I was lucky to be given an ARC of this book to review, though I’m behind and just not getting to it. This is not my first time reading something by this author, nor in this series. ​​I was able to read the first two books in this series, and really enjoyed them. This is a great historical romance series with a sweeping romance and showcases one of my favorite couples so far in this series.

One of my favorite things about this book is how open our main two characters are. This is a second chance romance, and there are some pretty big circumstances that keep them apart the first time. And instead of ignoring them, these two openly only talk about them. Now, it’s a lot of arguments, but they are very open with each other. With a troupe or situation like this, it is really easy to use miscommunication. But the author doesn’t do that, and lets the characters figure it out through very adult conversations and realistic character arcs.

They are definitely some tougher subjects, including loss of a family member and what that does to the family dynamic. But overall, I really enjoyed every second of this story. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: I love this author and this series!

Mimi Matthews has such a lovely way of crafting a historical romance novel. Her tone is clear and informative, her characters are interesting and full of dreams and flaws, her words are strung together with thought and knowledge-all of these things work beautifully hand in hand to create a historical romance that not only feels like something from its time, but also holds a comfort and joy to it that Matthews is able to beautifully lay out. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the third book in the Belles of London series and it is a wonderful companion to its predecessors. I have been easily charmed by each and every one of these novels, which I find can be easily read as standalones. Mimi Matthews has a uniqueness to her writing and niche that will work well with lovers of Georgette Heyer and Mary Balogh. I find that Matthews writing is always clear and focused, the heart of the story lies in the romance, and the new budding feelings of love, and she does this through moments of interaction that are everyday ones.

This novel is a second chance romance between Lady Anne, a confirmed spinster, and Hart, the wicked man that haunts her dreams. They have both carried a bit of a torch for the other since a youthful stolen kiss, but both are strongly in denial. So this novel really focuses on the push and pull between these two. Their banter and interactions build with each confrontation creating the perfect amount of tension for their chemistry and feelings to blossom. It is through the forced proximity that a holiday house party provides that is the perfect recipe for these two to fall head over heels for the other. I think Mimi Matthews brings these two to life in a fun and charming way. I really enjoyed watching Lady Anne come to terms with decisions she made around love and learning to open and trust her heart to someone else. I loved watching these two work together, grow together and to embrace some unrequited feelings that they have both buried deep down. Mimi Matthews brings to life rich feels of passion while keeping her romance a closed door one, and while this is not always my preference, I think Matthews handle this well, and her writing really illicit emotions and the depth of love in a beautiful and understandable way.

I would highly recommend this novel to any romance lover. I think Mimi Matthews is a gem in the sub genre and definitely worth peoples attention!

Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoy this series, but I have to say this one is my least favourite so far. It was still good, but I didn't seem to warm up to the characters as much as the previous two books. I think it's because this is a sort of second chance romance, which isn't my favourite trope to read about. I did however get more into as I read. I liked how the male main character took care of. his father's family even when he didn't have to, and I could understand why the female main character wanted to stay with her mother, but it definitely got tiring after a while when she used it as an excuse for so long. I did like them together in the end, and I am excited for our fourth and final lady to get her match.

Hart was left with very little inheritance and an unwanted family - his late father’s mistress and their three children.  He is left to support them by running a factory.  His first (aristocratic) family knows nothing of daddy’s indiscretion (he was a moralist) and also nothing of the fact that they have a tradesman in the family.

Anne has been emotionally supporting her mother who mourns her husband six and a half years after his death.  They still wear black.  Don’t eat sweets.  Anne’s friends don’t understand.  Anne’s only fun time is riding her horse with the four horsewomen, (the Belles of London) two of which were featured in the first 2 books of this series and have found their true loves. 

This sweet slow burn romance is between two people who have known each other for many years.  A broken engagement means the path to romance is fraught with resistance.  Their family obligations add a layer of complications that make both Hart and Anne believe they are less desirable to the other. 

In the end, this lovely story is about friendship, acceptance, family and love.  All of these elements will have to come together before things will work out for the couple. 

So many historical romances set in England are about titled women and men.  Not so in The Belles of London.  In this series, we have seen a tailor of mixed heritage, a soldier and now, in The Lily of Ludgate Hill, we have a man of trade.  The look into the middle class is refreshing and relatable and sets it apart from many others in the genre.

I love this series!  Mimi Matthews historical romances are full of adventure, friendship, family, relationship issues, sweet moments, passion, tension and true romance.

This was my first Mimi Matthews and now I am so excited to go and read her previous titles. I requested to read because I love historicals (and horses) and this looked perfect. Happy to say the contents live up to the synopsis and the cover!

I'm not usually a second chance romance but Mimi orchestrated Hart and Anne's so perfectly. The author was adept at making it clear why Anne and Hart's relationship ended the first time and how it was not due to lack of chemistry or love for one another, but outside forces. And then Mimi was able to elucidate WHY they could and how they can get back together. It felt very flawless and totally believable. Sometimes people are right for us but the timing is just wrong.

I felt like this couple really brought out the good in each other and Hart wasn't going to let Anne get away with things too easily. I liked that the story was about more than just the couple's romance and relationship but also about grief, and familial obligations, and setting boundaries.

Mimi Matthews can write yearning -- I will give her major props for that! Some writers cant achieve that and it's my favourite aspect of a romance (or any book) and this had it in spades!

Kudos!

When you pick up a Mimi Matthews book, you are always in for a richly immersive reading experience. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no exception. From the vibrant, layered characters to the vividly drawn setting to the delicious romance – oh the romance! – every pitch-perfect element makes the story come alive so that you feel as though you’re right there in the middle of it.

I have been looking forward to Lady Anne’s story because I knew it would be as striking as she is, and I was right. She’s fiercely loyal to her friends (and I loved getting to see some events from The Belle of Belgrave Square again through Anne’s perspective this time) and simultaneously stronger and more vulnerable than she appears (I absolutely adored this dichotomy in her character – so unique). She is a force to be reckoned with, the friend you want in your corner, and a spine of steel struggling to stay upright against warring factions of grief, love, duty, and control. And when it comes to Felix Hartford, well… the line between ‘I love you’ and ‘I hate you’ is a very fine one indeed. On either side of that line there is passion, though, and ooo boy do some delightful sparks fly!

Hart is as beautifully layered a hero as I’ve met in some time. On the surface he is all humor and no substance but with her usual brilliance, Matthews gives even his humor depth. I adored his wit and flirtatious banter when it comes to Anne, too, especially in the hidden meaning he tucks away in his writings for her to find. Not only that, but the author imbues him with such profound longing and an inherent decency that will have you swooning in no time. Like Anne, he too is caught in a battle between love, grief, and duty, and the added dimension these elements added to his character made him all the more swoonworthy and compelling. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Hart, and I can’t wait for you to discover him for yourself.

Bottom Line: The Lily of Ludgate Hill is yet another prime example of Mimi Matthews’ unparalleled ability to immerse readers into the Victorian era while entertaining them with a story that engages all the senses. Lady Anne and Felix’s second chance romance is deliciously passionate (while remaining chaste) and their individual characters are masterfully layered. Add in an endearing parrot-kitten, some compelling subplots, and the power of friendship, and you have a treat you won’t want to put down. The hints we get about Stella’s upcoming story are icing on the proverbial cake, and I cannot wait for book four!

Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are some mild curse words scattered throughout this novel, as well as the word God as an occasional expletive and a subplot involving the spiritualism movement of the era.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This is the third installment of the Belles of London series and I am really enjoying the series so far! It has been fun seeing how Anne's character has evolved throughout the series. One thing that I've found to be unique to the series is Mimi Matthew's way of intermingling all of the books within each other. They take place during the same time and you get to see how the events in one story affect the characters in the next. </spoiler>For example, during the course of this story readers get to see Julia leave London with Captain Blunt from the perspective of Anne and how Anne fought to travel to save her. Whereas in Julia's story, we just see Anne arrive in Yorkshire.</spoiler>

It was hard not to fall in love with such a complex character as Hart. It was a joy to see him take down his mask and show his true self to his family and Anne. I think many readers can relate to wearing a mask.

This also sets readers up for the fourth (and final? I'm not sure) book in the series, which follows Stella. I'm excited to see that it appears to have a disabled MMC! We love disability rep.


NOTE: I will also make a post about the series on my blog in the next couple weeks (https://radishandhare.wixsite.com/endpapers)

Matthews writes Victorian era historicals—not Regency—but I find her writing to be incredibly Austen-like: introspective, mature, and deliriously romantic. The third book in her Belles of London series echoes Persuasion with a second chance romance full of pining. Lady Anne Deveril and Felix Hartford were happily engaged until tragedy struck Anne’s family and split them apart. Six years later, they reunite as friends, but Hart is determined to make Anne see how much he’s changed—and that they could be happy together if she would only embrace her freedom.

“I told you in York,” he said. “It isn’t over.” Her eyes closed briefly against a swell of such raw yearning she didn’t know whether to weep or to swoon. He bent his head to hers. “It never has been. Not for me.”
❤️
I love so much about a story from this author and here are some of my favorite things about this one!
One is the beauty of female friendships that are highlighted in this story and this series! These ladies have found a family with each other in the midst of difficulties and I love the way they support and care for each other!
❤️
This author writes some of my favorite male characters and Felix has definitely been added to my list! Is there anything better than a man who won’t give up on you and your love despite years and hurt you’ve caused each other? And who knew articles about plants could be so romantic?
❤️
Also, this story shows a family going through grief and the way their loss has changed them and how they move forward in such an authentic and beautiful way.
❤️
I have loved each story in this series and look forward to Stella’s story next!
❤️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

IF Mimi writes it, then I read it and LOVE IT! She is one of my favorite authors. She gives you swoons, romance, in a historical backdrop that will make you want to time travel. I ADORED this book.

“I’ll always care what happens to you, Anne. The truth is…I wouldn’t know how to stop.”

This story is another winner in the Belles of London series by Mimi Matthews. I love these strong, unique women and the stories they live. In this installment, there is such a beautiful bond and dynamic between Anne and Felix, and I loved watching them clash and come together in the ebb and flow of this second chance, almost enemies-to-more tale, with lightning to water type of attraction.

There is such a strong feeling of family loyalty threaded through these pages–Anne to her eccentric, overly long grieving mother and Felix to his secret support of half siblings, due to his father’s affair. It was so much fun to watch Anne’s headstrong, fearless character come up against a former beau in such a beautiful and challenging way. Felix is what dreams are made of, with his pining and undying fascination for this beauty.

The pages kept turning as this eventful story unfolded and I loved this addition to the series.

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril, a fight/beating; talk of infidelity resulting in children; mild language; talk of child labor

If you love historical romance then you have to add 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 to your TBR!

Book: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀?

I adored this book, and now I have to go back and read the first two books in the 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 series (these can be read as standalone novels)! This story follows Anne Deveril and Felix Hartford in a second chance romance that also explores the impact of grief and complex family relationships. The banter and tension between these two is perfection. Anne tries to convince herself of her disdain for Hart, but Hart is always assured of his love for her. I love how he supports her and is not afraid to go against the traditional roles of women during this period.

The author’s note at the end gave context to the themes of the novel and explained the historical significance of people and places in the story, which furthered my appreciation of this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book! All opinions expressed are my own.

Mimi Matthews continues her Belles of London series with a rousing new addition, The Lily of Ludgate Hill. Like the other Belles, the titular character of Lady Anne Deveril is an accomplished horsewoman who must also overcome challenges within her society and family. As she mourns the loss of her father, she must also tend to her grieving mother and face the prospect of eviction from her home. Mr. Felix Hartford, a former love interest returns to her social circles, and the enduring chemistry between them more than complicates matters. What follows is a dance of two strong yet vulnerable individuals who have loved and have been hurt, but are tentatively willing to consider another waltz together.

The relationship between Lady Anne and Felix Hartford is very similar to the lead characters in the television program Miss Scarlet & the Duke. Like the lead pair in that enjoyable mystery series, Anne and Felix have known each other for several years, prior to full adulthood. Both have strong personalities and are prone to bicker and spar with one another. However, beneath the contentiousness lies a connection that will forever tie them together. As Anne wrestles with troublesome issues within her family, Felix has familial struggles of his own. Yet despite all they have weathered, Mr. Hartford in particular is persistent in fully winning the heart of this admirable and beautiful young lady. Through sacrifices that they both must make, there is the possibility of a conclusion that will not only satisfy them both, but surprise many around them.

As has been the case with other works by Mimi Matthews, I highly enjoyed The Lily of Ludgate Hill. Like characters in Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Anne and Felix wrestle with unrequited love and the opportunity for a second chance in a way that is quite delicious. Each individual must learn to compromise and consider the other on more than one occasion. Their flirtations are sweet, with a slight edge at times. They seem to be truly sparring, although they simultaneously support the success of the other. Felix is saddened to see Anne shackled by the mourning state of her mother, which has affected Anne’s ability to move on with her life. Anne’s growing awareness of Felix’s burdens not only increases her affection for him, but allows her to stand by his side to support him as well. Between the challenging situations they face individually and the romantic issues they tackle together, Anne and Felix’s narratives combine to produce a compelling work of fiction.

For those who are interested in the content within the novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill does not become overly steamy or rife with colorful adult material. That said, Matthews’s writing is powerful and still presents a compelling tale. She simply does not have to rely on ripped bodices, extensive violence, or pervasive harsh language in her work. Adult themes are indeed mentioned though. A persistent, illicit affair by a “righteous” person plays a key role in one family’s history. Anne’s mother is very interested in spiritualism, which was a common pastime in Victorian England. That said, there are no seances or gothic scenes shared. There are a few moments of violence, but they are tempered. Matthews focuses on the lives and loves of her main characters in a way that can be recommended to all audiences.

I particularly appreciated the opportunities for forgiveness and redemption given to multiple characters. Mistakes are made, but the narrative illustrates a worldview allows for new beginnings. The inherent imperfection of the human condition was poignantly addressed in the following passage (edited to withhold spoilers), as Anne discusses a seemingly righteous person who had moral failings:

"He idolized [him] that much?"

"If he didn't while he was alive, he certainly does now. ... The snow-white reputation of the esteemed moralist...has only grown after his death. He was, apparently, a man too good for this world."

"No human being is that good," Anne said.

"Some are."

"Nonsense. If we didn't make any mistakes, we'd have no need to be forgiven." (p.332)

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a fine addition to the Belles of London series. Although it could feasibly stand alone, the enjoyment of the novel would be enhanced if the reader is familiar with the previous two works. Characters and plot points from both The Siren of Sussex and The Belle of Belgrave Square are mentioned on several occasions. In fact, several scenes from Belgrave and Ludgate overlap in such a fashion that I actually pulled out my copy of Belgrave to compare and contrast the simultaneous experiences of the characters. It was an interesting experiment! Matthews also plants the seeds for the next title The Muse of Maiden Lane, which will focus on the character of Stella. Like the women who came before her, Stella seems to be an interesting woman, and I look forward to seeing where Mimi Matthews takes her next. The Lily of Ludgate Hill was a diverting ride, and I wait in expectation for more adventures to come.

OH did I love this! Watching Anne and Hart make their way back to each other was just so enjoyable to read about. The mark of a good book for me is how fast I read it and I just could not put this one down. Hart really had to work and I appreciated his efforts! Read this one even if you haven't read the whole series.

Impeccably researched, expertly plotted, and lovingly told, The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a wholly satisfying second chance romance with a spirited heroine and easy-to-love hero. Mimi Matthews has become an auto-buy author for me, and I eagerly look forward to her next book in the series.

An enjoyable read! I received a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley, but I actually ended up reading it after pub date (borrowed from the library!)

Mimi Matthews' writing is always romantic and lush. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no exception. I felt that though the romance was a little lackluster (it was more tell than show, to me), the historical setting was well-researched and the cultural/social/personal subplots were interesting.

SO looking forward to The Muse of Maiden Lane, Stella's story!!

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the story of Lady Anne Deveril. Anne withdrew from society years ago after her father passed away. When she encounters Hart again, he still has a romantic interest in her. She agrees to go to a house party at his family estate, and things begin to change.

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction and have enjoyed the previous books in the Belles of London series.

This is a delightful book - perhaps my favorite in the series! Anne is a sympathetic character, and I loved her rapport with Hart. I enjoyed watching Anne allow herself to be happy again and to pursue her heart's desire. Highly recommended - 5 stars!

This was a delightful Victorian romp. I loved the playful banter and the great characters. 5-star read!

I adored Anne and Hart's story! I love that they were able to find their way back to one another after being separated for so long.

This is the third book in the Belles of London series and I didn’t realize this until I was reading it but it can definitely be read as a standalone book. This one focuses on Anne Deveril who has been caring for her mother since her father passed 6 years ago. She needs a favor and turns to her former intended, Felix Hartford, for help. This is a slow burn, second chance romance set in the regency era. Anne and Felix are both interesting characters with responsibilities that have kept them from being totally happy. I enjoyed the yearning and romance between these two as well as the fighting lol. Anne and her friends are into horses and that was a fun aspect of the book. I was a little bored by how long the mourning period went on and how Anne was putting her own happiness last. But Felix was 🔥

I recommend to fans of regency romance. I will go back and read the previous two books now:)

Thanks to @netgalley and @berkleyromance for an arc for review.