Mimi Matthews is so underrated! Even though she writes clean romances her characters and the romance still make me swoon.
However, this time around I had a difficult time getting lost in the romance aspect of the story. I wanted more moments between the love interests. I felt that there wasn’t enough for me to truly believe they were in love at the end.
The main heroine was certainly ahead of her time and I adored how headstrong she was. The hero was fun to read about too.
Matthews’ writing is fabulous as always and she clearly did her research which is always appreciated.
I think this book is a historical fiction first and romance second. Which is completely fine but might give romance readers the wrong expectations.
Thank you to Berkeley & NetGalley for the early edition! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Mimi Matthews does it again. A bluestocking equestrienne and a tailor -- hardly the usual couple in historical romance, but in this Victorian-era love story, these two shine. Evelyn Maltravers has the pressure of a making a "good" marriage so her sisters have opportunity in life, while Ahmad Malik seeks to establish himself as a high-society fashion designer. She's hardly incomparable material but she takes her mother's advice -- lead with your strength -- and decides to present herself on horseback. The Pretty Courtesans do it, and so shall Evie. And to do that well, she needs the best habit possible, which is how she meets Malik. He sees her possibilities, and agrees to design her outfits for riding. From there, their friendship grows and she becomes a sort of muse for him, and in addition to habits, he makes her day dresses and ball gowns, the clothing revealing Evie's true self. They don't make her, but they showcase her so that she has an opportunity to realize her dream. The beauty of a Matthews' book is that there is so much else going on in addition to the main love story, all seamlessly wove in the tale. Through Malik, we learn about the struggles of being half-British, half-Indian, fitting nowhere and struggling to excel in a class-bound world. Evie navigates the ton and society, mindful of her older sister's scandal, which cost her a dear friend (his reappearance is another one of the threads that give the novel its richness). Then, there is Victorian spirituality with its love affair with the Great Beyond, and much to learn about horses — rich details that make the book a treasure. When it's done, you are satisfied with the ending and sad that it's over. First in a series -- Belles of London -- all I can say is, "next, please." (I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions are mine.)

Wow, here's another layered, intricate work by author Mimi Matthews. The attention to detail about the time in history and Ahmad's work as a tailor is fantastic. It really set the stage and the mood for the characters to flourish.

Both Evelyn and Ahmad were so easy to like and settle in with. Of course, we've seen glimpses of Ahmad in a previous book so it was a real treat to go in depth with him in this story. His back story is one that tugs at your heart. I loved the pull I felt toward the characters and how I constantly wanted the very best for them. Invested. That's what I was. And that's the best place to be as a reader. This comes as no surprise to me though, as author Mimi Matthews proves this with every book she writes.

I'm excited for this beginning of a new series. This group of ladies is certainly going to be entertaining. We get a little sneak peek at the next book coming out this fall and it's going to be good!

Content: kissing, mention of suicide, an unmarried couple living together, mention of prostitution. Several instances of profanity (using God as an exclamation).

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Evelyn Maltravers is in London for the season, determined to make an advantageous match. Her family’s future depends on it. Evie means to make a grand debut, but not much sets her apart except her riding. Evie just needs a set of riding habits that equal her skill and her gorgeous horse to make an impression. So, she sets off to find the designer of the splendid riding habits worn by the notorious courtesans, known as the Pretty Horsebreakers. His designs transform the ordinary into extraordinary.

Ahmad Malik is trying to make a name for himself in women’s fashion, but being half Indian, half English has made this a struggle. Ahmad has a singular talent; he just needs the right person to showcase his creations. Evelyn Maltravers doesn’t seem like someone who would capture much attention with her countrified day dress and spectacles, but upon closer inspection Ahmad finds himself enchanted by Evie, and he knows she’s the one.

There’s an instant spark of attraction between Evie and Ahmad’s at their first meeting and it’s fanned at every fitting with every touch igniting heat between them. It was a slow burn but oh-so-swoony! But it’s not just the physical attraction that draws. Evie is like no other Englishwoman and treats Ahmad like an equal, and Ahmad sees Evie’s true beauty within and out. There are obstacles to their romance with the differences in class and race, and I wondered how it would all work out. However, once Evie and Ahmad realized that no other would do, it all came together brilliantly. Not without some bumps, but nothing that felt insurmountable.

I’ve read a couple of Mimi Matthews’ romances in the past and absolutely loved them, so I was so excited to read The Siren of Sussex, which did not disappoint! She brings the past to life with her beautiful writing and rich characterization. I rooted for Evie and Ahmad’s HEA from the beginning!

I’m thrilled to see the next story, The Belle of Bellgrave Square, will be focused on Julia Wychwood and Captain Blunt after all their interactions!

March 1862 London. Evelyn Maltravers, knows she has nothing to offer a rich well-connected husband but her horsemanship. Naively believing this will be enough to overcome her lack of accomplishments and her scandalous connections. So to marry well she must shine as a horse-rider while wearing haute couture.
To this end she visits tailor Ahmad Malik, half-Indian. The designer of riding habits for the infamous Pretty Horsebreakers of Rotten Row.
To suceed he needs a patron to launch his designs on society. But what is he prepared to do to obtain this end.
And what of the attraction between Evelyn and Ahmad, and all the obstacles they must face individually, and as a partnership.
An entertaining and well-written Victorian romance with its cast of varied and likeable characters. A good start to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Evelyn Maltravers has traveled from the countryside of Sussex to the social scene in London, needing to make a match so that she and her younger sisters futures will be secure. Although she may not be traditionally beautiful, Evie knows that she needs to set herself apart in order to catch a man’s eye. She thinks her Appalusian stallion and haute couture, along with her superb horsemanship might do just that. When she approaches an Indian tailor, Ahmad Malik, to partner with her in her scheme he decides to attach his rising star to this unique and intriguing woman. What neither of them count on is their unfailing attraction and growing friendship. Can this pair from two different worlds and backgrounds face the bigotry of the upper class and find success so they can be together? This story captured my interest but it was Evie and Ahmad who captured my heart. What a fantastic novel!

I was unprepared for how I would react to a historical romance novel that delved into the history of England’s habitation and conquering of India. The narration has the reader seeing through both Evie’s and Ahmad’s eyes and it is eye opening to see how the heritage is taken for granted without thought to what those people may have gone through. Ahmad’s own background of a mixed heritage Indian man who belonged in neither India or England was interesting, revealing, and inspiring. Evie’s character growth as she comes to care for Ahmad and want to know him, his background, and what it would mean to be in his place in society took this novel to another plane of existence. I felt like what I was reading was relevant and real, not just an interracial romance novel. I actually felt Ahmad’s pain and could see why he chose the path he was on. I think it’s the first time in a long time where I was so interested in a subject that it made me do my own research and want to know more.

Evie was also a different sort of heroine. She was not frivolous or flighty, she had a plan and if it wasn’t for her growing feelings for Ahmad, she would have stuck to it. I enjoyed her own path of discovery she made about herself, her decisions about what was important, and also seeing how she came to that decision. This was not a fluffy novel, the story led our hero and heroine down some dark paths which altered the course of their lives. Sometimes you read a novel at the right time and it hits all of your sweet spots. This was my right time to read The Siren of Sussex.

I have never heard of Mimi Matthews nor read one of her books prior to picking up this novel. You can be certain I am going through her backlog and choosing my next read based upon all of my feelings for The Siren of Sussex and how this author led me down that path. Sometimes the reading gods are looking after us, aren’t they?

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this ARC through NetGalley for my honest review and it was honest.

I love this cover, it's so pleasing to the eye and I love the colors.

Usually when you read a historical romance that is multicultural the titled gentleman falls in love and no one questions him. But what happens to the female who falls in love with the half British half Indian dressmaker whose family has already weathered one scandal with another sister. Hmmm sounds like trouble or can they make a go of it without falling into disgrace in society.

I just never understand the strictures of society and how they don't allow certain types of people. I would not be welcome for sure lol. I'm too loud, opinionated and definitely a bluestocking. I would be banished to the countryside as long as there is a library in the estate, sign me up.

Evelyn Maltravers has traveled from Sussex to London for her season to help bring her sisters into society if she's successful. She seeks the help of the habit designer who designed the habits of the popular Horse Breakers of Hyde Park and that is where she meets Ahmad Malik. He helps her gain popularity with his designs and she helps boost his business. Her popularity grows but she's become more interested in the man who is making her look more desirable than the old gentleman that are around.

I really liked Ahmad all the ladies seemed drawn to him. But he didn't feel accepted in England or Britain but was trying to make a name for himself with his talent.

Thank you berkleyromance and netgalley for my honest and voluntary review.

Mimi Matthews is a master at writing HISTORICAL romances. Here attention to detail is top notch and creates a truly immersive reading experience.

The Siren of Sussex kicks of a new Victorian romance that takes place in London a period of time after the Prince Consort’s death. Evelyn Maltravers has traveled to town from her country home with all the hopes of her sisters pinned upon her shoulders. She needs to mack a match in this season of morning in order to safeguard her sisters futures. Good thing she has a plan to stand out in front of the limited Batchelor supply- she intends to make her match on Rotten Row, instead of in the ballroom, where where horsemanship skills are easily flaunted… now to make sure she is seen, she needs the help of London’s best habit maker…

London’s best habit maker, the half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik doesn’t want his fashions on just anyone, they must be worn by the fashion makers if his dream of opening his own dress shop will be realized. The country Miss Maltravers does not appear to be one of the taste makers… until her spunk and her riding skill light a spark in him. She is his muse!

Soon Miss Maltravers and Mr. Malik are working together to make their respective dreams come true. All is set for success, until their ideas of success changes as a romance blossoms between these star-crossed lovers.

Mimi not only delves into the conflict their class difference creates if Miss Maltravers and Mr. Malik were to consummate their affection, but she dives head first into the racial issues faced by Ahmad’s mixed heritage and Brittish Colonialism. She lays out a realistic picture of the difficulties his character faces during this time period.

Miss Maltravers and Mr. Malik make a beautiful pairing and enhance each other greatly. Both characters are fighting to find their place in society, against the tables that have been placed on them. Likewise, they are both adrift in society, not able to find the place they can call home… until they find it together.

I enjoyed author Mimi Matthews attention to details in this book, from the clothing and its construction, to horsemanship the the inclusion of Victorian spiritual societies.

This was an excellent start to a new series and I am eager to see the the next Belle will have in store for us!

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is scheduled to release January 11th, 2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheSirenofSussex #MimiMatthews #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

I'm going to rate this for what it is: a closed door romance. While I prefer a bit more steam in my romance reads, from time to time I do enjoy a closed door romance as long as I know ahead of time that the book will be closed door. It's been awhile since I picked up a historical romance, but this one turned out to be a real winner for me. It is based on characters from the author's previous series, but I was still able to read this book on its own and now I want to go back and read the earlier series.

While there isn't too much of a plot to the book, the driving force of this novel are the characters and FASHION! The details on the dresses, habits, suits, and other clothes were remarkable. The more daring the outfit the more the book/romance progressed and it was fascinating to follow. I love that the author didn't shy away from discussing the heavier topics of colonialism and having a mixed race hero and interracial couple during the Victorian era. The struggles Ahmad and Evie had to go through while continuing to fall deeper in love with each other, and grow as individuals and find their place in a world that constantly tried to tear them down, was so beautiful to read. I'm so happy with how their story ended.

I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of this series, especially after the sneak peek the author left at the end of this book. It is sure to be an enjoyable continuation of a series full of delightfully quirky characters. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Romance for allowing me to read an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

Already a fan of the writing style and careful historical research that is given to romances rich in well-developed characters and plots, I was salivating for this new Belles of London series. Mimi Matthews’ stories are only a recent find for me, but each has presented something fresh and exciting. I hadn’t gotten far into this first in series release to see The Siren of Sussex, an equestrian lover’s dream romance, would be no exception.

A Bluestocking on a Mission

“Evelyn Maltravers entered the dimly lit shop in Conduit Street.” (Loc 72)

With a great deal riding on her success, Evelyn Travers has a daring plan. In order to attract a wealthy husband, she must establish herself as The woman equestrian of London and has approached the best tailor to create a riding habit to surpass all others. If only she can talk the fascinating and handsome Mr. Malik, into taking a chance on her plan.

A Fashion Designer on the Rise

Ahmad Malik is struck by the dowdily dressed Bluestocking who comes to his shop. He is already taking a big gamble by designing for the courtesan riders and is on the cusp of having his dress designs noticed by high society ladies. He has six months to earn what is needed to make his own independent start with clients. His half-Indian heritage does him no favors in this regard. He really shouldn’t be taking a chance on an unknown, but observing the woman ride sent his fashion-designing imagination soaring:

“There was an inherent grace to her riding. A Feminine ebb and flow that had riveted his gaze. It was almost sensual, the way the lines of her body had been in harmony with every movement. Still and sure, with gentle hands and a quiet seat.” (Loc 581)

And so, a remarkable partnership begins. Evelyn will wear Malik’s designs as she and her gorgeous Andalusian stallion, Hephaestus, take London by storm and her trendsetting will be the making of his designs.

Unique Historical Elements and Plotting

The Siren of Sussex brings several elements into play and right in the beginning chapters. Ms. Matthews takes the familiar theme of poor, Bluestocking heroine coming to London and needing to make a successful match to save her family and gives it a tantalizing twist. Not only are the heroine and hero in something of a gender role reversal of their interests and talents, but so is their class differences with him being working class and her, a gentleman’s daughter. There is the addition of his race, starting as a tradesman in a new line of business, and her family reputation and situation to complicate their social and romantic interactions. And, due to the Prince Consort’s recent death, there is the fascination of Victorian Era spiritualism and Death Rituals added to the mix. It all became rich layers to the plot and added the tension to slowly build as the gently paced story progresses.

Clever Characters and Relationships

Evie Maltravers is a naturally gifted horsewoman, and it is truly breath-taking when she mounts her horse and rides. Up in the saddle, she is grace itself and gone is the awkward, uncertain debutante, but a confident, skilled woman who captivates. She is pleasantly surprised to encounter a handful of other young ladies of her own ilk who share her need to be something more than a pretty lady in a gown.

Ahmad is equally unique as a hero with artistic talent. He may be a tradesman, but he is just as strong-willed and determined as Evie. He faces the complexity of a man who straddles two worlds and not completely accepted in either when it comes to his heritage and chance at a relationship. Their attraction is electrifying though it remains slow-burn throughout the story as they face down many difficulties that have the potential to drive them apart. It is for intrepid Evie to say,

“But wonderful things didn’t happen because one was cautious. They happened because one dared.” (Loc 6222)

Final Thoughts

Anticipation was high, but this well-crafted, historically authentic, sensual romance of refreshing characters was dynamic. Woman equestrienne and innovative new tailor crashing the class and racial barriers with their smoldering partnership was just the right balance of conflict and romance. This is a fabulous new series for historical romance fans to boost into the saddle, get comfortable, and take it for a long ride.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy. This did not affect my rating.
*4/5*

The Siren of Sussex is the first in a new historical romance series by Mimi Matthews. This book follows Evelyn Maltravers as she makes her first season debut at three and twenty years old. Evelyn comes to London to stay with her Uncle, who is pretty absent from her life. She is most comfortable on her horse and is adamant on having a handsome riding habit, and this kicks off our books. Evelyn has seen The Pretty Horsebreakers and found out where they had theirs made. Enter Ahmad Malik; a half-Indian tailor who has a unique eye for ladies fashion and finds a muse in Evelyn.

She needs to make a good match for herself and to make sure her younger sisters can secure good matches in the future. There is also a scandal involving her older sister that she is hoping people don’t remember. There is some issues with her older sister and an old friend.

There is a lot of talk of fashion and spiritualism in this book. More than I was expecting. And way less romance – there are a few kisses and that’s all.

I did love how much Evelyn knew her own mind and heart. She knew she wanted to be with Ahmad, no matter the hardships. She even tried to find books to read that weren’t written by white men.
Ahmad was talented and you were really rooting for him to succeed.

I will definitely be checking out the future books in this series. I already looked and saw who book 2 is about and I am excited.

I started this book without reading what it was about specifically, and I immediately fell into the story and in love with the characters. Evelyn is a fascinating blend of confidence and humility, genuine to a fault, and devoted to her family. She's written off by many as a bluestocking, someone plain and not worth a second glance, but Ahmad senses right away the something special in her that makes her a true diamond. I loved their friendship which grew naturally, underlied by simmering chemistry. Ahmad's conflicted identity and his blend of ethnicities prevent him from having a sense of belonging in society, yet Evie's true vision of him helps him find that belonging with her, though it seems impossible to him with the obstacles in their path that he feels cannot change. I loved the hope Evie maintains in spite of the difficult situation, and her determination in solving problems that she has nobody else to solve. This book takes the reader behind the scenes of the working middle class and the complicated social dynamics with those above and below them on the social stepladder. The historical details delve into the gritty and eccentric, playing with but not crossing the line into content that would make me put the book down. It made me appreciate the author's research and the realistic portrayal of the variety of lives and circumstances.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

That cover had me at "hello, darling," with its determined heroine in an evergreen gown riding a spirited horse sidesaddle. Captures the essence of this glorious Victorian story featuring young Evelyn Maltravers, who must make a good match as her sister has brought scandal to the family. Are you lovin' it already?

Well I sure did, as Evelyn realizes her only chance is to take the equestrian world by storm through her magical riding and exquisite clothing that rivals Rotten Row's Pretty Horsebreakers.

She seeks the famed habit-maker -- handsome half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik -- who dresses the wild stylish women in to-die-for haute fashion.

Evelyn falls for Ahmed and he for her, their slow-burn romance risky due to societal frowns, yet punctuated by such passionate kisses. Aaaaaaaaah!

Will they take on the doubters with their bold relationship and stunning finery or let class prejudice squash their romance?

I'm not telling. Which means you've gotta read this swoony addictive tale to find out. Oh yes, you'll thank me!

Out January 11.
#TheSirenofSussex #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.

I'm sorry this was not it for me.

The setup felt murky and unclear. I didn't feel any chemistry between Evie and Ahmad. The secondary characters and subplots fully distracted from the "love story".

Also with the setup, it completely gets taken apart in the end with like a paragraph lol.

I will say I did appreciate Mimi Matthews commitment to being historically realistic.

I don't know how to start with this review. I had the opportunity to receive an ARC thanks to Penguin, because if they had not given it to me I wouldn't have read it.

The story talks about Evelyn Maltravers, who comes to London to get a good marriage prospect and save her family's reputation. However, when she visits a fashion house to have her riding habits tailored, she meets Ahmad Malik, and she can't deny that there's an attraction between the two.

Evelyn is interesting, I enjoyed reading about a female character who is interested in riding and not just going to social parties or meeting suitors. Also, she is a character with a good heart and she's willing to always help. There's also Ahmad, who has suffered a lot since childhood and is gradually making a name of his own in the fashion industry, but of course, he's still suffered the racism of society.

The book chapters were too long for my liking, there were times when I had to stop reading because I couldn't continue with the story. I also wish the author could've told us about the Pretty Horsebreakers, their adventures, or perhaps talk a bit about horse racing or competitions since Evelyn is very interested in that.

However, I found the story interesting especially because it makes you sympathize with the characters and some of the side characters were very funny.

The book has a beautiful story, but I think it could've been better. I'm still looking forward to read the next book because is about Julia, and the character intrigues me and I want to know more about her.

Evelyn Maltravers has two passions in life - horses and fashion. Thrust into London society to attract a husband, Evelyn enlists the help of up-and-coming designer Ahmad Malik to create one of a kind riding habits for her season. When the pair band together to take the fashion world by storm, sparks fly in this forbidden love regency romance.

The Siren of Sussex was such a fun read! I immensely enjoyed the fashion and could picture each outfit Mr. Malik created for Evelyn. The characters shared a common ground of family duty, which stood in their way for most of the book. This slow burn romance had amazing sexual tension, although I was hoping for more steam. The historical aspect of class and racial divisions was handled beautifully and I appreciated the Author's Note at the end of the book.

Both characters show growth, but I especially loved Evelyn's transformation. She goes from someone who is more confident on horse than in the company of people to slowly finding her voice and stands up for what's right, not per society's norms. At the end, she's a force to be reckoned with and I enjoyed all the twists and turns that brought Evelyn and Malik together.

What I loved most were the small acts of love that the pair did for each other. It was sweet the lengths they would go for each other. The secret pockets in the riding habits was the best. As a history teacher, I loved that Evelyn wanted to learn about the colonization of India not from the British perspective, but from the Indian perspective.

I cannot wait to see where the series goes next, especially with the teaser at the end of the book!

I've been interested in reading a Mimi Matthews book for a while now, but I was always held back by the fact that they are "closed door romances", which means, of course, that they don't feature any sex scenes on the page. When I saw that her newest novel, the first in the Belles of London series, featuring four different equestriennes, was available on Netgalley, I decided to take the plunge -- and I'm so glad I did! This was one of the most enjoyable books I've read in a while, and left me feeling so happy on the inside, and also scratched that itch for something not only set in the past, but vividly so.

Evelyn Maltravers is the second eldest daughter, and after a scandal involving her older sister, Fenny, the family's fortunes rely solely on her making a smart match. So, being a pragmatic young woman (though she loathes to call herself a bluestocking), she has, naturally, hatched a plan. The Pretty Horsebreakers are a group of courtesans known as much for their beautiful riding habits as they are for their riding skills, which they often show off on Rotten Row. They are the celebrities of their day, with columns devoted solely to their fashion and their scandalous lives. If there is a husband to be found, he would surely be there. Evelyn is an expert equestrienne, with a beautiful Blood Bay Andalusian named Hephaestus -- all she needs now are the clothes.

Ahmad Malik is poised to take over Doyle and Heppenstall's, a tailoring shop on Conduit Street. But he is interested in the more feminine side of the business and is the brains behind the Pretty Horsebreakers' marvelous riding habits. When Evelyn steps into the shop he is intrigued by her and agrees to take her on. Little does he know that their relationship will develop into something much deeper than simply artist and muse. Unfortunately, Ahmad is loathe to let it go any further, not only because he fears for Miss Maltravers' reputation -- he is, after all, part-Indian, and she as English as a rose -- but because he has no idea of what his tenuous future holds. He could make it big, if he has the right clients, or it could all crumbling down around his ears.

Despite it all, they can't deny the friendship that is begging to become more. Can they find both happiness and security? Can Evelyn support her sisters? Can Ahmad let himself love, and be loved in return?

This was an astounding romance and one I couldn't put down! I adored both of the main characters, and loved how sensible they both were about their feelings and the truth of their predicaments. They knew the facts but still didn't give up hope, and were proactive about securing it for themselves and each other. It was so refreshing to see a POC hero in a historical romance, and I thought that Matthews handled his feelings of belonging and being different so well and so convincingly (I do believe she is part-Indian herself)! Another big plus for me was there was no "big misunderstanding", or fight which could have been solved if the leads had simply talked things out. Their qualms about entering a relationship were real and very dangerous for both, so it never felt cheap or flimsy. Also, there is no denying the passion and the chemistry between them, and their kiss scenes are scorching, so don't worry on that front!

I cannot wait for the next one to come out, which features the sweet but socially anxious Julia Wychwood and the scarred Captain Blunt, who purportedly has a haunted Yorkshire estate! Do yourself a favor and buy this heartwarming book -- you deserve it (and so does Ms. Matthews!).

If you are a #Bridgerton fan or fan of #regencyromance
this book is for you!
.
What do you get when you mix the love of horses, the beginning of haute couture and a brave young woman? You get this delightful novel. Evelyn’s oldest sister’s season in London ended in scandal, leaving the responsibility of their family falling on Evelyn’s shoulders. Evelyn is more comfortable on a horse than in a ballroom. She has taken it upon herself to be the most fashionable equestrian at the Rotten Row and she needs the perfect riding habit.
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Ahmed is trying to make a name for himself as a tailor and he prides himself on his original clothes. It’s hard to break into the fashion scene, and an even greater challenge as a half-Indian man, but he is ready to make the leap.
He finds a muse in Evelyn and she finds her heart beats only for him.
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I loved the two of them, the beautiful horse and the love of haute couture clothes. I would love to physically see these dresses and riding habits. Even more let me tell you true love is making your partner a dress with pockets, just saying!
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Huge thank you to @berkleyromance for an advanced copy.

3.5 stars

This is my first book by Matthews and I enjoyed it! The Victorian era is scratching an itch for me right now - different from the Regency (slightly looser social customs, technological advancements) with the same 'let's explore problems I'll never have' escapism I need right now. (Sorry, contemporary romance.)

The good:

- Matthews knows a ton about the era and weaves it into the narrative well. I was delighted to see that she added a historical explainer at the end of the book, and that several of the side characters are based on real people. Events are true to the timeline too - the death of Prince Albert, the rise of spiritualism, and the slow but steady pace of changing fashion.

- In that vein there's tons of detail about horse riding, especially sidesaddle, and how garments are constructed.

- I learned the word "bluestocking" from historical romances, where it can have a positive connotation - who doesn't like reading about bookish, smart heroines? Evelyn's reaction to the label, though, reminds us what an insult it was at the time.

- Ahmad is half English and half Indian, allowing for a full exploration of British colonialism abroad and racism back home.

- I usually stick to steamy romances and this one is closed door, so I'm happy to say that the slow burn holds up and carries us through. Expect many electric touches and rising blushes.

- This book is firmly in the liberational wing of romance. Ahmad and Evelyn are an unusual couple, with differences of class and race, but they are determined to bend the world to make their relationship work. Watching them do it, especially nearing the end of the book, is a joy.

The not-so-good:

- Their relationship starts off as a purely physical attraction, which is fine, but it took a while to develop into more on Ahmad's side. I can see how Evelyn became more enamored the more she learned about his work, but Ahmad takes a long time to get past 'wow, she's pretty, I want to make dresses for her'.

- I have a high tolerance for uncertainty but after seeing the word "gored" in reference to skirts a zillion times I felt forced to google it out of frustration. Your mileage may vary, but know that if you can't let a historical detail go by without an internet search many rabbit holes await you.

Throughout the book I knew I was in good hands, so seeing that Matthews already has over a dozen books to her name wasn't a surprise at all. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and watching Evelyn's friends find their true love, as well.


Content notes: racism, side character with an unplanned pregnancy, mentions of suicide, mentions of death during childbirth, mentions of physical abuse

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I've previously read Mimi Mathews' books and enjoyed them.

The Siren of Sussex was so much fun to read. In addition to the Victorian setting, a girl who loves horses, and must marry to assist her family, this story explores class, prejudice, and sexism.

I found the characters realistic and charming. The setting was rich, and I enjoyed all the scenes with descriptions of clothing. I would consider this a clean romance with passionate kissing.

Loved it from cover to cover! I highly recommend this story!