The vibes in Lily of Ludgate Hill are everything. The romantic tension was delightful. Our hero and heroine are unique and original, and their second chance romance is perfectly executed- we understand exactly why they broke up and exactly why they need to get back together again. I loved the layers in this book, the integrity of the main characters, and the way everything fit together.

One of my favorite things about this book was the recognition that it's not weakness that causes a person to lower themselves to become a caregiver and put someone else first in their life - that is a strength. "Strong" women have been badly represented in fiction as being selfish, and I loved seeing selflessness being held up as the true strength that it is.

This book focuses on Anne, whose mother is the spiritualist, so that theme was stronger in this book than the last one. The main characters do not adhere to the occult, but they do view it as a harmless diversion, which I strongly disagree with and needed to mention for the sake of my own audience. With that said, there's no occult scenes here, no seances or anything like that, just references to it.

As the clean romance that this book is, I think it is an excellent representation of its genre.

I read a copy for review from Netgalley and the publisher but was not required to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

RATING: 3/5 STARS

I really enjoyed the first two books of this series but this one sadly wasn't quite for me... I didn't connect with the romance between Anne and Felix. Their back-and-forth arguments and the reason for their falling out didn't appeal to me. But fans of this series should still give this book a try and may end liking it a lot more.

Thank you so so so much to Mimi Matthews and Berkley Publishing for this wonderful eARC. I’ve never gotten a Berkley arc before, so this was so very exciting. All thoughts/opinions are my own.

Ok so the parts of this book that were super good were like stupid good🤩. Like the defending of Anne? Incredible. The cat? Incredible. The pet names with both endearing and teasing undertones? Incredible. The taking care of her cat and having her shawl next to his pillow in bed? Incredible.

The writing was, as always, superb. Mimi Matthews has a way with words because you feel all of these sensual elements even though there is no open door sexual content in her books. All of the movements of her characters in these books are intentional. Everything has meaning. Every glance, touch, and smirk all reflect the overarching romance in the book. It’s wonderful and it’s always wonderful to read.

So far Evie and Julia's books are the best. Just so so SO incredibly unique and sensual, whereas this one didn't have as much of *that* sort of depth, romance wise. However!! It is still incredibly romantic with heavy undertones of grief and loss that were so beautifully written. I haven't read a romance like this one in a while and that was really nice to experience again.

There are some excellent quotes that I highlighted that I will be including in this review, just so that you can get a taste of the delightful moments🥹

I will be finishing this review very soon with some non-spoilery quotes🥰

Faced with the prospect of losing her friend, Anne enlists the help of her frenemy Hart. Once sweethearts, now they are verbal sparring partners with a past neither wants to address. However, Hart has never let his feelings for Anne fade, and he is determined that now he will win her over once again and finally get their happily ever after. But only if their families stay out of the way.

This was a fun addition to the Belles series. Anne and Hart's banter was enjoyable to read and made me smile. The introduction of Hart's cousin to the storyline seemed a little abrupt, though I could see where that thread was going from the start. It would have been a little easier to follow if the family members had been introduced in some previous reference before they showed up on the scene.

Looking forward to Stella's story in the next book!

I’m sorry to say I found this entry in the Belles of London series lackluster. The author writes in her acknowledgments that she was grief-stricken over her father’s death when writing this book, and it shows. The romance very much takes a backseat to the grief that Lily and her mother are dealing with. Unfortunately there is also no tension in the relationship between the heroine and hero. I just wanted them to get on with it, since there are no obstacles to their love and marriage except those of their own making. The Lily of Ludgate Hill was a letdown after the brilliant Belle of Belgrave Square. I hope the author found the process of writing it to be helpful in her grief journey.

There are still some lovely passages, and I’m glad I read it. Like all the author’s books, this one is well researched, and I found the Author’s Note about different historical aspects enlightening. I’m looking forward to book four, and I hope the author finds herself in a happier frame of mind as she moves forward.

I read an advance reader copy of The Lily of Ludgate Hill from Netgalley.

If I had to pick one romance writer that I think has exceptional talent, it would be Mimi Matthews. She is so talented at every part of the genre (the suspense, the will they/won't they, character development, description, historical fact). The Lily of Ludgate Hill is (I assume) the penultimate in the series and it's a fun one. Matthews throws endless complications at her characters and it is a pleasure to watch them find their way out of it--not always in the way one would expect. What sets Matthews apart is her knowledge of British history. She creates these immersive books with tremendous skill. Recommend to any historical mystery reader (and anyone who is on the fence about the genre. Five stars, no question.

3rd in the "Belles of London" series, set in Victorian London. Lady Anne Deveril and Felix Hartford had a semi-secret engagement when Anne was 17. Then her father died unexpectedly, and she and her mother were plunged into grief. Fast forward six years and Anne is *still* wearing blacks, and her mother has become emeshed with spiritualists and the like. Anne and Hart despise each other. Or do they?

Getting to their HEA takes some very interesting side routes (clueless and uptight relatives! factories! oh, wait - *bastard* relations!) The way Anne wrests control of a somewhat independent life, while still adhering to her mother's mourning rituals is interesting. Anne is not to be pitied, but she's also hard to like. Hart is not the grinning, feckless fool that he presents to Society. I liked them both, and I liked the way they put up their own obstacles in getting to Love.

After adoring—I mean, ADORING—the Belle of Belgrave Square, I was eager and impatient to return to Mimi Matthews' Belles of London series . . . and I was not disappointed! With Matthews' trademark romance and attention to historical detail, combined with delightful enemies-to-friends-to-more vibes, I was all-in from page one of The Lily of Ludgate Hill. Loved it! Can't wait for the next one!

This was cute but not my fav Mimi book! It felt quite a bit slower and didn't keep my interest as much as some of her other ones. But it was still super sweet. It's just hard to top the Belle of Belgrave Square. I love everything about that one. That one just had all the swoony moments and I feel like this one was missing more of that. Plus it felt less of an alpha MC like hers usually are.

It felt different but maybe that's cause it's a second chance romance which can always be an uphill battle. But their story was so precious and I loved how long they've both waited for each other. I especially loved when he starts trying to pursue her. But the middle, beginning felt a bit slow I struggled to get into it.

A gorgeous book about grief and second chances. The yearning! The fighting! The slow rebuilding of trust! Like the rest of the Belles of London series, this is a closed-door romance, but the well-drawn characters and the complex connection between them made up for the lack of sex. Hart is a wonderful hero with years of development and growth to make him worthy of Anne, who champions his choices and strength once she discovers them. I look forward to rereading it.

In the third book of The Belles of London series, Mimi Matthews pens a thoughtful and poignant tale of love, duty to family, and second chances set in Victorian England. Additionally, The Lily of Ludgate Hill gently explores the relationship between grief and healing in a romantic context. Anne’s loyalty to her friend, Julia (Belle of Belgrave Square), sends her on a road trip to Yorkshire with Felix Hartford, the man who broke her tender heart six years ago. Despite the long separation and disappointment, there remains a lingering attraction, undying love, and hope for reconciliation. Luckily, the journey to Yorkshire presents Anne and Hart with the opportunity to view each other with fresh lenses and confront their unresolved past.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the quintessential second chance romance that delivers on the angst, yearning, banter, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. Anne and Hart are both burdened with familial responsibilities, which forces them to make decisions even at great cost to their personal happiness. Anne’s efforts to help her mother through grief demonstrate her strength and generosity. However, I cheered when Anne finally stood up to her self-centered mother. Hart is not a typical Mimi Matthews hero. At least not on the surface. Outwardly roguish and frivolous, but on the inside, he’s kind, steadfast, and noble. I love both sides, tbh. His character development is beautifully and sensitively crafted. From the endearments to his witty lines, to his romantic gestures, Hart is now one of my favorite romance heroes. I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with Felix Hartford. I also loved his flirtatious columns: “No good has yet been derived from ignoring our mutual history.” “She requires inordinate patience on the part of the gentleman gardener who would seek to cultivate her.”

One of the hallmarks of the Belles series is empowering female friendship. I adore the Four Horsewomen. Their sweet and strong friendship is comforting to read. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is also expertly researched and showcases the nuances of human nature. Mimi Matthews writes with empathy and gentleness, which compels the reader to feel compassion for the characters. Both readers and the characters find common ground in their grief. If you love Jane Austen’s Persuasion, you will savor Anne and Hartford’s slow burn romance. “Skeptical she might be. Uncertain she was. But not immune. Not to him.” And if you need more inducements, one or two Parish Orphans make a cameo appearance in this book!

On a personal note, I read this book on my dad’s death anniversary, and consequently, Anne’s grief and fears resonated so hard with me. I could empathize with her situation. There is such a thing as falling in love at the wrong time. Anne and Hart’s journey to happily-ever-after is paved with obstacles and, as a result, requires them to communicate and work on their relationship. They had to face their fears, overcome personal challenges, and grow as individuals to finally secure their happiness. This is a story of love, forgiveness, and optimism.

I can’t wait for Stella and the blunt-spoken Teddy’s book. The little tease is delicious.

Content note: closed door, classism, grief (parent’s death), slight violence.

My gratitude to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Mimi for providing me with an advance copy of Anne and Hart’s endearing second chance romance.

There's such an elegance to Mimi Matthews's Belles of London series, and The Lily of Ludgate Hill is everything I've come to love about this series.

Second-chance romance can be challenging to pull off well, but Anne and Hart's love story is so wonderfully tender and meaningful. Years after their initial romance was split apart by family tragedies - and by impulsive, hurtful words exchanged in anger - the pair have the chance to reconnect. Hart is a young lord forced to keep a number of secrets, including his investments in business and his support of his late father's secret second family. Anne, meanwhile, struggles to rekindle her own spark after being her widowed mother's support for so many years. When they're together, though, they're able to be themselves, and there's a beautiful, romantic warmth to the way they care for each other. Add in some pitch-perfect cameos from the other characters in the series, and it's the kind of book you want to revisit whenever you need a spark of joy.

Mimi Matthews does it again! I love her characters and stories so much. Even the title and the cover art are perfection for this story. I have been reading through her backlist, and I loved recognizing characters from other series in cameos throughout this book. Can’t wait for the next one!

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was super cute and I really enjoyed it! It actually surprised me and it was witty as heck!

I absolutely adore this series by Mimi Matthews! The Lily of Ludgate Hill was a beautifully written Victorian Era romance! I love the strength shown by all the "Furies" in this series and their love for horses and riding. The author did a beautiful job balancing Anne's commitment to her mother and her bravery in following her heart when the time was right for her.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews is a pleasure to read. The characters are engaging. They struggle with their personal needs and weaknesses while they excel in their unique strengths. Mimi Matthews unwraps each character’s history and struggles in tiny pieces so that we readers grow to appreciate them more and more as the story unfolds. I hated arriving at the last page. But I am encouraged with the promise of a sequel.

A Himalayan lily that blooms every five or six years is the inspiration for this second chance romance for Felix Hartford (Hart) and Lady Anne Deveril.

Family responsibilities and youthful misunderstandings got in the way before when they ended their engagement. The family responsibilities are still present but now with maturity, there is the hope they can have a different outcome this time.

There was a bit too much vacillating and indecision especially with Anne but in Mathews’ skillful hand it didn’t matter, I didn’t want to leave the characters or leave the world Matthews has created in this series.

Eagerly awaiting Stella’s story as in The Lily of Ludgate Hill we get a glimpse of her possible love interest.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved everything about this book, and that's the honest truth. This is a second-chance romance the way it should be done, with characters who grow and change and realize their roles in the story of each other's lives.

Anne- A heroine with incredible growth and extraordinary depth. She seems so self-possessed and confident in the first two books, but seeing her inner feelings and the pain she holds, as well as her loyalty to her overbearing mother and her selflessness (to a fault) really deepens her character, and I think she has one of the strongest character arcs of any of Mimi's heroines. The way she has to open up to let Felix in and be honest about what she really wants and how she's been hurt is a slow process, but feels so, so real.

Felix- Nothing I love more than a silly goose hiding a clever, sharp man. His care for Anne, despite the pain they cause each other, is really the crown jewel of this book. Matthews masterfully reveals his layers, and we see him go from the flippant dandy to complex, deeply feeling man as he navigates his feelings for Anne and the hurt of their past. He also has growing to do, and his evolution, having to overcome his own anger and hurt to understand Anne's, is heartwrenching.

The Romance- This is a romance between adults, who communicate when it's difficult and have to make effort to conquer hurt and understand each other. Watching them figure out how to speak to one another with honesty and kindness instead of bicker, get to the root of their past hurts and each accept responsibility for their part in their fraught relationship is so, so precious. It's on both sides, which makes it easy to root for these strong-willed individuals. And don't forget that signature Mimi tension- it permeates this book, and just about every other PAGE I had to lay on the floor and take deep breaths to get my emotions under control. Matthews can, with a single GLANCE, fill an ordinary interaction between characters with meaning and simmering intensity.

This will be a romance I return to over and over again. Do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR for January.

P.S. The hints of Teddy and Stella in this book are absolute GOLD. I cannot wait to see their romance bloom because they're sure to be unlike any other couple Mimi has written.

Not my favorite in the series, the romance felt flat and the story dragged on for too long.

Loved the second book The Belle of Belgrave Square, especially Captain Blunt. While Mimi Matthew is skilled at bringing her characters to life, this one felt somewhat dull and unremarkable.

Hartford is like a saint who takes care of his late father's mistress and children but keeps it secret from his grandfather and uncle. I didn't find his reasons to be valid. Anne's father died 7 years ago, and she is stuck taking care of her mother that has fallen into spiritualism and melancholy. They reunite when Anne needs a favor from him, and Hart will play along on the condition that Anne attends a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate...The repetitive pull between Hartford and Anne made it difficult to feel the chemistry, and the romance lacked the tension and anticipation expected in a romance story., why they broke up 6.5 years ago? the reason why they couldn't be together...mutual disappointment and hurt feelings, the reasons didn't seem justifiable to me... It takes until the end of the book for Hart to understand the man he needs to be for Anne. Lack of communication, frustratingly slow, and I didn't like the epilogue.

I felt like the story could have been 100 pages shorter, things were prolonged way too long, and for that reason... losing momentum and failing to engage. I found the book to be an alright read, but it didn't personally resonate with me. While it may not have been a perfect match for my preferences, I believe it could certainly appeal to others.

Always enjoy Matthews' stories, and will continue reading her books. Loved the cover. Sadly the story was just not for me.

I appreciate NetGalley and Berkley for allowing me to read the eARC of this book.

Library Review: I would absolutely recommend this book to patrons. I think in many ways it is designed to appeal to a broader romance audience rather than just the historical romance audience (though maybe that's just the packaging talking)

Reader review:
The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the third book in the Belles of London quartet, following one of the horsewomen, Lady Anne, and her second-chance romance with her childhood friend Hart.

As a rule, I'm not a second-chance romance girlie, but for Mimi Matthews I will make an exception--and I'm so glad I did!

Aside from continuing the series tradition of fantastic, colorful covers, The Lily of Ludgate Hill stands on its own two legs (four if we're talking horses) as a love-slash-coming-of-age story for both Anne and Hart. After becoming secretly engaged as teens, they had a falling out that pulled them apart for nearly 7 years. While they were once too young and immature to build their relationship, they are now ready to return to each other and use pretty much any excuse to throw themselves together, despite the secrets and regrets they keep from each other.

I did have a couple nits to pick, because I always do. First, the way Anne, Hart, and Lady Arundell talk about people of lower classes is disturbing. They have absolutely bought into their own elitism and the classism is just gross and put me off. Second, I felt like the story could have been 75-100 pages shorter. Things were prolonged without good reason, and the book could have been wrapped up way sooner, and as a result the story did lose momentum a few times. Three, the epilogue was useless.

Pros:
-Mimi Matthews's writing
-Hero and heroine both come into their own

Cons:
-Classism (barf)
-Dragged on when not needed
-Give me a real ending, please