What do you think?
Rate this book
Naughty Princess Club #1
At the Stroke of Midnight
Meet the Naughty Princess Club: a brand new series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that introduces readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that ensue when three women start a new business to make it rain.
Once upon a time Cynthia was the perfect housewife. Between being the President of the PTA and keeping her home spotless without a hair (or her pearls) out of place, her life was a dream come true. Her husband was once her knight in shining armor, but now he’s run off with all their money…and the babysitter.
Dressed as a princess at the annual Halloween block party on Fairytale Lane, she meets two other “princesses” also facing money troubles: antique store owner Ariel and librarian Isabelle. When the women are invited to wear their costumes to a party where they’re mistaken for strippers, Cindy, Ariel, and Belle realize that a career change could be the best way to make their money problems go bippity-boppity-boo.
But can structured Cindy approach a stripper pole without sanitizing wipes? And could the blue-eyed anti-prince that has been crossing her path become Cindy’s happily ever after? At the Stroke of Midnight is a hilarious, empowering story where princesses can save themselves while slaying in stilettos.
Once upon a time Cynthia was the perfect housewife. Between being the President of the PTA and keeping her home spotless without a hair (or her pearls) out of place, her life was a dream come true. Her husband was once her knight in shining armor, but now he’s run off with all their money…and the babysitter.
Dressed as a princess at the annual Halloween block party on Fairytale Lane, she meets two other “princesses” also facing money troubles: antique store owner Ariel and librarian Isabelle. When the women are invited to wear their costumes to a party where they’re mistaken for strippers, Cindy, Ariel, and Belle realize that a career change could be the best way to make their money problems go bippity-boppity-boo.
But can structured Cindy approach a stripper pole without sanitizing wipes? And could the blue-eyed anti-prince that has been crossing her path become Cindy’s happily ever after? At the Stroke of Midnight is a hilarious, empowering story where princesses can save themselves while slaying in stilettos.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
About the author
Tara Sivec
64 books10.2k followersTara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when all three of them become adults and move out.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards 2014.
In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she'll do and naps she'll take when she ever gets spare time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 820 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
March 2, 2018
At the Stroke of Midnight is book one in the Naughty Princess Club series by Tara Sivec. I knew going in to this book that it was going to be hilarious. What I didn’t plan on was falling in love. About half way through, it really hit me, that I loved these characters.
Cynthia had a rough childhood, being raised by an awful stepmother. After getting out on her own, she met who she thought was her knight in shining armor, Brian, whom she married. But thirteen years later, she knows he’s not her knight at all. He has taken off with their baby sitter, left the country, with every penny they had saved as well as stealing money from his parents business. Cynthia has spent her entire marriage trying to be the perfect wife and mother to their thirteen year old daughter. Not a spec of dust, not a hair out of place, perfect clothes, and always pearls. Now she is selling the furniture and her jewelry just to keep food on the table.
Cynthia meets two other women who aren’t in much better shape, Ariel and Belle. The three of them are desperate for a way to make a living and come up with a hilarious way to both earn money and to regain their confidence as well, they are going to start a strippers for hire business.
Here is where PJ Charming comes into the picture. He is the real knight in shining armor here. PJ owns a strip club which only employs single mothers. PJ is everything her now ex husband was not, supportive, encouraging, sexy, sweet to both she and her daughter, and he makes her laugh. This man is hot enough to melt all the snow at the North Pole. And most important of all, he is honorable. I even fell in love with his mother. She was adorable.
“Everyone in my life before him stood idly by and let me fall, but with PJ, something just tells me he’ll always be there to catch me if I need him.”
As the three women try to get their business started, Cindy and PJ start a slow building relationship. Again, PJ just made me swoon the way he took things slow to make sure Cindy felt important and cherished. But when they finally unleashed all that pent up sexual frustration, holy moly, it was hot!
Reading back over this, it doesn’t sound like a funny book at all but it is hilarious. These women and their crazy shenanigans were so funny. They are also three women who have all been hurt, who are all trying to regain control of their lives, who are all trying to prove to themselves and to the world that they are strong, independent women and that they are confident and successful. They all three stole my heart. But this book centers on Cindy and PJ and they were amazing.
This book is funny and sweet and sexy and just fantastic. I couldn’t put it down. The next book is going to be, In Bed with the Beast. I suspect that it will be about Belle. I can’t wait.
Cynthia had a rough childhood, being raised by an awful stepmother. After getting out on her own, she met who she thought was her knight in shining armor, Brian, whom she married. But thirteen years later, she knows he’s not her knight at all. He has taken off with their baby sitter, left the country, with every penny they had saved as well as stealing money from his parents business. Cynthia has spent her entire marriage trying to be the perfect wife and mother to their thirteen year old daughter. Not a spec of dust, not a hair out of place, perfect clothes, and always pearls. Now she is selling the furniture and her jewelry just to keep food on the table.
Cynthia meets two other women who aren’t in much better shape, Ariel and Belle. The three of them are desperate for a way to make a living and come up with a hilarious way to both earn money and to regain their confidence as well, they are going to start a strippers for hire business.
Here is where PJ Charming comes into the picture. He is the real knight in shining armor here. PJ owns a strip club which only employs single mothers. PJ is everything her now ex husband was not, supportive, encouraging, sexy, sweet to both she and her daughter, and he makes her laugh. This man is hot enough to melt all the snow at the North Pole. And most important of all, he is honorable. I even fell in love with his mother. She was adorable.
“Everyone in my life before him stood idly by and let me fall, but with PJ, something just tells me he’ll always be there to catch me if I need him.”
As the three women try to get their business started, Cindy and PJ start a slow building relationship. Again, PJ just made me swoon the way he took things slow to make sure Cindy felt important and cherished. But when they finally unleashed all that pent up sexual frustration, holy moly, it was hot!
Reading back over this, it doesn’t sound like a funny book at all but it is hilarious. These women and their crazy shenanigans were so funny. They are also three women who have all been hurt, who are all trying to regain control of their lives, who are all trying to prove to themselves and to the world that they are strong, independent women and that they are confident and successful. They all three stole my heart. But this book centers on Cindy and PJ and they were amazing.
This book is funny and sweet and sexy and just fantastic. I couldn’t put it down. The next book is going to be, In Bed with the Beast. I suspect that it will be about Belle. I can’t wait.
April 12, 2018
4 stars!!!
Tara Sivec did a fantastic job with At the Stroke of Midnight. Charming, sweet, sexy, and oh so funny- this rom-com really hit the spot for me!
Cynthia Castle is just trying to keep it together. After her husband leaves her and her 13 year old daughter alone and broke, she doesn't know what she'll do. She's been groomed to be the perfect housewife, but now she has to figure out how to support herself. In comes her new loud and crazy neighbor, Ariel. Ariel has all kinds of ideas. Ideas about things she and their more reserved, yet equally in need of a job neighbor Isabelle can do to support themselves. Number one on the list… Stripping.
While going on this fun and crazy ride, Cindy meets PJ Charming. PJ is unlike any man she's met before. He likes her for her. He supports her. I just loved PJ! I also loved Cindy and her friends. This book had a fantastic set of characters!
Sivec has a signature style and a special sense of humor. That showed through this book in a big way. The Naughty Princess Club was a true hoot! I loved the comradely and friendship, an independent women. Although the romance aspect was nice, these ladies did not need a man to save them and I loved that!
At the Stroke of Midnight was heartwarming, fun, and hilarious. I listened to the audio-book and loved the narration. This the best Sivec book I've read in a while. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
'A Prude, a Mouth, and a Librarian walk into a strip club…’
Tara Sivec did a fantastic job with At the Stroke of Midnight. Charming, sweet, sexy, and oh so funny- this rom-com really hit the spot for me!
Cynthia Castle is just trying to keep it together. After her husband leaves her and her 13 year old daughter alone and broke, she doesn't know what she'll do. She's been groomed to be the perfect housewife, but now she has to figure out how to support herself. In comes her new loud and crazy neighbor, Ariel. Ariel has all kinds of ideas. Ideas about things she and their more reserved, yet equally in need of a job neighbor Isabelle can do to support themselves. Number one on the list… Stripping.
"We are not going to be strippers, have you lost your mind? I'm a housewife and the president of the PTA. You owned an antique store, and Isabelle is a librarian. We are not strippers."
While going on this fun and crazy ride, Cindy meets PJ Charming. PJ is unlike any man she's met before. He likes her for her. He supports her. I just loved PJ! I also loved Cindy and her friends. This book had a fantastic set of characters!
Sivec has a signature style and a special sense of humor. That showed through this book in a big way. The Naughty Princess Club was a true hoot! I loved the comradely and friendship, an independent women. Although the romance aspect was nice, these ladies did not need a man to save them and I loved that!
At the Stroke of Midnight was heartwarming, fun, and hilarious. I listened to the audio-book and loved the narration. This the best Sivec book I've read in a while. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
March 1, 2018
Imagine living in the perfect neighborhood, being the head of the PTA, being perfect everyday in your completely white home..all the while hiding the fact that your husband left you for the babysitter.
That has been Cynthia's life. Until her new trashy neighbor Ariel informs her that her husband gave her herpes.
This begins a beautiful friendship. Add in Isabelle a nerdy librarian and you have a female friendship book of my dreams. At the neighborhood Halloween party the three women dress as Disney Princesses and get an offer that they don't completely understand.
Which leads them to come up with a business plan featuring themselves as stripping Princesses. (The Naughty Princess Club)
So the Prude, the Librarian and the Mouth have to figure out just how to turn themselves into stripping goddesses. So the new hot guy so happens to own a classy strip club...
I flipping loved every single second of this book. Cindy is a fun heroine once she gets a few glasses of the alcohol and the stick is removed from her ass.
"That's not beige, it's golden wheat. I wore that suit to a charity even for the Animal Protection League last year. It was anything but boring. I had two glasses of champagne and almost adopted a litter of four-week-old puppies."
Cindy you need some help.
I CAN NOT wait for Ariel's book. She is that best friend that gives the best advise to Cindy when she wants her to get the stick out of her ass.
Let the skank out, Cindy. Let her out and let her fuck shit up.
"Who wants a man that can go for hours? I've got shit to watch on my DVR, and I need my beauty sleep. Get in and get out.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
That has been Cynthia's life. Until her new trashy neighbor Ariel informs her that her husband gave her herpes.
This begins a beautiful friendship. Add in Isabelle a nerdy librarian and you have a female friendship book of my dreams. At the neighborhood Halloween party the three women dress as Disney Princesses and get an offer that they don't completely understand.
Which leads them to come up with a business plan featuring themselves as stripping Princesses. (The Naughty Princess Club)
So the Prude, the Librarian and the Mouth have to figure out just how to turn themselves into stripping goddesses. So the new hot guy so happens to own a classy strip club...
I flipping loved every single second of this book. Cindy is a fun heroine once she gets a few glasses of the alcohol and the stick is removed from her ass.
"That's not beige, it's golden wheat. I wore that suit to a charity even for the Animal Protection League last year. It was anything but boring. I had two glasses of champagne and almost adopted a litter of four-week-old puppies."
Cindy you need some help.
I CAN NOT wait for Ariel's book. She is that best friend that gives the best advise to Cindy when she wants her to get the stick out of her ass.
Let the skank out, Cindy. Let her out and let her fuck shit up.
"Who wants a man that can go for hours? I've got shit to watch on my DVR, and I need my beauty sleep. Get in and get out.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
February 28, 2018
5 STARS
Sometimes all a girl needs is a hilarious, laugh till you pee while vibrating with complete and total book satisfaction glee sort of romcom. At The Stroke of Midnight was that perfect book for me. It was perfectly hilarious. Perfectly swoony. Perfectly written. Perfectly paced. Perfectly perfect perfection! Basically what I'm trying to tell you is that I freaking LOVED THIS BOOK. HARD.
At first when I started reading and I thought, OMG this totally reminds me of First Wives Club! And I loved that movie. A woman that gave up her life and goals for her husband only for him to run away with their much younger babysitter, leaving her with nothing, and mailing the divorce papers. Woman meets her snarky and smart mouthed neighbor whose husband left her for a man, and along with a shy librarian that's full of random facts that she likes to spew at even more random times, they concoct a plan to get their life back. Hello, winning plot!!!
But this book was so much more than that, too! It's a deliciously brilliant twist on the classic fairytale, chock full of incredibly endearing characters, and a super fun girlfriend bond between three of the most unlikely people. Man, I absolutely devoured this book!
Can a prim and proper housewife turn herself into a sexy and enticing stripper for a business concocted between her and two other equally desperate friends? That's the question of the hour for Cynthia. There's just one thing she needs; some stripper training. Too bad the owner of the well known establishment that she'd like to use to get her stripper shoe in the door also happens to be frustratingly sexy and having none of it. Sparks flew right away between PJ and Cindy. Theirs was a slow burn sizzle to beat all slow burn sizzles. It was also full of hilarious banter and enough sexual tension to light up a 10 mile city block. GOD IT WAS GOOD!
What I enjoyed even more that the banter between Cindy and PJ was the banter between the three girlfriends. I loved the three of them. Ariel with her smart mouth and never ending insults, and Belle and her endearing and shy demeanor.
This is how I love my romcoms. I couldn't put this book down for even a second. I'm already vibrating for my next fit and I can't wait to see what hilarity Tara Sivec thinks up for Belle and her Beast. If there's even a single doubt you have ringing in your head about this book, tell that hooker to STFU, and one-click immediately! This is an absolute no-brainer must read!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
“I don’t want anything to hit PJ. I don’t even like him,” I lie, picturing his gorgeous face and how nicely he can wear a pair of jeans.
“You don’t have to like him to get yourself some good dicking. You need a good dicking, Cindy. Brian was mediocre at best. You need mind-blowing, toe-curling, forget-your-own-name dicking. And while you’re busy getting fucked into next week, you can also use him for his business knowledge, so it’s a win-win.”
Sometimes all a girl needs is a hilarious, laugh till you pee while vibrating with complete and total book satisfaction glee sort of romcom. At The Stroke of Midnight was that perfect book for me. It was perfectly hilarious. Perfectly swoony. Perfectly written. Perfectly paced. Perfectly perfect perfection! Basically what I'm trying to tell you is that I freaking LOVED THIS BOOK. HARD.
At first when I started reading and I thought, OMG this totally reminds me of First Wives Club! And I loved that movie. A woman that gave up her life and goals for her husband only for him to run away with their much younger babysitter, leaving her with nothing, and mailing the divorce papers. Woman meets her snarky and smart mouthed neighbor whose husband left her for a man, and along with a shy librarian that's full of random facts that she likes to spew at even more random times, they concoct a plan to get their life back. Hello, winning plot!!!
But this book was so much more than that, too! It's a deliciously brilliant twist on the classic fairytale, chock full of incredibly endearing characters, and a super fun girlfriend bond between three of the most unlikely people. Man, I absolutely devoured this book!
Can a prim and proper housewife turn herself into a sexy and enticing stripper for a business concocted between her and two other equally desperate friends? That's the question of the hour for Cynthia. There's just one thing she needs; some stripper training. Too bad the owner of the well known establishment that she'd like to use to get her stripper shoe in the door also happens to be frustratingly sexy and having none of it. Sparks flew right away between PJ and Cindy. Theirs was a slow burn sizzle to beat all slow burn sizzles. It was also full of hilarious banter and enough sexual tension to light up a 10 mile city block. GOD IT WAS GOOD!
What I enjoyed even more that the banter between Cindy and PJ was the banter between the three girlfriends. I loved the three of them. Ariel with her smart mouth and never ending insults, and Belle and her endearing and shy demeanor.
This is how I love my romcoms. I couldn't put this book down for even a second. I'm already vibrating for my next fit and I can't wait to see what hilarity Tara Sivec thinks up for Belle and her Beast. If there's even a single doubt you have ringing in your head about this book, tell that hooker to STFU, and one-click immediately! This is an absolute no-brainer must read!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Read
February 27, 2018At the Stroke of Midnight (The Naughty Princess Club #1) is now live! Find out what happens when a prude, a mouth, & a librarian walk into a strip club!
"I swear no one writes RomCom like Tara. This is for sure going to be on my Top Reads of 2018 list and one of my top RomCom's ever!"
👑http://tarasivec.com/book/at-the-stro...
"I swear no one writes RomCom like Tara. This is for sure going to be on my Top Reads of 2018 list and one of my top RomCom's ever!"
👑http://tarasivec.com/book/at-the-stro...
January 23, 2023
Cinderella meets a strip club? One of my GR friends thought this was hilarious and I had to try it, being a sucker for fairy tale retellings. It’s definitely got its cute, over-the-top references, including a nerdy librarian named Belle, a bouncer named Beast, a redheaded Ariel who wears a mermaid dress and splashes in the bathtub while talking to “Cyn” who you just know will hook up with club owner PJ Charming. This was a quirky crazy read and lots of fun.
April 2, 2018
4.5 charming Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Once upon a time... three Beautiful women lived on Fairytale Lane.... Cindy Ella a newly divorced woman, with a teenage daughter named Anastasia, and a struggle to make ends meet.... Ariel a single woman with the looks of a princess and the mouth of a trucker.... Belle A quiet woman who still lives with her father abides by his rules and is filled with facts of all kinds.... will they all live happily ever after?
This is the first book in this brand new series by one of my favorite authors Tara Sivec... Love her! especially when you’re in the mood for a fun fluffy read with lots of laughs and fabulous characters..... Tara writes books that don’t take themselves too seriously... and I’m really excited about this new series it started off fantastically....
This is Cindy story and her struggle to loosen up a bit and enjoy life.... can she ditch the pearl necklace for stilettos with the help of her new friends Ariel and Belle? And how these ladies ultimately decide to make money is quite unbelievable yet hilarious... I loved all these characters the girls were so much fun, a little over-the-top, but that is to be expected with a Tara Sivec book.... I love all the fairytale and princess references from the strip club named Charmings to the love interest named PJ (and guess what the P stands for?).... and I can’t forget the bouncer at the club named Beast along with another gentleman working at the club named Eric.... wonderful start to a fun new series!
Absolutely recommend two lovers of romance with lots of laughs, if you liked any of this authors other books you will really enjoy this one!👑
*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
Once upon a time... three Beautiful women lived on Fairytale Lane.... Cindy Ella a newly divorced woman, with a teenage daughter named Anastasia, and a struggle to make ends meet.... Ariel a single woman with the looks of a princess and the mouth of a trucker.... Belle A quiet woman who still lives with her father abides by his rules and is filled with facts of all kinds.... will they all live happily ever after?
This is the first book in this brand new series by one of my favorite authors Tara Sivec... Love her! especially when you’re in the mood for a fun fluffy read with lots of laughs and fabulous characters..... Tara writes books that don’t take themselves too seriously... and I’m really excited about this new series it started off fantastically....
This is Cindy story and her struggle to loosen up a bit and enjoy life.... can she ditch the pearl necklace for stilettos with the help of her new friends Ariel and Belle? And how these ladies ultimately decide to make money is quite unbelievable yet hilarious... I loved all these characters the girls were so much fun, a little over-the-top, but that is to be expected with a Tara Sivec book.... I love all the fairytale and princess references from the strip club named Charmings to the love interest named PJ (and guess what the P stands for?).... and I can’t forget the bouncer at the club named Beast along with another gentleman working at the club named Eric.... wonderful start to a fun new series!
Absolutely recommend two lovers of romance with lots of laughs, if you liked any of this authors other books you will really enjoy this one!👑
*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***
February 28, 2018
5 funny stars ❤️
I loved At the Stroke of Midnight so much!It was a funny, lighthearted, sweet and brilliant story!This is a must read, I'm going to re read it for sure!
Cynthia,Ariel,Belle and PJ were fantastic characters!I loved the friendship between the girls, Ariel helped Cynthia to become better and feel better for herself!The romance between Cynthia and PJ is slow burn and it has some really steamy moments between them!PJ is a swoon worthy hero!He is kind,funny,sweet,adorable and so sexy!Ariel is the best she is funny,sassy and strong heroine!Belle is the cute librarian and Cynthia didn't know what she was exactly until the moment her life changed!Being friends with Belle and Ariel will make her stronger!
The plot was interesting,brilliant and smart!There were so many moments I couldn't stop laughing, the girls have some really hilarious moments!If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud pick this one!It was a quick and cute read!
I loved At the Stroke of Midnight so much!It was a funny, lighthearted, sweet and brilliant story!This is a must read, I'm going to re read it for sure!
Cynthia,Ariel,Belle and PJ were fantastic characters!I loved the friendship between the girls, Ariel helped Cynthia to become better and feel better for herself!The romance between Cynthia and PJ is slow burn and it has some really steamy moments between them!PJ is a swoon worthy hero!He is kind,funny,sweet,adorable and so sexy!Ariel is the best she is funny,sassy and strong heroine!Belle is the cute librarian and Cynthia didn't know what she was exactly until the moment her life changed!Being friends with Belle and Ariel will make her stronger!
The plot was interesting,brilliant and smart!There were so many moments I couldn't stop laughing, the girls have some really hilarious moments!If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud pick this one!It was a quick and cute read!
July 9, 2018
Since I know I will not be writing this review any time soon, I am just going to leave here this rating, and a note that it was a fun and sexy book, but sometimes too crude for my taste.
February 22, 2018
At the Stroke of Midnight by Tara Sivec is the first book in the new contemporary romance Naughty Princess Club series. As one might guess from the description this series is a bit of a naughty modernized retelling of Cinderella. There’s only a hint of the fairy tale such as names involved so nothing will turn into a pumpkin but for someone such as myself that loves to remember those characters it was a lovely added touch to pull me into the book.
This first installment of the series introduces Cynthia who was the perfect housewife and mother, prim and proper always volunteering for everything, that is until Cynthia’s world was shattered when her husband left with all their money to run off with the babysitter. Now Cindy is at a loss as to how the bills are going to get paid and dealing with her rebellious teen.
At the annual Halloween block party on Fairytale Lane Cindy meets two other ladies from the neighborhood, Ariel and Isabelle, who have also come as princesses and also have their own money troubles. The three ladies get invited to work a party in their costumes and mistakenly thinking it’s a children’s “princess” party they can’t say no to the quick cash but little did they know they would be expected to strip.
As horrified as the new friends are having to run out of the wild party this gives Cindy an idea on how they can all fix their money issues. As the girls test out their new business they meet P.J. Charming who immediately catches Cindy’s eye but all she needs is another man in her life.
From the opening pages I knew I was going to absolutely love this book when I started chuckling right away. A perfect mix of humor with a touch of a classic fairy tale it was right up my alley and I happily became engrossed in the story of these “princesses”. There were so many funny moments as this group of ladies bonded and became friends and then so many sexy moments as Cindy meets her Prince Charming all the while cloroxing the stripper poles to overcome her troubles.
This cute little romance was so much more than I initially thought it was going to be. It was nice to see a strong female lead that really stepped out of her protected bubble she had been in showing a nice bit of female empowerment as she changed right before my eyes while reading. I will definitely be looking forward to reading on in this series and learning of the other ladies since they were all so different but so much fun when they came together in this first book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
This first installment of the series introduces Cynthia who was the perfect housewife and mother, prim and proper always volunteering for everything, that is until Cynthia’s world was shattered when her husband left with all their money to run off with the babysitter. Now Cindy is at a loss as to how the bills are going to get paid and dealing with her rebellious teen.
At the annual Halloween block party on Fairytale Lane Cindy meets two other ladies from the neighborhood, Ariel and Isabelle, who have also come as princesses and also have their own money troubles. The three ladies get invited to work a party in their costumes and mistakenly thinking it’s a children’s “princess” party they can’t say no to the quick cash but little did they know they would be expected to strip.
As horrified as the new friends are having to run out of the wild party this gives Cindy an idea on how they can all fix their money issues. As the girls test out their new business they meet P.J. Charming who immediately catches Cindy’s eye but all she needs is another man in her life.
From the opening pages I knew I was going to absolutely love this book when I started chuckling right away. A perfect mix of humor with a touch of a classic fairy tale it was right up my alley and I happily became engrossed in the story of these “princesses”. There were so many funny moments as this group of ladies bonded and became friends and then so many sexy moments as Cindy meets her Prince Charming all the while cloroxing the stripper poles to overcome her troubles.
This cute little romance was so much more than I initially thought it was going to be. It was nice to see a strong female lead that really stepped out of her protected bubble she had been in showing a nice bit of female empowerment as she changed right before my eyes while reading. I will definitely be looking forward to reading on in this series and learning of the other ladies since they were all so different but so much fun when they came together in this first book.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
February 25, 2018
Just Another Book Bitch's ALWAYS SPOILER FREE REVIEW
Stop 🛑
Before opening this book please consider... are you a prude(ish)? Does vulgar language offend you...
OR
Does your halo stay in place only because of your horns?
Do you have that naughty girl of your youth banging to get out from before you were a mom?
Do you have that inner wild child that you never let run wild and free?
If you chose door number two PICK this book up right now!
YOU NEED TO READ IT
TRUST ME!
Witty banter
Funny and charismatic characters
Romance that curls your toes
The damsel in distress princess and the perfect prince is for little girls. In At The Stroke Of Midnight, Tara gives us the not so perfect princesses that can shake their ass... I mean to save their own ass JUST KIDDING I mean both!!! All while taming & claiming the asshole prince too! This funny and original retelling of a Cinderella story is sure to make you laugh out loud.
Cynthia (our main character) gets a large dose of reality that doesn’t just knock her off her high horse. But spits in her face too. She isn't dislikable in the beginning but you do want her to stop behaving as if life is perfect. You want to throw your kindle when you see how blind she is to the world around her and just how bad she's let her life become because she was in denial ...
In walks Ariel.
Now I know our favorite character is supposed to be our heroine ... but NO Ariel quickly became my FAVORITE!! Rude, crude, brave, and a true spitfire. I can totally relate to her personality and humor that I instantly fell in love with her. You’re supposed to love the main character the heroin. Don’t get me wrong. She’s great. But Ariel’s crude no filter having ass makes this story and (#iAmAriel) #SorryNotSorry. Crude protective and IDGAF when it comes to protecting and helping my friends. Ariel is my soul sister for sure.
Cynthia and Ariel quickly become fast friends that decide to help each other out of the mess their lives have become. Add in Isabelle the quite, smart, and timid friend and you've just hit the best friend trifecta!! (FYI... Isabelle reminds me of Velma from Scooby-Doo everyone likes Velma right? I do *shrugs)
These girls get themselves into some funny situations that truly make the pages fly by! Yes, we have romance but these girls...this friendship, is what makes this book and what is sure to make this standalone series EPIC!!
At The Stroke Of Midnight has real characters that jump off the pages. Girl power that strengthens your faith in women (when they stick together) and a romance that makes you laugh and makes your heart melt! I can't wait for others in this series. I already miss my new friends and can't wait to see what's in store for Ariel and Isabelle.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, iBooks
Find/follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & My Blog Page
Stop 🛑
Before opening this book please consider... are you a prude(ish)? Does vulgar language offend you...
OR
Does your halo stay in place only because of your horns?
Do you have that naughty girl of your youth banging to get out from before you were a mom?
Do you have that inner wild child that you never let run wild and free?
If you chose door number two PICK this book up right now!
YOU NEED TO READ IT
TRUST ME!
Witty banter
Funny and charismatic characters
Romance that curls your toes
The damsel in distress princess and the perfect prince is for little girls. In At The Stroke Of Midnight, Tara gives us the not so perfect princesses that can shake their ass... I mean to save their own ass JUST KIDDING I mean both!!! All while taming & claiming the asshole prince too! This funny and original retelling of a Cinderella story is sure to make you laugh out loud.
Cynthia (our main character) gets a large dose of reality that doesn’t just knock her off her high horse. But spits in her face too. She isn't dislikable in the beginning but you do want her to stop behaving as if life is perfect. You want to throw your kindle when you see how blind she is to the world around her and just how bad she's let her life become because she was in denial ...
In walks Ariel.
Now I know our favorite character is supposed to be our heroine ... but NO Ariel quickly became my FAVORITE!! Rude, crude, brave, and a true spitfire. I can totally relate to her personality and humor that I instantly fell in love with her. You’re supposed to love the main character the heroin. Don’t get me wrong. She’s great. But Ariel’s crude no filter having ass makes this story and (#iAmAriel) #SorryNotSorry. Crude protective and IDGAF when it comes to protecting and helping my friends. Ariel is my soul sister for sure.
Cynthia and Ariel quickly become fast friends that decide to help each other out of the mess their lives have become. Add in Isabelle the quite, smart, and timid friend and you've just hit the best friend trifecta!! (FYI... Isabelle reminds me of Velma from Scooby-Doo everyone likes Velma right? I do *shrugs)
These girls get themselves into some funny situations that truly make the pages fly by! Yes, we have romance but these girls...this friendship, is what makes this book and what is sure to make this standalone series EPIC!!
At The Stroke Of Midnight has real characters that jump off the pages. Girl power that strengthens your faith in women (when they stick together) and a romance that makes you laugh and makes your heart melt! I can't wait for others in this series. I already miss my new friends and can't wait to see what's in store for Ariel and Isabelle.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon CA, iBooks
Find/follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & My Blog Page
February 27, 2018
Oh my gawd!!! I absolutely LOVED this book! Every. Single. Thing!!
Cynthia is living in a fantasy land of denial after her husband left her for the babysitter taking all of their savings and closing their credit cards. With a thirteen year old daughter to care for she’s trying to make ends meet all while carrying on the façade that things are perfectly rosy in her world. When Ariel, the neighborhood’s main source of gossip, arrives on her doorstep to deliver some shocking news, she is suddenly pushed outside her pompous and prudish ways.
Together with Ariel and Belle, the ladies come up with a plan for a way to make money. They will strip at private parties dressed as three princesses. Easy, right? Eh, maybe not.
PJ owns a local strip club and Cynthia needs his cooperation to not only have access to one of his dancers for lessons, but for advice on how to start a business. There is an instant attraction to him that she fights but after one memorable evening at his club, there is less fighting and more yearning.
I absolutely loved that PJ only had Cynthia’s best interest in mind as she stumbles from her rule shrouded life and into a life that allows cursing and cleavage as well as good friends that will always have her back. His background was perfect for her and their banter regarding his name was so dang cute.
Ariel and Belle were spot on for the perfect counterpoints to Cynthia’s uptight personality. The relationship here was laugh out loud fun. I adored Ariel’s snarky dirty mouth and Belle’s geeky random trivia sharing. While the romance is definitely a part of this book, in my opinion, it is the relationship these women begin that is the true shining star of this book. Normally, that might bother me but in the end it all seemed to have evened out and I loved these women so much and all their quirky ways that I couldn’t resent the time they took up in the story.
I’ve read a few books by this author. Some were heart wrenching and I loved them while others were hilarious and I loved them. However, one of them I was not a fan of despite the warnings of immature humor, so I was a bit apprehensive going into this, afraid I’d end up with the over the top immaturity that this author does so well when she chooses to do so. (Nothing wrong with that but it’s just not my cup of tea.) But I couldn’t ask for more or less in this case. The humor was almost a character in itself and I loved it all!
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
Heroine POV
No apparent triggers
Safety – some ow/om drama
Cynthia is living in a fantasy land of denial after her husband left her for the babysitter taking all of their savings and closing their credit cards. With a thirteen year old daughter to care for she’s trying to make ends meet all while carrying on the façade that things are perfectly rosy in her world. When Ariel, the neighborhood’s main source of gossip, arrives on her doorstep to deliver some shocking news, she is suddenly pushed outside her pompous and prudish ways.
Together with Ariel and Belle, the ladies come up with a plan for a way to make money. They will strip at private parties dressed as three princesses. Easy, right? Eh, maybe not.
PJ owns a local strip club and Cynthia needs his cooperation to not only have access to one of his dancers for lessons, but for advice on how to start a business. There is an instant attraction to him that she fights but after one memorable evening at his club, there is less fighting and more yearning.
I absolutely loved that PJ only had Cynthia’s best interest in mind as she stumbles from her rule shrouded life and into a life that allows cursing and cleavage as well as good friends that will always have her back. His background was perfect for her and their banter regarding his name was so dang cute.
Ariel and Belle were spot on for the perfect counterpoints to Cynthia’s uptight personality. The relationship here was laugh out loud fun. I adored Ariel’s snarky dirty mouth and Belle’s geeky random trivia sharing. While the romance is definitely a part of this book, in my opinion, it is the relationship these women begin that is the true shining star of this book. Normally, that might bother me but in the end it all seemed to have evened out and I loved these women so much and all their quirky ways that I couldn’t resent the time they took up in the story.
I’ve read a few books by this author. Some were heart wrenching and I loved them while others were hilarious and I loved them. However, one of them I was not a fan of despite the warnings of immature humor, so I was a bit apprehensive going into this, afraid I’d end up with the over the top immaturity that this author does so well when she chooses to do so. (Nothing wrong with that but it’s just not my cup of tea.) But I couldn’t ask for more or less in this case. The humor was almost a character in itself and I loved it all!
This is an honest review of an advanced copy provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press.
Heroine POV
No apparent triggers
Safety – some ow/om drama
March 11, 2018
4 “I See You” Stars!
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press)
Cynthia Castle is a 32 yr. old beautiful woman who grew up with an evil stepmother, & had a rough childhood. She’s spent the last thirteen years trying to be the perfect mother and wife. She bakes, is head of the PTA, and has lost herself along the way. She’s the ideal housewife, so she’s completely blindsided when her husband serves her divorce papers. He runs off with the babysitter and all their money, and leaves her with nothing. Suddenly in a town where reputation is everything, she has to pay her own bills, and take charge of her life.
Cindy meets two other ladies at the annual Fairytale Lane Halloween block party. They are also going through a tough time. The women form a fabulous girl squad where they decide to save themselves. The ladies attend a house party where they are mistaken for strippers, and decide this career opportunity could fix all their financial problems. Can the uptight Cindy be spontaneous and step out of her comfort zone?
-I will never get used to the sight of this man staring at me like he can’t get enough of me.
-I want to experience everything I’ve been missing out on my entire life.
On her new journey of self discovery, Cindy crosses paths with the gorgeous blue eyed PJ Charming. At first they clash, but then as they grow closer he makes her feel confident and special. He doesn’t judge her, and she can be herself with him. He gives her everything her husband didnt including mind blowing sex.
I loved this book about three intelligent women who bond in this hilarious, wonderful story about girl power, and happily ever afters. It’s an empowering, fun book about a housewife who does something scandalous that feels freeing, and makes her feel in control. She becomes fearless, and takes her life back, all while finding her Prince Charming. I can’t wait for the next book in the Naughty Princess Club!
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press)
Cynthia Castle is a 32 yr. old beautiful woman who grew up with an evil stepmother, & had a rough childhood. She’s spent the last thirteen years trying to be the perfect mother and wife. She bakes, is head of the PTA, and has lost herself along the way. She’s the ideal housewife, so she’s completely blindsided when her husband serves her divorce papers. He runs off with the babysitter and all their money, and leaves her with nothing. Suddenly in a town where reputation is everything, she has to pay her own bills, and take charge of her life.
Cindy meets two other ladies at the annual Fairytale Lane Halloween block party. They are also going through a tough time. The women form a fabulous girl squad where they decide to save themselves. The ladies attend a house party where they are mistaken for strippers, and decide this career opportunity could fix all their financial problems. Can the uptight Cindy be spontaneous and step out of her comfort zone?
-I will never get used to the sight of this man staring at me like he can’t get enough of me.
-I want to experience everything I’ve been missing out on my entire life.
On her new journey of self discovery, Cindy crosses paths with the gorgeous blue eyed PJ Charming. At first they clash, but then as they grow closer he makes her feel confident and special. He doesn’t judge her, and she can be herself with him. He gives her everything her husband didnt including mind blowing sex.
I loved this book about three intelligent women who bond in this hilarious, wonderful story about girl power, and happily ever afters. It’s an empowering, fun book about a housewife who does something scandalous that feels freeing, and makes her feel in control. She becomes fearless, and takes her life back, all while finding her Prince Charming. I can’t wait for the next book in the Naughty Princess Club!
December 2, 2019
Keeping the mask in place as your world falls apart…
***4.5 stars***
While reading At the Stroke of Midnight, I had quite the epiphany. I realised while sitting on my high-horse judging with narrow-minded ignorance that I was judging Cynthia for her judgemental, narrow-minded ignorance. Just because I think I would recognise a deceitful and cheating husband and kick him to the curb straight away, doesn’t mean I could. I mean, sure that’s what I would want to do, BUT, I have kids, money and accommodation to consider. Who am I to judge Cynthia for burying her head in the sand for 6 months? At least she’s not sitting in a prison cell (not saying that I would over-react, I’m just saying that I could).
It’s amazing how much can change from the beginning of a book to the end. I initially did not like Cynthia and condemned her for her bad decisions. I couldn’t understand why someone would pretend that their world is perfect when in reality, it was far from it. Maybe it’s because I’m not great at wearing masks. I find them suffocating, itchy and uncomfortable. I may be able to wear it for a little while, but eventually, the cracks appear on the surface, and the mask breaks.
Cynthia’s mask was glued, filled with putty, and sat a little wonky by the end of six months. She had lived thirteen years wearing a mask to make someone else happy. When it eventually comes off, she realises that the original fit was never right for her and it was never going to stay comfortably in place. Cynthia must find the courage to take off the mask and replace it with a crown…a Naughty Princess crown.
Cynthia's crown finds its place on her head by accident. When her mask crumbles, she's lucky enough to find two fellow Princesses and a Prince Charming to catch her fall. This royal brigade dresses her in her princess gown and leads her to a castle for a party. At first, Cynthia doesn't belong in the castle or at the party and she, with her fellow Princesses, must run away. It's not easy to replace her mask with a crown, but Cynthia is determined to be the best Naughty Princess...even if it means stripping off her gown.
PJ, Cynthia’s love interest, was amazing. He could have easily stolen the show but managed to never overtake or overshadow Cynthia. I found this quite refreshing. In a lot of romance stories, we meet an exceptional hero…and it becomes all about him. Or, he’s so far in the background that he’s almost a prop. PJ is exceptional and manages to be both. This story is all about Cynthia taking off her mask and loving herself without it. PJ’s love and support enhance Cynthia’s fairy tale.
I enjoyed At the Stroke of Midnight. The characters were fantastic, the storyline engaging, and the emotional highs and lows were realistic without being OTT. Tara Sivec manages to bring us a fairy tale with a realistic modern-day feel to it. She goes where a lot of romance authors fear to tread. A sex scene that’s REAL. Random thoughts that pop out at crucial times, mishaps when you’re trying to be sexy, and magic that happened by accident instead of planned, were real good.
It’s easy to judge from the outside looking in but sometimes you’re not getting the full picture. At the Stroke of Midnight gave us an awesome picture, and I can’t wait for more from the Naughty Princess Club.
***4.5 stars***
While reading At the Stroke of Midnight, I had quite the epiphany. I realised while sitting on my high-horse judging with narrow-minded ignorance that I was judging Cynthia for her judgemental, narrow-minded ignorance. Just because I think I would recognise a deceitful and cheating husband and kick him to the curb straight away, doesn’t mean I could. I mean, sure that’s what I would want to do, BUT, I have kids, money and accommodation to consider. Who am I to judge Cynthia for burying her head in the sand for 6 months? At least she’s not sitting in a prison cell (not saying that I would over-react, I’m just saying that I could).
It’s amazing how much can change from the beginning of a book to the end. I initially did not like Cynthia and condemned her for her bad decisions. I couldn’t understand why someone would pretend that their world is perfect when in reality, it was far from it. Maybe it’s because I’m not great at wearing masks. I find them suffocating, itchy and uncomfortable. I may be able to wear it for a little while, but eventually, the cracks appear on the surface, and the mask breaks.
Cynthia’s mask was glued, filled with putty, and sat a little wonky by the end of six months. She had lived thirteen years wearing a mask to make someone else happy. When it eventually comes off, she realises that the original fit was never right for her and it was never going to stay comfortably in place. Cynthia must find the courage to take off the mask and replace it with a crown…a Naughty Princess crown.
Cynthia's crown finds its place on her head by accident. When her mask crumbles, she's lucky enough to find two fellow Princesses and a Prince Charming to catch her fall. This royal brigade dresses her in her princess gown and leads her to a castle for a party. At first, Cynthia doesn't belong in the castle or at the party and she, with her fellow Princesses, must run away. It's not easy to replace her mask with a crown, but Cynthia is determined to be the best Naughty Princess...even if it means stripping off her gown.
PJ, Cynthia’s love interest, was amazing. He could have easily stolen the show but managed to never overtake or overshadow Cynthia. I found this quite refreshing. In a lot of romance stories, we meet an exceptional hero…and it becomes all about him. Or, he’s so far in the background that he’s almost a prop. PJ is exceptional and manages to be both. This story is all about Cynthia taking off her mask and loving herself without it. PJ’s love and support enhance Cynthia’s fairy tale.
I enjoyed At the Stroke of Midnight. The characters were fantastic, the storyline engaging, and the emotional highs and lows were realistic without being OTT. Tara Sivec manages to bring us a fairy tale with a realistic modern-day feel to it. She goes where a lot of romance authors fear to tread. A sex scene that’s REAL. Random thoughts that pop out at crucial times, mishaps when you’re trying to be sexy, and magic that happened by accident instead of planned, were real good.
It’s easy to judge from the outside looking in but sometimes you’re not getting the full picture. At the Stroke of Midnight gave us an awesome picture, and I can’t wait for more from the Naughty Princess Club.
April 6, 2018
Happy book birthda!
Tara Sivec has given a breath of fresh air to a classic fairytale and has whipped up hilarious, empowering, sweet and romantic story in which she introduces us Cynthia, a perfect housewife whose cheating ex-husband left her with a ton of bills, no money, no marketable skills and low self-esteem – until, that is, she meets Ariel, her outrageous, potty mouth neighbor and Isabelle, a super shy librarian.
In their quest to solve their money problems, the three end up getting hired to show up at a party dressed up as princesses. Thinking it’s a kids’ event they soon grasp they were confused for strippers and the party is for adults. Upon some reflection though, they realize that a change in careers is just what the fairy godmother ordered. Cindy ends up getting a lot more than a crash course in pole dancing from the handsome and reluctant PJ Charming, a strip club owner and unlikely hero.
Set against the fictitious perfection of Fairytale Lane, the story is an engaging production of three women who despite their very different personalities become good friends capable of saving themselves. Of course the trek towards happily ever after is sweetened with the swoony and delectable romance between PJ and Cindy.
Sivec’s characters are embodiments of fairytale individuals with their very own fresh appeal. Ariel, whose mermaid counterpart can’t speak, will give it to you straight with a bunch of curse worse strewn in between. Belle can spout random facts left and right. Be assured there’s an Eric and a Beast for each and you can probably guess about Cindy and PJ, but the entertaining journey is half the fun.
Reading a Sivec rom-com is a laugh out loud guarantee. At the Stroke of Midnight is book #1 of the Naughty Princess Club series by author Tara Sivec. It is a standalone romantic comedy, told from the heroine’s point of view with a fairytale happy ending.
Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2F5ABiF
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk us on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
December 4, 2019
Well, stripping is never been the same again. Damn! This story is hot and empowering. Cynthia is a typical trophy wife with a teenage daughter. Her husband left her suddenly without warning. Her world crumbling down.
At first I do not like Cynthia. I thought she is sort of annoying and weak. Then slowly she picks herself up and learn to find her inner sexyness. She met new friends and PJ. They support her to become stripper. Well... at first PJ was not supportive. But slowly he comes around.
This story is not just about romance. Also about how to find the inner woman in you. A strong, independent,sexy and fearless characters. Miss Sivec signature is all over it. I laugh, smile and snicker listening to the fun sassy conversation.
Overall i do enjoy this book very much.
4 stars
At first I do not like Cynthia. I thought she is sort of annoying and weak. Then slowly she picks herself up and learn to find her inner sexyness. She met new friends and PJ. They support her to become stripper. Well... at first PJ was not supportive. But slowly he comes around.
This story is not just about romance. Also about how to find the inner woman in you. A strong, independent,sexy and fearless characters. Miss Sivec signature is all over it. I laugh, smile and snicker listening to the fun sassy conversation.
Overall i do enjoy this book very much.
4 stars
February 27, 2018
Imagine Desperate Housewives. The street. A cul-de-sac with all the rich-people mansions.
And then there's poor Cynthia. She's been left by her husband of 13 years. He ran away with all the money and the young babysitter. And Cynthia is trying to keep her life going. Without anyone noticing how bad things are. And people in that street are curious and nosy and mean and gossipy.
But then she meets Ariel and Isabelle and a weird friendship starts.
All three of them need money fast. What to do?
We're not on Weeds here - we're not doing the housewife-selling-drugs thing. But we might sell a little bit of ourselves - let's be strippers, they decide!!!
A chick with no filter, a prude and a librarian come into a strip-club .... ☺☺☺
Then there's this hot guy popping up everywhere ... so there might also be a new romance on the horizon! ☺
What will happen with Cynthia & her new friends??
Will we get a happily ever after??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
═════════════════════
LOL!
That was fun!
We're on this typical American suburban street with all that comes with it. The nosy neighbors, the gossip. And Cynthia doesn't want to lose her standing in the street. She's been the perfect housewife for 13 years. But her new friends and her new business might change her life a bit - or a lot!
Those three are so hilarious! Ariel, the antique dealer with absolutely NO filter. The prude housewife Cynthia. Innocent librarian Belle. They SO don't fit together as best friends, but it works perfectly.
And hottie PJ - phew! Cynthia only has to let go of all her fears first, before she can start the next chapter of her life. Both professionally and in the romance department!
I just loved reading it.
Cinderella meets Weeds & The Desperate Housewives!
Absolutely hilarious and adorable and sweet and I SO need Netflix to come and make a show out of this book! ☺
The only thing that didn't work for me ... the cover. The guy on the cover is a typical cover guy - I would totally love that. I've seen him on covers before. But then they went and photoshopped that blonde girl on there. And that is not Cynthia. It might be Ariel and mayyybe a later-in-the-book Cynthia, but definitely not early Cynthia! And it looks sooo completely wrong and photoshopped. What is her arm resting on? Not the best cover-work I've ever seen. BUT, bla bla, don't judge a book by it's weird cover and all that.☺ JUST GO AND READ IT!!!!
AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT was such a hilarious & sexy & adorable Cinderella meets Desperate Housewives meets Weeds RomCom! Run to your nearest amazon asap - you need to meet these ladies! And PJ of course ... but HANDS OFF ... he's MINE!☺
.... and now hurry Tara - I need to read Ariel's & Belle's stories asap! ☺
♡
♡
♡
January 22, 2018
4 Charming Stars
At the Stroke of Midnight is an adorable funny, laugh-out-loud read. You will want to grab your book club girlfriends and read this together. It’s a women-hear-me-roar kind of read that will put a mega smile on your face.
I haven’t read a Tara Sivec read in a long time and I forgot how funny funny funny she is. Her books will 100% make you laugh, grin and just put you in a GOOD MOOD. I really like the cover and the premise of this book.
This isn’t your typical romance book. Yes, there is romance, but I feel like the book is more about friendships, women power and just having your mates by your side. I love a good girlfriend read and the Naughty Princess Club series is a series all women need to read with their girlfriends.
The series centers between three women and each have a fairytale theme loosely. It’s not the focus of the story, but it’s a cute treat. This is Cindy’s story, she’s Cinderella.
I love a good single parent read and although I wished Cindy’s daughter could have had a more focus in the book, I did enjoy the glimpses I got of her, plus she’s a teenager, so how much trouble can the girl get into.
Cindy’s husband has been “away” for six months and she’s struggling. She’s maxed out her credit cards and the people in her subdivision are becoming noisy. My first impression of Cindy is really? I couldn’t stand her. I found her really silly and just kind of dumb. BUT as I got to know her and within a chapter I realized, oh my goodness, she’s a funny girl and I really liked her.
She needs to come to the realization that she can’t be a bored housewife anymore, she will have to make money and so what does she do? She strips of course.
PJ owns a strip club. He’s not the typical Hero you read in romance books. He’s not a big alpha and he doesn’t swoon over Cindy when he first meets her. He actually finds her annoying the banter they have is really funny to read. I liked that Cindy and PJ have tension.
Most of the book centers on Cindy and how she is slowly finding herself. Her best-friends, Ariel and Belle help her along the way. I would highly suggest you read this series in order because Ariel and Belle have major roles in this book. They are cute to read and I can’t wait for their books.
Overall, At the Stroke of Midnight was an easy, highly entertaining and witty book with a lot of girl power moments. If you have a best friend, go grab her and read this book together.
An ARC was provided
http://amzn.to/2F1loOj
At the Stroke of Midnight is an adorable funny, laugh-out-loud read. You will want to grab your book club girlfriends and read this together. It’s a women-hear-me-roar kind of read that will put a mega smile on your face.
I haven’t read a Tara Sivec read in a long time and I forgot how funny funny funny she is. Her books will 100% make you laugh, grin and just put you in a GOOD MOOD. I really like the cover and the premise of this book.
This isn’t your typical romance book. Yes, there is romance, but I feel like the book is more about friendships, women power and just having your mates by your side. I love a good girlfriend read and the Naughty Princess Club series is a series all women need to read with their girlfriends.
The series centers between three women and each have a fairytale theme loosely. It’s not the focus of the story, but it’s a cute treat. This is Cindy’s story, she’s Cinderella.
I love a good single parent read and although I wished Cindy’s daughter could have had a more focus in the book, I did enjoy the glimpses I got of her, plus she’s a teenager, so how much trouble can the girl get into.
Cindy’s husband has been “away” for six months and she’s struggling. She’s maxed out her credit cards and the people in her subdivision are becoming noisy. My first impression of Cindy is really? I couldn’t stand her. I found her really silly and just kind of dumb. BUT as I got to know her and within a chapter I realized, oh my goodness, she’s a funny girl and I really liked her.
She needs to come to the realization that she can’t be a bored housewife anymore, she will have to make money and so what does she do? She strips of course.
PJ owns a strip club. He’s not the typical Hero you read in romance books. He’s not a big alpha and he doesn’t swoon over Cindy when he first meets her. He actually finds her annoying the banter they have is really funny to read. I liked that Cindy and PJ have tension.
Most of the book centers on Cindy and how she is slowly finding herself. Her best-friends, Ariel and Belle help her along the way. I would highly suggest you read this series in order because Ariel and Belle have major roles in this book. They are cute to read and I can’t wait for their books.
Overall, At the Stroke of Midnight was an easy, highly entertaining and witty book with a lot of girl power moments. If you have a best friend, go grab her and read this book together.
An ARC was provided
http://amzn.to/2F1loOj
May 4, 2023
not for me but youre welcome to read it if you wanna see Cinderella workin a pole and be a stripper at the club her Prince Charming owns.
(Note: Originally Read as an Audiobook in 2021, but Shelved on the “2018 Reading Challenge”)
(Note: Originally Read as an Audiobook in 2021, but Shelved on the “2018 Reading Challenge”)
September 1, 2018
What an amazingly fun book! I loved it! It had me laughing out loud and put a silly smile on my face from beginning to end. Tara Sivec nailed RomCom on it's pretty little head!
This had a bit of a modern day Cinderella theme that was cute with a touch of risque. Cynthia had the classic childhood with the evil stepmom and sisters. What Cynthia thought was her prince charming was her husband of 13 years who divorced her, took off with the babysitter and stole their life savings.
Ariel, the outcast of the subdivision, takes Cynthia under her wing to promptly pull the stick out of her stepford wife behind. Add in a naive librarian that spouts random facts and you get three women who are the most unlikely group of friends that get into all sorts of trouble together.
The risque part of the Cinderella theme may involve stripping. What could go wrong?
ARC provided by NetGalley.
This had a bit of a modern day Cinderella theme that was cute with a touch of risque. Cynthia had the classic childhood with the evil stepmom and sisters. What Cynthia thought was her prince charming was her husband of 13 years who divorced her, took off with the babysitter and stole their life savings.
Ariel, the outcast of the subdivision, takes Cynthia under her wing to promptly pull the stick out of her stepford wife behind. Add in a naive librarian that spouts random facts and you get three women who are the most unlikely group of friends that get into all sorts of trouble together.
The risque part of the Cinderella theme may involve stripping. What could go wrong?
ARC provided by NetGalley.
January 22, 2018
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Genre: Romantic Comedy
GAH! This book was everything I wanted and needed in my life. Tara Sivec has, once again, made my day! This book was so good, and so much fun to read that I literally started it and finished it in one day. I simply could not put it down. Readers, take note. This book is 100% original. I haven't read anything like it before. But it still has Tara's trademark humor and romance. That is what makes it so freakin GREAT. In addition to this, the heroine (Cynthia) and her gal pals (Belle and Ariel) are amazing. They are women after my own heart and I wanted to squeeze myself right into their group. True story, I want to be real friends with these fictional characters. Sigh.. I am sad the book is over but am SUPER excited for the next one in the series. >> READ THIS BOOK.
MORE ABOUT THE STORY
At the Stroke of Midnight is the first (hilarious) novel in the Naughty Princess Club series. Readers will meet three women, all crucial to each book (so I recommend reading it in order), who are bringing back their independence by starting their own business. Sure, this business is a little unconventional, but it brings in the money that they need to live the life they always dreamed of.
Cynthia (or Cin) is the main heroine in this book. When we first meet her she is a a bit stuck up and judgmental, but this is due to the loveless marriage and expectations set upon her. Thankfully, two other women who enter her life in a humorous way help her to come out of this shell that she is living in. What's even better about their budding relationship is that all three are finding that their friendship is healing them and helping them all to overcome barriers in their life and financial difficulties. So it's not just a book about building a business but of three women who are leaning on each other in a time of need. I really liked this quality of the book because it turns a mundane thing into something great.
Is there romance in this book? You bet! And it's the kind of romance that will make any girl swoon! I won't give anything away because I want readers to swoon on their own, but I will say that I fell as hopelessly in love with PJ as Cin did.
OVERALL THOUGHTS OF THE BOOK
I LOVED THIS BOOK. There was NOTHING about it that I didn't like and I have a feeling that I will be re-reading it right before the next one comes out (please hurry, I need it so badly!!!). I know that many readers are going to feel the exact same way as me too. So make sure to grab a copy. Just be aware, you are going to LAUGH. HARD. This book is right up there with her Chocolate Lovers series.
Recommended Read
Purchase a Copy
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2F3olOt
Want more book reviews, recommendations, sales, upcoming releases, and other bookish stuff?? You can find all of this on my blog >> http://bit.ly/2zWy7QJ
Genre: Romantic Comedy
GAH! This book was everything I wanted and needed in my life. Tara Sivec has, once again, made my day! This book was so good, and so much fun to read that I literally started it and finished it in one day. I simply could not put it down. Readers, take note. This book is 100% original. I haven't read anything like it before. But it still has Tara's trademark humor and romance. That is what makes it so freakin GREAT. In addition to this, the heroine (Cynthia) and her gal pals (Belle and Ariel) are amazing. They are women after my own heart and I wanted to squeeze myself right into their group. True story, I want to be real friends with these fictional characters. Sigh.. I am sad the book is over but am SUPER excited for the next one in the series. >> READ THIS BOOK.
MORE ABOUT THE STORY
At the Stroke of Midnight is the first (hilarious) novel in the Naughty Princess Club series. Readers will meet three women, all crucial to each book (so I recommend reading it in order), who are bringing back their independence by starting their own business. Sure, this business is a little unconventional, but it brings in the money that they need to live the life they always dreamed of.
Cynthia (or Cin) is the main heroine in this book. When we first meet her she is a a bit stuck up and judgmental, but this is due to the loveless marriage and expectations set upon her. Thankfully, two other women who enter her life in a humorous way help her to come out of this shell that she is living in. What's even better about their budding relationship is that all three are finding that their friendship is healing them and helping them all to overcome barriers in their life and financial difficulties. So it's not just a book about building a business but of three women who are leaning on each other in a time of need. I really liked this quality of the book because it turns a mundane thing into something great.
Is there romance in this book? You bet! And it's the kind of romance that will make any girl swoon! I won't give anything away because I want readers to swoon on their own, but I will say that I fell as hopelessly in love with PJ as Cin did.
OVERALL THOUGHTS OF THE BOOK
I LOVED THIS BOOK. There was NOTHING about it that I didn't like and I have a feeling that I will be re-reading it right before the next one comes out (please hurry, I need it so badly!!!). I know that many readers are going to feel the exact same way as me too. So make sure to grab a copy. Just be aware, you are going to LAUGH. HARD. This book is right up there with her Chocolate Lovers series.
Recommended Read
Purchase a Copy
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2F3olOt
Want more book reviews, recommendations, sales, upcoming releases, and other bookish stuff?? You can find all of this on my blog >> http://bit.ly/2zWy7QJ
February 24, 2018
Cynthia was the perfect housewife, the perfect mother, the perfect member of the Fairytale Lane community – until the day her husband ran off with the babysitter, took all their money, served her divorce papers and left her with a house to pay for.
Cynthia tries desperately to keep her image up, until she goes to a community block party dressed as a princess and meets two other “Princess” with financial problems.
When the trio gets invited to a party with a request of wearing those customs, they show up thinking they are entertaining children, when in fact it is a birth of a grown man and they are mistaken for strippers. A grown man PJ Charming, that both infuriates Cindy as well as making her feel something more.
Oh, this was great. It’s been a while since I have read anything by this author, so I was going into this book blindly. Yup, I totally just wanted to read this because of the author. I knew I was going to get crude humor, great characters, and some steaminess.
I loved the trio, I loved the way Ariel bought out Cindy out of her shell so she could be an independent woman again instead of living under her husband’s life. With Ariel’s and PJ’s help, Cindy gets her independents back, takes control of her life, listens to things she wants and rebuilds the relationship with her daughter.
I loved Ariel the best, she had the mouth of a sailor, but she was also such a great supportive friend and the reason Cindy was able to break out of her shell.
The housewife to an exotic dance was an interesting trope that I myself have never explored before, but watching them navigate how this new experience and building their business around it was amusing and laugh out loud funny.
It’s a story of self-discovery, independence, growth and strong female relationships. It was just the kind of light book I needed in my life right now.
The only issue I feel like I had in this is the way PJ treated Cindy at the beginning was a bit annoying. I did not feel like she deserved it. Also, when her ex-husband shows up in the end, that whole scene I felt, could have been resolved much quicker.
I wouldn’t say that this is for everything. This book has a lot of cursing humor in it, with some steamy scenes in the end. If you are uncomfortable with it, it’s a warning in advance. Otherwise, if you are looking for something that will leave you in stitches, this is definitely a fast paced, fun ride and I cannot wait for the other two stories.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Cynthia tries desperately to keep her image up, until she goes to a community block party dressed as a princess and meets two other “Princess” with financial problems.
When the trio gets invited to a party with a request of wearing those customs, they show up thinking they are entertaining children, when in fact it is a birth of a grown man and they are mistaken for strippers. A grown man PJ Charming, that both infuriates Cindy as well as making her feel something more.
Oh, this was great. It’s been a while since I have read anything by this author, so I was going into this book blindly. Yup, I totally just wanted to read this because of the author. I knew I was going to get crude humor, great characters, and some steaminess.
I loved the trio, I loved the way Ariel bought out Cindy out of her shell so she could be an independent woman again instead of living under her husband’s life. With Ariel’s and PJ’s help, Cindy gets her independents back, takes control of her life, listens to things she wants and rebuilds the relationship with her daughter.
I loved Ariel the best, she had the mouth of a sailor, but she was also such a great supportive friend and the reason Cindy was able to break out of her shell.
The housewife to an exotic dance was an interesting trope that I myself have never explored before, but watching them navigate how this new experience and building their business around it was amusing and laugh out loud funny.
It’s a story of self-discovery, independence, growth and strong female relationships. It was just the kind of light book I needed in my life right now.
The only issue I feel like I had in this is the way PJ treated Cindy at the beginning was a bit annoying. I did not feel like she deserved it. Also, when her ex-husband shows up in the end, that whole scene I felt, could have been resolved much quicker.
I wouldn’t say that this is for everything. This book has a lot of cursing humor in it, with some steamy scenes in the end. If you are uncomfortable with it, it’s a warning in advance. Otherwise, if you are looking for something that will leave you in stitches, this is definitely a fast paced, fun ride and I cannot wait for the other two stories.
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 28, 2018
I read my first Tara Sivec when I started my bookworm journey around five years ago. She was the author who introduced me to the rom-com genre, and as the years passed, I got lost in this sea of books and never got back to her, but I never forgot who made me fall in love with the genre.
Welcome to Fairytale Lane, where fairytale romances are real but naughty, the princess loves frickles and dreams to be a stripper, and the Prince Charming owns a Gentlemen's Club.
At the Stroke of Midnight had me grinning from ear to ear. And giggling. And sighing. Oh yeah. I crushed on the hero, HARD. And don't make me start talking about Cin and the girls... FUCKING LOVED THEM!! And Anastasia and her soul-eating thingy, ADORABLE!
This was one of the best fairytale re-tellings I have ever read. Tara Sivec took a very well know story and made it her own. Not only giving us a book full of laughs, heat, and heart but a story that showed us that we don't need a Prince Charming to save us, we can very well save ourselves.
So if you're looking for a sweet, sexy, laugh-out-loud funny romance, then this is your book! I can't wait to read the next one!!
Girl, just let the skank out and be sure to pick up At the Stroke of Midnight.
You can find me here: | INSTAGRAM
May 29, 2018
The Good
-Sexy take on a classic fairy tale. So, what if you took the structure of your classic fairy tales like Cinderella, Beauty & The Beast, and Little Mermaid, and brought them into a modern day setting? And well, times are tough so let’s make them strippers?
That’s what we have here and let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed myself. Who knew Cinderella getting her chance to strut her stuff would be so fun?
-Cin’s character arc is strong. When the story begins, Cin is your typical uptight, buttoned up, Ann Taylor-wearing, pearl clutching, president of the PTA. Well, at least on the outside. She’s trying to hide the fact that her life has gone completely to hell. Her husband left her for the babysitter, took all their money and his parents think she has it. She can’t get a job (she married and had a baby when she was 19 and has no marketable skills), she has no money, and no one to turn to. Cin’s really going through it, but she’s so used to being a Stepford wife, she doesn’t know what to do, except continue to put up the facade of a happy family life. Basically, you’ll be convinced the stick wedged tightly up her behind isn’t going anywhere.
Then she meets Ariel and Isabelle, and realizes that what she really needs, is to stop worrying about what others think and do what makes her happy. Seeing her learn to let go, live her life and embrace herself was the highlight of the story for me.
-Good chemistry after a rocky start. Cin’s first meeting with PJ doesn’t exactly light the world on fire, but I actually enjoyed that the first part of this tale focuses on Cin and her growing friendship with Ariel (who is a hoot and a half!) and Isabelle. When PJ and Cin’s relationship kicks into gear, however, it is HOT. Am I a sucker for a good old fashioned orgasm with your clothes on. This is that kind of sexy.
The Bad(ish)
-It’s all Cin, all the time. Strictly told from 1st person person, I would have loved to see even one chapter from PJ’s POV.
-The final “obstacle” between PJ and Cin wasn’t the strongest. There’s certainly a resolution to her ex’s douchebaggery, and it’s all in service to that, but it just didn’t make much sense if you take out the plot imperative. But oh well, the HEA is still satisfying.
Everything in Between
-Those friends are everything. Ariel is a scene stealer and I cannot wait for her book, and I actually liked the clever way Ms. Sivec incorporated so many of the fairy tale details into this contemporary romance. The worldbuilding works and left me wanting more.
I really enjoyed this funny take on fairy tale romance between PJ and Cin. If you love a good Cinderella-inspired romance with a bit of stripping for spice, look no further, this is the tale for you. I recommend it and I’m looking forward to this whole series.
For more reviews, visit
September 26, 2018
Synopsis
Meet the Naughty Princess Club: a brand new series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that introduces readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that ensue when three women start a new business to make it rain.
Once upon a time, Cynthia was the perfect housewife. Between being the President of the PTA and keeping her home spotless without a hair (or her pearls) out of place, her life was a dream come true. Her husband was once her knight in shining armor, but now he’s run off with all their money…and the babysitter.
Dressed as a princess at the annual Halloween block party on Fairytale Lane, she meets two other “princesses” also facing money troubles: antique store owner Ariel and librarian Isabelle. When the women are invited to wear their costumes to a party where they’re mistaken for strippers, Cindy, Ariel, and Belle realize that a career change could be the best way to make their money problems go bippity-boppity-boo.
But can structured Cindy approach a stripper pole without sanitizing wipes? And could the blue-eyed anti-prince that has been crossing her path become Cindy’s happily ever after? At the Stroke of Midnight is a hilarious, empowering story where princesses can save themselves while slaying in stilettos.
I LOVED THIS STORY!
What made this story so wonderful for me was how the author took classic fairy tale characters and wrote this amazing story with a modern day twist.
The characters were extremely likeable.
Cynthia, Ariel, and Belle are each living in bad situations they did not choose but were put in by the actions of people they loved. When they decide to band together, they come up with a plan that will give them the freedom to pay their bills, be their own bosses, be proud of their hard work, and live a comfortable life.
I really liked the plot of this story and the writing was amazing.
But, my favourite thing of all about this story was the bantering between the main characters.
I was laughing out loud so many times, and literally crying because of the bantering between Ariel and Cynthia.
Once I picked this book up I didn't want to put it down.
I loved how the main characters sought to solve their own problems, with solutions they were in control of and were willing to live with.
Cynthia, Ariel and Belle didn't want to be rescued by a knight in shining armor, they wanted to rescue themselves on their own terms.
This was a fantastically hilarious, empowering story!
I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
March 6, 2019
Cute, funny, junk-food kind of read.
March 30, 2018
A Prude, a Mouth, and a Librarian Walk into a Strip Club . . .
This book was hilariously funny, heartwarmingly tender and a crazy ball of fun!
Don't you love it when a book about trope you don't normally read turns out to be so good, you can't stop talking about it? This series is about three women, Cynthia (Cindy), Ariel and Belle ... sound like any Disney princesses you know? I don't normally like "retellings" and had it not been for my blogging friend, Dirty Girl Romance who raved about this book, I would not have given it a shot. I'm so glad I did because it is that good.
Cindy had been living in splendor after her husband saved her from her trailer park hell. Not surprisingly, he doesn't turn out to be her prince, but her worst nightmare. When she's at her wits end not knowing how she and her teenage daughter are going to survive, she gets a visit from Ariel (who is rebounding from a failed marriage and had to sell all of her antiques) and Belle, the librarian (who lives with her father in his basement). All three need money, each for their own reasons and all need it now. After a mishap at a children's birthday party, the three decide to start their own business, which leads them to Charming's strip club.
PJ Charming at first doesn't know what to think about or do with the three women who walk into his strip club for stripping lessons. He doesn't take them nor their business plan seriously. What he does take seriously is his attraction to Cynthia. They were perfectly written for each other!!! Their tender moments tempered the hilariously crazy moments in the book.
Ariel reminds me of someone I know ... she's smart, funny and incredibly snarky! She's the perfect friend, the one who has your back and won't let you off easy. She will tell you when you've got it going on and when you need to get that stick out of your a$$!
Belle hides a lot of grit beneath her sweet facade. She may be book smart and prim, but that girl is a scrapper. She's not going to stand back and be taken advantage of nor let her friends be taken advantage of.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series with Belle and the Beast. It promises to be entertaining.
November 3, 2018
There is something a little offensive about Disney Princess cartoons.
They reinforce an impossible standard for young girls.
At the Stroke of Midnight is basically Disney Princesses written for adult women. And it's great. Everything that Disney gets wrong, Tara Sivec gets right.
It's funny, entertaining and just a little steamy.
They reinforce an impossible standard for young girls.
At the Stroke of Midnight is basically Disney Princesses written for adult women. And it's great. Everything that Disney gets wrong, Tara Sivec gets right.
It's funny, entertaining and just a little steamy.
March 13, 2018
3.75 stars
light, cute weekend read
light, cute weekend read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 820 reviews