The Siren of Sussex

Belles of London, Book #1

by Mimi Matthews

⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5

Mimi Matthews is a master at writing HISTORICAL romances. Here attention to detail is top notch and creates a truly immersive reading experience.

The Siren of Sussex kicks of a new Victorian romance that takes place in London a period of time after the Prince Consort’s death. Evelyn Maltravers has traveled to town from her country home with all the hopes of her sisters pinned upon her shoulders. She needs to mack a match in this season of morning in order to safeguard her sisters futures. Good thing she has a plan to stand out in front of the limited Batchelor supply- she intends to make her match on Rotten Row, instead of in the ballroom, where where horsemanship skills are easily flaunted… now to make sure she is seen, she needs the help of London’s best habit maker…

London’s best habit maker, the half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik doesn’t want his fashions on just anyone, they must be worn by the fashion makers if his dream of opening his own dress shop will be realized. The country Miss Maltravers does not appear to be one of the taste makers… until her spunk and her riding skill light a spark in him. She is his muse!

Soon Miss Maltravers and Mr. Malik are working together to make their respective dreams come true. All is set for success, until their ideas of success changes as a romance blossoms between these star-crossed lovers.

Mimi not only delves into the conflict their class difference creates if Miss Maltravers and Mr. Malik were to consummate their affection, but she dives head first into the racial issues faced by Ahmad’s mixed heritage and Brittish Colonialism. She lays out a realistic picture of the difficulties his character faces during this time period.

Miss Maltravers and Mr. Malik make a beautiful pairing and enhance each other greatly. Both characters are fighting to find their place in society, against the tables that have been placed on them. Likewise, they are both adrift in society, not able to find the place they can call home… until they find it together.

I enjoyed author Mimi Matthews attention to details in this book, from the clothing and its construction, to horsemanship the the inclusion of Victorian spiritual societies.

This was an excellent start to a new series and I am eager to see the the next Belle will have in store for us!

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is scheduled to release January 11th, 2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheSirenofSussex #MimiMatthews #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

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