<p> Miss Kate Daltry doesn't believe in fairy tales . . . or happily ever after. </p> <p> Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince . . . and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman&#8212;a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions. </p> <p> Gabriel <i>likes</i> his fianc&#201;e, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn't <i>love</i> her. Obviously, he should be <i>wooing</i> his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him. </p> <p> Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after. </p> <p> Unless a prince throws away everything that makes him noble . . . </p> <p> Unless a dowry of an unruly heart trumps a fortune . . . </p> <p> Unless one kiss at the stroke of midnight changes everything. </p>