Mimi Matthew’s The Siren of Sussex was a fun romance, with likable characters and a great cast of side characters (who I expect will have future books of their own). I liked that this wasn’t your typical Victorian era romance where the Girl gets the Duke… instead, she falls in love with her Indian dressmaker. I felt like the author handled the topic of British colonization in India very well. This book is going to be a big hit with anyone who loves reading about fashion and fancy dresses - the descriptions were beautiful! My only small qualm was that the couple seemed to resolve their issues with a little too much easy - everything just sort of fell together without them having to work for it too much. Overall though, an enjoyable read. I will definitely pick up more titles by this author!

This is an enjoyable diverse historical romance. I would definitely pick up more in this series. I'm glad to see there are more books planned in this universe.

Accomplished horsewoman Evelyn has come to London to find a husband. She needs to assure the financial future of herself and her younger sisters. She's a woman who knows her own strengths, so she decides to call attention to herself with her horseback riding skill rather than her skill in the ballroom. She'll need a fine riding habit, so she engages a tailor who turns out to be not the elderly gentleman she expected, but a very handsome and accomplished younger man. This story has it all -- great romance, plus a sensitive exploration of race and class in Regency England that rings true for readers today. I look forward to recommending this title to romance readers who appreciate a little more depth.

Fans of Victorian romance will love this first book in a new series, The Belles of London. Using a delightful combination of fashion and horses, Mimi Matthews draws the reader in right away. Evelyn is an incredibly strong protagonist, and her determination to save her family is admirable. The point of view changes between Evelyn and Ahmad, and this makes the book stronger in my opinion. The fine points of Victorian fashion have been well researched, and the author’s knowledge of horses is obvious. Ahmad’s fight to succeed in both business and love in a prejudiced society is well told. The cast of characters is so likable and makes the story even more enjoyable. I certainly hope we’ll be seeing them again in this series. The romance is not rushed or overdone, and the inclusion of horses just puts it over the top for me. The Siren of Sussex jumps all the hurdles and gallops into your heart with a romance that should not be missed.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Austenprose PR. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

I've read several books by Mimi Mattews but I think that this one may be my favorite so far. Historical fiction with interracial romance at a time in history when class and gender were still not on equal terms caught my attention. Ahmed is a half-Indian tradesman, a man somewhat jaded with his life experiences but who dreams of becoming his own man. Evelyn is a gentleman's daughter, orphaned, and now tasked with the responsibility of marrying well so that her sisters could have a good life. I wondered how the author was going to pull off this complex romance. But of course, she succeeds beautifully.

Matthews knows how to begin her stories so that the reader's interest is quickly piqued. I was pulled along as she deftly created her characters and paced her romance just right. Both Evelyn and Ahmed are strong main characters supported by a good cast of secondary characters. The author knows how to create romantic tension and passion all while keeping it clean as a novel. Ahmed is swoon worthy and Evelyn knows her own mind. They make a memorable couple. And if you love fashion, the author describes such beautiful dress and riding habit creations and fashion trends.

Matthew's stories always have me googling stuff that she introduces in her novels, like the Pretty Horsebreakers and also the spiritualism movement, which I did not realize was so prevalent back then. As a Christian, I was grateful this aspect of the story is only part of the backdrop of what some in this Victorian-era believed and not practiced by the main characters. However, there is a séance scene.

This was a great start to what promises to be another worthwhile series from an author who doesn't shy away from exploring topics that were once swept under the rug, misunderstood or stigmatized. I look forward to reading the next books in this series!

So, I was a little slow in getting totally interested in this story. I wasn’t sure where it was going or how it was going to get there. But, the more I read, the more interesting it became. I enjoyed the historical background throughout the story and appreciated the research that had to have gone into a story of this magnitude.

Evelyn was written as a strong, captivating woman who had thoughts and opinions that were unheard of during that time. And, falling in love with someone from a lower class and culture was definitely unheard of. I was fascinated by how the two of them interacted and the slow burn between them. There were several references to Evie’s sister Fanny that, even though it affected how Evelyn would have been perceived in polite society, seemed irrelevant to this storyline. And, unfortunately, I was totally thrown off by the “spirit” side of this story and how it played into what would have been a beautiful love story.

Ahmad was very interesting. In fact, I found myself drawn more to him that I was Evie. Trying to make his way through a prejudicial society, trying to figure out his feelings for Evie but not bring more turmoil to her life was interesting to read. He was very protective and, when he did make his move, it was thoroughly thought through and calculated. I appreciated his wanting to protect Evie from being snubbed by the “Ton” but, he loved a woman who had a mind of her own and who’s only concern was her family back in Sussex.

I enjoyed reading The Siren of Sussex. Unfortunately, it didn’t thoroughly captivate me. I appreciated the ending and was thrilled with their happily-ever-after and how it came about.

Read if you like: unlikely romance, strong female characters.
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Evelyn comes to London to participate in the season in the hopes of gaining a husband, but she believes that she won't have a lot of luck in the marriage mart. So she hires Ahmad to make her a beautiful riding habit to wow society on horseback. Evie and Ahmad strike an unlikely friendship and they both start of question what it is they want in life.
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I loved our main characters. Evie was strong and kind, willing to try to make a good match for her younger siblings. Ahmad is half Indian and has to work extremely hard to be taken seriously as a tailor, but he is determined to have a successful business.
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I loved the romance and tension in this book and I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen.
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CW: racism, sexism, classism, death of a parent, violence.

Mimi Matthews, in the first of her new Victorian romance series, has used an unusual premise to once again captivate her readers: a romance between a bluestocking equestrienne and a mixed-race tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers has come to London to find a wealthy husband. This is her one chance to secure her own future and that of her younger sisters. Her only asset, she believes, is the ability to sit a horse well, and if wearing a riding habit made by Messers. Doyle and Heppenstall, Tailors, she is sure to catch the eye of a potential suitor.

Evelyn is surprised that the designer and maker of the riding habits she so admires is a half-Indian half-English tailor by the name of Ahmad Malik. While Evelyn does draw attention riding in Rotten Row with other equestriennes, the mutual attraction between her and Ahmad complicates her plans, as does the resurfacing of an old family scandal.

I have enjoyed Mimi Matthew's novels in the past and this one was no exception. She brings to this novel not only two endearing romantic leads, but also her familiarity with Victorian society. This, she successfully blends with her equine knowledge, to share a delightful romance that is nurtured away from the usual drawing rooms and ballrooms of high society.

This novel is filled with wonderful descriptions of the habits and gowns that Ahmad designs and creates. His comments regarding colour and fabrics, and understanding how a garment is constructed, draw the reader into a very different world not often portrayed in romantic novels.

And then there are the descriptions of the horses that Evelyn and her group ride which also enhance the uniqueness of this romance.

While a shared future for Evelyn and Ahmad seemed doubtful given their places in society but knowing that they would get their happy-ever-after at some point, not being able to imagine how this would come about kept me invested in Evelyn's and Ahmad's story. The outcome was plausible and very satisfactory.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Fans of historical romance fiction will love Mimi Matthews’ latest book, The Siren of Sussex. This sizzling novel set in Victorian England features two unlikely main characters. Crossing class and race, Ahmad Malik and Evelyn Maltreavers are two to root for. The unconventional relationship may not raise eyebrows today, but was taboo in the 1800s. To say the two had chemistry from the start is an understatement. 😉 While overall a clean read, the tension between the two will have romance readers swooning. (Please note: that this book is targeted towards a general market reader.) Matthews does a great job of placing the reader into the time and place of mid-19th century England. Historical details are evidence of thorough research. The culture and mores of the time ring true. All aspects of society are covered — from brothel to tradesmen to Mayfair drawing rooms. Adding the world of fashion and the Victorian’s interest in spiritualism ramped up my interest.

If you are already a Mimi Matthews fan, you will enjoy her latest with cameos of characters from previous novels. If you haven’t read anything by Matthews, but are a dedicated historical romance reader, you definitely need to check this one out.

Audience: adults.

It’s always a treat to read a Mimi Matthews book, and the premise of this one greatly intrigued me. A plucky, courageous, determined heroine Evelyn Maltravers whose only perceived advantage is her horsemanship meets a talented, daring, half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik and the sparks fly. As they push the boundaries of fashionable society in London in the 1860s, heads start to turn in more ways than one.

I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters as they got to know each other. With a strong cast of secondary characters that set us up for the rest of the series, this story is filled with colorful imagery and evokes the spirit of the setting and time period. Matthews’s writing is impeccable and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to her next book. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

"The Siren of Sussex": 4⭐

As I said when I started reading this book, I loved it! There's something about victorian England that absolutely fascinates me! Mimi wrote such an explendid story about how feminism came to be in an England where women were still obnoxiously seen as objects. Mimi wrote characters, so vivid, you can really feel what they're feeling and imagine living there with them.
The main character, Evelyn, the belle of the ball and the pretty equestrienne, is one of the best protagonists I found in romance: fierce, a mind speaker and a heart render, a woman with passion and selflessness and at that, one with a gorgeous stalion.
I mean, then, we have the Mr. Malik, the dressmaker, the amazing male protagonist of this novel. Oh, how I swooned over their love story! It was stunningly produced, with all their intimate moments and their beautiful interactions.
Also, PLEASE! The Furies, The Pretty Horsebreakers, The 3 Musketeers, ugh I loved them so much! Anne, Julia and Stella, I loved how Evelyn fit so wonderfully with them and how fast they became friends! I loved Anne especially, she had a profound connection with Evie, it was really interesting to read about!
Overall, a fantastic story, featuring horses, a ballroom scene, a swoon-worthy romance and characters so strong, with a mind of their own, they'll make you fall in love the minute you read the first paragraph! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Evelyn “Evie” Maltravers has no desire to have a London season, or to find a husband. She’s happy in Sussex, at the home of her aunt, living with her younger sisters, and riding her beloved horse. Yet, circumstances have caused Evie to abandon her comfortable life and head to town to seek a wealthy husband, one who can support the introduction to society of her younger siblings. Evie knows that the current rage is fashionable courtesans parading in their designer riding habits. If Evie can only have one of those beautiful outfits made for her, she knows that she can outshine any other woman on horseback, thus, perhaps attracting a suitor. Evie discovers that the man who creates the extraordinary riding habits is not the man she believed, but one behind the scenes.

Ahmad Malik is the offspring of a British soldier and an Indian woman. He and his younger cousin, Mira, made their way to England, where Ahmad did his best to support them. Over the years, Ahmad worked as a tailor, but discovered that he had a passion for designing beautiful clothes for women. His talent has led him to become a silent partner in a well established clothing business, an agreement which will allow him to take over the shop when the current owner retires. When Ahmad sees Evie, he immediately senses that she’s different from all the other English women he’s met. She treats him respectfully, and in a straightforward manner. After watching her ride, Ahmad knows that he must design an outfit for her. He also can’t help but feel a strong, but unwanted attraction for Evie.

Evie is very pragmatic in her search for a husband. She’s not looking for love, just a man who fills her requirements. There is something very special and different about Ahmad, though. There’s no doubt he is an extremely handsome man, but there is something else about him that seems to call out to her. Every time they meet for fittings, his touch causes her to feel things unlike anything she’s known. Ahmad has suffered from ignorant people’s bigotry, while at the same time, being subject to the secret advances from women who desire him as a plaything. He’s had to walk a fine line, trying not to insult the women who could greatly help his career, yet maintaining his integrity, and not giving in to sexual blackmail. Eventually, Evie and Ahmad enter into a partnership, one where he will provide her a beautiful wardrobe, and she will promote him as the designer.

As Evie and Ahmad spend more time together, he learns her true reason for seeking a wealthy husband, and he respects her decision. Though he never imagined he could have Evie for his own, his circumstances certainly dictate that he could never support her. Their longing for each other and their desire, which they both try to keep in check, just oozes off the pages. The chemistry between this couple is wonderfully written, and they are so likeable and sympathetic. Once again, Mimi Matthews has penned a beautiful story, which, while detailing the hardships of women, as well as the prejudice shown to Ahmad and others, shows the strength of genuine love, and how good and deserving people can prevail over adversity. I was totally lost in the story right from the start. Evie and Ahmad felt real to me, and I couldn’t wait for them to find their way to being together. Evie’s friends have their own appeal, and I eagerly look forward to their stories. I highly recommend THE SIREN OF SUSSEX for readers who enjoy history, as well as an encompassing, warm, emotional, and swoonworthy romance.

This book contains worlds within it: general Victorian England, a woman's place within society, the way immigrants were viewed, friendships, threats, horse riding, clothing.... And it does all of this while never losing focus of its main purpose, which is the developing love between two strong and caring people.

While I don't normally gravitate towards instant attraction (somewhat hypocritically, because I felt insta-attraction when my husband and I first met), this is definitely a book that should be picked up and loved. It's expertly constructed, covers the issues of the day with a slightly modern tilt, and delivers on a fantastically developed sweet romance suitable for all ages. And, maybe one of the things I loved most of all, there are compelling women friendships which make me excited to read the rest of the series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 4.5 stars, a definite recommend.

Thank you to @berkleyromance and @austenprose for the opportunity to review this book. My opinions are my own.

There is no doubt that Mimi Matthews is an excellent writer. And this novel in particular is very well researched. The language, setting, and details were all excellent. I confess that I was worried for a few chapters that all the dressmaking terminology would be overwhelming and tedious. But gradually my love for the characters and their plights outweighed the slight annoyance I felt at the endless talk of ladies’ décolletage. I particularly enjoyed Evie’s friendships with the other 3 equestriennes and I look forward to their subsequent books (which were overtly hinted at in this one). I LOVED Ahmad. He is one of my new favorite romantic heroes. And I also found all of the spiritualism craze references extremely interesting.

(For those who occasionally ask me about these things…this Victorian romance has only a few kisses and no curse words.)

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for supplying me with this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Review excerpted from my blog post over at Titillated Termagant Romance Reviews (https://titillatedtermagant.wordpress.com/2022/01/28/the-siren-of-sussex-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: 12

Love story speed: Medium burn, instant attraction

Relationship dynamics: The Bluestocking Equestrienne (h) / The Indian Tailor (H)

Physical descriptions: Ahmad is described as tall, handsome, and muscular, with copper-coloured skin, black hair and dark eyes. Evelyn is described as at least 5’6″, with a “generous bosom” and hips, narrow waist, glasses, auburn hair and hazel eyes.

Sexual content: A smidge; off-page and only vaguely alluded to. Kissing on-page.

Triggers: Historical racism which greatly impacts the hero and supporting characters; Unwanted advances (both H and h, not from each other)

Grammar/Editing: This ARC had a few typos and some unusual phrasing that I have seen in previous books from this author (i.e. “in the meanwhile” vs. the more usual “in the meantime” and “Meanwhile, …”)

Review: This medium-paced book is set primarily in Victorian London, as well as (briefly) in Sussex. As is usual with Matthews’ work, this book is very well-researched and the story is well-placed within its historical context. The book also features an equestrian focus, which means she has researched and included a fair amount of horse-related terminology. Readers who aren’t sure of the meanings of some of this terminology might want to keep Google nearby while reading.

The main characters in this book are Ahmad and Evelyn. Ahmad made his first appearance in the Parish Ophans of Devon series (a series that is worth checking out, if you haven’t already – you can find all of my reviews of those books, and others by Matthews, here (https://titillatedtermagant.wordpress.com/category/authors/matthews-mimi/). He is half Indian and half English, which makes him somewhat of an outcast in both societies. He is also calm, strong, thoughtful, and an extremely talented tailor. Evelyn is meant to be the saviour of her sisters, having a season in London so that they might also have the opportunity in the future. She is an accomplished equestrienne and a closet (at least in her own mind) bluestocking. She is also very modern in the sense that she does not subscribe to the racist beliefs of the society in which she was raised; she seeks to understand Ahmad’s life experiences through his own lens rather than the English lens. Their relationship is one of mutual benefit – a partnership – that neither thinks can go anywhere. But, they eventually realize that there is no alternative for them; they are meant for each other. The supporting characters are made up of recurring characters from Matthews’ other books, as well as a new set of characters that will clearly feature throughout this new series. Indeed, Matthews sets up the series rather well. It is fairly clear who will be featured in the subsequent books, and each character is given a good start to their development in this book, starting with the fact that they are actually supportive to the main characters, which is something I always enjoy. The only point of dissatisfaction for me is that the villain, while effectively written, embodies a fairly well-used trope and their “comeuppance”, while realistic, was not terribly satisfying.

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

In 1862, Evelyn Maltravers enters a London tailors shop and meets half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik. Sparks immediately fly between the pair, but a match between them pushes boundaries. Evelyn also pushes boundaries as an equestrienne from a family with a history of scandal.

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction, enjoy Victorian settings, and have enjoyed several Mimi Matthews books in the past.

This was a wonderful, engrossing read. I loved the pairing of Evelyn and Ahmad. They are an unexpected but delightful match, and I found myself reading past my bedtime to see what would happen next.

As always, Mimi Matthews does a beautiful job transporting readers to the Victorian era with her language and rich descriptions. She has an unusual gift for going beyond mere descriptions to actually evoking a time and place.

I recommend The Siren of Sussex highly for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone who loves the Victorian era. I look forward to upcoming reads in this new Belles of London series.

Mimi Matthews never disappoints. Her writing offers rich views about delicate circumstances. Mimi includes all the love and sweet romance you want. The Siren of Sussex has it all, delivering a realistic look at Britain in the 19th century. Blatant racism and classism included.

Evelyn enjoys being with her horse more than anything in the world. Unfortunately, Evie’s older sister runs off and shirks her familial duty. Thus, leaving the job to Evelyn. This newfound duty forces Evie to form a plan to find a husband. One that offers her sisters a chance at making their own matches. This plan includes showing up on Rotten Row in the most splendid riding habit imaginable. And to do that, she needs a special tailor for the job. Ahmad Malik is nothing like she expected to find in a tailor, but that doesn’t stop her from ordering her new habit. A bond forms between creator and muse, but will this bond tear Evelyn’s life apart?

Characters
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved Evie. She is strong, spunky, and too down on herself. She thinks the only way a man will notice her is from her riding skill, which is a silly notion. Women tend to have those thoughts, making Evie feel like a real person. Evie made great friends, and the women’s rapport speaks volumes. Each friend offers something the others don’t. These offerings make them unique and special.

Ahmad took a little getting used to. His stern demeanor makes him feel offputting. But, I understand why he acts this way, which allows me to forgive his faults. He refuses to allow Evie to endure one day of humiliation or sadness in his arms. So, he acts in ways that make me angry even though I admire him for putting Evie’s feelings first. Like a typical man, though, he thinks he knows what’s best for her without giving her an inch to put forth her thoughts.

Setting
I am always thrilled to return to Mayfair. This section of London makes me wish for times long gone when I could live and dream in such grandeur and beauty. I would love to ride down Rotten Row on my noble steed. One visit to Grosvenor Square would sate me my whole life through. And, no one gives you London the same way Mimi Matthews does. She gives us the grandness of Mayfair, but she also journeys to the East End full of rank smells and rowdy men. Mimi makes me feel I know London even though I’ve barely been out of my home state of Indiana, let alone out of the country. It’s nice to travel with other readers.

Further Thoughts
Mimi usually gives me everything I could ask for in a book and more. That is also true this time around, though I did feel a bit confused. This book is the first of the series but felt like the second or third. The background information dribbles out, but in a way that I found wanting. I wanted to know so much more about what felt like hints. I am sure that more will come out in the later novels, but this was a tiny bit of a let-down.

Wrapping Up
I award The Siren of Sussex 4 out of 5 stars. It was so much fun learning about middle-class London through Ahmad. To see life through the eyes of mixed heritage left me wanting so much more. If you get the chance, pick this one up. Interestingly, I did not cry at this one but loved it all the same.

Evelyn Maltravers knows that her future hangs by a thread. She is an orphan and the family hopes had all been placed on her beautiful older sister. After her sister has scandalously run off with a neighbor, Evelyn knows it’s up to her to find a suitable match to help out her younger sisters. She travels to London to stay with her uncle. She decides to stand out from the crowd, that she will order a beautiful riding habit and show off her riding skills.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has made a name for himself designing beautiful and unique riding habits for the Rotten Row’s infamous “Petty Horsebreakers.” His dream is to own his own shop and he is trying to get unique gowns worn by someone in society to market his skills. When Evelyn Maltravers stops by his shop to order a new riding habit, he realizes that she may be the person who can market his designs. As he gets to know her, he discovers that he has feelings for her. Will these two be able to pass the hurdles that society places on them to find their destinies?

I LOVED this novel. In particular items I enjoyed included:
- The cover is gorgeous, and it also matches that description in the novel.
- Evelyn is an independent and unique character. As I also wear glasses, I love that she wears them and tells people the truth that she actually wants to be able to see.
- Speaking of glasses, I love that Ahmad designed Evelyn’s dresses with pockets so that she could put her glasses in them. I want functioning pockets on all of my clothing now and can’t always find them!
- Ahmad Malik is a unique and honorable character. I loved his artistic vision, but also his caring for his family and friends.
- The book faces the fact that as a half Indian man in Victorian England, Ahmad faced prejudice and had a harder time trying to build a business and find love.
- Evelyn also makes it clear that trying to catch a husband is a serious affair. She is not just a giggly girl. Having a husband is the only way she as a woman during the Victorian era, can make sure that her and her sisters have support.
- The book also looked at double standards. Her neighbor, Anthony, ran off with her sister, Fenny, and hasn’t married her to keep his inheritance. Anthony’s family won’t let him marry her because she has lived with a man that is unmarried – Anthony! The hypocrisy with the situation is shocking, but also sad because this was how things worked in that time.
- Evelyn loves to ride horses and trained her horse herself. She is proud of it and doesn’t shy away from her strengths.
- Lady Heatherton was a great villain. She only thinks about herself and her needs and is ruthless.
- The spiritualism subplot was interesting. I know it was very in vogue during that time period in England and the United States. Poor Evelyn is not amused by her uncle’s obsession with it.
- I loved the author’s note which detailed the real history that was used in the novel. I also thought the discussion questions looked interesting. This would make a great book club book.
- This is the start of a new series, the Belles of London, and I want to read more. Evelyn’s friends were all interesting and unique and I want to learn more about them. I in particular also loved the mysterious Captain Blunt in this novel. I was excited to see in the excerpt for the new novel (The Belle of Belgrave Square) found at the end of this book, he will be prominently included!
- The Siren of Sussex is a clean read.

Overall, The Siren of Sussex is an engaging new historical romance with great characters, romance, historical details, and conflict. I highly recommend it.

Book Source: Review Copy from Berkley Publishing as a part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I like the semantics of the blurb with all the horse-riding jargon. Well, as you can imagine, the dressmaking or fashion lingo is amazing in The Siren of Sussex. You may think that it makes sense as the main protagonist is a tailor, yes, but that does not take away the amazing descriptions that you read about the clothing, be it riding habits or gowns, or the cloth that is used, etc. Exceptional! and I do not even know half of the things that are describe about these attires!

Let’s go with the protagonists now:

I believe that Evelyn has a strong personality with the naivety that woman had at the time. However, she has always a plan. It may not work, it may need to change, to be altered but she knows what she wants and tries to go for it. Although it is not easy. Even more when she starts getting fitted by the tailor who makes amazing habits for the Pretty Horsebreakers. She is not one of them but she wants to outshine them as she is the better horsewoman.

On the other hand, we have Ahmad, the tailor. He is not naif, he has already endured a lot in his life and he just wants the chance to show his work, his extraordinary work. He is sparing with words but what he says something he means everything and there is no doubt of what he says. Let’s say that in a few occasions, you can melt (or at least I wanted to melt).

Evelyn has a plan when she arrives in London for the Season, it is not a selfish plan at all, she wants to do the best for her family (I am not writing the reason why she is the one that has to look after her family, you can read the book). Fortunately, she is not alone, she gets to befriend the Three Furies, I like them very much, they are very different from each other but the four of them have a view of the world that perhaps is not exactly what the polite society deems conventional. They do not care as they behaves and are still ladies but if they want to laugh out loud when they are together, they do (these “small” things that they do differently is what makes them odd for some).

Ahmad is more of a solitary wolf, although his cousin is always there, and he has some friends from his past that are in his life to support him if needed. He also has enemies, mainly one that could jeopardise his objective of opening his own dressmaking shop. Would that person end with all his work and his dream?

As you can read on the advanced praise, the racial and class topic is key in this book too and I believe Mimi Matthews has done a great job to integrate it in a clear way. You can see how Ahmad is treated even by servants when he is a tradesman himself, however, he is not English, well… “full English” (like the breakfast 😦 ) If you were not “pure” English, then you were less than other people. Regarding this topic, the insight on Ahmad’s life and also what we read of the interaction with others reflect very well this issue.

Characters that I have dislike: a Lady and Stephen (I leave it there). You will be able to read why. I think I have disliked Stephen more than the lady who is vindictive.

I have like too many other characters, so I will not write the whole list.

I absolutely adored this Victorian, dual perspective, forbidden historical romance between Evelyn, a young English woman trying to find a husband so she can support her family and Ahmad, the half-Indian man who is designing her clothes. Rich in historical detail and full of longing touches. The love these two characters feel for one another despite societal pressures that would never allow it just burned off the page. I was very impressed with this new to me author and the first book in a new series. Highly recommended for fans of Evie Dunmore and Elizabeth Everett! Much thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for my advance review copy.