Book Summary

LOCATING HER IS ONLY HALF THE BATTLE

Cyrus Ryland didn't become England's wealthiest bachelor by being a pushover, but the mysterious beauty he discovers sneaking around at his grand ball enflames his curiosity. When the clock chimes midnight and she's nowhere to be found, Cyrus vows to scour all of London to uncover who she is. Little does he know that not only does Claire Mayhew not want to be found, but she wants nothing to do with him at all...

Review

In her second installment of the Midnight Meetings series, Gina Conkle captivates us with her new historical romance, The Lady Meets Her Match, giving us a refreshing, bold interpretation of traditional elements of Cinderella with a modern flare.

What makes this story so fabulous is not only the plot but its characters. Let’s begin with its awesome female heroine, Claire, who defies the status quo in a time where women were defined behind a man. She is unlike any other that we have encountered from this period of time. Clearly independent, her sass and bravado is well applauded to see such a character whom embodies the chops to do things on her own and want better for herself other than the norm of the goal to just be someone’s wife. Unlike her other “sisters” she is content with her status not looking for a man and being without love.

Having experienced some heart break of her own, she sort of closes the door on love after an experience changed how she felt about men and their intentions. Determined to set the goal to go in business for herself she is faced with one obstacle, Cyrus Ryland. According to his rules, you cannot be an unmarried woman business owner. You have to have a husband, brother or father on the lease. Well, rules are meant to be broken and she comes up with a plan to get past this rule at a masked ball at his house. Everything was going according to plan until guess who she runs into? Yes! Now, no sense in trying to run so all she can do is own up to the moment but little does she know how much her mystery presence piques his curiosity. Just before the revealing at midnight, she bolts unknowingly leaving one of her shoes behind. Determined to find her, only having her shoe and her first name, what will happen when or if he he finds her? Thus begins their story…

Now, let’s move on to Cyrus. Well, doesn’t he sound like everyone woman’s dream. He’s attractive, intelligent, wealthy and has everything going for him. He is the type of man who would fight for your protection. He’s had a challenging upbringing but really made a life for himself and his family. His hard work has definitely sowed some great rewards especially earning him the most sought out bachelor in England. He wasn’t looking for love himself but something ignited a spark in him when his path crossed Claire Mayhew. Their initial encounter defying the rules of society and their unconventional banter contradicted the type of women that have sought his attention. Claire, woman who wasn’t interested in him or his money brought out something in him that saw her differently. With all the women lining up to be the next Mrs. Ryland, his heart was never opened to any of them until possibly now. They say love comes in unexpected places, was it destiny for them?

Well, let’s just say that we have two people not looking for love but their journey makes one awesome story to read. Since I loved this book and don’t want to give too much away, I gave you enough to hopefully pique your curiosity. From the first chapter, I promise that you will be fascinated by their story and be hooked to the end of the book. You will definitely be thrown some curve balls that kept the story interesting but ultimately wraps up quite nicely. This book being my first historical romance, I really appreciated the beauty in the way the story was written especially with some of the scenes that could’ve gone to the trashy side but didn’t. She brought the “romance” to historical romance which was greatly appreciated. I will definitely be reading her future work. If you are a fan of her books or love historical romance, put this one on your list to read!

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Series: Midnight Meetings (Book 2)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (April 7, 2015)

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