Book Review #aduchessbymidnight #charismichaels #avonromance #netgalley
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.