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Love is a distraction when the Library is on the line.

Despite being humans living in the Fae Realm, Viola, along with her brother Sebastian, have achieved their dream to become librarians and establish their own outpost library in the Court of Islands. When an attack on their way to the outpost separates them, Viola arrives alone, not knowing if Sebastian is alive or dead.

To preserve their dream and investigate what went wrong, Viola uses a fae glamour to be both herself and her brother. She didn’t count on falling for the island’s handsome fae ruler, Lord Orsino. But he’s in love with Olivia—the same fae lady who Sebastian had been courting. Too bad everything only gets more complicated from there.

Can Viola navigate this tangled web of love to save the outpost library and find her brother? Or will an old enemy threaten not just Viola and the outpost but also the Great Library itself?

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this standalone fae fantasy romance features fae rom-com hilarity, a girl in disguise, and a magical fae library, perfect for fans of K.M. Shea, Sylvia Mercedes, and Sarah K.L. Wilson.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2023

73 people are currently reading
319 people want to read

About the author

Tara Grayce

33 books794 followers
Born and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.

Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.

When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.

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5 stars
151 (51%)
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102 (34%)
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32 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Selina Gonzalez.
Author 14 books208 followers
October 9, 2023
This was a fun and twisty reimagining of Twelfth Night! It made me chuckle and laugh several times, and also had me on the metaphorical edge of my seat with suspense a few times as I wondered what the bad guys were up to and when and how they would strike. I really liked some of the adjustments to the original story that made some things more logical (Favian would also approve 😆). Viola struggling to be "manly" in her disguise and her surprise at things like Favian taking her-as-Sebastian at her(Sebastian's) word rather than double-checking for himself were well done. Viola and Favian were so cute and had some very swoony moments, and I loved Viola's arc to more self-confidence and independence. After about the midpoint, I couldn't put it down and stayed up way too late to finish it because I needed to know how it would so work out. 😅

Some favorite funny lines:

Until she actually knew, she would need to pretend she knew so no one figured out she didn’t know.

Not that he was attracted to Librarian Viola. He had merely noted, in the most logical manner possible, that she was attractive in a cute, human sort of way.

She was either going to be ill or she was falling in love. One of the two.
---

And I'm so looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for M.H. Elrich.
Author 9 books141 followers
May 20, 2025
I absolutely love how these books are based on Shakespearen plays and classics, but with a twist. I really look forward to reading the Much Ado one, hopefully coming soon.
I absolutely enjoyed how the author used far glamour to explain the Twelfth Night disguises issue, and how the library + beach was the backdrop. These are perfect examples of cozy fantasy romance.
Profile Image for Gordon.
354 reviews14 followers
September 28, 2023
Having done a really fun job with the bones of A Midsummer Night's Dream (a play I think overrated), and a swashbuckling tribute to The Scarlet Pimpernel, this series now turns to Twelfth Night - my favourite of The Bard's comedies for all the daftness of its premise. So I had high expectations.

As an adaptation it's just as clever as the others, and the conceit of a fae glamour spell actually makes the business of Viola pretending to be her brother much more plausible. The quasi Mediterranean island setting is also delightfully restful and made me want to visit immediately, preferably with a beachside hotel.

The villain of a previous book also returns in all his fabulous sneering melodramatic menace, and I want to see more of him.

I would note that Twelfth Night is very funny, while this book is not really trying to be. That means Cesario is now a bit part and the identity confusion is mostly for embarrassment and artifical relationship distance rather than comedy.

My main gripe would be that none of the characters other than Viola are developed in any depth. For real-Sebastian this imports a structural problem in the underlying play that he has too little POV time and too little to do. Our male love interest does get time and POV scenes but I just found him a bit of a dull stick and the romance itself unexciting. Nevertheless I enjoyed the tale as a whole.

The role swapping does allows Viola to think a bit about how differently people treat her as a confident male rather than a timid female and perhaps grow in independence and confidence, and the irritatingly cute bookwyrms are growing on me.
Profile Image for Elisabeth Brown.
327 reviews17 followers
January 24, 2024
I wrote a long review of this and then my app closed and I lost it and I am miffed.

Anyhow, I enjoyed this, but I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. The word “magical” was used too early on in the book as an explanation for how something was possible, and while I like an interesting magic system in my fantasy, I want it to be something more than “the pocket was magical and could fit a bunch of stuff in it.” (To be fair, I do love that concept of a limitless pocket but I hate the term “magical pocket” for no rational reason.)

This review is getting circuitous.

This is a Twelfth Night retelling, and I am a Shakespeare ignoramus, but I did enjoy the secret identity hijinks. I thought the FMC’s reasoning for impersonating her brother was a bit thin, but fun anyhow.

I think you’d enjoy this if you like Tara Grayce’s writing style, Shakespeare, magic libraries, library-guarding dragons (or “bookwyrms,” to be technical), and fae x human love stories.
Profile Image for Anila.
502 reviews182 followers
September 4, 2023
As a fan of Twelfth Night and She’s The Man, I thought I’d give this a try even though I don’t particularly like this series. But that dislike continues with this book. The characters weren’t fleshed out and read super flat. The development of the romance could have been better. It was almost insta-lovey with how quickly they fell for each bother. The plot was also really boring. So, this book was just a miss for me. It seems only her Elven Alliance series seems to work for me.
Profile Image for Amena.
Author 10 books42 followers
March 11, 2024
a fun, sweet story

This retelling captured the enjoyment of Shakespeare’s plays and was sweet and hilarious while also containing a hint of depth. In particular, Viola’s reaction to seeing Orsino not double-check her after wearing Sebastian’s face stuck with me. There was a lot of miscommunication and (in my opinion) unnecessary secrets… but Grayce did an excellent job of making it all flow! Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Rosalyn Nightshade.
156 reviews10 followers
July 5, 2024
Night of Secrets by Tara Grayce is a great book. While I don't know Twelfth Night, the Shakespearean play that this book is based on, this book was a great retelling of it (even though I don't know Twelfth Night, I could still see some elements which more most likely taken from that play). Viola was a great character who was willing to do whatever it took to make sure her brother's dream came true. I felt sorry for her, being suddenly plunged into a new land where she didn't know anyone and had to disguise herself as both her and her brother. It also didn't help that Sebastian had never told Viola that he was courting Olivia and Viola happened to meet her disguised as Sebastian. I admire Viola's bravery and determination in making sure the library was attended (even if she had to do double the work) and her determination in keeping the sapling safe. Favian was also a great character. He obviously cares a lot for his island and was willing to uphold a bargain that his father made and marry Olivia. I loved his care and devotion for Viola, even if he only knew her for twelve days. His attempt at poetry really was terrible and made me laugh. There were several times in the book when things got really messy and I had no idea how it would end up, but Tara really made the whole thing work out in the end. Even though I only saw a little bit of Sebastian in this book (as he was trapped in the portal), I really liked him as he was a great big brother to Viola and obviously cared a lot for Olivia. It would be really nice to see his and Olivia's romance two years prior! The ending of the book was great and I can't wait to know more about Lord Chauvlyn. It made me feel like he was actually misunderstood and there must be a reason why he did what he did and why he was taking orders from Claudius. Overall, this was a great book that really delved deeper into Lord Chauvlyn's past and motives and had excellent worldbuilding, characters and character development. I can't wait for the next book between Beatrice and Benedict (ever since their rivalry was mentioned, I always knew that they would end up falling in love and I can't wait to see the animosity between them deepen into love).
Profile Image for Leah.
435 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2025
Entertaining romantic comedy that seamlessly fits into the series

A librarian's dream! Except, it's the wrong librarian who gets to live it. We saw a little bit of Viola and Sebastian in previous entries to the series, but this time, they're grown up and ready to start new lives of their own. However, nothing goes according to plan. This is where the comedic aspects begin. I felt bad for Sebastian, but the few scenes he had really added to the story. Viola found her confidence as she had to be both herself and her brother for most of the story. The young bookwyrms were equally delightful. Also, Lord Chauvlyn is beginning to intrigue me even more than the last book. He seems different than the other fae, but his actions are still despicable.

The way the romances revealed themselves kept me hooked. I absolutely loved the orderly chaos that exuded from this book. I look forward to seeing how the story continues to develop in future books. Night of Secrets is a clean, no-spice romantic comedy that will not fail to win your heart.
606 reviews14 followers
June 26, 2024

Book 2 in the Court of Midsummer Mayhem series is a fun reimagining of Twelfth Night. Siblings Viola and Sebastian are all ready to start a new branch of the Great Library in the Court of Islands when they’re separated, the Anywhere door to their family is closed, and Viola is left alone on the Island. She needs to convince Duke Orsino that both she and her brother are there, protect the sapling until it can be planted and officially found the library outpost, and figure out her brother's love life all while avoiding the evil Lord Chauvlyn and whatever nefarious plans he’s making.

This is an adorable story with a sweet romance, hidden identities and plenty of misunderstandings. I also enjoyed the island setting of this story (a gorgeous Mediterranean type beach with a fantastic library - sign me up!) and the cute bookwyrms.
Profile Image for Natasha.
372 reviews
September 2, 2023
Fun and engaging instalment in the series!

I must say I love Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night so I was looking forward to reading Tara’s next novel in the series that nods to the play. And it didn’t disappoint! The familiar characters and fae world but new perspectives new depths and new growths. This time it’s time for Viola to grow and learn of her own strengths. It’s a well written, witty, engaging story but like any novels by Tara, it deals with deep topics like what true love looks like: self-sacrificial, kind, patient, and not envious. Both MCs have to learn to see love when it’s offered.
7 reviews
September 5, 2023
excellent edition to the series, can’t wait for book 3

It’s a bit of a slower pace then the previous sibling books, but since Viola isn’t much of a fighter this worked for me.

NoS is Pride and Prejudice with a fae twist as we follow Sebastian and his sister Viola on their adventure setting up a remote location library away from their court and family. While the book is mainly told from Violas pov there are some chapters from the male lead as well as Sebastian. My only complaint was I wish the book was longer as this was definitely a slow burn romance. I can’t wait for the next book as the quick summary at the end was riveting!
Profile Image for Denise.
166 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2023
Danger, deception and romance (clean)

I love Tara Grayce’s writing in this tale of woman trapped in a difficult situation, trying to be someone she’s not, in order to save the library she and her brother are creating magically. The deception is a fun part and happens throughout. The characters are well written and have good interactions, although sometimes intentionally awkward. There’s danger in the story and some romantic feelings, too. It all wrapped s up nicely. I’ll complain that I wish it was a longer story. Loved it.
Profile Image for Morgan Giesbrecht.
Author 2 books191 followers
May 1, 2025
LOVE IT. 😍

It’s Tara Grayce, what’s not to love?! Seriously though, I loved being back in the Court of Knowledge, seeing Meg & Basil, Munch & Brigid, and now Viola and Sebastian. Sibs finding their HEAs just melts me.

Compared to the other books in the series thus far, this one leaned heavily into the rom-com end of romantasy. Viola trying to be herself and her brother while not botching two romantic relationships was hilariously endearing. It was a love square… rhombus?… of epic proportions.

Heart and humour at its finest!
Profile Image for Rachel.
117 reviews
September 3, 2023
Wonderful!

It was so great to come back to the Fae Realm and get to know more characters. I loved Viola and Favian together, and I especially loved the retelling of Twelfth Night. Tara Grayce tells a compelling story with interesting characters and a great climax. I couldn't put it down to sleep! 😁 Viola is the perfect librarian heroine and Favian is just the right touch of serious and hidden humor. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!
221 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2023
Shakespeare, Robin Hood, the Scarlet Pimpernel…all favorites, all blended together. This series gets better and better. Viola finds herself alone, without her twin brother, and learns to manage life away from home. Even though the main characters fall in love, they give themselves time for love to grow. And when faced with a challenge, Viola doesn’t automatically become something she isn’t. She shrieks, stumbles, runs, and is totally herself. I love it!
Profile Image for Constance Lopez.
Author 14 books151 followers
September 12, 2023
I downloaded this SO FAST after it released. And it was absolutely worth it!

This is possibly one of Tara's sweetest romances yet--which is saying something, since all her romances are sweet and wholesome and lovely. But this one was just...extra so? In the best ways.

If you love:
-Mr. Darcy
-fae and their tricksy bargains
-family bonds
-books
-magical libraries
-cute animal companions
-sweet, clean romance
-the wholesomest of happy endings

...then why aren't you reading this yet?
Profile Image for Helen.
420 reviews22 followers
February 10, 2024
I love Tara Grayce and I love this world but this was disappointing. I disliked Viola’s decision to pretend to be her brother, but I could see the drama brewing from her sticking by that choice and how it would cause some good Midsummer Night chaos. Except there wasn’t any conflict!!! Not just over that issue but also planting the sapling and letting the library grow. All the issues were resolved so quickly with no consequences for anything.

I’m sad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikitah.
70 reviews11 followers
March 28, 2024
cute love story

Another adorable story by Tara Grayce. This one is full of the innocence of young love. My only quibble is the comments about how men don’t believe women and automatically don’t question other men. That’s definitely not been my experience as a woman and I don’t think I’ve seen that played out in any of her books, either. It makes me wonder what that says about the character if all of the women around her are competent enough not to be questioned.
227 reviews
January 15, 2025
A new playful and creative tale inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The story has mystery, a complicated web of identities and loyalties, vivid descriptions of the ocean that make the reader want to run to the nearest beach, and a cute clean romance. Viola is brave, creative, loyal, and sincere. She is not the most strategically brilliant or masterful with a sword yet she still manages to play a big role in saving the day which was very fun to read.
Profile Image for Britt Richards.
Author 5 books21 followers
March 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! This series has quickly become one of my favorites. Tara has written such an intriguing world, and I’m hooked. I’m so glad that Viola, and Sebastian got their own story! Viola did such an exceptional job keeping the secrets she needed but also staying cool under pressure. And the Duke! I just adore him. And his horrible poetry. He was such a sucker for Viola and I was there for it the whole time. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Profile Image for Ariana Copeland.
301 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2025
Sweet and funny!

Loved this latest installment of the Court of Midsummer Mayhem series! Viola was a delightful character! I loved seeing her bravery grow and fight for what is good and right. And the handsome fae Duke was a lovely bonus. Favian is adorable as he comes to open up with and around Viola. I love their bonding over bad poetry and organizing the library. It was sweet seeing him heal from hurts and still get to fulfill his duties. I need more books in this world!!
Profile Image for Meghan Dzurichko.
49 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2026
Twelf Night is one of my favorite Shakespeare comedies, and normally Tara Grayce is great at incorporating comedic elements into her stories, but this one just didn't. The female lead was bland and lacked all of Viola's spark. The plot took itself way too seriously and lost all of the fun of the original comedy. Moreover, there was no justice for the deceptive, manipulateive, cheating scumbag characters, and their crimes were just glossed over bEcAUsE ThEY wErE In lOOOve. Ugh.
142 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2023
Another success

I think I love every book Tara Grayce has written. (after two more books I will have read them all). What an amazing writer.
These are more gentle books than her elven alliance series, and just as beautiful.
Read the preview of the book and give it a go.
Love these beautiful stories in the fae realms. Reading these books are a joy.

Profile Image for Susan.
1,238 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2023
This was cute. I had to suspend disbelief a bit, but that's really more because of the source material than anything to do with this writer or story. I think it helps to have read the previous books. I do think this stands alone just fine and that I would have followed if if I hadn't read the previous ones, but I felt much better grounded in the world having read the previous stories.
Profile Image for Kimthebookishbaker.
302 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2024
Tara's whole idea for Court of Midsummer Mayhem is such a blast and so fun, with no exception on this retelling of Twelfth Night. I love her reference to the play she is retelling with twelve days being a big theme in the story. I also really enjoyed her play on some of the characters, mainly Malvolio as they tie in the villain from previous stories. As usual, Tara is very creative with her comedic moments, not to mention the emotions created and felt by the characters, and the sass they have at moments. I honestly love this whole series and never hesitate to recommend it because it's just so creative and well written! Plus, always love it when there's a double HEA at the end!
Profile Image for Brooke Munn.
35 reviews3 followers
August 28, 2024
I loved this story!! It was so cozy and sweet! I admit I was a bit wary after it started out in a bit of a lie(or perhaps lack of honesty) between the MCs, but I loved how it turned out. I’ve also never read twelfth night, so perhaps that contributed to my hesitation. As always, the bookwyrms are adorable and I want to move to a Fae library.
1,626 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2024
It took me a long time to get into this book and I couldn't really say why. It seemed like maybe the foreshadowing was a little too good, and I knew exactly where all of this was going, so it made the suspense more annoying than suspenseful. I do want to see how the series wraps up, so I'll keep going.
Profile Image for Katherynne Boham.
171 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2025
I have been enjoying reading stories that are based on or retellings of myths, legends, fairy tales, or, in this case, Shakespearean plays.
This story is a retelling of Twelfth Night and is eminently enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading Beatrice's story when it's available and, hopefully, a redemption story for Lord Chauvlyn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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