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.

ARC Review.

I was so looking forward to this book after reading A Convenient Fiction thinking "I can't wait for Teddy's book!" But Stella is the shining star of this book, pun utterly intended.

The structure has a similarity to Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas, and despite being a closed door romance, this has a sensuality that can't he denied.


I found that the disability representation was very well done. Teddy's troubles with his wheeled chair are just that, the technology isn't there yet to meet the demand, and neither is the public perception of him and his capabilities. I found it very moving and well done.

This book has of my favourite proposal scenes in a historical romance ever, truly a highlight of the book that had me at the edge of my seat.

The characters are fantastic and so well written. I can absolutely see where these characters will be in ten, twenty even thirty years from this point, as their modern views on art will grow and influence them in other ways too.

This is the final book in the series and dovetails lovingly with Matthew's other series, The Parish Orphans. These are not cameos from previous characters or an extended epilogue. They're all full characters and vital to the story.

I would love to see a book on the next generation of both these series. Set during the height of the Industrial Revolution, with these children of the rising middle class, working people with modernist ideals. Matthews would thrive with this.

I adore Mimi Matthews' writing and storytelling! The Muse of Maiden Lane might just be my new favorite of her books. It's a sweet strangers to friends to marriage of convenience story following Stella and Teddy, two characters who have always felt themselves drawing unwanted attention from society (Stella for her unusual gray-colored hair and Teddy for being confined to a wheelchair due to his legs being paralyzed by scarlet fever). Their friendship develops through conversations and sessions where Stella models for the portrait Teddy has been longing to make of her. It was so lovely to see their relationship grow, and for characters from past books in this series and other Mimi Matthews books to also make appearances!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. A great ending to the Belles of London series, though I'm sure we'll see these characters again!

What an amazing conclusion to this lovely series, the Belles of London.
I loved reading Stella's story, and getting to know her. She's not had an easy life, spent primarily living with her clergy brother, who is determined to marry her off well, but keep her in her proper place until that happens. And he's not afraid to send any man her way he deems eligible, even if said man is many years older.
Stella is fed up with being told what to do. So she....well, I can't give any spoilers!

Also, this is Teddy Hayes' story. From a perspective of a paralyzed individual, back in those early days. Fascinating.

This story was entertaining, and a bit humorous at times.
I recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical romance.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255