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The Siren of Sussex

Book 1 in the series:Belles of London

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THE SIREN OF SUSSEX follows the story of Evelyn Maltravers, a determined young woman entering London society with the goal of securing a suitable husband to support her family. However, her ambitions shift when she meets Ahmad Malik, a talented tailor with a complex background and aspirations of his own. As Evelyn and Ahmad navigate the obstacles of their mixed-race and cross-class relationship, they must confront societal expectations and personal struggles. With meticulous historical details, a unique cross-cultural romance, and nuanced characters like Evelyn and Ahmad, Mimi Matthews weaves a captivating tale of love, self-discovery, and overcoming societal barriers in Victorian England.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Evie portraying a determined heroine and Ahmad representing a sensitive and hardworking hero, both navigating societal challenges together.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing is marked by meticulous historical detail and engaging prose that effectively captures the essence of the Victorian era.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on romantic and societal themes, exploring class and racial dynamics amidst Evie's quest for a suitable husband in Victorian England.

Setting:

The setting vividly depicts Victorian England, capturing various aspects of class and society while highlighting themes of fashion and culture.

Pacing:

The pacing is described as slow burn, focusing on character development and organic relationship growth, though some feel it could be tighter.
Evelyn Maltravers entered the dimly lit shop in Conduit Street. A modest sign above the door proclaimed the names and trade of the proprietors: Messrs. Doyle and Heppenstall, Tailors. The interior of ...

Notes:

The main character, Evie, is a bluestocking with a love for horses.
Evie must find a suitable husband to care for her family after her sister elopes, causing a scandal.
The male lead, Ahmad, is of half Indian descent, making the story a rare cross-cultural romance in Victorian England.
Mimi Matthews often features working-class male leads instead of aristocrats in her romances.
The story includes themes of class, race, and the challenges faced by mixed-race characters in Victorian society.
Ahmad is a talented tailor seeking to be taken seriously as a dressmaker despite societal prejudices.
Evie's equestrian skills are central to her character and ambitions in the marriage market.
The book addresses the topic of spiritualism, which was popular during the Victorian era.
The relationship between Evie and Ahmad develops from friendship to romance, emphasizing mutual respect and support.
Mimi Matthews' books are known for their meticulous historical research and complex characters.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of racism and social class prejudice that may be sensitive for some readers.

Has Romance?

The book features a high level of romance as the primary focus of the plot.

From The Publisher:

A PopSugar, Oprah Daily, and BookBub Most Anticipated Romance of 2022!

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?

Ratings (5)

Loved It (3)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
1 year

If a romance novel is about the journey rather than the destination (the destination being the HEA), then this first Belles of London novel was a very satisfying journey indeed.


Evelyn Maltravers has to make a good marriage so her sisters can be supported. Her parents are dead, the family is running out of money, and they're under a cloud of scandal because of her eldest sister's running off with a neighbor's son. But to make a splash in Victorian society bookish Evie needs to stand out, so the talented horsewoman turns to tailor Ahmad Malik to design a riding habit that will make heads turn and bring her the right kind of attention.


Half-Indian Ahmad has no place in society either in London or in his native India, but if he can become a successful tailor he can support himself and his sister. He knows he can't let his career be derailed by a relationship with a woman who's of the wrong class and the wrong ethnicity, but the more time they spend together, the more they realize the bond that exists between them.


Watching Evie and Ahmad navigate their relationship while fully understanding the risks, and knowing that "love conquers all" only happens in stories, not in Victorian society, is the journey that makes this book so satisfying. In addition, we meet friends of Evie's who will clearly have their own stories in upcoming books, which makes Ms. Matthews entertaining tale even more enjoyable.

 
 
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