As an Oregon girl with a soft spot for Seaside, Oregon, I couldn’t resist picking up Midnight Valentine by J.T. Geissinger. Known for her knack for delivering engrossing, often steamy stories with complex characters, Geissinger’s novels usually grab me from the first page. So, it came as a bit of a surprise when this one didn’t quite live up to my usual expectations, even though it certainly had its shining moments.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Seaside, Oregon—a town I’m very familiar with and hold very dear—Midnight Valentine promised a blend of romance, mystery, and drama. And in many ways, it delivered. The vivid descriptions of Seaside transported me straight to the salty sea air, making me feel like I was walking the promenade right alongside the characters. As an Oregon native, I could practically taste the ocean breeze and hear the crashing waves in the background as I read. Geissinger’s ability to set a scene is truly unmatched; it’s almost as though the town of Seaside becomes its own character, adding depth and atmosphere to the story.
Here is where the book really shines
Where this book really shines (like a very awkward, but well-meaning glow-up) is in its character development. Geissinger has this magical ability to create characters that you’re somehow rooting for even when they’re completely messing up—and trust me, Midnight Valentine delivers on the messy. The protagonist especially goes through moments of pure, unadulterated mortification that practically leap off the page and punch you in the face with secondhand embarrassment. I found myself cringing, laughing, and even hiding my face like I was the one maniacally laughing at church. Those “oh no, please don’t do it” moments are chef’s kiss in terms of emotional engagement.
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The characters feel real, like the kind of people you might accidentally bump into while wearing your pajamas at Target. And honestly, that’s what makes them so relatable—flawed, funny, and perfectly human. You know, the type of moments when you want to crawl into a hole for the character, but you can’t look away because it’s just too entertaining.
That said, I can’t shake the feeling that the story itself left me wanting more. Although the twists and turns took me in unexpected directions, I was left with a sense of disappointment by the end. It’s always hard to pinpoint why something doesn’t resonate the way you expect, especially when the writing itself is strong, and the characters are so well-crafted. Perhaps it was the pacing, or maybe the plot didn’t unfold in a way that felt as satisfying as I had hoped. In the case of Midnight Valentine, the story didn’t quite hit all the emotional notes that I was craving, even though it had moments of brilliance.
J.T. Geissinger is an incredibly talented author
Don’t get me wrong. J.T. Geissinger is an incredibly talented author, and I’ve had the pleasure of reading several of her books that left me absolutely captivated. One of her most charming and memorable novels (IMHO) is Pen Pal. This book is a perfect example of Geissinger’s exceptional ability to blend romance with emotional depth. The story centers around two characters who communicate through letters, building a connection that transcends the boundaries of their lives. It’s a beautiful exploration of longing, connection, and vulnerability—something Geissinger handles with finesse. Pen Pal definitely hits all the right notes, leaving readers swooning. If you’re looking for a J.T. Geissinger novel that truly pulls at the heartstrings, I think Pen Pal is an absolute must-read.
In addition to Pen Pal, her Bad Habit series is also worth mentioning. These books are a perfect combination of steamy romance, humor, and relatable characters. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and the emotional stakes feel real, making it easy to get swept up in the drama of each story. Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn romance or passionate, whirlwind connections, Geissinger delivers in spades with this series.
In the end…
Midnight Valentine offers a glimpse of what makes J.T. Geissinger’s books so compelling: richly developed characters, vivid settings, and genuine emotional moments. But for this reader, it fell just short of being the knockout I’ve come to expect from her. Still, if you’re a fan of character-driven stories set in picturesque locations, you might still find plenty to enjoy in this novel. If you’re looking for a more guaranteed hit, though, Pen Pal is the book I would recommend—it’s a beautiful and unforgettable journey from start to finish.
If you still need to get your copy of any of these great titles, you can get them here on Amazon. Or get one for free when you sign up for a free trial from Audible.
No matter if you’re in a super mondo sized book club or if it is just a book club for one, here are 10 book club questions for you to ponder while you make your way through this great read.
Book Club Questions:
- How did the author’s vivid descriptions of Seaside enhance your reading experience? Did it make you feel like you were right there with the characters?
- The protagonist experiences some hilarious yet cringe-worthy moments. Were there any scenes that had you laughing out loud or feeling secondhand embarrassment? How did Geisinger balance humor with more serious moments?
- Did the emotional depth of the book draw you in? What moments made you feel the most connected to the characters or their journey?
- With the setting by the ocean, how might the ocean reflect the characters’ emotional states or the plot’s progression?
- The book touches on vulnerability, both personal and relational. How did this theme impact your reading experience? Did it add depth to the characters?
- How did you feel about Geissinger’s writing style in this book? Was it easy to get lost in the prose?
- What was your favorite scene in the book? Was there a specific moment that made you appreciate the story or characters more?
- While the book includes some plot twists, did any of them feel predictable or forced? Were there points where you wished the story had taken a different direction?
- Were you satisfied with the ending? If not, what would you have liked to see different? Did it leave you with any lingering questions or feelings of disappointment?
- After finishing the book, did you feel satisfied with your reading experience? What elements of the story made it work—or not work—for you?
These questions should help spark a lively discussion, whether your book club members loved Midnight Valentine or felt it missed the mark.
Until next time, my bookish beauties, keep it brash, keep it bookish and as always, keep it true to you!
