*Book Review further down the page.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
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?
I received a free copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via Austenprose Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
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, 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, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB |
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
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.
BOOK REVIEW
Fans of Victorian romance will love this first book in a new series, The Belles of London. Using a delightful combination of fashion and horses, Mimi Matthews draws the reader in right away. Evelyn is an incredibly strong protagonist, and her determination to save her family is admirable. The point of view changes between Evelyn and Ahmad, and this makes the book stronger in my opinion. The fine points of Victorian fashion have been well researched, and the author’s knowledge of horses is obvious. Ahmad’s fight to succeed in both business and love in a prejudiced society is well told. The cast of characters is so likable and makes the story even more enjoyable. I certainly hope we’ll be seeing them again in this series. The romance is not rushed or overdone, and the inclusion of horses just puts it over the top for me. The Siren of Sussex jumps all the hurdles and gallops into your heart with a romance that should not be missed.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Austenprose PR. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
The Siren of Sussex Book Tour Schedule
Jan 10 Cogitations and Meditations (Review)
Jan 10 Heidi Reads (Review)
Jan 10 Reading is My Superpower (Review)
Jan 10 Austenprose (Review)
Jan 10 Eli’s Novel Reviews (Review)
Jan 10 Robin Loves Reading (Review)
Jan 11 Culturess (Review)
Jan 11 Gwendalyn’s Books (Review)
Jan 11 Syrie James (Review)
Jan 11 Wishful Endings (Review)
Jan 12 Amanda’s Book Corner (Review)
Jan 12 Quill Ink (Review)
Jan 12 Relz Reviewz (Review)
Jan 13 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)
Jan 13 Roses are Blue (Review)
Jan 13 The Lit Bitch (Review)
Jan 14 History Lizzie (Review)
Jan 14 Life of Literature (Review)
Jan 14 My Bookish Bliss (Review)
Jan 15 The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)
Jan 15 Books and Socks Rock (Review)
Jan 16 Heather Moll (Review)
Jan 16 The Bashful Bookworm (Review)
Jan 17 Eleanor Lynn (Review)
Jan 17 Bookworm Lisa (Review)
Jan 17 Novel’s Alive (Review)
Jan 18 The Calico Critic (Review)
Jan 18 Nerd by Nature (Review)
Jan 18 Bobs & Books (Review)
Jan 19 The Secret Victorianist (Review)
Jan 19 Savvy Verse & Wit (Interview)
Jan 19 Captivated Reading (Review)
Jan 20 Vesper’s Place (Review)
Jan 20 Nurse Bookie (Review)
Jan 20 A Bookish Way of Life (Review)
Jan 21 Clarissa Harwood (Review)
Jan 21 Library of Clean Reads (Review)
Jan 21 Bonnie Reads and Writes (Review)
Jan 21 Christian Chick’s Thoughts (Review)
Jan 22 The Literature Chick Book Blog (Review)
Jan 22 Red Headed Book Lady (Review)
Jan 23 Inkwell Inspirations (Review)
Jan 23 Stacy’s Books (Review)
Jan 24 Elizabeth Mahon (Interview)
Jan 24 Jocelyne Reads Romance (Review)
Jan 24 One Book More (Review)
Jan 24 Lady with a Quill (Review)
Jan 24 From Pemberley to Milton (Review)
Jan 25 Confessions of a Book Addict (Review)
Jan 25 Stephanie Barron (Review)
Jan 25 Laura’s Reviews (Review)
Jan 25 Reading with Emily (Review)
Jan 26 Bringing Up Books (Review)
Jan 26 A Darn Good Read (Review)
Jan 26 Lis Loves Reading (Review)
Jan 27 My Vices and Weaknesses (Review)
Jan 27 Katie’s Clean Book Collection (Review) Jan 27 Lu Reviews Books (Review
Bonnie Reads and Writes 
This sounds well researched and well rounded. Best wishes to the author. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Staci!
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I like the sound of this one! Great review!
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Thanks Georgia!
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Loved the premise of this book. Seems like a well-researchwd historical fiction. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks so much. I enjoyed it.
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I really enjoyed this book too! It was so interesting and fun to read. Nice review Bonnie!
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Bonnie. Mimi is gifted writer and I have enjoyed several of her books. I liked the historical details, the horsewomen, and the romance in this one. I am looking forward to the second book in the series, The Belle of Belgrave Square in October.
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You’re so welcome. I’m interested in the second book as well!
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