The Midnight Hour: All-Hallows' Brides: A Gothic Regency Romance Novella Collection

REGENCY:  "The Midnight Hour: All-Hallows' Brides" is a collection of gothic novellas inspired by the works of famed writer and poet Edgar Allen Poe. Each story is named after its bride.

Kathryn Le Veque's "Emma" brilliantly hits all the right gothic notes with a tortured lord who has given up on life and a young woman with her own heartbreaking past. Meara Platt's "Aislin" offers up a tale of pirates, lost memories and a love that is soul deep. Scarlett Scott intertwines revenge and loyalty in her story "Sarah," where all is not as it seems. Mary Lancaster's "Madeleine" tells the gothic tale of a young woman who falls in love with a former soldier tormented by his past, and as a result, her life and his sanity are on the line. Maggi Andersen's "Beth" is reminiscent of Mrs. Radcliffe's stories with a kidnapped heroine, a handsome hero and a mad villain. Chasity Bowlin's "Hyacinth" offers up a castle whose lord is haunted by the ghost of his dead wife and it will take a strong woman to help him escape. Sydney Jane Baily's "Eleanor" uses Edgar Allen Poe's "The Gold-Bug" as a motif in this sweet romance of two people falling in love. Violetta Rand's "Raven" rounds out this novella collection with a lord who cannot let go of the love he lost. 

"The Midnight Hour: All Hallows' Bride" collection is an entertaining read from start to finish! Steam levels vary, but each romance stands out with strong and determined women paired with heroic men facing powerful external and internal battles. More insight into how the stories connect to Edgar Allen Poe would have added to the overall premise and included readers into the process of where the inspiration came from for each story. The gothic tone is visible in most of the novellas, making this anthology a wonderful addition to any gothic romance collection!

Tricia Hill