Member Reviews
I found the characters in "Three Kisses, One Midnight" to be wonderfully crafted, each with unique voices and relatable personalities. Onny, True, and Ash, the trio known as the Coven, felt like real friends with distinct traits that made their stories engaging. Onny's rich family background and love for astrology added depth to her character, while True's scientific scepticism provided an interesting contrast. Ash's awkwardness and passion for art made him endearing. Their respective love interests were also well-developed, adding diversity and richness to the narrative.
Onny's character stood out to me because of her infectious enthusiasm and determination. Coming from a wealthy family, she could have easily been portrayed as a stereotypical rich girl, but instead, her love for astrology and tarot made her feel grounded and relatable. She had a way of making me root for her, even when her plans didn't go as expected. Her dynamic with Byron, despite not being my favourite, added an interesting layer to her story.
Ash's character was another highlight. His transformation from a shy, nerdy teen into someone willing to take risks for love was heartwarming. His relationship with Cassidy was my favourite, mainly because of how naturally their romance unfolded. Ash's love for art provided a beautiful backdrop to his story, making his journey towards love feel authentic and sweet. True's character, while not as compelling to me due to her scepticism about magic, still had a strong presence. Her interactions with Orion, who was just the sweetest, were adorable, even if their romance felt a bit rushed.
The plot of "Three Kisses, One Midnight" is divided into three sections, each focusing on one of the main characters during a magical Halloween masquerade. This structure made the book feel like three interconnected novellas, which I didn't mind at all. The central storyline of using a love potion during the town's 400th-anniversary celebration to find true love was charming and whimsical. Onny's story set the tone with a mix of academia frenemies-to-lovers, Ash's story was sweetly predictable, and True's tale brought in the most paranormal elements.
I enjoyed how the plot managed to weave together the individual stories of Onny, Ash, and True while maintaining a cohesive narrative. Onny's tale of using her grandmother's love potion recipe during the Halloween Midnight Gala was an engaging start. The chaos that ensued when the potion ended up in the wrong hands added a humorous twist, making her story both entertaining and touching. Ash's plotline followed, providing a quieter, more introspective look at his quest for love. His long-standing crush on Cassidy and the eventual blossoming of their relationship were beautifully handled, capturing the innocence and excitement of first love.
True's story was perhaps the most dramatic, with her initial resistance to magic giving way to a whirlwind romance with Orion. Although I found the insta-love trope less appealing, True's journey was still compelling, especially with the heightened paranormal activity surrounding her. The climax, where all three stories converged, was satisfying and neatly tied up the various plot threads. Overall, the plot was a delightful mix of romance, humour, and a touch of magic, perfect for a light, seasonal read.
The writing style in this book is lyrical and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the Halloween and autumn vibes. I noticed the beautiful prose of Roshani Chokshi, which added a poetic touch to the narrative. The authors managed to weave in cultural elements subtly, enhancing the characters and their stories. The dialogue was natural, and the narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life in the audiobook version. Despite a few mispronunciations, the audio added an extra layer of enjoyment.
One of the things I appreciated most about the writing was how it built a vivid atmosphere. The descriptions of the town of Moon Ridge, the Halloween decorations, and the masquerade party were so detailed that I felt like I was right there with the characters. The seasonal imagery was spot on, making it a perfect read for autumn. I also loved how the magical elements were incorporated into the narrative without overwhelming it. The magic felt like a natural part of the world, enhancing the whimsical charm of the story.
However, there were moments when the writing felt a bit disjointed, particularly in the transitions between the three main stories. While each section was strong on its own, the shifts sometimes disrupted the overall flow. Despite this, the fast-paced writing style kept me engaged, and I found myself breezing through the book. The combination of beautiful prose, engaging dialogue, and well-crafted characters made for an enjoyable reading experience.
"Three Kisses, One Midnight" explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery against a backdrop of magic and Halloween festivities. The story delves into the idea of finding true love and the importance of believing in something beyond the ordinary. Onny's reliance on astrology and tarot, True's scepticism, and Ash's quiet determination all reflect different ways of searching for and experiencing love. The theme of friendship is also strong, with the tight-knit bond between the Coven providing a solid foundation for their individual stories.
One of the central themes that resonated with me was the idea of following one's heart. Each character had their own journey towards understanding what they truly wanted and learning to trust their instincts. Onny's unwavering belief in astrology and her grandmother's love potion highlighted the power of faith and tradition. True's scientific approach and eventual acceptance of magic emphasised the importance of keeping an open mind. Ash's quiet confidence in pursuing his passion for art and love showed the value of perseverance and self-belief.
Friendship played a crucial role in the narrative, showcasing the strength of the bond between Onny, True, and Ash. Their support for each other, despite their differences, was heartwarming and added depth to their individual stories. The book also touched on themes of loss and legacy, particularly through Onny's connection with her late grandmother. The subtle inclusion of diverse cultural elements and the presence of a cool LGBTQ+ couple further enriched the thematic tapestry, making the story feel inclusive and relatable.
This book fits well within the young adult romance and paranormal genres, offering a lighthearted, fun read perfect for the Halloween season. The blend of romance, magic, and small-town charm creates a cosy, engaging atmosphere. While the paranormal aspects are light and mainly present towards the end, the Halloween setting and the love potion plot provide just the right amount of magic. The book is suitable for readers aged 12 and up, and even adults who enjoy young romance stories with a touch of the supernatural will find it delightful.
The Hallmark movie-like feel adds to its appeal, making it an enjoyable read for anyone looking for a seasonal, romantic escape. I appreciated how the book balanced the whimsical elements of magic with the more grounded, everyday experiences of the characters. This balance made the story accessible and relatable, even for readers who might not typically enjoy paranormal fiction. The lighthearted tone and quick pacing also make it an excellent choice for readers looking for a breather between heavier reads.
One aspect that stood out to me was the book's ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for classic Halloween stories and movies. The small-town setting, the masquerade ball, and the magical elements all contributed to a cosy, familiar vibe that I found incredibly charming. The genre blend of young adult romance and light paranormal was executed well, providing just enough magic to enhance the story without overshadowing the central themes of love and friendship.
I would rate "Three Kisses, One Midnight" 4 out of 5 stars. The book is an adorable, heartwarming read filled with autumn and Halloween vibes. Each story within the book stands well on its own, with well-developed characters and charming romances. While the writing is occasionally disjointed and some plot elements feel clichéd, the overall experience is delightful and engaging. The diverse representation and cultural elements add depth, and the light paranormal touch enhances the magical atmosphere.
This book is perfect for a cosy, seasonal read and a great choice for anyone who loves young adult romance with a sprinkle of magic. The individual stories of Onny, Ash, and True are each compelling in their own right, and the way they come together in the end is satisfying. The combination of charming characters, beautiful writing, and a whimsical plot made for an enjoyable reading experience. While it's not without its flaws, "Three Kisses, One Midnight" is a delightful book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a light, feel-good read during the Halloween season.
A cute story about three friends wanting to find love. They use potions and spells and work out they might not have needed them after all and some things are more important than kisses. I would have liked a bit more actual magic but overall quite good.
DNF - I was looking forward to this but I just couldn't get into it. I'm not sure why.
Maybe I'll try again another time.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 stories of friends that are all on the hunt for true love one Halloween! They each have all love potion that one of them brewed, and tonight's the night to use it!
These are sweet stories, that all interlink, with a dash of the supernatural!
I enjoyed reading them, especially as it's getting towards Halloween!
I was given this book in exchange for an unbiased review, so my thanks to NetGalley and to Hodder & Stoughton.
I do not thin it was my time to read this book: I put it away for now and I will be coming back to this once in the mood for that genre.
This was such as magical and uplifting YA romance. I have read a lot of thrillers lately and this was just what I needed. The all time perfect palate cleanser. I cannot wait to read it again come Halloween. Thanks for the review copy!
This was such an interesting and incredible read, there was such depth and intrigue. I found myself completely entranced by the story.
Part of me wishes this was just Onny story. I found her part the most interesting. I would have loved to learn more about her grandmother etc.
While Ash was OK I started to lose interested and sadly True part didn't interest me at all.
I did like how in the end they didn't need a potion to find what they were looking for. Overall it was a cute quick read
I am a huge Roshani Chokshi and Sandhya Menon fan so of course this book had been on my radar since it had been announced. It only took me forever to actually read it, but I'm glad I did, because this book was just so cute! It's YA so I did feel out of touch with the characters at times, but that's on me. I still enjoyed reading it so much and I'm going to need the three authors to come together and write more!
Thank you for the arc in exchange for an honest review. This was a fun light hearted read told from multiple points of view.
Three best friends, a love potion brewed, and a lore that ensures a forever for romantic entanglements on a special night. With entertaining tropes of academic frenemies-to-lovers, next-door neighbour crush, and insta-love, these beautifully distinct tales convey fun, fanciful, and fond characters. The cultural addition was impressively subtle; the cozy backdrop of fall is unmissable.
Definitely a YA feel which I didn’t mind one but as it meant I could read it quickly during Halloween weekend. A wonderfully written spooky adventure
This was a fun, witchy read that I enjoyed over the spooky season!
It felt a little YA for me however so not sure I was the target audience.
I just didn't like the set up for this book, I've never really been a fan of short stories collection and expected this to more one overall story with different perspectives in a more continuous timeline. Just wasn't for me but the stories were fun to read
I liked how it is a collection of interconnected stories (the three protagonists are friends!) with a discreet touch of magic and some magic that is part of the mythology of a small town. The romance in each story is very cute, with clichés that I like, neighbors who have crushes on each other was my favorite!
The town of Moon Ridge was founded 400 years ago and everyone born and raised there knows the legend of the young woman who perished at the stroke of twelve that very same night, losing the life she was set to embark on with her dearest love. Every century since, one day a year, the Lady of Moon Ridge descends from the stars to walk among the townsfolk, conjuring an aura upon those willing to follow their hearts' desires.
"To summon joy and love in another's soul
For a connection that makes two people whole
For laughter and a smile that one can never miss
Sealed before midnight with a truehearted kiss."
'This year at Moon Ridge High, a group of friends known as The Coven will weave art, science, and magic during a masquerade ball unlike any other. Onny, True, and Ash believe everything is in alignment to bring them the affection, acceptance, and healing that can only come from romance?with a little help from Onny's grandmother's love potion.
But nothing is as simple as it first seems. And as midnight approaches, The Coven learn that it will take more than a spell to recognize those who offer their love and to embrace all the magic that follows."
I would read anything roshani chokshi is involved in in a heartbeat! And this did not disappoint, it is an absolutely enchanting read, perfect for this time of year!
What a fun and really sweet read, this is three interspersed stories, I loved the connection that these best friends have, I loved and laughed so much at their plans to use a love potion to have their love interests fall in love with them, these are so good I wanted more, fantastic read, so much fun
A cute YA romance with some of my favourite tropes in. I liked all the characters and their individual stories, though Onny and Byron's was the standout for me. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, quick Halloween read!
Three Kisses, One Midnight is three stories weaving amongst themselves on the eve of Halloween. The writing was inviting and welcomed me in with it's mystical charms and I was living for each and every moment I spent with Onny and co.
The romantic pull of the piece was written with perfect pace and I devoured the whole book in one sitting. I do feel that we haven't heard the last of the these three characters and would love to see more from them in the future (hint).
Reading this now in October was spot on. It's such a perfect book for Halloween and this time of year. The autumnal witchy vibes are killer. All of the characters are important and needed and I loved that.