Book 2 focuses on Julia and Captain Blunt. Julia comes from an interesting household with parents that are quite over the top about illness and ailments. While Captain Blunt is a ruthless war hero with a rumored herd of bastards. How can the kind and shy Julia find happiness with a man of such reputation.....is it worth the chance if the alternative is even worse??
Their marriage of convenience is not simple but oh so worth it. Julia and Jasper learn their true identities together, not just who they are together but who they are as individuals. We also see some of the amazing friends from book 1 which add even more depth to the story.
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I am usually a girl who reads steamy historical romance and this one is not that BUT I didn't even care. Matthews world building, characters, and story are so well written and well developed the steam wasn't important. I mean I'll never say no to steam but honestly this story is perfect the way it is. The plot is also one that is quite unique, which is always a very welcome surprise!

Do you ever really know the person you are married to? Julia is riddled with shyness and social anxiety. She'll even endure a bloodletting from her parents' quack of a physician just to stay home from a ball. Her hypochondriac parents want her to marry a horrid old man only because he lives nearby and she can spend the rest of her days taking care of them. Jasper, a scarred war hero, surrounded by rumors of his violence to his men during the war and his supposed house full of bastard children is having a hard time finding an heiress bride. When Jasper saves her from her despicable parents, Julia realizes she needs to take charge of her own life. She proposes to him. He can have her dowry if she can read and ride her horse as she pleases. Secrets, a decrepit house on the moors, blood letting, a disfigured war hero with secrets. It's all here. Whatever you do, stay out of the tower! A gothic romance you will enjoy.

Just lovely!

I thoroughly enjoyed Julia and Jasper's story. It has shades of Beauty and the Beast, Blackbeard, and The Blue Castle , but is still very much the story of its two main characters and their deliciously slow burn romance.

I loved that Jasper was able to truly see Julia, in a way that up until that point only her close friends did (the other "belles" of the series, of course). The reader will probably see the clues about Jasper's past (and present, for that matter) a bit before Julia does (truly, how did he think he would keep it from her for any amount of time?) but it's still rather thrilling to figure it out. Even more thrilling is watching Julia come into her own, finally standing up for herself and those that she loves.

The author's note at the end was alternately quite interesting and truly terrifying--don't skip it! As always, reading well-researched historical fiction always makes me quite grateful to live in the time period we do, in spite of all the other craziness that is going on right now.

I haven't read the first book ( The Siren of Sussex ) yet, but this one worked fine as a standalone. The other series characters--the "belles"--play small roles here, with most of the emphasis on Julia and Jasper.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

4.5 stars

It's been a while since I devoured a book in a couple of days. The Belle of Belgrave Square captured my interest from the first page. Mimi Matthews created two unforgettable characters that I felt a kinship with. Julia is a bookworm who suffers from social anxiety. (She and I could have been best friends.) Jasper is a misunderstood war hero. He has a fearsome reputation, but he is not what he appears to be.

Jasper needs an heiress to restore his crumbling estate and a mother for his illegitimate children, and Julia needs an escape from her hypochondriac parents. I am not sure her parents understand the meaning of love. Their interests center upon themselves and their comforts meet at the expense of their daughter. The pair strike a bargain and a marriage of convenience is formed.

The story has a degree of complexity. Mimi Matthews drops hints about Jasper's secrets. He is very private about his past and is not willing to share many aspects. Julia has a vivid imagination and tries to fill in the blanks. All of the elements lead to a satisfying love story with a hint of mystery.

The marital relations between the two contain a lot of innuendoes. There are "fade to black" love scenes that keep the story on the clean"er" side.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Beauty and the Beast-esque - yes, please. This is a fun novel but you really need to not think too deeply about it / the writing. It's enjoyable for what it is. Recommend as a nice, weekend read.

Was really looking forward to this one but when I finally got my hands on it, it was an underwhelming experience. It had too much of a plot going on, but it was still good enough to read and finish.

The tropes fell against me in this one, and while I appreciate all the allusions to other novels the story didn't work for me, despite Matthews' great writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cute romance. The characters are great, it has snappy dialogue and the spicy scenes are well written. Would definitely recommend as a quick, easy read to satisfy the period romance reader.

3.5 stars - Julia is shy and looking to get out from under her parents overbearing ways, while Jasper is looking for a heiress to rebuild the estate he inherited. Their relationship was a roller coaster that ended in a rushed marriage-of-convenience. There was a twist at the end that was interesting and the author did bring a lot of history into the storyline, which was interesting.

I received this advance review copy from from NetGalley & the publisher for my honest review.

Mimi Matthews is a fantastic writer and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this series! While I wanted Anne's book next I really liked following Julia as she made her way out from beneath her parent's thumbs. ALSO Captain Jasper was amazing and let me tell I smelled the plot twist from a mile away and was still so impacted by the characters reactions! I can't wait for the next book in The Belles of Belgrave square series!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

This was another great book from Mimi Matthews! And the cover is so pretty. I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Not sure if I liked this one as much as the first book, though I still very much enjoyed it. Will definitely pick up the next in the series. The beginning took me a little to get into, but once I did I zoomed right along. I did like Julia and Captain Blunt's relationship, but I also felt it was a little rushed. Everything happened very quickly.

I really enjoyed Jasper and Julia's story. It was fun watching both of them navigate their new life and the children were a fun bonus!

Captain Jasper Blunt, a veteran of the Crimean War and a reputation for brutality, has come to London for one purpose only - to find himself an heiress. Not only is he notorious for his exploits during the war that hailed him a hero, but also for having three illegitimate children, whom he has acknowledged and who now live with him at his dilapidated estate in Yorkshire. His facial scar and large build are enough to deter any future bride, but Julia Wychwood is attracted to the man despite his reputation.

Julia Wychwood suffers from anxiety. She loathes the unending rounds of social engagements that are part of the London season. Reading novels and riding her large black gelding, Cossack, in Hyde Park are her means of escape. Her only true friends are three other equestrienne bluestockings who are inconveniently out of London when Julia needs their advice. When life becomes too demanding, she feigns illness which brings some respite from the pressure placed on her by her hypochondriac parents.

When Julia's father arranges a match between her and a much older, London-based aristocrat to ensure she will remain at their beck and call even after marriage and subject her to archaic medical treatment to make her compliant, Blunt comes to the rescue.

What follows is another charming romance from an author well-versed in the Victorian age and who writes without the melodrama that often forms part of romance novels. Yes, there are misunderstandings and secrets kept and exposed, but with a sensible and likeable heroine such as Julia, and an equally sensible hero, hurtful and upsetting as some of the revelations are makes for a superb denouement and shows how capable Julia is when her newfound happiness and independence is threatened.

The Belle of Belgrave Square is another great read from Mimi Matthews. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

First Impressions: Horse Girl Energy

I think I’ve made my feelings quite clear about cartoon covers. That said, this one isn’t so bad. I like the title treatment and the finial detail used for the Belles of London in the corner. And I like the inclusion of Juila’s horse because she’s a horse girl, after all.

What’s Your Type?

Beauty and the Beast
Modest romance
Marriage of Convenience
Dating Profile

Military hero Captain Jasper Blunt is known for three things: 1) his cruelty on the battle field, 2) his hoard of bastard children and 3) his falling-down estate in the countryside. At least, that’s what the never-ending rumors are about.

Julia Wychwood is known for three things: 1) her horse, 2) her crippling social anxiety, and 3) reclusive, sickly parents who are constantly boarded up in their home or off “resting” at the seaside and refuse to let Julia leave the house for too long in case they need her to take care of them.

Captain Blunt’s home is in disrepair, but he’s out of money. And Julia’s parents have become so overbearing, they’re quite literally killing her. Blunt needs a rich wife, and Julia’s got a dowry and a reason to get the hell out of dodge yesterday. No one can believe that Julia would runaway to elope with the cruel Captain Blunt – not even Julia. But once she finds herself in the countryside, Julia is free to do as she pleases – she can read as many books as she likes and ride her horse as often as she wants. Blunt has only one rule: Julia is forbidden from entering his office in the tower. A rule that Julia breaks sooner rather than later.

Meet Cute: Before We Met

Julia and Jasper actually met in Matthews’ first Belles of London book, The Siren of Sussex, which I have not read and do not plan on reading, for reasons I’ll expand on below. But from what I gather, Julia and Jasper were introduced and he’s been smitten ever since, with a plan to make her his wife.

Their first real conversation in this book is about, well, books – something they both love. This is a story about book lovers and that particular plot line is one of my favorite aspects of the story.

The Lean: Beauty and the Beast

Julia and Jasper have a real Beauty and the Beast dynamic going on. He’s tall, dark and brooding, with a reputation for cruelty and a secret past (and present!), but he needs a wife stat. Julia is bookish and quiet with eccentric parents. She’s intimidated by Jasper but intrigued by him too, especially since he seems to be a bit bookish as well. And peeling back Jasper’s layers gives Julia a surprising jolt of confidence.

The only problem with this Lean is that it kept leaning…and leaning…and leaning, until it flopped right on its face.

Dirty Talk: Non-Existent

And now we get to the crux of the matter. I waited for the sexy bits. I waited a long time. Julia and Jasper were MARRIED for crying out loud, what could possibly keep them from doing the deed??? About 80% into this book I realized something: there would be no sexy bits. Any potential sexy bits would happen off page. I’d been duped. This was a *DUM DUMMM DUMMMM* modest romance novel.

Now listen, there’s nothing wrong with a modest romance if that is they type of romance novel you want. Reader: it was not the type of romance novel I wanted. I want sex. On page. The more the better! And there was nothing that warned me ahead of time that I wasn’t going to get it here. So I kept reading and waiting, only to be disappointed in the end.

Ms. Perky’s Prize for Purplest Prose

Zero prizes awarded. Sorry!

We Need to Talk: Historically Accurate

If you love a good Kleypas or MacLean novel, then you’ll love Matthews’ writing style – it has all the makings of a great historical romance novel. And just like real Regency times, sex is something that’s best left to the imagination.

Was It Good For You? Unsatisfied

Obviously, this book left me wanting more. But if modest romance is your thing, or at least, it’s a thing you like to read now and then, then you will probably enjoy this book. It has all the hallmarks of your fave historical romance writers, but without the spice.

FTC Full Disclosure: I did not receive money or Girl Scout cookies of any kind (not even the gross cranberry ones) for writing this review. The Belle of Belgrave Square is available October 11, 2022.

I'm not sure why I thought book 2 would be Anne's book. Julia's interactions with Captain Blunt were more pronounced as a setup in book 1, The Siren of Sussex than Anne and Hartford. I wasn't excited about Anne's story because 1) I didn't love book 1 and 2) because Anne's mom is a spiritualist and that isn't something I am looking forward to reading about. That being said, Mimi Matthews reminded me of why I usually love her books with The Belle of Bellgrave Square.

Julia is socially awkward. She doesn't enjoy society and events with large groups of people. She has a little anxiety. Generally, I think more people feel this way than those who are completely comfortable in a crowd, but maybe I'm wrong. Her parents are both sickly, and Julia has found that occasionally she can claim illness too in order to avoid going out to certain events. She much prefers solitude and a good book. Who reading this review couldn't agree? But Julia's parents are also selfish, and she finds herself facing an unwanted marriage and future. Julia knows she needs to do something.

Jasper is a bit of a mystery. Although, I found most of his secrets were pretty easy to determine. He is seeking a wife this season, but specifically, he needs an heiress. His estate is nearly falling apart, and he has three children to provide for. I love how choosing Julia was one of the few selfish choices he's made in his life since the war. It reminded me of something husband said to me back when we were dating.

This was one of those marriage of convenience stories where both characters felt more than they were initially willing to share. It did remind me a little of Mimi Matthews' other book, The Work of Art. But I also appreciated that Mimi Matthews explains where she pulled inspiration from in the author's note at the end. In some ways, it makes me want to go back and read some of the books she pulled from, although I doubt I will.

Favorite quotes:
-“You're very changeable, sir.”

-“That wasn’t a rescue. That was naught but a minor service.” Jasper’s eyes held hers, his voice dark with promise. “When I rescue you, Miss Wychwood, you’ll know it.”

-“Old sins cast long shadows,”

- “I can’t give myself to you if I don’t know who you truly are.”

-“I told you. I value your opinions.” “I would that you’d valued my confidence a little more,”

It's no surprise that Finchley makes an appearance in this book, but I love when authors tie in multiple series together. Fan service and all. I don't know if it was intentional, or not, but there's also a character referenced named Nanny Plum which if you have kids you might be familiar with Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom.

Overall, I enjoyed The Belle of Bellgrave Square much more than The Siren of Sussex, and I am actually looking forward to Anne's story now even if I dread reading about her ridiculous mother. Julia and Jasper had a lovely story, and I enjoyed the whole experience of their journey. I did have a couple of questions at the end*, but I don't like to ponder on things like that too much. I usually like to enjoy the story for what it is and move on. The Belle of Bellgrave Square gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Belle of Bellgrave Square? What did you think? Let me know!

*Highlight for spoiler question: 1. If you've ever watched Catfish then you know, in real life, forgiving someone who has lied about something as big as their identity is nearly impossible to forgive. 2. Are Jasper and Julia truly not planning on telling the children? Because it's hard to imagine that information won't come out one day, especially if Julia slips up and calls him James in front of them one day. But it would be the same betrayal all over again. Just questions I wondered briefly about. End.

This book really amazed me! It ended up being quite different from what I was so sure it was going to be- a well done but perhaps not entirely new story of a socially awkward young woman who, to escape her situation impetuously marries a man she is drawn to and with whom she feels a connection, but doesn't really know- and he, the outwardly gruff war hero who we assume isn't nearly as wicked as gossip and his appearance might indicate. They each bring out the best in each other, etc etc, with the diversion of the hidden room, and so on. Well, well, how wrong was I? VERY wrong! Julia isn't just socially anxious, she's the product of a family so full of sickness and hypochondria that she herself uses it as a crutch to escape social obligations until she sees that for the inevitable trap it is, especially given the merciless presence of the family medical quack. Enter Jasper, who needs money for repairs to his estate and for some children we aren't entirely sure from whence they sprang. Jasper has many secrets, hinted at by himself and others, along with some inconsistencies in behavior that give you some small clues. I thought I had a very good idea what the truth was- but was proven somewhat wrong by an exceedingly clever resolution. Enjoyed the appearance of Tom Finchley and his wife Jenny, from the Parish Orphans of Devon series (Book 2). I loved the Siren of Sussex, the first book in this Belles of London series, but I think this is really even better. Both main characters have interesting and believable back stories, and the conclusion is remarkable. Highly recommend!

The Belle of Belgrave Square had me swooning, and in need of smelling salts. I truly can not describe how much this book made me believe in romance again, and overall the whole book felt like a love letter to the romance readers out there.

This book had everything you could want as a romance lover, especially if you love the gothic romances. We got secret identities, a male protagonist with many secrets, a heroine who was trapped in a life controlled by her parents, and major Hades and Persephone vibes. When it all comes together paired with the one bed at the inn and grumpy/sunshine vibes, we get a beautiful romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book is what pulled me out of a month long reading slump, where I was unable to finish a book.

Oh and don't get me started on our bookish heroine. She was absolutely perfect, especially when she gave some in depth reviews of books. Julia also saw a lot of character development and it was beautiful to see. It reminded me of a flower blooming. She went from being a shy wallflower, who tried not to rock the boat to taking risks and choosing her own path in life. By the end of the book she stood strong and chose to stand up to her parents and it was such a perfect scene.

The story paired with Matthews writing style, truly made the whole book feel like a love letter to the reader. It gave everything you could want in a historical romance, and the writing was absolute perfection. I truly can't remember the last time I was so awestruck by the beauty in an author's writing style.

Overall this story gets all the stars, and I will be recommending it to all my beauty and the beast, Hades and Persephone, and grumpy/sunshine trope loving friends.

Mimi Matthews has done it again! I totally got swept away in this swoon-worthy story of The Belle of Belgrave Square. There is a hint of mystery that surrounds Jasper, AKA Captain Blunt, and Julia is just so sweet. I had a hard time putting this historical romance down to work! This is my new favorite by Mimi and I can't wait to read book 3 in this series, The Lily of Ludgate Hill, which is tentatively coming in January 2024.

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

Published 11 October 2022.

I think this book will be a hit among the Bridgerton fans. It was an enjoyable story, but was a bit predictable and at times out of character for the time period.