These romances were so cute!!! Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon and Evelyn Skye had unique enough writing styles that their individual stories and characters were very distinct, but they also blended their storylines so beautifully that I sometimes had trouble believing that three separate people wrote this book. This book is the perfect Halloween rom-com read, bringing together a whimsical plot with a gorgeous spooky aesthetic. I also credit Ash's story with my recognition of Klimt's "The Kiss." This book introduced me to that painting, and I love it.

Atmospheric, fun and adventurous YA read with endearing characters, winsome romantic elements and perfect balance of spookiness, magic, hope and friendship.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for sharing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Three Kisses, One Midnight is a sweet, entertaining read that gives perfect autumn Hallmark movie vibes. Throughout the novel, the backstory of the Moon Ridge founding and romantic atmosphere of the town sets up the perfect moments for each of the three main characters to fall in love with their perfect someone.

Some of my favorite authors on the planet collaborated on this novel. If you’re looking for a quick read that will inspire you to look for your own love story, this one is perfect! Maybe wait until the fall to read it though… Halloween is the most romantic time of the year in my opinion.

Onny: Her story was cute, and ticks off all the romance tropes I love. “Unexpected person coming into your life who’s been there all along” is perfect for this character and surprises Onny when she’s looking for true love. She’s definitely the best intro character for the collection as well, since she has such a deep love for Moon Ridge and its magical traditions. I got sucked into the lore right away.

Ash: His love story was my favorite out of the three, and I wish it was longer! I think because Ash had spent the most time thinking about his love interest out of the three, their story felt the most developed. Ash had such an adorable outlook, and I connected with him a lot because of his interest in art. The way he saw beauty in abandoned places and thought of different art styles to represent the personalities of his friends and neighbors was such a lovely magical touch to the story.

True: I think the reason True’s story didn’t resonate with me as much is her commitment to not believing in the supernatural. It made the love story feel a bit expected when you learn who the love interest is. I also found the story to be a bit insta-lovey, but then again I’m kind of a sucker for a good backstory, which the other characters had with their partners.

Like I said, I’d mostly recommend this story to readers in the fall! There’s something so special about the time around Halloween, when all magic just seems a little more real. It’s a very quick and fast paced book for all to enjoy.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of <i>Three Kisses, One Midnight</i> in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

<h4 style="margin-top: 84px;">The Gist</h4>

<i>Three Kisses, One Midnight</i> by Chockshi, Menon, and Skye is a whimsical journey into a world of enchantment and romance. While the novel offers moments of magic and charm, it falls short of achieving a perfect spellbinding experience, earning a modest three-star rating.

<h4>The Details</h4>

The plot revolves around the protagonist, whose destiny is intertwined with three magical kisses beneath the moonlight. The premise is promising, and the authors successfully create a dreamy atmosphere that captivates readers. However, the execution of the plot occasionally feels formulaic, and some story elements may be predictable for those well-versed in romantic fantasy tropes.

The world-building is a notable strength, with the authors painting vivid landscapes and enchanting settings that serve as a captivating backdrop to the romantic narrative. The descriptions evoke a sense of wonder, transporting readers to a realm where magic is woven into the fabric of everyday life.

The characters possess endearing qualities, and their emotional journeys are relatable. However, a more in-depth exploration of secondary characters could have added depth to the narrative. The relationships between characters, while sweet, may feel somewhat idealized and lack the complexity that could elevate the story.

The pacing of the novel is generally steady, allowing readers to savor the romantic moments. However, there are instances where the plot seems to meander, and certain scenes may feel repetitive, contributing to a sense of predictability.

<h4>The Verdict</h4>

Overall, <i>Three Kisses, One Midnight</i> offers a charming escape into a world of romance and magic. While it may not break new ground in the romantic fantasy genre, it provides a pleasant reading experience for those seeking a comforting and familiar love story.

I picked up this book originally because of the magic, but the chapters were too long to capture my attention and more focused on the side of magic that I didn’t really want to read. I’m sorry to say, but I couldn’t even make it past the first few pages without wanting to put it down and pick up another book.

This was a really good YA novel, that I would definitely recommend trying!

I received an ARC from the publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good anthology and this was so magical! I loved reading this and it was a very quick read that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a cozy fairytale-like book with a great happy ending.

Can't believe I forgot to review this book - only knew one of the authors before requesting it, but the other two lived up to the hype!

Book Review
Three Kisses, One Midnight

This book in 3 words: Unique. Magical. Lovely.

First things first, petition for more authors to put together a book like this. I loved the unique format of the different story lines coming together.

I adored the setting. The feeling of Moon Ridge is everywhere when you're in these pages. Nothing quite like it. Some of the prose felt lyrical and just absolutely stunning.

The witchy feel and touch on the whole collection was just enough. The details regarding the spells and things of the sort were so good. I loved how intricate the authors were.

Overall, a read that is atmospheric and one I'll recommend.

YES. YES. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. All three hit it out of the park AGAIN. Always!!!! I can't even begin to explain how delightful this was to read.

Lovely Halloween Read! Dash & Lily but make it witchy!

Told in three short stories from a different POV of a trio called The Coven, Chokshi, Menon, and Skye bring us heartwarming Halloween tales! What I love about this book is the way the three tales connect through the characters and how they are all happening simultaneously. It is very easy to see this as a fun Halloween movie. Every character is so distinct and their voices are each unique and relatable. One witch, one skeptic, and one avid nonbeliever who are the best of friends are taken on their own separate journeys that will make you believe in the magic of Halloween. The book is just as fun as it is moving in the way it speaks on friendship, love, destiny, taking chances, and believing beyond what you can see.

This is a book that I will re-read every Halloween (and maybe just whenever I need a little magical pick me up) and recommend to anyone who is a fan of Halloweentown, Practical Magic, and the tone/mood of Dash & Lily.

What a really fun book, I loved how many different styles were included and blended so well. I loved the story crafting and the characters a lot.

This Halloween celebrated the four-hundred-year anniversary of the town’s founding. Local legends said that on every hundred-year anniversary, magic woke up in Moon Ridge and all things became possible, which made the midnight gala the perfect opportunity to use her lola’s spell.

Three Kisses, One Midnight is three short connected stories told by three different authors about high school students who find love on Halloween night. The town legend tells of a young couple that fell in love but their parents forbade them from getting married, so they decide to run away together. But the girl fell sick before they could go and died at midnight on Halloween, becoming the “Lady of Moon Ridge”. While her beloved was alive, her ghost and him meet in the woods every Halloween, spending the day together and when he died, he joined her in the stars and the two stars in the sky became known as the Lovers of Moon Ridge. Now, every four hundred years, the Lady of Moon Ridge helps lovers find their way.

Onny wasn’t so much a witch as she was “witchy adjacent.” She didn’t want to wield magic so much as know that it was there.

The story starts with Apollonia “ Onny” Diamante and her finally looking at the “grimoire” her grandmother, who died six months ago, left her. Inside she finds a love potion and thinks what better time than to try it on the Lady of Moon Ridge four hundred anniversary. Onny has had a crush on Alexander for awhile and plans on having him drink the potion with her (there's relaying that everyone using the love potion will tell the other and the potion only brings out love that is already there to stop any lack of consent) but on the night of her parents' Halloween gala, her enemy, Byron, accidentally drinks the potion. He agrees to help her source out the ingredients to make another but as they work to remake the potion, Onny starts to see things about Byron she was too busy crushing on Alexander to see.

This first installment was young adult cute and did a good job laying out the setting and characters. We're introduced to The Coven, Onny with her two other bestfriends Ash and True, and the mission of true love Onny has set-up for them on this legendary night. It was obvious that there were feelings from Byron and I enjoyed as they had to spend the night together to recreate the potion and Onny got to see a different side to him. This had a lot of fun facts incorporated in it, I had thoughts at times that they were speaking in a way that didn't quite feel right for teenagers (some of the references felt like they fit more for an older generation), but overall the romance was pretty cute.

Maybe it was time to put himself in the game. Maybe that’s why the Lady of Moon Ridge had shown herself to him.

The next story was about Ash and his unrequited love for his neighbor Cassidy. For years he's wanted to work up the courage to talk to her but she's a popular star athlete and he's a nerdy artist guy. When Cassidy tries dunking on her basketball hoop and crashes through their fence, Ash finally is forced to get over his shyness and talk with her.

This also had the cuteness factor with Ash being shy and Cassidy obviously having some feelings of her own. There was a little bit of heaviness with previous health issues that Cassidy had experienced but it's not dwelt on and her sunshine personality is the main focus. They end up having to go to a scary, could be haunted house to retrieve Cassidy's Halloween mask her little brother hid and have an almost kiss. Some quick third act breakup with Ash overhearing something but then a secret Cassidy had is revealed and a happily ever after for the two. This had the young adult vibes, some purple prose, felt a smidgen slow in the latter second half, but continued the sweet tone.

If you asked True Tandon, love was a giant scam.

The last story is with True and she's been broken up with her first and only boyfriend of five months for a year. It turned into a miserable experience and she now doesn't believe in love. She's a major science lover and introvert, so when she shows up to Onny's Halloween gala, she has no plans to stay long. When Orion, a boy from another school starts talking with her, she can start to feel the attraction building and that scares her. She's wanting to go but her teacher gives her the responsibility to watch over Wicked Wyonna, a mannequin that supposedly grants your wishes when you whisper them in her ear. Her ex-boyfriend steals the doll and Orion helps her search for them the rest of the night.

Even though all three see the ghostly Lady of Moon Ridge, she makes most of her appearance in this story and along with a Ouija board scene, this one probably is the most spooky but still in a YA fiction realm. This was another cute couple, True felt a little forced at the end with her “I can't lose myself in a relationship again”, but what is highschool without some angsty angst. Orion was probably the character I felt like we got to know the least but he was sufficient as just about too good to be true highschool love interest. This finally had a reference that I felt fit more with the characters' ages (saying someone looked like a Disney show actor) and wrapped up the Lady of Moon Ridge night nicely.

The ending gives us an epilogue where the three friends unite and share their coupled up happiness to each other before going off into the night with their new loves. This had great Halloween vibes atmosphere, definite YA toned (but with some character speak that didn't always feel teenager), young love, and ghostly fun. If you're looking for a book to join in the Halloween fun but want less scary and more light spookiness, this filled with YA cute romance with a few kisses, story could be a fun one to pick up.

This was such a cute and wholesome read. It's basically three short interconnected stories, each about one of three friends over the course of one Halloween night. I enjoyed all three of the friends' stories, and this book sort of reminded me of a Disney Channel movie that I would have watched as a kid.

All of the fall and Halloween vibes are here, so I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for a seasonal read. I loved the whole magical vibe of the town and the book itself. Mayor Greyjoy and Mr. Brightside were also such great side characters and I like how they were featured in all three stories.

I will say that I would have liked to see more of the friend group together, which was sort of limited since each part centered on one specific friend and their love interest. Overall, though a super cute and quick read that I recommend!

3 short stories about 3 friends on Halloween that’s not scary!! What more could a romcom loving girl ask for!! All the fall vibes and perfect for this time of year.

” I never had a chance if I was competing with the stars.”
If you are hearing the siren song of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman calling to you to have Practical Magic playing on repeat, I have the perfect recommendation to add to your cozy fall line-up. “Three Kisses, One Midnight” by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon and Evelyn Skye is a YA romance that follows three friends who are each armed with a love-spell and have one night to make their dreams come true.

On the night of a Masquerade ball to celebrate the founding of their town Moon Ridge, Onny has found her grandmother’s love spell, and who better to share it with than her best friends True and Ash. Their friend group is lovingly referred to as “The Coven” and they can’t think of a better time to weave their magic than the night the local legend, the Lady of Moon Ridge, is said to walk among mortals bestowing blessings on those willing to follow their hearts desires.

“I’d much rather a world that was magical.”
The book is set up as three novellas set during the same few hours of the night, and while their stories are concurrent, they don’t overlap enough to feel as though you are reading the same story over and over. Each of the friends have a different path to follow to find love, and they find it in places they never expected.

While each of the stories have a different (YA appropriate) trope like rival to loves, mutual pining and grumpy/sunshine there was an overarching theme that spoke to the magic of the journey rather than the destination. There is always a bit of an ick factor when reading about someone taking a love potion and acting in a way that is unnatural for their character, but by the end of the night anyone participating in amorous libations was a knowing and willing participant.

I will be the first to demand that this universe be expanded and that we get to see more of the side characters in future stories, Onny’s mother, the grumpy, gothic, biology teacher Mr. Brightside and his loving, sunshine of a husband the Mayor, among others deserve more time to shine.

“Aristocrats and peasants could eat and drink beside one another, dance under the moon, and even fall in love. All because a mask let them become someone new.”
Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon and Evelyn Skye have woven magic in “Three Kisses, One Midnight” giving us three YA romances that are both age appropriate and sweet enough to make your teeth hurt. If you’re ready for a new favorite comfort read, light your pumpkin scented candles, grab a fuzzy blanket and settle in with the magical town of Moon Ridge.

3.5 stars rounded down.

Three young adult stories by three authors. I liked the first and third stories most. A good, easy to read halloweeny, witchy, fall vibes book.

This was a super cute fast paced read because it was 3 shorter stories that tied together. I loved that it was written by 3 of my favorite authors and that it was love stories set on Halloween.

I’d recommend this for anyone looking for something not spooky but still Halloween themed or anyone who likes sweet, magical romcoms.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved this book! Such a fun way to tell the story of one night in the lives of three friends. After I finished each story, I swore that would be the one that I liked best, but they just kept getting better! I really do think the last story was my absolute favorite however, it really resonated with me. I loved that a story from a male perspective was included as well. And I loved that none of the male love interests were the overbearing, toxic, males that sometimes show up in books. I also loved that each character's story was told from start to finish. I think this was such a better way to tell the story than to flip back and forth between characters. I also loved that it was just different perspectives on the same events happening the on the same night, that was such a unique idea. This was such a good romance story, you absolutely need to give it a read!

Three Kisses, One Midnight is a charming and heartwarming novel that will captivate fans of young adult fiction, especially those who appreciate tales of friendship, self-discovery, and teenage romance. Roshani Chokshi, Evelyn Skye, and Sandhya Menon have masterfully crafted a collaborative work that celebrates the magic of love and reminds us of the importance of following our hearts, even in the face of uncertainty.