The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
Length: 336 Pages
Genres: Historical Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
A special thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
Trigger Warnings in this book for Racism (Not Graphic)
"Evelyn's smile faltered. She felt all at once very young and very uncertain. Not because she didn't want him, but because she wanted him too much. It was dangerous to want something this badly. A challenge to the universe to take it away. And she'd already lost too much in her life.
But wonderful things didn't happen because one was cautious. They happened because one dared."
I've been interested in reading a Mimi Matthews book for a while now, but I was always held back by the fact that they are "closed door romances", which means, of course, that they don't feature any sex scenes on the page. When I saw that her newest novel, the first in the Belles of London series, featuring four different equestriennes, was available on Netgalley, I decided to take the plunge -- and I'm so glad I did! This was one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while, and left me feeling so happy on the inside, and also scratched that itch for something not only set in the past, but vividly so.
Evelyn Maltravers is the second eldest daughter, and after a scandal involving her older sister, Fenny, the family's fortunes rely solely on her making a smart match. So, being a pragmatic young woman (though she loathes to call herself a bluestocking), she has, naturally, hatched a plan. The Pretty Horsebreakers are a group of courtesans known as much for their beautiful riding habits as they are for their riding skills, which they often show off on Rotten Row. They are the celebrities of their day, with columns devoted solely to their fashion and their scandalous lives. If there is a husband to be found, he would surely be there. Evelyn is an expert equestrienne, with a beautiful Blood Bay Andalusian named Hephaestus -- all she needs now are the clothes.
Ahmad Malik is poised to take over Doyle and Heppenstall's, a tailoring shop on Conduit Street. But he is interested in the more feminine side of the business and is the brains behind the Pretty Horsebreakers' marvelous riding habits. When Evelyn steps into the shop he is intrigued by her and agrees to take her on. Little does he know that their relationship will develop into something much deeper than simply artist and muse. Unfortunately, Ahmad is loathe to let it go any further, not only because he fears for Miss Maltravers' reputation -- he is, after all, part-Indian, and she as English as a rose -- but because he has no idea of what his tenuous future holds. He could make it big, if he has the right clients, or it could all crumbling down around his ears.
Despite it all, they can't deny the friendship that is begging to become more. Can they find both happiness and security? Can Evelyn support her sisters? Can Ahmad let himself love, and be loved in return?
This was an astounding romance and one I couldn't put down! I adored both of the main characters, and loved how sensible they both were about their feelings and the truth of their predicaments. They knew the facts but still didn't give up hope, and were proactive about securing it for themselves and each other. It was so refreshing to see a POC hero in a historical romance, and I thought that Matthews handled his feelings of belonging and being different so well and so convincingly (I do believe she is part-Indian herself)! Another big plus for me was there was no "big misunderstanding", or fight which could have been solved if the leads had simply talked things out. Their qualms about entering a relationship were real and very dangerous for both, so it never felt cheap or flimsy. Also, there is no denying the passion and the chemistry between them, and their kiss scenes are scorching, so don't worry on that front!
I cannot wait for the next one to come out, which features the sweet but socially anxious Julia Wychwood and the scarred Captain Blunt, who purportedly has a haunted Yorkshire estate! Do yourself a favor and buy this heartwarming book -- you deserve it (and so does Ms. Matthews!).
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, 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, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at mimimatthews.com.
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