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Wait Until Midnight
Gentle Reader,
It could have been a scene from one of my novels. As a rule, respectable ladies do not accept calls from Mysterious Gentlemen on business of the most grave importance--but I confess that I was possessed of a lively curiosity. The past three years had been so determinedly dull, I hoped Mr. Adam Hardesty would offer a tiny respite from it. Indeed, upon first glance, Mr. Hardesty had such a formidable, thrilling presence, he quickly became the model for the villain in the sensation novel I was currently writing.
Imagine my shock and distress then, when Mr. Hardesty accused me of being party to a plot of murder, blackmail, and general villainy! I knew nothing of such occurrences, and pro-claimed my innocence. Unfortunately, Mr. Hardesty left unconvinced, and I had an uneasy feeling over what his search would uncover. You see, Gentle Reader, though I live a most uneventful life now, my past contained a Great Scandal that would be ruinous if resurrected. To protect my secrets from Mr. Hardesty's investigation, I concluded that I would need to conduct an inquiry of my own, and if that meant sharing my findings with Mr. Hardesty, so be it. And my course of action had nothing whatsoever to do with the illicit, passionate feelings that he aroused in me--feelings that propriety would definitely frown upon...
Yours most sincerely,
Caroline Fordyce
It could have been a scene from one of my novels. As a rule, respectable ladies do not accept calls from Mysterious Gentlemen on business of the most grave importance--but I confess that I was possessed of a lively curiosity. The past three years had been so determinedly dull, I hoped Mr. Adam Hardesty would offer a tiny respite from it. Indeed, upon first glance, Mr. Hardesty had such a formidable, thrilling presence, he quickly became the model for the villain in the sensation novel I was currently writing.
Imagine my shock and distress then, when Mr. Hardesty accused me of being party to a plot of murder, blackmail, and general villainy! I knew nothing of such occurrences, and pro-claimed my innocence. Unfortunately, Mr. Hardesty left unconvinced, and I had an uneasy feeling over what his search would uncover. You see, Gentle Reader, though I live a most uneventful life now, my past contained a Great Scandal that would be ruinous if resurrected. To protect my secrets from Mr. Hardesty's investigation, I concluded that I would need to conduct an inquiry of my own, and if that meant sharing my findings with Mr. Hardesty, so be it. And my course of action had nothing whatsoever to do with the illicit, passionate feelings that he aroused in me--feelings that propriety would definitely frown upon...
Yours most sincerely,
Caroline Fordyce
368 pages, ebook
First published January 25, 2005
347 people are currently reading
2080 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
94 books5,504 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
May 25, 2018
Reseña completa: http://masromance.blogspot.com.es/201...
Pues eso, ha estado bien.
El tema del suspense porque los romances de esta mujer a mí me parecen todos iguales, mismo esquema y ya mismas escenas. ¿dónde queda la invención? pues lejos, parece
No lo entiendo, si no pegan que no los meta ... aunque quizás así perdería lectores
No sé es que la pareja me resulta tan tan tan fría y tan solo comparten escenas de cama y apenas unos diálogos. Será que hoy me he levantado guerrera, pero me cabrea
El suspense, está bien, coherente y ligado , sin omitir que deja caer tal pista que es imposible no sospechar de quien es el culpable. Pero en general muy coherente
Pues eso, ha estado bien.
El tema del suspense porque los romances de esta mujer a mí me parecen todos iguales, mismo esquema y ya mismas escenas. ¿dónde queda la invención? pues lejos, parece
No lo entiendo, si no pegan que no los meta ... aunque quizás así perdería lectores
No sé es que la pareja me resulta tan tan tan fría y tan solo comparten escenas de cama y apenas unos diálogos. Será que hoy me he levantado guerrera, pero me cabrea
El suspense, está bien, coherente y ligado , sin omitir que deja caer tal pista que es imposible no sospechar de quien es el culpable. Pero en general muy coherente
July 6, 2015
Wait Until Midnight was a very enjoyable novel. It was a signature Amanda Quick story--there was a cold, calculating hero and a headstrong, eccentric and sometimes reckless heroine who were brought together by a dark mystery. This formula isn't always executed well, as in the case of Mistress and Affair, but I was glad to see that this book, at least, managed to do it some justice.
Caroline and Adam were definitely perfect for each other. Caroline was sweet and kind without being a push-over; she could definitely stand her own against other people if needed. And Adam, being a standard Amanda Quick hero, was initially cold and calculating, letting his set of "rules" govern almost every aspect of his life, but changed over the course of the novel. This is something that I always enjoy when reading a book by this particular writer--seeing the heroine chip away at the hero's defences. It always amuse me to see the hero fall prey to his passions for the heroine (evil laugh), and Adam did not disappoint. Oh, how I love to see them pant.
The secondary characters were very likeable too. I applaud Ms. Quick for writing about Emma and Milly. They were beautifully written characters, and their relationship was explored nicely. Wilson, Julia and Richard paled in comparison to Caroline's two aunts, of course, but they were okay nonetheless.
I liked the plot, as well. I think that the main conflict was handled well by the author; the mystery was interesting enough to hold my attention until the end. I had a problem with the pacing, though. I feel that the denouement and the ending were too rushed. Like, immediately after the climax, I wasn't even given the opportunity to recover before being plunged into the ending. I would have liked a few filler chapters to properly ease the characters to their HEA. Also, I wasn't very convinced about the minor conflict (Caroline's past). It just seemed too outrageous and unnecessarily dramatic for me, and the way it was resolved was anticlimactic as hell.
Flaws aside, this was an extremely entertaining read. Definitely one of the writer's better novels.
Caroline and Adam were definitely perfect for each other. Caroline was sweet and kind without being a push-over; she could definitely stand her own against other people if needed. And Adam, being a standard Amanda Quick hero, was initially cold and calculating, letting his set of "rules" govern almost every aspect of his life, but changed over the course of the novel. This is something that I always enjoy when reading a book by this particular writer--seeing the heroine chip away at the hero's defences. It always amuse me to see the hero fall prey to his passions for the heroine (evil laugh), and Adam did not disappoint. Oh, how I love to see them pant.
The secondary characters were very likeable too. I applaud Ms. Quick for writing about Emma and Milly. They were beautifully written characters, and their relationship was explored nicely. Wilson, Julia and Richard paled in comparison to Caroline's two aunts, of course, but they were okay nonetheless.
I liked the plot, as well. I think that the main conflict was handled well by the author; the mystery was interesting enough to hold my attention until the end. I had a problem with the pacing, though. I feel that the denouement and the ending were too rushed. Like, immediately after the climax, I wasn't even given the opportunity to recover before being plunged into the ending. I would have liked a few filler chapters to properly ease the characters to their HEA. Also, I wasn't very convinced about the minor conflict (Caroline's past). It just seemed too outrageous and unnecessarily dramatic for me, and the way it was resolved was anticlimactic as hell.
Flaws aside, this was an extremely entertaining read. Definitely one of the writer's better novels.
November 9, 2020
Another sweet satisfying read with a believable couple. I like both of them.
3.75*
This historical romantic suspense has an afterlife/mediums connection but is not one of the author's paranormals. Still, her skill in writing up goose-bumpy ghostly environments is certainly something.
“Now and then the shadowy shapes of tentatively moving carriages and hansom cabs rattled past. Figures came and went like wraiths in the thick mist. They appeared briefly silhouetted against a flaring gas lamp and then vanished, leaving only the echoes of footsteps.”
I found the first couple of chapters bit slow/lacking despite the eerie opening. But then things pick up as the h/H team up to solve murders and end up teaming up for more.
The murder mystery isn't much but the hinted scandal in the h's past kept me hooked.
And I love how they embark on an 'affair'.
3.75*
This historical romantic suspense has an afterlife/mediums connection but is not one of the author's paranormals. Still, her skill in writing up goose-bumpy ghostly environments is certainly something.
“Now and then the shadowy shapes of tentatively moving carriages and hansom cabs rattled past. Figures came and went like wraiths in the thick mist. They appeared briefly silhouetted against a flaring gas lamp and then vanished, leaving only the echoes of footsteps.”
I found the first couple of chapters bit slow/lacking despite the eerie opening. But then things pick up as the h/H team up to solve murders and end up teaming up for more.
The murder mystery isn't much but the hinted scandal in the h's past kept me hooked.
And I love how they embark on an 'affair'.
May 21, 2022
4 Estrellitas. He disfrutado mucho de ésta novela, pero la verdad es que Amanda Quick rara vez me decepciona. Quizás "Al llegar la medianoche" no sea una de sus obras más notables, pero me han llegado muy hondo sus protagonistas, que me han gustado mucho.
De nuevo, la autora nos trae al Londres de finales del siglo XIX. Caroline Fordyce es una famosa novelista de folletines; joven y viuda, y actualmente a la busqueda de inspiración para su última novela. Una noche, Caroline y sus tías acuden a una sesión de espiritismo con una médium; pero ésta aparece asesinada la mañana siguiente.
Adam Hardesty es un hombre de la alta sociedad británica que tiene un gran pasado que ocultar. La médium asesinada le estuvo chantajeando a cambio de un diario que se halla en su poder, donde desvela el pasado de éste y sus hermanos. Con la muerte de la médium, el diario ha desaparecido, y entre los sospechosos se encuentran las últimas personas que acudieron a la sesión de espiritismo: Caroline Fordyce.
Adam acude a la residencia de la novelista dispuesto a no fiarse un pelo de ella. Por su parte, Caroline ha encontrado en el impetuoso Adam Hardesty la inspiración que necesitaba para su nueva novela.
Así empezará de nuevo una colaboración entre los protagonistas, muy al estilo de Amanda Quick por descubrir al asesino de la médium, sus motivos, por qué Adam queda como sospechoso, y dónde está el diario que puede destruir a la familia de Adam.
Amanda Quick nos trae una historia bastante notable y bien narrada donde el punto fuerte serán los protagonistas y su romance, que he disfrutado bastante. La autora ha logrado un equilibrio perfecto entre la historia de trasfondo y el enamoramiento de los protagonistas, sin que ninguno de ellos resulte eclipsado por el otro.
Los diálogos son chispeantes e ingeniosos y ha sido una auténtica delicia leerlos, además Amanda Quick ha aderezado muy bien la inclusión de personajes, entre los protagonistas y los secundarios, me han gustado muchísimo las tías de Emma, así como el "tío" de Adam y su hermana y cuñado.
Sin ser una obra muy sobresaliente, sí ha sido de las que más me han gustado de Amanda Quick. La recomiendo si te gustan las novelas románticas de misterio victoriano.
De nuevo, la autora nos trae al Londres de finales del siglo XIX. Caroline Fordyce es una famosa novelista de folletines; joven y viuda, y actualmente a la busqueda de inspiración para su última novela. Una noche, Caroline y sus tías acuden a una sesión de espiritismo con una médium; pero ésta aparece asesinada la mañana siguiente.
Adam Hardesty es un hombre de la alta sociedad británica que tiene un gran pasado que ocultar. La médium asesinada le estuvo chantajeando a cambio de un diario que se halla en su poder, donde desvela el pasado de éste y sus hermanos. Con la muerte de la médium, el diario ha desaparecido, y entre los sospechosos se encuentran las últimas personas que acudieron a la sesión de espiritismo: Caroline Fordyce.
Adam acude a la residencia de la novelista dispuesto a no fiarse un pelo de ella. Por su parte, Caroline ha encontrado en el impetuoso Adam Hardesty la inspiración que necesitaba para su nueva novela.
Así empezará de nuevo una colaboración entre los protagonistas, muy al estilo de Amanda Quick por descubrir al asesino de la médium, sus motivos, por qué Adam queda como sospechoso, y dónde está el diario que puede destruir a la familia de Adam.
Amanda Quick nos trae una historia bastante notable y bien narrada donde el punto fuerte serán los protagonistas y su romance, que he disfrutado bastante. La autora ha logrado un equilibrio perfecto entre la historia de trasfondo y el enamoramiento de los protagonistas, sin que ninguno de ellos resulte eclipsado por el otro.
Los diálogos son chispeantes e ingeniosos y ha sido una auténtica delicia leerlos, además Amanda Quick ha aderezado muy bien la inclusión de personajes, entre los protagonistas y los secundarios, me han gustado muchísimo las tías de Emma, así como el "tío" de Adam y su hermana y cuñado.
Sin ser una obra muy sobresaliente, sí ha sido de las que más me han gustado de Amanda Quick. La recomiendo si te gustan las novelas románticas de misterio victoriano.
December 16, 2015
This is the last of the romance books that I agreed to read for a friend's blog activity, and, in my opinion the best of the five. I quite enjoyed this one!
Right from the start, we're thrown into the middle of a scene of a crime, with a murdered woman and a mysterious man searching her house. An exciting beginning which only continued throughout the story...
I loved the characters in this story, and found them all to be believable and real. Adam Hardesty is the kind of man that women swoon over. Tall, dark and handsome, rich, but secretive and determined, we don't really know anything about him -- except that which he allows us to find out. But the more we learn about him, the more we likie.
Caroline Fordyce is a sensational serial novelist living with her aunt and her aunt's companion, independently supporting herself through her writing. When she is drawn into the investigation of the murder by having been with the victim, a noted psychic medium, the previous evening as part of a seance, things really begin to get serious. Caroline is a wonderful character. She's spirited and independent and resourceful and honest, and what's best about this character is that she embodies these traits, we're not just told of them, as with other romance novels I've read this month. She shows her initiative and her intelligence, so it is believable when others see these features.
I was pleasantly surprised by the mystery as well. I was a bit concerned that this would be a paranormal romance when I discovered that it was about mediums and psychic abilities, but it is a straightforward historical romance set in Victorian England. At times, it did feel a little bit modern in the speech, and on the other hand the term "psychical" was used quite a lot, but it's easy to overlook those small details and just enjoy the story and let the twists and turns and unpredictable shifts go where they will. I didn't guess the killer, and that is always a plus!
The romance here was much more understated than the other novels I've read this month. The sex scenes were believable and fun, but they were not the main focus of the story. And miracle of miracles, this book contains a realistic deflowering! Hallelujah! No "Broken Hymen, Hear Me Roar!" here, Caroline reacts with honest pain and confusion and tries to undo the decision to proceed, at least until the pain goes away... but then she makes him go slowly... Piston-like ramming forbidden.
I think Dangerous Tides almost ruined romance for me forever... but this book redeemed the genre. Hopefully the other Amanda Quick novel I have is as good. ;)
Right from the start, we're thrown into the middle of a scene of a crime, with a murdered woman and a mysterious man searching her house. An exciting beginning which only continued throughout the story...
I loved the characters in this story, and found them all to be believable and real. Adam Hardesty is the kind of man that women swoon over. Tall, dark and handsome, rich, but secretive and determined, we don't really know anything about him -- except that which he allows us to find out. But the more we learn about him, the more we likie.
Caroline Fordyce is a sensational serial novelist living with her aunt and her aunt's companion, independently supporting herself through her writing. When she is drawn into the investigation of the murder by having been with the victim, a noted psychic medium, the previous evening as part of a seance, things really begin to get serious. Caroline is a wonderful character. She's spirited and independent and resourceful and honest, and what's best about this character is that she embodies these traits, we're not just told of them, as with other romance novels I've read this month. She shows her initiative and her intelligence, so it is believable when others see these features.
I was pleasantly surprised by the mystery as well. I was a bit concerned that this would be a paranormal romance when I discovered that it was about mediums and psychic abilities, but it is a straightforward historical romance set in Victorian England. At times, it did feel a little bit modern in the speech, and on the other hand the term "psychical" was used quite a lot, but it's easy to overlook those small details and just enjoy the story and let the twists and turns and unpredictable shifts go where they will. I didn't guess the killer, and that is always a plus!
The romance here was much more understated than the other novels I've read this month. The sex scenes were believable and fun, but they were not the main focus of the story. And miracle of miracles, this book contains a realistic deflowering! Hallelujah! No "Broken Hymen, Hear Me Roar!" here, Caroline reacts with honest pain and confusion and tries to undo the decision to proceed, at least until the pain goes away... but then she makes him go slowly... Piston-like ramming forbidden.
I think Dangerous Tides almost ruined romance for me forever... but this book redeemed the genre. Hopefully the other Amanda Quick novel I have is as good. ;)
December 17, 2020
3 Stars
*A sweet but satisfying historical mystery/romance*
I read a lot of Amanda Quick books in college. Eventually I got burnt out on them, but I still pick one up every once in a while when I want something light and impractically romantic.
It is hard for me to write reviews for light reads. I enjoy them but also don’t find much distinctive material to cover in my review. That isn’t a bad thing. Part of the draw of these stories is the dependability of the happily ever after formula. I liked the mystery elements of the story although they certainly take a back seat to the romance. The main characters could have used a bit more chemistry, but I enjoyed what banter they had.
Although I don’t have a lot to say about the story, it did fit the bill of exactly what I was in the mood for at the moment. So it probably deserves a higher rating. Wait Until Midnight delivered exactly what it promised: a predictable yet enjoyable romance with a mystery plot.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 3 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 2 Stars
*A sweet but satisfying historical mystery/romance*
I read a lot of Amanda Quick books in college. Eventually I got burnt out on them, but I still pick one up every once in a while when I want something light and impractically romantic.
It is hard for me to write reviews for light reads. I enjoy them but also don’t find much distinctive material to cover in my review. That isn’t a bad thing. Part of the draw of these stories is the dependability of the happily ever after formula. I liked the mystery elements of the story although they certainly take a back seat to the romance. The main characters could have used a bit more chemistry, but I enjoyed what banter they had.
Although I don’t have a lot to say about the story, it did fit the bill of exactly what I was in the mood for at the moment. So it probably deserves a higher rating. Wait Until Midnight delivered exactly what it promised: a predictable yet enjoyable romance with a mystery plot.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 3 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 4 Stars
Originality: 2 Stars
May 28, 2013
Quickie Review:
I needed something light and sexy and comforting after I finished the heart-breaking ending of Last Days Of Summer. And this book by Amanda Quick is what I chose--it's one of my favorite re-reads. It has AQ's super-sassy-style heroine, who also just happens to be a writer for a sensational newspaper; it has the beta-but-masterful hero who is proper on one hand, and fiercely attracted to said spunky heroine on the other; it has an interesting mystery/storyline, wonderful supporting characters, and love scenes that manage to be sexy, adorable and satisfying all at the same time. AQ is my hero! AQ for president! AQ, AQ, AQ! (I'm a fan). Anyhow, it's a keeper.
Grade: A
I needed something light and sexy and comforting after I finished the heart-breaking ending of Last Days Of Summer. And this book by Amanda Quick is what I chose--it's one of my favorite re-reads. It has AQ's super-sassy-style heroine, who also just happens to be a writer for a sensational newspaper; it has the beta-but-masterful hero who is proper on one hand, and fiercely attracted to said spunky heroine on the other; it has an interesting mystery/storyline, wonderful supporting characters, and love scenes that manage to be sexy, adorable and satisfying all at the same time. AQ is my hero! AQ for president! AQ, AQ, AQ! (I'm a fan). Anyhow, it's a keeper.
Grade: A
May 18, 2022
Decent mystery-romance from Amanda Quick, so Regency setting. Woman with mysterious past, man with mysterious past meet at a seance, which quickly becomes a murder scene that same evening.
February 20, 2018
Its been a while since I read anything from Amanda Quick. Her books are my comfort reads, there's a particular line of story that can be expected and she succeeds in creating mystery around her characters with the psychical approach too. Caroline and Adam are 2 solid characters and unlike other authors, her heroines are all very sensible and straightforward so it is gives a fresh atmosphere to the story.The support characters can be pictured lovingly and the suspense surely adds a thrill element.
July 9, 2021
4 stars. Another good one by Amanda Quick… I liked the plot of this story, I liked the heroine and that she didn’t take stupid risks, and I liked the hero. My only complaint (and I’m being picky here) was that there was more focus on the mystery than on the hero and heroine’s relationship.
Safe; virgin heroine, hero’s past is discussed more than normal in an AQ book… basically that he had had many “discreet liaisons”. No om/ow
Safe; virgin heroine, hero’s past is discussed more than normal in an AQ book… basically that he had had many “discreet liaisons”. No om/ow
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2018
This was a fun read. While it was a historical murder/mystery/romance, it was the two main characters that made it very entertaining. I enjoyed it.
January 27, 2024
This is yet another Amanda Quick historical romance (heavy on the suspense/mystery) that I managed to miss. I listened to it in audio and enjoyed both the narration and the story.
If you've read any Amanda Quick's there won't be anything terribly surprising here. We have an intelligent hero and heroine who basically respect each other, fall quickly in love (but don't tell each other they are), and are busy solving a mystery. In this case, it's several mysteries. The hero Adam is on a mysterious quest and runs into Caroline (Mrs. Fordace) in pursuit of a psychic. Caroline writes a series of famous, and wildly popular, sensational novels, and quickly decides to use Adam as the basis for her latest villain .... or is he the villain?
I liked Caroline and Adam, and found the mysteries interesting.
If you've read any Amanda Quick's there won't be anything terribly surprising here. We have an intelligent hero and heroine who basically respect each other, fall quickly in love (but don't tell each other they are), and are busy solving a mystery. In this case, it's several mysteries. The hero Adam is on a mysterious quest and runs into Caroline (Mrs. Fordace) in pursuit of a psychic. Caroline writes a series of famous, and wildly popular, sensational novels, and quickly decides to use Adam as the basis for her latest villain .... or is he the villain?
I liked Caroline and Adam, and found the mysteries interesting.
May 17, 2024
Another solid book by Amanda Quick. An entertaining historical mystery with a really cranky hero Adam Hardesty, which I found fun as he was quite the "I know everything" type. The adventurous heroine Mrs. Caroline, is an author of serial sensational novels that are published in a weekly scandal sheet. She has plenty of secrets for sure and lives with her two "aunts". She is researching psychic phenomenon for her next book and gets tangled up in murder.
I liked this book and the fact that it was short was a real bonus and the audio was well done.
I liked this book and the fact that it was short was a real bonus and the audio was well done.
February 18, 2024
2'5. El principio genial pero a mitad del libro y el final decaen mucho
October 14, 2024
3.5 stars. Amanda Quick’s books are always fun, and I plowed through Wait Until Midnight in two sittings. I particularly enjoyed Caroline’s career as writer of serialized “sensation novels,” which were extremely popular in the Victorian era. Adam has an interesting backstory as well, though to my regret, it wasn’t really developed as well as it could have been.
In fact, that was more or less my feeling about the whole novel; I simply didn’t find it as suspenseful or gripping as some of Amanda Quick’s other books set in the same time period. To be honest, this one felt like a “lite” version of her books… which are not exactly heavy to begin with. in Wait Until Midnight, the love is a bit too insta-, particularly on Adam’s side. And there were so many aspects that could have been played up or developed further to give the book more depth, intensity, and even humor, from the scandal in Caroline’s past to Adam’s siblings (two of whom are basically walk-ons) to Caroline’s aunts. The latter do at least get a little page time, but they could have been made much more interesting, given that they are a lesbian couple who raised Caroline in the Victorian era. I just felt there was so much wasted potential.
Don’t get me wrong; I enjoyed it, I’m glad I read it, and it did keep me turning the pages. But unlike some of Quick’s titles from the 2000s and 2010s, Wait Until Midnight will not be going onto my list of favorite rereads.
Challenges: COYER Unwind (2024), Chapter 2
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
In fact, that was more or less my feeling about the whole novel; I simply didn’t find it as suspenseful or gripping as some of Amanda Quick’s other books set in the same time period. To be honest, this one felt like a “lite” version of her books… which are not exactly heavy to begin with. in Wait Until Midnight, the love is a bit too insta-, particularly on Adam’s side. And there were so many aspects that could have been played up or developed further to give the book more depth, intensity, and even humor, from the scandal in Caroline’s past to Adam’s siblings (two of whom are basically walk-ons) to Caroline’s aunts. The latter do at least get a little page time, but they could have been made much more interesting, given that they are a lesbian couple who raised Caroline in the Victorian era. I just felt there was so much wasted potential.
Don’t get me wrong; I enjoyed it, I’m glad I read it, and it did keep me turning the pages. But unlike some of Quick’s titles from the 2000s and 2010s, Wait Until Midnight will not be going onto my list of favorite rereads.
Challenges: COYER Unwind (2024), Chapter 2
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
January 12, 2012
Adam is a serious business man who is close to his family and wants to keep secrets about them hidden. Caroline is a serial book author who has built a life for herself after scandal wrecked her three years previous. A fake medium's murder causes their paths to cross and lots of investigating and lovin' ensue.
This is the third book I've read by Quick. One was in the top 5 historical romances I've ever read. The other wouldn't even make the top 100. This one falls enjoyably in the middle - a quick fun read with characters I like and a relatively believable plot. This book excels in the relationship of all the secondary characters with the H/h. I enjoy books in which main characters don't live in a vacuum, and the family interaction truly added something here. This does seem to be a stand alone, but I wish there were more books with Adam's siblings as main characters and more from Caroline's aunts and Adam's "father." I loved that dynamic and want more that this book didn't give me. Now that I've read a few of Quick's books, she seems to trend toward competent, have their life together characters who are honest with each other, much like Adam and Caroline in this book. Its so nice to read H/h who are adults, make adult decisions, accept the consequences of those decisions, and don't try to manipulate or change the other for the love to work. It is that about this book and Quick's other work that will keep me reading her backlist.
This is the third book I've read by Quick. One was in the top 5 historical romances I've ever read. The other wouldn't even make the top 100. This one falls enjoyably in the middle - a quick fun read with characters I like and a relatively believable plot. This book excels in the relationship of all the secondary characters with the H/h. I enjoy books in which main characters don't live in a vacuum, and the family interaction truly added something here. This does seem to be a stand alone, but I wish there were more books with Adam's siblings as main characters and more from Caroline's aunts and Adam's "father." I loved that dynamic and want more that this book didn't give me. Now that I've read a few of Quick's books, she seems to trend toward competent, have their life together characters who are honest with each other, much like Adam and Caroline in this book. Its so nice to read H/h who are adults, make adult decisions, accept the consequences of those decisions, and don't try to manipulate or change the other for the love to work. It is that about this book and Quick's other work that will keep me reading her backlist.
October 5, 2011
I'm listening to the audiobook but also have the paperback of this book.
Adam goes to confront a local psychic and finds her murdered body. He also finds a list of the people that were at the seance that night which include Carolyn. He goes to talk to Carolyn the next day and he learns a little bit about her and she learns a little bit about him. Actually this audiobook was pretty boring and I had to force myself to finish it. I am keeping neither the audiobook or the paperback.
Adam goes to confront a local psychic and finds her murdered body. He also finds a list of the people that were at the seance that night which include Carolyn. He goes to talk to Carolyn the next day and he learns a little bit about her and she learns a little bit about him. Actually this audiobook was pretty boring and I had to force myself to finish it. I am keeping neither the audiobook or the paperback.
April 18, 2017
Tīri laba romantiskā literatūra, protams, ar žanram raksturīgajiem elementiem. Nekas pārsteidzošs, tomēr patika ieskats 19.gs. spiritistu, galdiņu dancinātāju un mesmeristu pasaulē!
September 22, 2019
This book was ok. All Amanda Quick's books are the same. Cloak and dagger. The Hero and the heroine have sex the first half of the book and at the very end he ask her to marry him.
March 13, 2023
This book started off really great. I was surprised, as a historical romance mystery is not usually something I would pick up. However, it was set in a time I am interested by, and focused on murders surrounding mediums. All of these things led to an intriguing start.
The two leads, Caroline and Adam, were a lot of fun to read about. Along the way, their characters got on well and developed nicely.
I grew a bit bored of the book around the mid-way, as it felt a bit stale. Definitely could have been trimmed in a few areas to cut down on boring scenes. I found myself forgetting who some characters were.
All in all, glad I gave it a read though!
The two leads, Caroline and Adam, were a lot of fun to read about. Along the way, their characters got on well and developed nicely.
I grew a bit bored of the book around the mid-way, as it felt a bit stale. Definitely could have been trimmed in a few areas to cut down on boring scenes. I found myself forgetting who some characters were.
All in all, glad I gave it a read though!
July 16, 2020
An enjoyable novel with all the things one expects from Amanda Quick. A competent heroine (Caroline was at least not as obtuse as some of Quick's heroines), brooding hero in lust with the heroine, said hero trying to help heroine solve mystery, happy ending. Overall not an exceptional book, but entertaining, and a good way to spend a few hours.
The narrator was decent and didn't add or subtract from my enjoyment. So all-in-all a win.
The narrator was decent and didn't add or subtract from my enjoyment. So all-in-all a win.
December 7, 2022
I thought it was a nice cute read with a good amount of mystery. The romance could use a little more work but overall was a good book. She writes well and I enjoyed the setting of the book. The main character is an independent stubborn woman but still remains femine which is a far cry from the fantasy type main characters I'm used to reading who are independent to the extreme. Pretty good for the clearance bin at Walmart!
July 2, 2021
Really tried hard to get into the story. Have read quite a few Amanda Quick books and enjoyed them, but this one is not for me.
August 17, 2023
3.5 stars
Enjoyable. Amanda Quick always delivers.
Enjoyable. Amanda Quick always delivers.
September 9, 2025
Fun read with relatable characters
November 6, 2023
MY RATING GUIDE: 4.5 Satisfied Stars. I really enjoyed listening to this light Historical as I repainted my living room. I am a Krentz/Quick fan. I have always been attracted to her smart and spunky heroines and the imperfect and misunderstood yet very capable heroes who appreciate and love them. The witty dialogue, quirky humor, adventures and mysteries always leave me smiling. These are guaranteed Pick-Me-Up reads/listens after a difficult day or when simply looking to unwind. (Not recommended to readers who require deep literary or intellectual reads. These are for fun, to bring a smile).
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I LOVED THIS!; it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Late in Queen Victoria’s reign, London ~
Popular sensation novelist and professed widow Mrs Caroline Fordyce, 27, is beginning research on her next novel involving a woman who claims to be a psychic. Toward that end she has been attending public audience events given by certain psychics. Mrs Fordyce is quite surprised when her path crosses a man who is obviously of the ton but who could be, she believes, potentially very dangerous.
Adam Hardesty was a street kid, years ago, when he first became acquainted with Wilson Grendon. Grendon is the last of a once powerful & wealthy aristocrat family. Both time and Grendon’s great ambition succeeded in the rebuilding of his family’s fortune beyond its original size. Unfortunately Grendon’s beloved wife and 2 children perished by illness during those years. As Grendon’s wealth and far-reaching contacts continued to grow, he decided to select and began mentoring Adam, who Grendon believed showed innate intelligence and much promise. Grendon steadily taught and instructed Adam in all his business affairs, in society’s ways and eventually claimed Adam as his distant family and had Adam written into his will. Now living comfortably amongst society’s upper class, Adam’s carefully built honor and standards are uniquely his own. He has chosen to remember those in the world he left behind.
When scandal threatens the few family members that Adam trusts and loves, he begins looking for answers. It seems a widow named Caroline Fordyce may be involved.
Comments ~
1) WAIT UNTIL MIDNIGHT is a light standalone Historical Romance novel. As a longtime fan of Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz, I have previously enjoyed this novel and undoubtedly will again.
2) I love both Caroline’s and Adam’s resilience, loyalty and spunk. Life has been difficult for them but they keep on moving, protecting those they love. They haven’t closed the door on new possibilities either.
3) I adore Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz novels. Her dialogue driven stories feature strong characters, humor, mysterious events, adventures and always HEAs. She also writes Fantasy titles under Jayne Castle and Contemporary fiction under Jayne Ann Krentz.
4) I recently purchased this audiobook performed by Louisa Jane Underwood. I loved it and was happily distracted as I listened and worked.
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to those who prefer Clean novels.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on a few occasions.
VIOLENCE - PG. Murder occurs (off scene). Not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Several sexy intimate scenes do occur.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I LIKED THIS A LOT; 5= I LOVED THIS!; it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Late in Queen Victoria’s reign, London ~
Popular sensation novelist and professed widow Mrs Caroline Fordyce, 27, is beginning research on her next novel involving a woman who claims to be a psychic. Toward that end she has been attending public audience events given by certain psychics. Mrs Fordyce is quite surprised when her path crosses a man who is obviously of the ton but who could be, she believes, potentially very dangerous.
Adam Hardesty was a street kid, years ago, when he first became acquainted with Wilson Grendon. Grendon is the last of a once powerful & wealthy aristocrat family. Both time and Grendon’s great ambition succeeded in the rebuilding of his family’s fortune beyond its original size. Unfortunately Grendon’s beloved wife and 2 children perished by illness during those years. As Grendon’s wealth and far-reaching contacts continued to grow, he decided to select and began mentoring Adam, who Grendon believed showed innate intelligence and much promise. Grendon steadily taught and instructed Adam in all his business affairs, in society’s ways and eventually claimed Adam as his distant family and had Adam written into his will. Now living comfortably amongst society’s upper class, Adam’s carefully built honor and standards are uniquely his own. He has chosen to remember those in the world he left behind.
When scandal threatens the few family members that Adam trusts and loves, he begins looking for answers. It seems a widow named Caroline Fordyce may be involved.
Comments ~
1) WAIT UNTIL MIDNIGHT is a light standalone Historical Romance novel. As a longtime fan of Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz, I have previously enjoyed this novel and undoubtedly will again.
2) I love both Caroline’s and Adam’s resilience, loyalty and spunk. Life has been difficult for them but they keep on moving, protecting those they love. They haven’t closed the door on new possibilities either.
3) I adore Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz novels. Her dialogue driven stories feature strong characters, humor, mysterious events, adventures and always HEAs. She also writes Fantasy titles under Jayne Castle and Contemporary fiction under Jayne Ann Krentz.
4) I recently purchased this audiobook performed by Louisa Jane Underwood. I loved it and was happily distracted as I listened and worked.
READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to those who prefer Clean novels.
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on a few occasions.
VIOLENCE - PG. Murder occurs (off scene). Not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. Several sexy intimate scenes do occur.
March 25, 2013
Amanda Quick’s Wait Until Midnight is another in series of riveting romantic suspense from the prolific storyteller. This tale is set in Regency England, but our plucky heroine is not a debutante ready to make her bow, but rather an average woman trying to make a living using her skill set as a sensational author.
Caroline Fordyce and her two aunts resettled in London to leave behind a scandal. Changing her name and her marital status helped concealed her identity. Her popularity as a sensational author drew her into the public eye, especially after using her skills at a party to do a bit of fortune telling at a party. This lark attracted the eye of those involved in the metaphysical arts.
Adam Hardesty is a dealer in secrets. His ability to gather secrets and use them against his owners helped him to survive the mean streets of London; it also allowed him and his foster siblings to inhabit the elevated circles of London’s ton. A diary detailing their humble beginnings comes to light and Adam races to rescue it, but apparently, everyone who handles it dies.
Adam encounters Caroline as the result of the death of a medium. At first, he suspects her, but decides instead that she is a woman hiding something. Impelled to find out the mystery, he teams up with sensation author to solve the mystery of murdered mediums. The attraction behind the two is immediate and explosive.
The chemistry between the two is sizzling, which is a trademark of Ms. Quick. The tricks of false mediums add a peculiar credibility to the tale. The sub-characters are quite enjoyable. As for the bad guy, let’s say Ms. Quick plays that close to the chest.
Wait Until Midnight was an enjoyable reread for me. You want a clever, fast moving romantic suspense, then this is the book for you.
Caroline Fordyce and her two aunts resettled in London to leave behind a scandal. Changing her name and her marital status helped concealed her identity. Her popularity as a sensational author drew her into the public eye, especially after using her skills at a party to do a bit of fortune telling at a party. This lark attracted the eye of those involved in the metaphysical arts.
Adam Hardesty is a dealer in secrets. His ability to gather secrets and use them against his owners helped him to survive the mean streets of London; it also allowed him and his foster siblings to inhabit the elevated circles of London’s ton. A diary detailing their humble beginnings comes to light and Adam races to rescue it, but apparently, everyone who handles it dies.
Adam encounters Caroline as the result of the death of a medium. At first, he suspects her, but decides instead that she is a woman hiding something. Impelled to find out the mystery, he teams up with sensation author to solve the mystery of murdered mediums. The attraction behind the two is immediate and explosive.
The chemistry between the two is sizzling, which is a trademark of Ms. Quick. The tricks of false mediums add a peculiar credibility to the tale. The sub-characters are quite enjoyable. As for the bad guy, let’s say Ms. Quick plays that close to the chest.
Wait Until Midnight was an enjoyable reread for me. You want a clever, fast moving romantic suspense, then this is the book for you.
December 5, 2014
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Amanda Quick
First published: 2004
Length: 5097 kindle locations, 361 pages
Setting: London. Late Victorian.
Sex: Reasonably explicit but infrequent.
Hero: Raised from the streets to heir of a wealthy gentleman.
Heroine: Orphan, raised by maiden aunt, hiding her identity after a scandal. Author.
Includes: Excerpt from The Paid Companion.
The one about mediums and psychics.
Another Quick that's reminiscent of the others - an independent woman joins forces with an Alpha male who shows her respect while compromising her into marriage. Along the way there is much derring do and hijinks, and a little hot sex.
Second Sight without the paranormal.
Slightly Shady without mesmerism.
But that doesn't stop it from being a fun and easy read. Likeable characters, pleasant secondaries, competent mystery, good writing.
Nothing spectacular but worth a read for Quick fans.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/wait-until-...
(ISBN 9781405514132)
-CR-
First published: 2004
Length: 5097 kindle locations, 361 pages
Setting: London. Late Victorian.
Sex: Reasonably explicit but infrequent.
Hero: Raised from the streets to heir of a wealthy gentleman.
Heroine: Orphan, raised by maiden aunt, hiding her identity after a scandal. Author.
Includes: Excerpt from The Paid Companion.
The one about mediums and psychics.
Another Quick that's reminiscent of the others - an independent woman joins forces with an Alpha male who shows her respect while compromising her into marriage. Along the way there is much derring do and hijinks, and a little hot sex.
Second Sight without the paranormal.
Slightly Shady without mesmerism.
But that doesn't stop it from being a fun and easy read. Likeable characters, pleasant secondaries, competent mystery, good writing.
Nothing spectacular but worth a read for Quick fans.
References:
Author's website: http://jayneannkrentz.com/wait-until-...
(ISBN 9781405514132)
-CR-
May 11, 2017
Este libro lo tenia abandonado, no lo había vuelto a abrir, pero el fin de semana pasado lo volvía tomar y le avance bastante, y el lunes lo termine. Quería saber que pasaba.
El libro la principio se me logro cautivar mucho, aunque yo también he andado un poco distante con la lectura, así que no hay que echarle toda la culpa al libro.
El libro en si me entretuvo, el misterio, fue bueno, aunque yo no tenia muchas esperanzas en el. había leído otra historia, de una autora distinta, que no me había gustado para nada, y la verdad tenia mis reservas con este. pero al final de la historia si me sorprendió, y yo pensaba que era predecible, pero no.
En cuanto el romance, la pareja me gusta, Adam y Caroline, me agradan, el carácter de ambos e muy bueno, hay cierta gracia en que a el no le guste ser inspiración de Caroline, y que este al pendiente de lo que escribe, o piense.
Me gusto lo de Edmund Drake, el villano de la historia de Caroline, aunque esta parte si es predecible.
Como dije la pareja me gusta, pero ciento que falto mas romance, las relaciones, no son forzadas, pero si les falto algo mas de desarrollo, ya que los personajes no se conocían lo suficiente, como para contarse secretos, de tal magnitud, como lo hicieron a unos cuantos días de conocerse, y aunque lo justifican, no me convence del todo.
Los familiares de ambos, también me caen muy bien, aunque no se profundiza mucho en ellos, lo cual me hubiera gustado.
En si es un libro bueno, aunque le falto algo. no llego a ser de mis favoritos, pero si lo recomendaría, por lo menos por lo de la resolución del crimen, que por lo menos yo no me lo esperaba.
El libro la principio se me logro cautivar mucho, aunque yo también he andado un poco distante con la lectura, así que no hay que echarle toda la culpa al libro.
El libro en si me entretuvo, el misterio, fue bueno, aunque yo no tenia muchas esperanzas en el. había leído otra historia, de una autora distinta, que no me había gustado para nada, y la verdad tenia mis reservas con este. pero al final de la historia si me sorprendió, y yo pensaba que era predecible, pero no.
En cuanto el romance, la pareja me gusta, Adam y Caroline, me agradan, el carácter de ambos e muy bueno, hay cierta gracia en que a el no le guste ser inspiración de Caroline, y que este al pendiente de lo que escribe, o piense.
Me gusto lo de Edmund Drake, el villano de la historia de Caroline, aunque esta parte si es predecible.
Como dije la pareja me gusta, pero ciento que falto mas romance, las relaciones, no son forzadas, pero si les falto algo mas de desarrollo, ya que los personajes no se conocían lo suficiente, como para contarse secretos, de tal magnitud, como lo hicieron a unos cuantos días de conocerse, y aunque lo justifican, no me convence del todo.
Los familiares de ambos, también me caen muy bien, aunque no se profundiza mucho en ellos, lo cual me hubiera gustado.
En si es un libro bueno, aunque le falto algo. no llego a ser de mis favoritos, pero si lo recomendaría, por lo menos por lo de la resolución del crimen, que por lo menos yo no me lo esperaba.
November 3, 2023
Set in late Victorian times, this book had the advantage of looser and less rigid rules in society than the earlier Regency period while at the same time being more rigid in the area of public scandals and morals. Adam Hardesty and Caroline Fordyce deal with various levels of scandal and sensation as they attempt to determine who has murdered two women. In the process they find each other, not an unusual formula with Ms. Krentz, but why argue with success? I particularly liked the conversation and some of the comments about "sensational novels". I like to think it gives some insight into the author herself and how she feels about her writing. Carolyn says that it is not the ending that is the point; it is what happens and how the characters deal with them that is important. Clearly, after reading other reviews by people, I am in the minority in that I don't mind knowing how a book is going to progress. I agree with Carolyn (and hopefully with Ms. Krentz) that it's the getting there that counts, but I sure read a lot of complaints about how the ending is obvious or there were few surprises, which is just not important to me as a reader. Not that this is one of those books. Having read it numerous times (I think I've read most of Ms. Krentz's books at least 8 times), I'm not sure whether I was surprised the first time, but it really doesn't matter. I so enjoy her characters and her dialogue.
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