I didn't know I needed an equestrian historical romance in my life until I read this book! I will say it's not the steamiest romance (this isn't Bridgerton) but I loved the story, the backdrop, the characters, and the women's love of horses (obviously!). Evelyn Maltravers needs to get married this season to help her family, currently in ruins, and she knows the best way to present herself to society is on horseback, in the loveliest of riding habits. Which is how she employs, befriends, and eventually falls for tailor Ahmad Malik, whose designs are beautiful. What struck me about this novel was how the author seamlessly (no pun intended!) blended so many different topics together. There's the treatment of women, economic class, and people of color. Both Evelyn and Ahmad are devoted to their families but also have dreams of their own. Evelyn befriends a group of women who, like her, all feel like wallflowers but find in confidence in their riding skills and each other. And the romance was a slow burn filled with lots of chemistry (who knew taking dress measurements could be sexy?!) and completely worth the wait. The next companion novel comes out later this year and I can't wait.

I love all books by Mimi Matthews and The Siren of Sussex was a real treat! Once I started reading I just couldn't stop. I had to find out what was going to happen with Ahmad and Evelyn. I was rooting for them the whole way through the book! They definitely had many challenges to overcome but they did so beautifully! I loved Evie's friends as well and can't wait to see more of them in the future.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 11 January 2022.

The first novel of the year (for this reader) arrives via the vivid and fashionable new work by Mimi Matthews, The Siren of Sussex. Like her recent title John Eyre, (reviewed last summer) it is set in 19th century England, albeit somewhat later in 1862. The Victorian era is on full display throughout the story, with copious details which easily transport the audience to a different time full of pomp and luxury, but also rife with unforgiving societal pressures and bigoted beliefs. The titular Siren is Evelyn Maltravers, a determined young woman who aspires to not only marry well for the sake of her family, but also to retain her somewhat costly practice of horse riding, one of her greatest joys. She hires a talented man to outfit her for the season, and quickly finds that she and the tailor Ahmad Malik have a romantic attraction which complicates her plans.

The Siren of Sussex has a completely different feel than John Eyre. The latter was based on the classic Jane Eyre, and was very gothic in tone. Siren is its own original story, although many elements are based on historical fact. This becomes abundantly clear in Matthews’ writing. Her research into the time period was quite impressive, as details regarding horseback riding, the current fashion trends, societal issues and fads were copious without being exorbitant. The descriptions of the many dresses and gowns that the women donned were quite thorough; even without photographs I felt like I could see and feel them. As a horsewoman herself, the author is also well versed in details regarding equestrian matters, from minute animal behaviors to the way riders would maintain control of their powerful steeds.

The storytelling of Siren is quite captivating, a quick read without being flimsy. The attraction between Evelyn and Ahmad was quite palpable, sometimes bordering on becoming overly sentimental, but this reader chose to simply sit back and enjoy the colorful romance of it all. As I imagined a younger Kate Winslet in the “role” of Evelyn, this parallels my enjoyment of her part in the movie Titanic, which is also seen as a sentimental (although tragic) film by many. Like Titanic, the lead romantic roles in The Siren of Sussex deal with an intense attraction across class lines. However, Siren also tackles the complex issues facing those of mixed Indian-English heritage at that point in history. Matthews’ personal connection to Indian culture was quite evident, and has most certainly educated her readers in matters we may have been ignorant of or had forgotten. Many of us romanticize England in the 19th century, but there is more to that era than fancy gowns, glittering dancing halls and “proper” etiquette. Siren shines a direct light upon difficulties that are often ignored in many works of romantic historical fiction. While I was entertained by the novel, I also appreciated its perspective from an educational standpoint.

For my conservative readers, I can report that The Siren of Sussex would probably be appropriate for a slightly older audience (later teens and above), but in general the writing is fairly family-friendly. The colorful language is not prominent, and while the romantic elements are palpable, Matthews was quite restrained in several scenes. There is also an element of occultic spiritualism in one subplot, but it is presented as a matter of historical fact and doesn’t hold a tone of endorsement. Crystal ball-readers were quite common during that era, and including it in the narrative felt natural and wasn’t overly dark.

The Siren of Sussex was a great way to start off 2022. Captivating and romantic, Mimi Matthews’ latest work transports the reader to a different time, with a unique and compelling perspective that not only entertains, but informs. The narrative's pace was brisk without feeling rushed, and the conclusion was satisfying and realistic. The protagonists were appealing, and faced obstacles both in the form of human foes and cultural barriers. As a "word nerd" I also appreciated the author's proficiency with the vocabulary of the era. I found myself highlighting "new" words quite often. The Siren of Sussex was a delight to read, and I’m thrilled to know that this is not a standalone title, with more to come in a series, The Belles of London. The next volume, The Belle of Belgrave Square is slated to arrive this fall, and I hope that it will be on my nightstand for reading over the holiday season.

Mimi Matthews is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Her stories are always so engaging and full of historical settings that keep me wanting more!

The romance is, also, always so enjoyable!

The Siren of Sussex is a story about Evelyn; a young woman who has to go outside the box to find love. And she just does it so well!

Evelyn finds love with Ahmad Malik, a half-Indian/half-British tailor who is Evelyn’s equal in so many ways! The relationship between these two just jumps off the pages.

Mimi Matthews writes endearing novels with heart; I am so eager to read more from her!

Perfect for fans of Bridgerton! I liked the equestrian and fashion story lines in this which gave it a somewhat unique spin on a lot of the other historical romance taking place in this time period.

I suppose I should begin by saying that I do not know or care about a) fashion or b) horses - two things that are integral to The Siren of Sussex's plot. But somehow, I found myself wishing I could see Ahmad's creations and really caring about whether Evelyn would be able to keep her horse! That's the mark of great writing. I also loved the "forbidden romance" aspect of the plot; Ahmad and Evelyn are of different classes and races, making a union between them unconventional and ill-advised. Evelyn's determination to make it work - just as she was determined to provide for her family and have a season on her own terms - made her a very endearing heroine. And the chemistry between Evelyn and Ahmad was palpable!

There is a spiritualist subplot here, and I tend to be very leery of anything supernatural. This, however, didn't make me uncomfortable as it wasn't something the main characters put much stock in, and it was a reflection of society at the time. It also led to what I thought was the most humorous moment of the novel.

This is the first book in Matthews' new Belles of London series, and I'm already eagerly awaiting book two!

I have been enjoying historical romances a lot lately, and the Siren of Sussex was no different. The plot of this book was unlike anything I have ever read before! We have Evelyn, our female lead who wants to marry to protect her family from the webs of devastation. She approaches horse-riding in the arena as a way to attract suitors and meets Ahmad Malik, who's a tailor and designs outfits appropriate for horse-riding. Unexpectedly, sparks fly between them from the very moment they first lay eyes on each other, and what follows is a story of "forbidden romance" filled with twists and turns. Many thanks to Berkley Romance and Penguin Random House International for the e-ARC.

I enjoyed reading this book with my whole heart. I couldn't wait to see how Ahmad and Evelyn's story ended, because OH MY GOD the plot was filled with tension - obviously since the pair belonged to different social classes. I loved seeing their friendship grow. The yearning they had for each other, especially since their longing stemmed from the fact that society would never accept their relationship made my heart cry a million times. 😭😭😭 I loved that Evelyn was a feminist, and Ahmed's talent made me feel really proud!!

If you're looking for a closed-door romance with a lot of yearning, pick this one up!!

Why I Chose This Book

I am a big fan of Mimi’s books. I have always enjoyed her books and I like that she dabbles into different genres. She also does a tremendous amount of research for her books and it always shows!

First Initial Thoughts

Evelyn is a young woman who is regarded as a spinster in society. At only the age of 23 many fear that she only has one more season to find a husband. At that time, women were expected to be married by 18. Evelyn was raised by her uncle and aunt who were excentric to others for that time. She often had the freedom to pursue the hobbies she enjoyed, and she found her love in horseback riding. It was getting closer to the season and Evelyn knew she had to find a husband. Even though many regarded her horseback riding as non - ladylike. One day she went to a very popular tailor to have a bespoke riding habit made. There she met Ahmed Malik. She is instantly intrigued by the man who will be making her riding habit. Will he be able to create a masterpiece? A piece that will help her find a husband?
Ahmed Malik has had a rough life. At the age of 30 he is finally creating the life he always dreamed of. He will soon be able to take over the tailor shop he is apprenticing under in 6 months time. He hopes that his forward thinking designs will take notice and that he will be successful in his business. Though he creates bespoke suits and riding habits, he really wants to design women’s gowns and dresses. That is where his true talent lies. Even though he is talented at his work, he is often worried that his race will interfere with his success. At that time it was extremely challenging for any colored person to achieve success. Especially the half Indian population in Britain had a hard time, due to the British colonization in India. Though he is bound and determined, especially because he wants to help his sister Mira have a better life than they had in the past.

When he meets Evelyn, everything changes. He is excited to commission her clothing. There was a slight attraction right from the start and it was cute to read. Though he doubts anyone of his station would be allowed in her circle.

Setting

Mimi usually sets her books in the Regency era or around that time period. This is the first book she has written a story in the late 19th century. She brought London to life in this novel. It was easy to picture what London was like during the late 19th century. For example, I never heard of the Omnibus, which is like the famous red buses today but on horses. Also, this was taken place right after Prince Albert’s death and it was interesting to learn how society was affected and influenced by such an event.

Final Thoughts

Evelyn and Ahmed are perfect together. It was adorable to read their romance blossom from the very beginning. I liked that they both had an instant attraction to each other but remained modest around one another. Ahmed saw Evelyn’s true beauty and I think that is why it was easy for him to create such a masterpiece. He had a true talent for seeing the real person he was designing for. I think that is why his designs were so popular. He didn’t design for the trends - he designed what would fit the client well and suit their personality. And today I still think that rings true. I think designers who design for the client in every way succeed more than the designer who simply just makes designs according to what’s popular.

While this book touches on the hard life Ahmed and his sister endured before he got his job at the tailor, the main takeaway is that we all have an internal struggle to see our true selves. We struggle to see our true ability to create the life we want and showcase the talents we possess. We fear what others will think of and of course the failures that we may encounter. However, this story shows that yes there may be failures in life but if we keep on going towards the goal that we want we can achieve the life we have always dreamed of. While those dreams may not play out exactly as you imagined, it will be the life you enjoy and love.

This was such a unique book written by Mimi and I love that she tries so many different genres and succeeds in every single one! She truly has a talent for writing a story and personally connecting you with the characters. And The Siren of Sussex was no exception!

Would I Recommend?

Yes! If you are a fan of Mimi’s books you don’t want to miss this latest one. While this is not clearly a Christian book, I found the story to be clean.

Evelyn Maltravers has come to London aware that she can only afford to have one season and that she needs to make the most of it. While she would easily be outshone in the ballroom, her best asset is her horsewomanship (pretend that that’s a word). To accentuate her equestrian skills, she needs a riding habit with style and panache. She needs a riding habit to die for. She needs a riding habit made by London’s most up-and-coming tailor, Ahmad Malik.

Ahmad Malik first gained his talent with a needle while working as a doorman at one of London’s seediest brothels. Tall, strong, handsome, and half-Indian, Ahmad doesn’t fit into the world of either his dead mother or his unknown father. It’s an uphill battle to achieve recognition for his avant-garde Victorian designs, but when a group of high class courtesans known as the Pretty Horsebreakers commission riding habits from him, he catches the attention of a few society women. Sought out by Evelyn Maltravers, Ahmad realizes that she has the figure, the flair, and the enterprise to bring his work into vogue.

The creative process of the design and fitting of the new habits puts Ahmad and Evelyn in close quarters. As Evelyn comes to learn more about Ahmad’s world, she is drawn to him like a lodestone. But to lose her heart to a half-Indian tailor would be to fail in her mission to make a wealthy marriage, a marriage that can provide seasons for her younger sisters and security for herself. Ahmad’s own ambitions are similarly threatened by the growing attraction between them–Evelyn Maltravers, the darling of society, is in a position to advance his career in a way that Evelyn Malik, the wife of an immigrant tailor would never be able to do.

As the romantic tension between the two increases, all the things that stand in the way of a happily ever after–race, class, Evelyn’s family, Ahmad’s ambitions–pile together to make a seemingly insurmountable difficulty. But in the end, our hero and heroine find a way to demolish the obstacles together. The plot is a skillful unfolding of character as Ahmad and Evelyn learn to know and love each other in a way that still allows them to be true to their other obligations.

Mimi Matthews writes highly emotional and passionate romance, but without the sexual content found in most recent romances. This is probably the most sensual book in her canon, whether due to being picked up by a new publisher, or due to the fact that it is about a gentleman tailor fitting clothes for a lady, but it still fits the category of clean romance.

This book is the first in a new Mimi Matthews series called Belles of London. I assumed at first that it was an entirely new venture, but I was delighted to discover that it also ties into her previous series, Parish Orphans of Devon, where Ahmad was a supporting character in Jenny and Finchley’s travels to India. Readers of sweet and swoon-worthy romances will be delighted with The Siren of Sussex and wondering when the next title will arrive. Soon, please?

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

4.5 stars

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Mathews is a historical romance centered around Evelyn Maltravers, a young woman determined to marry well to protect her sisters, and Ahmad Malik, a young man determined to become a successful dressmaker. The differences in their social stations are one of the major conflicts in the novel, and while reading I had difficulty predicting how they would manage to get their happily ever after. (They do, though! Any book that markets itself as a romance but doesn’t have an HEA is an automatic 1-star rating). As a result, there is a lot of yearning in this book. I also loved how Ahmad is able to show his love for Evelyn in the clothes he makes her.

I think The Siren of Sussex is a great read for historical romance fans who are looking for a hero that isn’t the duke/earl/aristocrat we see so often. However, I do not recommend this novel for readers looking for something super steamy.

The cover of The Siren of Sussex alone had me itching to read it! Although it was one of my most-anticipated books of 2022, it ended up being a little disappointing. I have been loving forbidden romances lately so I really enjoyed Evelyn and Ahmad individual stories as well as their attraction and respect for each other. There were quite a few swoon-worthy moments and the author did such a good job of creating chemistry and tension in the quieter moments between them. I did struggle with the very slow pace of the story and the extensive details on the clothes and clothes-fittings. I wanted more from the characters versus so much detail, but the second half did improve greatly.

Read if you like:
-Regency fashion
-Horseback riding
-Headstrong heroines
-Forbidden romances
-Slow burn
-Diverse couples

Thank you so much to @berkleyromance and @netgalley for the gifted copy!

Can a daring, independent-minded equestrian and a brilliant, half-Indian dressmaker overcome the pressures of fashionable society to find love and happiness in Victorian London? That’s the premise of Mimi Matthew’s new novel The Siren of Sussex, and I have to admit, I was so intrigued that I could hardly wait to dive in.

Evelyn Maltravers, a highly accomplished horsewoman, has come to London with a selfless plan: to make a match that will rescue her family from ruin. The only way to attract a suitor, she believes, is to make a favorable impression on horseback—an arena in which she is highly skilled. To accomplish that, she enlists the aid of Ahman Malik, a devastatingly handsome half-English, half-Indian tailor who designs the stunning riding habits worn by a popular group of ladies known as the Pretty Horsebreakers.

Evelyn and Ahmad are attracted to each other at first sight, feelings they both struggle to control through a series of intimate dress fittings that are scorchingly depicted via longing glances and lingering touches. Evelyn is torn between her duty to her family to marry well and her growing regard for Ahmad. A working-class man of color, Ahmad is in no financial situation to support Evelyn, and knows that society would never approve of a relationship between them—and his inner turmoil and desire to do what is best for Evelyn is painfully and lovingly expressed.

However, despite the new and increasingly complex obstacles that are thrown in the couple’s way, the depth of their growing mutual admiration creates a sweet and tender bond between them that neither can ignore. The novel sizzles with sexual tension, yet is a completely clean and proper read, with a swoonworthy hero, a feminist heroine you can’t help but root for, and a well-developed plot filled with rich historical detail.

The riding-habits and gowns that Ahmad creates are exquisitely described, highlighting his unique talents. The author’s passion for horses and expertise in the field of horseback riding add a great deal to the story. A subplot involving the Victorians’ obsession with the spiritual realm is intriguing and well-handled. I was dying to see how the author would wrap up the relationship between these two worthy individuals who had found their way into my heart. The ending was everything I hoped it would be—and more—with an unexpected and completely satisfying twist.

The novel is full of lovely, meaningful, and highly quotable sentiments. Here’s one of my favorites:

“But wonderful things didn’t happen because one was cautious. They happened because one dared.”

I’ve read and loved Matthews’s Parish Orphans of Devon series and it was a delight to see Ahmad (who was featured in A Modest Independence) get a book of his own. There are also appearances by several other characters from that book. The Siren of Sussex can absolutely be read as a standalone, but I recommend that you check out Matthews’s other books in that series as well.

Impeccably researched, brimming with passion and chemistry, and a loving tribute to Victorian fashion and horsemanship, The Siren of Sussex is a page-turning, powerful, and endearing love story about two people rising above the pressures of society to follow their hearts. A five-star fantastic read!

I love a book that delves into common, real-world life, allowing the reader to dive into a wonderful world of escape, while maintaining a level of relatability. I loved how the characters weren't your typical heroes. Instead, they represented a unique aspect and the deep research was obvious and appreciated.

Matthews is shockingly talented at drawing a reader right in from the very first page and I found the characters, Evelyn and Ahmad, both captivating and endearing. Evelyn is no stranger to mistaken identity, as many see her as a bluestocking, and works hard to maintain hope, while Ahmad struggles to truly fit in and belong. They each see something in the other that others overlook and as their friendship grows, the subtle chemistry simmers in an underlying current.

This story was enchanting and delightful and I can't wait for more!

Content: mild language; mild romance; mild innuendo

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

This title was fine, I don’t like books that are closed door, so it didnt work for me. It’s getting a lot of hype, which is fine, but I was not as overwhelmed as others have been.

This was an enticing entry in a new series, and I'm hoping it will circ well at my library so that I can purchase future installments. My personal experience with this book was enjoyable but it didn't stand out to me as anything particularly special. I have to say I enjoyed seeing a mixed-race main love interest and I think that the author did a lot of research in regards to the historical context which I appreciated. The book is so detailed in its discussion of the clothing of the era that I would definitely recommend it to any readers who are interested in that topic. The romance is believable and I was invested in the couple. The side plot about spiritualism added a fun touch. And I really enjoyed our heroine and her journey towards independence. I like my romance with a little more steam, but this is definitely a great option for romance readers who like things to be a bit more chaste on the page. Overall it just didn't blow me away but I'm interested to see how readers respond at my library.

It’s only the beginning of January, and I already know I’ve read one of my top ten books for 2022. Mimi Matthews has completely taken my breath away with her stunning writing style. Not only does she pull you into the setting, the time period, and the story, but she somehow manages to pull you into the minds of both our main characters. So much in fact that it’s hard to take a break from reading and live in the real world. I could not put this book down, did not want to put this book down. There was too much at stake.

First let’s talk about Matthews’ research. Her ability to weave in so many historical details were amazing. Not just your typical things to find in a story – how people acted, dressed, spoke and lived. This was so much more. She brought emotion to the story, emotions that people probably did feel in that time period based on their status, their race, their trade. While doing so, she also made it relatable to current times. I really cannot explain it other than to say it took my breath away. Ahmad’s character in particular. He was so aware of how “people” perceived him, both because of his Indian origin, and his trade. His emotions were so authentically written as well. No agendas. No hidden context. Just true to character form, in a way that really makes you think about the way we (as in society) used to and to some extent still do, treat people. Not only did Ahmad put a guard around himself, he protected those he cared about. I can’t really go more into it because I don’t want to spoil, but let’s just say his heart for helping others is just so sweet.

Then there’s the romance. Oh my word the romance. It is slow burning, sizzling, sparks flying everywhere, toe curling smooches, go reach for a fan, fantastic. I mean, Matthews keeps it clean, and this is reader is thankful for that. She really does show how you can write something that gets the temperature rising, while maintaining cleanness, elegance, and respect for the readers. Perfectly. Masterfully. Poetically. Ahmad and Evelyn made the story so much more than I expected it to be. They defied so many things of their time, and yet showed the beauty of love. True love. No matter the class, nationality, trade, or societal role.

The Siren of Sussex is a must read for historical romance fans. Matthew’s delightful plot line, swoony hero, breathtaking romance, and powerful messages will have readers turning the pages into the late hours of the night. I highly recommend reading this book. It would be a disservice to yourself if you didn’t 😉

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Siren of Sussex is both sweet and strong. The heroine is a young equestrienne who loves fashion and her family, and the hero is a kind and talented half-Indian tailor with a dream to open his own shop. The novel grapples with race, class, societal expectations and labor protections for the working class, but never feels too heavy. At its heart, Mimi Matthews has written a soft and hopeful romance (with no steam) that sets up the world and women of the Belles of London. I cannot wait for the next installment!

I grew up reading Regency romances, and the surge of reclaimed and reimagined visions of the past in the Regency genre has been so lovely to see. From romances that center feminist suffragettes to this delight of a romance, The Siren of Sussex, romance writers are centering strong female protagonists in historic times and circumstances in which they didn't always have power. Highly recommend, in particular for fans of Evie Dunmore!

One year after her older sister’s season ended in scandal Evelyn is in London to save her family’s reputation and insure that her younger sisters will eventually stand a chance of making suitable matches. Evelyn meets a gifted tailor, Ahmad, who sews the most amazing riding habits as well as gorgeous gowns. As they get to know each other a friendship grows to stronger feelings that will pose challenges, to be sure. This HR addresses differences in race, culture and class. I was drawn into the story by the slow burn romance that Mimi Matthews developed between the main characters. I loved revisiting characters from a previous novel by Matthews (A Modest Independence). It was lovely to see Ahmad take center stage. Recommended to fans of the HR genre. I look forward to the next book in the series due out in October 2022.

I discovered Mimi Matthews’ books a couple years ago and instantly became a fan. So I always get very excited when she has a new release and jump at any opportunity to read it.
I loved the connection to the Parish Orphans of Devon series since we were first introduced to Ahmad in the second book. He was an intriguing character so it was cool for him to get a story all of his own. His dedication and passion for his work was clearly evident in every thing he did and it was very admirable.
Evelyn had some fanciful ideas but overall she was rather sensible and was willing to do whatever necessary to accomplish her plans.
The two of them were well suited despite the class and cultural differences that created a myriad of obstacles for their relationship.
The descriptions of all of the fashion as well as constant horse talk did bog down the story at times but you could tell that the author had done prolific research and deeply cared about the subjects.
Also, as a PSA for those who care: There was a decent bit of mention about spiritualism, seances, crystal balls, and the like. The main characters themselves didn’t buy into all of it and it was all historically accurate so it didn’t bother me much but I know other people might take issue with it.
Overall this was a well-written story that certainly won’t be usurping my favorites of hers but was still an enjoyable read!

Mimi Matthews knows how to build the sexual tension in a way that's ultimately satisfying without ever letting you inside the bedroom. In this first book in her new "Belles of London" series, Matthews delivers a sweet yet swoony, star-crossed romance while setting up characters for future books.

You might say this series is a spin-off of her "Parish Orphans of Devon" series because several characters from the second book in that series star in "The Siren of Sussex." However, you don't need to have read those fantastic books, to enjoy or understand this one. Your appetite will just be whetted to read them as well!

In "Siren," heroine Evelyn Maltravers comes to London to stay with her spiritualist Uncle and spend one season husband-hunting in the hopes of saving her family from ruin. Instead of finding a rich lord, she meets a gifted tailor, an Indian-Englishman named Ahmad Malik, whom she first commissions to make her a flattering riding habit. After losing his patroness, he soon asks Evelyn to be his marketing partner by wearing his gowns at her society functions. Despite the obstacles of their different classes, races and family obligations a flirtatious courtship ensues.

This beautiful green cover drew me to this book and to the wonderful collection of works of Matthews. I'm looking forward to the next book, "The Belle of Belgrave Square," starring the mysterious Captain Blunt and social anxiety ridden Lady Julia (that's totally me!). Matthews has become an auto-buy for me!