A sapphic enemies to lovers featuring two villains?!? Yes, please!

My little queer heart was so happy reading this book! The Midnight Girls by Alicia Jasinska is an action packed sapphic romance with two very interesting villains trying to win the heart of a prince.

Their rivalry was so satisfying to read, I loved how they got in each other's heads and became so important to each other! It took a bit for me to get really invested in the story, but once it got going I enjoyed it so much!

Definitely recommend this fantasy!

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars

I found this to be an interesting and unique YA Fantasy. I really enjoyed the first part of the book but then things got a bit slow and by the end I was having a hard time staying interested. The plot felt a bit disjointed by the end and I think the world-building could have been more developed. Overall this was a quick read with diverse characters and romance based around loving whoever you want without prejudice.

A sapphic enemies to lovers fantasy, what more could you want?
Witches, monsters, other supernatural creatures, suuuper morally grey characters that make you question your own motives in life, a tension-filled enemies to reluctant partners to lovers romance that makes your heart skip a beat - this book truly had it all!
If you're a fan of YA fantasy but need a breath of fresh air in the genre, then The Midnight Girls has to be on your TBR!

The story takes place in a winter wonderland, filled with sleighs, chuckling teens, and the monsters that will stop at nothing to get close to the Prince. Our MCs are Morning (Beata), Midday (Marynka), and Midnight (Zosia). They each have a tragic past and have been chosen and saved by three sister witches. They each serve the whims of the Witch that has cared and trained them to transform and steal hearts. Chaos ensues when the three girls are unknowingly brought together to take a single pure heart and return it home. This is an action packed, adventure driven, heart stopping, sapphic novel. I could not put this book down!

I was granted an advanced copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“Her skin prickled but she couldn’t tell if it was because of the all the divine magic… or something else.”

This is an incredible enemies to lovers young adult fantasy containing sapphic girls that are witches/monsters on a quest to obtain the purest of hearts to give to the witches they serve. This standalone young adult novel reads like a cautionary fairy tale. The story has morally grey characters and an enemies to lover trope. I definitely enjoyed this story! After reading the e-copy, I immediately started the audiobook. I didn’t want this story to end! I sincerely hope Alicia Jasinska writes another story like the midnight girls.

If you enjoy young adult fantasy with morally-grey characters and the enemies to lovers trope, I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Fire, and Alicia Jasinska for this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.

So the moment i saw this book was about gay witches i was asking for it. one as i love witch books and two i am a WLW and to i like to see this in books as well. this book was a mix of the one bed trope and the enemy to lovers.

the two main characters are easy to read and so you don't have to think who is who in the book. its one of those books you can put down for a time and come back to without an issues as it have the normal YA kind of story line.

but it was a good book and well written just one you can read in a day as its easy to guess where it is going

I haven’t read fantasy in a while but this book was so interesting and opened up a new world that intrigued me almost immediately. I personally have been growing fond of the “we don’t know that we know of each other “ trope and this had an lovely twist, in the fact that they’re rivals. I loved the banter. And I’m always a sucker for dual povs. This is definitely something you need on your shelf and tbr list if you want to try out sapphic fantasy. I’m hoping that there is a sequel in the future!!!

Thank you Sourcebooks Fire for the free access! I was so intrigued by a review I read that I was so excited that Sourcebooks Fire was so generous to have opened a “Read Now” option for this title! Did not have second thoughts on clicking the button.

this book was available in the "read now" section when i discovered it and even though enemies to lovers are the trope i most read, sapphic enemies to lovers is something that i do want to read more of, and this was a perfect book to start.

the world building was great, and there are a lot of elements in the fantasy that i do not see a lot in the ones i've read, which is always good for me. to put it simply, this was one amazing book to escape to.

Star Rating: —> 4.5 Stars

This was a monstrously GREAT read! I cannot believe it was a debut! It is surely one to be celebrated! Jasinska did an AMAZING job with this very much character-driven novel. I look forward to seeing, and most DEFINITELY *reading,* more from this author!!!

WHEW! What a captivating, chaotic (in the best way, of course), & brilliant read!! I flew through this book in what felt like only moments, and was completely obsessed with both the characters and the adorable sapphic relationship before long.

Marynka and Zosia were complete opposites but seemingly fated to be, with their vicious, villainous competitions and mutual obsessions turning into a BEAUTIFULLY DONE back & forth with addictive chemistry, before long, edged on by the powerful clashes between Marynka's fiery temperament and Zosia's calm but blade-sharp wit.

The unique & *monstrous* magic of Morning, Midday and Midnight was beautifully depicted, and the Polish setting added a fascinating twist to the book overall. There are some pacing issues, but nothing that changes my opinion too much. I just loved this so much!!

Thank you to the author, netgalley & the publisher for the e-copy in exchange for an honest review!

Villanous, sapphic, rivals to lovers are here to steal your heart....figuratively and literally.

The Midnight Girls was a witchy fantasy full of Eastern European lore and monstrous girls. While the middle of the book dragged on a bit, I had a fun time following Marynka and Zosia's rivalry as they sought Prince Jozef's pure heart. All of the characters and relationships could've been developed more and the themes introduced in the final third of the story deserved to be expanded on more. However, the overall vibes were fantastic and left me wanting more Marynka x Zosia content.

The book begins with Marynka, who’s 12 years old and is on her first mission to bring a heart of a prince to Grandmother, the Red Jaga.

The book has some sort of witches but they’re more like monsters with claws and pointy teeth and each of them got different powers and is nicknamed Midnight, Midday, Morning – each one of them is unique on their own appearance and also what they’re capable of.

I really enjoyed a couple of tropes touched into this book such as: enemies to lovers but the sapphic version, the grumpy/gloomy type, anti-heroine all these elements in the book made the book even more interesting. I really enjoyed the competition between Zosia and Marynka and the fact the girls were the monsters going after the guy's hearts and not the way around – this was definitely a new change in between my reads. I also enjoyed the friendship between Beata and Marynka, I found Beata to be different than the other two girls almost like quiet and shy type but so powerful once tested.

As much as I enjoyed the book there were also a couple of things I felt were missing. I really wanted to feel more chemistry between Zosia and Marynka especially since this is a sapphic book, I felt that part of it was missed. In the beginning, there was some chemistry between them but after that just died down and I couldn’t feel anymore the tension, the chemistry their enemies to lovers heat – it felt platonic.

Their powers also aren’t really explained properly how they work, if they have any limitations or if they can actually lose their powers, we just know that the three girls all have been requested by a Jaga (Red, Black, White) and they gave the girls a new chance to live and also powers but other than that this subject hasn’t been touched that much, and I felt it is a shame because their powers were amazing and we needed to know more about it.

The character development I don’t think there was any. From the beginning, the girls considered themselves monsters and until the end, their minds hasn’t changed, and neither them, they didn’t grow up to be better or to do any changes for themselves and considering the things they went through with the Jaga’s I would’ve thought they want to change something for themselves.

There was also a really interesting subject that has never been explored, the relationship between Kajetan and Jozef, it was just quickly mentioned they’re soulmates and that was it, which I really, really wanted to know more because that would’ve been such a taboo subject considering Jozef was a prince and loving his enemy. You also get some more diverse characters in the book but they’re just quickly mentioned and that’s it, they’re not actually part of the plot of the story.

Overall the book has been interesting and captivating, I only felt some things were missing in order for this book to be 5 stars in my opinion.

I love this cover artist (looked up, her name is Charlie Bowater)! Whenever I see a cover by her, the book seems to immediately climb up my TBR pile. It doesn’t hurt that this seemed like the perfect wintery/Christmas fantasy story that gives off hints of “The Night Circus” with its story of dueling sorcerers. And luckily the whole “fighting for the heart of a prince” thing seems like it is just a clever ruse for the true romance at the heart of the story.

Two powerful women find their new friendship quickly put to the test when they discover they each are after the same prize: the pure heart of the young, hapless prince. But nothing is what it seems, and this heart isn’t sought for such soft things like love. No, instead Zosia and Marynka each want the rare power that comes from a heart so pure. As their magical competition grows, so too does the risk they each take in being discovered, for magic is feared and persecuted. But Zosia and Marnka are both discovering that as equal as their determination is to win the prince’s heart, so too may be their growing attraction.

This was a bit of a tough read for me. Mostly because I definitely didn’t dislike it, but I also struggled to really get through it for some reason. There was a lot to like here, but it just didn’t seem to land right. One of the things I liked the most was the story’s roots in Polish culture and fairytales. The descriptions of the town, the fables and legends seen in the festivals, and the food were all lovely and refreshing. I also particularly liked the fact that it was set in winter during a winter festival, a time of year and setting that one doesn’t often see in fantasy stories. There’s definitely something uniquely cozy about reading books featuring others dealing with the winter weather while you are snuggled up in a blanket with hot tea.

I also didn’t mind the two POV characters. But again, I just didn’t mind them. This was another duel POV story, and while I didn’t have a strong preference for one POV over another (usually my problem with this format of storytelling), they also simply read as very similar voices. They each had unique goals and approaches to their task of winning the prince’s heart, but if you plopped med own into a random chapter, it would take some mention of these fact for me to know whose head I was in. The writing was fine for both of them, just not particularly strong overall.

I also struggled with the pacing of the story. I felt like it not only started out rather slowly, it all wrapped up quite quickly in the end. Things fell together much too easily and, overall, the plot seemed to rely far to heavily on the romance to carry the reader through. It wasn’t a huge problem, and I’m sure most readers will be there for the romance mainly anyways, but it did feel a bit rushed and a bit of a let down. Overall, however, I think this book will appeal to readers looking for a wlw fantasy story to c0zy up with this winter!

Rating 7: A fairly middling story in itself, but a sweet fantasy love story that will still likely appeal to many who are looking for a romantic read for the winter season.

I was all about the premise of this book when I first heard of it. I mean a villain-villain sapphic fantasy where two witches are competing against each other to literally steal a prince’s heart and fall for each other instead? Steal as in cut chest, eat heart, not the romantic kind of stealing? Sold. And they’re mortal enemies due to their umm, professions? Super sold.

So imagine my disappointment when the actual execution left me wanting. The story has an ethereal fairy tale quality to it, which could be theoretically great but it sort of made things feel juvenile, very YA. Which also would be fine, except these girls are supposed to be so good at being all bad, but turns out they’re laughably bad at carrying out their plans when it counts? I mean I know it’s for “reasons”, but it does make the story fall flat. It’s fun and all to watch both Zosia and Marynka being unapologetically villainous (occasionally joined by Beata), but it does feel like they’re playing at it sometimes. I don’t think I’m explaining it right, but it’s all very superficial.

I was looking forward to the tension between them, but I didn’t really feel it or I just didn’t care. I was, in fact, more invested in a secondary and diametrically opposite love story happening at the same time. And even though this ended up being a fairly quick read, I wish it was a standalone because now I need to know what happens next but I don’t know if I care about the main heroines (villains?) enough to continue.

Literally such a fun, unique fantasy. I loved the romance and the premise, and was just completely sold from the start. Would definitely recommend to everybody. Fresh ideas like this are exactly what ya romance needs!

ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
Buddy read with my darling Ashley!

5 BREATHTAKING STARS

Three Minute Thoughts:
The Midnight Girls was everything I wanted and more! I lived and breathed for the sapphic relationship between our MC’s, full of crackling chemistry and heartstopping kisses, and the constant competition between Zosia and Marynka was wicked and exciting – let’s just say I couldn’t put this book down. The Polish-inspired world and wars were fascinating to read about, and I’m so excited to read more by this (Aussie – like me!) author. Such an incredible, captivating, and quick-yet-powerful read!

The Extended, Long, and Very-Probably-Messy Review:
I love, love, LOVED this book! It was fun, gasp-worthy and chaotic – and I loved every bit. Set in a fantasy world of witches that ruled over individual hours of the day, and who gathered servants to pit against one another, you can best believe I was crazy excited to learn more about the magic of this unique land, and I was not let down! The powerful witches who controlled morning, midday and midnight were fascinating to hear about, but even more brilliant were their prodigies and servants – our three main characters.

“Midday, Morning, and Midnight, three tragic girls who had been saved and taken in by the witches”.
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)

This book was definitely character-driven, but that wasn’t a problem for me, as I loved our characters. Our most prominently central character, Marynka, was an absolute favourite of mine almost instantly. She was reckless, loud, and made drawing people’s attention an absolute art, and her personality burned as bright as the name Midday would denote. Usually she would be everything that irritates me, but Alicia Jasinska wrote her character so beautifully that I fell in love with her like that. Her polar opposite, and our second MC, Zosia, was equally powerful but preferred the darker, quieter times of day – as a witch of Midnight should – shown with her propensity to caution (well, as cautious as one can be when ripping hearts out of chests) in contrast to Marynka’s daring streak. Zosia definitely grew on me throughout the story, and by the end of the epilogue, she was as dear to me as Marynka.

And then there was Beata – precious, overlooked, darling Beata. Honestly, I thought Beata deserved so much more page time, because I couldn’t help but love her combination of pure angel and brutal witch. I do love that this book is a standalone, but if it wasn’t then I would pray with all my heart for Beata to find love in a sequel! What a sweetheart. Not that I’m saying she was meek – because she certainly wasn’t, all three of the girls were powerful and strong and willing to do wicked, horrid things to get what they wanted – and who doesn’t love sapphic villains??

“I won’t go back to that forest with its never-changing sky. I won’t stand in the shadows with my head bowed and my hands laced behind my back waiting for instructions. I am tired of always living in the dark. I am tired of being someone’s pet monster. I am tired of all this.”
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)

Ahh and the romance! I won’t say too much about it, but rest assured, I loved it. One of my favourite sapphic couples ever, I have to say!! I wish the book was longer so we got more of them, though I did love what a short read this was, as it really made you feel that no time had passed when you picked it up. Such gorgeous writing!

This was a chaotic review, and for that I’m sorry, but it’s almost 1am and I’m calling it a night! Thank you so much to author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review❤.

The Midnight Girls is everything I could've asked for in a sapphic ya fantasy book. Enemies-to-lovers, monster girls, and morally grey characters. Not to mention, it was a fast, easy read.

Our side characters are just as entertaining as the main cast, and offer more queer relationships. there's a good mix of good, bad, and everything in between.

This is an entertaining, quick paced read. I enjoyed the story of three girls who embody Morning, Midday, and Midnight as they apprentice to sister witches. The witches give the girls power in exchange for bringing them hearts of princes and apparently there are a lot of princes out there haha. Marynka, aka Midday, loves to compete with Zosia, aka Midnight, for the hearts but when they meet in person for the first time she starts to have some romantic feelings as well.

I liked that this flew by and had some fun fight scenes with a bit of underlying romance. I did think it could have delved a bit deeper into the world and I would have liked more of an ending. I would totally read a spinoff of Jozef and Kajetan as they have a lot of history together and sort of an enemies to lovers vibe.

This is definitely a fun book and I'm looking forward to more from the author!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for the copy

*3.5 Stars*

The world building reminded me of the Bring Me Their Hearts series by Sara Wolf, where there are different witches who bring children/teens back to life to be their heartless monster servants, yet with a different very rushed plot. I was super excited for this read (I mean, look at how pretty the cover is!) but for some reason the book fell a little flat. At times it felt like the book jumped around a lot with no actual direction or purpose and I found my attention waning. I wanted a lot of magic and battles and danger, but instead there was more angst and inner turmoil than I was interested in.

I did like how the world did not care who was a romantic partner, there was no issue or judgment, and soulmates were destined and could be anyone. I really liked that the story was dual narrated by two different voices, very much opposites, and the interaction between them was at times hysterical as well as real and occasionally violent. The main characters are enemies to lovers (which was done perfectly so if you like that trope this is a great option!), with the battle of wits and challenges that go along with it, and gender was not really relevant, it was more about the person (at least in my opinion). Every main/important character in the story is lgbtq+ so if you are looking for a clean (only one real kiss right at the end) standalone fantasy read with some flavor here you go

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free ARC of this book!

5 stars.
This was such a captivating Polish-inspired fantasy! I absolutely loved Marynka and Zosia, and loved that this book centered on morally-grey sapphics. I love the enemies to lovers trope, and this book did it so well! I loved the setting, it was so evocative and magical. I also loved how unapologetic the witch characters were about literally tearing hearts out of men's chests, AND how unapologetically sapphic this book is. It did not hold back from making Marynka and Zosia as gay as possible, and it was amazing. Loved it!