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 take:~

Mimi Matthews has an endearing habit of raising the bar with each story penned, and I’m here for it! The Siren of Sussex is an immersive read into the complicated intricacies of a burgeoning love between two people on the margins of Victorian society, one an immigrant tailor, the other a woman of independence and intelligence.

The romantic tension is electrifying, the historical detail fascinating, and the gamut of human emotion is plumbed with sensitivity and grace. Matthews weaves insights into the societal demand and admiration for the skill of an exceptional tailor, while highlighting the lack of value placed upon his very humanity. Evelyn’s understanding of her expected place in society and her plan to circumvent it is delightfully told as she draws up and executes her battle plan!

As individuals finding their way in a rigid, intolerant society,
Ahmad and Evelyn are equally captivating. As their courageous hearts begin to recognise each other, the romance is exquisitely slow and tender, the baring of their souls a beautiful stripping down and sweet restoration that is nothing short of delightful.

The first in the Belles of London series, The Siren of Sussex can be read as a standalone, but I do encourage readers to read the Parish Orphans of Devon series first, in particular the gorgeous A Modest Independence which first introduces the enigmatic and watchful Ahmad Malik.

I can’t wait for more of Mimi’s Belles of London!

The Siren of Sussex is a closed door general market novel. With thanks to the publisher and Austenprose PR for my review copy

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

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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. 

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GIVEAWAY

Mimi has generously offered a fabulous giveaway package that book tour participants can add to their posts and on social media. Here are the details:

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.