Kate mostly grew up in a strict school for orphaned girls and now makes ends meet teaching the young ladies of Spindle Cove piano and singing lessons. She has hazy memories of someone telling her to "Be brave for me Katie" but cannot find anyone to help her find out if she ever had a family. She's also quite vexed by the brooding Corporal Thorne who always seems to be glowering at her, even if she is starting to think he is pretty sexy. And then when it appears Kate might actually BE part of a family Thorne steps in and pretends he is her fiancee! Apparently Thorne and Kate share a past and he is still trying to protect her, after all these years.

Really cute, with just a few too many issues thrown in. I loved Kate's spark and how her persistent cheeriness and a cute puppy won over the grumbly Thorne in the end.

I listened to A Lady by Midnight for my second "read" and while still not my favorite Tessa Dare, I was still taken away to Spindle Cove and enchanted by its denizens. Thorne and Katie's romance is still a bit too full of issues that annoy me but I do overall love prickly bear Thorne.

2021 - what was I thinking?! This is definitely one of my fav Tessa Dares! Captain Thorne's stern, gruff, no one could possibly find me worthy archetype is my favorite. Yum.