Welcome to my tour stop! This was another delightful read in this series. Find my full review below...
The Lily of Ludgate Hill
(Belles of London #3)
By Mimi Matthews
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction
Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 432 Pages
January 16, 2024 by Berkley Romance
Summary
A BookBub Best Romance of Winter 2024!
Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?
Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.
No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.
Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.
Praise for the Book
“It is truly a wonder how Matthews can consistently craft fresh romances featuring unique, multidimensional characters who face huge obstacles to their relationships. [A] lovely story of secrets and love lost and found.”— Booklist (starred review)
“Sparkling…Historical romance fans are sure to be moved.”— Publishers Weekly
“Matthews delivers another richly detailed and emotionally tender closed-door romance.”— Kirkus Reviews
“An engaging series installment offering a second chance at love to a spunky heroine and a hero with hidden depths.”— Library Journal
“No one writes Victorian romance like Mimi Matthews, and her Belles of London series just keeps getting better! "— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author
“Mimi is truly a national treasure. All of her books are filled with such delicious chemistry and heart, and her writing is superb. This one is another winner. Highly recommend.”—Isabel Ibañez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What the River Knows
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My Review
THE LILY OF LUDGATE HILL is another delightful book in this series. Readers will enjoy the immersive setting, likable characters, and story lush with humor, friendship, family and romance. Another highly recommended read from Mimi Matthews!
There is palpable chemistry that literally jumps off the page from the very beginning, where readers are first fully introduced to the main characters Anne and Hart, which continues throughout this book. I found both these characters and the romance to be entertaining and my favorite aspects of this story, as they should be. Anne is stuck between fear of losing her mother and trying to support her, and wanting to live her own life with her friends. She has faced loss and is facing additional hardship that she must navigate while also trying to figure out how she feels about Hart. Hart is also in a bit of a tough spot trying to keep a family secret, financially support himself and others while maintaining his fun-loving shield, and win Anne's heart. They both pose striking figures, and possess sharp whit and an innate sense of responsibility. However, they don't completely see each other clearly, which causes roadblocks in the way of their happiness. This makes for a frustrating, but entertaining, path to their happily-ever-after. I must mention the newspaper columns that literally made me laugh out loud, among other tactics that Hart uses to win Anne over. They were so much fun while also completely tugging on my heart. It's a sweet and somewhat feisty romance and I enjoyed it all.
The story wasn't quite a page-turner, but didn't need to be as it moved at a good pace and held my interest from beginning to end. I enjoyed cameos from other characters in this series, even though each book can be read on its own. The family and friends each had their own roles to play and did so with characters that felt unique and fleshed out. The setting changes from main London society, to a small country town, to a busy, lower part of town and around, with each setting well described and experienced, I also appreciated the way historical mining and the abhorrent conditions particularly using young children, was presented. All the details made the setting come alive, added depth and only enhancing the story. Then there are all the feels that allow for readers to connect with these characters and feel invested in the story, cheering them on to the very end.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This story was full of everything readers have come to expect from a Matthews novel. It was a roller-coaster ride of entertaining characters and romance. I loved every minute.
Content: Some innuendo and suggestive content, with a closed-door scene.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Other Books in the Series
(Linked to my reviews.)
About the Author
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