Evelyn Maltravers has one season in London to find a husband. She has to find a good match because her older sister, Fenny ran off with a man she couldn't have and disgraced her family, in edition to not being able to provide for her and her younger sisters as expected. Evelyn arrives in town and visits a dress shop she knows can make her a beautiful habit for riding her horse. You see Evelyn hopes to find a husband on horseback because she is awkward and not ready for ballrooms.. Evelyn does not expect Malik, the handsome Indian man who finally agrees to make her a habit so beautiful she will shine brighter than the other society ladies. Malik does not expect to have an intense attraction to Evelyn. But nothing can come of it. It wouldn't be proper.
This book was a bit boring and the beginning. However if you can keep reading tell about 30% you will be rewarded with a wonderful tale that is both funny and romantic.

<i>I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

<b>You Should Read This If You Like:</b> historical romances with bipoc characters, British-Indian love interest, historical romances that don’t take place in a ballroom, sizzling chemistry, and seemingly doomed romances.

I adore Mimi Matthews, she has quickly become one of my favorite authors in the historical romance genre. Her books always have a melancholic undertone to them, the kind of tragic unease best suited for haunting, doomed romances. Which is why stories like "Gentleman Jim" and "The Matrimonial Advertisement" are some of my favorites of her works. Matthews' writing feels very reminiscent of older classics. If "The Perish Orphans" series has the gothic, eerie moodiness of "Wuthering Heights" or "Jane Eyre", The Siren of Sussex is more evocative of a classic Dickensenian novel.

It follows Evelyn Maltravers who’s in London for the season. On the brink of destitution, Evelyn desperately needs to make a wealthy match in order to pave the way for her younger sister's futures. But as a bluestocking wallflower, Evelyn is well aware of her lack of charms. In order to attract a wealthy husband, she hatches a plan to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. But in order to attract the attention of a potential husband, she needs to dress and look the part. This is where she meets Ahemad, a British-Indian habit maker, whose revolutionary designs catches Evelyn’s eye. Together the two form a partnership to showcase their best designs to find Evelyn a wealthy husband, and Ahmad a wilder clientele guarding their hearts in the process.

The story is told through Evelyn and Ahmad’s shifting perspectives which makes for an interesting narrative as we get to explore both sides of British colonialism and the way that it shapes their relationship. In Evelyn we see the privileges of being born into the British upper class, even one that exists on the fringes. Confined within the limitations of her role as head of her household, Evelyn struggles to find a means to secure a future for her sisters in the wake of her older sister’s scandalous elopement. It lends a pseudo-claustrophobic undertone to the novel that never quite dissipates. However, Evelyn is a very dull protagonist, at times even laughably naïve in her worldview, which makes it hard to truly sympathize with her circumstances. Conversely, Ahmad is a more interesting character. He represents all the socio-economic struggles, microaggressions, and discriminations of being a racial minority and an immigrant working class in Britain. However, the novel only skims the surface of colonialism, only hinting at horrors like British soldiers “marrying” Indian women, indoctrinating families into the British lifestyle, forced religious conversions, or even the details of the Jallianwala Bagh massacres, etc.

In much the same way, Evelyn and Ahmad’s relationship feels superficial bordering on insta-love. There is an almost instantaneous attraction, the chemistry palpable in every stolen glance and every accidental brush of finger. The taboo/scandalous nature of their relationship drives the narrative tension. But their socio-economic, racial, and cultural differences set up various obstacles and narrative threats that are never fully realized. Seemingly insurmountable conflicts are easily resolved. There are cramped conversions on colonialism and colonial guilt with an attempt to highlight the impossibility of their relationship and yet the happily ever after never quite truly feels earned. With the writing style I almost wish this didn’t attempt to subvert the genre and ended as a tragedy instead.

Mimi Matthews’ writing has the kind of evocative quality to it that instantaneously transports the reader into the streets of London’s East End. The world building is fairly new as most of the action takes place on the fringes of London society. Unlike most historical romances, Evelyn and Ahmad fall in love in the cramped backroom of his Tailor shop, across racing tracks, and while browsing for books in closed bookstores. They exist on the fringes of society and these marginal spaces are described so vividly that you can almost smell the musty smell of old second hand books and cloth or leather. I just wish I could see more of it.

I struggled writing a review for this book. Sirens of Sussex has all the potential for being a truly outstanding novel in the genre. It had the promise of something new and no one is more disappointed that it failed to live up to the expectations I had built for this book in my head. </b>3.5 stars.</b>

I was blown away by this novel and devoured it as quickly as I could. Such a beautiful romance and fascinating story!

Evelyn or Evie is a fantastic protagonist. She is a lovely blend of courageous and timid, charitable and selfish, passionate and patient. I loved her changing view of the world and of herself. Her journey to find happiness and stability is a beautiful one. I enjoyed her budding friendships with other young ladies (who I believe we get to know better in future novels in the series!) And I admired her love and duty to her sisters. Evie is not a typical London debutante but she is absolutely a fascinating and likable one! From her initial plans to wow the Ton on horseback to her changing feelings for Mr Malik, I loved seeing her fight for what was most important to her. Easily a favorite part of the story was her relationship and passionate romance with Mr Ahmad Malik.

Ahmad is a surprising and equally fascinating character. His is a unique circumstance and a difficult journey to find stability and acceptance. I found the details about his work as a dressmaker and habit maker fascinating. How he selects colors for different clients, the way the fabric moves and sits on different women, and the way he uses dresses to showcase the natural beauty of his clients rather than covering them with flounces and unnecessary ruffles or jewels. His obvious skill was fascinating to learn about. I also loved his clear attraction to Evie and how they build a partnership and friendship that becomes a beautiful, unique love story.

Evie and Ahmad's love story is passionate and intense while also sweet and tender. From their first encounter, you can sense their attraction to each other. Their slow burning romance is so beautiful and exciting. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as I read about each of their interactions, their first almost accidental kiss, their declarations for each other, and their first waltz. It seems impossible that they can be together yet somehow the ending is as satisfying and beautiful as I hoped it would be.

The historical setting is both familiar and unique. Victorian England is a favorite setting of mine and I loved the historical details that felt familiar and cozy. Yet Matthews also distinguishes her novel with several new details like the spiritualism movement with the seances and the mood of the country following Prince Albert's death. As well as life for part Indian people during this time. I have read a few novels with connections or settings in England but this was the first with a man of Indian descent living in London. I was as intrigued as Evie by the details of the imperialist wars and occupation, especially the way it was described at the time. Bravo, Matthews on her detailed research!

I was captivated by this novel and am eager to read more in the series! Matthews writes swoon worthy romance that make her readers' breathe come in bursts and heart beats race. Yet overall, she kept the romance closed door which was appreciated. Her characters are complex and so easy to connect with. From the first few chapters, I was so invested in the story that I hardly wanted to do anything else. Looking forward to more in the series!

*thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the unsolicited eARC*
Yikes. Okay.
I do want to preface that I went into this expecting something entirely different from what it turned out to be. I wanted a steamy historical romance that didn't hold back and provided on point and witty commentary on British aristocracy. Unfortunately for what I had imagined it would be, the romance was extremely chaste while the social commentary extremely well executed. So what am I to do now? My ideas of what this book would be impaired my reading experience in a significant way so I cannot say I enjoyed myself (as per my expectations) a lot.
That is to say... it was a good book but I should have found more information on what exactly I should expect. Lesson for future me! I will ~probably~ check out the rest in the series as I'm interested enough to know what happens to Evie's friends.

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is wonderful. Truly, it’s on my top-10-reads-of-the-year list for sure. In short, this book is masterful. The attention to historical detail is stunning. Historical novels like The Siren of Sussex are my favorite types of stories because they give the reader (at least for me) that research bug. I can’t tell you how many times I put the book down for a minute or two so I could conduct my own research. I enjoyed immersing myself in historical tidbits from 1862 England, looking at many, many pictures of beautiful dresses and riding habits, and looking into the names and events alluded to in this book. It added so much depth to my reading of this excellent novel. Ms. Matthews’s characters are superbly crafted. I love Evie’s feistiness, intelligence, and passion. I love her loyalty to Ahmad — even when it went against Society’s expectations. I also love her loyalty to her sisters, both her elder sister who went against Society’s demands, and her younger sisters who are partly in her care. She is exactly the heroine Ahmad needs. Ahmad is beautiful inside and out. I LOVE how much he stresses and cares about what is best for Evie. Oh my goodness, did this make my heart swoon for him. I appreciated Ahmad’s strength and bravery, and I cheered for his success the whole novel. The chemistry between Evie and Ahmad is electric. I love their instant attraction and the slow-burn aspect to their romance. I could not help but stay up way past my bedtime to see how Evie and Ahmad would make it as a couple. Simply put, The Siren of Sussex is a quality reading experience that I highly recommend. If you are a fan of perfectly written Historical Romance you will not want to miss this story.

I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thanks so much to Berkley for this beautiful, gifted copy of The Siren of Sussex!

I have only read one other book by Mimi Matthews, A Holiday by Gaslight, which I highly recommend! Despite being a zero steam romance story, I still adored it and have been looking forward to reading more of her work ever since. The Siren of Sussex is the first in a new series about a group high society equestriennes finding love and friendship. I went into this one with a bit of apprehension because some early reviews said it was a lot of focuses on horses, like A LOT. I love horses as much as the next person but am not strictly a, Horse Girl™. My apprehension was unfounded, as I found this one to be just the right amount of detail added to enjoy the story but not detract from it. Also, despite the utter lack of any on page steam, the scorching glances, angsty pining, and secret kisses had the sexual tension turned up to an 11 and I LOVED it.

Evelyn is the second daughter in a family rife with the scandal caused by her older sister, and quickly approaching ruin. She has one season to secure a successful marriage if her younger sisters have any hope of having their own futures secured. Ahmad is an incredibly talented tailor trying to make a name for himself and draw a large client base so he can take over the shop he works in after the current owner retires. After Evelyn sees the infamous Pretty Horsebreakers wearing riding habits of his design, she knows he’s the key to quickly distinguishing herself at the start of the season. The attraction between them is pretty immediate as they agree to help each other out but they do their best to ignore it for REASONS.

The chemistry between Ahmad and Evelyn was palpable and such a joy to read. This one left me with a pretty hefty book hangover because everything about it was just so lovely. The setting is atmospheric and immersive and the lush descriptions of ball gowns and riding habits had me googling tailor terminology. Matthews did such a fantastic job of developing Evelyn’s group of friends and teasing their future love interests that I could not click fast enough adding the next one to my tbr when I finished. I enjoyed this one so much and am so excited to read the next installment. The Siren of Sussex is out now! If you’ve read this one, I’d love to discuss!

First sentence: Evelyn Maltravers entered the dimly lit shop in Conduit Street.

Premise/plot: Evelyn Maltravers has come to London for her one and only season. Her older sister had a season that ended in scandal. Until her own season began, Evelyn never really understood how that could happen--how one could find oneself falling truly, madly, deeply for someone that you are "not supposed to" live your happily ever after with. In her sister's case, it was a man too high above her station. In her own case, well, let's not jump ahead just yet...

Evelyn is depending on a HABIT (a riding habit) to help distinguish her this season. She feels she is at her absolute best while riding her horse. Ahmad Malik, a tailor, is THE ONE (in her opinion) to make that habit. He seems to have a perfect understanding of fashion (and function). In their first few meetings, she is overwhelmed with a warm and fuzzy feeling. If she was Disney's Cinderella, she'd be HUMMING. He seems to be dazzled with her as well, though, he seems to see her as his perfect muse. He hatches a plan for her season as well. He'll design EVERYTHING and she'll show it off wherever she goes. (She doesn't so much want to be noticed for her own sake, her own plans. She only wants to be noticed by HIM. Though the more people notice her and talk about her clothes, the more business he'll get for the shop).

But happily ever after won't be easy and straight forward. Technically, she's looking for a (relatively) wealthy gentleman. Technically, he's not looking to marry any woman. He does not own his own shop; his income is uncertain at best. It depends on IF his customers ever pay him. Some do. Some don't. And there's not much he can do to make them pay. (Remember, the bill comes later.) And then there's his race...he's half Indian. He doesn't feel comfortable in white circles or Indian circles. He doesn't "fit" in either. And no matter what he says--his race, his socioeconomic class--she sees her ultimate dream man.

My thoughts: I read the second book in this series not so long ago. Evelyn is one of a group of friends who love, love, love, love riding horses. All are enjoying--or not enjoying--their London season. All are hoping to find their one true love. I have a feeling that the friends will make appearances in all the books. Friendship is important in this one. It isn't just a romance.

The romance is told from two points of view--his and hers, Evelyn's and Ahmad's. The romance is strong in this one. I think this may be my first interracial Victorian romance. I thought it was tastefully and realistically done. There were a few scenes that I thought might be a little too modern-sounding. Like Evelyn explaining to her friends that it was her responsibility not only to become (more) educated but to educate herself about Indian history and culture. She was hesitant to talk to him and ask him questions because it wasn't his job to "teach her."

My least favorite aspect of this one was the focus on spiritualism. Evelyn herself isn't a spiritualist. BUT her uncle (who is her guardian and who is paying for her season) is a spiritualist. Her official sponsor (a woman friend of her uncle's) IS also a spiritualist. So almost all of her invitations are from the spiritualist crowd and involve spiritualist activities (crystal balls, seances, mediums, astrologists, etc.) I just didn't care for any of these scenes at all. Spiritualism may have been super popular at this time in history. The idea of communing with the dead, having FAMILIAR SPIRIT GUIDES, etc, may be right on track with what was trending at this time. But it didn't sit right with me. Again, I'm not saying that YOU will have an issue with it. Just sharing how I feel.

I would not say it is necessarily squeaky clean--far from it. On the one hand, the intimacies are not told graphically. There is some restraint shown. On the other hand, there's no denying the physical intimacies that are occurring even if the book is mostly fade to black. So it depends on what bothers you--if anything--about adult "smutty" books.

The best Matthews has written! I have been an avid reader for a few years now, keeping up with all her releases. Having read the books in order of publication, I have been able to read as Matthews continues to weave together stories that have romance, but read more about the historical and societal issues faced by people (usually whatever society deems an "outsider" in Victorian England).

"Siren" continues this trend, adding a hero that has an Indian mother and English Father. Back in the 1800s, this was less accepted by the upper class. As someone who has begun to shift away from this genre, Matthews focus on the legal/ historical/ societal and everyday implications faced by the characters reminds me again and again of struggles many of her characters would face in today's society.

Overall, this is a well-thought out, researched, and written novel. I hope this freshens up the romance genre as a whole, and am already looking forward to #2 in this series.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I liked many elements of it - the female friendships, the details of Ahmad’s trade, his past and the difficulties he faced being half Indian and half English, and the chemistry between Ahmad and Evelyn. To be honest, I did expect it to have more steam/spice in it than it did, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I’m eager to read the second book, which centers on Julia and Captain Jasper Blunt!

A slow journey towards romance. Evelyn is in desperate need of a wealthy husband. Her older unmarried sister ran off with the man she loved, leaving Evelyn next in line to marry someone with enough money to care for her and her four younger sisters. Evelyn is an eyeglass wearing bluestocking with a family near ruin. She's staying with her spiritualist uncle in London for the Season. Her equestrienne skills are her best asset. Her father left her a magnificent Spanish stallion. She plans to commission the most beautiful riding habit available, just like the ones worn by the the Pretty Horsebreakers (courtesans) on Rotten Row. She'll ride there every day during the fashionable hour, her horse, riding skill, and amazing riding habit will make her seen by the men of Society. This leads her to Ahmad, a half-Indian, half-British tailor determined to open his own dressmaking shop. He needs money to do this. Eventually they form a partnership. He will make her the most beautiful gowns to help in her quest for a husband. She will wear them to all her occasions so fashionable society will see them and want to order more for themselves. As their feelings for each other grow, Ahmad is concerned with the bigotry she will face married to him, a man of a different race and class. It is beautifully narrated by Vidish Athavale and Lydia Hanman. Having dual narration didn't bring me out of the story like I thought it might. Their voices fit the characters. Sometimes the narrator will sound like an elderly granny and the character is 23! Not the case here. It's a gently meandering book with a heat level of zero.

The Siren of Sussex, by Mimi Matthews, is the first book in the Belles of London series. Filled with romance, history, and intrigue, this book offers a tender story of the power of perseverance, truth, and courage. It is a thoroughly captivating, emotionally-stirring, and utterly thought-provoking novel.

Set in England during the Victorian Era, this well-written love story is smart, thoughtful, and honest as it boldly and effectively explores such difficult themes as classism, racism, and colonialism in London more than one hundred years ago. Yet, even while grappling with these challenging themes, this novel embraces optimism, determination, and hope. More than once, this novel brought an ache to my heart as I reflected on the injustices endured by many of the characters in the story. As shown throughout history, and as illuminated in this story, the human capacity for survival and perseverance against great odds is nearly immeasurable.

I found this book and the perspectives contained within it to be incredibly compelling, and it held me in rapt attention page after page. Ms. Matthews has skillfully crafted authentic characters who are vulnerable, sympathetic, and realistic. Their ingenuity, passion, authenticity, and resiliency are enthralling and inspirational.

The Siren of Sussex is an outstanding novel from beginning to end. Ms. Mathews’ talent for immersive storytelling is breathtaking. Her writing is beautiful, well-researched, descriptive, and engrossing. This story is altogether moving and quite unforgettable. I eagerly recommend it, and I look forward to reading other books in this series.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, Austenprose PR, and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

I never knew I needed a historical romance about a handsome dressmaker and a strong, independent horsewoman but dang did I! Matthews has such an amazing talent for writing characters that just come to life as you read. I found myself completely invested and rooting for Ahmad and Evie from the very beginning (side note: SOOO happy Ahmad got his own book!!) Plus her delightfully eccentric cast of side characters are so sincere and genuine, rather than coming across as caricatures of stereotypes, and I fell in love with all of them. To top it off, the descriptions of Victorian fashion were so enjoyable and just the overall historical detail and accuracy of the book give testament to the amount of time, research, and energy Matthews puts into her work.

Thank you to @mmimatthewsesq and @berkleyromance for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Mathew’s
A special thanks to Berkeley publishing group and NetGalley for the arc of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This one took some time to really sink in to. Ahmad Malik is a dressmaker who wants to open his own shop. Evie is a young girl out for her first season to find a husband after a scandal with her older sister rocked their family.
Evie has come up with a plan that she must dress for success and comes across Ahmad and his creations.While they come from very different worlds, they spend a great deal of time together while creating her wardrobe and she becomes his muse. But can they have a relationship? You’ll have to read to find out!

The Siren of Sussex is a a lesser known yet top-notch slow-burning historical romance. This is a great underdog tale that addresses class and racial inequality with a light hand. In Victorian England, a talented and daring equestrienne eager to cause a stir finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in a handsome Anglo-Indian tailor.

Mimi Matthew’s insight and knowledge of period fashion make her stories come alive. It is also refreshing how she writes characters who strain against the normal gender roles and class limitations of the day. You can always count on Ms Matthews to deliver a story with romance and wit.

The Siren of Sussex is the first book in the Belles of London series. Evelyn Maltravers has one season to find a suitable husband and ensure her younger sisters’ futures. Not known for her beauty or connections, she has a plan to draw the attention of prospective suitors. An accomplished equestrienne, she seeks a talented tailor to create stunning riding habits that will make her outshine everyone else on the popular Hyde Park trail.

She meets Ahmad Malik after another tailor has rebuffed her. They decide to enter into a partnership — Ahmad will create one-of-a-kind riding habits and gowns for Evelyn, and she will help to raise the popularity of his designs (a Victorian influencer, if you will). As a mixed race man, he has little entrée into society, and his business needs the exposure.

As Evelyn works closely with the handsome Ahmad and her popularity rises, the attraction between them also grows. But a scandal would mean the ruin of her family and of Ahmad’s fledgling business.

Matthews puts much historical detail into her emotionally rich tales. Evelyn chafes against the rigid restrictions of Victorian England, and Ahmad faces racism and classism. How the two navigate their way against such adversity makes a compelling story.

Stevie‘s review of The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London, Book 1) by Mimi Matthews
Historical Romance published by Berkley 11 Jan 22

Obviously I love historical fiction that shines a spotlight on the less represented groups in society, but throw in a hint of the scandalous side of more commonly represented groups as well, and I’m totally sold. So it is with this novel by a new-to-me author, and also the beginning of a new series. Taking inspiration from the real-life ‘pretty horsebreakers,’ a group of Victorian courtesans, this series follows a quartet of more respectable, but still highly accomplished, equestriennes, as they negotiate the Season: its social highlights, dramas, and restrictions on behaviour, all the while preferring to spend their time with their horses on Royton Row. This novel follows Evelyn Maltravers as she seeks out a riding habit that will win her attention from the fashionable members of Society for all the best reasons, in the process befriending and then falling for her tailor, Ahmad Malik.

Evelyn had her life planned out, and it didn’t involve her ever visiting London for any prolonged length of time. She was going to stay in the countryside, marry her childhood best friend, and put her stallion out to stud in order to make the money her family desperately needs following her father’s untimely death. All that changed, however, when Evelyn’s sister eloped with her best friend’s brother, and Evelyn found herself abandoned amidst the resulting scandal. Now she needs to find a new prospective husband in order to continue her plans and secure the futures of her younger sisters. Lacking social graces, Evelyn determines to become famous through her riding skills and decides that she needs a stunning riding habit to show them – and her horse – to best advantage.

When she approaches the tailor who produces habits for the notorious pretty horsebreakers, he is at first reluctant, but is eventually won over by Evelyn’s skills, as are a trio of respectable, but equally independently-minded, ladies who also love horses, and who struggle to make their way through Society.

So begins a series of adventures for Evelyn as she meets Ahmad’s sister, along with the seamstresses who work for him, explores some of the more eccentric aspects of society including spiritualism, is briefly reunited with estranged family members, and ultimately has to choose her plans and her heart’s new desire: Ahmad.

I was very much taken with this book, its setting, and its characters. Ahmad is a delight, and the story never skimped on showing the challenges he and his sister face as the children of a relationship between an English officer and an Indian woman, a theme I expect to see again in the next book, having had hints of who the next protagonists will be. Likewise, Evelyn is easy to like, and I was rooting for the pair of them all the way through the story. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series, as well as the subsequent ones, and shall have to explore the author’s other works.

Grade: A

This is the first book by Mimi Matthews I have read and I really enjoyed it. I loved how she blended history to tell a wonderful story. I also the romantic tension between the main characters. I loved how it was there all along but they felt like they couldn’t be together because of cultural differences. I like that things worked out in the end. I think this is an author that I will read again.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I could not have been more thrilled to have read about Evelyn and Ahmad. I honestly had no idea what I was going into except that it was a historical romance and that was what I needed to get out of a Bridgerton hangover.

I have never read Mimi Matthews but will be a devotee going forward- I already cannot wait for the next installment in this series.

Evelyn and Ahmad both were characters that I had not seen before in this genre. I loved that Evelyn was a rider- I had never really heard about the courtesan horse women before so it was thrilling to see a new part of history. I loved Ahmad’s diverse background and his passion for his craft- he was not the traditional gentleman and I thought that was different and great. So many historical romances have very cookie cutter characters so this one being different was refreshing.

It has a quick pace and is definitely a bit insta love but I think it’s unique aspects really make it a stand out in a packed field.

This was fun and sexy and I look forward to Mimi Matthews next release.

Thank you for the opportunity to check out this ARC.

I have loved every Matthews romance I've read, especially The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim. The Siren of Sussex, however, was disappointing, flat, with characters that never came to life, and an info-dump and insta-lust to start, which is not typical of Matthews. Maybe the next foray will be better, maybe a trad pub has taken something of Matthews's originality? Not sure, but what I am sure is that this didn't work for me.