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Start giftingThe Siren of Sussex
Belles of London: Book #1
Length
13 hours 45 minutes
Language
English
Narrators
Vidish Athavale & Lydia Hanman
This audiobook uses AI narration.
We’re taking steps to make sure AI narration is transparent.
Learn moreA 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?
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, 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.
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Reviews
“What I love about Mimi Matthews is that in the crowded field of historical romance she always finds new and interesting slants for her plots and characters. That, along with her wonderful writing and meticulous research, makes every book she puts out a rare treat to enjoy and savor. Highly recommended!”—Kate Pearce, New York Times bestselling author"Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year."—Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman
“Lush, seductive, original—The Siren of Sussex drew me in from the first page, and wove its magic. A fresh, vibrant, brilliant Victorian romance, making it an unforgettable read.”—Jane Porter, New York Times bestselling author
“A moving love story and a vivid recreation of Victorian life, The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is a treat of a book for the historical romance lover.”—Anna Campbell, award-winning author
"The best book I've read in a long time: gorgeously written, thoughtfully considered, swoonily romantic, and unafraid to examine issues of class, race, and gender.”—Olivia Dade, national bestselling author
“Impeccably researched, brimming with passion and chemistry, and a loving tribute to Victorian fashion and horsemanship, The Siren of Sussex is a page-turning, powerful, and endearing love story about two people rising above the pressures of society to follow their hearts. A five-star fantastic read!”—Syrie James, USA Today bestselling author
"A tender and swoonworthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London...Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulouslyresearched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable."—Booklist, starred review
"Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments."—Library Journal, starred review
"An exquisite historical romance that is so captivating I had to force myself not to gallop through it at a breakneck speed, wanting to savor the author’s obvious care and delicate attention to detail...A must read for lovers of historical fiction."—Meg Tilly, author of The Runaway Heiress
“Readers should expect emotional heft and fascinating historical detail…Matthews explores cultural identity conflicts, exoticism and the difficult position of a merchant catering to the whims of a privileged class, all within a tender, empowering love story.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review
"A masterclass in using fashion history to build character."—BookRiot
“At times passionately intelligent and achingly vulnerable, The Siren of Sussex is destined to dazzle readers of Evie Dunmore and Harper St. George.”—Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code
"Any reader who has ever loved horses, high fashion, and brooding protagonists will fall hard for The Siren of Sussex."—Stephanie Barron, author of That Churchill Woman Expand reviews