This series has quickly become one of my favorites and I'm looking forward to binge-reading all the books next year! I love the way the characters come to life in my mind, and the setting is vivid without being overly described. The methods of sea bathing in the era were especially fascinating. It was easy to connect to Laura and Alex's emotions and sense their vulnerabilities and struggles amid their strengths. They both have a character arc where they develop and shift as their ideas are upended and their unexpected relationship brings complications and blessings. Laura has a strong loyalty with her family, while Alex is reconciling complex feelings about his past and the "brothers" he left behind from the orphanage. I loved seeing his perspective of the events from their childhood that set them each on a different course, and their reunion. Highly recommend!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

A Convenient Fiction is another perfect installment in Mimi Matthew's Parish Orphans of Devon series.

The chemistry and connection in the romance are, as always, flawless. So much so that it almost feels redundant to mention it. But, rest assured our newest heroine and (anti?) hero -- Laura and Alex -- are every bit as compelling as the characters from the previous books. They're brilliant, complex and likable as individuals, and delightful together. As always, there are also a few cameos for the characters you've loved in previous books, but A Convenient Fiction could be read as a standalone.

One of the things I most loved about Parish Orphans of Devon books -- aside from the characters -- is that Matthew's history is so on point. Not only that, but she also builds lesser-known subjects and tidbits into each story. In A Convenient Fiction you'll not only get fortune-hunting and perfume making but a great look at sea-bathing and the seaside experience.

I can never recommend this series enough, and I'm thrilled that this installment is just as good. As I said above, you absolutely can read this on its own, but I'd really recommend picking up the first two (which are every bit as good) as it gives you a deeper insight into the characters and relationships.

This book was amazing from start to finish and I loved every minute of it! We didn't know much about Alex Archer going into this story but what we knew didn't paint him in a favorable light so I was very interested to see how he would be in the hero role. Mimi Matthews knows what she's doing though and made me fall in love with his character! Getting to see the thoughts and motivations behind his actions and see what drove him gave me a whole new perspective. He made himself out to be a rogue but he had such a kind heart hidden away and I loved how Laura saw that and drew it out of him! They were such a wonderful couple and I loved their chemistry and their every interaction was lovely to read! This author has fast tracked herself onto my favorite's list and I love everything she writes!

Ever since her father's death, Laura Hayes has been forced to look after her invalid brother and try and manage the scarce family money. She is wrestling with the unscrupulous lawyer who has control of her father’s estate, and to get access to the estate, Laura must marry. However, stuck in the country, with no money, there are few prospects, and she absolutely refuses to marry or succumb to the reprehensible George Wright, a neighbour who she has had to repulse before.

George brings Alex Archer to stay, Alex is determined to marry an heiress, and seeks an introduction to Henrietta Talbot, the local beautiful heiress. He ‘rescues’ Laura from drowning in the local pond, when she is perfectly happy practising holding her breath. This imagery of being underwater is a motif that runs throughout the book, and is a lovely conceit. There is an instant attraction between them, but Alex is a determined fortune hunter, as he has remade himself to escape his history as a poor orphan. Does Alex have the character to abandon his plans and cleave to Laura, or will his desire for status trump their burgeoning connection.

Alex is terrified by his feelings for Laura. She seems to see past his facade to the hurting person within, the lonely boy who is terrified of rejection, so pushes people away from him. She recognises that Alex doesn’t really want an estate, and an heiress, he is looking for a family, a connection to others, and that is what Laura can give him.

I really liked the way Alex worked through his guilt at how he had tried to break his connection with Justin and Tom, from the first two books.

I really love the way Mimi Matthews writes, it reminds me a bit of the regency writers of the past such as Carola Dunn, or even Carla Kelly, with a modern emotional sensibility, like Meredith Duran. Loved this so much. Highly recommended.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads

Alex came back to England to marry an heiress - but an unexpected encounter with a lady in the woods on the way has him rethinking his plan, however reluctant he may be to admit it. Laura's father's estate, including his perfume business, is being looked after by a doubtful lawyer, and the only way for her to wrest control from him is to marry. However, the only local prospect is a man she would never consider - until Alex comes to visit. But he's after an heiress, which cuts her out. Will Alex ever realise that money isn't the answer to everything? And will Laura find a husband in time to take care of her family?

This book grabbed me right from the start and held my attention all the way through. As I've come to expect with this author, the character development is great, the writing expert, the content clean, and the ending satisfying - however impossible that might seem at times through the story! Though part of a series, it can stand alone - but having said that, reading it as part of the series does deepen the reader's understanding of Alex, his background, and his 'brothers'. I've loved everything I've read by this author and this book was no exception. I look forward to reading more by the author, hopefully including the rest of this series (surely Neville needs a story too?). Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a Proper romance, but for anyone similarly worried, this is not an inspirational romance in any way. I liked the slow burn aspects, and found the romance quite sweet.

I want to start by saying that though this is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand-a-lone novel. However, if you read the previous books, it will add a depth and heart to this novel that you would otherwise miss.

For a romance novel, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was pretty stellar. It started with the first meeting, and was undeniable and almost palpable throughout. It's a particular achievement considering the sex scenes are not explicitly written but left to the imagination.

The Setting was also fantastic. We go from the English countryside to the Lavender fields of France. Just an enchanting set of locales to tell a story.

The best part of Mimi Mathews' stories is the writing itself. Her words just flow beautifully, while depicting the heart of the story perfectly. It's so easy to get swept away in her books, and isn't that why most of us read? To escape and get swept way?

I can't wait for the final book of this series. It feels like this friendship has come full circle with a missing piece.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read a complementary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my own honest opinion.

This is the third book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. While I do both think you would have to read the two previous books to enjoy this one, it would add to your knowledge of the external characters. This book is about Alex Archer, the third of the orphans; boys who were not related but were as close as brothers when young. Alex has left all he knew, run off to become his own man and done so not through honest measures, but by gambling. This brings him to this small English village where he hopes to win the hand of an heiress, all he needs is an introduction and luckily, he is owed a lot of money by stooge George who provides that intro. But as fate would have it, he comes across lovely Laura Hayes, and from the moment he ‘saves’ her from drowning they are meant to be together no matter how much they struggle.

Lovely story, historical romance done right. From the fields of their small town to the seaside town of Margate to the Hayes family lavender feels in France, we follow these two as they get closer and reunite Alex with old friends. I loved this instalment and cannot wait for the next book. This author’s books feel so well researched, you can almost smell the lavender.

Mimi Matthews has done it again!
I don't know how everything she writes is so perfect but I'm just glad that she exists!
I've been waiting for this book for so long, desperate to know all about Alex Archer and, good lord, I was not dossapointed.
I feel like I can never put into words how a Mimi Matthews book makes me feel and I just want everyone to go and read her books!
The way she writes her characters is something to be admired and I love every single one of them! 5 stars!

A Convenient Fiction beautifully mixes Georgette.Heyer with Victoria Holt.  Part gothic romance, part family story with a tiny sprinkling of humor thrown in, it’s a lovely, spooky heartbreaker of a novel that sinks its claws right into you, then kisses the wound it leaves behind.

Laura Hayes is taking a dip in a leaf-strewn pond when an arrogant and, by turns, awkwardly flustered man arrives to pull her out, presuming that she was drowning (to be fair to him, she was floating beneath the water to strengthen her lungs – as he puts it “like a demented Ophelia.”).

Alex Archer only ended up on the property of Squire Talbot because his rented horse bolted and he had gone to find it.  As Laura stands there in her underwear, dripping wet, and he stands beside her – embarrassed, his bravado deflated and his attraction evident – they both believe that this will be just a moment that they can brush away after getting on with their lives. He’s home to visit his cousin George and to hunt for a rich heiress wife.  George and Alex were of four orphans that grew up together in horrifying conditions in a parish in Devon, a past that they both wish to forget.  But it is a generally happy reunion, as George is well settled with children and a new wife.

Laura – who is, according to George “someone of no import”  - is the daughter of a perfumer whose family is in severe financial straits following his death.  She is taking care of her invalid brother and elderly aunt and must also deal with the family’s debt to a Mr. Weatherwax, who has threatened to have her brother declared incompetent and will take control of the family estate and sundry if they cannot pay him.

But Laura and her elderly aunt are nonetheless invited to visit George and things are Awkward because this is how Laura meets Alex again after her pond-dunking.  Alex is sardonic; Laura gives him no quarter.  Alex continues to pop up at unexpected intervals, just when Laura least expects to see him - and when she needs him the most.  But since he’s planned to hunt a rich heiress and Laura is poor as a church mouse, can they ever be happy?

A Convenient Fiction is a great romance about imperfect people. It has  some problems but manages to stick its landing in a way that’s perfect.

Alex is, understandably, angry – angry because he was abandoned at an orphanage, and angry about the physical and emotional abuse, as well as the depravation, he suffered there. Thus, he’s become one of those cynical fellows who refuses to love and it takes him a while to shift away from his cold materialism, which might be too long for some readers.  Without that aspect of his character, the book would’ve gotten a full on A.

Laura, meanwhile, keeps a stiff upper lip as she tries to keep her family together, without seeming childishly naive or dependent on Alex, or falling into too many TSTL pitfalls.  She loves her family, and they will fight tooth and nail for her – and vice versa.

Laura and Alex’s romance is well done and crackles with sexual tension (for a romance with no sex at all, you can somehow feel the steam rising off of them both!). It’s filled with sympathy and mutual caring, a great reflection of the importance of being there for someone, for listening to them.

The author has clearly done her research when it comes to the time period, and everything feels properly of its time; from emerging controversies over women’s bathing fashion to ball etiquette to the horrors of life in charity orphanages, everything is perfectly done. And It’s refreshing to have a romance among the merchant class here, as opposed to one involving the aristocracy.

Overall, A Convenient Fiction works perfectly on every single romantic level.

Buy it at: Amazon/Apple Books/Barnes & Noble/Kobo
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Mimi Matthews has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her characters are well developed and their storylines enticing.

After years as a cardsharp in Europe, Alex Archer has one ambition: secure a wealthy wife in England. Upon arrival in Surrey, he’s introduced to a country heiress as repayment of a gambling debt owed him by a childhood friend. The woman’s companion, Laura Hayes, an impoverished daughter of a deceased perfumer battling for control of her father’s property for her invalid brother, immediately recognizes Alex for what he is but also sees a greater, heroic potential. After saving her life while inadvertently damaging her reputation in the process, Alex is forced to choose between the luxurious life he believes he deserves or standing by the woman he loves. Matthews’s third book in the “Parish Orphans of Devon” series (The Matrimonial Advertisement; A Modest Independence) once again highlights the injustices of rigid class structures in Victorian England, this time matching a hero of dubious character and a worthy, resourceful heroine.

VERDICT Readers who enjoy their historicals set in the country- or seaside and France or England will be in for a treat.

Reviewed by Eve Stano, Ball State Univ. Muncie, IN , Oct 25, 2019

Caught under the "care" of the family lawyer, Laura is well aware that time is running out to save the family. Alex has come to the country to woe and wed an heiress. When these two are flung together, they may just find that what they want and what they need aren't so different.

I have not read the other books in this series, but now I really want to! This book does very well at standing on its own, and you don't need to read the other books. However, it does bring in characters who were featured in the other books and adds a whole other dimension to things.

The plot moves at a good pace. All of the characters are fleshed out and are memorable in their own way. From the start, I felt like I was in the world of Laura and Alex, rooting for them to find happiness.

If you're looking for a happily ever after, I would recommend this book!

Oh Mimi Matthews, you have my heart when it comes to historical romances. I absolutely love all of her books and I can’t rave about them enough.

I have been eager to read this latest installment of her Parish Orphans of Devon series for the last few weeks and finally cracked it open and as predicted, I read it in like one sitting.

I was most eager to read Alex’s story and see how his romance evolved. In the other books he is the most mysterious and I love a mysterious rogue. So yes to say this book was high on my most anticipated list is an absolute understatement.

Summary
She Needed a Husband…

It’s been three years since Laura Hayes’s father died, leaving her and her invalid brother to subsist on the income from the family’s failing perfume business. But time is swiftly running out. What she needs is a husband, and fast. A noble gentleman who can rescue them all from penury. When a mysterious stranger arrives in the village, he seems a perfect candidate. But Alex Archer is no hero. In fact, he just might be the opposite.

He Wanted a Fortune…

Alex has no tolerance for sentiment. He’s returned to England for one reason only: to find a wealthy wife. A country-bred heiress in Surrey seems the perfect target. But somewhere between the village railway station and the manor house his mercenary plan begins to unravel. And it’s all the fault of Laura Hayes—a lady as unsuitable as she is enchanting.

From the beaches of Margate to the lavender fields of Provence, a grudging friendship slowly blossoms into something more. But when scandal threatens, can a man who has spent his entire life playing the villain, finally become a hero? Or will the lure of easy riches once again outweigh the demands of his heart? (summary from Goodreads)

Review
First of all, I absolutely loved that Matthews made Alex into a fortune hunter in this book. It totally highlighted the man he had become and highlighted the villainous hints about his character in previous books. Watching him shed the layers he buried himself under for so many years was exciting to watch unfold. While I didn’t care for the way Laura and Alex met at first, I was drawn into the sparks that flew between then and I devoured the novel quickly.

This is a series you don’t have to read in order. There are other characters from previous books that pop up here and there but nothing about the other books is really given away so if you wanted to pick up this one before reading the others, you would have no problem.

Matthews does sweet romance incredibly well. There is a sweet clean-ness about the romance but there is also unmistakable heat and chemistry between the hero and heroine that is both erotic and enticing. I love how well she writes romance that isn’t erotic lit but clearly creates intense heat between her characters—that to me is talent. Anyone can write about sex, but it takes a truly talented author to bring out the intimacy and desire felt by each character without filling pages of just sex. I love how well she writes romances, I just can’t say it enough!

Her characters are well matched, likable and the hero is dashing and roguish with tremendous development throughout the book. One of the things that I find uniquely interesting about her books is that she writes alternating between the hero and heroines perspective about things and I think that really adds to the intimacy for the reader and the reader gains a better understanding of each character.

I loved this one and I can’t wait to read Nevill’s story next. Matthews is an author with incredible stories you will want to come back to again and again!

Book Info and Rating
Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Expected publication: October 22nd 2019 by Perfectly Proper Press
ASIN B07VNLZL4D
Free review copy provided by publisher, Perfectly Proper Press in partnership with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: historical fiction, romance

This was a pleasant read. It is the third book in a stand alone series, so you do not have to have read the previous two to enjoy this one. Greatly detailed with wonderful character development. Don't miss out on this one.

Every book Mimi Matthews writes has a Midas-like touch of Victorian perfection. Exquisite historical detail, endearing and layered characters, the perfect touches of humor, and swoon-worthy romances — sometimes began in surprising ways — all combine in her novels for an immersive and simply DELIGHTFUL reading experience.

A Convenient Fiction is at once a whimsical and sensible romance, pairing two complementary personalities whose strengths benefit one another. Mimi’s attention to historical accuracy is a presence in this novel, even shining light on lesser-known details of history, such as perfume making, sea “bathing” practices, and the laws governing inheritance.

The romance is the heart of this story, but the personal growth of Laura and Alex happens right alongside their deepening relationship. I love how Laura sees through Alex’s carefully constructed facade from the very beginning, perceiving and calling out the hero underneath. And for Laura, she learns to balance strength, independence, and her “duty” to her family, realizing that it’s beneficial to rely on someone else for a change.

My favorite aspect of the romance between Alex and Laura is that their relationship doesn’t go through a typical “halt” in the latter half of the story. There is no “will they/won’t they” type of plot dealing with some kind of disagreement or sacrificial reason. Instead, theirs is a story of steadfast choice, of honor and commitment. The crux of it is all about reconciliation with the past, mainly with Alex and with his friends.

I highly recommend reader be familiar with the previous two novels in this series to appreciate Alex’s character arc in a deeper manner, and to know the dynamic with other characters mentioned from previous books. Mimi’s atmospheric style reveals past events from Alex’s point of view, adding context and layering for readers familiar with his backstory. Fans of this series will be delighted with a glimpse of beloved characters, and the hint of more fun to come with book 4 (Neville’s story YAY).

Thank you to HFVBT and NetGalley for the review copy. This is my honest review.

Having a new book to read by Mimi Matthews is like having a guilty indulgence that you don’t actually have to feel guilty about! Everything is so richly satisfying—the characters, the dialogue, the romance, the setting; it’s like a feast for the historical romance lover’s heart, especially if you enjoy romances that develop emotional intimacy really well.

Alex has been an unknown quantity in this series so far—the only one of the quartet of orphans readers haven’t yet met, and with a definite shadow hanging over his character. Personally, I was in love with him from page one. Well, technically page two, since that’s when he first arrives on the scene in grand Quixotic fashion! And the more I got to know him, the more I appreciated how complex his character was. For a man who had built up a convenient fiction about his background, he was surprisingly without pretence in his manner. And for all his confidence, there was a deep vein of vulnerability running beneath the surface that drew me like a bee to pollen.

Laura was the perfect match for Alex. Neither a simpering miss nor a harpy, she was as much without pretence as Alex, which made for some delightful interactions between them right from the start. In fact, their interactions and the way their relationship developed were two of my favourite things about this story. Then again, I could say that about all of Mimi Matthews’ romances. She really knows how to make them emotionally satisfying!

Another thing I really loved about this story was that it didn’t take the well-worn path of the fortune-hunter trope. Alex doesn’t bother to try and hide the fact that he’s in Surrey for the purpose of courting and marrying an heiress, but it’s not actually her fortune that’s motivating him. I’m not going to reveal what his true motivation is, but once Laura gets to know him she sees straight through the mercenary outer shell to the heart of what he’s really seeking, and from there the story took a surprising turn and burrowed even deeper into my heart.

Make no mistake. If you love clean historical romance, you MUST pick up Mimi Matthews’ books!

Mrs Matthew is one of my favorite authors! All her books are unique and so well written that is a pleasure to read them.

Gwendalyn’s Books 
This book was received from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own


“She hadn’t the luxury of a champion. In the absence of one, she’d learned to champion herself.
“

This is the third book in Mimi Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series.
A compelling historically accurate, novel that is quick paced and a joy to read. Mimi Matthews is my auto buy author for historical romance.
Exquisitely written, rich in historical detail, endearing and fleshed out character. Immersive storyline that is engaging. There is something about Mimi Matthews, graceful writing that enchants you. Swoon worthy romance that transports you to the Victorian times.

A Convenient Fiction was such a wonderful captivating read for me. Matthews knows how an engage the reader, and keeps you completely vested in this perfect romance. Ever since her father's death, Laura Hayes has been forced to shoulder the burden of her aging aunt Charlotte, and her invalid brother, Teddy.


A shady solicitor is the executioner of Laura’s fathers will. He holds the purse strings until her brother Teddy’s, 21st birthday or if Laura marries before her 25th birthday. Laura is shouldering the management of a the households income on a monthly stifling from what is left of family's failing perfume business.

Alex Archer has arrived in countryside of Surrey England, for the sole reason to collect a debt by snaring an heiress with a considerable estate. Alex is a tortured soul, running from the demons of his childhood.
He is looking for a sense of connection and property is way of putting down roots without emotional ties. A cad of unscrupulous morals and relying on his ability to lure unsuspecting nobility into the game of cards as an income. Running from scars of orphanage, surviving the horrors of young adult life. Haunted by his past betrayal to boyhood friends. He believes the very worst of himself.

Will Alex be able to secure an Heiress or will he fall victim to his heart ?


Creative dialogue and characters that I absolutely adored. The romance captivated my heart. By the end, the characters felt like they were a part of me, and I was so disappointed when the story had to end. I can’t recommend this book enough.
A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews is a brilliant example of the perfect Historical Romance. Intriguing characters that leap off the pages, along with vibrant historical details makes this a perfect addition to your bookshelf.

This is the third book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. Alex is the boy who ran away, leaving the other boys he grew up with in the orphanage. It would be best to read the other books in the series before reading this one.

One thing that I appreciated in this book is that neither Alex or Laura, the two main characters, came from aristocratic families. I want to gush about the foreshadowing, and the slow development and reveals that made this book so good, but I'm mostly going to restrain myself. Everything was shown, not told, and the imagery! The book starts out with Alex, the hero, finding Laura suspended in a pond just under the surface of the green water. I could picture it so well - her pale face under the green water .... Undine.

Another thing that struck me about this book were how Laura and Alex's circumstances were so opposite, Alex has risen in the world and Laura has fallen. The slow reveal of the change in Laura's family circumstances was so well done - and the change is how she was treated by the neighbors. I felt for her -she was struggling so hard, and everything was against her.

The book did drag a little after they left the village but it's still one of the better historical romances I've read this year, and one I want to re-read. 4 1/2 stars rounded to 5.