I liked that Kate masquerading as her step-sister is not something that’s drawn on for a long time. The contradiction in her character, as opposed to what he’s heard about her is a riddle he wants to solve. But Kate’s lack of respect for his position intrigues him and he’s drawn to her. Kate doesn’t think too highly of Gabriel when they first meet. She’s on her way to England for them to meet, but in the meantime, Kate and her future brother-in-law arrive. And so a Russian princess is found for him. But in order to continue supporting his family, he needs to marry an heiress. And Gabriel, the honourable man that he is, sets up a castle in England and takes in all his exiled relatives (and various wild animals). Prince Gabriel is in England because his brother, Prince Augustus, has turned out all his relatives that don’t kowtow to his new religious rules at court. She’s better haggling with men at the market than dancing. Her mother passed away before she could mold and shape her behavior and acting as the estate’s steward since her father died doesn’t exactly make her ready for the ballroom.

This presents a bit of a problem because Kate isn’t sure she can act like a lady. But Victoria can’t meet the Prince herself at the moment because one of her little lapdogs bit her lip and it is swollen and infected and gross. You see, Victoria is engaged to the Prince’s cousin, and he must give his approval to the match for it to proceed. Kate’s hateful step-mother is forcing her to masquerade as her step-sister, Victoria, to impress Prince Gabriel. To me, it makes it sound like Gabriel has already met his fiancée and that they’re friendly with each other by the time he meets Kate and falls for her. It’s a funny quirk of mine to put off reading books by authors I really enjoy. I love reading Eloisa James’ books but for some odd reason I’ve been dragging my feet on reading her Fairy Tales series. Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything. Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune. Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble. 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. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.

Gabriel likes his fiancée, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn’t love her. For Gabriel is promised to another woman-a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. or happily ever after.įorced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince. Miss Kate Daltry doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Ames’ review of A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James.