lack of communication, not knowing each other well, and other obstacles stand in the way of their happiness. I like how they begin to open up to and trust each other and show each other their vulnerable sides. And their sexy scenes are super swoon-worthy. One particular scene when they are bird-watching made me want to take up the hobby!
The secondary characters, especially Ian’s sister and nieces, are also really interesting, and I wish their stories and characters were a bit more developed. They all went through so much, and I wanted to know more about their backstories and journeys to understand them better. I would love for one of them to be the focus of a future novel, as each of their stories is compelling.
This is an entertaining addition to the series, and I enjoyed the fairy tale elements, the romance, and the inclusion of some unique sub-plots. I would recommend the book to readers of historical romance, and though it is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Avon Books, and the author for providing me with an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
I found Drew’s character really interesting. She is different from the typical historical romance heroine in that she was a mean and vindictive person when she was younger. However, her maltreatment of others, destructive behavior, and mean-spirited attempts to hurt others are in the past, and she is a changed woman. Now much older and wiser, Drew wants to use her experience and growth to help others by becoming a stylist for upcoming debutantes. This is how she meets Ian, who has two nieces in need of assistance.
Ian is an interesting character as well. A scandal in his past has pushed Ian to live a pretty isolated life. However, devoted to his family and determined to help his sister and nieces who have just come to live with him, Ian brings them to London to introduce them to society. At the behest of the prince, Ian begrudgingly agrees to Drew’s assistance, and he soon realizes that Drew is exactly what his family needs. I enjoyed Ian’s character arc and how hard he works to do right by his family and tenants. I also loved his swoon-worthy romance with Drew.
The romance between Drew and Ian is filled with chemistry, and when they are forced to marry after being caught in a compromising situation, the chemistry only intensifies. However, lack of communication, not knowing each other well, and other obstacles stand in the way of their happiness. I like how they begin to open up to and trust each other and show each other their vulnerable sides. And their sexy scenes are super swoon-worthy. One particular scene when they are bird-watching made me want to take up the hobby!
The secondary characters, especially Ian’s sister and nieces, are also really interesting, and I wish their stories and characters were a bit more developed. They all went through so much, and I wanted to know more about their backstories and journeys to understand them better. I would love for one of them to be the focus of a future novel, as each of their stories is compelling.
This is an entertaining addition to the series, and I enjoyed the fairy tale elements, the romance, and the inclusion of some unique sub-plots. I would recommend the book to readers of historical romance, and though it is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Avon Books, and the author for providing me with an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
May 5, 2022
~*~*~Review to Come~*~*~
November 1, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved the first two books in this series, and thought they were super adorable. I was expecting the same in this one but was a little let down. It just didn't feel the same. The characters lacked the chemistry that I was expecting, and their interactions with each other felt stiff and unnatural. I hated how at the end Lachlan didn't know that he loved Drew and within a few pages- he loved her so much. It's the tried-and-true black moment love declaration I dislike. Give me insta-love over that.
I mean, there is nothing wrong with this one. Just didn't have the humor and the charm as the other ones. I do love a Cinderella re-telling and thought the concept of this one was so different. It could have been really great, but maybe I was expecting too much.
I loved the first two books in this series, and thought they were super adorable. I was expecting the same in this one but was a little let down. It just didn't feel the same. The characters lacked the chemistry that I was expecting, and their interactions with each other felt stiff and unnatural. I hated how at the end Lachlan didn't know that he loved Drew and within a few pages- he loved her so much. It's the tried-and-true black moment love declaration I dislike. Give me insta-love over that.
I mean, there is nothing wrong with this one. Just didn't have the humor and the charm as the other ones. I do love a Cinderella re-telling and thought the concept of this one was so different. It could have been really great, but maybe I was expecting too much.
November 23, 2022
From the first chapter, I felt it was draggy already. As the chapters went on, it sadly failed to capture my attention because the conversations between Lachlan and Drew were boring. The chemistry wasn’t there and I just couldn’t stay when I was not interested in their non existent chemistry and boring conversations. It was the writing of long sentences about them talking about nothing important, that was not my cup of tea.
Stopped at chapter 12.
Stopped at chapter 12.
June 17, 2022
A unexpected love with each other and the Duke is a great player in this story.
Miss Drewsmina “Drew” Trelayne is a former awkward child and one-time wicked stepsister. Raised by a bitter, overbearing mother, Drew is all grown up and has made peace with her orange hair and bean-pole height. Her transformation has inspired her dream of opening a finishing school that emphasizes inner beauty, capability, and confidence. But launching a school costs money so Drew must begin with private clients who pay well and don’t ask many questions.
A Reclusive Duke...
Ian Clayblack, the Duke of Lachlan, lives alone on his Dorset estate, forced by scandal into a smuggler’s life. When his estranged sister arrives with her two daughters, he feels obligated to give the girls a proper Season. Venturing back to society could clear his name and provide his vagabond nieces with a better life. Who better to help than the striking Miss Trelayne?
A Midnight Kiss...
Affording Drew’s services isn’t a problem for Lachlan, but his growing desire for her is. As his nieces warm to her gentle charm, he is overwhelmed by her unique beauty and open manner. When they’re caught in a scandalous embrace, nothing short of marriage will save all of them from further scandal.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Miss Drewsmina “Drew” Trelayne is a former awkward child and one-time wicked stepsister. Raised by a bitter, overbearing mother, Drew is all grown up and has made peace with her orange hair and bean-pole height. Her transformation has inspired her dream of opening a finishing school that emphasizes inner beauty, capability, and confidence. But launching a school costs money so Drew must begin with private clients who pay well and don’t ask many questions.
A Reclusive Duke...
Ian Clayblack, the Duke of Lachlan, lives alone on his Dorset estate, forced by scandal into a smuggler’s life. When his estranged sister arrives with her two daughters, he feels obligated to give the girls a proper Season. Venturing back to society could clear his name and provide his vagabond nieces with a better life. Who better to help than the striking Miss Trelayne?
A Midnight Kiss...
Affording Drew’s services isn’t a problem for Lachlan, but his growing desire for her is. As his nieces warm to her gentle charm, he is overwhelmed by her unique beauty and open manner. When they’re caught in a scandalous embrace, nothing short of marriage will save all of them from further scandal.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 12, 2022
3 stars. My least favorite of the series. This is a Cinderella retelling with the heroine being one of the horrible step sisters after she reformed. I feel this book was not as engaging as the previous two books. There were parts of the storyline that I felt had too much focus and made me lose interest. Also, the hero just really wasn’t all that great, especially compared to the overly devoted heroes from the previous two books. This hero literally acts like he has a mistress he’s spending each night with, and the heroine doesn’t even seem to consider the possibility. This book also had several sex scenes, in comparison to the previous two books that each had one. I felt like they overtook the story, and weren’t really hot enough to be enjoyable to read.
Also, there were a lot of unanswered questions about the hero’s nieces and what happened to them in the past. I hated that this book ended without answers. If either of them becomes the heroine of a future book, then that’s fine… otherwise, it’s frustrating.
Safe; virgin heroine, non-manwhore hero, no om/ow drama or scenes, no cheating.
Also, there were a lot of unanswered questions about the hero’s nieces and what happened to them in the past. I hated that this book ended without answers. If either of them becomes the heroine of a future book, then that’s fine… otherwise, it’s frustrating.
Safe; virgin heroine, non-manwhore hero, no om/ow drama or scenes, no cheating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2023
dnf at 37% 🙃
I'm falling asleep trying to read this - everything about this book feels stuck in the pitch line development phase. Every time characters are having a conversation I feel like I'm back at school, listening to my chemistry teacher while failing at not dozing off 😅
Lachlan and Drew have zero tension or chemistry whatsoever 😑
I'm falling asleep trying to read this - everything about this book feels stuck in the pitch line development phase. Every time characters are having a conversation I feel like I'm back at school, listening to my chemistry teacher while failing at not dozing off 😅
Lachlan and Drew have zero tension or chemistry whatsoever 😑
November 3, 2022
This was so good!
4.5 stars 🌟
4.5 stars 🌟
July 11, 2022
The premise of this is so much better than the actual execution. As others have said, Imogene is the best thing about it and I’d love to read her story one day. Drew should’ve been a lot more interesting as a former bad girl but she’s just so bland now, as is the Duke. While this hasn’t been my favorite series, I still enjoy Charis Michaels’ writing and will continue to read her titles.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher and also won a print ARC from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher and also won a print ARC from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2022
After years of being the “evil stepsister”, Drewsmina Trelayne has turned over a new leaf and has even begun to tutor young ladies who are getting ready to debut. At 28, she believes that love is not in the cards for her and she hopes to turn this into a business and finally move out of her sister’s house. Thanks to her stepsister Princess Cynde, she might actually have a paying client. She is to meet with Cynde and her husband at the palace to be introduced to the duke, who is a bit notorious and apparently has twins that will require her services. She reports to the palace and is in the anteroom with the other people hoping to meet with the Prince and Princess when all hell breaks loose and a gift of birds for the Princess are accidentally released in the room! She tries to calm the crowd and find a way to capture the birds, when a man she noticed earlier in the corner, tries opening the door to release them, she stops him, explaining the birds would die in the palace, so he breaks a window and the birds fly out. She thanks him and starts chatting, nervous about her meeting she shares more than she should, telling the man of the duke and his twins, only to find out that he is in fact the duke!
Ian Clayback, the Duke of Lachlan is notorious, his name is linked with the Luddite riot and it is said that he conspired with his tenants and then turned on them by alerting the military of their intent to riot. And for the most part, this is true, but his intentions have been misinterpreted and the damage is done, his tenants don’t trust him and his peers think he is trouble. He has worked hard to rebuild the trust and has come to London to try and gather support to get rid of the levies on small craftsmen's products as they are not able to compete with the mills. He has also decided to launch his twin nieces into society but admits they might need some help, even still, he is not thrilled when the Prince blackmails him into hiring Drew.
Drew meets the twins, Imogene and Ivy, and their mother Lady Tribble, and is shocked to learn that have had no preparation for a season at all, and then she learns that they have been with their mother in a cult/commune for the last five years – something that even Ian didn’t know. Impressed that the girls have opened up to Drew, he begs her to stay. Things are going well and the more Ian sees Drew, the more he likes her and is attracted to her, but his nieces need her and he has to concentrate on helping his tenants, so he will resist her! Until after dinner one night when he meets with her to talk about his niece Imogene and one thing leads to another and they are caught in a passionate embrace and are forced to marry! Can this forced marriage become a love match or are they doomed to a life of unhappiness?
I really enjoyed this story, it was well written and paced nicely, and had a lightness that made it entertaining and very easy to read. Drew and Ian share an almost instant chemistry, but that doesn’t mean they fall in love instantly, the romance develops at a slower pace, making it much more believable. This book has secrets, cults, familiar faces from previous books, including a very odd merchant, great secondary characters, steamyish love scenes, laugh-out-loud moments, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but the books are very loosely connected and can easily be read as standalone titles. I highly recommend this title, I think it might be my favorite in the series and a book I would happily read again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Ian Clayback, the Duke of Lachlan is notorious, his name is linked with the Luddite riot and it is said that he conspired with his tenants and then turned on them by alerting the military of their intent to riot. And for the most part, this is true, but his intentions have been misinterpreted and the damage is done, his tenants don’t trust him and his peers think he is trouble. He has worked hard to rebuild the trust and has come to London to try and gather support to get rid of the levies on small craftsmen's products as they are not able to compete with the mills. He has also decided to launch his twin nieces into society but admits they might need some help, even still, he is not thrilled when the Prince blackmails him into hiring Drew.
Drew meets the twins, Imogene and Ivy, and their mother Lady Tribble, and is shocked to learn that have had no preparation for a season at all, and then she learns that they have been with their mother in a cult/commune for the last five years – something that even Ian didn’t know. Impressed that the girls have opened up to Drew, he begs her to stay. Things are going well and the more Ian sees Drew, the more he likes her and is attracted to her, but his nieces need her and he has to concentrate on helping his tenants, so he will resist her! Until after dinner one night when he meets with her to talk about his niece Imogene and one thing leads to another and they are caught in a passionate embrace and are forced to marry! Can this forced marriage become a love match or are they doomed to a life of unhappiness?
I really enjoyed this story, it was well written and paced nicely, and had a lightness that made it entertaining and very easy to read. Drew and Ian share an almost instant chemistry, but that doesn’t mean they fall in love instantly, the romance develops at a slower pace, making it much more believable. This book has secrets, cults, familiar faces from previous books, including a very odd merchant, great secondary characters, steamyish love scenes, laugh-out-loud moments, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but the books are very loosely connected and can easily be read as standalone titles. I highly recommend this title, I think it might be my favorite in the series and a book I would happily read again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
April 14, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this earc
Somehow this book went from having so much potential to absolutely failing
Let’s start with a fact that all the characters, and I mean all of them felt off and not completely developed.
Drew? Evil step sister durned good! Sounds amazing right? But Drew ended up being completely naive, told the Duke she loved him after knowing him for a week and having sex once. If this was a modern book, the Duke would most definitely ghost her because who does that? She is teaching the twin about the society and the rules, know very well that most marriages of that time were not about love but at the same time she freaks out every time Ian would leave after sex ?????
Ian? I honestly don’t even know how to describe his personality but the fact that he told his 16 year old niece about all his issues? I’m sorry but during that time period, man didn’t have to tell women anything, forget about explaining themselves.
Imogene has soooo much potential and honestly, if I had to pick one, she’s definitely better of all characters but she just wasn’t written well enough to save this book.
Now let’s talk about the so called “marriage” between Drew and Ian. After being found in compromising positions, they marry. Such a good start. But somehow instead of figuring out their new situation, all we got was “here’s two people who never talk and just hook up”. Not at any point of this story did I feel affection between them. Not once. Hot sex? Yes. Emotions? Nope
And can we mention random, super creepy store owner in the end of the book? Like what the actual heck was the about??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
I think this might be the last in the Awakened by a Kiss series and that makes me sad because I would read any fairytale retelling that Charis Michaels writes. Who am I kidding, I would read any book she writes because she is fabulous and her books bring me so much joy.
A Duchess By Midnight was so good! I was so confident that it would be amazing that I had my mom pre-order a signed copy for me for my birthday back in February! Now I can’t wait for my physical copy to come in.
Anyway, this “Cinderella retelling” focused on a reformed evil step-sister. The story follows Drewsmina Trelayne as she attempts to become a “stylist” for young debutants as they prepare for their first season in London. Her step-sister Cynde is now a princess and helps her acquire her first clients. These young ladies and their mother have been through a lot in the last few years but they are now being cared for by their uncle the Duke of Lachlan.
Drew helps not only the girls find their way into society but she catches the eye of the Duke. Drew is so sweet and charming and without meaning to she is able to heal old wounds and reunite a family.
This was so cute and fun with a few splashes of spice that will live rent free in my brain for some time.
Favorite quotes:
“Love is having someone at your side when you are taken by surprise.” - Lady Tribble
“There you are. I’ve been searching for you my whole life, and now you’ve finally come. Thank God.” Lord Tribble
“It was the most gratifying thing, to be seen and to be wanted.” - Lady Tribble
A Duchess By Midnight was so good! I was so confident that it would be amazing that I had my mom pre-order a signed copy for me for my birthday back in February! Now I can’t wait for my physical copy to come in.
Anyway, this “Cinderella retelling” focused on a reformed evil step-sister. The story follows Drewsmina Trelayne as she attempts to become a “stylist” for young debutants as they prepare for their first season in London. Her step-sister Cynde is now a princess and helps her acquire her first clients. These young ladies and their mother have been through a lot in the last few years but they are now being cared for by their uncle the Duke of Lachlan.
Drew helps not only the girls find their way into society but she catches the eye of the Duke. Drew is so sweet and charming and without meaning to she is able to heal old wounds and reunite a family.
This was so cute and fun with a few splashes of spice that will live rent free in my brain for some time.
Favorite quotes:
“Love is having someone at your side when you are taken by surprise.” - Lady Tribble
“There you are. I’ve been searching for you my whole life, and now you’ve finally come. Thank God.” Lord Tribble
“It was the most gratifying thing, to be seen and to be wanted.” - Lady Tribble
December 5, 2022
3.5 stars
I loved the previous two books and was very excited at the premise of this one.
I really liked Drew and Ian. They're both good people in strange situations and I liked how they instantly got along. The chemistry was quick to show up and I was definitely here for it. Ian's sister and his nieces were some of the best parts and I could have easily read 100 pages more with them. (And I'm secretly hoping Imogene will get her own book, even though I know that's not likely.)
Plot wise, it was okay. I struggled with the lack of communication and Ian constantly running off to do things without telling Drew everything. (In hindsight, I realize that it helps to highlight how they're basically strangers, but still.) I wanted more of something between them than just the physical (although, hello bird watching scene.)
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I'll happily read any others in the series.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy free of charge**
I loved the previous two books and was very excited at the premise of this one.
I really liked Drew and Ian. They're both good people in strange situations and I liked how they instantly got along. The chemistry was quick to show up and I was definitely here for it. Ian's sister and his nieces were some of the best parts and I could have easily read 100 pages more with them. (And I'm secretly hoping Imogene will get her own book, even though I know that's not likely.)
Plot wise, it was okay. I struggled with the lack of communication and Ian constantly running off to do things without telling Drew everything. (In hindsight, I realize that it helps to highlight how they're basically strangers, but still.) I wanted more of something between them than just the physical (although, hello bird watching scene.)
Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I'll happily read any others in the series.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy free of charge**
July 27, 2022
Drewsmina Trelayne wants to start a business coaching young debutantes through their coming-out Season in London society. Her first client is Ian Clayback, the Duke of Lachlan. His twin nieces definitely need lessons. Ian has his own problems with his tenants. Working with the twins is progressing nicely when Ian and Drewsmina are caught in a torrid embrace kissing. Following the right thing to do, Ian marries Drewsmina. His problem with his tenants arrives in London. Drewsmina wants to help with his problem, but gets lost instead. A Duke who hates surprises, finds himself experiencing the biggest surprise of all.
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Heat level 3
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 13, 2022
Two unique main characters. Drew is starting an unusual business as a “stylist”. She helps her clients, debutantes, to show off their best selves. Ian has two nieces who need to learn how to go out in Society. But this turns out to be much more than picking out the right dress fabric, manners at dinner, etc. Drew, Ian, the girls and their mother have all had traumatic experiences and with Drew’s patience, understanding, barriers come down.
March 30, 2022
I found this to be rather boring. Both Drew and Ian were blah, nothing at all special about them. No Chemistry between them, making their love story very lackluster. The only redeeming part was Imogene. I would have rather had the whole story about her.
July 25, 2022
The Awakened By a Kiss series by Charis Michaels takes elements of fairytales or other familiar stories and weave them into historical romances that blend humor and emotion, the ordinary and the decidedly quirky. A Duchess by Midnight is the third in the series, the second I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The characters are by far the best part of A Duchess by Midnight: highly individual, each with aspects that set them apart from the run-of-the-mill romance character. Several of the secondary or tertiary characters (Ian’s sister and his friend the prince in particular) are quirky to the point of oddness (and well past “eccentricity”), but most are believable, their differences born of their past experiences. The book draws on elements of “Cinderella,” including a midnight flight, a lost slipper, and a sort-of-godfather, but Cinderella—or rather, Cynde—remains a relatively minor character.
Drewsmina Trelayne may have started out as an evil stepsister, but she has deliberately rebuilt her personality to become a calmer, kinder, more understanding woman, one who seeks to help other young ladies who find themselves struggling to shine in tonnish society. I really loved Drew, who has worked hard to remake herself; she displays hard-won poise, patience, wisdom, and confidence. But although she is no longer the demanding, shrewish girl she once was, the emotional abuse she herself suffered combined with her awareness of her past horribleness mean that beneath her surface confidence is a deep conviction that she doesn’t deserve either love or happiness.
Ian, Duke of Lachlan, is an idiot. Oh, not intellectually; he’s actually quite intelligent. But he hates surprises, so much so that he invariably reacts rather rudely, and while he cares deeply about his family and his tenants, he’s clueless about people and relationships generally. (No, I don’t think he’s on the spectrum; it’s a product of how he was raised.) He hasn’t the least idea of how to relate to his 16-year-old nieces, nor to his sister. And to be fair, they are not making it easy for him!
Drew joins the household as, essentially, a finishing governess; her role is to teach the girls everything they need to know to thrive, not just survive, in their first Season. (Side note: isn’t 16 a bit young for a debut? Most romance heroines seem to debut at 17 or 18.) But it quickly becomes clear that there is something very wrong in their past, something neither they nor their mother will speak of, and each of them is reacting to it in their own way.
Ian is, of course, completely bowled over by Drew, attracted both emotionally and physically. But he’s utterly blind to the former (clueless, remember?), and tries to ignore the latter. The one thing he is clear on is that his family desperately needs her—her understanding as well as her ability to cope with the girls. Drew is, of course, attracted to him as well, which leads to the expected compromising situation, and the societally mandated outcome.
Their relationship, along with Drew’s relationship with the girls, are the primary focus of the plot, though there’s a side plot involving the conflict between industrialization and craftsmanship. All of them are carrying deep emotional wounds that need healing, and if that comes about a little too easily in most cases, I’ll let it pass, because Charis Michaels clearly understands the difference between “healed but scarred” and “now everything is magically completely fine.”
I realize that I haven’t said much about the nieces. Of the two, I related most to introverted Ivy, and initially I found Imogene’s defiant, challenging attitude annoying—as she means it to be. But as I learned more about them, I began to see Imogene’s strengths. She is, in some ways, not unlike Drew (who is stronger than she herself knows.) And I loved how Drew respects the girls and their likes and dislikes. She’s not out to change their fundamental natures, but to help them shine. (If that seems odd, given her own personality change, well… perhaps her current aspect is who she really was all the time, under the hurt.) At any rate, I hope Imogene gets her own book someday. She’s formidable, and I cannot wait to see what happens when she takes on the ton.
There aren’t many authors who manage to balance humor and pathos this well, taking the reader from laughter to deep sympathy within the same scene. Tessa Dare does it well, as do Julia Quinn and Sarah McLean, which puts Charis Michaels in very good company indeed. The overall tone of A Duchess by Midnight comes closest to Tessa Dare’s books; if you’re a fan of Dare’s books, I highly recommend you give Michaels’s novels a try.
CHALLENGES: COYER Seasons 2022 - Spring
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
The characters are by far the best part of A Duchess by Midnight: highly individual, each with aspects that set them apart from the run-of-the-mill romance character. Several of the secondary or tertiary characters (Ian’s sister and his friend the prince in particular) are quirky to the point of oddness (and well past “eccentricity”), but most are believable, their differences born of their past experiences. The book draws on elements of “Cinderella,” including a midnight flight, a lost slipper, and a sort-of-godfather, but Cinderella—or rather, Cynde—remains a relatively minor character.
Drewsmina Trelayne may have started out as an evil stepsister, but she has deliberately rebuilt her personality to become a calmer, kinder, more understanding woman, one who seeks to help other young ladies who find themselves struggling to shine in tonnish society. I really loved Drew, who has worked hard to remake herself; she displays hard-won poise, patience, wisdom, and confidence. But although she is no longer the demanding, shrewish girl she once was, the emotional abuse she herself suffered combined with her awareness of her past horribleness mean that beneath her surface confidence is a deep conviction that she doesn’t deserve either love or happiness.
Ian, Duke of Lachlan, is an idiot. Oh, not intellectually; he’s actually quite intelligent. But he hates surprises, so much so that he invariably reacts rather rudely, and while he cares deeply about his family and his tenants, he’s clueless about people and relationships generally. (No, I don’t think he’s on the spectrum; it’s a product of how he was raised.) He hasn’t the least idea of how to relate to his 16-year-old nieces, nor to his sister. And to be fair, they are not making it easy for him!
Drew joins the household as, essentially, a finishing governess; her role is to teach the girls everything they need to know to thrive, not just survive, in their first Season. (Side note: isn’t 16 a bit young for a debut? Most romance heroines seem to debut at 17 or 18.) But it quickly becomes clear that there is something very wrong in their past, something neither they nor their mother will speak of, and each of them is reacting to it in their own way.
Ian is, of course, completely bowled over by Drew, attracted both emotionally and physically. But he’s utterly blind to the former (clueless, remember?), and tries to ignore the latter. The one thing he is clear on is that his family desperately needs her—her understanding as well as her ability to cope with the girls. Drew is, of course, attracted to him as well, which leads to the expected compromising situation, and the societally mandated outcome.
Their relationship, along with Drew’s relationship with the girls, are the primary focus of the plot, though there’s a side plot involving the conflict between industrialization and craftsmanship. All of them are carrying deep emotional wounds that need healing, and if that comes about a little too easily in most cases, I’ll let it pass, because Charis Michaels clearly understands the difference between “healed but scarred” and “now everything is magically completely fine.”
I realize that I haven’t said much about the nieces. Of the two, I related most to introverted Ivy, and initially I found Imogene’s defiant, challenging attitude annoying—as she means it to be. But as I learned more about them, I began to see Imogene’s strengths. She is, in some ways, not unlike Drew (who is stronger than she herself knows.) And I loved how Drew respects the girls and their likes and dislikes. She’s not out to change their fundamental natures, but to help them shine. (If that seems odd, given her own personality change, well… perhaps her current aspect is who she really was all the time, under the hurt.) At any rate, I hope Imogene gets her own book someday. She’s formidable, and I cannot wait to see what happens when she takes on the ton.
There aren’t many authors who manage to balance humor and pathos this well, taking the reader from laughter to deep sympathy within the same scene. Tessa Dare does it well, as do Julia Quinn and Sarah McLean, which puts Charis Michaels in very good company indeed. The overall tone of A Duchess by Midnight comes closest to Tessa Dare’s books; if you’re a fan of Dare’s books, I highly recommend you give Michaels’s novels a try.
CHALLENGES: COYER Seasons 2022 - Spring
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
FTC disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.
February 2, 2023
I thought this was going to be a typical governess/adoptive mother type story right up until Drewsmina learns that the twins she will be preparing for a London season were raised in a cult and only just escaped. So it's quite a different story, after all. In A Duchess by Midnight, we have the magical regency romance that a reformed stepsister deserves. Drew was raised by a manipulative, demanding mother and pitted against her sister in everything. She grew up into a selfish, sometimes cruel creature, turning her barbs on an undeserving stepsister. When heartbreak turned her life upside down, Drew decided to make some changes, modeled after the caring stepsister she once scorned. Now we find her years later as she attempts to launch a business that will hopefully lead to her own finishing school. Drew prides herself on seeking out girls as difficult or unexpected as she once was, giving them a fighting chance in the cutthroat London Season and offering practical advice that few girls get, no rose-colored glasses included. She may have met her greatest challenge yet with the Starry sisters, but Drew is unphased, not even by their handsome, overwhelmed uncle, Ian, Duke of Lachlan. His sister isn't up to the task of launching her daughters, and Ian is in over his head in more ways than one. Into the chaotic midst of this fractured family, Drew sails in with confidence and a take-no-prisoners kindness. They'll come out the other side of this experience a new, stronger family, escaping past darkness by growing together towards the light.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was Drew's work with the twins. I found her a kindred spirit in her work with traumatized teenagers, bearing her own past hurts and errors without flinching or fear and with ample humility. She avoids scolding and punishing her young charges, instead opting for humor, deflection, or unexpected straight talk to outmaneuver meltdowns. And perhaps the most important part is that this isn't a one-way street. Drew learns much in her exchanges with Imogene and Ivy, both from their many experiences and as a mirror for her own. Teenagers can be wise creatures, offering a fresh perspective to weary old problems.
In terms of romance, it's a whirlwind of feelings, but I think the high emotions surrounding Drew and Ian's time together as they plot how to best manage two feral girls makes it feel natural. Ian's obliviousness could be a trial, but because he's open about what feelings he has the self-awareness to recognize and avoids brooding as a crutch, I wasn't bothered. Meanwhile, Drew's journey towards accepting herself is heartfelt, and the mental effort she expends trying to puzzle Ian out is relatable (also: it's hard to figure someone out who doesn't know any better what's going on, so. fair enough.). One of Ian's strong points beyond his cheery brand of expecting the worst of every situation was a scene in which he imagines telling Drew's terrorist of a mother, "You're terrible, and no one likes you." He gets a gold star for that alone.
It is a bittersweet feeling closing the book on this trilogy, like running out of pixie dust. As a minor protest, I demand a future spinoff for Imogene. That girl is a warrior queen in the making, and I would love to see her set the world on fire. Regardless, I look forward to picking up more of Michaels' books. I trust her imagination and humor implicitly. Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!
One of my favorite aspects of the story was Drew's work with the twins. I found her a kindred spirit in her work with traumatized teenagers, bearing her own past hurts and errors without flinching or fear and with ample humility. She avoids scolding and punishing her young charges, instead opting for humor, deflection, or unexpected straight talk to outmaneuver meltdowns. And perhaps the most important part is that this isn't a one-way street. Drew learns much in her exchanges with Imogene and Ivy, both from their many experiences and as a mirror for her own. Teenagers can be wise creatures, offering a fresh perspective to weary old problems.
In terms of romance, it's a whirlwind of feelings, but I think the high emotions surrounding Drew and Ian's time together as they plot how to best manage two feral girls makes it feel natural. Ian's obliviousness could be a trial, but because he's open about what feelings he has the self-awareness to recognize and avoids brooding as a crutch, I wasn't bothered. Meanwhile, Drew's journey towards accepting herself is heartfelt, and the mental effort she expends trying to puzzle Ian out is relatable (also: it's hard to figure someone out who doesn't know any better what's going on, so. fair enough.). One of Ian's strong points beyond his cheery brand of expecting the worst of every situation was a scene in which he imagines telling Drew's terrorist of a mother, "You're terrible, and no one likes you." He gets a gold star for that alone.
It is a bittersweet feeling closing the book on this trilogy, like running out of pixie dust. As a minor protest, I demand a future spinoff for Imogene. That girl is a warrior queen in the making, and I would love to see her set the world on fire. Regardless, I look forward to picking up more of Michaels' books. I trust her imagination and humor implicitly. Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!
July 29, 2022
I absolutely adore a fairy tale retelling and seeing the unique ways an author can retell a story as old as time. Charis Michaels' Awakened by a Kiss series, is such a fun and original take on fairy tales. I love that Michaels has decided to explore fairy tales that tend to have less retellings, as well as she takes an interesting and distinctive take on them so they don't always play out in the most expected way. A Duchess by Midnight, is a sort of mash up of the ugly duckling and cinderella's stepsister. Michaels' writing is interesting, well paced and her characters are intriguing and real. If you love a fairy tale, then definitely give this series a chance! These stunning covers also hold a fun and interesting story between their pages!
Drew is a former awkward child and wicked stepsister, who has learned to change her ways for the better. Drew, in her spinsterhood, has found her passion in life and that is to help young woman with their societal debuts, and her dream is to open a finishing school. So when her stepsister, the princess, finds the perfect employment opportunity to work with 2 young women who are to make their debut soon, Drew jumps at the opportunity. Drew will now be working as an employee of a reclusive Duke (Ian) who has been living alone for years surrounded by scandal, but when his eccentric sister and her twins arrive he knows he must give them the perfect proper season.
Drew is so passionate about her work and she is such a fun heroine to watch as she shows her charges and Ian that she is an open person and a hard worker with only their best interests at heart. I love that the girls slowly open themselves up to Drew and learn to trust her and I love watching Ian have a hard time not wanting to always be around her. Drew and Ian definitely have a spicy and steamy chemistry that quickly leads them into a scandalous situation which finds them hastily married. I love that this book is split into like two halves, the first half is Drew and Ian fighting attraction and the second half is them learning what married life could be as well as fully learning to trust and understand each other. This novel definitely has a beautiful and sensual layer, as Drew and Ian learn to explore the physical side of their relationship. I love that Drew even in marriage still is focused on her dreams of a finishing school and helping people enter into society. I love that when the feeling of love is brought up it never fully scares Drew or Ian away from the other, but that they are both understanding of the other and are able to give space to process their feelings. I love that this novel does not rely on a typical third act break up and that outside plot point are what create any interesting tension around them, but that they are always strong in their feelings and relationship after they are married.
This series is definitely one that is not to be missed. Charis Michaels is a wonderful author and definitely a must read one!
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Drew is a former awkward child and wicked stepsister, who has learned to change her ways for the better. Drew, in her spinsterhood, has found her passion in life and that is to help young woman with their societal debuts, and her dream is to open a finishing school. So when her stepsister, the princess, finds the perfect employment opportunity to work with 2 young women who are to make their debut soon, Drew jumps at the opportunity. Drew will now be working as an employee of a reclusive Duke (Ian) who has been living alone for years surrounded by scandal, but when his eccentric sister and her twins arrive he knows he must give them the perfect proper season.
Drew is so passionate about her work and she is such a fun heroine to watch as she shows her charges and Ian that she is an open person and a hard worker with only their best interests at heart. I love that the girls slowly open themselves up to Drew and learn to trust her and I love watching Ian have a hard time not wanting to always be around her. Drew and Ian definitely have a spicy and steamy chemistry that quickly leads them into a scandalous situation which finds them hastily married. I love that this book is split into like two halves, the first half is Drew and Ian fighting attraction and the second half is them learning what married life could be as well as fully learning to trust and understand each other. This novel definitely has a beautiful and sensual layer, as Drew and Ian learn to explore the physical side of their relationship. I love that Drew even in marriage still is focused on her dreams of a finishing school and helping people enter into society. I love that when the feeling of love is brought up it never fully scares Drew or Ian away from the other, but that they are both understanding of the other and are able to give space to process their feelings. I love that this novel does not rely on a typical third act break up and that outside plot point are what create any interesting tension around them, but that they are always strong in their feelings and relationship after they are married.
This series is definitely one that is not to be missed. Charis Michaels is a wonderful author and definitely a must read one!
Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 2, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4 Stars
Publication: July 26, 2022
Number of Pages: 400
I’ve read the second book in this Awakened by a Kiss series and “A Duchess by Midnight” had all the makings of a retelling of Cinderella that focused on an evil stepsister. I can say that I loved this book three in the series and the attraction that both the H/h had in the story. As with historical romances, there was enough heated and steamy scenes that satisfied my liking that I finished from beginning to end. Although there were some flaws…underdeveloped characters in parts, it did not detract from the plot and premise of the story. My anticipation was just to look at this as a fun and delightful read and it did what I expected. Definitely hard to put down and Charis Michaels kicked it up a notch for me on this book in the series.
Rating: 4 Stars
Publication: July 26, 2022
Number of Pages: 400
I’ve read the second book in this Awakened by a Kiss series and “A Duchess by Midnight” had all the makings of a retelling of Cinderella that focused on an evil stepsister. I can say that I loved this book three in the series and the attraction that both the H/h had in the story. As with historical romances, there was enough heated and steamy scenes that satisfied my liking that I finished from beginning to end. Although there were some flaws…underdeveloped characters in parts, it did not detract from the plot and premise of the story. My anticipation was just to look at this as a fun and delightful read and it did what I expected. Definitely hard to put down and Charis Michaels kicked it up a notch for me on this book in the series.
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