Diane Shute

This time around I did find myself enjoying this book more. The relationship that I had started to form from the first book was stronger. Alix is still Alix. Yet, I am happy to see her focus with the horses is more of the focal point. There is no more hiding and trying to be a "proper lady". Nicholas is warm and inviting. I was glad to see that he sided with Alix. Jenny is back as well. She brings the light to the story. Someone that I did not mention in my review from the first book is Alix's Uncle Quenton. He is a fun character. He might be right up there as a tie for favorite with Alix. Plus, I can guarantee to get some laughs when he is around.

Due to the fact that I enjoyed the characters so much, I was able to read a bit faster. I do want to recommend that you read the first book, After Midnight. If you have not read the first book than you may get lost jumping into this book. It does not take place instantly after the first one but a lot of what transpires in this book is an outcome of the events in the prior book. Some of the growing pains I had with the first book were improved upon in this book.… (meer)

I really enjoyed the time period for this book. As a horse lover, I am always happy to see horses in a book. Alix is no wilting flower. Unlike her sister, Lily, who is spoiled and not warm or personable. Alix came out right away with spunk. Someone else that did not let Alix get away with her attitude is maid, Jenny. She pushed back. I was not sure through about her attitude and if I liked her. By the end of the book I could not get enough of her and Alix and her were good friends.

When it came to keeping the "secret" of the switch between Lily and Alix, it was not a good kept secret. This goes back to the fact that Alix and Lily are so different and act differently as well. Nicholas figured out the switch pretty early on. Yet, you could say that he didn't mind the change as he had feelings for Alix. Real ones that I don't think he has experienced in a long time with Lily.

While, I did enjoy this book; there were times in the story where I was easily distracted. I would have liked to have stayed focused throughout the story. Overall, my feelings for this book were good enough that I wanted to continue on with book two.… (meer)

After Midnight by Diane Schute is an historical romance novel with a mystery. I love mystery novels but rarely read historical mysteries. I have to say that I really enjoyed After Midnight. It is a little slow to start, but then I could not put it down.

Alix and Lily are identical twin sisters but they are very different. Lily is married to Lord Nicholas Griffon and spends her days going shopping, having tea, going to parties, and having illicit affairs with inappropriate gentlemen. Alix runs a stable for thoroughbred horses as well as racing them. She is used to working hard and very long hours. Alix works with her uncle and another good family friend.

Lily has gotten herself into a bit of a predicament and needs Alix to switch places with her. Alix is not used to having servants, wearing fancy clothes, nor going to tea parties, dances, or etc. Alix steps into her sister's life and does her best to blend in, avoid Nicholas, and find something to occupy her time.

Nicolas starts to notice something different about his wife. She is staying in, drawing, playing the piano (quite well), speaks French, and is very withdrawn (nothing like his wife). Nicholas figures she is up to something and with the help of his valet tries to figure out what is going on.

While the switch is taking place, Alix's uncle, Quenton, goes to France to see about getting back his legacy as well as Alix's. There is more to Alix's and her family history than she knows or remembers. Some of the scenes in France are not as well written as the rest of the book. It was like they were added in as an afterthought.

After Midnight is a good book. There is romance, humor, and mystery all in one book. I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5. I was a little disappointed by the ending. I am hoping that there will be another book and it picks up where After Midnight ended. Happy Reading!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.… (meer)