Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk Published by Indie on October 13, 2020
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret, terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining Season, when young men and women of means descend upon the city to negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only she can save them, by securing an advantageous match before their creditors come calling.
In a stroke of luck, Beatrice finds a grimoire that contains the key to becoming a Magus, but before she can purchase it, a rival sorceress swindles the book right out of her hands. Beatrice summons a spirit to help her get it back, but her new ally exacts a price: Beatrice’s first kiss . . . with her adversary’s brother, the handsome, compassionate, and fabulously wealthy Ianthe Lavan.
The more Beatrice is entangled with the Lavan siblings, the harder her decision becomes: If she casts the spell to become a Magus, she will devastate her family and lose the only man to ever see her for who she is; but if she marries—even for love—she will sacrifice her magic, her identity, and her dreams. But how can she choose just one, knowing she will forever regret the path not taken?
I have enjoyed this author in the past, so when I saw this gorgeous cover I didn’t hesitate. It didn’t hurt the story was full of magic with a feel like Regency England. The world setup is like many books I have read where women are oppressed, not allowed to use or train to use magic.
The world-building in The Midnight Bargain was comfortable as it fit a familiar style. The characters were lovely, flawed, independent and resourceful; I couldn’t help but love them. Beatrice is a young women who wants to live her life, learn and practice magic. Her family though is in financial trouble so she needs to marry to bring them wealth. She is clever and while her feelings are selfish, she works to do what her family needs. Her younger sister, Harriet, is a selfish little brat, young and unsympathetic to Beatrice’s needs.
Beatrice meets the Lavan siblings by chance and it changes the whole course of the season of ingenues where men select brides. Ysbeta is a girl after her own heart but with many more resources. Ianthe is quite the enlightened and perceptive man. Of course, he does live with Ysbeta, but he learns from Beatrice too.
I sadly started reading at around 11pm and the next thing I knew it was 4:48am when I finished! It captured me emotionally and I was worried, excited, and cheering on my favored characters. They faced some formidable rules and society pressures, with their own families making demands on them. I really loved this story.
About C.L. Polk
C.L. Polk is in a love triangle with fantasy and romance. After short story sales and contributing to the web serial Shadow Unit, she’s written fantasy and contemporary romance novels. She lives in southern Alberta and spends too much time on twitter.
Her debut novel, Witchmark, will be published with tor.com in 2018.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER-20
I have a copy of this too, I really hope I have time to read it this month, it sounds so good?
I thought it was really good. It captured me emotionally and was interesting. I wonder if there will be a series.
i love when i get so lost in a book i lose track of time. happy reading
sherry @ fundinmental
This was great for that!
I love the way the magic wielding is taboo in this historical fantasy. I read a similar one and plan to read the sequel.
I was so curious about what book kept you up all night after reading your Sunday Post. 🙂
This was it. It was shocking because these days I am usually too tired for that. But after the first page or two I was just into it.
I enjoyed a book by this author and I should try more!
I have enjoyed everything I have read from this author also.
Love it when a book pulls me in enough to make me lose sleep!
It definitely engaged me. I like that too. When I start a new book, not in a world I already know, it can be a struggle these days to get reading. This was so fast to pull me into the story.
I’ve never read this author, but the book sounds right up my alley. The cover is beautiful. Yea!
It is a gorgeous cover. It has some things in common with the Stephanie Burgis series.
When a book keeps you up reading you know it’s good.
yes I really liked it.