Helpful Score: 2
I went into this book thinking it took place before the events of Catching Midnight and Hunting Midnight, but that is not the case. I guess I got that impression from something I read at Amazon, plus the fact that the events of this book take place in 1813. But referring back to the journal page for Catching Midnight, I see that one actually took place in 1349. But in any case, this book could very easily have stood alone. Some of the characters from the others were mentioned briefly and towards the end an appearance is made by Aimery and Gillian, but there's nothing in this book that requires that you've read the others first.
That said, I did like finding out more about Lucius after seeing him as sort of a stand-alone kind of upyr throughout the other books. He doesn't seem to have much feeling or emotion left to him, being the oldest living upyr, and so it's nice to finally see him happy and embracing life.
I appreciate that Holly doesn't censor her sex scenes. Granted, this isn't one of her Black Lace books, but she doesn't really hold back and use flowery terms when talking about sex, and in these Upyr books, particularly this one, she's not afraid to let her passion for erotic writing come through. :)
That said, I did like finding out more about Lucius after seeing him as sort of a stand-alone kind of upyr throughout the other books. He doesn't seem to have much feeling or emotion left to him, being the oldest living upyr, and so it's nice to finally see him happy and embracing life.
I appreciate that Holly doesn't censor her sex scenes. Granted, this isn't one of her Black Lace books, but she doesn't really hold back and use flowery terms when talking about sex, and in these Upyr books, particularly this one, she's not afraid to let her passion for erotic writing come through. :)
Helpful Score: 1
'Courting Midnight' is Emma Holly at her best.
Dashing Lucius the White is the world's oldest living upyr. Tired, void of emotion, and tempted to walk into the sun, at his friend's (Edmund, who made an appearance in a previous novel from this series) urging, he assumes the identity of his doppelganger, Lucas Delavert, a human, who's just died in his arms.
Edmund thinks it'll be fun, but it turns out to be more of an adventure for both men than either ever imagined. Lucas Delavert has a torid past that Lucius must overcome, but when he does, he suddenly becomes every matchmaking mama's dream. Women from all over his little village begin throwing their daughters at him, but he has eyes for only one, and she's NOT one of those being thrown his way.
Theo Beckett is a strong, independent woman who's loved and lost before when her betrothed, a royal naval officer, died at sea. Believing she somehow contributed to his death, she's vowed not to love again...then Lucius begins devoting every waking moment towards courting her.
Naturally, Theo can't imagine what Lucius sees in her when he could have her even lovlier sister, Caroline, or even the vain and wicked redhead (and town tramp), Lily Morris. Luckily, sister Caroline has eyes only for Lucius' gardner and Lily's scheming does nothing for her cause.
Dashing Lucius the White is the world's oldest living upyr. Tired, void of emotion, and tempted to walk into the sun, at his friend's (Edmund, who made an appearance in a previous novel from this series) urging, he assumes the identity of his doppelganger, Lucas Delavert, a human, who's just died in his arms.
Edmund thinks it'll be fun, but it turns out to be more of an adventure for both men than either ever imagined. Lucas Delavert has a torid past that Lucius must overcome, but when he does, he suddenly becomes every matchmaking mama's dream. Women from all over his little village begin throwing their daughters at him, but he has eyes for only one, and she's NOT one of those being thrown his way.
Theo Beckett is a strong, independent woman who's loved and lost before when her betrothed, a royal naval officer, died at sea. Believing she somehow contributed to his death, she's vowed not to love again...then Lucius begins devoting every waking moment towards courting her.
Naturally, Theo can't imagine what Lucius sees in her when he could have her even lovlier sister, Caroline, or even the vain and wicked redhead (and town tramp), Lily Morris. Luckily, sister Caroline has eyes only for Lucius' gardner and Lily's scheming does nothing for her cause.
Helpful Score: 1
Good Vampire love story.
