In Shana Abé's A Kiss at Midnight, the end of the first millennium looms eminent and a generations-old prophecy dictates that the wealthy estate of Alderich--held for many years by Jozua Rune--must be relinquished to the Leonhart clan. But Rafael of Leonhart cannot rely on Jozua to act honorably, so he kidnaps Jozua's granddaughter, Serath Rune, from the convent where she has lived unhappily for 12 years. In doing so Rafe is forced into close quarters with the feisty beauty, who is rumored to have inherited her mother's dark magic skills. Rafe and Serath make an unlikely couple, to say the least. Neither can allow themselves to trust the other; Rafe uses Serath's reputation as a witch to control Alderich's peasants, but he is Serath's only protection from the superstitious villagers. Together, however, Rafe and Serath defend themselves and each other from the malice of a madman and fulfill the prophecy that returns happiness to Alderich and its tenants, all while falling in love. An altogether terrific read! --Alison Trinkle