The story started a bit slow for me. I was immediately intrigued by Teddy’s character, but a lack of action slowed my progress. However, the book picks up once Stella leaves Somerset. The confidence she feels after her time with Teddy spurs her forward to stand up for herself.

Stella finds her courage to defy her brother and live her own life free from his judgement. It’s exhilarating to read.

Stella and Teddy’s romance came together just as I hoped it would. I swooned! There were so many moments I highlighted— so many quotes. It’s just beautiful.

True to form, I don’t recall Stella from the earlier Belles of London novels. It has been long enough since I read The Siren of Sussexx and Belle of Belgrave Square that I didn’t recall Stella being a fourth horse woman. The first time I marked her was in The Lily of Ludgate Hill, which sets up Stella’s story. It was so nice to get to know Stella. She is a firecracker and I absolutely loved her and Teddy in the end.

I love Matthews’ knowledge on Victorian life. From how she describes wardrobe and furnishings to the detailed discussion of disability in the time. I caught myself looking up words and googling Victorian wheelchairs as I read.

I particularly appreciate Matthews’ writing different and disabled main characters. Their differences were not used a plot device but rather were part of their whole being as it is in real life. She takes care to delve into their insecurities while letting them also be proud and confident in their character. It is well done.

And now I must reread all of the Belles’ stories and the Parish Orphans of Devon series as it ties in with this novel as well!

"A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist - and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother's pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic...like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who's ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward "Teddy" Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist's model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He'll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience. After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella's luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture...."

Aw, I love this, it sounds like a plotline for a seventies British miniseries. Must read!

Genre: Historical Romance
England, 1862

The conclusion to the Belles of London series, The Muse of Maiden Lane features the fourth horsewoman, Stella. Sister of a vicar, Stella had enough money set aside for two seasons only, and she's left them with no real suitors and a lot of grief over her silver hair. At a Christmas house party, she meets Teddy Hayes - or rather she meets him for the second time, after a previous encounter over the summer at an art gallery. Teddy is an artist and he's single-mindedly determined to paint Stella as his muse. But it's scandalous for a well-bred unmarried woman to allow herself to be painted and for all his flaws she does not want to bring scandal upon her clergyman brother.

Teddy is wheelchair bound, which Matthews does an excellent job focusing on and yet not making it the center of his character. Both Stella and Teddy have features that make them stand out, and Stella recognizes her hair (aka Teddy's obsession) is not quite the same as Teddy's wheelchair, but it makes her feel conspicuous and uncomfortable. The crux of their relationship is about seeing each other's true character amplified by the what society considers flaws rather than in spite of or because of.

This is closed door, like all of Matthews books, but it's highly romantic all the same. I'm really glad she chose to tackle such a sensitive subject - particularly because Teddy's mobility issues come from a later-in-life bout with scarlet fever. I did struggle with Stella's brother as a villain - in large part he just made me mad. Sometimes I just don't need additional patriarchal injustice. The last 20% of the book ends up being my favorite because the romance really takes off at that point.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Historical Romance, Romance, Victorian Romance, Disability
Spice Level: Fade to black
Language: Mild profanity upon occasion
Representation: Leading man is disabled after contracting an illness at 19

THE MUSE OF MAIDEN LANE is the last of this series of companion novels, and I am genuinely sad to see it end. I've adored these four women and their fierce loyalty to each other.

Stella is a conundrum. At times she seems to want to fade into the background, but she also participates in dangerous activities—like galloping sidesaddle with a horse that many would consider unridable. I enjoyed the nuance in her character. And I've known women who went gray in their 20s so it was fun to see how she handled it.

Teddy is so forceful and passionate—and an artist, which some society members might use as an excuse for his behavior. No matter what way you paint it, he is impertinent. His struggles of dealing with a wheelchair, trying to maintain dignity, and his worries about developing relationships (especially romantic) seemed very well portrayed.

This book highlights the complicated facets of family in addition to the burgeoning romance. The back material tells the reader where the author fudged some of the dates to make things happen the way she wanted for this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it! And I can't wait to read the next thing from Mimi Matthews' pen / computer.

Happy reading!

eARC Review: The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
Thank you to Berkley Romance for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have really loved all of the books in this series and this one is no exception! Stella is on the verge of being a spinster and her vicar brother wants to marry her off - even if it's too a man who is much much older than she is. Teddy is an artist who is traveling in London from France and sees Stella at an art showing once and is instantly inspired. By chance, they happen to find themselves at the same house party not long after and Teddy begs Stella to model for him. Though she initially declines, she eventually realizes that this could be her ticket to freedom.

The beginning of the book did start off a bit slow for me - mostly because Stella and Teddy don't spend a whole lot of time on page together. I did love the epistolary moments and once they finally saw each other in London again, the book picked up pace for me and I was much more invested. I loved seeing how they came together and started to love one another.

The inclusion of Teddy being a wheelchair user after a bout with Scarlet Fever was really interesting to see - I loved how he eventually let Stella in to see and understand what he needed but that she also respected his independence.

I think this series is absolutely worth reading! While it may be closed door, Mimi doesn't shy away from tension and swoon.

🤍Book review 🤍

The Muse of Maiden Lane
by Mimi Matthews


The Muse of Maiden Lane is a beautiful and moving romance that pairs two characters society overlooks, bringing their love story to life with heart and depth.
Stella Hobhouse, with her striking silver hair and quiet resilience, and Teddy Hayes, an artist who overcomes his physical challenges, make a memorable couple. Their marriage of convenience, born out of necessity, becomes a heartfelt journey as they embrace each other’s dreams and passions.
I loved seeing Stella find the confidence to stand out and Teddy’s unwavering support for her true self.
The friendships among the Four Horsewomen add warmth and humor, while the historical details make the setting rich and immersive. Mimi Matthews brilliantly captures the art, love, and courage in this story. This final book in The Belles of London series is full of emotion, with beautifully written characters and a romance that feels timeless and inspiring
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy, opinions are my own.

There were so many things about this book that just did not land for me. The execution was muddled, the pacing was slow and the romance lacking.
This book is a finale for not one but two series, and as a result, it was bogged down by side characters and cameos. And for a marriage of convenience, they didn’t get married until nearly the end. Very little time was spent with them together and I felt very little between them. The thing I could not get over was Stella saying she decided to fall in love with Teddy because she wanted love in her marriage. But they truly both married each other out of desperation and a need for both of them to live freely and independently from their domineering families. This could have been ok if we had enough time with them together building on that, but we didn’t. I still feel incomplete and like I don’t really have an idea of what their HEA looks like.
Also the family drama on Stella’s side was a caricature of what Mimi usually writes. It was almost lazily inserted and not resolved.
This is so unfortunate as I was highly anticipating this story. Overall this was just so very flat. It had moments of the style I like from Matthews but it really lacked emotion and angst.
I’m rounding to three stars because it’s still a Mimi Matthews, and she is a very good writer. There were moments of great description and I could always tell I was reading one of hers, this one just wasn’t her best.

I have wanted to love this series so so so badly. And unfortunately, every book in the series has just missed the mark for me. Which shouldn’t be the case, because I’ve loved Mimi Matthews other series and novellas. Stella and Teddy were really the couple I’ve waited for this whole time because I was hype about Teddy from her previous books in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. But I was so bored. Which has essentially been my issue with each of the books in this series. The burn isn’t even a burn. It’s nonexistent. And for it to be advertised as a marriage of convenience, they don’t marry until far, FAR into the story. Which…negates the point of a MOC for me as a reader. Teddy and Stella are fine on their own but the chemistry? Nonexistent. Their personalities? Can’t find ‘em. It may be a while before I pick Mimi’s books back up under her Berkley contract because these have not been it.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

A somewhat disappointing end to the series for me 😩

I'll start by saying Stella was a great FMC. She was stuck in a horrible spot with no prospects and a brother who should kick rocks, but she still kept her spirit and as much of a positive outlook on her life as she could get.

But where was her romance story?? Compared to the first three books, there is almost no romance here, just Teddy's obsession with painting her, which I don't think ever REALLY transitioned that well into actually loving her.

I couldn't really get behind Teddy. He had a couple of good moments, but his character was totally flat and because of that their relationship was just not realistic. I feel like they spent almost half the book apart, and it's advertised as a marriage of convenience story, but the prospect of marriage doesn't even come into play until about 3/4's of the way into it...

Unfortunately a lack luster ending to an otherwise great series 💜

The Muse of Maiden Lane, the fourth installment in The Belles of London series, delivers an unlikely romance between two artistic souls who society has pushed to the margins. Stella Hobhouse's premature silver hair has rendered her nearly invisible to the ton, while artist Edward "Teddy" Hayes navigates life and his passion for painting from a wheeled chair following a bout of scarlet fever.

Their initial meeting in a London gallery evolves into something deeper during a Christmas house party, where a romantic sleigh ride proves no mistletoe is needed for their first kiss. United by their shared love of art and horses, Stella and Teddy forge a connection that defies society's narrow views. When circumstances push Stella toward a lifetime of restriction in Derbyshire, she makes the decision to cut ties with her brother and move to London. Teddy's offer of a marriage of convenience to secure her future (and as his model) becomes an opportunity for both to paint their own version of happiness.

Mimi perfectly portrays how two people marked as "different" by society recognize the light in each other, creating a romance that feels both period-appropriate and refreshingly modern in its themes of acceptance and visibility.

The friendships continue amongst the Four Horsewomen, and I loved seeing the other charaters/couples make an appearance in this book. These ladies are the definition of ride-or-die friends. When society sneers, they close ranks, celebrating everything from Harriet's math brilliance to Stella's artistic talent. No judgment here - Stella's silver hair and Alice's shyness are just part of what makes them special. What starts as ballroom small talk turns into the kind of friendship where you can show up in tears or doubled over laughing. Whether they're trading gossip over tea or having heart-to-hearts in the garden, these women prove that true friendship is the real treasure in Regency London.

Content warnings: disinheritance, past parental loss, bullying (past), and abandonment.

A stunning conclusion to the Belle's of London - and easily my favorite of the series. From the moment Stella races from the ballroom at the end of Anne and Hartford's book, I was enthralled. The sharp banter between her and Teddy from the outset, the ways they shield their own vulnerabilities, the tension that builds as they tentatively circle one another, the ability they have to see each other's independence and passion - every note felt right between them. And once again, Matthews writes a Bad Family like no other, and I found myself feeling a uniquely Mimi-Matthews-brand of claustrophobic rage at the halfway point. She examines both family loyalty and abuse, raising the stakes and turning characters against one another to expose the layers of ableism and control at work in each. And our reward for sticking with her through the pain is an absolutely magical third act, a slow-burn that culminates in a star-bright inferno of desire and devotion and devastating vulnerability. She has perfected the art of fade-to-black intimacy, showing us the ways two people long for - and learn from - one another. I adored this final chapter in our series, and I know lovers of this series will be equally swept away by Stella and Teddy.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy.

"First a Fury, then one of the Four Horsewomen, and now a star. What transformation next, I wonder?"

Oh my heart… I loved this historical romance set in the Victorian Era. This is a perfect conclusion to the Belles of London series about four horse loving friends & their adventures. I’d strongly suggest reading them in order as they build upon each other. Mimi fills her books with so many historical details & I love how each of her books focus on unique elements in history. I fell in love with Stella, a silver-haired horsewoman & Teddy a wheelchair-bound artist. I mean seriously this is not only a marriage of convenience but so much more! It’s full of found family, friendships, art, love, lots of swoony moment & of course horses. I love the themes of what it’s like to not only be seen but accepted.

"I'm asking you to be conspicuous with me!” -Teddy

Seriously one of the best lines ever! I loved Stella’s transformation from someone who wants to blend in, to someone who is ok with standing out & becoming a star. I love the thought of living life out loud & being accepted for who you truly are.

“The freedom to want, to choose, to be. To live a colorful, conspicuous, unconventional life with the man she loved.”

Stella Hobhouse, silver-haired equestrienne, skilled sketch-artist, and stalwart friend is often overlooked. Bullied by her brother, concerned about her future prospects, Stella embraces the unexpected once she meets Teddy Hayes.

Teddy Hayes, aspiring painter and artist, while wheelchair bound after scarlet fever leaves his legs paralysed, is looking for a life of independence and something more. With his yearning desire to paint Stella, his muse, he is willing to enter into a marriage of convenience. Will they each find more than what they dreamed of?

I really don't know how Mimi Matthews does it - with each succeeding book, I'm in awe with her writing. This sensuous and lovely book is filled with emotion, romance, longing, and an ethereal effervescence much like the Turner, and other painters of light referenced throughout the book. What an excellent conclusion to the beautiful Belles of London series.

Stella is absolutely fabulous! I loved getting to know her better, and to understand the difficult circumstances she suffers under with her overbearing brother. Mimi Matthews really knows how to write unpleasant characters, without turning then into villainous caricatures.

Stella's passion, at first quiet and seemingly unassuming, blossoms as she builds her friendship and connection with Teddy. I also really appreciated how her true, bold, and beautiful self gains confidence as she stretches her hand to the stars to take up dreams she hadn't dare dream before.

Teddy is just lovely. At no point did I feel like Mimi or Stella pitied him due to his disability. His shining talent, passion, and determination make him a formidably charismatic man.

I also really enjoyed his interactions, not only with Stella, but with his family, and our other Parish Orphans (I always love to see them). Teddy coming into his own, and taking up the life he wants makes him the perfect match for Stella. They are so well suited.

And of course the novel contains a marriage of convenience plot, and as that is my favourite trope, I was one hundred percent sold. Mimi portrayed Stella and Teddy's burgeoning attraction so well. The tension and longing were so well done.

As I'm a big fan of the Painters of Light (the Impressionists), and I loved that Teddy knew and interacted with them. It was exciting thinking about Turner's beautiful paintings, and all the other lovely paintings and artists mentioned.

All in all, this was a lovely and absolutely gorgeous conclusion to this fabulous series. I can't wait to reread The Muse of Maiden Lane again.

Thank you to Mimi Matthews, Berkley Publishing, and NetGalley for this eARC. This review contains my own, honest opinion.

RATING: 4/5 STARS

A sweet and satisfying end to the Belles of London series! I love the fierce independence of each Mimi Matthews heroine, and Stella was no different. But what really stood out in this novel to me was the disability representation in Teddy's character. I was intrigued by Teddy from A CONVENIENT FICTION, and was so happy to see him get his happy ending in THE MUSE OF MAIDEN LANE. The realities and frustrations of having a physical disability in Victorian Era society were well explored in this book with sensitivity. And the essence of this book was a sweet romance, which it definitely delivered!

The final volume of the Belles of London series stars Stella Hobhouse. Stella is under the care of her brother who is a vicar. She has a small inheritance from her father which is enough to care for her horse and hire a groom for him, but not enough for independence. She chafes at her limited life in Derbyshire which is about to get even more restrictive when her brother marries a young woman who is a sanctimonious prig and who wants her gone.

Stella met artist Teddy Hayes at a house party she attended with her friend Anne. Stella was hoping to find someone to marry and died her distinctive grey hair to present a bolder and less controversial appearance. Teddy had met previously met her at a London museum and was intrigued by her whole appearance grey hair and all. He believes that she can be the muse he has been searching for to make his series of paintings which are not of a traditional style. However, respectable young women don't pose for artists in 1863.

Teddy is in a wheelchair after a severe bout with Scarlet Fever some five years earlier. He is only gradually reconciling himself to his future and gradually winning his independence as a grown man. He has a loving family that is determined to shelter and protect him almost to the point of stifling him.

Teddy comes up with a solution that will solve both of their problems. He proposes a marriage of convenience which will let Stella gain independence from her controlling brother and will convince his sister and her husband that he won't be alone and uncared for in London. But a marriage of convenience doesn't allow for the fact that they are falling in love with each other.

This was an engaging historical romance with lots of interesting historical details. I also liked that the main characters had realistic problems. While hers were more typical for the time period and lack of women's rights, his were more unusual. Both were being held back by society's expectations.

There is much to love about The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews. The attention to historical detail in this novel is perfection. I love feeling like I’m transported back in time to the historical period I’m reading, and Matthews does a superb job in this. The sights, the smells, the clothes, the busyness of London, the Social trappings of the time…I was truly carried away to England circa 1863 and I loved it so much! I also really, really enjoyed being immersed in the art scene of the 1860s. The Pre-Raphaelites and the Impressionists are some of my most favorite artists ever. It was fun to participate a little in this world via Teddy and his amazing artistic talents and friendships. In addition to the historical detail, I very much enjoyed all the cameos we get in this book. The characters from the Parish Orphans of Devon series make appearances in this book, as do all the Belles and their husbands from this series. So much fun to see all these great characters interact. I love getting the extra insight into who’s pregnant or who has children now, and who is doing what and where. I also love the connections between series. I think that is so much fun! As far as this story goes, Stella is the star of this romance. Her character is absolutely wonderful. She is a heroine in every sense of the word. My heart hurt so badly for her as she is forced to deal with her horrid brother. I wanted very much to reach into the confines of this story so I could smack Daniel and hug Stella. In this, I am so glad she has Evie, Julia, and Anne. Their strong bond as best friends illustrates just how important it is for people to have real, true friendships. They are so essential to a good, contented life! My favorite aspect of this story is getting to watch Stella discover her fierceness and strength. I love that she breaks out of her shell and becomes the woman she was always meant to be. Teddy is not my favorite hero — in fact, I found him to be quite an anti-hero — but I did love how he helps Stella in her process to becoming strong in who she is and to go after what she wants. There is a lot of good girl-power in this novel and I rather enjoyed every minute of it!

As with the previous novels in this series, The Muse of Maiden Lane is an excellent Historical Romance that I highly recommend. I am sad that my time with these characters has come to an end, but I do look forward to what Ms. Matthews has in store for us readers next.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel in eBook from Berkley Publishing Group, via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to leave a review of any kind. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Mimi's finale in the Belles of London series is a captivating triumph! As usual, the story is gripping, detailed and emotional. I couldn't put it down from the first page.

Getting to know Stella is a beautiful culmination to this series about four dear friends. While we have seen and learned about Stella in the previous books in the series, now she is the focus of the story. Learning about her difficult history and truly horrible brother helped shape her character and why she sees the world in the ways she does. I admire her determination towards independence. And I admire her strength, loyalty and devotion to those she loves. Seeing her interact with her dear friends and her horse, Locket, were truly beautiful moments in this story. And witnessing her budding friendship with Teddy was a delight.

Teddy is not like other heroes in an historical novel I have read. He is witty and out spoken. Often we know just what he is thinking regardless of whether it is socially acceptable to say so. That outspokenness makes him a refreshing and engaging protagonist. I was impressed by the well researched details about his profession as a painter and the many meticulous pieces in his creative process. This Victorian time period was such a compelling one in the history of art. I enjoyed learning more about how artists of this time were changing the course of artistic creation. Teddy is at the forefront of this movement. While his fascination with Stella begins with his hope to paint her as his muse, I love how those feelings become something so much more.

Stella and Teddy's love story is as beautiful as it is unexpected. They are both unusual and a bit on the outskirts of society -- Stella with her gray hair and Teddy in his wheeled chair. That creates an unlikely bond between them that grows into the most beautiful love. I enjoyed their banter as they first become friends and then pen pals. I loved how Stella inspires Teddy and how much he wants to immortalize her. He sees her in the most beautiful, powerful way from their first meeting. And I think that helps Stella begin to see herself as extraordinary. Their marriage of convenience (which is naturally nothing of the sort) is a clever way to bring them together. But the beautiful climax on their wedding night when they realize how much they mean to each other is incredibly moving. I absolutely loved seeing them discover how much their love means to them and how it has changed them. Seeing how their love transforms them and gives them hope, happiness and meaning is one of the most compelling parts of this whole series.

I adore everything I have read from Mimi and this is my favorite read yet! Stella and Teddy are complex and compelling characters who transform in the best ways because of their relationship. Their love story is unconventional and also incredibly powerful. What a fantastic end to a truly captivating series!

Mimi Matthews is, and always will be, a favorite author of mine. I discovered her books right at the beginning of the pandemic and have been eagerly awaiting Teddy’s story since. The Muse of Maiden Lane is angsty, vulnerable, and exquisitely romantic. Teddy and Stella are both such real and unique characters, who surprised me in the best ways. I learned new things from both of them, and I was so pleased with the disability representation and how it was handled. I adored the cameos by characters from past series, and getting to see more of the (realistic) happily ever afters of other characters in the Belles of London series was also a treat.

I truly can’t recommend Mimi’s books enough. I’m begging you to read her books!! 5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If I could only use three words to describe Stella and Teddy’s story they would be yearning, tender, and intimate. My heart kept squeezing in my chest, and I was brought to tears multiple times while reading this elegant and gentle book. I absolutely loved it. It treats the reader to that perfect romance novel combination of heartrending angst, prevailing personal justice, and fairytale-like true love.

The Belles of London series is so dear to my heart because it introduced me to the incredibly talented author, Mimi Matthews! Each and every book in this series has been a joy to read, and I have been eagerly awaiting Stella’s story since the day I was introduced to the Four Horsewomen. Stella’s quiet strength, observed first through the masterful handling of her spirited mount, Locket, and her mane of platinum silver hair intrigued me from the beginning. I’m so happy to be able to write this review and say that the wait was worth it, because The Muse of Maiden Lane is everything I wanted it to be.

On the surface, Stella and Teddy are completely different people who shouldn’t have any common ground between them. Stella is a passionate equestrienne. Teddy is confined to a wheelchair. Stella has spent the last two ton Seasons in London. Teddy has spent years living a reclusive life in France. Stella doesn’t dare present herself as anything but the proper lady. Teddy openly flaunts English high society convention. They are fated mates not only in spite of, but because of their similar personal challenges.

Both Teddy and Stella’s families are stifling their spirits and dreams, albeit for different reasons. Teddy’s family has controlled his life for years out of fear and concern for his welfare. Stella’s brother has done the same as he has become consumed by pride and self-righteousness. Neither Teddy or Stella fit into the neat and tidy boxes that society deems they should be in. When Teddy and Stella meet, they are drawn to one another as unique allies who understand a deep and innate passion for freedom to be themselves and to live life on their own terms, regardless of difficulties they may face. I love that Teddy and Stella are the underdogs in their own stories, and end up triumphing over their obstacles and hard-won independence by recognizing that they are one another’s perfect partner.

The author's talent for beautiful, delicate prose, self-aware characters, lovely British settings, and vibrant dialogue all contribute to a rich and immersive read brimming with heart and optimism.

Thank you Berkley, Netgalley, and Mimi Matthews for this amazing opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Having read the first three books in the series through NetGalley, I was thrilled to find and be approved for the fourth. The heroines in this series are some of the best in romance. They're fiercely independent and loyal to each other and their horses, but it's also refreshing to see their husbands support them in all their endeavors. What's more, none of the men are stereotypical dukes with wealth beyond imagination. Teddy lives comfortably off his earnings from the family perfume business but is not filthy rich.

But I digress. Stella, our heroine of the hour, is fabulous. Her gray hair has made her an enigma in society and also ridiculed. She believes she has to hide her hair to find a suitor causing a small debacle with some hair coloring at a holiday house party. Stella is not well off; her only family is her reverend brother about to be engaged to a tiresome young woman. He is very strict with Stella and it's rewarding watching Stella grow as a person and escape his plans for her.

The plot is simple but charming. Stella and Teddy are cute together even if they don't realize it. They think they're entering into a relationship of convenience when really it's so much more than that. They both have to grow out of their self-consciousness to be free to love each other.

This is the fourth and (I believe) final book in Mimi Matthews's Belles of London Series. Though the book can be read independently from the others, I highly suggest reading them all, as they are each delightful in their own way. Thank you so much to NetGalley and especially Berkley for the advance copy of the book. As always, my opinions are my own.