A warm and charming take on Romeo & Juliet — but with a happy ending this time. I quickly fell in love with Ivo and Meg as they grew closer and struggled to keep the past from determining their future. As expected from Matthews, it's the perfect blend of swoony and introspective.

My thanks to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I despair of the romance genre, I read Mimi Matthews and my faith is restored. Her narrative doesn’t have to be perfect, or enthralling, it just has to have her signature elegant writing and ability to surprise the reader with the couple’s course to true love. You think it’s familiar, sometimes maybe even a tad slow (because Matthews is a master at the slow burn), but no one can make you believe in her lovers, in their journey to love built on affection, friendship, conversation, and compatibility, as Matthews does. This is no less true of her latest, Appointment In Bath, than others she’s penned.

One of the many pleasures of Appointment In Bath is the concurrence of Ivo and Meg’s romance with Kate and Charles’s, the protagonists of the previous Somerset Stories, Return to Satterthwaite Court. Moreover, we meet once more with the hero’s parents, Margaret and John of Gentlemen Jim (one of Matthews’s most masterful romances).

But I digress and confuse my readers by rambling about the interconnected romances of this wonderful series. I would recommend you start with the first, The Work Of Art, and work your way to this one. If, on the other hand, you’ve read the first three, this one too will delight. To set us up, the publisher’s blurb for plottish details:

Shy and stammering Meg Burton-Smythe has spent the whole of her life living on the fringes of local society. She’s more comfortable with her daydreams than she is with people. But when a dashing, golden-haired hero rides to her rescue one morning, she dares to hope that her dreams might finally come true. There’s only one problem: her handsome rescuer is the son of her father’s sworn enemy.

Ivo Beresford doesn’t believe in clinging to the past. Freshly returned from a lengthy grand tour, he’s looking to the future, eager to spearhead the building of a new railway extension in Somersetshire. But an unexpected encounter with Meg Burton-Smythe, the isolated only daughter of his parents’ oldest foe, sets the past and the future colliding.

Resolved to put ancient grudges to rest—at least where innocent young ladies are concerned—Ivo encourages lonely Meg to embark on a secret friendship. After all, what harm can a friendship do? It isn’t as though there’s any danger of the two of them falling in love…

As Matthews comments in her “Author’s Note”: at 18 and 23, Meg and Ivo are her youngest protagonists. As such, and rightly so, Appointment In Bath is as much about their growth and maturing as their “vegetable love.” At first, given how shy, withdrawn, and cloistered Meg is, and given that Ivo has returned from studies and a Grand Tour, it seems Meg is the one who needs to learn to leave her shell. Ivo is her first experience, nay contact, with a young man. But I loved how, in the end, Ivo proves the immature one, the one who has to realize how his overconfidence is thoughtlessness towards the people he loves the most, Meg and his family.

In the meanwhile, we read about Ivo and Meg falling in love in the most delightful way. It starts as a secret friendship, secret because as Meg notes “that he should be a member of a family as abhorrent to her own family as the Montagues ever were to the Capulets.” Given the animosity we learn about in Gentleman Jim, we know that Ivo and Meg’s romance’s dark moment must come with the reckoning of their two families discovering their secret friendship.

To build the romance, Matthews cleverly makes Ivo spontaneously propose a secret friendship: ” ‘Do you know what I think, Miss Burton-Smythe? I think we should be friends, you and I.’ ” Oh oh, I thought…this won’t turn out well. But I was touched by Meg’s loneliness, even while I saw Ivo’s arrogant naïveté leading to a world of hurt: “Friends? How could a Burton-Smythe ever be friends with a Beresford? It was impossible. Unheard of. The two families hated each other and had done so since well before she was born. But Mr Beresford had been kind to her. More than kind. He’d been downright friendly. And Meg was in desperate need of a friend.” And the poignancy of her yearning: “She couldn’t live at Letchford Hall for the remainder of her life. She wanted romance and adventure. She wanted love.”

Meg has it with Ivo: they ride and talk, cross “cursed” bridges, hold hands and share kisses. There is no drama to their love, it’s obvious to the reader and Meg, it takes Ivo a little longer to figure it out. He’s also encouraging, kind, and fun to be with, but he doesn’t take the seriousness of what their love would mean to their families. Until the reckoning comes ’round and then, it’s Ivo who has a whole lot of growing up to do. I loved how Meg calls him on it too. But his humility, generosity, and love for Meg AND his family shine through in the end. Matthews’s romance is lovely, not as high stakes as the first two books in the series, but absolutely lovely. Miss Austen agrees, with her verdict from Emma, “a mind lively and at ease.”

Mimi Matthews’s Appointment In Bath is self-published. I am grateful to the author for an e-ARC, via Netgalley, for the purpose of writing this review. This does not impede the free expression of my opinion.

Mimi Matthew’s books just leave me happy, and this book was no exception. It is a delightful story of forbidden love. Ivo and Meg both grow immensely throughout the course of their romance. Ivo is a bit immature, and he makes some unwise choices with the best intentions. Meg is shy and struggles to make herself heard, especially with her father. Both of them take risks and help each other become better versions of themselves.

This is a wonderful read, and being back with Ivo’s family is an absolute treat. There are some tense family moments and disagreements that feel honest. I enjoy watching as so many of my beloved characters continue to grow and learn to forgive. I always close the books in this series wanting more. I love every moment with the characters, the setting, and the romances.

This book’s timeline parallels Return to Satterthwaite Court. It can be read as a stand alone, but it’s best read in the order of the series.

This is a clean read.

A forbidden love blooms when a sheltered daughter and a forward-thinking son from rival Victorian families meet by chance. Meg Burton-Smythe, a shy dreamer, finds hope in a golden-haired hero who rescues her. However, he happens to be the son of her father's sworn enemy. Ivo Beresford, determined to move forward and reconcile old feuds, encourages a secret friendship with Meg, dismissing any possibility of love. Together, they navigate the boundaries of society and their families' history, testing the limits of their connection while striving to keep their hearts at bay.

This was a story hinted at in the previous book, Return to Satterthwaite Court. It is also the sequel to the second book of the series, which I have not read but apparently is the romance of Ivo Beresford’s parents. I liked how the two main characters had a bit more time and conversation to develop a relationship, though it did feel short.

My sympathies, for a large part of the book, were with Meg’s curmudgeonly father. Perhaps if I had read the previous book where his actions were that of a villain, I might have felt differently. Just as in the previous book, the love of Ivo’s parents felt incredibly selfish and unbalanced.

Also, point off for trying to convince me that Meg’s corset was too tight and constricting. It was a brief moment, but it still annoyed me.

Overall, this was a quick, sweet read. I would recommend it to readers looking for a Victorian romance.

Mimi Matthews is an expert at historical romances! I've loved everything I've read by her and Appointment in Bath was wonderful since it somewhat carries on the story from Gentleman Jim which I really enjoyed. Ivo was good for Meg and it was heart warming to see them stand up for each other. This was a very sweet romance.

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

Publication date: 27 June 2023

This is not my first book by Mimi Matthews, I recently discovered her through her Belles of London series, which I absolutely loved. Thanks to finding that series, I stumbled upon her others. Now, I did not read the other books in this series before, so I had to go back and read them before I started this one. While I do not think it absolutely necessary to read the books in order, I do think it helped me to grasp the full extent of the series and of its previous characters. For that reason, I would recommend reading the series in their proper order.

Now, I absolutely love Matthews style of writing. It's so beautifully written and the characters are fully developed and multi-dimensional. The world building within the series was exceptional. I also love how she writes her heroines and how descriptive her writing is.

I don't think you can go wrong with reading one Mimi Matthews' books. Do yourself a favor and give her series a try!

ARC provided by Perfectly Proper Press via NetGalley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.

Every new book I read of Mimi Matthews becomes another favorite and treasured gift. I was torn between wanting to know what happens for Meg and Ivo and the feuding families. I couldn’t have been more pleased with this lovely story. I eagerly await another book from Mimi. Thank you to the publisher for the Netgalley copy.

Appointment in Bathby Mimi Matthews is so much more than I expected!
I loved watching Meg come out of her shell while Ivo was able to see and communicate what a treasure she is. Ivo is not put off by a challenge and determines that they should be friends. Never mind that their families have been feuding for years. When given the opportunity, a genuine friendship grows and develops between Meg and Ivo. The obstacles to be overcome are familiar, but painted afresh through the lens of their story. I did not realize that it takes place concurrently to Kate and Charles’s story in Return to Satterthwaite Court and I loved the additional insights and details. I have so many things I want to talk about and don’t want to give any of it away!!! I’m can say, Meg and Ivo are perfect together. I’m hopeful for one more story in this series and perhaps be able to get another glimpse of them together.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This book is an absolutely lovely forbidden romance between two children of warring families. Ivo and Mary make amazing protagonists, each so thoughtful and kind but still loyal and loving to their families which makes their romance more exquisite to watch and root for. I absolutely loved it.

“When coupled with his honey-blond hair and beautifully sculpted features, he didn’t just look like Prince Charming, he could have been Prince Charming.”

Book 4 in Mimi Matthews Somerset Stories series is just wonderful! I loved getting to know Ivo and Meg. They have such a sweet friendship to more story with forbidden love, a Romeo and Juliet vibe, plus a wonderful happily ever after!

Oh my heavens the meet cute was magical, dreamy and beyond sweet. It starts the story off so beautifully and I was intrigued all the way through. Meg and Ivo are such lovable characters that complement each other perfectly! He’s intelligent, charismatic, forward thinking and so sweet. She is shy, lonely, sweet, and in need of a friend. They see the best in each other and bring out the best in each other and that is my favorite kind of love story!

Read for:
🤍loved how this story overlaps with book 3-brilliant!!!!!
🤍Sweet friends to more story
🤍Forbidden love
🤍Romeo and Juliet vibes
🤍the meet-cute-so cute!!!
🤍themes of growth and forgiveness
🤍lovely heroine
🤍dreamy hero
🤍beloved characters and family
🤍happily ever after

I had no idea how Mimi could bring about a happy ending with these two rivaling families, but it was beautifully done and it left me so satisfied and happy. This is the kind of story that you sigh with joy and contentment at the end. I think you’ll fall in love with Ivo and Meg as they fall in love with each other. I love them!

Thank you Netgalley and Perfectly Proper Press for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.

Content: Few minor swear words(h. word, g.d., d. word, a. word but British spelling), maybe a mild innuendo, kisses only

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was not my first book by this author, but it was the first in this series which is book 4. I will definitely have to go check out the rest...

Mimi Matthews has a way of doing well-drawn characters, sweet romance with some angst in a historical setting. This time the book has a Romeo and Juliet feel with our main couple from families who hate each other. It was interesting to learn the backstory from the perspective of each of our leads.

I adored how Ivo and Meg's relationship grew despite being "enemies" from birth. Ivo brought Meg out of her cocoon, showing her she was strong and brave. The two of them made each other a better person and their friends to more was so pure and a delight to see it evolve across the page.

I absolutely hated Meg's father and despised Ivo's brother, James (though he kind of redeemed himself late in the book.) You know a book is well written when you have such strong feelings for the characters. I loathed these two as much as I loved our couple.

4 stars

I have not read the earlier books in the "Somerset Stories" series, which lay out the many societal and familial obstacles laid before the parents of the protagonists of books three and four. However, I like Mimi Matthews work, and eagerly dove into "Appointment" and got what I wanted: a gentle story with two likeable protagonists who meet and fall in love.

Both this, and essentially its companion story, "Return to Satterthwaite Court", occur over the same few weeks, and are told from two different protagonists' points of view:
-"Appointment in Bath": Meg Burton-Smythe and Ivo Beresford
-"Return to Satterthwaite Court": Kate Beresford and Charles Heywood

In this book, Margaret "Meg" Burton-Smythe knows she's in trouble when she unexpectedly meets Ivo Beresford. They take an immediate liking to one another, and end up spending several mornings alone together, getting to know each other and growing increasingly fond of the other. Meg has lived an extremely sheltered and isolated life, thanks to her cantankerous and often unpleasant father. Ivo, on the other hand, has several siblings and his family is happy, rambunctious and loving. She's hoping for a Season, while he's back at home, and eager to make his mark in business.

Meg and Ivo know that their respective parents will not be happy that they spend time together. Neither is aware of the specifics that drove a wedge between the families, but Ivo is determined to change things, especially as he realizes the children of the two families had nothing to do with the acrimony.

I was rooting for Meg and Ivo, even though Ivo made some pretty insensitive mistakes, hurting Meg. That he actively makes amends was great, and I was happy with how Meg took charge of her life, gaining a lot of confidence, and also improved her relationship with her father. This book's resolution came a little sooner than I was expecting, but I still really enjoyed this.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Perfectly Proper Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

You’ll forgive me this long, self-indulgent, spoilerrific rave/rant.

Note on irrational rating: Yes, that’s four stars though I’m rave/ranting. Three for this particular story plus one because I love the couple, and this is still such a must-read series.

I love this series, I love this author’s writing, and, most of all, I love Nicholas Seaton/John Beresford, former Viscount St Clare, Lord Allendale to you. I would read his progeny’s love stories for generations to come. Hence, my devotion makes me compare all Beresford/Heywood HEAs to his, which sets them at a disadvantage. Add that Ivo’s is a young’uns star-crossed lovers tale, and let’s just say, though I was excited to read, my expectations (because of personal trope predilections) were low. And yet, those blondie Beresford magnetic confidence genes proved strong, and this second son kept my interest a-very well (author shared she had a bespectacled young Jude Law in mind, and that image was very useful. You’re welcome).

I’m happy to report the Romeo and Juliet “retelling” aspect is very loose. Feuding families and forbidden love youngsters are the extent of it. Thankfully no insta-love here. Our short-sighted, bleeding heart golden adonis and the shy, freckled daughter of his parents’ arch-enemy start with a mutual curiosity, then to tentative friendship with the much attraction, to falling in love with plenty internal, complicated motivations and misunderstandings, not just external conflict piled on. Can you imagine Romeo constantly friend-zoning Juliet and then just showing up with her at the Montagues’? Bahaha. Yeah, no. *sigh* Ivo and Meg are a great couple. Welcome to the family.

I feel like I should list my gripes now:
- I loved Ivo’s ambition and getting hit over the head with his progressive “look to the future” mentality. But Meg needed some competence and something to add besides sweet smiles and profuse blushing. Loved her and her “Shy mouse finds her voice” arc, but wanted her to have something more to bring to the table and to feel like Ivo desperately needed her as part of his journey.
- Too little of stern Allendale. Never enough.
- This is dumb, but bit confused by the title. We spent like 5 minutes in Bath.
- This is the main one: I can handle an eleventh hour resolution from this beloved author, but I felt like the conflict here abruptly drifted away like blown mist off a cursed ancient bridge. What happened? All that pressure and threats of family ruin from icy James, yet not surprised the Allendales were like “Oh, but there’s feels involved, you say? Ok, fine, we’ll deal”. And yet, I was left hanging thinking we’d have a Fred Freak-out dastardly plan of some sort, not have such a purported feud just fizzle out after Ivo’s like “I’m a well-intentioned idiot. Marry me”. Before I knew it, we’re still resolutioning in an assembly room, but it’s the epilogue? I was left head-scratchingly adrift.

And yet, I get it. This generation is not meant to suffer the intense turmoil and angst as their fathers. Let’s just simmer down and enjoy those medicinal waters, toasting the happy couple. I’m ready for Hannah to send James for his head over polished boot heels comeuppance.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

Content notes: kissing only, frequent mentions of physical attraction, late Victorian contemporary cursing and taking the Lord’s name in vain, toxic parent.

The fourth book in the series ‘Somerset Stories’ explores the forbidden relationship between Meg Burton-Smythe and her neighbour Ivo Beresford. Meg and Ivo’s parents have despised each other, since Meg’s father Sir Frederick attempted to have Ivo’s father killed. Whilst Meg is shy and has a stutter that appears when she is nervous, Ivo is confident and well-spoken. Yet when together, they bring out the best in each other with Meg growing in confidence and Ivo, becoming more aware of those around him.
This is a sweet and almost cosy romance, that draws the two families together. Country life is beautifully and vividly described as Meg and Ivo spend time together. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the story told from each person’s perspective. Whilst their feelings grow, neither character is forthcoming in revealing their inner thoughts which adds to the tension between them. The integration of characters from previous books is cleverly done, such that the storyline is explained without undermining Meg and Ivo’s story. Having loved this series, I found myself going back to book one to re-examine the family feud, and in doing so, found myself enthralled once again. I now can hardly wait to read James and Hannah Heywood’s story, one that is highlighted in both book 3 and 4.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was my first Mimi Matthews book but definitely won't be my last. I loved the Romeo and Juliet feel of this forbidden romance but it has a much happier ending that Shakespeare's play. Meg Burton-Smythe's and Ivo Beresford's families have been in a deep-seated feud for years, but that doesn't stop them from forming a friendship after Meg has a fall from her horse and Ivo happens to be nearby to offer help.

I felt so bad for Meg. Her mother died giving birth to her so she was raised by servants; her father is harsh, critical and doesn't show any affection towards her; her older brother is away and rarely writes. Her friendship with Ivo becomes the sunshine in her life.

Ivo has a loving family but wants to find his own way in the world. He doesn't care about the feud between his and Meg's parents because it's in the past and he believes "in looking toward the future".

These two are so sweet together!! I loved all of their interactions and how their personalities balanced the other. Meg is shy and thoughtful while Ivo tends to be more impulsive because of his excitement. I loved how they really saw each other. To Meg, Ivo wasn't the younger brother trying to prove something, and to Ivo, Meg's stammer wasn't an issue. I also loved how Meg and Ivo are friends first and then realized their feelings went beyond friendship.

I haven't read the other books in this series but was not lost at all. The author does an excellent job of giving the reader enough backstory. This one makes me want to read the previous books. This is a sweet romance with just kisses.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Another great addition to the Somerset Stories. The forbidden love and feuding families give it Romeo and Juliet vibes, with a happy ending though!!

I loved Meg and Ivo so much. From their adorable meet cute, to morning horse rides, and adventures on a questionable bridge, I loved every scene with them together. With feuding parents, a friendship is the last thing they expect. But soon friendship turns to more. Meg’s difficult home life and Ivo’s business ambitions all stand in the way of them finding love together. With Ivo’s help, Meg learns the truth about the feud and finds her voice to stand up to her father.

This book was just delightful. I love seeing Ivo’s parents, St. Clare and Maggie, so madly in love after all these years. If you haven’t read Gentleman Jim, I definitely recommend reading it before this story.

Romeo and Juliet meets the writing talents of Mimi Matthews in this romantically thrilling historical romance. It was so hard to put this book down that I stayed up late reading so I could see how it ends. I love forbidden romance so much, and when it's a slow burn, friends to lovers trope, I am tickled pink. While Mimi Matthews doesn't include any open door spice in her books, she is consistent in her ability to make the reader not miss it at all. The chemistry, the sexual tension, it was all there. The main characters lit up in each other's presence, and it was easy to see why they would fall in love with each other. Also, if you are a fan of the hero falling first, it happens in this book. The heroine is resistant to admit her feelings, but the hero is smitten. Smitten, I tell you.

Meg Burton-Smythe doesn't get out much. With a father who thinks of her as a burden more than anything else, she has no plans yet of having a season, and her interactions with neighbors are limited. When she injures herself after a fall from her horse, a gallant young man rides up on his noble steed (a white horse, of course), it's not long before she recognizes Ivo Beresford as the younger son of her father's sworn enemy. Wary of being seen with him, they part ways once she is able to get back on her horse, but he insists that they begin a friendship. Soon they are meeting often in secret, and it's not long before their friendship blooms into something more. But even as Ivo is determined to set aside their families' grievances to court her, Meg is not similarly convinced. When Ivo takes matters into his own hands, it becomes glaringly obvious that it won't be easy. It will take both Meg and Ivo showing their families that love truly can conquer all.

Ivo and Meg were genuinely a cute couple, and I really came to appreciate their differences in how they managed through life. Ivo was brought up in a loving household, and, as a man, was able to have freedom to live his life mostly the way he wanted. There were very few limitations for him. Meg, on the other hand, grew up in a cold household, without her mother and with a father who seemed to resent the very air she breathed. Saddled with a stammer that got worse when she was nervous, and a general lack of know-how on managing interactions with the general public, Meg felt hopeless in her quest to see the world and find a love of her own. She and Ivo had an instant connection, and it was sweet to see Ivo bolster Meg's confidence. He helped her see her worth, and she stood up to her father for the first time. Unfortunately, Ivo took a bit more effort to change his own ways when it came to his family. He was blinded by being given everything he wanted, and so when he decided he wanted Meg, he assumed he could force his will upon his family. Which inevitably caused the third act conflict, and it really drew into sharp perspective just how young and naive this couple could be. Mostly Ivo, though. Poor boy hadn't a thought in his brain when it came to Meg - and I was so glad when she stuck up for herself and made him see that it would take a lot more to not just convince his family but convince her that he deserves her.

This was a wonderful read, and I would definitely recommend to those who are already fans of Mimi Matthews as well as any new readers to the historical romance genre. You can't go wrong with this author!

Absolutely adorable.

I will say, Mimi Matthews' "The Belles of London" series is by far her most swoon-worthy and romantic and sensual, at least in my opinion. While I do find that the "Somerset Stories" series lacks that little swoony something, this book was very adorable, and very much like Char and Ella from Ella Enchanted (book version >>>). I loved how fast we got to know Ivo & Meg and how their romance was sparked so quickly, but not in an insta-lovey kind of way. I think that this will be the first of the Someret series that I purchase in paperback to go with my Belles of London series, simply because it is endearing and comforting when my autistic brain can never relax... so this will be a nice book to own <3

Another brilliant read from Mimi Matthews. I really enjoyed Meg and Ivo's story, it was so lovely and swoonworthy. Megs is the sweetest character and Ivo is just imperfectly perfect. They really are a lovely match. Given all the detail in the books you can tell how much research goes into them and I've yet to be disappointed by one of Mimi's books. I'm so looking forward to reading James's story.

Ivo Beresford is back from his world travels and is on his way home when he comes upon an injured Meg Burton-Smythe. Determined to help regardless of their families history, Ivo is intrigued by Meg and her red hair and freckles. After continuing to meet and learn more about each other Meg and Ivo can’t deny their attraction. But their families won’t be swayed, and Ivo needs Meg’s father to help establish a local railway stop. Will Meg and Ivo keep defying their parents and keep courting each other or will their headstrong families prevent them from true happiness?

Another delightful installment in Mimi Matthews Somerset Stories! The complex character of Meg and her personal struggles with her stammer and self confidence I can very much relate to! I also admire Ivo’s open mindedness and pursuit to leave the past behind and look towards the future. I so enjoyed this latest story!