New to me author. Enjoyed this out of the box historical about an Indian tailor and the bluestocking. This is a clean romance.

The Siren of Sussex was my second chance for Mimi Matthews. I hated one of her previous books, A Modest Independence, so much that I didn't want to read another by her. This one sounded interesting, so I decided to give her a second chance. And I'm super glad I did.

To secure her younger sisters' future, Evelyn has one chance to nab a husband. She knows the only thing that will get her male attention is her riding skills. To get more attention, she seeks the tailor who created riding habits for Pretty Horsebreakers. This tailor is Ahmad, a half-Indian, half-English man trying to break into the racist, xenophobic fashion market.

I loved this book and had a hard time putting it down. The pacing was perfect. Evelyn and Ahmad have many different conflicts based on their backgrounds and desires for their future. Their connection to each other doesn't translate for an easy time, as he is lower class and of a different race. There is a lot of mutual yearning.

Evelyn is a wonderful character. She's very loving to her friends and family and forward thinking about her problems. When she realizes that her attraction to Ahmad is mutual, she fights for their future. Ahmad wants to pursue his dreams but has faced so many roadblocks that he's given up hope that he can genuinely have everything.

Review based on an advanced reader copy provided through Netgalley for an honest review.

First thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Mimi Matthews book and it was very good. I adore historical fiction with strong bluestocking women, their friendships, and romance on top of it all. Evelyn and Ahmad are both great, even if their connection is a bit insta-love/lust. The exploration and discussion of class differences, women’s limitations in society, racism, and hypocrisy in high society was all really well done. The spiritualism side story was interesting, if not my absolute favorite.
I will say, knowing this was a romance had me expecting spice, but this is a clean romance with nothing more than kissing. But their emotional connection is very compelling.
I assume the rest of the books will follow the other ladies in the group and I’ll be interested to read them.

What an incredible book!

The Siren of Sussex is one of those books you want to savor. Even though you could easily finish it in less than a day, you definitely want to take your time. Relish in how Matthews crafts a historical romance that breaths life into two characters who may seem worlds apart, but are perfectly fit together like the gowns fashioned by Ahmad Malik.

I inhaled this story about two people.

Not Queens, Dukes, or any nobility.

People.

A tailor and an upper middle class young English woman. One a tradesman the other an equestrienne. Each wanting something more. And it’s over the course of the novel that they find that something, while understanding more about each other and themselves.

Each page is a new stitch into the elegantly and vibrantly envisioned story Matthews brings into existence. The fabric soft, lush, and sturdy. The cut not too revealing, though there are plenty of swoon worthy moments between these adorably human characters.

There’s simply no other way of saying it, I adored this book.

WOw!! That was such an amazing love story! Matthews does such a great job of telling a compelling story, adding the history, then adding a delicious tension filled love story!!! Gosh, could Ahmad be any more amazing! This is the same Ahmad we met in the book A Modest Independence. He helped Tom and Jenny come together. Evelyn's character was awesome. I loved her strength and sweetness. She knows what she wants and she goes after it, I loved that she saw her mistakes and tried to be better. The descriptions of the clothes was amazing! Never have I felt like I could feel and see the clothes in a book as clearly as I did in this! The descriptions were amazing with out being too much. It was such an important part of the story woven in so well! The tension as he fits her for a gown! Dang! On that note this is one of the more sensual of Mathews books. He was raised in a brothel and it is talked about often. There is a sensual feel throughout the book, if this was a movie it could border on PG or PG 13 depending on the details of some scenes. I would love to see this as a movie!!! Gosh could you imagine! SO SO Good!!

I'm a huge Mimi Matthews fan and was so looking forward to this book. But I wonder if perhaps I just wasn't in the right headspace for this book. It felt too slow and too low stakes for me... I wasn't that invested in the book and so found it difficult to care about the characters... a pity.

Mimi Matthews is our go-to for when we feel like a Traditional Regency but set in Victorian times. Her books are perfect comfort reads, with minimal angst, maximal Victorian fashion, and sweet romances that end after a kiss or two. With plenty of information about the dressmaking business (truly fascinating), Victorian spiritualism, and (of course) a sweet love story, The Siren of Sussex lived up to our expectations.

The Siren of Sussex is a bit of a departure, as it revolves around the unlikely romance between a South Asian tailor and a young daughter of English gentry. They meet because she has decided to "lead from strength" - her exemplary horsemanship and Andalusian stallion will attract attention from men who might ignore her on the dance floor. But of course, she needs to be impeccably dressed before she can implement her plan. Enter Ahmad Malik, her tailor.

The romance between the two of them is simultaneously believable (they spend a lot of time together in close proximity while he pins her skirts - no euphemism!) and endangered by a believable conflict (he's a tradesman and half-Indian). It's always great to read a romance with a realistic conflict, and there were moments where we couldn't see how Evelyn and Ahmad would get their HEA. But rest assured, they do, and we loved it.

WOW! This book is PHENOMENAL! It is moving, engaging, heart-wrenching, heart-warming, full of hope, romantic, sweet, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "The Siren of Sussex", I was whisked back in time to the Victorian Era, and went on such an emotional journey with this story.

This is the first book in Mimi Matthews "Belles of London" series, and I hope there will be many more! Ms. Matthews has instantly become one of my favorite authors, as her writing style is incredibly visceral, vivid, full of heart, very-well researched, and her storytelling is breathtaking. She brings the world of her story and characters to life right before the reader's eyes, and I could envision each and every moment as if I was right there watching all take place. Furthermore, Ms. Matthews also brilliantly weaves history and fiction together!

Evelyn is such a kind, caring, intelligent, and brave young woman, who is an extremely talented equestrian. Her love for animals is so beautiful, and she always looks for the good in everyone around her. She feels that she must marry well in order to support her younger sisters, and for them to have the opportunity to do the same. Never could she have imagined how walking into a shop and asking to have a riding habit made with forever change her life...and lead her to true love.

Ahmad is such a kind, loving, protective, courageous, and caring man, who is an extremely talented designer and tailor of women's clothes. He has a true heart of gold, and always puts others before himself. Ahmad is sadly often looked down upon and treated poorly by society due to him being mixed-race, and struggles with feeling like he doesn't fit in. Never could he have imagined how Evelyn asking him to design a riding habit for her will change many aspects of his life, and lead to him a happiness he never imagined possible for himself.

(Possible Spoilers!)
I found myself pulling for Evelyn and Ahmad from the very start, as these two truly understand each other. They bring out the best in one another, challenge the other, and help each other grow. They truly support one other, and their love prevails through the good, bad, and everything in between. I so hope we see their story continue in future books too!

Also, I absolutely adore Anne, Julia, and Stella! I can't wait to see more of them in future books, and hopefully read about how their stories continue!

If you like historical romance, I highly recommend this book! I found myself reading into the early hours of the morning to see what would happen next, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group, Mimi Matthews, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, it is truly incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

From the publisher: 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.

I’m a big fan of Mimi Matthews, who began her fiction career by self-publishing romance novels set during the Victorian and Regency periods. She has now caught the attention of traditional publishing, and The Siren of Sussex is her first book with Berkley. Matthews is also a historian, and her books are ruthlessly researched. She may stretch a likely outcome, but her characters follow the behavioral standards of the day.

I have read all of the author’s works, and The Siren of Sussex was a little slow starting for me. Matthews has set up a reasonable romance between a gentleman’s daughter who needs to find a husband and a half-English, half-Indian tailor trying to make his name and his business as a designer of women’s gowns. The older sister of main character Evie threw her entire family on a path to nonrespectability by running away with her lover, the son of a baronet who would not let his heir marry a mere gentleman’s daughter. Evie is in London trying to make a splash with her riding skills while wearing remarkable riding habits. She wants to earn respect so that she and her younger sisters can make decent marriages. But her plans change when she falls in love with the tailor who makes her habits.

The book is honest about the obstacles to the relationship. Tailor Ahmad Malik knows he is at the mercy and whims of his rich and spoiled clients. Evie must navigate societal restraints around her sister’s actions. Fortunately, a <s>fairy godmother</s> rich uncle exists to supply funds and respectability, and Evie makes some good friends who will no doubt feature in future titles in the Belles of London series. The happy-ever-after for Evie and Ahmad slightly strains credulity, but the author sells it.

If you love well-written, historically accurate romance novels that address social issues and spotlight relationships of real feeling, please discover Mimi Matthews if you have not already done so. I read an advance reader copy of The Siren of Sussex from Netgalley, and the Galesburg Public Library will own it once it is released on January 11. The library already owns many of her other titles, including The Matrimonial Advertisement, the first book in the Parish Orphans of Devon series.

The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London #1) by Mimi Matthews is the story of a young adult set to make her way in the world. It isn't so easy when many things are against Evelyn Maltravers. How does one find a proper husband without going against Victorian London's high society's standards?

Evelyn Maltravers is a strong-willed equestrienne from the countryside. She rides her horse much like she runs her affairs: confidently. Evelyn Maltravers arrives at her uncle's house in London for the season to find a suitable husband that can care for her and her family.

She must make a name for herself. The first plan is to sort out her attire: new dresses and habits to stir the pot.

Evelyn Maltravers has succeeded in finding a prospect; only, it's not what she expected. She is everything but ordinary.

I daresay, this is as good as any Jane Austen: there's drama and romance. It's set in the 1800s. There is much to compare; however, Austen never wrote about falling in love with a half-Indian tailor.

This is perfection!

A note: Jane Austen's aunt, Philadelphia, went to India to find a (British) husband. I love that Evelyn Maltravers held herself accountable for learning India's history from an Indian author.

The Siren of Sussex is a romance with resilient characters, swoony chemistry, and a historical setting that features equestriennes and the Victorians’ obsession with the spiritual realm. A thoughtful look at race and colonialism through the eyes of the half-British, half-Indian (and fully attractive) hero, Ahmad, adds further depth to the complications of the love story and a subtle assessment of the roles of gentlemen vs the working class. Evelyn, the heroine, possesses a determination to better her prospects in a selfless move to support her family which endears her to Ahmad and the reader instantly. Wholly feminine and untried, she shirks the label of bluestocking and instead embraces the complexities of her person even as she embodies a progressively feministic view of her role and the capabilities of others. The slow-burn romance is born of friendship and a partnership to display Ahmad’s fabric artistry – a situation which allows for some wonderfully romantic moments with fittings and one quite swoony gesture involving a pocket. Like Matthews’ beloved characters often exhibit, the best part of the romance is when the leads realize, as recipients of the others’ affections and respect, their place of belonging and acceptance is finally found.

Thank you to the publisher for the early review copy. This is my honest review.

I loved Ahmad and Evelyn, and I loved their story. They were both very likable but their challenges seemed insurmountable, and I really wondered how they would get past them. Some of them were overcome by personal growth, from things their loved ones said to them, from decisions they made, and from having a supportive community. I really loved that. Some of the challenges were overcome by changing circumstances, some by new information they received, and others by choices they made. All in all, the character arcs were delightful. I strongly support books like this where the MCs are kind and unselfish. There were things they wanted in life, yes, but they weren't going to bulldoze over their loved ones to get those things. And furthermore, the romantic leads were honest and upfront with each other! Yay!
I'm in love with the unique side characters and can't wait for all the Fab Four to get their own books. Tom and Jenny Finchley show up in this one and it was awesome to see old friends.

This does include a storyline about spiritualism and the occult, which the main character firmly denounces. Be aware that it's there. It's a real part of Victorian history so I enjoyed learning about what was going on at the time. Neither of the main characters had a faith on display in the book.

I was thrilled to receive an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher, but all opinions are entirely my own.

RATING 5/5 STARS

Mimi Matthews has done it again! What a charming and lovely book - one of my favorites by her. Evie was a spirited and endearing heroine and her romance with Ahmad was sweet, but with its challenges. I appreciated and enjoyed the diversity (which is rare to find in historical fiction). Can't wait for the next book in the series!

Another enchanting story from Mimi Matthews! I adored The Siren of Sussex—I couldn’t put it down. The life Matthews gives to her characters is something truly special, and Evelyn and Ahmad—and everyone else!—are no different. Matthews struck the right balance between romance and issues of class and race in Victorian England. The proper attention was given to both without the reader ever feeling like those issues were disregarded or minimized. And believe me when I say readers will absolutely receive a romantic story! While still being closed-door, this book sizzles and satisfies.

I’ve been a big fan of Matthews ever since I read The Lost Letter, the first book I’ve read where a main character has my name (Sylvia), and The Siren of Sussex is an exquisite addition to Matthews’ list. I’m incredibly excited for more stories in this series! 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Exquisite. A poignant and lovely story about two people from different walks of life, discovering that together they are far stronger than apart.

Evie is inspiring in her determination to use her strengths to further her goals, and in her honesty to confront her failings and learn and grow from them.

Ahmad, with his thoughtful artistry and ability to see and bring out the beauty of those around him, is a delight to read. The care he puts into his designs is reflected in the quiet strength and intentionality he brings to the relationships in his life.

The book is full of lush descriptions, from the beautiful garments Ahmad creates, to the many horses described, as well as the locations featured throughout. The story practically pulsates with life, color and texture.

A longtime fan of Mimi Matthews, the Siren of Sussex has become my new favorite of her works.

Mimi Matthews tops herself with the first novel in what appears to be a fresh and brilliant new series with The Siren of Sussex, the tale of an independent horsewoman and the tailor who vows to make her the most talked about equestrienne in all of England – both of whom suddenly discover love in the most unexpected of places.  The beautiful romance and wonderfully drawn characters at play here effortlessly make this my favorite Matthews yet.

The strong-willed, plain spoken country girl Miss Evelyn Maltravers is looking for a tailor. Not just any tailor, but the sort of person who can make her an outstanding, eye-catching riding habit – something that will bring her to the notice of every fellow in the vicinity as she shows off her formidable equestrian skills.  Evelyn, you see, is in want of a husband – the family estate has tumbled into bankruptcy and she struggles to enter into society in order to save her sister’s future from further ruin.  Figuring that her riding skills and her love of fashion are her truest interests and believing both will land her a mate, she enters Mr. Doyle’s millinery shop looking for someone who can rival even the Pretty Horsebreakers – a team of former courtesans who have become the talk of Rotten Row with their outfits and daring moves on horseback -  and falls to her destiny.

Half-Indian Ahmad Malik happens to be the very tailor whose designs are sported by the Pretty Horsebreakers, and the notion of designing Evelyn’s wardrobe for an entire Season is a challenge that’s too tempting to resist.  Ahmad is a determined survivor – he took up tailoring to support the care of his cousin, Mira, whose wastrel father – a British soldier - drank himself to death, leaving Mira homeless and poor, and both of them  feel adrift – not accepted by their white British neighbors or their Indian countrypeople alike.  Ahmad knows he has talent enough to succeed and hopes to open up a dress shop, but he needs a good model to do those things – and Evelyn’s entrée into society seems to be as good an eye-catcher as any - especially because she plans on making her début on horseback while riding down Rotten Row.  With Evelyn becoming the toast of the broadsheets, Ahmad sees his dream coming true – but his truest dream just might be landing in his Evie’s arms, cultural and social differences be damned.

What a wonderful romance!  I loved these characters,  the simple and beautifully done plot, and the slow-burning tension between Ahmad and Evie, who go from intrigued acquaintances to impassioned but seemingly star-crossed lovers over the space of the book’s three-hundred plus pages.

Evelyn is a revelation.  She knows what she’s good at and is bound and determined to get what she needs and wants.  She thinks she’s plain, but Ahmad is more than willing to prove her wrong on that account.

Ahmad, meanwhile, is as strong as Evelyn and determined to protect his cousin.  Both of them feel rootless in this new country, rootless in their own culture, and Ahamd eventually finds home in Evie, but that doesn’t mean that she blinds herself to their differences.  She educates herself about India and tries to bridge the cultural gap between them, but even deeper is the social one.  Evie comes from a down-at-heel family socially, but she knows people in high places, while Ahmad is from humbler circumstances. It’s still a significant social gap well played for tension by Matthews.

Our characters basically fall in love at first sight, and then a few conversations later find respect for each other.  Their unease with themselves and their social positions provide much tension, avoiding a Big Mis and playing the understandable conflicts brought up by their social differences.  It is a fine romance indeed and builds to a love confession that is more satisfying than any purple prosed tumblings I’ve read lately.  I mean, he makes her a dress with deep, useful pockets.  That is true love if I ever saw it.

There are a number of wonderful secondary characters – Stella, Anne and Julia, three fellow society girls Evelyn makes fast friends with; Evelyn’s spiritualist Uncle Harris, who is, like everyone else, trying to make contact with the recently deceased Prince Albert; Gossipy Lady Arundell, who helps Evelyn enter into society and sets her cap for dotty, distracted Harris; and Mira, who finds her own path and love.  Even Hephaestus, Evelyn’s horse, has a distinct personality.  All are wonderful.

As always, Matthews has done her research, especially into the sumptuously-described outfits of the time and the feeling of London during the Victorian era.  The Siren of Sussex is easily the best romance I’ve read so far this year, and is definitely one of my favorite romances of all time.

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This is a difficult book for me to review. I love a good follow-up story and for me this became a follow-up to Ms Matthews' A Modest Independence, which is not one of my favorites.

The kind of prejudice that both Evelyn and Ahmad endured was incredibly sad. Evelyn because she is a woman without title or dowry; Ahmad because he is a tradesman and a man of color. However she is a talented horsewoman and he a gifted ladies' clothing designer, both without equals.

I liked Evelyn a lot. It was wonderful to watch her mature and grow in confidence, some of which is due to the clothing Ahmad designs for her. Mostly I felt sorry for Ahmad. The effects of the English haut ton kept him from recognizing, or should I say acknowledging his feelings, even to himself. The first part of the story seemed a bit slow, but when Ms Matthews was ready, it took off, and I was fully engaged.

Evelyn's friends Julia, Stella, and Anne have my favorite lines in the book:

“Love!” Lady Arundell scoffed. “How can that possibly be?”
“He sewed pockets in all of her skirts,” Anne said.
“Pockets.” Julia sighed. “Imagine.”
“And she didn't even have to ask him to do it,” Stella said.
“Pockets?” Lady Arundell frowned as she shepherded them back to the pavilion.”This is all very
vexing.”

For pockets, I would probably fall in love too.

There is of course, a hard won HEA, which brings a sigh of joy. Add to that a preview from the next book The Belle of Belgrave Square with shy Julia as the heroine and Captain Blunt, the Hero of the Crimea that looks good.

I deleted one star due to the paranormal which is a low-grade theme throughout most of the book. Also I don't think the bad guy got his just desserts.

Many thanks to Mimi Matthews and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review for an honest opinion. And so it is. Recommended.

Mimi Matthews has one of my favorite writing styles, and I love how she develops her romances. I didn’t care for the tie-ins to the occult in this story, or I would have given it 5 stars. Even though the witchcraft was mostly made to seem foolish, I know it is does exist and cause harm. I would rather see references to God’s power in Mimi’s stories :) Nevertheless, her books always keep me up late because they are so good!

Is is a cute fun read. The writing really draws you in with the characters and there well constructed lives.

I have never read a Mimi Matthews book I didn't like.

Every book she releases is perfect.

I love the fact that Ahmad is a respectable male. He makes women - no matter their status - feel comfortable. He is gifted when it comes to fabric / sewing. Normally, I don't read many stories when it comes to males who tailor clothing for women. In this story, his tailoring was so essential to the story that I was like, 'yep, I need a movie of this'. The sensual bits come from simply (and respectfully) tailoring the main character. Ugh. So romantic.

Also, a man showing that he loves a woman by making a dress with hidden pockets? Mimi knows the true joy of dresses, and getting a guy to create a dress entirely for you with hidden pockets - instant approval. Marry. The end.

I truly felt for both characters in their standings in life and I absolutely loved the people involved with their life as well. I loved the introduction to the other ladies in society who end up becoming friends of the main character. I also loved the introduction to the next male and female who will be featured in book two! (The male himself looks and acts like something out of a gothic novel.)

There is so much I love about this book but I strongly suggest that if you want to read an author who gives you solid main characters, well developed plots, rich historical detail, you pick up Mimi Matthews. You certainly must buy a copy of The Siren of Sussex. :)