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Miss Kate Daltry doesn’t believe in fairy tales . . .or happily ever after.
Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince . . . and decides he’s anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.
Gabriel likes his fiancée, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn’t love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.
Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.
Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble . . .
Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune . . .
Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything.
A New York Times bestselling author, Eloisa James is a professor of English literature who lives with her family in New York, but who can sometimes be found in Paris or Italy. (Her husband is an honest-to-goodness Italian knight!) Eloisa's website offers short stories, extra chapters, and even a guide to shopping in Florence.
I loved this take on the Cinderella fairy tale. In fact, it was better than the original story. The heroine (Kate) was not the simple, sweet Cinderella, but, rather, a young woman with plenty of fire, intelligence and wit, as well as a heightened sense of responsibility for her time. The Prince was everything a hero should be including perceptive with a good sense of humor. I was particularly glad that the stepsister was portrayed in a kind light and that she and Kate became close. The dialogue, not just between Kate and Gabriel, but between all the characters (and believe me, there were some characters:-), was outstanding. This was a light, breezy read (no dark angst in this one) and I highly recommend it
20 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.sand7s
Posted June 13, 2012
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Very good book. I loved the characters and was sorry to see it end.
17 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I absolutely loved this story. Yes, it has the concept of the true Cinderella story but it was so touching that I hated the story to end. I loved Gabriel (The Prince) and Kate (The Cinderella) together. Gabriel was a definite "dream" man...dark, exotic and sensual as heck! Kate was bold, beautiful and wanted desperately for someone to love her. I LOVED the ending...thank you, Eloisa James, for a wonderful read.
16 out of 20 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Historicalromancefan
Posted August 9, 2010
I wish I could say that I finished the book, but no such luck. I just couldn't get through it. It was too painfully weak. By this I mean, the plot and the characters, especially the way the talked to one another were just ridiculous. The language was too contemporary and I was surprised to find this in a historical romance novel.
I have given Eloisa James two chances to redeem herself in my eyes and she failed both times.
You won't find me purchasing another book written be this author.
I recommmend authors such as Lisa Kleypas, Kathryn Smith, Katherine Ashe, Caroline Linden and Deborah Raleigh, just to name a few. These author's have a depth to their characters that puts Eloisa James' writing to shame.
12 out of 25 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 20, 2012
Loved the plot but found the sex to be distracting
10 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MermaidHair
Posted August 1, 2010
I loved Eloisa James' spin on Cinderella. She gives us what we always wanted, a reason for Cinderella and Prince Charming to be so enamored of each other, other than love at first sight. Shared values, sharp minds and great chemistry keep you routing for this couple. A classic tale keeps you anticipating the standard Cinderella plot devices and looking to see how James will tweak them. This is a real charmer - pick it up and it will go on your keepers shelf!
8 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 28, 2010
I was blown away by Eloisa James' version of Cinderella. It took the classic story and turned it into such a new and wonderful tale. Maybe Cindy didn't want a prince and maybe the prince has other things on his mind and the rats are definitely different and don't even get me started on the "fairy" godmother. This book has it ALL and I can't say enough good things about it.
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 1, 2012
Enjoyed the two main characters. Enjoyable read, would recommend. Very happy ending.
5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Eloisa James' ideas for all of her fairytale stories is refreshing and very believable.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.oktoberopal
Posted July 29, 2010
I loved it!!! It was a very good spin on the Cinderella fairy tale. I enjoyed reading it and the pages were turning with my interest. Loved the characters. I had a few chuckles while reading it. Definitely worth reading again if you LOVE those feel good stories.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is a very light, humorous book. It is a Cinderella-type story. Katherine Daltry, a twenty-three-year-old "spinster" and orphan, resides with and caters to serving as land steward her horrid, greedy stepmother and daft stepsister. She, of course, has no fancy clothes or trifles as all her father's money was left to the stepmother, who is using said funds to sponsor her weeping daughter and marry her off to a viscount; this viscount happens to be a distant cousin to our prince, and for one reason or other, needs the prince's approval to wed his chosen bride. Kate is exactly how I always wanted my Cinderella to be - a fighter. She fights for what she believes in, what's right and wrong. She fight's her stepmother as much as she can in her position. She isn't book smart, but she has made effort to be and she's not lacking in common sense. Her sister Victoria isn't the awful stepsister, but actually very sweet and caring. She's never taken part in torturing Kate like Marianna does and that's why Kate relents on going along with the crazy plan. Even the Prince is different from our perfect first. He's arrogant, a little rude and brooding. It's not until Kate really gets to know him that she finally understands his personality. Although his arrogance never really goes away, it becomes more playful and sexy. A Kiss at Midnight is actually my first Eloisa James novel. The other girls at Paperback Dolls completely love her, so when we got the chance to review one of her novels, I jumped at the offer. The story is one we've all heard before, but the twists that Ms. James puts in are a welcomed change. Most of the novel takes place at Pemeroy, but I didn't feel the least bit claustrophobic. Pemeroy is a very large castle, and Ms. James makes use of the grounds. My favorite character has got to be Henry; Kate's "Godmother" This woman says exactly what's on her mind. She's a little vulgar for the times and completely self-assured. It's plain to see that she wants nothing but good things to come Kate's way. She does everything in her power to make her comfortable and happy. I took A Kiss at Midnight for exactly what it was a fairy tale romance. I want say how important it is that I make it clear that this is a fairy tale and not a historical romance. Ms. James expresses this herself in the author’s notes at the end. But anyone who reads this beautiful story will have no doubt about it. A Kiss at Midnight was romantic, sexy and funny and I myself am already more than ready for the next in this series.
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 15, 2012
Wonderful Cinderella story. There were a few rough spots in the writing but overall a great story.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 27, 2010
A KISS AT MIDNIGHT by Eloisa James is a amazing fairy tale historical romance set in 1800's England. It is well written with details, depth, page turning, fast paced,and fairy tale come true.The characters are enchanting, strong, witty, and irresistible. Kate, is comely to some, strong, determined, fearless,witty, mistreated by her stepmother, caring, kindhearted,impoverished, and will fall in love with the wonderfully handsome prince. Gabriel, is handsome, kind, family oriented, betrothed to another, a princess who will be able to help his finances,noble, an archgologist, and falling in love with Kate. Kate will meet her godmother, find out about her father who is dead, sacrifice her happiness in order for her prince to fulfill his ambition. Gabriel, will learn true love is worth more than his ambition and a wealthy dowry. This is a wonderful fairy tale, rags to riches story of true love and happiness. This is a keeper book and I would highly recommend. Details can be found at Avon an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and My Book Addiction and More
4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 22, 2012
This book was delightfully well written. Even though its love story was oh so cinderella, it took me by surprise. However, due to adult content, I wouldn't reccomend it to thide under the age if 18.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Nagirref
Posted February 6, 2012
I read the first few pages of this as an add on to another book of Eloisa James, so I had to get this one too. I don't normally like 'made up' countries and things like that in my historical romances. BUT - this is easily explained and it takes place in England (thank goodness)! The read is very fast - you just keep turning the pages to see what happens next. I liked the characters, and feel she did a very good job developing individuals I believed in. AND, there is a novella AFTER this one, involving the brother. Another good read!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I loved this take on the Cinderella fairy tale. In fact, it was better than the original story. The heroine (Kate) was not the simple, sweet Cinderella, but, rather, a young woman with plenty of fire, intelligence and wit, as well as a heightened sense of responsibility for her time. The Prince was everything a hero should be including perceptive with a good sense of humor. I was particularly glad that the stepsister was portrayed in a kind light and that she and Kate became close. The dialogue, not just between Kate and Gabriel, but between all the characters (and believe me, there were some characters:-), was outstanding. This was a light, breezy read (no dark angst in this one) and I highly recommend it
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 22, 2012
Ireally enjoyed this book. A lot of fun to read. Gives a great deal of thought to the choices we make and what says about our character.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 20, 2012
One of the best versions of Cinderella i have ever read
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 18, 2012
This was a great book and couldn't put it down.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 17, 2011
This book is romantic, funny & was a little sad(just for a short time). I found it hard to put down.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
Miss Kate Daltry doesn’t believe in fairy tales . . .or happily ever after.
Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince . . . and decides he’s anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.
Gabriel likes his fiancée, which is a welcome ...