The Siren of Sussex: Belles of London by Mimi Matthews

 

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about 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:

Love, love, love! I absolutely LOVED The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews. It's the first book in her new series, Belles of London. And, it is fantastic! Talk about a beautiful love story!

Evie (Evelyn) is in London for the season and she is determined to make a great match - her family's future depends on it. Except, Evie knows that the only way she can make a splash is by putting her best foot forward - her riding foot. Yep, Evie is an equestrienne extraordinaire. No one can compete with her when it comes to riding horseback. The only problem is that she needs the fashion to match her talent. Luckily for her, there is one man who can design the clothes that she desperately needs: Ahmad Malik.  He's struggled to make a name for himself, but he knows he has finally found the woman who can truly showcase his talents: Evie. Yep, the two soon recognize what they can do for each other and soon Evie is being draped in fabrics as Ahmad enhances her beauty with haute couture. Oh, and did I mention that a romantic spark seems to slowly burn between the two. Seems that Evie and Ahmad have both met their ideal love match in each other. Of course, society doesn't seem to agree and soon the two are dealing with more than they bargained for as they decide whether or not love can truly conquer all. 

Oh, my! What an excellent story! I just loved getting to know Evie and Ahmad and reading about them falling in love. It was such a sweet and dramatic tale. Mimi Matthews has certainly created a brilliant cast of characters that you can't help but fall in deep with; along with a wonderful story that you won't be able to put down for anything. The Siren of Sussex is a must-read! And, I would happily recommend it to fans of Matthews and to anyone looking for their next great read - check it out!!

GIVEAWAY: Wow! Thanks to the author, Mimi Matthews, there is a fabulous giveaway package to be won. Check out the following details, so you can enter and have a chance at winning. Good luck!

Timeframe: Jan 4 - Feb 7, 2022

Terms & Conditions:

Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.

The Giveaway Package:

1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following:

Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex

Horse scarf

Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)

The Siren of Sussex tote bag

Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride

Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)

The Siren of Sussex bookmark

The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22.

The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog - mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!