Here’s a detailed review-style breakdown of Meet My Love at Midnight by Gina Conkle — a short, festive Regency romance that gives two side characters from the Midnight Meetings series their own moment in the spotlight.
📖 Overview
- Author: Gina Conkle
- Series: Midnight Meetings (#5 — though chronologically more of a bonus novella)
- Length: ~35–41 pages
- Genre: Historical Romance, Regency, Holiday Novella
- Tone: Playful, romantic, with a dash of danger
- Goodreads Rating: ~3.8★ from early readers
📝 Story Snapshot
Lady Isabella Foster — a spirited, independent widow — has always been off-limits for Jack Emerson, Bow Street’s best thief-taker. Their history is full of teasing glances, quick-witted banter, and the occasional barb.
On Christmas Eve, fate (and a dark London alley) throws them together when Jack intervenes in a dangerous encounter. What follows is:
- 🎄 Holiday Atmosphere: Snow, candlelight, and the warmth of a Christmas gathering.
- 💬 Sharp Banter: Their verbal sparring is as charged as their mutual attraction.
- ❤️ Class-Crossing Romance: She’s titled, he’s not — and Jack’s the one hung up on the difference.
- 💌 Emotional Resolution: Isabella reveals her humble origins and her willingness to choose love over status, pushing Jack to confront his own insecurities.
🎯 What Works Well
- Chemistry in Miniature: Even in a short format, the attraction between Isabella and Jack feels lived-in thanks to their shared history in earlier books.
- Holiday Charm: The Christmas Eve setting adds warmth and a sense of occasion.
- Series Payoff: Fans of Midnight Meetings will enjoy seeing secondary characters get their HEA.
- Snappy Dialogue: Conkle’s knack for witty exchanges keeps the pace lively.
⚖️ Points to Note
- Very Short: At ~30–40 pages, it’s more a romantic vignette than a full plot arc.
- Best for Series Readers: While newcomers can follow along, the emotional beats land harder if you’ve read the earlier books.
- Low-Stakes Conflict: The main obstacle is internal (Jack’s class concerns) rather than external drama.
💡 Verdict
Meet My Love at Midnight is a sweet, quick holiday treat — perfect for fans of the Midnight Meetings series who want a bite-sized romance with familiar faces. It’s light on conflict but rich in charm, making it an ideal fireside read when you only have an hour to spare.
