Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews was perfect. In the plot and style, but not the language, it read more like a classic love story than a historical romance. The mystery surrounding the hero kept me guessing and the revenge plot was so satisfying. It was a love story, a clean romance, with so much yearning. And best of all, finally a romance with an epilogue that wasn't completely useless. I don't know if this is going to become a series or not but I will be reading more from Mimi Matthews, for sure.

E-arc provided by NetGalley/Perfectly Proper Press in exchange for honest review. My thoughts on this book are entirely my own.

Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews

Need a feel good happy making romance to make you smile? If so, this very well could be the book for you! I was definitely in the mood for a story that was easy to read and filled with an eventual happily ever after for soulmates that almost didn’t get their shot at happiness!

What I liked:
* Nicholas Seaton: a young man working as a stableboy, seemingly unloved by his mother, abused too often, in love with Margaret “Maggie” Honeywell. He ran for his life and in the time away grew and changed.
* Maggie Honeywell: a feisty, honorable, kind young woman raised by her father – the soulmate of Nick.
* John Beresford/St. Clare: strong, imposing, dead-shot, skilled, icy, heir to much – falls for Maggie quickly
* Jane & Mattingly: great friends to Maggie & St. Clare and perfect for one another
* Enzo: interesting character employed by St. Clare – could have a book of his own when he is older
* St. Clare’s grandfather: wily old goat who knows what he wants and has a plan to get it
* The story, way it was written and the way it made me happy while reading.

What I didn’t like:
* Fred Burton-Smythe: a bully all of his life
* Lionel Beresford and his mother: easy to hate
* The childhood Nicholas endured

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

SWEET SECOND CHANCE HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Actual rating: 3.5 ⭐

This is my third Mimi Matthews novel and while she maintains a high standard, I found myself less intrigued by this than the other two, I had read. Still, I very much enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others, who are fans of clean historical romance.

👍 What I Liked 👍

Second chance: I am a sucker for second chance romances, and this one was especially great because it also featured childhood love and two characters from different social statuses. It was interesting, that they were parted against their will and managed to find their way back to each other in spite of all the difficulties.

Maggie: Maggie was a really great character. She was fleshed out, who felt both vulnerable and strong. I liked that she had a physically weak body but an agile and quick mind. It was an interesting juxtaposition.

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Something more: This is so mean, but I just can't help it. I needed something more from this book. I don't know more of what. I just wasn't wowed by it, like I was with other Matthews books.

Wealthy squire's daughter Margaret Honeywell was always meant to marry her neighbour, Frederick Burton-Smythe, but it's bastard-born Nicholas Seaton who has her heart. Raised alongside her on her father's estate, Nick is the rumoured son of notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim. When Fred frames him for theft, Nick escapes into the night, vowing to find his legendary sire. But Nick never returns. A decade later, he's long been presumed dead. After years spent on the continent, John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has finally come home to England. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he's on a mission to restore his family's honour. If he can mete out a bit of revenge along the way, so much the better. But he hasn't reckoned for Maggie Honeywell.
I’m always excited to read one of the author's books & once again she didn't disappoint. I loved everything about this book, the writing is brilliant, the characters jump out of the page at you, the story is very well paced & never lags. This was a different romance from the author & the tension began at the beginning & held my interest all the way through plus you were left guessing. Definitely not a book to start late in the day, in fact clear the decks before starting it as I found it extremely hard to put down. This has to be in my top ten best reads of the year & I would give it ten stars if I could
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A thoroughly captivating romance!

Wow, what a gem! This story has everything -- scandal, betrayals, secrets galore! I loved the well-developed storyline, and the connection Maggie has with her beau was solid from the start. It's hard to discuss the characters without giving away the main spoiler, but rest assured that Maggie does get her HEA, which is followed by a years-later epilogue that was truly heartwarming.

The exquisite attention to detail and wonderfully insightful writing style made this an easy story to get lost in. The wide assortment of characters just come to life on the page and I was instantly absorbed in this delightful world. I highly recommend this story for all Regency romance fans. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Author Mimi Matthews (Work of Art) has once again written a book that enthralls and entertains from start to finish. She's admitted that Gentleman Jim has some Count of Monte Cristo inspirations and I enjoyed every one of those moments. That knowledge means that it won't surprise readers familiar with the story to know that St. Clare and Nicholas are the same person. But there's much more to the story of Nicholas and his origins than that and one of the questions that keeps readers guessing is: how much of St. Clare/Nicholas is fiction and how much is truth? He grows into an intelligent, cold, and calculating planner with an obvious path set out, but how much is his plan and how much his (supposed) grandfather's? Trying to keep up with the secrets and machinations of the Beresford men kept me guessing all the way to the end, which I very much enjoyed. Maggie may be one of my favorite Matthews' heroines- a strong woman willing to overcome obstacles, believing unconditionally in her love even when she isn't always able to believe in herself or see her way out of a situation. She's willing to accept help from friends (unlike so many headstrong characters), take risks, and when in doubt, use a pistol to great effect.

I also loved the relationship between Maggie and St. Clare. These are two people who are meant to be together, and who have a soul-deep understanding despite being separated by ten years, a continent, and endless secrets. Their chemistry is perfect, and their connection perhaps shows readers that there are times when people are just meant to be together.

From shadowy taverns to glittering ballrooms, Gentleman Jim is a winner from start to finish. Wonderful characters with electrical chemistry, revenge, adventure, and fortunes hanging in the balance, this is a perfect book to read and re-read. This is Mimi Matthews at her finest!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This book has it all - from starcrossed lovers to dandy highwaymen. I didn't want to put it down, and when I had to I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Margaret's supposed to marry her dreadful neighbour Frederick but the man she really loves is a stable boy called Nicholas. Enraged that he isn't the subject of her attention, Fred accuses Nicholas of stealing Maggie's jewels and arranges to have him hanged. Maggie finds out where Nicholas was being held by chance and helps him escape. That was the last she saw of him.

In the ten years that have since passed, Maggie is still unmarried and waiting for Nicholas to come back. Unfortunately, her father died almost two years prior and instead of leaving the estate to Maggie, he made Fred her guardian until she's married to a man he approves of. But time is running out. Maggie only has six months to get married (to Fred, who would never approve of anyone other than himself) or risk losing her estate and funds.

Enter John St Clare. He's the grandson of a well respected Earl who's just come back to England a month ago. During a visit to her friend's estate in London, Maggie overhears Fred is due to duel St Clare in the morning and, concerned for her own finances, should Fred perish, goes to see St Clare in the dead of night to ask him to spare Fred's life.

But when she comes face to face with him she faints. Already weakened by illness she could've avoided had she not been so caring, the last thing she needs is to see a man who resembles Nicholas so much. From that moment on she's convinced he's Nicholas, and nothing he does manages to sway her.

With "Nicholas" back in her life, Maggie starts to see a brighter future, away from Fred's claws, but he isn't giving up so easily and even teams up with St Clare's distant-barely-related cousin who wants to claim the Earl title for himself to ruin them both.

This book is perfection. The only thing it needs is to be made into a movie or a series. I have no complaints whatsoever.

The language used is fitting to the times but easy to understand. The plot seems simple enough in the beginning, but it evolves into so much more. The characters are so well written, (even the villains!) you can't help but to care for them all.

Maggie is an amazing heroine, spirited even while ill. Definitely one of my favourites. Nicholas is the perfect gentleman while Fred is the complete opposite.

The romance is extremely gripping from the very first moment we see Maggie and Nicholas together (I'M STILL SO INVESTED). I was always rooting for them and I'm glad it worked out in the end.

But my favourite part was "Stand and Deliver". You'll have to read the book to know what I mean. It was so exciting and I wish Maggie left with him then and there.

Gentleman Jim is this big legendary highwayman and even though we didn't get to see him he leaves a lasting impression.

I'm so happy I was given the opportunity to read this book. Ten billion stars.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Talk about a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat! Mimi Matthews always writes a wonderful story, and this book really hit the spot when I needed a distraction from everyday life. The prologue was wonderfully written, giving the reader just enough of a taste of mystery and "I need to know more" to keep the reader going. I flipped through the "pages" of my Kindle book, desperate to know if things were really as they seemed and if the heroine would every truly be reunited with her long lost love. You'll have to read to find out - no spoilers here, my friends.

Maggie Honeywell has been waiting for her childhood sweetheart, Nicholas Seaton for ten years, after she helped him escape punishment for a crime he did not commit. Having turned down multiple suitors, she is now faced with a decision that breaks her heart - accept the proposal of her guardian in order to keep her family home. When she finds out that her guardian has been engaged to duel with another man, she races to his opponent, hoping to stop the match. However, the visit quickly takes a turn when she mistakes the man for none other than her long lost love. John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, is surprised to find the young woman at his home, and he grants her request not to kill her guardian. Soon afterwards, they run into each other more often, and as they get closer, Maggie becomes convinced that John is Nicholas, even though he swears he is not. But he is certainly hiding some secret, and Maggie is determined to find out what it is.

The mystery! The suspense! I loved it all, and while I was pleased with how the story ended, I also was disappointed that there was no more to read. Maggie reminded me a lot of myself, which I think endeared her character to me quite a bit. She was headstrong as a child and grew up to be a stubborn, confident young woman. Her interactions with John were so much fun, but also heartbreaking as the reader began to question right along with her exactly who John was. I couldn't decide if I wanted John to be Nicholas, or if I wanted him to be who he said he was. It takes Maggie a while to ferret out his secret, and in the meantime we learn more about John and the pressures put on him by his grandfather, who is relying on John to inherit from him upon his death. I liked his grandfather, and I knew he and Maggie would get along splendidly, given they each were set in their ways. It was a dramatic story with a touch of humor, and I loved every minute.

As always, I leave a Mimi Matthews book entirely content and yet also eagerly anticipating what comes next. I'm excited to see what she writes in her next book!

What happens when you meet your soulmate as a child? What do you do when your beloved is of a lower class in Victorian England? Mimi Mathews answers these questions and tells a delightful tale of true love and happily ever after in her novel Gentleman Jim.

This novel is one of those romances that I crave. I couldn’t stop reading and read through in one sitting. I hung on every word that Mimi Matthews wrote. My emotions were all over the place. I just knew deep down in my heart that the first time Margaret met St. Clare that he was her true love. No matter how many obstacles muck things up, I knew it in my gut!

I was not familiar with Mimi Matthews when I chose this novel, but I can guarantee that I will be picking up more of her work. She is a great storyteller who knows how to hook the reader and not let go.

If I could have any wish granted, I would love to get a prequel of this book. I would love to know the story of Gentleman Jim and Jenny. I think this would make for a great read!

I am thrilled to award Gentleman Jim a full 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this novel to anyone who loves cozy romance. The Victorian England setting makes for great drama.

Will vengeance sooth his soul while letting go of his only love ...

A wonderful tale with a dash of The Count of Monte-Cristo about a man on his way for his revenge under a new identity and persona while facing a woman from his past.

« All human wisdom is contained in these two words - Wait and Hope »
𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜

Nicholas was cheated and betrayed because he loved a woman an other coveted.
From this sole crime, he would have been hanged. Why he HS to run away, leaving behind the only person who loved him and ever loved.
Upon his return, he never expected to cross path again with her. She had been his past, but can’t be his future.
Thus he thought.
But Nicolas is not dead, he is just deeply buried, until the light of his dream comes crashing in his life again. Slowly she unravels the man he was prior to his flight.
Up to him to determine what is worth, revenge or love, to weight the cost and price of each.

My heart was breaking for Margaret, she had been robbed of nearly everything her soulmate, her land, her health still she hold on a promise she had been made a decade ago, her glimmer in the darken surrounding her and slowly closing in on herself.
But this light is flickering, ten years has now passed, and she has very time left before she must forfeit her freedom.
I just loved her, she is feisty and spirited, what she lacks in endurance, she makes in temper. She never gives up and goes for what she knows is right.
It is what I love the most with Mrs Matthews, she brings to life awesome heroines, not perfect but going for what they believe in, always refusing to cower.
Margaret’s friend, Jane, while only secondary in the plot, is also another example of the strong women the author paints, she is bold, blunt, exuberant and one to support instead of mothering.

« Woman is sacred; the woman one loves is holy »
𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜

In a note, the author explains she get inspired for this story by two tales, yet don’t ask me why but the scene when St Clare acknowledge his identity, I saw Tootsie. Without the dress of course. But the drama of taking ownership of his true self. It was as sensational, especially with the epic brawl following it.

Each new tale by Mrs Matthews is a new precious stone in the grand jewel she is drawing with her pen and ink.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Perfectly Proper Press, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews is a thoroughly romantic story that hooked my attention from the beginning. I did not want to put it down as I journeyed with Maggie through the loss of her childhood friend and her growing relationship with John. Aside from the romance, the story boasts plenty of adventure, moments of danger, and just the right amount of drama.

Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews stayed with me long after I finished it. If I had time, I would read it again right now. Though it is general fiction, the romance is tasteful, and the occasional language is mild. 4.5 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Whenever I have a Mimi Matthews book to read, I have to make myself slow down to savour the storyline yet, the books hold me in such thrall, that I can’t wait to find out the outcome. I had thought that ‘The Matrimonial Advertisement’ from the amazing Parish Orphans of Devon, was my favourite, but ‘Gentleman Jim’ has topped even that.
Margaret (Maggie) Honeywell has waited ten years for Nicholas Seaton to return to her. Helping Nicholas to escape having been framed for theft, she has begun to realise that he may have died, leaving her to face marriage to her neighbour, Frederick Burton-Smythe. Yet when she meets John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, she begins to wonder whether he may actually be her Nicholas. Yet John swears that she is mistaken, but all may not be as it seems.
I so loved both characters of Maggie and St Clare. St. Clare whilst appearing calm and at times aloof, oozes charm and strength, yet his feelings for Maggie, evident from the start, make him all the more captivating. Maggie’s personality is so full of warmth and spirit, that she draws a reader in. This is definitely a book that I will reread, as I found what sets it apart is its sense of mystery behind the character of St Clare, giving it a connection to the Count of Monte Cristo (as alluded to in the opening quote “All human wisdom is contained in these two words - Wait and Hope” .
5+ stars!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

5 perfect ⭐️
You know the sad feeling you get when your favorite author gives you her latest book and you finish it?? And you’re wondering how you can possibly read anything else?? That’s mmmeeee! How can anything compare??
It was wonderful. Her best work yet! But who am I kidding, all of her books are excellent! Matthews has done it again! *Sigh* I. Loved. It. A passionate, heartfelt, historical romance with all the things I love.... friendship, chemistry, angst, long glances and passionate kisses.
A romantic connection that cannot be explained, only felt!
Reading Matthews books are always a pleasure. The characters were well-developed and I can’t express enough how much I love the writing. If you’re like me, you will love it from beginning to end.
Quote from the book:
“His concerned gaze moved over her face. Every curve and contour was as precious to him as his own life.” 💗

This book lived up to the hype. It also had a exhilarating scene (brawl) that reminded me of the movie, The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne. Anybody else see this oldie? I can’t say enough how special this was. I wish so badly it could be made into a movie. I highly recommend this book. Ok, I’m done I think. I’m a happy girl. Thank you Mimi Matthews for blessing me with this precious book. Thank you for all of them.
Please don’t pass up this special gem, romance reader. I purchased my copy months ago. Happy Reading.

“There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness.”
-Edmond Dantès, Count of Monte Cristo.

Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. ♥️

I don’t really enjoy most historical romances anymore, but I adore Mimi Matthews’. She reminds me of the gothic romances I devoured as a young girl in the ‘70s.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Gentleman Jim is very different tonally from the previous Mimi Matthews book I read, and I found myself surprised by how much I still enjoyed it. While it still being on the sweet side in terms of steam level was a given, I was concerned about the parallels being drawn to works like The Count of Monte Cristo, and the subheading denoting the story one of “romance and revenge.” Revenge plots have never been my thing, and they almost always reflect badly on the “hero.”

But I need not have worried, as Matthews deftly handles these themes, while also managing to make it a believable sweet romance (although this is probably her most sensual, without being super-explicit). Nicholas/John is at heart a good person and he never fully loses that, even as he seeks vengeance against those who wronged him. There’s also a delightful mystery surrounding his circumstances and double identity, and I love the way that was conveyed.

Maggie is also a wonderful heroine, constantly fighting for her own happiness. I loved her unfailing belief in Nicholas also being John, even as he tries to deny it.

With lots of twists and turns, this is a compelling story that had me swept up in the sense of adventure and intrigue. It’s a delightful addition to Matthews’ catalog, and perhaps the one that will have the most broad appeal among historical romance readers.

Gentleman Jim is a story that pulled me in right away and held my attention to the end. I am reminded once again why I used to read so many Regency novels with the fashion, rules, balls, and aristocracy gossip. It begins in Somerset, England, where Maggie Honeywell and her best friend growing up was Nicholas Seaton, the son of a maid on her family's estate, are picked on by Frederick Burton-Smythe of the neighboring estate, a fellow who is a bully, mean spirited, and jealous of their relationship. Nicholas finally left the area at age eighteen to get away from Fred.
Ten years later, Maggie's father left the control of Maggie and her estate in the hands of Fred after his death. She will have to marry Fred or forfeit her beloved estate. While in London visiting a friend, Maggie tries to stop a duel between Fred and an unknown Viscount St. Clare, not knowing what will happen to her if Fred is killed. St. Clare is a known to the Ton as a dark, dangerous fellow who grew up on the Continent, but he looks very familiar to Maggie. Could it be her old friend? He denies it but he and Fred do dislike each other. This an engrossing story with love, jealousy, revenge, secrets to unravel, and answers to find with realistic characters you will love/like and some to dislike. I highly recommend this one if you like to read historical fiction and especially Regencies.
I received a complimentary ARC from Perfectly Proper Press through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

What a wonderful book! My heart was so happy after I had finished it, I even went back and read the romantic parts again. I know that it is fiction, but to hear that a man acknowledges all of those feelings is just heart warming. But in real life a man doesn't even know how to express those feeling, only that he loves his partner. Romances are truly written for women.
Well, our plucky little heroine in this story is the only child of a gentry landowner. Her best friend, the hero, comes to work at the estate with his mother, a maid, when he is quite young. He is raised to work with the horses and since the heroine loves horses, they become best friends. The son of a local squire is always jealous of them and always tries to belittle the hero, but they just laugh at him. When the hero is 18 years old, squire's son frames him with theft, beats him and locks him in a stall until he can be hanged the next day. The heroine finds out, but since her father is away, can't help him. So late in the night, she gathers her coins and releases the hero. She gives him her coins and he leaves to find his father and make his own way. He asks her to wait for him to return. Ten long years later, the heroine has a few months to find a husband or she will have to marry the squire's son. Her father approved of the match and made the squire's son her guardian and overseer of her inheritance unless she married with his approval. And he only approves of himself for her husband. The squire's son was found cheating at cards and is scheduled for a duel. Worried that her inheritance will be given to another if the squire's son dies, she goes to see the person he is dueling and he looks a little familiar.....
What a joy this story was! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I liked the addition of the supporting characters, they helped round out the story. The story was continuous and had no errors. I give this book 5 stars and I would recommend this book for a wonderful read.

When I first read A Holiday by Gaslight I never knew it was going to start a love of all things Mimi Matthews. I can’t think of one of her books that hasn’t made me fall in love with the characters. The same can be said for Gentleman Jim. It doesn't disappoint.

Margaret Honeywell is the daughter of a wealthy squire. She is warm and kind and has a heart for Nicholas Seaton, a stable boy on her father’s estate, and rumored son of highwayman Gentleman Jim. They grew-up best friends and loving each other, but it has always been assumed that she was meant to marry her neighbor Frederick Burton-Smythe...not that she wants to, but her father has different plans. Jealous of Margaret and Nicholas’s relationship Fred ends up framing him and causing them to separate for many years. Margaret has never forgotten and 10 years later John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare appears. Someone who very much looks like Nicholas, someone she is convinced is him. What is the story between these men and what does the future hold for Margaret and her lost love?

I feel like Mimi Matthews always delivers. Her books are so enjoyable. Margaret is a intelligent heroine who doesn't jump to make stupid decisions. She is delicate and fierce and nobody’s fool. Nicholas is suave and sweet and has grown into a man that anyone would be proud of. The angst is there, but it doesn't overtake the story. It's not one of those books where you have to worry about waiting six chapters before something big is revealed or a secret is divulged... It's dealt with succinctly. The main characters are smart and you don't have to spend a lot of the book worried about unnecessary angst. This is a loving and beautiful story.

This book is definitely five out of five stars.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

This was an enjoyable read! I really liked Maggie. I really felt for her in her predicament. I liked John Beresford as well. There was a lot of romantic tension in the story. Just a great book to read!

This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. It was a nice reprieve from WWII historical fiction. Very entertaining.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.