Happy Monday!
I went to the library this weekend and started in on the haul I acquired. I’m sharing my thoughts on Mimi Matthews’ The Siren of Sussex. This clean historical romance dives into an interracial relationship. Grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and read on!
About the Book
Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.
Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.
Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.
But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?
My Thoughts
This book gave me all the feels. I loved how self-assured the heroine felt on horseback and why she wanted Ahmad Malik to design her a new riding habit. From the moment they met, I was completely invested in their story.
I loved how Mimi Matthews brought in fashion but not in a who’s wearing what, but how it makes us feel and how we can gain confidence from wearing something made solely for us.
Not to mention there was a scene in here regarding pockets that had me wanting to squeal, swoon, and tell the world all at the same time. If you’ve read that part, be sure to leave me a comment so we can discuss in detail. 🙂
This was a great book to remind me why I keep reading Mimi Matthews and to set up the characters to come in the series. A five-star read.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
Toni Shiloh 
Toni, I just finished this book and loved it! And, yes–the pockets! Such great characters, setting, and plot! I’m looking forward to reading your new book! It should be here soon. Congratulations on a new book baby!
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I practically squealed about the pockets, lol. So glad you enjoyed it and I hope you enjoy ISOAP!
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