This third book in the series ended up being the one I have enjoyed the least. The push-pull between the two love interests felt repetitive after a while, and the communication between them (or rather the lack thereof) was just painful at times. I had sympathy for them both but they both needed to get out of their own paths. Frustratingly slow, especially the first half. 3 stars.

Thank you, Berkley Romance and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.

I've read many of Matthews' books and enjoyed most of them - especially the Parish Orphans of Devon series (Though I've never been able to find volume 3, but that's beside the fact).

I really enjoyed "The Siren of Sussex", the first in this "Belles of London" series, and also enjoyed the second, "The Belle of Belgrave Square" particularly the taciturn Captain Blunt, but this third installment just fell flat for me. I found myself skimming a lot, it just felt kind of . . . boring.

The plot has a Persuasion-esque theme with Lily having had her chance to marry Hartford six and a half years ago, but turned him down and then they parted ways. He's since made his fortune in (gasp) industry and she has lost her father and is now at the whim of her spiritualist-mad mother. They are reunited when Lily goes to his house to ask a favor of him. Several of the plot points felt a bit thin, and their reasons for tension or obstacles preventing their reunion just felt kind of 'meh' - and each main character's personality seemed to conflict with itself at times. I just never got that ooey-gooey romantic feeling about their relationship, nor did I feel the delightful tension of anticipation that should pull you through a romance story. A lot of the word count felt like filler.

The first 2 episodes about this foursome of fearless horsewomen were good, I'd give this one a miss, and hopefully the last one will be a grand finale -- I did very much enjoy the hints we got at Stella's relationship in this one -- who is her mysterious artist suitor who was so rude on first encountering her in the museum....?!

The covers of this series are also just BEAUTIFUL.

This was a wonderful installment in the series, it was great to see the heroine POV of her situation, and to see that she is not so under her mothers thumb as might have appeared. The story was paced pretty well, I do wish the author did a smidge more of shoring us the characters pull towards each other, the chemistry between characters is often difficult to “feel.”

Mimi Matthews is the best writer of historical romance in the market today. Her ability to write interesting characters, original plots, and swoon-worthy romance is absolutely amazing. I find most historical romances quite insipid due to little character development, over-the-top heroines and situations, and historical inaccuracy. Mimi Matthews however is able to satisfy the most romantic of hearts and the steeliest of historical critics because not only is she a wonderful writer but an astute historian as well. "The Lily of Ludgate" is the third book in this bestselling series and probably my favorite so far! I loved the heroine Lady Anne and her interactions with the roguish Felix Hartford were fantastic. I found myself rereading their conversations sometimes twice because I enjoyed them so much. They both were not as they made themselves appear to society, and it is extremely satisfying when they finally show each other their true hearts and true selves. What Mimi Matthews does best is make you feel like you are in Victorian times, living alongside her wonderful characters. And the chemistry between the two is undeniably passionate and so much fun to read. I am so grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this wonderful book. I will be running to the store to buy my own print copy as soon as its published! And I highly recommend you do to. You won't be sorry! This was absolutely lovely and if I could give it ten stars I would!

The Belle of Belgrave Square was one of my favorite books I read this year, so I had huge hopes for this book. I'm a big fan of slow burn but this actually didn't feel like that. The romance was pushed back so often that by the time they finally agreed to be together I almost didn't want them to be together anymore. It didn't really feel like a romance.

I'd like to thank Mimi herself for overturning Berkley's denial (!) on this book. As someone who is an ardent supporter for Mimi's work (because she writes that clean, historical romance that calls to me), she kindly rescued me from not getting to plug this book. So, thank you Mimi, you are forever a gem and an author I will back until the end of time.

But enough about me, lets talk about this book. Mimi says in her afterword that this book was mostly shaped by the loss of her father in 2021. When reading it, I felt it. I felt that the main theme was grief, time, and second chances. You have two people who fall in love after being childhood friends, secretly have intentions for one another. Hart goes away on a business trip (around this time he finds out his father on his death bed reveals he had a mistress - his mom's maid - and have several children with her). Anne looses her father and her mother looses her 'place' in society and her 'rock', falls into spiritualism and melancholy. When Hart returns to her, he wants her to marry him now and save him from his misery and woe of secrets told. She on the other hand is looking to be comforted and reassured that he will be her equal in all things (since the loss of status so to speak crippled her mother). He takes issue with her choosing to remain with her mom, and in mourning, and after a spat, break off their engagement. This leaves them for the next seven years absolutely disliking one another while running into one another.

I loved Hart and Anne - the first time we meet them she is absolutely tearing into him. (We have no idea what went on between them.) But we side with Anne because man, in a man's world - especially then - women got the brunt end of the stick. Anne is not shy to let him know that she will walk all over him. Hart however believes that while Anne seems to be this way in talk she is most certainly not like that with her actions. She still remains in mourning and bends backward for her mothers' ridiculous flights of fancy. Anne asks Hart to write a column in the local spiritualist newspaper (under one of his pseudonyms), convincing her mother to drive on out to Captain Blumford's estate (looking for ghosts) so that Anne (without her mom knowing) to rescue Julia (from previous book).

So begins their slow journey to become friends again, rekindle their feelings (if they were ever really gone), and fall in love with one another while family issues on both sides try to keep them apart. Something you can always count on when it comes to Mimi's stories is that her supporting characters are always three dimensional and don't just feel 'made' for plot points. That they feel real and exist in this historical world she has adapted. There is a scene at the end of the book during a crucial moment when both families converge in a library where a secret is revealed and the hilarity and chaos of the scene had me rolling, just rolling. It's right up there with Heyer and at times a Marx Bros. film.

The romance moments also are lovely! While the books are clean, the moments feel earned and palpable between the leads. Their tender talk escalated to kisses and embraces at times and I was gleefully curling my toes in delight. Honestly her men are the best. And in a book where the main character is looking for purpose in a male driven world (and equality), this one for sure. So far, in this series, I think Hart won me over as my favorite of the gentlemen (though that excerpt from the final book, and the moment with Teddy and Stella? Hart MIGHT have some competition. Dude was so pointed and absolutely suave to talk to her the way he was.)

Anyway, I really loved this book and I devoured it. This entire series has been a treat so far with these ladies and their horses, friendship, and men. If you're a fan of clean, historical romances I urge you to jump into this series. You could start with this book, but you miss out on all the fun and lead ups that got us here.

I'll be ready for Book Four in 2024! (Thanks again, Mimi.)

I was hesitant to like this book, it's not really my style, but I do love Mimi Matthews! So I decided to give it a shot, and I do not regret it! We get a sweet story with a bit of spice, showing us a side of historical England we don't often get to see.

There is so much smouldering attraction in this installment of the Belles of London! The verbal sparring was top notch, and I love a second chance romance. Mimi again delivers a detailed, vibrant historical setting, with her usual deft acknowledgement of issues like classism, and racism. This novel also included nuanced family dynamics that were seamlessly woven throughout the story. Mimi has given us a romance that is a study of humanity as well, by turns amusing, affectionate, and ardent.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this book!

I adored book 3 in the Belles of London series. This time it is Anne's turn to find true love and a home of her own, after tending to her controlling widowed mother for years. It's a lovely second chance, enemies to lover, slow burn romance story that grabbed my heart and hasn't let it go. I was reminded of Austen, and even Gone with the Wind at times, and so wanted Anne and her once fiancé Felix Hartford to find their way back to each other.

Anne:
"No man on earth has ever been loved the way I love you, Felix Hartford."

Felix:
He cradled her face in his hand. "All I want--all I've ever wanted--is you."

Horses, equestrian friends, and a spirited black kitten add to the charm of this must-read tale. Janeites and histfic romance readers, rejoice! Mimi Matthews has done it again!

Not my favorite in this series, but enjoyable. Anne and Hartford were an odd couple - not because they were mismatched but because their journey was a bit different than that of most couples in literature. Their separation was not predicated on a misunderstanding that is quickly ironed out. In fact, they become estranged due to mutual disappointment in one another and hurt feelings. I found the approach to their reunion akin to that of Darcy and Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice. However, this wasn’t a humorous story. It wasn’t heavy either, though, so the reader will remain entertained throughout. That being said, no major climax takes place. This story is one of steadily building bonds. Because there is no axis on which the plot turns, at times things can feel plodding. But, as I reflect upon the story, I appreciate the author’s choice in how the relationship builds. All the same, it seemed to lack a true moment of realization. Even Darcy and Elizabeth faced a point of crisis in their relationship before they reached the road to understanding. In this story, the crisis passed long ago and readers comes to see how the fallout is repaired. A must for fans of the series and the author, though not quite as exciting as the previous two volumes.

Another fantastic Victorian romance from Mimi Matthews. You don't have to have read the other books in the Belles of London series to enjoy this story, but I highly recommend it because they are wonderful reads.

Lady Anne Deveril was once secretly engaged to Mr. Felix Hartford, but they quarreled. Six and half years later, the sparks are still there when Anne asks Felix for a favor. He agrees to help her, however, the source of their quarrel is still a problem. Anne's mother, the dowager Countess of Arundell, can't cope with the death of her husband and has turned to spiritualism, laudanum, and obsessive mourning. Meanwhile, Felix is struggling with his own family problems. Anne must choose a second time between duty and love.

Fans of Victorian novels will appreciate the nods to Queen Victoria's strict mourning rituals and spiritualism. This romance features 'enemies to lovers' and 'second chance' tropes. A sweet romance with a very satisfying ending.

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