"A Convenient Fiction" is a romance set in 1860 in England. This is the third book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Alex wants a sense of belonging, which he thinks he can find by marrying into a long-standing family with an estate. Laura believes he's looking for a loving family to belong to, which she can provide. Especially since she needs a husband in order to save what little wealth her family still has. Instead, she's asked to be the chaperone as Alex courts her friend, an heiress with a wealthy estate.

The author has deeply researched the time period and woven this information into the story, creating a distinct sense of time and place. The characters were complex and reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to the characters. Alex never really behaved badly during the story, though it's suggested he did before it began. There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this story, especially if you enjoy accurate historical aspects in your fiction.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were relatable and sympathetic. I liked both of them equally. I’m going to look for the other books in this series. I think I found a new author to read!

Wow! What an amazing book. I loved everything about it, the characters, the creative storyline! Mimi Matthews is a master storyteller. Perfectly sweet romance!

Another enjoyable read from Mimi Matthews! I really liked this heroine and found her relatable and realistically complicated. I liked that she was driven and smart and took care of her family but also limited by some very real circumstances and had to make some hard choices. I was actually quite interested in the family business and may have liked more of the story related to that! The hero and the secondary characters all felt different and distinct and their choices and parts to play in the story all rang true. I'd had the impression this was a marriage of convenience story, and I wouldn't qualify it as one in the truest sense of the trope. I'm looking forward to the last book in the series!

I loved this book so much so, that I have gone and purchased the first book in the series, desperate to uncover more about the orphans of Devon. Alex Archer first spies Laura Hayes floating in a pond. Believing her to be drowning, he rushes into save her, only to find that she is trying to ‘strengthen’ her lungs. Three years earlier, Laura’s father died from scarlet fever, and it left her younger brother crippled, whilst she was ill from the effects. However, any attraction that they feel for each other is not in Alex’s plan as he is determined to marry an heiress and have land to claim his own. Laura has her own battles as she struggles to keep her family together.
Alex is everything that the hero should be: tall, dark and handsome yet he believes himself to be the villain. However, his strength of character and obvious feelings for Laura, make him all the more the hero, for any reader. His is a complex character that is gradually revealed as his relationship with Laura develops. Laura is also such a determined character but the challenges that she faces, brings such sadness and desperation to the story.
I can’t state enough praise for this story. I was desperate to uncover the story but quite devasted to reach the end. Definitely a book to reread and a series to explore.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this one much more than the last one in this series! I couldn't quite figure out what to make of Alex at first - but I liked that about him. I loved the romance and the little bits of intrigue...I especially loved getting a peek at swimming "rules" in this time period. All in all, super enjoyable and fun!

After the death of her father, Laura has served as head of the family and kept them afloat through careful planning and sheer determination. Now that her brother is about to turn 21, and legally able to take charge of the family's former business things should be taking a turn for the better. But when legal troubles prevent this from this from going through, Laura must look for an alternative if she hopes to keep her family from destitution. The altenative available to her? Marriage.

Alex Archer has come to Surrey to catch himself a country heiress and he has his eyes set on Henrietta. He wasn't counting on the presence of Laura though, there to act as Henrietta's chaperone, nor was he counting on his attraction to her. He'll need to push her and her troubles far from his mind if he hopes to move forward with his plan to woo Henrietta. But try as he might he finds himself drawn to her again and again. Will he give up on his mercenary plan and stop fighting the attraction? Will he let Laura into his heart and stop playing the villain?
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First just let me say that the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous and I am in love with it.

This is the third book in Mimi Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series. Although it is not entirely necessary for you to have read the other books in this series before reading this one, I would recommend it. Any information necessary to a full undertanding of the background of events are detailed by the author as you read. But to get the full impact of the relationship of these four childhood friends and why the seperation weighs so heavily you should read the previous two books. I think it makes the reading of this book all the more powerful.

I adored Alex, he's so damaged and flawed and not nearly the villain that he imagines himself to be. Getting to read about his vulnerabilities, with regards to both his past and future really endeared his character to me.

Laura had such a quiet strength that I really respected in her, but it was also her weakness. I enjoyed following her character as she learns to face the toubles of life with the help of those around her instead of always carrying the weight of everything on her own shoulders. With her independent, take action nature I'm sure her and Jenny will be great friends in no time. Laura just has such a mix of strength and vulnerability, which is why I think her and Alex are so sweet togther, they have such a great balance together. Plus I ADORE a couple in a historical romance that aren't constantly hiding, that actually communicate their feelings with one another. Yes, please! That way were not trapped in a revolving door of misunderstandings.

I enjoyed this book so much and had a hard time putting it down. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, because I want to learn more about Neville. But I am a little sad that it'll be the last in the series because I've enjoyed it so much.

I recommend this book and the series. If you've read any Mimi Matthews books before, then you already know this one will be great. If you aren't familiar with her book though, I recommend them to anyone who loves a good historical romance.

This is a clean romance, intimacy is eluded to but does not go into detail.
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I would like to thank NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for sharing an eARC of A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.

Things are getting worse and worse for Laura Hayes as the financial situation tightens around her. At the same time, Alex Archer, self styled fortune hunter, is seeking the land (and incidentally the hand) of the beautiful, local heiress Henrietta. As Alex and Laura are continually thrown together, they find themselves inexplicably attracted to each other. Maybe they can each meet the other's needs.

Mimi Matthews has written a great book that drew me in from the first moment. I enjoyed the story and loved watching Laura and Alex pull each other into their orbits. It makes me want to read the rest of the series, because of course, I started in the middle

A Convenient Fiction was an absolute pleasure to read. I loved everything about this book - the writing, the characters and how it was historically accurate to the time period. Mimi Matthews is now my go-to author for historical romances.

I loved reading Alex and Laura's story. It was a lovely romance that is filled with sweet and adorable moments. For a book with very few intimate scenes, the chemistry was crackling. A kiss on the hand can be quite an electrifying moment. Mimi Matthews shows us that you do not need pages and pages of racy scenes to show how passionate a couple is towards each other.

If you like historical romances, this is a must-read.

Mimi Matthews knows how to draw the reader in from the very beginning of the story. Her writing is a joy to read. I did not want the story to end! Fortunately, there is to be a book #4 to transport me back in time.
I liked the dark and mysterious Alex Archer, although he is at first drawn as a fortune hunter. Laura Hayes is of strong character, protecting and keeping her small family of younger brother and aunt together. Laura is to serve as her friend Henriette's chaperone when their childhood friend, George, and Alex call upon Henriette. While Alex's intent is to court Henriette, the picnics and walks serve more to further the connection between Alex and Laura. It is a very believable love story.
I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.

3.5 stars.
A quote (from ARC):
“In the end, she’d dealt with the matter all on her own. Just as she dealt with every problem that came her way. She hadn’t the luxury of a champion. In the absence of one, she’d learned to champion herself.”
Well-written and researched and engaging, “A Convenient Fiction”, by Mimi Matthews (Perfectly Proper Press), features a tortured male protagonist who initially appears to be an anti-hero but later reveals his heroic attributes.
I started not really liking the hero – the marriage of convenience project, the gambling, the ‘fictional’ versions – although I liked the fact the author choose to write a not very lovable person. Later Alex redeems himself and we become aware of all his wounds, which make him more human.
Laura is a great heroine, strong and pragmatic, facing adversity head on (including tackling some of the most abject and humiliating dimensions of 18th century women’s subservience to men). In a way, I found Laura more interesting a character than Alex.
What I really liked in both leads is that they’re both alone in their lives, yet needing and seeking closeness in ways we can hardly imagine (especially Alex).
There was a beautiful beginning for the romantic relationship, with all the attraction and awareness, followed by the caring, mutual fondness and falling for each other. Their honesty in the relationship is a plus, too.
While I usually like the absence of unnecessary drama between the couple, as happens here, I found the romance a bit lacking in intensity and passion.

I loved every minute of this book. Mimi Matthews is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite romance authors. Characters that don’t hide behind vulnerability but communicate. Delicious, swoon worthy dialogue. Heroes who are strong, protective, and simply put, just make you fall in love with them.
I’d looked forward to reading this installment after reading the first two books and I have to say, this one might be my favorite. The chemistry between the characters was undeniable and even though the hero tried to convince everyone he was bad, the heroine could see his golden heart under his chameleon-like actions.
I want this series in paperback because I have the feeling I’ll want to reread again and again.

I have no idea how to start this review. Everything I write sounds boring, pretentious or convoluted. The opposite of this story. I don't know where to start, really ...

In little less than a year this author has become one of my favorites. Her prose is attractive, her characters complex, the plot interesting and the historical background impressively realistic. Historical accuracy is one of her strengths.

This time it was the turn of Alex, the third of the “Parish Orphans of Devon”, whom if I must to be honest, was the one that I liked the least. During the first two books of the series, the author gave us clues on the rest of the characters and this one did not come out well. And yet, it has become along with Justin, from "The Matrimonial Advertisement", one of my favorites. I blame it on Ms. Matthews, of course, who knows how to write a scoundrel and how to redeem him.

To say that this story has layers is to fall short. Here nothing is easy or simple and navigating all the “rules” of the time is suffocating, although the author does it with mastery. Add to this characters with personality and charisma, with a past and (most importantly) with flaws and the final result is a beautiful story about what do you think you want and what do you really need. The author takes her characters to the limit. And it is worth it, anything else would not have been sincere.
This story is full of intense moments, both in romance and in the relationship between the four protagonists (the orphans) who have touched me in a special way.

It has been beautiful and intense. Another jewel from this author.

***

No tengo ni idea de cómo empezar esta reseña. Todo lo que escribo suena aburrido, pretencioso o enrevesado. Lo opuesto a esta historia. No sé por dónde empezar, la verdad…

En poco menos de un año esta autora se ha convertido en una de mis favoritas. Su prosa es atractiva, sus personajes complejos, la trama interesante y el trasfondo histórico impresionantemente realista. La precisión histórica es uno de sus fuertes.

En esta ocasión le ha tocado el turno al tercero de los cuatro “huérfanos de Devon”, Alex, que si tengo que ser sincera, era el que menos me llamaba la atención. Durante los dos primeros libros de la serie, la autora iba dejando caer pistas sobre el resto de los personajes y éste no salió bien parado. Y sin embargo, se ha convertido junto con Justin, de “The Matrimonial Advertisement”, en uno de mis favoritos. Y la culpa es de Ms. Matthews, evidentemente, que sabe cómo escribir un canalla y cómo redimirlo.

Decir que la historia tiene capas es quedarse corto. Aquí nada es fácil ni sencillo y navegar por todas las “normas” de la época es sofocante, aunque la autora lo hace con maestría. Añade a esto personajes con carisma y carácter, con pasado y (lo más importante) con fallos y el resultado final es una historia preciosa sobre qué es lo que piensas que quieres y qué es lo que realmente necesitas. La autora los lleva al límite. Y merece la pena, otra cosa no hubiese resultado sincera.
Esta historia está llena de momentos intensos, tanto en el romance como en la relación de los 4 protagonistas (los huérfanos) que me han “tocado” de una manera especial.

Ha sido precioso e intenso. Una maravilla. Otra joya de esta autora.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for reviewing!

Mimi has done it again. I think this is my favorite of the orphan series so far, and it has everything. Daring rescues, references to Victorian beauty routines, extensive seaside information and even swimming. In the Victorian era! It was so good.

Laura, our lady protagonist, is stubborn, resilient, crafty with money, and stressed out of her mind trying to keep a roof over the family's head. In other words, relatable as heck, and exerting an admirable amount of agency for her gender and the time. She's a fairly skilled swimmer, a refreshing ability for this sort of genre and era; she travels to London alone to conduct business; she knows how to balance a budget and stretch a penny. I loved her as a main character.

Alex is perhaps the most swoonworthy of the three orphans; tall, dark, handsome and broad-shouldered, he leaped off the page for me. His bad boy air, which actually hides a strong moral code and heart of gold, draws the reader in with curiosity, and they stay for the "aww!" moments. Despite his purported villainous nature and would-be domineering presence, Laura is never cowed into lame moments of relinquishing her agency, rendering him a solid male lead.

As always, Mimi has done excellent research on the times. I was quite impressed with the knowledge visible on the page, even as she skillfully avoids information dumps that would otherwise slow the plot. There's interesting social dynamics at play as well, namely for me the dichotomy shown between temperate, budget-conscious and mature Laura, and Henrietta, her rich, often jealous and childish friend. The two common sides of the Victorian woman coin, I imagine, and I love that they came together as friends throughout. The main plot was not just the romance, which was nice, grounded as it was in Laura's determination to see her family out of poverty.

I loved this book, a solid five stars.

A convenient fiction is an engaging, slow burn romance with a hero who is has less than honorable intentions and a heroine who is trying to resist her pull to him...especially since his sights aren’t even set on her. Mimi Matthews writes old-fashioned, clean, well-written historical romance fiction. This is part of a series, and while it’s not necessary to read the other books, it would enhance your enjoyment of this story. Note, when I say it’s a slow burn, it’s a slow burn. If you’re expecting a steamy romance, this is not the novel.

Laura Hayes is the backbone of her small family, striving to keep everything going despite the ill heath of her brother and the emotional outbursts of her aunt who came to care for them on the death of her father. She is battling with the solicitor appointed as an executer by her father but has been unable to gain access to her properties or funds meaning they are struggling on very little income. She asked by her friend to act as chaperone when meeting with a stranger, Alex Archer who has already crossed paths with Laura in a dramatic fashion. She resists the pull she feels towards him to avoid upsetting her friend and because she know’s someone like Alex is looking for more than a penniless spinster. This book continues the series detailing the fortunes of a trio of orphans who were badly treated and escaped their poor start to forge lives for themselves against all odds. Mimi Matthews really makes the era come to life, the emotional and historical detail makes reading her novels a pleasure. I was looking forward to reading this book and wasn’t disappointed. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this Victorian Era romance book #3 in the series. This was a strong continuation to the previous two books and I enjoyed seeing glimpses of the past characters. Alex and Laura meet in a rather dramatic fashion/rescue which sets the tone for the rest of the book. I felt this book was a very good flow of action and dialogue. The characters felt real. I enjoyed the details and research of the telescopes and bathing machines on the beach. Love this author and will read anything by her!

4.5 Stars - Top Pick

What a great story and great writing.

Review forthcoming when I post it on the blog next month.

Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2019/09/22/a-convenient-fiction-by-mimi-matthews/)


My Rating: 4.5 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.


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Number of titles I have read by this author: 7

Love story speed: Medium burn

Relationship dynamics: The Scheming Card Sharp (H) / The Straitened Miss (h)

Sexual content: None “on-screen”, some vaguely described after the fact.

Triggers: Descriptions of child abuse (of H)

Grammar/Editing: This ARC had more typos and punctuation errors than can be usually found in Matthews’ work, but hopefully they will be cleaned up in the final version.

Review: As is always the case with Matthews’ writing, the pacing is even and the progression of the story is very natural. The setting is also impeccably researched and presented, and where artistic license is taken, it is acknowledged and described in the afterword.

While Alex and Laura initially get off on the wrong foot and seem, to each other, to be a match that could never happen, they find their way together in what seems like an inevitable way. Both are emotionally scarred by their pasts, but manage to find in each other what they each have always been lacking. Matthews makes this possible through her excellent writing and the innate sense of flow in her storytelling. The supporting characters in this novel are interesting and three dimensional, but readers will have much more enjoyment of certain parts of the novel if they have read the other books in the series, as there are recurring characters from the previous books. Indeed, certain encounters will hit loyal series readers “right in the feels.”

I am very much looking forward to book 4 in this series.

Perfume review version: A subtle, attractive scent that lures in the willing admirer and leaves them longing for another experience.



Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a woman to do when dire circumstances force her into a wall, and the man who could rescue her wants to have nothing to do with her.

There is nothing I like better than the redemption of a man’s way, all in the name of Love.
Having not read the two previous installments, I do understand Alex was described as the vilain of the group of four orphans. The one who took off and never looked back.
Still he carries his past transgressions like a cross, so ashamed by what he sees as his sins, he never stopped running away.
For his first encounter with Laura, he fights his attraction to her, chemistry he senses either way.
She awaken feelings he has long ago bury and refuses to experience again as it has carved deep scars last time he felt the same.
Laura is holding her household with her fortitude, but now she struggles to make ends meet.
She is kind and caring but also hardheaded and not easy to relinquish her control.
She tries to find a way to restaure her family business but her plans are dwarfed by her solicitor and as a woman she hold little to no power.
As for Alex, her relationship with him unsettles her, but still, she is drawn to him even knowing he has come with a specific goal and hide a great deal of things.
Alex might be introduced as the wicked guy but George and Henriette, Laura’s childhood friends are no flawless angels, they bear their own sins.

Mrs Mimi Matthews has manufactured an arresting tale of vanquishing one past’s guilt to let it go for the hope of a future. This tremendous story with vibrant and spirited characters had me turning the pages with bliss, eager to see the plot unfold and Alex and Laura find their way to one another. Their romance was so sensual, by small touches with bare hands, a hint of skin revealed, a scent lingering, Mrs Matthews expressed voluptuously their growing sentiments. Scorching gaze does enough a steamy scene to convey the magnitude of their love.
The one matter was to find where home was really, an act of property or in the heart of those you care for.
5 stars

I was granted through Netgalley by the publisher Perfectly Proper Press an advance copy, prior to it I have preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.