Sweet but sizzling, The Muse of Maiden Lane is the very best in slow burn romances, providing a swoon-worthy love story with an artistic backdrop and a unique set of characters who face a unique set of difficulties in the Victorian era. Stella and Teddy have excellent chemistry on the page, and those who love the marriage of convenience trope with fade to black romance will love the happily ever after! Heroes with physical disabilities and heroines with unconventional beauty are not done enough in romantic fiction, and Mimi Matthews features both perfectly with great emotional depth, realistic adversity, and humbling perspective. I truly adored this book, and this entire series, because Mimi Matthews does historical romance in a fabulously remarkable way that delivers five star reads for me each time! Be sure to add the entire Belles of London series to your collection!

I received an advance copy for review purposes from the author, but my thoughts are my own! I really did love it!

Hampshire England - 1862

Stella Hobhouse, 22, lives in the village of Fostonbury with her pious clergyman brother, Daniel. After her parents died when she was quite young, Daniel has overseen her upbringing and also her schooling. When she was 16, her hair turned gray which has always made her feel that she is overlooked and uninteresting. Stella and her best friends Anne, Evie, and Julia are all very good horsewomen and enjoy their riding expertise. She misses her horse, Locket, as they are very close.

When in London recently, Stella visited a gallery to view their paintings. A young man, Edward (Teddy) Hayes, 24, was painting there and he was so struck with the beauty of Stella’s gray hair that he suggested that she view Whistler’s newest creation of a woman surprisingly similar in looks to Stella. He was hoping he could see her again and be introduced to her as he knew he had found his muse and he wanted to paint her. Teddy is in a wheelchair after suffering a bad case of scarlet fever as a young child that resulted in the loss of the use of his legs.

Shortly after, Stella is attending a Christmas house party and when she sees Teddy, she flees because as she was tired of her gray hair, she had dyed it an auburn color and she knew he would notice. But when she realizes that her hair has grown sticky, it must be washed thoroughly resulting in it returning to her natural color. Now, she has to cover her hair until the party is over. But she happens upon Teddy one day as he is painting and she realizes how very talented he is.

As Teddy continues to pursue Stella, we see a slow build of attraction, respect, and then love grow between these two people. The story is rather different from the usual historical romance novels I have read in that our hero is in a wheelchair and appears to be centered more on his art than on Stella, however, he needs Stella to complete his art. Stella is a very strong character and it is her strength that will make her the perfect wife and muse for a lifetime. A deep love is depicted in this story that will have readers think about it for a long time to come. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Love this series! Love how the previous couples are very present in this story as well.
Appreciate the representation of the hero in a wheelchair and the heroine a lovely spinster with silver hair. Stella, a Spinster of 22 years old, so old lol, but her unconventional looks put her at a disadvantage. It’s so hard listening to how hard her brother was on her and how little he seemed to care for her. But also listening to Teddy’s family who was very protective of him since he needed care but they at least meant well.
This was part marriage of convenience, part attempt at independence for them both. He wanted to paint her and she wanted to ride her horse. They fell for each other before they even knew it.

Stella's story was such a fun ending for the four horsewomen! Reading about her learning to see her own beauty and overcome the typical perspective of society was a really satisfying experience. Add to that the hero's reliance on a wheelchair and others for his mobility, after an illness several years prior to the series, and this is a really fun story well told. Definitely a modern take, which I really enjoyed, as well as the opportunity for the reader to stay in the surface of the story or dig deep into the work with the characters.

I’ve appreciated Mimi Matthews novels about the “Belles of London” for various reasons but mostly because her heroines buck society’s expectations. Stella’s story is a little bit different because she is both a pariah because of her unusual hair color but she’s also close to impoverished and reliant upon her brother’s good nature, of which he has none. When she has to make a difficult decision about her future she is brave enough to try to make things happen on her own.

Teddy also has his own difficulties. As a man in a wheelchair, his family tends to coddle him and try to make decisions for him. His “marriage of convenience” that he offers to Stella helps his independence, but isn’t the only reason for his offer. He truly is attracted to and wants to be with Stella. I loved that these two people who had difficulties in their lives found each other and a way to be in love together. For me, their stories made for a more emotional book which made it different than the others. I liked it!

This is the final tale of the last to fall in love of the Four Horsemen is Stella Hobbouse beautifully talented and lovely to look at!
Because of her pious prig of a brother she always attempts to dull her brilliance and make herself small! It is the true saying of hiding your light under a bushel.
Stella does try but she is unable to with her mostly sweet disposition!
Enter Teddy Hayes in a wheeled chair due to scarlet fever that greatly impacted his spine and use of his legs!
One look at Stella and became his muse and he had to paint her but do much more!
Stella knew that to be seen really seen it would strike a nerve in her brother who wants to marry and Stella is. Burden in the way!
When I tell you I stayed up way too late to finish this book!
Her friend Anne finale along with several other couples stories are intertwined with their own continued happy ending!
There are times of frustration as everyone can see the obvious answer to the couples dilemma but them!
They do finally figure out after several more hiccups but love always wins! Bravo

Loved this gorgeous book! From the cover to the opening line, I was hooked! This authors’ characters are always beautifully described in artfully written words! She takes time to help you feel what they are feeling, what they are experiencing! I love it! I am never disappointed in the journey to find themselves and even each other! I really can’t explain it, you must experience it! Enjoy it! You won’t be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley and the author for this opportunity to read this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Mathews is a wonderful book that is number four in The Belles of London series, but is a stand-alone novel. Stella Hobhouse is a an amazing horse rider, friend, artist, and her hair has completely gone gray. She stands out wherever she goes. Her brother is controlling and does not see her potential. Teddy Hayes is an artist who is in a wheeled chair and thinks Stella is breathtaking! He dreams of painting her. Hope!

I always enjoy falling into a Mimi Mathews story. Watching both Stella and Teddy come into their own, become confident in who they are, and slowly realize they were good together was breathtaking. Teddy and Stella had great chemistry, banter, and a beautiful relationship.

It was great to visit with other characters from the series and see everyone’s happy ending. I felt like I was attending a beautiful family reunion.

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Mathews is a delightful story filled with romance, fascinating historical details, and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed visiting with the four furies of Victorian London and am so sorry the series has come to an end. I highly recommend!

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Stella Hobhouse has done her best to disappear in the background and not draw attention to her herself, except when it comes to horse Locket and group of fellow lady equestrians. She is therefore taken aback by all the attention she receives from disabled artist Teddy Hayes. Captivated by Stella’s silver hair and ethereal glow, Teddy is determined to convince her to let him paint her portrait. After Stella’s relationship with her clergyman brother comes to a head, she heads to London where she and Teddy come together again as she slowly takes her life by the reins.

I will forever be a fan Mimi Matthews and recommend her to any historical romance fan. Not only does this book have a disability represented, but the historical research of the art and equipment of time helps the reader fully understand and connect to these beautiful characters. What an ending to this wonderful series!

Happy pub day to the final Belles of London book! This series was one of the first that really got me into Historical Romance, so I'm feeling particular mushy about the last Belle of London.

It isn't a surprise that I loved this book; I love every book of Mimi's that I get to read. What does still surprise me is how thoroughly she makes me fall in love with her characters time and time again. Teddy and Stella were no different, but still uniquely themselves, just as Mimi achieves with all of her literary couples. No one writes tender love and longing like her. I truly believe she is one of the best current writers of love stories.

It is so bittersweet to see this series end, but knowing the Mimi-verse, I'm confident we will get glimpses of our Four Horsewomen in the future.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love this series. The Muse of Maiden Lane is the fourth installment in the Belles of London series. I loved the fact that one of the main characters has a physical disability, and the story built around him absolutely shines. I love reading about art and enjoyed Stella's role as the "muse" in this story. I loved to see two people who don't quite fit society's expectations fall in love. This is a wonderful conclusion to the series.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

I just adore anything written by Mimi Matthews. She’s got charm, tension, swoony moments, great romance, interesting plot lines, and so much more. The Muse of Maiden Lane reminds readers how important it is to just be yourself. Don’t let the voices from the outside world determine your worth. I jsut adored how Teddy saw Stella. I think it’s what every maiden wants for themselves – someone who adores you the way that you are.

The chemistry between Teddy and Stella was stellar. Like out of this world. I needed a fan. I cheered. I cried. I laughed. And I sighed those happy heavy sighs that a girl makes when reading all things swoony. Now, each character had some, well, things to overcome (sorry no spoilers). And Matthews showcased that brilliantly. With the help of some extraordinary secondary characters, plus learning from each other, Teddy and Stella grew quite a bit I might add.

The other thing I love about Matthews? The horses and the history. You can tell she knows her stuff about them both. The love between Stella and her horse was so sweet. Makes me want one of my own! And the history – she makes it so real, so vivid. I can see everything playing out in front of me, and I do say I’d like to jump into that screen and be a part of the story!

Mimi Matthews is a master at writing romance. The tension, the build up, the kissing, the sweet words, everything just makes me swoon. Romance fans and historical fiction fans alike will adore not only this book, but the entire series. I highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was less about Stella and Teddy falling in love with each other and more about giving each of them the courage and opportunity to step out of their suffocating lives and live freely, not caring what other people thought. Falling in love came as a bit of an afterthought.

That said, I really enjoyed this, maybe more than the other Belles of London books. It has some pacing issues, especially when Matthews spends so much time showing us how happy each of the previous couples are, but not enough to sour my view of it.

I really like the way she treats Teddy's disability. I could feel his frustration at being hovered over constantly, and his desire to do things for himself. I also like that falling in love doesn't cure his disability and that he is also more capable than people tend to think he is.

I also really liked his passion for his painting and also for Stella as his muse.

I could also feel Stella's frustration at being constantly forced into the background when she has so much passion. Her family were infuriating - although perhaps a bit cartoon-y in their villainy.

The only real issue I had with this book was that I have never heard of Scarlet Fever causing either paralysis or a lung condition. I couldn't dig up any reference to it either. Maybe Matthews got her diseases mixed up?

Aside from that, though, this was an excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

*Thanks to Berkley for providing an early copy for review & blog tour.

Thank you @berkleyromance for the free book 🫶
#berkleypartner #berkleyromance #berkleybookstagram

“Be loud,” he told her. “Be opinionated. Be as much yourself as you wish—and then some.” TEDDY 🫠

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews is the 4th and final book in the Belles of London series. It’s also my favorite!

The Belles of London is an interconnected series following what London society calls the “four horsewomen”, a group of friends who initially bond over their love for horses and riding. The final installment follows the last unattached horsewoman, Stella Hobhouse, as she navigates the end of her season in London and her uncertain future. The story begins at a house party where she runs into the mysterious stranger who she had previously met at a museum, Teddy Hayes.

I absolutely loved this book. I was hooked from the very beginning, waiting anxiously for their next interaction. Teddy is partially paralyzed from a virus as a young adult and is wheelchair bound. He struggles with his well-meaning sister and brother-in-law always trying to take care of him, despite his age and ability to provide for himself. Stella does not pity him and truly sees him as an equal (as he should be). Teddy is enamored with Stella, first as a muse for his painting and then more. He sees her premature greying hair as beautiful and unique and not something strange that needs to be covered up. Together they give each other the confidence and the strength to be “conspicuous”. Watching Stella own her hair and herself was truly special…. The ending was so powerful and showed how much she changed.

The romance was achingly sweet and SWOONY. It checked every box for me- tender, vulnerable moments, building tension, witty banter, growth from both characters and a beautiful happy ending. This book not only tied up Stella and Teddy’s romance, but also gave us some updates on characters from previous books. It is everything I want in the final book for a series!

Highlights
❤️‍🩹caretaking (the caretaking scene at the end undid me 🫠)
👩🏻‍🦳 watching Stella’s confidence bloom
💌 love letters
💋 “Kisses like these had the power to alter a lady’s entire constitution.”

Brilliant story of being yourself

I really love Mimi Matthew's books, so romantic, such great characters, excellent stories. The Must of Maiden Lane has got to be one of my very favorites. It's all about being yourself, not making yourself 'small and quiet' to please others, 'be conspicuous'. A super interesting story about an artist and horsewoman, both of who have had to fit others' expectations and who slowly discover themselves and each other. Please don't hesitate to buy and read this one, today and keep for another read in the future!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley with no obligations. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Let me just start by saying - I think Mimi left us a piece of her soul in this book. Starting and ending with her love of her beautiful horse.

Stella is the last of our 4 friends in this series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the others first. They set the stage for Stella and Teddy’s story plus you will appreciate the cameos of all the other characters when they make appearances here. (I LOVED seeing all my old friends again!)

Stella is tired of being put into a small box. Of trying to pass as inconspicuous when she has hair and behavior that make her stand out. Teddy is no stranger to challenges, having to face his own physical limitations.

Some things I loved:
Elemental
Wildness and passion
Love of horses and the bond between them and the girls
Desire to be seen, to live large
Teddy!!
Understanding more about Teddy - his pain, his frustration, desires
Chemistry between Stella and Teddy!
Navigating changing friendships
Conquering challenges
The art!
The history!
The fashion (Mimi is SO good with the details!!)
Kissing scenes

I literally did NOT want this book to end! I’m looking forward to listening to the audio and rereading this as a favorite in the years to come. Do not delay picking up this book!

I’ve adored the Belles of London series from Mimi Matthews, so it’s bittersweet to have read the fourth and final book. In The Muse of Maiden Lane, Stella Hobhouse gets her happily ever after with Teddy Hayes, a character who previously appeared in the Parish Orphans of Devon series.

Stella Hobhouse has completed two seasons but still hasn’t secured any offers of marriage. Her brother, a clergyman, won’t allow her any additional seasons, instead preparing to marry her off to an elderly widower. But Stella wants so much more than that, and when she attends a weeklong house party over Christmas, she hopes she’ll have one last chance to find a husband. Instead she finds an unlikely friend in Teddy Hayes, an artist who studied in France. He wants her to pose for him—a scandalous request! But the two find they have much in common, from a love of art to their mutual feelings of not fitting in with society: Stella’s hair went gray at 16, and Teddy uses a wheeled chair since a bad case of scarlet fever. Can these new friends find a way to stay in each other’s lives?

Tropes & Narrative Devices:
• New friends to lovers
• Marriage of convenience?
• Dual third-person POV (Stella and Teddy)

What I Liked:

• Stella and Teddy don’t fit in. Stella’s hair turned gray when she was only sixteen, leaving her feeling insecure about how society sees her. Unfortunately, some people fixate too much on her hair, and her instinct is to hide it. Teddy had scarlet fever five years earlier, paralyzing his legs and resulting in him using a wheeled chair for mobility. While he claims to have no shame in it, he does avoid scenarios in which he’d need to be transported by his manservant. Their situations and experiences are different, but both Stella and Teddy understand what it’s like to feel like an outcast. But should they hide their differences… or boldly embrace them?

• Love of art. For years, Teddy’s passion and refuge has been art, and he has two years of training in Paris under his belt. His initial interest in Stella is one of an artist and his muse: he wants to paint her. Stella also loves art and is skilled at sketches, even if she lacks formal instruction. I enjoyed getting a look at the early impressionist movement in art—my personal favorite!

• Finding common ground. As illustrated by the two above points, Teddy and Stella are more alike than they may have first realized. I loved seeing these two get to know each other and develop a deep friendship. Theirs is a true pairing of the minds, and this sets up a beautiful foundation for their feelings to develop later.

• Pushback against antiquated ideas on women. As much as Stella tries to fit into society’s expectations of women, she has strong opinions on what women can and should do. I loved the scene when she argues with her family and guests about a woman’s place in family and politics. Yes, women are more than broodmares! Yes, women should have a say in the laws that govern their lives!

• Family and friends. A recurring theme in this series has been complicated (and sometimes problematic) family relationships and the strength of friendship. Stella and her three friends form a strong bond, always there to protect each other and lift each other up. Her family, however, isn’t nearly so supportive. Teddy’s family is loving, if overprotective. From found family to the pain of cutting ties, I appreciated the nuances in relationships here.

• Working class characters. As with the previous books in this series, neither Stella nor Teddy are titled aristocrats. She’s the sister of a small town clergyman; he’s a painter with a family in the perfume business. With so many historical romances starring dukes and earls and such, it’s refreshing to see people who work for a living, or who are willing to work for a living in order to gain independence.

Final Thoughts
The Muse of Maiden Lane is a perfect novel that is inspiring, empowering, and deeply romantic. This is one of only a few romances I’ve read in which a lead character has limited mobility, and the first in which that character uses a wheelchair. I loved getting to see Teddy and Stella find understanding, confidence, and safety with each other. While it’s hard to say goodbye to the Belles of London series, this was a wonderful way to close the chapter on these characters.

Mimi Matthews has become a favorite author for me, and I look forward to reading her upcoming Crinoline Academy series, her two previous/ongoing series (Parish Orphans of Devon and Somerset Stories), and everything else she’s written!

\\\\\ 4.5 \\\\\

It is truly a bittersweet feeling to end this series. I discovered Mimi Matthews with The Belle of Belgrave Square and quickly fell in love with her writing. She fast became one of my favorite authors, and it is making me a bit sad this series is now over, but what a beautiful ending.

This one was a slow-paced romantic story with such amazing character depth. I feel like I truly know our two characters so well and understand them in all their facets. I love the instant chemistry you could feel between them and how they both had their own difficulties to overcome.

I enjoyed how Stella remained strong through all that was happening to her and stayed bold and true to herself with the help of Teddy as well. Teddy was truly fascinating, such a complex character with a touching story. Both were a bit unconventional in their own way, which was certainly refreshing. And the fact that our MMC was so young was also nice. I feel like it fitted perfectly with his need of being independent and wanting a life of his own without his protective and a bit overbearing family.

From the descriptions of clothings to those of paintings, you can vividly imagine everything in this book. The atmosphere is perfectly created and you are surrounded by it throughout your reading.

One thing that never fails to make me happy is when Captain Blunt is part of a book (I'm still obsessed with him, can't help it), so yeah, I enjoyed all the moments he was involved in. His protectiveness is everything! And I of course enjoyed seeing all other characters having their own moments in this one. It was nice to end this series with them being around and involved in Stella's story.

Thanks so much to Mimi Matthews, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for my eARC. All opinions are my own.

Mimi Matthews has saved the best for last because the Muse of Maiden Lane was a brilliant story of love and acceptance and my favorite in the series. Stella Hobhouse is in desperate need to marry and puts all her hopes that this holiday party will be the place that she makes a match. It hasn’t been easy, with her clergyman brother pushing her to marry an older gentleman so he can be rid of her, and the fact that she is a bit odd being 22 years old and has gray hair. Teddy Hayes, an aspiring painter, can’t believe his good fortune that he runs into his muse again (Stella) at the house party and wants desperately to paint her. What develops between these two individuals is an understanding and acceptance of one another.
Stella’s story was one in which I was anticipating because I knew it was going to take a special someone to see past her physical appearance. She’s been ridiculed for her hair in the past and knew it made it harder for her in finding a husband. Teddy lives now in a wheelchair after having scarlet fever 5 years ago. He doesn’t plan to marry because it was all about his art for him. Until Stella. Now he proposes a marriage of convenience for both of them to get what they both desire. They can live independently and live on their own terms. I loved how their secret correspondence brought them closer, and once Teddy recognizes Stella for herself, she blooms into a confident woman. Love came softly for these two but just as sweet and rewarding that they could find someone who would truly understand them. I loved this story and it was a beautiful way for these 4 ladies of the series to find their happiness in life

I read the first chapter of The Muse of Maiden Lane at the end of The Lily of Ludgate Hill, and immediately, I felt secondhand embarrassment on behalf of Stella. She has naturally silver hair and has decided to dye it for a house party she's going to with Anne. No one there hardly knows her so she isn't worried about them knowing her hair is dyed. I wasn't aware it was culturally taboo to dye one's hair, but it makes sense that the only ones who would do so during this period would be people of questionable morals. But Stella is hoping for a connection that might turn into a marriage. And so it's obvious that she didn't quite think this through. Because even if she does find someone she connects with at the party, and she fools them into thinking she's someone who doesn't have silver hair, eventually dyes wash out. Thus she would be faced with either coming clean about her hair or attempting to maintain the ruse the rest of her life. Quite impossible.

Stella, in fact, quickly runs into Teddy who already knows she has silver hair. Teddy is a crossover character from Mimi Matthew's Parish Orphans of Devon series. And I love that she's crossed these series. There is so much fan service. Tom Finchley already appears nearly every time she needs a solicitor. But now we have Archer and Laura crossing over with Teddy as is necessary. Teddy is now wheelchair-bound after having a bad case of scarlet fever when he was younger. He's an artist. Art is what has sustained and driven him through his challenges in life. And now he's met Stella. He feels a drive that he can't even explain to paint her. Another scandalous thing. Models in those days were usually loved ones, mistresses, or again, women of questionable morals.

Because of Stella's choice to dye her hair, she spends time hiding from the other guests at the house party. And, she stumbles upon a drawing room that the host has allowed Teddy to use as his personal art studio during the stay. Stella and Teddy spend much of the book here getting to know one another. And Teddy spends much of that time begging her to let him paint her.

Favoriote quotes:
-Of all the offensive masculine qualities that ladies detested, eagerness was one of the worst.

I can attest to this one. It's so offputting.

-"Your face is the only reason I'd consider keeping it," he said frankly. "But I don't need to." He tapped his forefinger to his temple. "You're etched up here, more indelibly than a pencil drawing. I won't easily forget you."

The Muse of Maiden Lane was probably my second favorite in the series. It's a hard tie for second place though. I had a clear favorite of the series and a clear least favorite. Stella and Teddy were both characters that I could feel for and root for a happily ever after. They had a non-traditional courtship and journey. And sometimes I balk when characters do things intentionally against the norms, but I didn't mind it in this book. It fits the characters and the story. I loved the crossovers from Mimi Matthew's previous series. I can always appreciate fan service. The Muse of Maiden Lane gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Muse of Maiden Lane? What did you think? Let me know!