First off, I wasn't aware that this was book two in the Midnight Meetings series. That however, didn't matter much because it was written well enough to stand on its own, and I enjoyed it as such.

Second, it was really refreshing to read a story that was somewhat divoid of earls, dukes and the upper classes of the english ton. Not that there's anything wrong with them, it's just refreshing for me to exit their parlors and enter the world of ordinary folks, in this instance a merchant class, who have dreams and aspirations of their own. They are strong characters, as filled with hope and dreams as anyone, and they are prepared to do and sacrifice a lot in order to make those dreams a reality.

Third, if the book has three dimensional and strong protagonists like Claire and Cyrus, I'll buy into their story, even though it has some shades of Cinderella.

In the end, with a clever and fast moving plot that's intertwined with sweet and intriguing romance, I truly enjoyed this story and hope you will too.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher ( )

Dreams and desires________3.5 stars

1768 during the Georgian period. When a woman has a dream and wants to make an independent foray into the world of business all sorts of prejudices and people can be obstacles. When Claire Mayhew decides to take matters into her own hands life becomes very interesting for Cyrus Ryland, a wealthy merchant and businessman who strongly believes that women should be protected and that only men can and should prosper in commercial endeavours
Stealing into a man's house to further your cause amidst masked revellers might seem like a good idea but the unveiling at the stroke of midnight causes all sorts of problems. With nothing left of an encounter with a mysterious woman but a leather shoe one can be forgiven for thinking the world of fantasy and reality have interlocked. Certainly this slightly different Cinderella story is a satisfying read littered as it is with romance and intrigue.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

THE LADY MEETS HER MATCH gives a passing nod at the Cinderella fairytale. Our Cinderella, Claire, neither wants her shoe returned nor does she require rescue from a life of drudgery and servitude to her step relations by the King, of Commerce that is.

Claire is an independent woman during a time when such behavior was frowned upon and every step taken to stop such actions in their tracks. Women needed the firm guiding hand of a man, period. They certainly weren’t capable of operating a business or making their own decisions….Gracious, no!
I enjoyed Claire Mayhew. She was bold and audacious without becoming a caricature. She handled events with style and grace.
Cyrus Ryland is a hero you can’t help but love. He’s willing to meet Claire more than halfway and re-examine his thinking and beliefs. But first he has to discover who the witty, elusive masked temptress is.
Claire and Cyrus lead each other on a merry chase that’s simply delightful. The give-take and by-play are charming and a reflection of the strength and nature of both characters.

Another enjoyable facet of THE LADY MEETS HER MATCH is it’s portrayal of the emerging middle and upper middle class. Men, and women, making fortunes based on their skills, talents, and abilities rather than birth. Meritocracy versus aristocracy, a version of survival of the fittest done with a light, not preachy or hamfisted, touch. It was a pleasant change to see a historical that didn’t revolve around and hinge on the Ton and their acceptance.

I fancied THE LADY MEETS HER MATCH so much that I bought the first book in the series before I was even halfway through.

THE LADY MEETS HER MATCH is a read to get lost in.

Reviewed for Miss Ivy’s Book Nook Take II, Manic Readers, & Novels Alive TV ( )

4.5 Stars
A lovely Cinderella adaptation that takes place in historical London. This is the 2nd book in a series, but the novel can be read as a stand-alone (although I suggest reading both, especially since the leading lady of this book is briefly introduced in Meet the Earl at Midnight). Both MCs are likeable, independent, and a bit stubborn and many of the supporting characters are fun. It's nice to have characters from different social levels too. The romance is thoughtful and alluring without being over the top. The writing and the plot are witty and light-hearted and there are plenty of characters to choose from for a third installment. Recommended for fans of historical romances and fairy tale adaptations.

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