Hello reader friends! I am delighted to share The Siren of Sussex with you today. Let me tell you…..this book was AMAZING. First of all, I read my first Mimi Matthews book in December, and I was immediately hooked with her writing style. It was one of those moments where I asked myself, um… why haven’t I read these books like months ago? I mean, if Rachel McMillan says the author is good, then the author is good. Mimi Matthews? Yeah she is good. Like super good. Like I am now going to have to buy every single one of her books and somehow find the time to read them all.
But we’re not here to talk about her old books, we are here to talk about this amazing book that releases today! And friends, you need to read it. I’m telling you guys. If you haven’t read a book by Mimi Matthews (and this would be a fantastic one to start with), you don’t know what you are missing. Honestly. Her writing is unlike any I’ve read. It’s a level all its own. Seriously.
Side note – there are a few words that may offend – they aren’t curse words in my eyes, but to some they may be. It was like three though. I mean I didn’t count, but they rarely came up. And while this is a clean read (wow I really don’t know how she manages it), it is sensual. Fine with me, but I know for some it may not be, so as a clean reads blogger, I felt the need to get that out there.
About the Book
The Siren of Sussex Author Mimi Matthews
Published by Penguin
on January 11, 2022
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Clean & Wholesome, Fiction / Romance / Historical / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Victorian
Pages: 432
Amazon | Bookbub | ChristianBook.comA PopSugar 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?
My Perspective
It’s only the beginning of January, and I already know I’ve read one of my top ten books for 2022. Mimi Matthews has completely taken my breath away with her stunning writing style. Not only does she pull you into the setting, the time period, and the story, but she somehow manages to pull you into the minds of both our main characters. So much in fact that it’s hard to take a break from reading and live in the real world. I could not put this book down, did not want to put this book down. There was too much at stake.
First let’s talk about Matthews’ research. Her ability to weave in so many historical details were amazing. Not just your typical things to find in a story – how people acted, dressed, spoke and lived. This was so much more. She brought emotion to the story, emotions that people probably did feel in that time period based on their status, their race, their trade. While doing so, she also made it relatable to current times. I really cannot explain it other than to say it took my breath away. Ahmad’s character in particular. He was so aware of how “people” perceived him, both because of his Indian origin, and his trade. His emotions were so authentically written as well. No agendas. No hidden context. Just true to character form, in a way that really makes you think about the way we (as in society) used to and to some extent still do, treat people. Not only did Ahmad put a guard around himself, he protected those he cared about. I can’t really go more into it because I don’t want to spoil, but let’s just say his heart for helping others is just so sweet.
Then there’s the romance. Oh my word the romance. It is slow burning, sizzling, sparks flying everywhere, toe curling smooches, go reach for a fan, fantastic. I mean, Matthews keeps it clean, and this is reader is thankful for that. She really does show how you can write something that gets the temperature rising, while maintaining cleanness, elegance, and respect for the readers. Perfectly. Masterfully. Poetically. Ahmad and Evelyn made the story so much more than I expected it to be. They defied so many things of their time, and yet showed the beauty of love. True love. No matter the class, nationality, trade, or societal role.
The Siren of Sussex is a must read for historical romance fans. Matthew’s delightful plot line, swoony hero, breathtaking romance, and powerful messages will have readers turning the pages into the late hours of the night. I highly recommend reading this book. It would be a disservice to yourself if you didn’t 😉
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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 Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus, 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, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at mimimatthews.com.
Excerpt
A surge of disappointment dimmed Evelyn’s smile. It occurred to her, quite suddenly, how little she knew about him.
Of course, he must have a sweetheart. Heaven’s sake, he was probably married! Just because he didn’t wear a wedding band didn’t mean he didn’t have a wife—and probably several children besides. It was none of her affair.
She turned back to the shelves. “In that case . . . What about a romance?”
“No romances,” he said darkly.
“No?” Was he one of those stuffy men who disapproved of romance novels? Many did. Even so, she’d expected better of him. A man who designed clothing so beautifully shouldn’t be averse to sentiment. “What about this one, then? Silas Marner. It only came out last year.”
Mr. Malik drew it from the shelf. It was bound in brown cloth with gilt lettering on the spine. “What’s it about?”
“An individual and his place in society. The hero of the story is a weaver. A man with no family to speak of, who keeps himself apart from his community.”
“A bit too close to home.” He returned the book to the shelf. “She needs something bright. Something to boost her spirits.”
Evelyn wondered why. Was she ill? Melancholic? Had she had some sort of disappointment? “In that case”—she reached for a Jane Austen novel—“I recommend this one.”
He took it from her, giving the title a dubious glance. “Northanger Abbey.”
“It’s Miss Austen’s satire of a Gothic novel. A vastly entertaining read. It should take her mind off whatever it is that’s troubling her.”
Mr. Malik thumbed through the pages. His expression was doubtful.
“I confess,” she said “there is a romance in the story, but it’s witty rather than mawkish. I can’t imagine she won’t enjoy it.”
“It’s still a romance.”
A cough sounded nearby, along with the thump of books being shoved back on a shelf. It was a reminder that she and Mr. Malik weren’t alone. Far from it. The shop seemed to be growing busier.
Evelyn sunk her voice. “What does she have against romance?”
“Nothing,” he replied, his tone equally low. “I just don’t want her to get any ideas.”
“Ideas about what?”
“About happily-ever-afters.”
The wide swell of Evelyn’s skirts brushed his leg. She belatedly realized that she’d drawn closer to him. That their conversation had taken on an air of intimacy. “You object to them?”
“I don’t believe in fairy tales,” he said.
She gave him an amused look. “Is that what they are?”
“In my experience.”
“How illuminating.”
“Is it?” He turned another page.
“Indeed. You’re a cynic, Mr. Malik. I wouldn’t have thought it.”
“I’m a realist.”
“Happily-ever-afters are real. For some people, at least. And even if they weren’t . . . A little romance never hurt anyone.”
His eyes lifted to hers. There was an expression in them that was hard to read. “You think not?”
Butterflies unfurled their wings in her stomach. The same feeling she’d had when she’d first touched his hand. A fluttering, breathless sensation. As if her corset had been laced too tightly. “No,” she said. And then she thought of Fenny. “Not in a novel, anyway.”
His mouth curled into the barest hint of a smile.
Once again, she had the unsettling sensation that he could read her mind. She took a step back from him. “Forgive me, but I mustn’t linger. My maid is waiting for me.”
He closed the book, clutching it in his hand. “Thank you for your help.”
“It was my pleasure. I hope your . . .” Wife? Sweetheart? “I hope she enjoys the story.”
“My cousin.”
Evelyn nearly stumbled in the process of taking another step backward. “I beg your pardon?”
“The book is for my cousin.”
His words penetrated before she could school her features. She was certain an expression of relief passed over her face.
She was equally certain that he saw it.
Heaven only knew what he must think.
“Your cousin. Well, that’s . . . that’s splendid.” Splendid? Evelyn’s eyes closed against a swell of embarrassment. She was quite ready to disappear into a hole in the earth. She took another step back. “Please convey my regards.”
His smile broadened. “I shall.”
From THE SIREN OF SUSSEX published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2021 by Mimi Matthews.
Have you read any of Mimi’s books? Which one should I read next?
I love your review. I can definitely tell this is a great book. Can’t wait to read it!