The Midnight Bargain

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐

C.L. Polk

Fantasy

384 pages

Published October 13, 2020 by Erewhon

From Goodreads: Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret, terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining Season, when young men and women of means descend upon the city to negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only she can save them, by securing an advantageous match before their creditors come calling. 

My thoughts 

I loved C.L. Polk's Witchmark so I had very high hopes for The Midnight Bargain and I was not disappointed.

This is a charming fantasy of manners marrying an alternate Regency England with a world where some people are born with the ability to use magic.

I loved the Regency romance types of details about clothing, food, and balls, even down to calling cards. The magic system was intriguing without being convoluted. And the characters.

I adored Beatrice, her determination to follow her dreams, to do the right thing, even when it was heartbreaking. Her younger sister, Harriet, was fiery fun. I know Goodreads doesn't have a sequel listed but I want to read Harriet's story.

Ianthe was the perfect Regency hero - gorgeous, wealthy, and loving. I want to read more about his sister, Ysabeta too - so bold and determined.

The ending was definitely a HEA Regency romance ending but I was so invested in the characters that that was perfectly fine with me!  

Have you read The Midnight Bargain or CL Polk's other books? What did you think?

Thank you to NetGalley and Erewhon for providing an ARC for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.