Was really looking forward to this one but when I finally got my hands on it, it was an underwhelming experience. It had too much of a plot going on, but it was still good enough to read and finish.

The tropes fell against me in this one, and while I appreciate all the allusions to other novels the story didn't work for me, despite Matthews' great writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cute romance. The characters are great, it has snappy dialogue and the spicy scenes are well written. Would definitely recommend as a quick, easy read to satisfy the period romance reader.

3.5 stars - Julia is shy and looking to get out from under her parents overbearing ways, while Jasper is looking for a heiress to rebuild the estate he inherited. Their relationship was a roller coaster that ended in a rushed marriage-of-convenience. There was a twist at the end that was interesting and the author did bring a lot of history into the storyline, which was interesting.

I received this advance review copy from from NetGalley & the publisher for my honest review.

Mimi Matthews is a fantastic writer and I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this series! While I wanted Anne's book next I really liked following Julia as she made her way out from beneath her parent's thumbs. ALSO Captain Jasper was amazing and let me tell I smelled the plot twist from a mile away and was still so impacted by the characters reactions! I can't wait for the next book in The Belles of Belgrave square series!

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

This was another great book from Mimi Matthews! And the cover is so pretty. I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Not sure if I liked this one as much as the first book, though I still very much enjoyed it. Will definitely pick up the next in the series. The beginning took me a little to get into, but once I did I zoomed right along. I did like Julia and Captain Blunt's relationship, but I also felt it was a little rushed. Everything happened very quickly.

I really enjoyed Jasper and Julia's story. It was fun watching both of them navigate their new life and the children were a fun bonus!

Captain Jasper Blunt, a veteran of the Crimean War and a reputation for brutality, has come to London for one purpose only - to find himself an heiress. Not only is he notorious for his exploits during the war that hailed him a hero, but also for having three illegitimate children, whom he has acknowledged and who now live with him at his dilapidated estate in Yorkshire. His facial scar and large build are enough to deter any future bride, but Julia Wychwood is attracted to the man despite his reputation.

Julia Wychwood suffers from anxiety. She loathes the unending rounds of social engagements that are part of the London season. Reading novels and riding her large black gelding, Cossack, in Hyde Park are her means of escape. Her only true friends are three other equestrienne bluestockings who are inconveniently out of London when Julia needs their advice. When life becomes too demanding, she feigns illness which brings some respite from the pressure placed on her by her hypochondriac parents.

When Julia's father arranges a match between her and a much older, London-based aristocrat to ensure she will remain at their beck and call even after marriage and subject her to archaic medical treatment to make her compliant, Blunt comes to the rescue.

What follows is another charming romance from an author well-versed in the Victorian age and who writes without the melodrama that often forms part of romance novels. Yes, there are misunderstandings and secrets kept and exposed, but with a sensible and likeable heroine such as Julia, and an equally sensible hero, hurtful and upsetting as some of the revelations are makes for a superb denouement and shows how capable Julia is when her newfound happiness and independence is threatened.

The Belle of Belgrave Square is another great read from Mimi Matthews. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

First Impressions: Horse Girl Energy

I think I’ve made my feelings quite clear about cartoon covers. That said, this one isn’t so bad. I like the title treatment and the finial detail used for the Belles of London in the corner. And I like the inclusion of Juila’s horse because she’s a horse girl, after all.

What’s Your Type?

Beauty and the Beast
Modest romance
Marriage of Convenience
Dating Profile

Military hero Captain Jasper Blunt is known for three things: 1) his cruelty on the battle field, 2) his hoard of bastard children and 3) his falling-down estate in the countryside. At least, that’s what the never-ending rumors are about.

Julia Wychwood is known for three things: 1) her horse, 2) her crippling social anxiety, and 3) reclusive, sickly parents who are constantly boarded up in their home or off “resting” at the seaside and refuse to let Julia leave the house for too long in case they need her to take care of them.

Captain Blunt’s home is in disrepair, but he’s out of money. And Julia’s parents have become so overbearing, they’re quite literally killing her. Blunt needs a rich wife, and Julia’s got a dowry and a reason to get the hell out of dodge yesterday. No one can believe that Julia would runaway to elope with the cruel Captain Blunt – not even Julia. But once she finds herself in the countryside, Julia is free to do as she pleases – she can read as many books as she likes and ride her horse as often as she wants. Blunt has only one rule: Julia is forbidden from entering his office in the tower. A rule that Julia breaks sooner rather than later.

Meet Cute: Before We Met

Julia and Jasper actually met in Matthews’ first Belles of London book, The Siren of Sussex, which I have not read and do not plan on reading, for reasons I’ll expand on below. But from what I gather, Julia and Jasper were introduced and he’s been smitten ever since, with a plan to make her his wife.

Their first real conversation in this book is about, well, books – something they both love. This is a story about book lovers and that particular plot line is one of my favorite aspects of the story.

The Lean: Beauty and the Beast

Julia and Jasper have a real Beauty and the Beast dynamic going on. He’s tall, dark and brooding, with a reputation for cruelty and a secret past (and present!), but he needs a wife stat. Julia is bookish and quiet with eccentric parents. She’s intimidated by Jasper but intrigued by him too, especially since he seems to be a bit bookish as well. And peeling back Jasper’s layers gives Julia a surprising jolt of confidence.

The only problem with this Lean is that it kept leaning…and leaning…and leaning, until it flopped right on its face.

Dirty Talk: Non-Existent

And now we get to the crux of the matter. I waited for the sexy bits. I waited a long time. Julia and Jasper were MARRIED for crying out loud, what could possibly keep them from doing the deed??? About 80% into this book I realized something: there would be no sexy bits. Any potential sexy bits would happen off page. I’d been duped. This was a *DUM DUMMM DUMMMM* modest romance novel.

Now listen, there’s nothing wrong with a modest romance if that is they type of romance novel you want. Reader: it was not the type of romance novel I wanted. I want sex. On page. The more the better! And there was nothing that warned me ahead of time that I wasn’t going to get it here. So I kept reading and waiting, only to be disappointed in the end.

Ms. Perky’s Prize for Purplest Prose

Zero prizes awarded. Sorry!

We Need to Talk: Historically Accurate

If you love a good Kleypas or MacLean novel, then you’ll love Matthews’ writing style – it has all the makings of a great historical romance novel. And just like real Regency times, sex is something that’s best left to the imagination.

Was It Good For You? Unsatisfied

Obviously, this book left me wanting more. But if modest romance is your thing, or at least, it’s a thing you like to read now and then, then you will probably enjoy this book. It has all the hallmarks of your fave historical romance writers, but without the spice.

FTC Full Disclosure: I did not receive money or Girl Scout cookies of any kind (not even the gross cranberry ones) for writing this review. The Belle of Belgrave Square is available October 11, 2022.

I'm not sure why I thought book 2 would be Anne's book. Julia's interactions with Captain Blunt were more pronounced as a setup in book 1, The Siren of Sussex than Anne and Hartford. I wasn't excited about Anne's story because 1) I didn't love book 1 and 2) because Anne's mom is a spiritualist and that isn't something I am looking forward to reading about. That being said, Mimi Matthews reminded me of why I usually love her books with The Belle of Bellgrave Square.

Julia is socially awkward. She doesn't enjoy society and events with large groups of people. She has a little anxiety. Generally, I think more people feel this way than those who are completely comfortable in a crowd, but maybe I'm wrong. Her parents are both sickly, and Julia has found that occasionally she can claim illness too in order to avoid going out to certain events. She much prefers solitude and a good book. Who reading this review couldn't agree? But Julia's parents are also selfish, and she finds herself facing an unwanted marriage and future. Julia knows she needs to do something.

Jasper is a bit of a mystery. Although, I found most of his secrets were pretty easy to determine. He is seeking a wife this season, but specifically, he needs an heiress. His estate is nearly falling apart, and he has three children to provide for. I love how choosing Julia was one of the few selfish choices he's made in his life since the war. It reminded me of something husband said to me back when we were dating.

This was one of those marriage of convenience stories where both characters felt more than they were initially willing to share. It did remind me a little of Mimi Matthews' other book, The Work of Art. But I also appreciated that Mimi Matthews explains where she pulled inspiration from in the author's note at the end. In some ways, it makes me want to go back and read some of the books she pulled from, although I doubt I will.

Favorite quotes:
-“You're very changeable, sir.”

-“That wasn’t a rescue. That was naught but a minor service.” Jasper’s eyes held hers, his voice dark with promise. “When I rescue you, Miss Wychwood, you’ll know it.”

-“Old sins cast long shadows,”

- “I can’t give myself to you if I don’t know who you truly are.”

-“I told you. I value your opinions.” “I would that you’d valued my confidence a little more,”

It's no surprise that Finchley makes an appearance in this book, but I love when authors tie in multiple series together. Fan service and all. I don't know if it was intentional, or not, but there's also a character referenced named Nanny Plum which if you have kids you might be familiar with Ben and Holly's Little Kingdom.

Overall, I enjoyed The Belle of Bellgrave Square much more than The Siren of Sussex, and I am actually looking forward to Anne's story now even if I dread reading about her ridiculous mother. Julia and Jasper had a lovely story, and I enjoyed the whole experience of their journey. I did have a couple of questions at the end*, but I don't like to ponder on things like that too much. I usually like to enjoy the story for what it is and move on. The Belle of Bellgrave Square gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Belle of Bellgrave Square? What did you think? Let me know!

*Highlight for spoiler question: 1. If you've ever watched Catfish then you know, in real life, forgiving someone who has lied about something as big as their identity is nearly impossible to forgive. 2. Are Jasper and Julia truly not planning on telling the children? Because it's hard to imagine that information won't come out one day, especially if Julia slips up and calls him James in front of them one day. But it would be the same betrayal all over again. Just questions I wondered briefly about. End.

This book really amazed me! It ended up being quite different from what I was so sure it was going to be- a well done but perhaps not entirely new story of a socially awkward young woman who, to escape her situation impetuously marries a man she is drawn to and with whom she feels a connection, but doesn't really know- and he, the outwardly gruff war hero who we assume isn't nearly as wicked as gossip and his appearance might indicate. They each bring out the best in each other, etc etc, with the diversion of the hidden room, and so on. Well, well, how wrong was I? VERY wrong! Julia isn't just socially anxious, she's the product of a family so full of sickness and hypochondria that she herself uses it as a crutch to escape social obligations until she sees that for the inevitable trap it is, especially given the merciless presence of the family medical quack. Enter Jasper, who needs money for repairs to his estate and for some children we aren't entirely sure from whence they sprang. Jasper has many secrets, hinted at by himself and others, along with some inconsistencies in behavior that give you some small clues. I thought I had a very good idea what the truth was- but was proven somewhat wrong by an exceedingly clever resolution. Enjoyed the appearance of Tom Finchley and his wife Jenny, from the Parish Orphans of Devon series (Book 2). I loved the Siren of Sussex, the first book in this Belles of London series, but I think this is really even better. Both main characters have interesting and believable back stories, and the conclusion is remarkable. Highly recommend!

The Belle of Belgrave Square had me swooning, and in need of smelling salts. I truly can not describe how much this book made me believe in romance again, and overall the whole book felt like a love letter to the romance readers out there.

This book had everything you could want as a romance lover, especially if you love the gothic romances. We got secret identities, a male protagonist with many secrets, a heroine who was trapped in a life controlled by her parents, and major Hades and Persephone vibes. When it all comes together paired with the one bed at the inn and grumpy/sunshine vibes, we get a beautiful romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book is what pulled me out of a month long reading slump, where I was unable to finish a book.

Oh and don't get me started on our bookish heroine. She was absolutely perfect, especially when she gave some in depth reviews of books. Julia also saw a lot of character development and it was beautiful to see. It reminded me of a flower blooming. She went from being a shy wallflower, who tried not to rock the boat to taking risks and choosing her own path in life. By the end of the book she stood strong and chose to stand up to her parents and it was such a perfect scene.

The story paired with Matthews writing style, truly made the whole book feel like a love letter to the reader. It gave everything you could want in a historical romance, and the writing was absolute perfection. I truly can't remember the last time I was so awestruck by the beauty in an author's writing style.

Overall this story gets all the stars, and I will be recommending it to all my beauty and the beast, Hades and Persephone, and grumpy/sunshine trope loving friends.

Mimi Matthews has done it again! I totally got swept away in this swoon-worthy story of The Belle of Belgrave Square. There is a hint of mystery that surrounds Jasper, AKA Captain Blunt, and Julia is just so sweet. I had a hard time putting this historical romance down to work! This is my new favorite by Mimi and I can't wait to read book 3 in this series, The Lily of Ludgate Hill, which is tentatively coming in January 2024.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 11 October 2022.

I think this book will be a hit among the Bridgerton fans. It was an enjoyable story, but was a bit predictable and at times out of character for the time period.

As with the first book in this series, I love the cover of this book. But the real hook was the heroine. I could absolutely relate to Julia as an avid novel reader. While her home life was less than ideal, Julia was able to escape to books. I hate to use the term ‘evil’ when describing her parents, but they absolutely failed in the loving, supportive parent category. Plus, they thought novels were bad for her. How disturbing is that? In an era of rampant book censorship, that really resonated.

When she meets Captain Jasper Blunt, his reputation has Julia wary. Jasper is looking for an heiress to save the estate where he is raising a family. But Jasper allows a glimpse at his compassionate side, through a mutual admiration of an author. They form a marriage of convenience.

The couple has many obstacles to overcome: children, parents, meddling friends, and secrets. It’s the secrets that make the story intriguing and provide a few surprises that will delight the reader. I enjoyed seeing the couple fall in love and form a family. One of my favorite chapters was when Julia set her ‘evil’ parents straight.

The Belle of Belgrave Square is the second in the Belles of London series. The historical romances set in the Victorian era stand alone, but also, quite nicely, fit together.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

I was somewhat taken aback by this romance, because although there is a marriage of convenience trope in the book, it really takes the time to establish characters and motivations. It's really rooted in emotion and thoughtful and that's something I want to see more of in historical romances. A little gothic, a little Beauty and the Beast, it's one of my favorite historicals I've come across this year!

in Mimi Matthews’s THE BELLE OF BELGRAVE SQUARE (Berkley, 400 pp., paperback, $16), aristocratic life has become shiveringly Gothic. For Julia Wychwood, an heiress with severe anxiety and a pair of cruel, illness-obsessed parents, London is a nightmare of surveillance, gaslighting and medical abuse. Novels are her only vehicle of escape, so when the scarred, stoic Crimean War hero Captain Blunt offers her a chance to elope to his dilapidated Yorkshire mansion with a graveyard in the garden and a trio of traumatized children, Julia seizes it.

Of course there are sinister rumors about her new husband. A locked room she is forbidden to enter, a woman’s grave, too many unanswered questions about his past. The astute reader will unravel many of the knots early, but that’s part of the fun. Watching Julia blossom away from prying eyes is almost as satisfying as seeing Jasper Blunt pine for her from nearly the first page — there are other heiresses he could be pursuing, but the secret romantic in him will not let Julia go. For best effect, save this one for a windy night when trees scrape against the windowpanes.

This was my first Mimi Matthews novel! I know, I know, “Why has it taken me so long to read a Mimi Matthews book?” I have no excuses, but after helping her out for a cover reveal, I knew I NEEDED to read The Belle of Belgrave Square.

It had me at:
📖 Beauty and the Beast Retelling
📖 Swoony Victorian Romance
📖 Book-Loving Heroine
📖 Mysterious Literary Soldier
📖 Marriage of Convenience
📖 Only One Bed

Do I need to say more?

Mimi’s writing is beautiful and her storytelling has you cheering and swooning over the characters. (You might want to hit a character too). I appreciated the character development and the hidden secrets being exposed throughout the story (not just at the end). She kept me flipping my pages, and if you are a fan of swoony romance, then this is the book for you.

Have you read any of Mimi’s books? If so, which one should I read next? I’m thinking I need to read The Siren of Sussex.

This one absolutely improved on my issues with the first book. I am enjoying this historical fiction world and I will say, the characters in this one were a bit more enjoyable. That, however, maybe be because I felt like I knew them a bit better.