Camila is a young ballerina fighting relentlessly for a spot at the most prestigious company in Buenos Aires. Her world is hard work, physical pain, and obsession with perfection.
Sebastián is an architect with insanely hot looks and a dark side: the last name of Argentina's most dangerous gangster. The Palacios are Kings at the docks of Buenos Aires, and once you're in, there's simply no way out.
From the moment Camila literally falls into Sebastián's arms, desire pulls them together with the force of a hurricane. Their worlds repel, but Sebastián is determined to win Camila over. He simply doesn't lose, at anything.
Yet, with every step she takes toward Sebastián, Camila puts at risk her chance at a brilliant career.
Kings of Midnight is an entangled love story that will play with the reader's pulse as they explore the twisted turns of true love, erotic passion, and the price of following your own dreams.
I love reading stories of all kinds, though romances and psychological thrillers are my faves. I also love cooking food from my hometown, Buenos Aires, and hanging out with friends and family. When I'm not working on my day-job, a small woman-owned business that I started and still run, I'm writing, reading, audio-book-binging, or hanging out with my husband and kids.
To me, writing is a time when I feel totally free. I'm happy. And I learn new ways to do things every day.
I would have never dared to write a word had it not been for the people that love and, like me, enjoy taking off to a different world through amazing stories.
My books are my gift to the story-lovers out there, I hope you enjoy my attempt at making you travel to a faraway land.
I have come to realize that I really really love books where one or more of the main characters are dancer’s (any kind of dance, it doesn’t really matter).
Our heroine, Camila, was so lovely and I loved her ambition, her hard work and how she never stopped reaching for her dream even when she was hurting bad. Our hero, Sebastián, was mysterious, so nice and romantic. He fought hard to live the life he wanted, to separate himself from the name of his family and all that came with it. These two lived two very different lives, from opposite sides of the track but they fit so damn perfectly! And they were so happy together. Sigh.
AND they had a meet cute so if you like to read meet cutes, you MUST read this one! It was pretty cute and I loved how life kept throwing them together. It was written in the stars and I LOVE those kinds of stories.
I completely loved this book. This story, these characters, the relationship, the friendships, the excitement of the shows, the traveling... just everything. I am honestly so so excited for more books in this world which I hope are coming!
I don’t know what else to say, I don’t want to give anything way but you can expect rivalry between families, a touch of love triangle, fancy parties and performances, a disapproving dad, lots of sweet dates and couple moments and so much more! I could not have enjoyed this book more! I am obsessed!
➳ Physical copy provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.
This is the first book in The Midnight Saga Series but is read as a standalone. If you like mafia romances you'll enjoy this book. Camilla is an up and coming ballerina trying to establish her own place in the ballet world. She is constantly compared to her mother who was one of Argentina’s most legendary primas. A fallen ballet slipper brings two unlikely people together. Sebastian is gorgeous, a successful architect by day and mafia by night. He was part of the famous Palacio crime family. They control the docks, politicians and an extensive mafia network. The chemistry between the two is explosive. The book is complex and well written. It was fun uncovering the layers of the story as well as the characters. The book is long at around 500 pages but it's hard to put down once you begin reading. A complicated love story that had a lot of emotion. I read a free copy via Voracious Readers and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book drew me in from the moment Camila bought her shoes. I loved Sebastian's and Camila's first meeting and every subsequent meeting after. This wasn't a premise I'd read before so it felt fresh and intriguing. Camila's naivety made me shake my head as to how someone could be so oblivious but was glad that she recognised it in herself.
I felt that after the inevitable hurdle in the couple's relationship, the pacing was a bit rushed. It seemed like big chunks of time were passing in the same of a couple lines. Whereas before we got more detail. I would've also like an epilogue but that's only because I've become accustomed to them.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one and would definitely give anything from this author a try.
I received an complimentary copy through Voracious Readers Only.
If you're into mafia romances with lots of angst, swoony romance, suspense, and an addictive plot to keep your nose stuck in the book, well here it is. This is the real deal.
I adore the darker more intense romance books. Hey you might think it's not the healthy thing to do but let me tell you it's so entertaining I don't even care.
This book was a ride. It's written really good with gorgeous descriptions of ballet mixed with a suspenseful mafia world set in the gorgeous Argentina that made me devour this book in a night. The characters are well developed and likeable and it was a really delightful treat to cheer for their happy ending. It's a passionate romance with the right amount of steam that's well there's no other way to say this but panty-melting. There I've said it. It's panty-melting, good enough to drool over the book.
The thing that was refreshing for me to see in a mafia romance is that the hero isn't your typical mafia boss that treats the heroine badly at first. Not at all. This guy treats the heroine like a real princess from the start. It's hard not to fall in love with him. At moments I had my doubts about the heroine and her behaviour but it wasn't something that was really bugging me. The moments came and went quickly. And I must tell you, books like this one make me have unrealistic expectations of men in real life but watch me not care much about it.
Overall, if you're into passionate and intense romance books, this is the book for you.
Engrossing & INTENSE! It's sweet. It's HOT and filled with exciting drama and engrossing twists that sucked me in and at times was hard to put down. A myriad of emotions, a bit of fear, plenty of angst all woven together to make for a well put together romance that I enjoyed and would definitely want to read more of this first time author's books that is completely new to me.
It is a rare day a book and pulls me into a binge reading session and J.Q. Anderson did just that with this story between Camilla and Sebastian. These two are such opposite that you would think their worlds would never collide. Camilla is a ballet dancer, and Sebastian, a gangster, and though this seems like a cliche story you read, J.Q. Anderson brings such depth to the characters, and the character growth is fantastic. Character growth typically is something hard to nail by many writers, but he nails it.
I will say I do not like filler in a book. I do not know if that what it was, but I struggled in my binge a bit about the middle of the book because it seemed heavily focused on Sebastians gang war. It didn't necessarily bring about a ton of growth; I feel like it could have been addressed in a smaller chuck, the impact on the character would have been the same, and we could have pressed on. However, the story didn't disappoint, which is my perspective only; my husband read it and found it a nice change in pace.
*** I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
I really enjoyed this story, Camilla the ballet dancer meets Sebastian the gangster and of course things don't run smoothly. Unlike many stories of this type I really liked the depth of the characters and you could see them grow throughout the book. I found I could really relate to Camilla who is so focussed on her dreams of becoming a top dancer like her mother was.
If I have one criticism and for me the thing that lost it's star was that I lost interest a little in the middle of the book, about the time part 1 ended and part 2 began, it felt a little too gangster heavy with the competing gangs, but after a break I was right back into it desperate to know how the story ended. And I wasn't disappointed. It was so nice to have a strong minded female character who was strong enough to keep going after her dreams.
Hot architect and mafia man meets gorgeous ballerina in this sizzling romance. Lots of angst and passion. Will be reading the next book in the series for sure.
Yes. Yes to Camila, and Sebastián, and this entire novel. I could not put it down!
Few understand the phrase “they pay for perfection”, but Camila does. A ballerina for Buenos Aires’ most prestigious dance company, she knows first-hand how hard the fight is to get to the top, a goal that is only driven further by the fact her mother was a prima. Her entire life revolves around ballet, but everything changes the second she meets Sebastián. He’s an architect, dark, and has a last name that strikes fear into nearly everyone in Argentina. They are drawn to one another and can’t help falling deeply in love; but before they can truly be together, they need to figure out just how much they’re willing to risk to get their happy ending.
Oh man, I fell hard for Camila and Sebastián. These two were wonderful together and I very much appreciated that this was not just another cliché mafia romance. The chemistry between them was unmistakable and I was impressed with the depth and growth of the characters. I loved that there were no childish games – Camila and Sebastián acted like adults and worked out the majority of their issues through discussion rather than pouting and sulking. I was, at times, frustrated with Camila and her choices, but I was still unable to stop reading once I started. The writing itself was beautifully descriptive and I could easily picture Argentina and the many places included in the story. I thought the ending was a little bit rushed, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. A passionate, emotional and very, very well-written. Highly recommended.
Thank you Voracious Readers and JQ Anderson for my copy! I will be looking for the next books in this saga!
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Kings of Midnight by J. Q. Anderson ☁️ On her back from getting one of the most praised ballet shoes in Buenos Aires Camilla is saved from incoming traffic by a handsome stranger. When faith brings them together again, their attraction is inevitable. Sebastian is an architect, but his family is one of the most dangerous in Argentina. Will they let their world their them apart, or will they follow their heart no matter the consequences? ☁️ I’ve got to say this book impressed me a lot, by the depts of emotions shown and I really look forward to the next book in the sage! I really enjoyed the characters I thought they were very well crafted and they felt so real, they didn’t just trow everything away because of their love, they remained adults with responsibilities, and careers. The detailing in this book was out of this world gorgeous, I could really feel like I was in the story with them. I would say that the only think I didn’t love, and that’s really a personal preference, is that there was another man in the story, who she had strong feelings for. I’m not a fan of love triangles. The rest of the book didn’t at all feel like a love triangle and it completely redeemed it for me. ☁️ I want to thank @ for gifting me the e-copy of this book so I could review it for you! All thought are honest and my own! ❤️
This is my first book by J.Q. Anderson. Kings of Midnight is the story of Camila, a dedicated ballet dancer, and Sebastian, the son of a Don.
Very well written and incredibly descriptive, I very much enjoyed their story. I will admit that I sometimes got a little frustrated with Camila's naivety, but it also added to her charm. The story takes place over a couple of years, and includes enough angst, intrigue and drama to keep you turning the pages. I especially liked how Sebastian always treated her like a princess - not always the case in mafia type books. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this book. The characters had so much depth and I couldn’t put the book down as I was eager to read how it would all play out for Sebastian and Camilla. The story brought an insight into the world of ballet and life in Argentina with mafia influences. It was also interesting to have a story where the female lead is the one to inspire others to grow whilst finding what she wants at the same time. I also enjoyed the theme of what we always dream of wanting is sometimes not what we thought we were looking for. Great book and definitely recommend this book. Received a complimentary copy of the book from Voracious Readers Only
Wow a massive 5 stars for this one if I could have scored higher I would have. It's a modern version of Romeo and Juliette with a twist that unlike the the unfortunate couple this pair have a HEA. Camila is a ballerina who has worked hard for her dreams in ballet. Sebastian is a Mafia man with a heart these two meet and take you on a journey that has, highs, lows hotness in the bedroom and then leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering if they will ever get their HEA. A journey I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. Would definitely recommend reading this.
Clocking in at over 500 pages, I truly believe that this is more a tale of Camila’s journey rather than what the title suggests. Neither dark, nor heavily influenced with mafia tones, this reads more angsty romance than anything else. I would have wanted more depth rather than quantity but the descriptions of the ballet were addictive.
I saw this book pop up in my email from the author and was immediately intrigued by the beautiful cover. After reading the description, I knew this would be my next read. I love reading about dancers, and I really love a mafia romance, so this seemed like the perfect book. I had really high hopes for this book, and I was hooked for the first third of it. Unfortunately, it went downhill from there and by the end, I was skimming many of the chapters to finish it.
I loved the meet-cute between Camila and Sebastian and the continued meet-cutes that kept bringing them together. The start to their romance was nice and not overly rushed. It didn't feel contrived at all and happened very organically. I really enjoyed that there were so many interesting details about life as a ballerina, the camaraderie, and the competition. I also appreciated that Camila had to make it on her own as a ballerina and that the roles she received were won of her own merit. The gangster side of the book was also interesting as it wasn't the typical import and export business of guns and drugs that one usually reads about. While the gangsters did carry guns and had turf wars, it was interesting that they were more of a 'cleaner' type of criminal. It was an interesting take that I hadn't read before.
Camila was an interesting character. She had a lot of strength and determination and was very focused on her goals. While I did question a lot of her decision-making, I appreciated that she was aware of her naivete and that she had a bit of a backbone. She fought for her friends instead of bowing down to what her boyfriend wanted her to do.
Sebastian was not your typical gangster. I found his character to be rather refreshing, even if I do enjoy reading the more typical dark mafia romance. I enjoyed his struggle for independence and how philanthropic he was. His protectiveness was endearing though it was a little annoying how oblivious he was to how his friends and family treated Camila.
I didn't totally understand the relationships between Camila, Nata, and Marcos. There didn't seem to be a ton of foundation between them other than the fact that Nata would lend Camila clothes, and they went shopping together. There weren't a lot of deep conversations between them, and they both hid a lot from each other, which doesn't lend itself to them feeling like sisters. Camila and Marcos were bizarre. I understood Camila's feelings initially and why she enjoyed the attention Marcos gave her. Still, once she started a relationship with Sebastian, it was weird how she continued to let Marcos treat her in the same fashion. It was one of the questionable decision-making skills Camila exhibited.
There were a few editing errors that were kind of annoying. At one point, Camila changes into jeans for lunch, and in the following paragraph, she is in yoga pants, and then she goes back to work without changing back into her leotard. There was a reference to it being fall, then spring, then back to fall throughout a couple of weeks. There was a lot of added filler that made the book too long. I would have rated it higher if some of the repetitiveness could be removed (including some of the sex scenes that didn't add anything to the plot). I also found the ending to be rather rushed and convenient, and it didn't fix or even acknowledge all of the family and friend interactions that were still an issue for Camila and Sebastian.
Overall, I rate this novel at 2.75/5.
The author generously provided this book via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this story, it unfolded slowly at the start but after a few chapters I was pleasantly surprised. From about half way I found myself reading longer than intended - always a good sign I’m enjoying the book. I felt in some places it slowed and got a little bogged down with detail but it quickly picked up, the story pace was great, it drew me along quickly enough not to lose interest. I loved getting to know Camila and the world of ballet and Buenos Aires, she was a relatable character with flaws, insecurities and a backbone, I really liked her. I didn’t know where the story was going to go and really enjoyed the ride and her ups and downs. I would have liked a bit more time spent on the conclusion but I guess that’s what book 2 is for? It was nice to read a romance that had a credible and interesting story line, it wasn’t just about the love story, but their journey and finding a way back to each other - a nice change from romances that are primarily sex and more sex.
Camila Navarro is a hardworking and dedicated ballerina trying to dance her way out of her famous mother’s shadow. Her dream is to join a company in Manhattan – one of the few achievements left unrealised by her prima ballerina mother. Several unexpected meetings with Sebastian Palacios lead Camila to question her sheltered life and whether she should open her heart to encompass more than dance. Sebastian’s mafia family alarms Camila’s parents and friends and despite his efforts to remove himself from the family business, danger surrounds him. An involved story that draws you in not only to Camila’s life but also to the city of Buenos Aires. You are compelled to keep reading to see if Camila finds her happy ever after.
(The author kindly made a copy of this novel available for review via Voracious Readers – with thanks).
*FREE COPY PROVIDED BY VORACIOUS READERS IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW*
I didn't know what to expect going into this book. I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was a wonderful mix of romance, angst and suspense. The characters felt real and had flaws in a way that I usually don't find, it was a truly enjoyable read; it didn't overdo the darker aspects but it also didn't play down the consequences of what those actions caused. I also found that the romance scenes weren't overly descriptive but still held showed the love and desire the main characters held for each other.
In truth I would reccomend this book to people that enjoy an intense romance between two people that live totally separate worlds and lives, one a rich gangster and one an aspiring ballet dancer
***This book was provided to my by Voracious Readers Only***
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great length and I liked the main character Camila. The love interest began as a super toxic character but eventually grew up a bit. I thought it was very well written and easy to read. However, all the random words that were in blue text really threw me off and bothered me. I have no clue why the book had them since they were not usually helpful. Overall I enjoyed it and recommend it to those who love tasteful romances!
This story has so much potential. Sebastian and Cami had a beautiful, broken relationship that could never quite make it. That push and pull would keep you on the edge of your seat and then throw in the mafia and the friends and the ballet. So many things keeping them apart. The part of the book that I struggled with is the overabundance of ballet. Here and there would have been fine and added to the story but so much of it was not needed and even seemed to just be space filler.
I received an ARC from Voracious Readers in exchange for an honest review.
I am really impressed with this book and how it got me hooked from the first chapter. The caracters evolution throughout the book and the relationship between them is what made the book so interesting and made you wanting more. I really recommend reading this book to anyone who is looking for a romantic book with a lot of twist and drama. I received a free copy of this book through Voracious Readers
This book was a great read! Well written and seemingly well researched (all that info about ballet cannot be made up). Main character is rich and we can see and feel who she is. I love the fact that this love story is not a "virgin and this man is opening me up to the world" kind of story. I hope to read the rest of this series, if the other books are half as good as this one is, I will not be able to put them down.
When I first started reading this, I felt overwhelmed at its length. And while it did take me quite a while to get through it, hands down, it was AMAZING! The dead romantic in me came to life and savored this book. The imagery and world-building make me long to move to Argentina. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Received a voracious reader copy to review. Great storyline with two different worlds getting together. The story was gripping and I could not put it down until I got to the end. Would recommend to anyone.
I really enjoyed this book, it had a touch of darkness yet didn't go over heavy on the mafia side. A lovely well written love story.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers only but would certainly look for books from this author in the future
I got this book free for a review from Voracious Book Readers...and what a great read...I loved the story , and the central character Camellia. First time read by this author and will definitely read more of their work.
Yessssss! I loved this book. I was worried that there would be to many ballet terms that would drag me out of the stores, but that was not the case at all. I found myself cheering on the characters half way through, and had to fight to put the book down. I loved it!
This book kept me engaged from the first page. I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed every moment of it and look forward to reading more by this author. Definitely recommend!
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review