Queen B’s Decree: I’ve been reading more dark romance recently, so Until the Clock Strikes Midnight was a wonderful palate cleanser. I honestly couldn’t stop reading, and it gave me such joy.
The basic premise is Darling and Calamity are competing for the same internship/promotion; Darling (a fairy with wings!) that wants to give mortals a happily ever after and Calamity working to give mortals ordinary ever afters. They have the same assignment even though they have slightly different goals.
There was just a wonderful mix of real-ness and whimsy in this one. Darling and her mental health struggles; Calam with his neglectful parents; all the townspeople struggling with the repercussions of the financial failing of the entire town. I loved seeing how despite having magic, sometimes all it took was being a listening ear to help improve someone’s mood and life. I couldn’t help but remember Mr. Rogers—look for the helpers.
Truly…that’s all it took for a happily ever.
And the romance? The romance was adorable. A bit insta-lovey but mostly heartwarming and sweet.
My first from this author but hopefully not the last.
Book: Until the Clock Strikes Midnight by Alechia Dow
Series: standalone
Genre: Fantasy/YA
Plot Devices/Tropes: rivals-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers