Friday, June 7, 2013

Book Review: Stroke of Midnight

Stroke of Midnight (Cinderella Sisterhood, #2)Author: Olivia Drake
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Series: Cinderella Sisterhood # 2

He's no Prince Charming. She doesn't have a pumpkin coach. Sometimes love is nothing like a fairy tale; it's even better...

It's Never Too Late

The infamous Laura Falkner has returned to London society in disguise. Determined to clear her father's name, she becomes a companion to elderly Lady Josephine—only to learn the woman's nephew is none other than Alexander Ross, the devilish Earl of Copley, the man Laura once loved with all her heart. The same man who'd accused her father of theft and forced them to flee England.

To Fall Head Over Heels In Love

Alex has never forgotten Laura—or forgiven himself for letting her go. Today, Laura is as lovely—and stubborn—as ever, and her attempts at crime-solving are putting her in danger. The only way Alex can keep her safe is to marry her. But how can this notorious rake convince Laura that his heart is true…before the clock strikes twelve?



Laura’s breath knotted her lungs. The sight of him after all these years struck her like a blow to her mid-section. The cocoa-brown hair, the broad muscled build, the arrogant stance of those long legs – she absorbed it all in one searing glance. His presence set her ablaze with an intensity of emotion that could only be pure vitriol. How she despised the scoundrel!

If indeed Papa had been murdered, she could not allow his death to go unavenged.

Deeply unsettled, she trod onward without any clear destination in mind. If she couldn’t rely on the police, then whom could she trust? Her former friends and acquaintances undoubtedly viewed her as a pariah. She had no living relatives – there had only been her and Papa. She was on her own now, a rudderless raft in a vast sea of humanity.
First of all, I was enraptured by this cover! How beautiful! Secondly, the name of this series is, Cinderella Sisterhood. How can anyone say “no” to these two things? This is only my second book by Olivia Drake, the other being the first book in this series, and I must say that I am impressed with her writing. Her storylines are very easy to keep up with, even though they are fast-paced, and everything that happens in the story flows and makes for a nice reading pace for me as the reader. This particular story follows Laura Faulkner, who has come back to London society in hopes of finding out what happened to her father. Once she returns she meets a few people…and people from her once scandalous past.

When we first meet Laura Faulkner she has changed her name and has tried to change her appearance in hopes that no one recognizes her. Within the first few pages she is on the run with some burly man in hot pursuit behind her, and I knew from that moment that this book would prove to be just as adventurous as the first book in this series, If The Slipper Fits. Laura is a truly inspiring character and knows no boundaries when it comes to clearing her and her father’s good name. Like I said before, this plot line is fast, fun, and sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Laura is a determined character who definitely has a mind all her own.

The best parts of this book for me were when Alexander Ross, the Earl of Copley came onto the scene. He brought out a side of Laura that I do not believe had surfaced since she and her father fled London. You can tell that Alex thinks he is devilish and irresistible, but Laura quickly puts him in his place. They are a great pair in my opinion, and even though I loved Laura, I felt like this book just would not be the same without Alexander Ross! I also greatly enjoyed Lady Josephine! She was just as much of a comfort and companion to Laura as Laura was for her.

***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at St. Martin’s Paperbacks in exchange for my honest review***






2 comments:

  1. Sure Chelsey, review this after I've placed my Amazon order. Aren't you supposed to know these things!? ;)

    This series sounds like pure pleasure reading! Who could say "no" to it!? Love the concept and the books sound lovely. Going to add them to my list! Thanks. :)

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  2. the book is definitely beautiful!! i need to add this to my to read list!

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