Review: Stroke of Midnight by Olivia Drake

Saturday, September 24, 2016

16034220Stroke of Midnight
Olivia Drake
Series: Cinderella Sisterhood #2
Publisher: St. Martin's
Originally Published On June 4, 2013
Rating: 2 1/2 stars

Summary: (Taken from Goodreads)
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?


My Thoughts


I really enjoyed the first book in Olivia Drake's Cinderella Sisterhood series. But, while this one was entertaining enough. It didn't capture me the same way.

I think my main problem with the book was that I really didn't care for either of the main characters, and definitely didn't enjoy their romance. Laura is determined to clear her father's name. While I appreciate that, she literally just goes off a 'well they never got along hunch.' She refuses to even consider anyone else might have been the culprit. With literally no proof. I liked her general character... but the stubborn assumptions really made me view her as being quite stupid, and it frustrated me. Alex just felt like a flat character. He didn't have much personality at all. I felt as if Drake gave him a bit of a back story and hinted that he was mysterious, and almost dangerous. But, then wrote him as a stereotypical English gentleman. I didn't see the mystery or danger that she alluded to at time.

As for the love, it was way too forced. Alex sees this girl that attacked him 10 years ago, and decides she must be his. But, refuses to tell her any secrets. Laura refuses to trust him, but decides to marry him anyway even though literally a few pages before she was trying to ruin, just for the sake of being petty. They don't trust each other at all, and then suddenly after they are married they are madly in love. Just, no. That isn't how it works. It really frustrated me.

However, I will say, the story was generally entertaining. I enjoyed the mystery. At some points I was wondering myself if Laura was chasing unicorns with her firm beliefs. I had suspicions, but didn't figure it out. I would have liked to see a bit more resolution, but I can live with what I was given.

I also loved Aunt Josie. It was so nice to see a lovely elderly lady that is friendly and not snobbish, as they are often protrayed in regency novels. She was sweet, and fun. I truly adored her character.

Overall, I gave this book a 2.5 rating. It is hard to give it much higher when I really didn't like the main characters at all. I will continue with the sereis though, I think Olivia Drake's writing is entertaining... so I hope to enjoy the next book more.

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