In Midnight Duet, we follow Erika, a singer on Broadway who ostensibly has it all. While she might not be the best person, morally-speaking, she made her way to the top and is both beloved and feared in equal measures. But then an ill-fated accident lands her with scars on her face and in the middle of nowhere trying to run her family’s crumbling old theatre and to just keep afloat. Enter German band Nachtmusik who wants to make it big in America and is looking for a place to stay to make their entry into the American music world sound more authentic.
When the band’s manager Christof, who’s dealing with his own secrets, reaches out to book Erika’s theatre, she’s quick to agree. After all, this could solve all her financial problems and save her from bankruptcy. What Erika doesn’t expect is the immediate chemistry she and Christof have once the band shows up. Both of them are carrying heavy secrets that threaten to tear them apart but with chemistry that is as electrifying as theirs, there must be a way to be together without setting the whole theatre ablaze…right?
Now, truth be told, I have never seen Phantom of the Opera BUT when I heard Midnight Duet being marketed as a contemporary gender-swapped version of the iconic musical, I just had to get my hands on it and I was not disappointed.
While I enjoyed the entire story, I think the best part of Midnight Duet were the two main characters. Unlikable characters can be a bit hit or miss, I know, but Erika was a delight. She’s highly ambitious, oozes confidence and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Even after her accident and the facial scarring, you can tell that this woman hasn’t lost her sharp tongue or her quick-witted mind. Now, Christof. Listen, despite being German I wouldn’t call myself familiar with Hair Metal but I had a very different image come to mind when I first heard that. Instead of a high-maintenance dude who cares about nothing but music, we get the sweetest himbo who is goofy and charming and trying desperately to keep it secret that one of the band’s members – his girlfriend – dumped him and is now MIA. I loved every scene told from his point of view because it showed his ambition and guilt and anxiety while also telling us just how much he cares for everyone in the band.
Together, Erika and Christof are glorious. Whether they’re sparring verbally (or between the sheets), their chemistry is undeniable. If you like steamy scenes, whoo boy, you’re in for a treat. If you like self-affirming, confidence-boosting moments of intimacy, you’ll also get them in here. On top of that, there are quite some secrets that cause drama, not only for them individually and for Christof’s band, but also for their relationship and I was desperate to find out how it all plays out in the end.
Add to that a kooky cast of secondary characters (especially Christof’s band) that bring so much charm to the page and you have a fascinating story. A definite highlight of Midnight Duet is that the story—and the characters —doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s just a wild ride, filled with hilarious, over-the-top moments that make this such an enjoyable read. While there are heavier topics of course, they paired really well with the easy, engaging prose and I think that if you’re into band stories like Daisy Jones and the Six, you’ll find another favourite read here.
Whether you’re a fan of Phantom of the Opera or not, this fun gender-swapped forced proximity romance with loads of heart (and German Hair Metal) is sure to keep you on your toes!
Midnight Duet is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
Will you be picking up Midnight Duet? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
From The Astronaut and the Star author Jen Comfort comes a wildly electric romance about two musicians who collide on the stage of a Nevada opera house.
Self-professed diva Erika Greene has it all: a starring role on Broadway, legions of fans, spectacular natural talent. But after an accident on stage leaves her face scarred and her career in shambles, Erika retreats to Paris, Nevada, where she’s inherited a ramshackle opera house in desperate need of some TLC.
Erika pours her savings into the building, but it’s not enough to stave off casino developer Raoul Decomte’s avaricious gaze. With foreclosure imminent, she leases the space to some unexpected tenants: a German hair metal band, fronted by glam rock god Christof Daae.
Erika is tempted by Christof’s low-slung leather pants—and even more so by his ambitious drive to make Nacht Musik international superstars—but he’s off-limits. The rest of his band thinks he’s still dating their beloved keyboardist, who is conveniently not present on this jaunt to the American Southwest. When Erika finds out Christof’s been unceremoniously dumped and is trying to keep it under wraps, she makes a deal to keep his secret…for a price, of course.
Christof is desperate to hold the rest of the band together after his keyboardist’s departure, but he can’t maintain the charade forever. Nor can he resist the opera house’s mysterious proprietor, who tempts him with midnight singing lessons. It isn’t long before sensuous nighttime interludes turn into smoldering backstage encounters.
But can their newly ignited passion survive the searing light of day? Or will their beautiful duet turn into a brokenhearted power ballad for one?
