Evelyn arrives in London for her one chance to find a husband after her older sister has left her family in scandal. Knowing her only skill is that of an equestrienne, she commissions riding habits from Ahmad - half-Indian tailor with a dream of becoming a sought-after dressmaker. Evelyn and Ahmad recognize that a partnership is mutually beneficial - he can create her wardrobe for the season that will help her secure a husband, while she showcases his dresses to the fashionable London society. As they work together Evelyn and Ahmad grow closer despite what is considered acceptable, and their relationship could put both their futures at risk.

My first read of the year did NOT disappoint! This was the first book from Mimi Matthews that I've read, and I'm absolutely intrigued to read more! She built out an incredible world of the London society, focusing not only on the fashionable society but on the particulars of tailoring and dressmaking, Ahmad's feeling of displacement within both England and India, and even the growing interest in the occult.

Evelyn and Ahmad had AMAZING chemistry that read as the best kind of slow burn. I loved how much they truly felt like partners - their relationship was purely built on mutual trust and respect for each other. Ahmad was consistently described as looking like a brooding, fallen angel which is absolutely My Type. I loved Evelyn for her independence and goodness, and despite the hardships of Ahmad's life he was still honorable and sweet. (he sewed POCKETS into her dresses!!! 10/10.)

I assume Matthews is writing books focused on all of Evelyn's friends - all viewed as oddballs and just trying to do their best. Stella, Julia, Evelyn, and Anne had such a fun dynamic and I'm excited to read more about each of them!

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced e-book!

Will these two beings from world apart be able to find a common ground to merge their future together…

I can enough tell how much I love and praise Mrs Matthews’ talent to craft original tales all the while sticking to the historical facts, even more adding enlightening clues about details and events I did not even know about.

After turning the last page of this tale, I am left with such a feel-good sense, I did not feel my usual need to search for my next read. I was just content and happy.
How she was able to build together this tale of what should have been a star-crossed lovers story with such a low-angst level without overlooking the trials awaiting them. It requires a gift of such a level, and while it should have surprised me, I was not, being well aware of the author’s potency with words and historical particulars.

Evelyn is doing her duty to her siblings, it should not have been hers but fate landed it at her feet. So believing she has few assets, she wagers everything on her one talent, but to stand out from the rest, she will need more than her horse, her flawless seat. An astonishing riding-habit to pinpoint her as more than the usual debutante.
Ahmad has a dream, and he is well on his way to make it come true. If he can secure a patroness to reveal his work to the right crowd. So it should have been rather easy, but life has a way in disrupting even the best crafted plan.

While not stranded somewhere with a tempest above their heads, this tale is a bit of a forced proximity trope as they must spend time together for the creation of her wardrobe. Time during which they will get to know one another.

Evelyn and Ahmad are fated soulmates, each making the other whole, their differences bringing them together, as they see the other, really see one another on their entirety. And while they both have their own goal, with others depending on them succeeding, when they can not deny anymore the feelings between them, will they be able to merge both, as they are well aware of how their relationship will be disparaged because of him being different in society’s standard.

I am just sad to not have the author’s knack with words to express how awesome Evelyn and Ahmad’s romance is, Mrs Matthews take care of them, with tenderness and brightness, she nurtures but also unsettles them, arming them with only the certainty of their feelings, the strength of their skill and their will to make it happen.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 sensual, lovemaking behind closed door.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Mimi Matthews never fails to provide a historical romance rich with detail, romance and a unique and intriguing story. I enjoyed that The Siren of Sussex was not a typical love story where the characters must overcome simply a class difference, but they were dealing with cultural differences as well. There were so many vivid descriptions of the fashions that Ahmad created that you can easily picture the gowns and riding habits. The chemistry between Evie and Ahmad was off the charts. These characters were drawn to each other and seeing their feelings develop in the shared moments they had was my favorite part of this story. Ahmad was such a meticulous and hard worker and I loved how diligent he was to his craft. His no nonsense attitude really endeared me to him! There were a lot of mentions of spiritualism and seances in the second half of the book. It was something that the author noted was authentic to the time period and setting of this story, but it definitely wasn’t an aspect of the book I enjoyed. It added a bit of eccentricity to this story, but I personally didn’t enjoy talk about mediums, energy, crystal balls and talking to the dead. The main characters didn’t really dabble with spiritualism themselves, so it wasn’t something that affected my view on the story as a whole. All that said I did enjoy this love story and was really happy with the books conclusion. I think this series is setting up to be really great and I can’t wait to read the next book!

I hardly ever read Victorian era novels, yet when Mimi Mathews has I new book announced I definitely look forward to it!
Siren of Sussex introduces to new characters (and brings in some old ones).
Her characters always feel unique and in so many ways, real. You feel the characters needs, wants, desires and fears.
They act how you would imagine people of that age, yet in very interesting ways set themselves apart or stand out when their moment comes.
I don't know how she does it, but it works for me!
The chemistry and forced proximity of this book definitely carries that distinct Mathews smolder.
Nothing too much, just the right amount.
I loved that this book featured a bay Andalusian stallion, on of my favorite horse breed! As always there was interesting history of the time and we got to see a bit of how it was for people of Indian descent at this time.
My only complaint was the presence of the mysticism and seances that took place during this book. I understand that this was something common in the time period, and I just skimmed most of those parts. I appreciate the main characters did not believe in the psychic part of the story and discussed how some of the actions boiled down to a hoax.
I just wanted to point that out for people trying to avoid books with those elements.
However, I was able to continue and really enjoyed the story. I love how the characters face facts and have hard discussions without jumping to crazy conclusions!
She builds drama and tension without it being overblown. Bravo!
And horses, that was a big draw for me.
The side characters have piqued my interest as well and looking forward to seeing what happens when they get their own story!

I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions in this review are honest and completely my own.

Approximately half of the books that I read in the year of our perpetual crisis 2020 were historical romances, and that’s when I discovered that reading romance is truly life giving, soul affirming self-care that we should all be doing more of.

The Siren of Sussex is a *delightful* addition to this genre. Evelyn, an accomplished equestrian, requires riding habits and gowns to catch the eye of a wealthy husband to provide for her family after a scandal. Ahmad Malik is a gifted tailor, able to provide her with the clothes she needs and looking for a muse. Evelyn feels constrained by societal expectations and family pressure. Ahmad, both English and Indian, wants to make a name for himself in a world where being the best is somehow still not enough.

I lovedddd this romance. These two are sweethearts, and while they are initially attracted, the connection they form is so well written and explained. Ahmad is very swoony, and who could have guessed that dress making would be so sexy 👀

This is a slower burn on the romance end (and I’d say 🌶🌶/5 at most), but the emotional connection and attraction is very deep and satisfying.

I am very excited for more books in the series!

Evelyn Maltravers must set herself apart to make an advantageous marriage and secure her impoverished family’s future. Unfortunately, her only skill is riding, so she hires a tailor to create incomparable riding habits to draw the ton’s eye when she’s on horseback. Ahmad Malik is determined to become a well-known dressmaker for women, so he accepts Evelyn’s commission for riding habits and, eventually, gowns. Both Evelyn and Ahmad must rely on each other for success in a world determined to slight them, and when an enemy tries to destroy Ahmad’s business, Evelyn uses her ingenuity to save her family, her horse, and a future with Ahmad.

VERDICT Matthews (Gentleman Jim) deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to “The Belles of London” series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.

Starred LJ review

I'm not sure what I was expecting going into this book, but I had a great time reading it!

I loved the strong female friendships that blossomed, the tidbits of historical information (who knew there was an astrological almanac in Victorian England?), and the representation of a half-Indian dressmaker (though it would have been nice to have seen more of his life).

But most of all, I loved Evelyn and Ahmad's characters! They had so much determination and ambition, and though I didn't agree with them all the time, I found myself invested and rooting for them! I took off one star because as much as I loved them, the romance left a little to be desired. I wish we had been shown their relationship more instead of just being told about it from each individual perspective.

Even so, this was a fun read, and I'm looking forward to Julia's story next!

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is a love letter to 1860's dressmaking. In this victorian historical romance, Evelyn Maltravers is new to the London marriage mart, looking to define herself not as a bluestocking but as a fashionable horsewoman. She only has one season to make an impression and land a match, so she will need the very best riding habit-maker. The tailor who has made a splash with his innovative and flattering designs, Ahmad Malik, is looking to make a name in womenswear beyond his work with the infamous courtesans, Rotten Row’s Pretty Horsebreakers. As a half-Indian tailor in Victorian London, he knows his designs have to be excellent if he wants to take over the tailor's shop. So when Evelyn comes to him with a strange request and an enchanting smile, he cannot refuse her. They strike a deal, he will outfit her coming out season, and she, in turn, will introduce his clothing to fine society. But Evelyn soon realizes a society husband pales in comparison to a life with Ahmad. Can they both give up what they expect from life and move forward side by side?
Excellent. Evelyn's knowledge and passion for horseback riding rival Ahmad's proficiency with fabrics. She and her unladylike friends avoided falling into the trap of making a heroine with non-traditional interests a unique feature in society. I am a big fan of her friends and cannot wait for them to get books (however I would also love to get Ahmad's sister Mira's story). Evelyn is naive and sincere however, Matthews doesn't shy away from showing where that sincerity fails to comprehend aspects of Ahmad's professional and personal life, including the racism he continues to experience. Ahmad and Evelyn's relationship manages to be adorable and I really did love them together.
Now, Ahmad professional expertise is easy to imagine given the level of detail in every stitch. Evelyn is his muse and it comes out in every item of clothing. Even though his designs drive his success, he also recognizes the talent of the seamstresses who work for him. This places him in contrast with other modest in town who produce dresses quickly by employing seamstresses who live and work in horrible conditions. Ahmad's professional failures and successes feel world-breaking. Every time a deadline approaches, a new design is revealed to society, or a new customer comes through the door the reader feels it. The stakes of this season are high for everyone involved and the physically demanding nature of his workload shows throughout the season.
Although Mimi Matthews' research is clear throughout the text, her author's note is particularly interesting. Her knowledge of fashion history and the choices she made to diverge from time period dress-making is fascinating. I would highly recommend reading all end material (but then again I love paratextual content).
Victorian women's dress has never looked so good. The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is a wonderfully sincere historical romance novel that will suit any shelf. Seriously, you should trot off with a copy if it sounds like it is up your alley at all. The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is set to release on January 11, 2022.
Thank you, Berkley via NetGalley for providing the eARC of The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews in exchange for my honest review.

Mimi Matthews weaves a compelling story of breaking boundaries, love, and friendship with this debut new series. The gist is this: in order to make a stunning debut, Evelyn Maltravers enlists a tailor, Ahamd Malik, to help her become attractive as she gallops across Rotten Row. But what starts out as a friend helping another friend turns into love, a fight for justice, and hope for a better future. Strong female friendships are formed but the swift and sweeping attraction between the heroine, Evelyn Maltravers, and our hero, Ahmad Malik, will keep readers engrossed throughout. It is smartly written with a look into Victorian society that is not as known. An absolute delight for fans of historical romance but also with some new interpretations on familiar tropes.

Synopsis: Evelyn Maltravers has to find a husband, not just for her future but to secure her sisters as well. To do this, she’ll need to make a splash — and she intends to do just that, by showing off her unparalleled equestrian skills. However, she needs a riding outfit that will turn heads — and for that she needs Ahmad Malik, a half-Indian tailor who has beautiful designs. But when their business turns more into pleasure, both will have to wrestle with society’s expectations.

I liked The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews, but didn’t love it. The historical background intrigued me and I always love a woman on a mission, which Evelyn certainly is. But as the story went on, I just found less of it believable. The romance itself was good and certainly had very sweet and sultry moments, although totally closed door if that’s your thing!

Pros: I found the characters intriguing and likable, particularly Ahmad. The other London equestrians that Evelyn befriends were also fun and I assume they’ll have their own stories in time. The side characters were funny and had personalities, even if they weren’t totally well-rounded.

Con: Spoilers! I don’t think this relationship would’ve actually worked, even with suspension of disbelief and romance tropes in play, and if it had worked, I imagine there would’ve been a lot more anger and issues between the couple. The racism and classism of 19th century England should not be underestimated and it feels… insulting to imply otherwise. I think if the topic of a relationship between a half-Indian tailor and a high-society lady is going to work, the reader needs to at least see some of that racism and classicism in play, which really wasn’t shown at all. We heard the characters worry about it but it never came to fruition, which felt odd.

I probably would get the next book in the series from the library (once it’s out!), just to see where all the characters end up. Overall, I’d say this is a good read for lovers of historical, closed-door romance who are willing to suspend reality. This one is out January 11th!

Mimi Matthews is unparalleled in delivering clean romance with beautifully written chemistry between her characters, and The Siren of Sussex is no exception. Evelyn and Ahmad have an instant attraction but must fight their own expectations and societal norms in order to be together. Their love story is full of struggles and has romantic tension that makes the reader weak in the knees. I love Evelyn as a heroine because she is an intelligent, determined, and strong young woman who bucks tradition in Victorian England, and I love that Ahmad adores her for who she is. Their happily ever after is the stuff of fairytales! An educational and passionate tale that narrates the difficulties of racism and class differences in Victorian England, this story informs on these topics and prompts the reader to ponder them without becoming too overtly political for a light and entertaining work of fiction. I would have preferred that the interest of some secondary characters in spiritualism and the occult to be left out of this book, but since both hero and heroine believe that it is all nonsense, I was okay with the final result. Overall, I absolutely loved The Siren of Sussex and the swoon-worthy romance of Evelyn and Ahmad, who buck tradition and find happiness with each other. Mimi Matthews has a way of writing clean romance that keeps me coming back for more, and I am so excited for the rest of this series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

4.5 stars
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Siren of Sussex is one of my favorite Mimi Matthews books so far. I’ve always appreciated that she gives a glimpse of the world outside the ballrooms and glittering town- and country-houses, and this one is no different. She draws on a lot of true-to-life people and events from the Victorian era, presenting a perspective of what it was like, while also walking that line of making relatable to us in the present day.
I was intrigued, if a bit nervous, about Ahmad as a hero, especially given recent controversies around the way part-Indian characters and their identity are portrayed in historical romance, even by authors who share that identity. But while I can’t speak to the issue fully from an ownvoices perspective, I did feel like he was well-written, and his backstory in the context of colonialism portrayed with compassion. I appreciated that he didn’t let people, especially that awful Lady Heatherton, push him around, and while he has been through a lot, I love that he was able to find his passion for dress-making and tailoring through it.
Evelyn is a lovely heroine too. I love her passion for horses (even if I’m not much of a fan myself), and how that’s how she wants to distinguish herself, in lieu of marriage prospects. While I love the typical bookish heroines, it’s nice to have one whose pursuits are different. And I really felt for her as I saw the sad state her family was in, due to her sister’s impulsive, lust-addled choices, and the fact that the man she chose values money over honor. And given he has an equally unscrupulous brother, who Evelyn has a history with, I couldn’t help but feel like it was like Elizabeth and Darcy in the aftermath of Lydia’s elopement, if Darcy was actually as big of an ass as Elizabeth thought.
The romance between Ahmad and Evelyn is really sweet. There’s a sensuality to it as well, although it maintains Matthews’ typical closed-door approach. I really liked how sweet and tender it was, with most of the drama being external issues, like “how can we be together if I have no prospects and your family is on the brink of social ruin?” I really appreciated how they negotiated these problems, and the ending felt right for what I wanted for them.
There’s a subplot concerning spiritualism, and that might be the only part that missed the mark for me. I am aware of the craze that was taking place around the time the book is set, and did find it somewhat intriguing, but also felt like it didn’t “fit” with the rest of the narrative.
This book is beautiful, and I’m already excited for more, especially as it’s been revealed who book two is about. If you love historical romance and don’t mind low-steam/closed door, I strongly recommend keeping an eye out for this one!

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Genre: Historical Romance
Pub Date: January 11, 2022
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book came highly recommended by my queen Evie Dunmore, and she did not steer me wrong! What a fun, fabulous historical tale!

I’m a character driven reader, and I was captivated by these characters. I loved their journeys, their struggles, and their successes. I also loved that the two leads had an instant connect but not an instant love IMO. I’m a big believer in fated connections, and I felt like this story nailed that aspect.

I thought the historical information In this story was really interesting. I loved the exploration of a mail clothing designer in the story, and I thought just the whole character dynamic was spot on.

My only complaint is I wanted some steam! There was so much buildup with the two MCs, and I felt like the story left me hanging a bit.

Otherwise, though, two thumbs up!

Evelyn Maltravers. Ahman Malik. They each have dreams. She is an accomplished equestrienne about to have her London season at the advanced age of twenty-three. He is a tailor hoping to one day own his own shop. She is British and is deigned to marry well. He is half British and half Indian facing more than one obstacle in life.

Wealth, rank and British colonial rule forbade anything from ever happening between them, but the more time Evelyn spent in Ahmad's shop as he designed and made riding habits for her the more it became clear that they were drawn to one another. Each has their own baggage, however. For Ahmad, although is more than proficient as a tailor, his goal is to become a dressmaker. Evelyn has her own challenges. In fact, her sister had a season previously and dishonored her family name. However, with four younger sisters to have hope in the future Evelyn must marry well.

It is a rare thing indeed for a person of color to be a prominent character in a Victorian historical romance. This, as well as class distinction and the unfortunate prejudices that existed at the time, drew me deeply into this touching story. It was with eager anticipation that I just had to see how Evelyn and Ahmad would overcome what seemed the impossible.

I loved Evelyn and I loved Ahmad. For Evelyn her independent nature and her growing love for Ahmad was just wonderful. Also, it is always a treat when a woman realizes her true beauty. Then for Ahmad, seeing him overcome the most difficult of obstacles while he proved his talent was a joy to read. This is the eighth book that I have read by Mimi Matthews and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As this is the first book in a new series, I look forward to reading of more strong women and the men they find in their pursuits of love.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Mimi did such a fantastic job with details on the clothes and the horses and the setting and the time period. But for me, as a reader, this slowed the story down.

I loved this story. I found it very exciting that the writer decided to write in a hero from a different culture. Ahmad’s character definitely intrigued me. The writer molded his character through the book with so much charm, swagger and dominant features, I found my self enjoying reading his parts in the book. Let’s say this about Evelyn, she absolutely was the right character for Ahmad.
Her independence, smart intellect and flirtatious ways was a definite draw in for Ahmad. The writer mostly focused the book on the romance that grows between Evelyn and Ahmad. Also, the story went in a direction that had me sad and mad for the couple, but these mishaps are what made the book a good page turner. I enjoyed the entertainment that this book provided. I also liked that the writer chose to write in the heroine at a distinguished age.

I’m a huge fan of Mimi Matthews other works, and this book was no exception. I loved it. A lot.

The concept of high fashion and horses could never be anything other than wonderful.

Evie and Ahmad were so lovely together, and I adored their interactions. A strong, determined woman, and a kind, gentle, hard-working man. What a wonderful combination.

This is a low-heat story, which felt very proper for the time period. I definitely didn’t feel like I was missing out on any romance. There was so much swoon! So much!

The obstacles they had to overcome from their different backgrounds felt very real, and I was frustrated and angry on their behalf. I was really rooting for their happy ending.

You could also tell there was a lot of research that went into this book. I love historically accurate books, and there are so many fascinating things here.

The secondary characters are also amazing, and I can’t wait to read more about them. Especially a certain scarred captain!

I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series!

I was provided with an early copy by the publisher. My opinions are my own.

3.5 stars
THE SIREN OF SUSSEX is an entertaining read set in 1860s London following Evelyn, an equestrienne, as she teams up with her tailer in order to both bring his designs notoriety and gain herself a suitor. This book, while we mostly follow Evelyn and Ahmad through their partnership and eventual relationship, also has commentary on many social issues during this time period. One of the most important is that Ahmad is half-Indian (during this time, India is still a British colony) and we learn much about his and his cousin’s harsh history because of the inequality during this period. The author did a great job of developing both characters and making them lovable and three-dimensional, and their relationship was sweet as well. Their respective hobbies/careers, Evelyn as an equestrienne and Ahmad as a tailor, were very interesting to read about, especially when discussions of the trends and fashion were had for the 1860s; I very much enjoyed these elements! I did find myself struggling with the pacing at some points but that is my only real critique of this novel. I enjoyed it quite a bit and would recommend it!

This is the first in a promising new Victorian-era romance series, and I found myself falling in love with the fiercely independent, intelligent, and somewhat self-deprecating Evelyn and the serious-yet-warmhearted Ahmad. Their coupling felt natural with only a hint of insta-love; it's a slow burn with a pretty low spice level (quite appropriate for the era). I appreciate how Ahmad's passion shines through both when he creates new designs for dresses, but also when he contends with his own identity as a half-Indian, half-British tailor and how that would affect his relationship with Evelyn. While we don't get as much of a sense of Evelyn's passions other than her horse and vaguely bluestocking values system, I was still invested in her and rooted for the romance up until the end of the book.

Tired of Bridgerton? (Or, in the same vein, NOT tired of Bridgerton and looking for more historical romance?) Try this.

I really wanted to love this one. As soon as I started seeing it being talked about on Twitter I added it to my TBR and then jumped at the chance to get an advance read via Netgalley. Unfortunately, it fell short for me on several levels. Evelyn wanting to be noticed in the same manor as the Pretty Horsebreakers in order to find a wealthy and respectable husband doesn't make much sense to me unless she was so naive to not know that these weren't the respectable marriage type. The romance that did happen felt forced. The spiritualism angle unnecessary. As a whole it just didn't do it for me and it's not a series I will be continuing.