After Midnight

After the death of their parents the Cabot sisters were left without the funds to support themselves. As the eldest, the heroine took it upon herself to do anything she could to protect and provide for her younger sisters, even begging for the charity of their cousin. Now, the middle sister, the prettiest sister has caught the attention of a Viscount and the heroine knows the match could be the answer to their prays. But she also needs to be assured that man in question is good enough for her sister and she doubts very much he could be considering the rumors circling around him regarding his strange habits. It's said he's a vampire and despite the fact she's old enough and smart enough to know there is no such things, even she begins to show more suspect something when the evidence starts to add up. Called to the man's country estate, the heroine goes with her sister as chaperone and there she her sanity it put to the test as she really begins to suspect the hauntingly beautiful hero could be a creature of the night. First off, he doesn't openly deny the rumors. Secondly he rarely goes out during the day and when he does, it's overcast and raining. Finally, he's removed all the mirrors from his house. But how can such a hansom man he a soulless fiend? The heroine is thought to be the plain one of the family, older without any prospects she's firmly on the shelf. What right does she have to entertain feelings for the man who's practically betrothed to her beloved sister? But she can't stop herself. The man draws her attention, makes her behave silly and totally out of character and she finds herself falling under his spell. The hero holds a secret certainly but not the one he's accused of. He's in fact a vampire hunter rather than a vampire himself. That title goes to his younger brother who he's desperately seeking a cure for. He intends to use the middle Cabot sister to lure his enemy into a trap but his plans are severely threatened when the beautiful intelligent eldest sister begins to worm herself into his heart. Now he must desperately find a way to protect the woman he loves from becoming another ghost that haunts him. I loved this story. I adored the heroine as she evolved from a misunderstood young but unwanted woman who would do absolutely anything for her sisters to a woman who realizes that she somethings needs to do somethings for herself. Though it takes her some time to come to terms with the idea, she still feels horribly guilty about her feelings for the hero. I loved the hero, all dark and brooding and doing everything he can to save and protect his brother-same as the heroine. They were very much alike in temperament and selflessness. They also were equally lost to the passion that begins to develop between them. I was totally entranced with the story and with the characters development and highly recommend this author. show less

Vampires and Regency England and complex characters, oh my! Teresa Medeiros is one of the most consistenty readable romance authors writing today, and this book is no exception. This is at once a gothic romance of the old school, a vampire romance with a kick, and a comedy of manners. The characters are likeable, the dialogue sharp, and the intrigue well-developed. My only problem was with the sex scenes, which were disappointinly below par. I found them almost nauseating. Other than that, a quick, enjoyable read. When they get to the sex? Do yourself a favor and skip it.

After Midnight is the first of Medeiros's two books about the three Cabot sisters: Caroline, Vivienne, and Portia. Caroline, who believes herself "on the shelf", has taken care of her two younger sisters since her parents died literally on the eve of her debut in society. Now Vivienne is "out", in the care of an aunt who lives in London, and her sisters have received news that she is being courted by the dark and mysterious Adrian Kane, who may or may not be a vampire. Caroline, after an amazingly awkward introduction of sorts, finds herself strongly drawn to Kane herself. How can she steal her sister's potential future, though? And *is* he a vampire? Do they even exist? Her sister Portia is sure they do, and that he is...but then show more again, she also believes in mermaids, and fairies, and werewolves....

I really enjoyed this book. It had several unexpected twists, and many fun characters. There was only one part when Caroline bordered into "too stupid too live" territory, but it was short-lived and she snapped out of it quickly, thank goodness. I am looking forward to reading the second in the series, The Vampire Who Loved Me, soon. show less

My Synopsis:

After Midnight by Teresa Medeiros is a vampire love story set in the Regency period. It's definitely not a take-off from Twilight! The mysterious Adrian Kane is rumored to be much more than your average viscount. His courtship of the beautiful Vivienne Cabot has her sister, Portia along with the local constable in a frenzy of worry.

Vivienne's sister Caroline dismisses the stories but soon learns that there is lot more than meets the eye with the Kane brothers. Her attraction to Adrian leads her to do some snooping of her own, but does little to alleviate her anxiety over falling for her sisters suitor.

The Kane brothers, Adrian and Julian are very dark hero's, with lots of secrets and intrigue. Adrian gives off the air of show more gentleman, but ones who's not afraid to break the rules to get what he wants, while Julian is the playboy. The man who parties all night and sleeps away the day. Both brothers are handsome yet foreboding characters.

The Cabot sisters, are demure ladies, who must fend for themselves. Caroline, the strong-willed, caretaker. Portia, the petulant younger sister and Vivienne, the beautiful, soft spoken damsel, who may be in more distress than she knows.

My Thoughts:

What can I say about this book. I really loved it. I'm all for a good romance, especially set in the Regency period. The women were fairly typical characters, though I thought Caroline was a fiery character with a lot of spirit.

But, it's the men in this story that will really catch the interest of the reader. The entire first part of the book keeps you guessing about what's going on. Are the rumors true? Is there a deep dark secret in the Kane family or do the boys just like to perpetuate the stories, to make them seem more mysterious? And what about those paintings in the mysterious hallway? Soooo many questions.

The writer doesn't keep you waiting forever though, little bits of information start to trickle out and it culminates at the midnight supper. LOL... How appropriate! show less

Is Adrian Trevelyn a vampire? And in the end, does Caroline care? He's certainly captivated her, despite the fact he is expected to propose to her sister.

I read some of the disappointed reviews, always like to see what I might have overlooked, but reading is SO subjective. I enjoyed the story. The tortured hero, the selfless older siblings, the "is he/isn't he" debate. I figured he wasn't, but was surprised to find that this was, in fact, a vampire book and not one about gossip and superstition. Fun read.

Veteran Medeiros (Yours Until Dawn ) deftly melds romance and vampire lore in this thoroughly readable Regency. Orphaned gentlewoman Caroline Cabot struggles to care for her two younger siblings and make the ends of their scanty inheritance meet. When she discovers that her sister Vivienne is being courted by a reputed vampire, she heads for London to intervene. Her arrival only complicates matters: sexual sparks fly between Caroline and her sister's suitor, aristocratic mystery man Adrian Kane, while baby sister Portia becomes smitten with Kane's Byronic younger brother, Julian. When the three sisters follow Adrian and Julian to their ancestral manor, Caroline's sleuthing reveals more than one surprise. Though the book's fundamentally show more down-to-earth mein may disappoint readers looking for macabre thrills, Medeiros's sunny playfulness cuts the gloom of vampire convention. The attraction between Caroline and Adrian rings true throughout and the unresolved romance between Portia and Julian promises readers more time with these appealing characters in the future. Agent, Andrea Cirillo. (Sept.) --Staff (Reviewed August 29, 2005) (Publishers Weekly, vol 252, issue 34, p39) show less

I really enjoyed this regency paranormal romance - kept my attention all the way up to the end. Humor, suspense and heat, with a swoonworthy hero. Lots of fun!

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