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.

In The Lily of Ludgate Hill, the third installment of Mimi Matthews' Belles of London series, we are treated to more of her impeccable writing and characterization.

Felix Hartford and Lady Anne Deveril loved and lost each other due to youthful insecurity and family issues. They carry a torch for each other, though they try their best to hide it. A second chance at love presents itself but are they strong enough to reach out and grab the opportunity?

Matthews explores the family dynamics that have thrown many curve balls at Felix and Anne but have molded them into the adults they have become.

It took some time for me to warm up to Anne. I found Felix so much more accessible and ready to let Anne know his feelings.

"I'll always care what happens to you, Anne. The truth is...I wouldn't know how to stop."

Matthews also gives us hints about another character that piqued my interest - Stella. I am definitely intrigued to read about her and Teddy Hayes from Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series.

I recommend this clean, well-written installment and look forward to the next book in the series!

I mean this is so good. I love Mimi writing so much and I also love that she is a horse girl. All the horse stuff is done right and captures that feeling of your horse being your best friend. The romance is also very good but as a horse girl seeing the horse stuff done right just makes me so happy.

Matthews is at her best when she doesn't appropriate disability and doesn't use archaic, hurtful disability tropes. No disability in sight, so this is miles better than much of her other work. Sorry to say, but not every author should attempt diversity if they can't deliver it. Although I dread her next novel as she's alluded in this that it's with a man who uses a wheelchair 🙃

I liked the premise of an old relationship starting back up again. It dragged, though, and could have been a third shorter than it is. I like the changing of viewpoints between hero and heroine, I love books that give you insight to what he's feeling. Other than horses and her codependent relationship with her mother, I'm not sure what else defines Anne's character, however? And how she's different from any of the other 4 Horsewomen? Idk I need to stop writing my review, it's losing more stars the longer I type. I do like Matthews regencies over many of the other troped titles out there, it tends to be more fleshed out, balanced, with character development built around something outside of the relationship/romance.

Sigh! Mimi Matthew’s books are just the sort I can fall into for an enjoyable, proper romance. Each novel in her Belles of London series has been a winner. And while each works as a stand-alone novel, this series is too addicting to read just one.

Lady Anne Deveril and Felix “Hart” Hartford have history. They had a secret engagement that broke off when Hart returned after an extended time in India to find Anne dealing with the loss of her father and the deep grief of her mother. She had been unwilling to leave her mother alone and Hart had been unwilling to wait. They were too young and immature to work through the strain and Anne was left feeling hurt and angry. Now six years later when they cross paths, the sparks still fly. Anne thinks Hart is too daring, irresponsible, and careless, and he thinks Anne is imprisoned by her mother’s grief. As much as they spar, they can’t seem to fight the same attraction that brought them together before, however this time they’re older and wiser.

If you enjoy second chance romances, you’ll love the story of how these two characters find their way back into each other’s hearts. With the benefit of time, they find there is so much more depth of character to each other, and it sweeps away the youthful perceptions that tore them apart. I also really enjoyed that in this novel, the author brilliantly reveals that Anne & Hart’s romance is closely overlaps with events in the previous two books and there is a hint of the romance to come in the next novel. I highly recommend this series.

I loved this second chance romance by Mimi Matthews. I loved the banter between Anne and Hart. I loved how they used that to protect their hearts from being hurt. I liked how through the story, their walls came down as they talked to each other and as they realized that they had grown up since they first fell in love. I liked how they help each other with the different things they were going through. I thought the story was well written with wonderful characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I have enjoyed Matthews' series and this was a good addition. A very emotional story of past wrongs and possible futures, with a hint of attraction, made for a great read.

READ IF YOU LIKE
❁ Second chance romance
❁ Victorian era
❁ Strong friendships
❁ It's always been you
❁ Clean romance
❁ Enemies to lovers

I'll never get over that feeling of comfort coming from Mimi Matthew's writing. There is something about the vibe of her books, I always like her characters so easily and want what's best for them. It makes it effortless to connect with them and feel engaged with the story.

In this one, we get to see Anne and Hart's story. Such unique characters, both so selfless in a way. You get yearning, banter, tension, sweet moments, really, you get it all. As you probably know, I'm not big on second chance romances but it can definitely be done in a way I can enjoy. In this story, the past was well used, they did talk about it multiple times and came to a conclusion about what went wrong and why and it made it all easy to understand. They did what seems so freakin hard to do in most book, they communicated (I know, that's just crazy!!).

Hart's devotion was my favourite thing. The way it was always Anne for him and how he fought for her just made me love him immensely. He was fun and did try to get reactions from her but he could also see when it was too much and really looked out for Anne.

The book approaches some serious topics as you can see the effect grief can have on someone and let me tell you I so freakin' related to Anne sometimes. The things Mimi Matthews wrote in that book were just an eye opener for me and really brought a reflective side to this story. Once again, relatable characters for me and with such a perfect evolution, it makes you hopeful.

Seeing bits of the other characters of this series always brings me so much joy. I love how the books are intertwined and we continue seeing more of each character which makes their own story more complete as we go on. I'm really looking forward to book 4, I'm already so intrigued by Stella's story, I need more of Teddy and his honesty, he sounds like a fascinating character!

Big thank you to the author and the publisher for my eARC. All opinions are my own.

WOW! This book is SO GOOD! Whenever I picked up "The Lily of Ludgate Hill", I was whisked back in time to the Victorian Era, and went on such an emotional journey with this sweet second chance romance!

Mimi Matthews is one of my absolute favorite authors! Her writing style is visceral, full of heart, detailed, and her passion for the story she is telling is incredibly clear. Her characters all feel like such real people. The hero and heroine are portrayed so beautifully and deeply; their wants, fears, needs, and desires are written in such a truthful way, and the tension and pull between them is incredibly palpable. She seamlessly weaves in history throughout, and her world-building is spectacular and breathtaking. I could envision each and every moment, and simply did not want to put this book down.

(Possible Spoilers!)
Lady Anne Deveril and Mr. Felix Hartford are truly one another's happily-ever-after! They grow throughout the novel, both apart as well as together, and they help one another in so many ways. This novel truly has so much in it: hope, grief, heartbreak, healing, love, romance, sweet moments, and so, so, so much more.

I was truly so moved reading this book, and I hope to see many of these characters again!

If you enjoy Historical Romance, I highly recommend this book! I so look forward to reading what Ms. Matthews writes next.

Thank you so much Austenprose PR, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of this incredible and amazing novel, and for having me on the book tour! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

hance romance with a wonderfully written cast of characters and the best of happily ever afters! Hartford is a relentless hero pining for his second chance with Anne, and his pursuit of her is sweet and swoony all at once! This is a different sort of romance than the rest of the series, because Anne is a different sort of heroine. Rather than falling in love as part of an exciting new romance, Anne and Hart rekindle past sparks and build back trust. Anne is trapped in the familiar and obligatory, and few know the burdens she shoulders. As she allows herself to find happiness and true love, she transforms through a reawakening of her true self. This story is as much about finding yourself as it is about finding romance, and this lily blossoms as she finds her happily ever after! Both hilariously comedic and thoughtfully deep, this lighthearted book still manages to depict realistic grief and emotional hardship. Mimi Matthews has created some of her best multi-faceted characters in this book, who juggle multiple emotions as they grieve, protect, yearn, fight, and fall in love. Every character in this story was depicted with a realistic mix of emotions and a fantastic character arc, and the thought behind all main characters and secondary characters is evident! Mimi Matthews has delivered another literary gem in The Lily of Ludgate Hill, and it makes the perfect addition to the captivating and entertaining Belles of London Series!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own— I really did love it!

In this third remarkable read in the Belles of London series, Lady Anne Deveril fights for her independence, while trying hard to protect her heart from a man she was once engaged to. While this book would serve well as a standalone, the first two books in this series, The Siren of Sussex and The Belle of Belgrave Square, were equally delightful reads if one chooses to read the series in order. I am very much looking forward to the fourth book in the series, The Muse of Maiden Lane, which is projected to be released in October.

For years, Lady Anne has been in the shadows, dressed in blacks, as she lost her father quite some time ago. Her mother has never gotten over the loss, and Lady Anne seems to stay with her mother more of obligation than love. At one point Anne had hoped to marry Mr. Felix Hartford, but her father's death changed her focus.

Hart left the country for some time but he is back now and frustrates Anne at every turn. What about the love they had for each other previously? Is it still there? Then there is the consideration that Anne has for her mother and the long depression that she has been in.

A battle of wills takes place exactly as Anne finds her wings, so to speak. No doubt there would be happy ending between Anne and Hart. After all, this is a historical romance. But their journey was a delight, as well as the cameos from previous books.

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Do you prefer to read an eBook or a physical book? I enjoy reading both. I read The Lily of Ludgate Hill as an eBook. The benefits of reading on my eBook is that I can read far into the night without having the light on and bothering my husband.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the third book in the Belles of London series by Mimi Matthews. I absolutely loved this series set during the Victorian period. The books feature four horse loving friends with each book telling one of the friends’ story. These books can be read as standalones, but I recommend reading the entire series as it is excellent. Characters from the first books also appear in the subsequent books and you will get more out of their appearances if you know their back stories.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is Lady Anne Deveril’s story. Six years ago, Lady Anne’s father died, and a distant male relative inherited the Earldom. Lady Anne and her mother went into mourning, and they still have not come out from it. Her mother is fascinated by spiritualism and hopes to contact her dead husband. Anne just hopes to keep her mother alive and off opium. Felix “Hart” Hartford was her friend growing up and their friendship blossomed to love just before Anne’s father passed away. Hart left for a year of travel with his grandfather and Anne was left caring for her mother. When Hart returned, they had a misunderstanding, and their fledging romance was no more. Now six years later, will they be able to put the misunderstandings away and have a second chance at romance?

I loved this book. Matthews writes such vivid characters. I loved both Anne and Hart and learning more about both. I could understand how Anne felt that she needed to take care of her mother. I liked how Hart seemed like a man without a care in the world, but Anne soon learns that he has a lot of people to care about and works hard to help them out and protect his family. They have both turned into caregivers and are strong people who understand each other in that role. I also loved Anne’s love for her old horse and the horses of her late father’s stable. I detested Anne’s cousin and his takeover of the family’s London home. The inheritance rules of the day were so unfair. I enjoyed how Anne and Hart’s understanding of each other, and romance grew throughout the novel. Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and I loved experiencing Anne and Hart’s second chance. This was also a slow burn romance novel.

I also appreciated that the reader got to see the other sides of stories that were alluded to in the other novels and to see further development of the characters from the first two novels. It was like revisiting old friends.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a clean romance.

Sidenote, I went to college at Michigan Technological University and was fascinated by the copper mines and took a Copper Country history course on mining. Hart has business dealings with mining involved and I found it to be very interesting.

Favorite Quote:
“There was nothing left now but the same lingering bitterness that had plagued her since the infamous day she’s broken their engagement.”

Overall, The Lily of Ludgate Hill was another enjoyable historical romance novel and a great addition to the Belles of London series from Mimi Matthews. She is one of my favorite historical romance authors with her engaging stories and well-developed characters.

Book Source: Review copy from Berkley Romance as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Thank-you! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Anne had been her mother’s loyal companion and dutiful daughter since the death of her father six years ago. It was a role she did not begrudge but at the same time many aspects of her life had stagnated over the years. When she feared for her friend’s safety and was determined to journey to her and rescue her if needed, she approached Felix Hartford for help. Six years ago, Felix broke her young heart and despite her lingering feelings for him, her disappointment in him stoked the fire of their now antagonistic relationship.

Felix, the second son of an earl, was viewed as something of a bon vivant, always up for a good time or a wager on a curricle race. Privately, Felix was shouldering heavy responsibilities that he took pains to keep secret. Continually viewed as frivolous by both his family and the genteel society, Felix was actually noble, loyal and kind. His pursuit of Anne was positively swoon-worthy and I adored both his witty flirting and his grand gestures as he courted the only woman he’d ever loved.

Female friendship continues to be a theme in this series, and I enjoyed seeing the connection between the women (the Four Horsewomen) evolve. Grief and family loyalty are also explored, and both added such humanity to the main characters and made their actions all the more believable. Anne’s devotion to her mother was admirable, even while her mother’s grief had become toxic and manifested in the tight control she maintained over Anne.

I loved the character growth in both Anne and Felix and watching as they made peace with their past. Their interactions were filled with snarky banter, with Anne’s intelligence and sharp wit always evident. As their relationship began to evolve and their exchanges grew more serious, I melted each time they laid down a part of their past and laid bare their true feelings. Felix was more free with both his words and his actions and the way he showed his care for Anne, in small ways and large, was the epitome of romance. I’m a sucker for pining and yearning and there were epic levels of both here.

There is much to love in this second chance romance: a mother with a familiar spirit named Dmitri, snappy banter, a temperamental kitten, a hero with an entrepreneurial spirit, a bombastic nephew, shared secrets, toe-curling kisses and swoony embraces, friends to frenemies to lovers, and a climactic scene at a holiday house party that was written to perfection.

Whether you’ve already enjoyed the prior books in the Belles of London series or not, The Lily of Ludgate Hill can easily be read on its own and is one I highly recommend.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is book three in the Belles of London series, yet you can jump in and read this one even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series. I haven’t read book one, The Siren of Sussex, however I plan to read it this year. I have read book two, The Belle of Belgrave Square, and it is a favorite of mine. I loved that in The Lily of Ludgate Hill, there was a trip that overlapped with events in book two. What fun to see things from Anne and Hart’s perspective this time around, when previously we had seen them through Julia and Captain Blunt’s eyes.

As I began reading The Lily of Ludgate Hill, I felt that Anne was weakly allowing herself to be manipulated and controlled by her mother for the many years after her father’s death. I was wrong, though. It was quite eye opening to see that Anne was actually a strong woman who gave up many of her own desires in order to try to bring her mother through the intense grief that she was suffering.

Anne and Hart’s falling out years earlier was heartbreaking for them both. The anger and hurt that Anne felt toward Hart had her keeping him at arm’s length for many years. However, in this story, walls began to be broken down as the two reconnected. I loved the moments when Anne realized how much more there was to Hart than she had been aware of, as well as the absolutely stunning realization that his devotion to her had never wavered. I loved how much Hart loved Anne.

This was definitely a romance that built slowly throughout the novel. The attraction was there for both of them, but Anne carried a lot of fear and worry. Both of these characters had a lot to work through to get them to their happily ever after. I truly enjoyed this clean, closed door romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A storm has been building on the horizon in this series and it was the upcoming romantic clash of Lady Anne Deveril and Mr. Felix Hartford. Each of the Belles of London has presented a different style romance and in this case it’s a cross of second chance and enemies to lovers causing the very air to crackle with tension at times due to the talented pen of Mimi Matthews

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the third Belles of London series set in Victorian England. Each book can standalone in a pinch, but the series is connected by the lady equestrian friends who met in book one and the background ongoing storyline of each lady and her situation.

Anne has been the woman who most stood out for me even when she was barely there in the previous book, Belle of Belgrave Square. She’s got a presence and she is ferociously protective of her friends even racing to the rescue with her worst enemy in tow when she thinks Julia is in danger from Captain Blunt. The women characters of this series are capable and tend to ride to their own rescue and each other’s. The men who fall for them respect as well as love them and there is a beautiful partnership woven through even when the conflict interfering with the romance is still active and The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no exception.

I’m not a fan of many stories with an enemies to lovers trope. I don’t care for reading or listening about two people going at each other up until they work it out. Many times I don’t buy into the switch from enemies to lovers because of the pacing of the romance development. Anne is so strong and has a real emotional knot boiling over Hart who gives as good as he gets- the man enjoyed riling her. And, I was right. Hart and Anne had some scenes that made me positively cringe. They had a good deal of animosity built up from their broken off courtship.

However, I was not worried and was right to trust in Mimi Matthews to draw me in and discover just what went awry between this pair. So many emotions and thoughts are going through Anne’s head in a short time: the force proximity road trip, Anne’s scheme with Felix as her partner after years of mostly avoidance, Anne’s struggle with grief and the vulnerability that came with great loss, her mother’s emotional manipulations of Anne, Anne being in a dark place from grief, what she understood about their courtship. And, on the flip side, Hart isn’t making it easy though he is there for her all the way if she would but see that he was just as hurt back in the past because of Anne’s retreat into grief, and reacting accordingly.

There was too much bitterness and recrimination between them so this took time to come out and something new to grow in the current circumstances. To balance it, Evelyn and Ahmad’s wedding celebration gives a lovely background note, Julia and her Captain happily working out their new life together, and cute kitten (it must be mentioned) as does the interesting pair who are still to have their story.

The Lily of Ludgate Hill was one I expected to hit me hard and it did, but so satisfyingly good. So much deeper and richer and rang true with the theme of grief running through their healing romance and healing souls. The author poured her soul into this one and it was quite obvious. Definitely recommend the series and particularly this book.

A delight to read!
Mimi Mathews once again whisked away to the Victorian era and absolutely delighted me with the story of Hart and Anne.
The banter and tension between these characters lept of the page.
Both characters were so intriguing, so well developed that they felt so real. Their motivations and reasons gave them so much depths that you just wanted to devour the story to find how everything was going to work out.
Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend to lovers of clean GM historical romance.