A PopSugar and BookBub Most Anticipated Romance of 2022!
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?
My Review:
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is the first book in her Belles of London series, and I’ll be first in line to read the rest of the books in this series, as I’ve enjoyed this first one very much. This book was just a lot of fun to read.
Evelyn Maltravers moves to London from her small village in Sussex to secure a husband and improve the future for herself and her sisters. She knows she’s not the attractive beauty her older sister is, but her sister has run off with the neighbor and has brought disgrace to the family. In order to save her family and provide a future for her sisters, Evelyn must find a rich and titled husband in the London season.
Evelyn knows she’s not a great beauty, so she takes her stallion to Hyde Park to ride and hopefully meet potential husband material. She decides she needs a new riding habit and goes to a famous tailor who makes the most beautiful riding habits for women. When she goes to the shop she finds the man behind the beautiful designs is a man named Ahmad Malik, a half Indian, half English man who doesn’t feel at home either in India or in London. He’s working at the tailor shop with an agreement to take over the business once the owners are retired. When Ahmad meets Evelyn, and he agrees to make her riding habits, they end up working together to make an entire wardrobe for Evelyn to wear during the season. Evelyn and Ahmad find themselves in an impossible situation as their attraction grows. Ahmad can’t support a fine woman like Evelyn, and she needs a wealthy gentleman in order to save her family.
The Siren of Sussex is a delightful look at regency England with a spirited heroine. I loved learning about the horses and the fashion of the day. The love story between Evelyn and Ahmad is a slow-burn and beautiful romance. They have an impossible road to romance. Evelyn wants and needs a wealthy husband to help her and her sisters are accepted into society. Ahmad is half Indian and half English and is a tradesman, not a titled or wealthy gentleman so he knows he’s not a suitable match for Eveyln, despite his growing feelings for her. I kept trying to figure out how they could be together, but until the end, I couldn’t find a satisfactory way for these two people to find a path to romance.
These characters’ motivations were very strong. I love reading romance because I know that the main characters will end up together in the end, but what I enjoy more is the journey the main characters take to get to their happily ever after. In The Siren of Sussex, the journey of both the main characters is powerful and moving. The author wrote a beautiful and angsty romance with the gorgeous backdrop of regency England.
I highly recommend The Siren of Sussex to anyone who loves historical romances. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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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.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Wendy. I love Mimi’s writing and really enjoyed Siren. I am looking forward to the next book in the series that releases in October.
My modern female sensibilities get all ruffled when reading historical novels, I’m glad to hear that this first in series has enticed you to read more.
I look forward to reading your thoughts about subsequent books in this series, Wendy.
Wonderful review Wendy. I want to read this one, so will watch for my library to get it. I like the premise of a horsewoman catching a man rather than a simpering belle of the ball, of course that doesn’t work out, but it is a good start. What a great giveaway as well.
Great review, Wendy! I have only read two of Mimi’s books, but would like to read more.
Thank you Jolene, this was a good one!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Wendy. I love Mimi’s writing and really enjoyed Siren. I am looking forward to the next book in the series that releases in October.
Thank you Laurel! I agree, her writing is amazing and I’m looking forward to her next book too!
Lovely review! I love a slow-burn romance, and I enjoy the journey as well. I also enjoy forbidden romances, which this seems to fit as well.
Thank you Kami!
My modern female sensibilities get all ruffled when reading historical novels, I’m glad to hear that this first in series has enticed you to read more.
I look forward to reading your thoughts about subsequent books in this series, Wendy.
Thank you Kim!
I loved Evie and Ahmad’s journey to a HEA, too (as you know). I can’t wait for the next one now. What a fab giveaway! I’d love a signed copy!
Thank you Rachel, I hope you win a signed copy!
Wonderful review Wendy. I want to read this one, so will watch for my library to get it. I like the premise of a horsewoman catching a man rather than a simpering belle of the ball, of course that doesn’t work out, but it is a good start. What a great giveaway as well.
I hope you’re able to get this one. The heroine is such a spitfire in this book!
Fabulous review Wendy!📚💖
Thank you Kaceey!
Great review, Wendy! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Thank you Cindy!
Amazing review,Wendy! I also loved characters journey.it was great historical romance.
I”m so glad we both enjoyed this Yesha!
A wonderful review Wendy! I’m glad that you enjoyed this book!
Thank you Jodie!
We take for granted so many rights that women used to not have. Romances are a gentle reminder.
You are so right, Linda.
Great review 💕