Special thanks to Penguin Random House International for providing me an e-ARC of this title.

Mimi Mathews is renowned for her historical fiction and that’s why I’m a huge fan of her. Her other novel The Siren Sussex was an epic read for me.

What I liked:

Detailed and impressive character description.
Setting of the regency England
A little bit of mention of Crimea, Sebastopol and Constantinople (Istanbul)
Author’s note at the end of the novel as they were very helpful and informative. I can bet that she did a great search for writing this.

What I loved:

I loved the character of Julia Wychwood. Her devotion to novels is amazing 😂.
Reference of Bluebeard’s wife, Beauty and the beast and Sleeping beauty.
The children especially Daisy.
Twists, surprises and revelations that I saw coming when I reached the middle of the book.
There were many thoughtful lines in the book that I loved a lot.
It got a bit boring after a few chapters at the start. But Overall it is a great historical novel. If you are a fan of Bridgerton series you might love this novel.

wists of this book!! Having finished, I'm tempted to re-read knowing all that I know now.

Julia is all of us bookish people who would much rather be cozy at home with a book than out at a social function. By the time this book ends, Julia has really come into her own and learned to believe in her own worth. She's really an incredible character.

Julia and Captain Blunt have the sweetest, most pure friendship and relationship. What a JOY to read. He was so protective yet gentle, really just swoon worthy, to be honest. They were just right for each other, and you could tell that they were great friends and partners.

What I didn't love: Julia is so disconnected from her friends. While I can understand that maybe she needed to be feeling a bit isolated to make some of the decisions she did, I really wish we had seen more of her own relationships other than with her parents. We know that her friendships are incredibly important to her and I would have liked to see a bit of that.

That said, we did get a bit of Anne towards the end and I'm hoping that her story is coming next, because I can feel that it's going to be a good one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced e-book!

The Belle of Belgrave Square is a beautiful, romantic loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Julia is such a sweet character and as an avid reader, I can totally sympathize with her desire to stay in bed all day with her books and chocolates. I mean, is there anything better?

Captain Blunt seems to be her complete opposite in every way. Hailed a war hero despite his horrific deeds, he comes across as cold. But he's hiding a lot behind the scar running across his face.

Julia and Blunt are wonderful together and I love how they help each other grow stronger.

As always, Ms. Matthews draws you into the world she's written and keeps you glued to the pages until the very end.

I cannot wait for Lady Anne and Hartford's story!

*I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

"A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can't spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins - she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride - and to read - as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes..."

A girl with dreams I totally relate to!

Julia and Jasper's romance is lazer-focused, and it hooked me immediately. For the most part, I was surprised by Julia and Jasper. Almost every time I thought I knew what one of them would say or do...they didn't say or do the thing. I was glued to the page!

Matthews gets no points for mystery: You will know what ALL of Jasper's secrets are as soon as those scandalous seedlings are tossed onto the page. Also, the ending was marred by the perpetuation of one of the more serious secrets, in my opinion.

But I really liked Julia. She has social anxiety, which goes a little deeper than typical wallflower nerves. I feel that, so it was very gratifying to see Julia come into her own on her terms. I could not help but like her and Jasper, for seeing her true worth.

Thank you so much Berkley Romance for an advanced copy of this book! I really enjoyed it!

Star Rating: 4⭐️
Genre: Historical Romance
Pub Date: October 11, 2022

I was lukewarm on the first book in this series, but I am all in for book two! Julia and Jasper were multi-faceted, unique, complicated characters that I enjoyed getting to know throughout the story. Julia is a blue-stocking and Jasper's reputation (for brutality) precedes him, but together...they are dynamite! This is a slow burn romance where the characters are consistently drawn to each other. Of course, they connect over their love of reading, and I thought the scenes involving book-talk were especially swoon worthy! Their characters opened up so much when books were discussed.

Another element of this book I really enjoyed were the positive aspects of their relationship. They build each other up and support each other. Julia is painfully shy and is often gossiped about, but Jasper's support really helps her come out of her shell. I love a story in which the main characters make each other better, and Julia and Jasper undoubtedly do that for each other. Both characters are really relatable, too, even though it is a historical fiction book. Julia's anxiety especially will identify with a lot of readers, I think, and her self-confidence issues + triumphs will hopefully inspires others to do the same.

This story is a combination of Beauty and the Beast vibes + gothic romance with a slow-burn love. I really think readers are going to fall in love with these characters and this story!

Will his past revelation tear them apart…

Each time I pick up a Mimi Matthews’ book I know the words will flee by the window, cheer my heart and this one is no exception.
I read it in no time, turning page after page, entranced by Jasper and Julia’s story, needing to uncover all his secrets.
Julia is the young Miss who always followed the flow, her mortifying shyness leading her to believe it was the easiest and safest way. Easiest as it avoided confrontation and safest as it protected her from others’ scrutiny.
And for years, it was her only means of escaping, of getting some personal time outside society’s whirlwind whatever the price she had from time to time to pay for these respites.
She lives passionately through her readings, transported by others’ adventures and life experiences while she hides in the crowd.
Jasper is in the city for one purpose, sweep of her feet an heiress to change his circumstances, who he did not expect was Julia. She is all his answers and even more, yet sort of unattainable.
From the beginning, Jasper is a conundrum, he is so many different faces, a hero, a ruthless soldier, a profligate, a caring father, a knight, a man of contradictions.
Only one thing is sure and certain, he is bewitched by Julia but respect her too much to go against her wishes and desires, yet what if …

I just loved how smoothly Mrs Matthews bring them together, soothing Julia’s anguish until she sees the man behind the soldier’s facade. Then unravel everything playing with well known tropes and fairytales to patch them back together.
5 stars for this striking tale of two damaged people healing under one another’s care, for Julia to find her inner strength to reach for what she wants and Jasper to leave the past behind to built a new future, a new family.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses and non explicit love scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This was an entertaining historical romance. Julia Wychwood is an heiress who suffers from severe social anxiety and who is under the thumb of her electively invalid parents. They are determined that she would never leave them through a marriage that would take her out of London. Unbeknownst to her they have turned away any potential suitors who would remove her from London and their influence.

Captain Jasper Blunt has come to London looking for an heiress so that he can restore his newly inherited estate and care for his three bastard children. He is a hero of the Crimean War but his scarred countenance and lack of funds don't make him the most eligible of suitors.

However, Julia and Jasper bond over their love of novels. He is also very helpful when the crush of society gets to be too much for her. When her parents' chosen suitor becomes overly familiar, Jasper is there to send him on his way. He also rescues her from her home when her parents call in a doctor who bleeds her twice in a very short time period leaving her too weak to leave on her own.

He takes her to his home in rural Yorkshire where she is much happier even though the children aren't immediately cordial. However, her father isn't so quick to let her go. He does what he can to hold up her access to the money she inherited from an aunt which is needed to make estate improvements.

Also Jasper is keeping a number of secrets which make it hard for them to become closer. Those secrets threaten their relationship more than her father's actions. She will have to overcome some of her fear of her parents if she wants her new life to become permanent.

I enjoyed both characters. The time period was interesting as well. Women's rights and the laws of the time have a lot to do with the plot of this story. I loved the information about the growth of novels and novel reading and the beliefs about novels that were prevalent.

Fans of historical romances with accurate history will enjoy this story.

This was such a wonderful read - I loved the characters quite a bit and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. Mimi Matthews is a new author for me but I'll definitely be going back and reading The Siren of Sussex!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this early!

Mimi Matthews has such a way with words. Her stories are sweet and swoony, delightful, charming, and so much more.
This book is no exception!
I loved getting to know Julia.
And Jasper. (who, if you've read the first book in this series, you already know) As I read, this book, though, I quickly realized that all my preconceived ideas about Jasper....were wrong.
These characters sucked me into the story, and I was charmed by them, and their relationship.
If you are looking for a sweet romance. One that shows a beautiful depiction of those long-ago days...then look no further!


Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Captain Jasper Blunt is in need of an heiress wife to save his moldering estate in the wilds of Yorkshire as well as help with his children born on the wrong side of the sheets, which is quite unheard of in the London ton. A hero whose wartime deeds are known to be brutal, Jasper’s scowling demeanor and scary visage give the season’s debutantes quite a flutter. Jasper desires to marry for a variety of reasons and is attracted to the shy and retiring Julia Wychwood who is practically on the shelf at twenty-three.

Julia would rather spend her time reading and hiding out than go to the fancy balls of London elite. Her odious parents want Julia to make a match but only if she stays near to care for theme as they are extreme hypochondriacs. Since Julia’s life has been dark and dreary, she escapes into romance books even though they are considered harmful for women of her class. The author references several well known popular such books of the time period. When Julia’s parents threaten her with an untenable marriage, she does the unthinkable proposing to the mysterious Captain Blunt to escape her parents’ tyranny.

Captain Blunt swiftly agrees but he has some unusual conditions: stay out of the locked tower in his gloomy estate and no talking about the past. Rumors have abounded about Captain Blunt for some time and most of them are not complementary. Julia is determined to make a success with the near stranger she married and all of the challenges including unruly children, a dearth of servants in her new home, and continued struggles on the parental front who will not let go.

In this Beauty and the Beast style tale, the first half of the book is taken up with Julia’s dreary and restricted life and nearly being of forced by her horrible parents to marry their choice of husband for her. Her tortuous and practically abusive life, with the only relief of having some close friends who are currently out of town, pushes Julia to seemingly rash behavior that finally gives her some of the freedom she so ardently desired but not without cost and unexpected challenges. This book is the second in the Belles of London series but can be read as a standalone.

Julia is an heiress who takes her marriage into her own hands, she wants to read and wants to be left alone. Her sickly and controlling parents are trying to keep her right where they want her, but she has too much spirit for that. Jasper needs an heiress, but also wants to keep his secrets.

The story of the two of them learning about each other and growing together. Jasper's secrets threaten to come out and eventually do in unexpected ways.

Julia is a delightful character who seems content to be in the background. Her journey through the story brings out her strength and her tenacity. She is a strong young woman that didn't know her strength and courage. Jasper has a reputation of a brute, but Julia sees something more. Julia's friends who have appeared in the Siren of Sussex are shown in this one as well and are as loyal as friends can be.

Mimi Matthews has a winner on her hand in this second serving of the Belles of London. These stories challenge society's rules and strictures and are purely delightful.

I received an early copy through the publisher and Netgalley and this is my honest review.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Belle of Belgrave Square is a wonderful romance set in Victorian England. This is a follow up to The Siren of Sussex, second in The Belles of London series, but you don't need to read one before the other for it to make sense.

Julia Wychwood is shy. After two failed seasons, she can't imagine why any man would express interest in her, especially the war hero, Captain Jasper Blunt. Her parents keep her on a short rein, using their illnesses as an excuse to keep her on hand. Escaping into a book is Julia's favorite pastime.

Captain Blunt has a wicked scar across his face. He's unpolished, and rumor has it that he has a house full of children from his philandering ways. Blunt needs to marry an heiress to restore the mansion. He's a secretive man and upfront at the same time—what is Julia supposed to think?

And thus, Julia and Jasper are on a collision course. But neither of them are what they seem.

I adored this book! It still touches on the theme of women's rights and equality, though not as much as the first in the series. I consider this a sweet romance because the door is closed.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did.

ARC e-book via NetGalley
Provided by Berkley Publishing Group
Publication: 11 Oct 2022

Of the books I've reviewed on NetGalley, this is probably the one I was most excited to receive, so far. I enjoyed several of Matthews' other books (3 of the 4 in the "Parish Orphans' series, of which, as an aside, the 3rd book seems very difficult to find), and the first in this series, "The Siren of Sussex."

In the Siren of Sussex, we have one of a group of 4 somewhat-unconventional-for-their-time women falling in love with a tailor who understands the value of pockets in women's attire. Here, we have another of this friend group who is a bookworm ("... Julia collected her gloves and her silk-fringed reticule. Opening the drawstring closure, she dropped her novel inside. A society musicale was no place for reading. But it never hurt to be prepared."), who falls in love with a former soldier over a shared love of reading novels. It's like Matthews really, truly knows the important priorities in life -- pockets & books. (I'm not sure what will be next - wine? chocolate? comfortable shoes?)

It is slightly tedious at times when the heavy hints the reader is given take a while to sink in & for Julia to figure out what's going on - but the journey is mostly enjoyable and Matthews also weaves in a somewhat 'meta' defense of the value of romance novels into her... romance novel.

Also, the covers for this series have a great style. I've already ordered this one for the library and look forward to the next in the series.

This was a very entertaining, light romance read. Belle was a treat to read and the brooding captain with the heart of gold was a great foil to her delicate nature. Her parents could have easily appeared in a Jane Austen book and were just short of cartoonish in nature.
This was an ARC through Netgalley. Thanks for the enjoyable read!

A quick, fun romance with a heroine that prefers books and riding to attending fancy balls. When life with her oppressive, overbearing parents becomes too much - and even may endanger her life - Julia finds the courage to make a huge risk with the enigmatic Captain Blunt. Will she escape her current prison, or has she simply entered a new one?

Legit started this book one evening and finished it the next morning. (Honestly, probably would've read it in one night if I was capable of staying up late. lol!) I LOVED it. I've enjoyed all of Mimi Matthews' books so far, but I think this one just shot to the top spot. The romance is so pitch-perfect I kinda can't handle it. The plot moves at a nice pace, and between Jasper's secrets (and brooding!) and Julia's coming into her own, there really wasn't a moment I wasn't thoroughly hooked. Definitely one I'm going to reread...definitely more than once!

We meet Captain Jasper Blunt and Julia Wychwood in The Siren of Sussex, the previous book, but you really don’t have to read that one to enjoy this.

Captain Blunt has rumors following him about his time in the war. He is generally respected as a war hero or is just feared for his rumored ruthlessness. All of which makes this hard for the shy, quiet, and socially anxious, Julia to interact with him. Everyone knows he needs money for his estate and children and that she comes with a large dowry.

Even though his intentions are to not be so romantic- minded and to simply marry a rich woman for the sake of his children’s futures, you can tell that Julia is more than just money to him. This was such a romantic book. More romantic than any other of Mimi Matthews' stories. There is a tenderness and protectiveness for each other but especially with Jasper towards Julia. Their courtship is filled with understanding and sweetness.

There are secrets that cause some of the angst in this story, but it is never unbearable. This is about real love and how it can be complicated and still so beautiful. We get to read about them navigating their courtship and new life in the country and how Julia’s relationship grows with both him and his children.

It’s also a love letter to those of us who love stories and reading. In the notes at the end Mimi Matthews talks about her literary inspirations and the books she pays homage to and it's really cool to read about the research she did for this book.

I highly recommend reading this. It’s beautiful.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

It has been a while since a series has captivated me as much as the Belles of London series has! The Belle of Belgrave Square is a fantastic addition to that series. This story was a perfect blend of suspense and romance. I devoured it as quickly as I could from the very first chapter!

I loved getting to know Julia in this novel. She is stronger than she thinks, and I loved seeing her courage and passion develop. Perhaps I connected so easily with her because of our shared love of novels and escaping into the worlds of books. There are so many great quotes in this book about books! That speaks to my book loving soul. I also appreciated learning about Julia's childhood and how difficult her life has been, even in it's extravagance. Yet she is a kind, caring woman who takes so many unusual things in stride. She loves her step children rather than judging them, she tries new things like learning to swim, and she defends the people and activities she loves from her husband to her horse and favorite novels. I love that she speaks her mind with Jasper. When she decides to take charge of her life, Julia shows how strong and brave she truly is. Those qualities are on display as she falls in love with Jasper Blunt.

Jasper is a classic, brooding hero. He reminds me of Mr Rochester or Heathcliff (loved his own references to that story). There is so much mystery surrounding him and his past. I was captivated by his complex history and his obvious love for Julia. From the moment they first talk, he is falling for her. And all the things he does to protect her from carrying her away from her childhood home to coming after her at the end are protective and passionate. His was the character I was most intrigued by over the course of the book. And as we learn more about him and his past, I just fell more in love with him. I loved getting inside his head as we learn about his experiences in the war and as we see him fall deeply in love with his new wife. His passion and love for Julia is simply beautiful!

A favorite trope of mine is the marriage first, courtship later story. I have read several books that give us this scenario and I always love the ways authors build the romance after the wedding. This book is one of my favorites in this paradigm. I love that they elope together with budding feelings of romance. And those feelings continue to build throughout the novel. The romance is absolutely breath taking in this story! Their shared kisses were incredibly swoony. Their building passionate attraction was incredible. And their obvious feelings for each other were sweet and satisfying. I appreciated the closed door storytelling. There is some details about consummating their marriage but it didn't bother me. I was rooting for Julia and Jasper throughout the story and loved their happily ever after. Overall, an absolutely beautiful romance!

While there are certainly dark elements to this story, there is also so much hope in this story. Some of those dark elements include Jasper's war history, the illegitimate children, the abuse in Julia's childhood home, and the fairly graphic descriptions of blood letting. There were several tense, even violent descriptions in this book. But those are details within a larger, more beautiful story. That story climaxes into a fantastic ending. The ending is surprising and satisfying with several surprising twists (and a great epilogue!). I love a book that truly surprises me and this one did it so well. Ultimately, I loved the hope throughout Julia and Jasper's story. Hope that love can grow in any circumstance, that second chances are real, and that strength can be grown.

It was bittersweet to finish this book because I loved experiencing this world and getting to know these characters. For me, those are the best kinds of books. The books that pull you into their world and leave you changed after you finish them. This was one such book for me. Can't wait to read more in the series!

The Belle of Belgrave Square is a charming historical romance. Mimi Matthews takes tropes straight out of fairytales and sensational Victorian novels, and they work together to create an amazing story.

4.5/5 stars

Julia Wynchwood hates being out in London society, and would much rather be home reading a book. But as an only child with a substantial dowry, it’s expected that she’ll make a suitable match and care for her invalid and entitled parents. Captain Jasper Blunt is a scarred war hero who committed terrible crimes in the name of the crown. But now he’s looking for an heiress to help bail out his failing estate and care for his illegitimate children. Julia seems to be the answer to all his problems. The two come up with a plan to marry, which also helps Julia escape London. But what happens when they both develop some pretty strong feelings too?

Captain Blunt is a great example of a grumpy hero who only shows his marshmallow center to his love interest. He sees Julia for who she is as an individual, not just an offshoot of her invalid parents. This is book 2 of the Belles of London series, but it truly works as a standalone. In fact, I wish Julia’s friends had been more present in this story, even if the fact that she handles adversity on her own is one of her key character arcs.

A few notes: I correctly guessed Jasper’s secrets from the outset, but in this case it didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the story at all. The reader certainly has more clues than Julia does. Also, this book is a slow burn that is primarily closed door, which I usually find disappointing. But, the rich plot and engaging characters kept me glued to the fast paced story.

If you are a fan a mysterious grumpy hero with a bookish wallflower who is stronger than she thinks she is, this book is for you. Matthews writes an engrossing historical plot with great romantic elements. It’s a perfect escape from modern everyday life.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.