Julia Sarene's Reviews > The Midnight Bargain

The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk was a delightful read!

I loved the setting and the world building. I always enjoy the historical fantasy books when courtship is more "proper" than sexy...

Here you get to glimpse both the cute side, with a partner who actually cares, as well as the dark side, when a woman is married off against her will, and then is at the mercy of her husband.

There was a great balance between fighting for emancipation, for women's rights and freedom, and the sheer complication to try and work against the established rules of society. It was neither too fluffy or cosy, nor too depressing and dark.

I really appreciate how the romance was not as predictable as it usually is! There are a good few moments where I went "Oh, I didn't expect this..."

I also really liked the main characters, even if I wanted to shake them at times, as they felt quite real. Some bits were a bit stereotypical, but in a way that wasn't annoying, but seemed more in line with how these stereotypes came into being.

I enjoyed this a whole lot, and it won't be my last Polk book!