Publisher: Berkley Romance
Publication Date: January 11, 2022
Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
Length: (432) pages
Series: Belles of London (Book 1)
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction
Synopsis
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
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?
My Thoughts
Mimi Matthews, in the first of her new Victorian romance series, has used an unusual premise to once again captivate her readers: a romance between a bluestocking equestrienne and a mixed-race tailor.
Evelyn Maltravers has come to London to find a wealthy husband. This is her one chance to secure her own future and that of her younger sisters. Her only asset, she believes, is the ability to sit a horse well, and if wearing a riding habit made by Messers. Doyle and Heppenstall, Tailors, she is sure to catch the eye of a potential suitor.
Evelyn is surprised that the designer and maker of the riding habits she so admires is a half-Indian half-English tailor by the name of Ahmad Malik. While Evelyn does draw attention riding in Rotten Row with other equestriennes, the mutual attraction between her and Ahmad complicates her plans, as does the resurfacing of an old family scandal.
I have enjoyed Mimi Matthew's novels in the past and this one was no exception. She brings to this novel not only two endearing romantic leads, but also her familiarity with Victorian society. This, she successfully blends with her equine knowledge, to share a delightful romance that is nurtured away from the usual drawing rooms and ballrooms of high society.
This novel is filled with wonderful descriptions of the habits and gowns that Ahmad designs and creates. His comments regarding colour and fabrics, and understanding how a garment is constructed, draw the reader into a very different world not often portrayed in romantic novels.
And then there are the descriptions of the horses that Evelyn and her group ride which also enhance the uniqueness of this romance.
While a shared future for Evelyn and Ahmad seemed doubtful given their places in society but knowing that they would get their happy-ever-after at some point, not being able to imagine how this would come about kept me invested in Evelyn's and Ahmad's story. The outcome was plausible and very satisfactory.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Where to Purchase
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
Meet the Author
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.
Connect with Mimi:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
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Jan 10 Cogitations and Meditations (Review)
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Giveaway (US only)
Timeframe: Jan 4 - Feb 7, 2022
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 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
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.
Enter HERE.
Reading Challenges
This book satisfies the following Reading Challenges:
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