A DUCHESS BY MIDNIGHT

In this fairy tale–inspired romance, a wicked stepsister finds her happily-ever-after.

Drewsmina Trelayne used to be a terror, but now she is reformed and aspires to help girls who are outsiders and outcasts like she once was by training them for a London season. Ian Clayblack, the Duke of Lachlan, known for his scandalous involvement in his tenants’ riots, recently had his eccentric sister and her teenage twin daughters move in with him. He hires Drew because he wants to give the girls a coming-out season, but they are not at all fit to mingle with society, as they’ve been part of a strict religious commune for the past five years. Drew has her work cut out for her—and she also finds herself pining for the duke. He returns her desire, but when they are caught in a compromising position, they must marry. The attraction is there, but Drew soon yearns for love. With nods to “Cinderella” and “The Ugly Duckling,” the story maintains a fairy-tale feel through its infusion of royalty and enigmatic characters. Other plot points, like the economic hardships of craftsmen and the rigors of preparing for a season, add a realistic balance. Sometimes, though, it feels like there is too much extra plot that detracts from the central romance and isn’t fleshed-out enough to be fully compelling. Still, Drew is engaging and interesting, the nieces are a hoot, and Ian’s journey to better communication with the people he loves is commendable.

An overabundance of side plots, but the core characters shine.