I like the semantics of the blurb with all the horse-riding jargon. Well, as you can imagine, the dressmaking or fashion lingo is amazing in The Siren of Sussex. You may think that it makes sense as the main protagonist is a tailor, yes, but that does not take away the amazing descriptions that you read about the clothing, be it riding habits or gowns, or the cloth that is used, etc. Exceptional! and I do not even know half of the things that are describe about these attires!

Let’s go with the protagonists now:

I believe that Evelyn has a strong personality with the naivety that woman had at the time. However, she has always a plan. It may not work, it may need to change, to be altered but she knows what she wants and tries to go for it. Although it is not easy. Even more when she starts getting fitted by the tailor who makes amazing habits for the Pretty Horsebreakers. She is not one of them but she wants to outshine them as she is the better horsewoman.

On the other hand, we have Ahmad, the tailor. He is not naif, he has already endured a lot in his life and he just wants the chance to show his work, his extraordinary work. He is sparing with words but what he says something he means everything and there is no doubt of what he says. Let’s say that in a few occasions, you can melt (or at least I wanted to melt).

Evelyn has a plan when she arrives in London for the Season, it is not a selfish plan at all, she wants to do the best for her family (I am not writing the reason why she is the one that has to look after her family, you can read the book). Fortunately, she is not alone, she gets to befriend the Three Furies, I like them very much, they are very different from each other but the four of them have a view of the world that perhaps is not exactly what the polite society deems conventional. They do not care as they behaves and are still ladies but if they want to laugh out loud when they are together, they do (these “small” things that they do differently is what makes them odd for some).

Ahmad is more of a solitary wolf, although his cousin is always there, and he has some friends from his past that are in his life to support him if needed. He also has enemies, mainly one that could jeopardise his objective of opening his own dressmaking shop. Would that person end with all his work and his dream?

As you can read on the advanced praise, the racial and class topic is key in this book too and I believe Mimi Matthews has done a great job to integrate it in a clear way. You can see how Ahmad is treated even by servants when he is a tradesman himself, however, he is not English, well… “full English” (like the breakfast 😦 ) If you were not “pure” English, then you were less than other people. Regarding this topic, the insight on Ahmad’s life and also what we read of the interaction with others reflect very well this issue.

Characters that I have dislike: a Lady and Stephen (I leave it there). You will be able to read why. I think I have disliked Stephen more than the lady who is vindictive.

I have like too many other characters, so I will not write the whole list.

I absolutely adored this Victorian, dual perspective, forbidden historical romance between Evelyn, a young English woman trying to find a husband so she can support her family and Ahmad, the half-Indian man who is designing her clothes. Rich in historical detail and full of longing touches. The love these two characters feel for one another despite societal pressures that would never allow it just burned off the page. I was very impressed with this new to me author and the first book in a new series. Highly recommended for fans of Evie Dunmore and Elizabeth Everett! Much thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for my advance review copy.

I enjoyed this book, but I felt like the romance was a little bit forced at times. It was like the author was trying to write a slightly more dramatic love story, but without the stakes feeling as high as they should have. My personal preference would've been for it to be a little more spicy - but it was sweet nonetheless.

I would still recommend this book to friends. It was a very interesting insight into a side of Victorian Romance that doesn't often get shown.

Such a different take on the usual historical romance! I loved Ahmad - he was so dedicated and hard-working, and so passionate! Evelyn was a great horsewoman, and I loved her friends she made in the park. Her older sister was the worst character in the book, but I wound up mostly feeling sorry for her. Loved this one, and want to read more in the series!

My Review: This was a wonderful Historical Romance, with two great lead characters in Evelyn and Ahmad! The authors note at the end was quite interesting, and provided information about real historical figures from that time, and gave context to some things mentioned in the book. Overall, this is a book I would definitely recommend to people!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

This was a fantastical historical romance! I really enjoyed Ahmad and Evelyn's story, both people who wanted more than the time they lived in could offer them. They both made the best of their situations and came out ahead! I also really liked the side characters and hope we get to see some of their stories, I especially can't wait for Julia's and Anne's maybe!!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

I think this book does have a wide appeal, but it just wasn't for me. Try as I might, I just couldn't get into it.

I was drawn to this book by the cover. Having never read a story by Mimi Matthews before I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised at this Victorian Historical Romance. The MCs are not typical for this genre which made their story all the more intriguing. Overall a unique and entertaining story!

4 Stars

Evelyn Maltravers goes to London to stay with her uncle for her first season, but she doesn’t have high expectations for marriage after her sister’s scandal. Her goal is to make a name for herself as a horseback rider. She goes to the half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik, who is known for designing the riding habits for the Pretty Horsebreakers of Rotten Row, to make her habit. Ahmad is an up-and-coming tailor, but he isn’t willing to cross boundaries with his wealthy clients to get ahead. However, when he meets Evelyn everything changes. There are many societal expectations that stand in their way, but Evelyn and Ahmad need to find a way to be together.

This story wasn’t a typical Victorian romance. I haven’t seen many Victorian romances that address racism the way this one did. Ahmad was half-Indian and working class. Many people made racist comments to him, and expected different things from him due to his race. Even Evelyn made inappropriate comments to him, though she didn’t realize it at the time. Though Ahmad had to deal with all of this racism, he had more opportunities than most people in his situation would have had in reality.

This was a slow romance, but I enjoyed it. There were some entertaining subplots, such as Ahmad’s business and Evelyn’s uncle’s fascination with spiritualism. These subplots added to the story and set up some possible themes for future books in the series.

The Siren of Sussex is a great Victorian romance!

Thank you Berkley for providing a copy of this book.

Review will be posted on 1/25/22

Evelyn's future isn't looking to promising. Her family is in a state of ruin leaving her and her prospects pretty grim. Her only way out of this is to find a good match, but she has a reputation of being a bluestocking, so that's another issue holding her back. Plus, Evelyn really doesn't have much going for her other than her equestrian skills, so she hires a tailor to make her a riding habit that will garner a lot of attention from all the right people. The tailor is Ahmad Malik, an up and coming young dressmaker. He takes on Evelyn's order even though he is confused by her lack of escort as well as her behavior. However, one thing is for sure, he can't stop thinking about her. The more time Evelyn spends with Ahmad the more she can't deny the spark the two share despite the challenges their romance would face. As the story progresses, many obstacles do impact these outsiders, so they ban together to face a common enemy who is trying to destroy Ahmad's career. All the while, readers are hoping they also find love. The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is a promising start to a new historical rom-com series, Belles of London.

Evelyn is the kind of protagonist that I love to read about in The Siren of Sussex. She is independent, strong, interesting, and loyal. Her family's circumstances tugged on my heartstrings and all the challenges facing her made me root for her even more. I loved following her romance with Ahmad and appreciated how it slowly morphed into something more. They have more in common than not despite their differences and I liked how they supported each other.

Obviously, Ahmad faces racial prejudices in society as he is half-Indian and half-English. Evelyn also experiences some prejudices from high society as her family has a scandal attached to their name, so both characters, in a way, are on the outskirts of society. Evelyn is working hard to reverse the path that her older sister forged, but it's been difficult as society talks. Also, Ahmad would like to break free from the job he's at and actually own the dress shop, but he is finding challenges around every corner including a major one from Lady Heatherton who is set on taking advantage of him.

I really liked how Matthews brought the time period of Victorian England to life in The Siren of Sussex. She covered a lot of interesting topics of the time period such as the occult, high fashion, aspects of feminism, racial prejudices, as well highlighting interracial relationships, which, quite honestly, we need more of in historical fiction. Also, fans of horseback riding will especially appreciate the details surrounding this impressive sport as this plays a major role in The Siren of Sussex.

So, if you are looking for a book to hold you off until a new season of Bridgerton begins, check out The Siren of Sussex. It's the start to such a delightful new series that I most definitely plan on continuing with as book two, The Belle of Belgrave Square, focuses on my favorite secondary character, Julia, and is due out in October.

Have you read The Siren of Sussex? Are you a fan of Mimi Matthews? Let me know in the comments below.

I was so excited to see that Ahmad got a love story. He is the quiet and faithful servant in A Modest Independence. This story is not the usual romance. It is set in Victorian times and the couple has hurdles to jump. He is half Indian and she is an English woman.

Evelyn has come to London to make an advantageous match. Her family has the cloud of scandal because of her older sister's decisions. She plans to forgo her happiness to ensure that they can have a love match. Evelyn doubts herself and relies on her skills as a horsewoman. Her plan is to get the best riding habit to transform herself into something remarkable to gain notice from the eligible gentry. In order to do this, she enlists the services of Ahmad Malik, the best habit craftsman in London.

The feelings that they develop are surprising to both of them. It wasn't part of the plan and they fight their attraction to each other. He because of his social standing and she because she thinks she must marry someone titled.

The book explores an aspect of history that I was not familiar with. Some of the gentries believed in Spiritualism. I found this bit of history fascinating. I love to learn something new!




I really enjoyed this story of two unlikely characters. This story made me feel good. It is a story of hope and love.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Mimi Matthews has done it again and this is the reason why she is my favorite author. The characters are incredibly engaging and the story is so immersive, adorable, hilarious, and so much scandal! I absolutely enjoyed it! The Siren of Sussex is probably going down as one of my favorites by her. I really enjoyed the diversity and this definitely makes for a great start of the series. Please give me more. Do not miss this one.

Mimi Matthews displays her immense knowledge of history, fashion, and of course horses in this delightful historical romance. The Siren of Sussex was a charming and delightful trip back into a season in London. I am a lover of historical romance and this book checked all the boxes. I had the opportunity to interview Mimi on my podcast and it is so clear how passionate she is for these topics and that comes through in her writing. I feel as though TSOS reads like a modern-day Austenian novel, with a witty heroine, a debonair MMC, and a cast of supporting characters just as vivid as the leads. Needless to say, I am incredibly excited for the rest of the Belles of London series!

Mimi Matthews’s lyrical THE SIREN OF SUSSEX is a welcome outlier in wealth-centered historicals. Equestrienne heroine Evelyn Maltravers plans to use her riding skills to land a husband, but for that she’ll need a spectacular riding habit. Enter Ahmad Malik, a (conveniently biracial?) British-Indian tailor who would rather be designing dresses in elegant fabrics than sewing yet another black superfine suit. Their partnership offers them both success—provided an inconvenient attraction doesn’t steer them off-course.
Evelyn’s older sister courted scandal, so she is relatably wary as she enters the social whirl. For Ahmad, his future depends on pleasing influential clients, but the white ladies he dresses often treat a handsome brown-skinned man as yet another luxury object. Together, our leads find themselves meeting in a middle space where both people and objects can be valued as more than possessions.
A riding habit is more than a mere garment: Ahmad’s stunning clothes make Evelyn feel seen and shielded, and her enthusiasm for his ambition makes him feel uniquely cherished. Although the on-page sex is limited to kissing, there is plenty of physicality to keep the sexual tension wound tight: a fingertip brushing a bosom during a fitting, or the muscular movement of bodies on horseback. (So many horses!)

This historical romance is one of those majestic finds that puts the "historical" part first. While you won't find me casting stones at lovely fluff, I'm so impressed at works in the genre that dig into the meat of the time period and lead readers on a journey that feels more tangible and has the gravitas of real life.

The story takes us to 1860s London, where sensible Evelyn is conducting her one and only season for the future benefit of her younger sisters. Orphaned, haunted by a scandal brought on by her older sister, and staying with an absent uncle more interested in antiquities and spiritualism than society, Evelyn has only herself to rely on. She's an athletic equestrienne with a great appreciation for fashion, and she sets out to use her strengths to get ahead on the marriage mart rather than relying on tried and true methods that don't suit her skillset. She sets out to hire a tailor to make her a riding habit that will be the talk of the town. Ahmad Malik is the best at what he does, but he's itching to follow his passion as a dressmaker rather than working as a men's tailor. A partnership forms between them that will benefit Evelyn's husband hunt and Ahmad's need to have his designs seen and coveted by society. An inconvenient attraction brews between them that could derail both of their plans.

The historical detail covers a broad range of topics from the obvious fashion and tailoring to horsemanship and social expectations. There are also unexpected layers including the spiritualism fad sweeping through the aristocracy. As is typical for me, it's the social commentary I appreciated most. Ahmad's identity as both Indian and English is an important component of the story, which the author notes is informed by her own experiences. This necessitates conversations between the characters about the intersections between colonialism, race, and class. The approach is nuanced and shown on the page with both feeling and careful thought.

In terms of romance, I would categorize it as low-level tension in terms of pining, steam (closed door), and drama. Evelyn is a very determined character, equipping herself with multistep plans and consulting her conscience more than social expectation. Ahmad has very reasonable reservations about pursuing a relationship given the social barriers, but he is largely upfront with Evelyn about his concerns rather than hiding away in toxic masculinity to avoid his feelings. I appreciate that upper class courting habits are in no way romanticized here. The genre often falls into an interesting tension whereby these practices are largely portrayed as mercenary while still managing to tell all manner of stories that rely on them for a happily ever after. This one discards the whole experience of a season as stressful and unromantic as Evelyn and her friends fend off all manner of sexist aristocratic men, and Evelyn ultimately finds love not only outside the expected system but actually in defiance of those constraints and rules.

I admire everything this book sets out to accomplish. The lack of motion and excitement in the romance kept me from being fully enamored with the love story itself, but I enjoyed the historical-heavy components very much. Thanks to Berkley Romance for my copy to read and review!

Romance! Is utterly possible with you have the dowry to back that up. Evelyn needs to wow during her season or her family will be broker than they already are. Our girl has one skill that puts her ahead of the curve, horseback riding!
Enter Ahmad Malik a tailor that can make the most plain girl into a beauty. BUT oh noooo they gasp fall for one another! I'd give the spicyness PG-16. Witch I'm okay with. What I do like about this book is charters do talk about the problems of the two falling in love. Along with showcasing the social issues of that time period. It grounds it and makes it feel real witch I like. Evelyn and Ahmad are really cute together.

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is an exhilarating ride through a Victorian London social season from a unique and refreshing perspective. The story of Evelyn Maltravers and her daring, unconventional approach to finding a husband immediately stole my attention. I loved her boldness and her strength, despite her many self-perceived weaknesses.
Ahmad Malik is incredibly interesting in so, so many ways. Handsome, talented, and an exquisite gentleman, he is a dark and brooding hero. I LOVED learning more about the fashion of the time, especially the riding habits. And it was interesting learning about his heritage and the struggles he (and so many others) faced.
Together, Evelyn and Ahmad form a daring, innovative partnership. The energy between them was electrifying, their friendship genuine, and their faith in each other encouraging. I adored them together and cheered them on as they reached for their greatest desires.
Overall, I loved this story. I was addicted to each page and was thrilled with the unique characters. They were characters that lived on the fringe of fashionable society or society in general but still had the courage to dream big dreams and chase them with all their hearts.
Fans of historical fiction/historical romance, especially Victorian-era, will enjoy this story.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

What an interesting take on Victorian era romance. A bold equestrienne from a well to do family falling in love with a tailor of Indian descent? Sign me up. This was such a freeing story and a feel good read. I cannot wait to see where this series is going to take us.

I really enjoyed Evelyn and Ahmad's story. This was different from our traditional stories that take place during ton functions and that was a nice change of pace. This is my first book by Matthews and I will definitely be back!

This was a sweet and rather more serious love story, with a great cast of unique characters (including supporting - i'm hoping some of these characters will show up in future additions to the series?). This felt like a more well rounded historical novel that featured a burgeoning romance at the center of its plot, but also so much more. There's a lot of exploration of social classes and racial distinctions of the times which ramps up the period drama, and the stakes for all the different people involved. I really loved both the main romance along with the obviously well researched historical aspects. **Thank you so much to both NetGalley and Berkley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!**

However all that being said it was definitely the well developed tension between the two that kept me really turning the pages. Also the horses and the fashion provided the more light-hearted and unique historical details (and were really fun, I loved reading about the Pretty Horsebreakers) in addition to the more serious themes, like class and racial divides. There's also a spot of intrigue. Her world building and characters really made this story come alive and I definitely look forward to further additions to the series.

I will note that this is not a sexy romance persay, as that seems to be a large trend lately. There are some great scenes with a lot of sexual tension (which she does very well) but those looking for their explicit sexual encounters wont find them here). And while I'm okay with that I really do wish she had given us a little bit more of an actual love scene at the end instead of something more along the lines of a fade to black.

So overall a great romantic period drama, that both fans of historical fiction along with romance can appreciate. Also those who like a more clean romance but still want a little action will like the steam level in this, along with the overall nature of the love story which is endearing and heartfelt.