Review: Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Katie Porter

A 2017 Riptide Holiday Charity Novel

Up-and-coming film producer Kyle Wakefield lives in the closet rather than risk the wrath of his influential, conservative parents. The only time he took a chance on love was a tempestuous teenage affair with Nathan Carnes. But when Nathan proved himself hell-bent on self-destruction and wound up in prison, Kyle closed off his heart.

Almost a decade later, Kyle’s production partner hires Nathan’s stunt company, Second Chances, to work on a big-budget action film in London. Nate is floored by his explosive reunion with Kyle. But he sure as hell isn’t surprised that Kyle still treats their mutual needs—and Nate—like dirty little secrets.

As the London holiday season casts its dazzling spell, the two men find themselves falling in love again. Kyle is one breathless kiss away from declaring himself to Nate—and to the world—but they cannot ignore secrets borne of youthful mistakes. To protect their bright new future, Kyle and Nathan will need all their passion and trust . . . and a little Christmas magic.

NOTE: This is a lightly edited reprint of a previously published novel.




This was just the right amount of holiday spirit for me, meaning it takes place during Christmas but doesn't rely on the "miracle of Christmas" trope to sustain the relationship. Came Upon a Midnight Clear is essentially a story about second chances and maybe one of redemption on Nate's part.

Nate and Kyle went to boarding school together and fell in love. They made plans. They were going to buck tradition. They were going to be together despite their socioeconomic disparity. But life had other plans.

Nine years later and a three year stint in prison for Nate they find themselves on the set of Fast Money as stuntman and producer and the passion reignites between them with very little tinder required. There is a lot of water under their bridge, a lot of miscommunication and non-communication that may be problematic for some, but I understood their desire for each other. Both believe their is an egg timer ticking down to yet another separation and this time it will likely be for good, so grab what you can while you can, right?

Their physical connection and chemistry bursts off the page and in many ways they communicate through sex: sometimes angry, sometimes tender, sometimes kinky and oftentimes intimate; it's clear they both struggle putting their wants and needs into words. Except during sex when all bets are off. Dirty talk, public sex, rimming, a little D/s and neither holds anything back. But once they do begin to dissect the past and what exactly happened things begin to improve. Along the way there was some marked relationship development beyond the bedroom that convinced me of their ability to endure whatever life throws at them in future.

If you're in the mood for some erotic, second chance romance give Came Upon a Midnight Clear a try. I'll be on the lookout for more from this author in the future.


A review copy was provided by the publisher.

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