Welcome to my tour stop with Austenprose for this new historical
romance! Read my review and enter the tour giveaway below...
The Siren of Sussex
(Belles of London #1)
By Mimi Matthews
Adult Historical Romance, Fiction
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 432 Pages
January 11, 2022 by Berkley Romance
Summary
Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.
Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.
Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.
But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?
Advance Praise
“…a tender and swoon worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”— Booklist, starred review
“Matthews deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to ‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review
"Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year."— Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman
(Affiliate links included.)
My Review
THE SIREN OF SUSSEX is a story about a woman who has come for her one and only London season in order to redeem her family and secure the futures of her and her sisters. It's about a man who isn't considered English or Indian, making him unwelcome almost everywhere, who is trying to make his mark and start his own business as a tailor. It's about dreams, desires and responsibilities and how those things change. It's about two people who find unexpected love and then must figure out if it's worth changing their lives and risking all for. Written in Matthews' deft hand, full of lush historical detail, from a tailor shop to Rotten Row to the dregs to lavish homes, and with a palatable chemistry and a story full of heart.
I have been wanting to read one of this author's books for some time as she came recommended by blogger friends. I was thrilled to see this come up for review and began reading with the hope that it would not disappoint. It did not. The author's writing style made it easy to feel immersed in Victorian England amidst all its classes and the societal movements of the time. The different materials and designs for the clothing was a very lush experience and one that surprised me in my enjoyment of that aspect. I found myself quite interested in the goings on, the subplots, the political situation, but especially the story that developed between the two main characters: Evelyn and Ahmad. I honestly fell in love with them both. Evelyn with her wit, loyalty, courage, skill and heart. Ahmad with his integrity, protectiveness, skill and masculinity. They're an interesting pair as they interact over fittings and then elsewhere. Then there's the off-the-page chemistry between them. I appreciated the light shed on the situation in India and these half-English, half-Indian siblings. I really did not know how things would work out, but the author handled it all marvelously well! I also loved how the author fully fleshed out her secondary characters. I especially loved the other "belles." They added so much to the story, both in dialogue and humor, but particularly in Evelyn coming into her own. I am already anticipating the next book which will focus on Julia and Captain Blunt. There is so much there to unravel.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This is a thoroughly enjoyable read! It's entertaining, but with depth in historical details and in the characters, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Definitely a book to grab if you're a fan of the genre or author. I will be searching for this author's backlisted titles and can't wait for book two in this series!
Content: This would be considered clean, but not squeaky clean. There are some suggestive references, and some obvious and blatant attraction and innuendo that push this one right on the line.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
The Giveaway Package:
1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following:
- Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex
- Horse scarf
- Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)
- The Siren of Sussex tote bag
- Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride
- Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)
- The Siren of Sussex bookmark
Terms & Conditions:
Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.
The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22.
The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog - mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Are you a fan of this author or historical romance? What are your thoughts about this one? Will you be reading it?
No comments
Post a Comment
I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.