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.

I’ve spent a weekend that was supposed to be boring due to being down with a cold in the highest of spirits and all because I was reading Mimi Matthew’s most recent work. Most of those who read my reviews know that Mimi’s books are one of my most precious happy places and this book in particular felt very special.

Not only I’ve returned to the author’s beautiful writing and her wonderful and instantly familiar characters, for once you start reading about them you have the feeling that you’ve known them forever, but in this particular book Mimi Mathews goes beyond her usual sensitivity, her humanity is so palpable in those lines, the way she’s created Teddy and Stella with delicacy and dedication. They are so unique that they stand out amongst all of the other character, not because they’re the protagonists and not because of their obvious uniqueness, but for their faith, their resilience, their strong wills and their mutual support.

Teddy had every right to be angry and mean and awful and back in the day he was. Because his legs lost their strength due to illness, instead he is sweet, funny, compassionate and understanding. It is true that his family is supportive and loving and that makes a difference, but he wants to be independent and show everyone that he’s just an ordinary man. Stella doesn’t have her family support and she’s much alone in life except for the support of her friends, who are also women and therefore powerless, the only way she has to become independent and free is to get married. Her hair started turning grey too early in her life and her unsupportive brother deems her unmarriageable. That’s until Teddy meets her and becomes obsessed with painting her portrait and she sees in him the companion that she thought she would never have.

I don’t know how much of herself did Mimi put into this book but I could glimpse little bits of her in Stella, especially in her relationship with her mare, but I could also see little bits of her in Teddy. I don’t presume to know her personally, of course, but if you follow her and the small things she chooses to share with us through tweets, dms or newsletters, you can see that she’s as determined and as resilient as her hero. This is a very personal book, and you can feel it from the first word.

This is a beautiful slow burn romance that is born at a Christmas party in the English countryside.

"You're made of light, Miss Hobhouse. It shines all around you. I've never yet met a lady who possesses one fraction of your brilliancy."

this is why ladies swoon. trust in mimi! a must read interconnected series!

“It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." "It should be," he said. "It's a portrait of you."

✨THINGS AND STUFF✨
-hampshire, england 1862
-he’s an aspiring artist
-he must paint her or he’ll run mad
-the four horsewomen: girl friends & horse lovers
-disability rep
-a sleigh ride under the stars
-friends to lovers
-secret letters
-a marriage of convenience
-vulnerability & reliance
-starlight 💫 a la howl’s moving castle
-#IsThisAKissingBook closed door.

thank you berkley romance and Mimi Matthews for the free book!

This series was my introduction to Mimi Matthews' work, so I was thrilled to be granted an ARC of this final book. However, it also puts me at a disadvantage in writing this review, as I'm at a loss for words. I shall strive to put down some of my jumbled thoughts, though.
Getting to meet Stella Hobhouse properly in this book was a joy. We as readers are introduced to her hidden depths much as Teddy and the rest of society are in this novel, as she has been hidden away for much of the series. Matthews did a wonderful job communicating Stella's vivacity and shyness, as she also did portraying all of Teddy's complicated feelings about his disability. Their love story was fast, but believable, and almost defied romance-novel tropes. As ever, the friendship between the Belles was delightful, which is what made it so painful to say goodbye to them. I rest easier in the knowledge that Matthews has many more stories for us to explore, though.

The ⭐Muse of Maiden Lane⭐ by #MimiMatthews is a novel about living as the main character and relinquishing the role as a background character.

** I would like to express my thanks to ☆ Mimi Matthews ☆ for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review **

This is the final book of the Belles of London series, and I have to say that I am not disappointed. Stella, the FMC, has a silver head of hair, and she has spent a huge part of her life, hiding and trying to become “inconspicuous.” Teddy, the MMC, suffered from scarlet fever, which rendered him without the use of his legs, and he is forced to live for the rest of his life with help from others. Both characters are not inconspicuous by any means and are not considered “normal” by 18th century standards. With this information, both characters spent a lot of their time hiding from others, being ashamed and sometimes shamed for just being who they are. Neither characters choose their circumstances, but their circumstances have essentially made it impossible to live as a “normal” person in society. It was a thrill to read this slow burn, as not only did both of these characters grow to like each other, they also came to like themselves more and more. I think the author did a great job discussing the struggles of one who lives in a wheelchair, and those struggles are even prevalent to today.

There was a point in time where both characters become tired of hiding themselves, and I just loved both of the characters’ power in creating their own life. A life that fits their own wants and needs and is far from the definition of “normal.” It was lovely to read about their journey and their decision to just say “F- society” (of course in a classier way) and just live. The interaction between both of the characters is lovely and I love the way they support each other in their dreams. The author just has a way of writing that makes your heart pound! I also loved seeing the interactions between the characters that the author lovingly wrote.

Gosh I just recommend this whole series! Sooooooooo good! You want tension, slow burn, and strong characters? This is the book for you!!!!

Mimi Matthews is my favorite historical romance author. I love the writing because she consistently delivers satisfying plots that are eloquent and moving and they leave me breathless. I gave this 4.5 stars because it was that good.
Stella and Teddy were unique and headstrong. They have both been judged and live on the outskirts. They don’t fit into the norm and yet they find love anyway. It had precious awkward moments and a gentle different kind of romance. Overall it had all the charm of a great story.
This was book 4 of Belles of London and I highly recommend.
Thanks Berkeley, Rel Mollet and of course Mimi Matthews for this early ARC. I loved it! 💗

I can’t believe I’m saying this but I read this entire book in one day. I could not put it down and eagerly turned page after page every chance I could get throughout the day. I was already eager to read this story after witnessing the first meeting of Stella and Teddy in the end of the previous book of the series. I love the development of each of these characters, the way they read as such well developed people with insecurities and hopes and dreams and how they begin to form a camaraderie between them that grows into more. The story has so much packed into it, so many themes to explore and was so beautifully written to encapsulate all of the exciting and captivating elements from start to finish. It can be ready as stand alone, but is all the more rewarding after reading the other books in the series. I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough. I can definitely see a reread of this in the not so distant future. Many thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story. All opinions are my own.

Read if you enjoy:
💜 art and Impressionism
💜 great characters
💜 disability rep
💜 mobility aid
💜 slow burn romance
💜 found family
💜 amazing female friend group 🥹🫠❤️

Romance: fade to black

Mimi Matthews stories are honestly some of my favorites and also ones I can go back and read over again, and The Muse of Maiden Lane is no exception.
We read Stella and Teddy's story and it's one you won't want to miss.
I loved how Mimi Matthews represented disability in this era, you never see to many books with a hero who have this struggle.
The banter between the two was perfection, I loved the way they viewed the world around them and saw each other through a lens no one else could see.
I was happy with all the familiar characters seen in this book and honestly couldn't put it down. Mimis writing draws you in easily and makes it hard to leave. For a book that will leave you sighing and smiling, I highly recommend the Muse of Maiden Lane.

Thank you Mimi Matthews for an early copy of this story, even though I was gifted to read my thoughts and opinions are my own.

first off, this was such an emotional read. and not only because the story was moving and beautiful but because my first ever historical romance series came to an end. i've loved all these characters so deeply so to see them all get their happy ending is bittersweet!

now for the review: i thought stella and teddy were such a unique pairing when i first learned they'd be together. i was so intrigued how mimi matthews was gonna bring their life's together and into a love story but boy it was so worth it!

stella is such a charming character, i felt like i was in the middle of her palm with every sentence she spoke. she's clear with her feelings and levelheaded but she's also someone who has that longing feeling of wanting to be in love and you can't help but root for her happy ending.

teddy was a stickler for me at first! i couldn't tell if he really loved stella or his painting of her more at the end. you could tell that he DID care and love her so much i just don't know much in comparison to his work. as well as i thought he'd push stella away when i thought they'd fix their issues but regardless! the way he spoke highly of stella at all times and always showered her with compliments was pleasing to me because i'm all about praise (hehe).

towards the end of the book seeing all their worries be answered and were able to move on blissfully with their lives was so exciting. i loved being able to watch evie and ahmed, julia and captain blunt (my favs), anne & mr. hartford, and now stella and teddy be happy in love.

thank you net galley for sending me an arc of this book for an honest review ♡

Stella Hobhouse is the last of the Four Horsewomen still single -- and that status as overlooked and unwed but refusing to bow to convention leaves her life in a precarious place. Teddy Hayes is a painter and see Stella's inner strength as a thing of beauty -- can both of them overcome their societal states as outcasts (Stella with entirely grey hair; Teddy as an invalid) to find their happiness? A delightful and sweet Victorian romance.

This has been a great series. Strong women, but still believable for the time period. I didn't think I'd like the series because I am not a "horsy" person at all. But the horses are not main characters, just an interesting through-line and way to bring disparate characters together.

It's a charming historical romance with a veneer of period details peopled with most mostly characters, told in modern prose--whis is exactly what many readers want. The reader has to swallow an enormous howler that goes unexplained at the beginning: how an unmarried girl with a very strict guardian in her brother could be permitted go to a country house party with dyed hair. Once you get that horse pill down, the rest follows the prescribed course. I liked that the hero was disabled, and I loved the female friendships.

Even though this ended very well, I really struggled to get through it. I absolutely adore this series, but this one wasn’t by favorite.

It’s a verrry slow burn that needed a touch faster pacing. The characters barely knew each other even at 60 percent of the story!

It was unique to see a character in a wheel chair in Victorian England, and I appreciate how the author handled the details and intentions of the time.

Still love this author - looking forward to her next book!

The Muse of maiden lane is a story of 2 members of society largely thought to be undesirable. Stella, an avid horse woman has premature grey hair, causing her to be dismissed as a potential wife almost immediatly. Teddy, awheel bound avid painter, is either pittied or ignored. Nevertheless they both persevered through thier circumstances with what was available to them. Stella doggedly hangs on to her horse, Locket, and spares no expense taking care of him. She sketches when she can and tries to do right by her brother. When she gets a chance to break free from her family's constraints, she braves the trail and forges her own future.

Teddy's disability tests his idea what it means to be a man. He struggles with allowing others to help and with letting go of the resentment of his situation. Stella arrives as a beacon of hope and comfort and through her, he feels at peace and at home.

The mark of a good book is when you find yourself longing to return to it during those peaky and trying times like attending to dirty dishes and laundry. When you're excited to see what happens next and instantly lose yourself the moment you return. When your heart is fully immersed and you can't keep the gentle smile from your face.

Teddy and Stella's book is beyond beautiful. It's tenderly sweet and vulnerable with likable characters and excellent disability representation. I loved that Stella took a chance, and we see a perfect example of acceptance that family doesn't always have your best interests at heart. It's perfectly acceptable to break ties with them. Her letter is just so powerful. The slide into love was delicately written with all the emotions fluttering across these unputdownable pages.

The entire series was engaging and absolutely gripping. These furies were fearsome and formidable. And we need to take a moment to squeal over the character crossovers because doesn't that just gladden your heart!? I'm feeling warm and fuzzy as I always seem to do when reading one of this beloved author's books. She's most definitely a favorite.