A Duchess by Midnight

Written by Charis Michaels

Narrated by Morag Sims

""Charis Michaels will make you believe in fairy tales.""— #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn

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 reimagining of the classic fairytale, Duchess by Midnight puts a fresh spin on the story of the ugly duckling, delivering a charming and romantic tale of love, transformation, and happily ever after.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Jul 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063246430

Charis Michaels

USA Today bestselling author Charis Michaels believes a romance novel is a long, entertaining answer to the question, “So, how did you two meet?” and she loves making up new ways for fictional characters to meet and dislike each other before falling in love instead. She grew up on a peach farm in Texas and gave tours at Disney World in college but now can be found raising her family and writing love stories from her screened-in porch in Northern Virginia. 

Reviews for A Duchess by Midnight

[Andrea Author · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ian, Duke of Lachlan, hires spinster Drew to help his nieces prepare for their come-out. The girls recently left a sequestered life and have no idea how to behave in society. Unfortunately, the attraction between Ian and Drew is strong, and they set a poor example for their young charges. Forced to marry, can they find love together?

I adore this series and love this book! The hero and heroine both made mistakes in the past and are struggling to find their place in the world. The attraction between them isn't just physical—they sense kindred spirits in one another. I love how determined they are, and how overcoming the damage from the past makes them stronger.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.