When you pick up a Mimi Matthews book, you are always in for a richly immersive reading experience. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no exception. From the vibrant, layered characters to the vividly drawn setting to the delicious romance – oh the romance! – every pitch-perfect element makes the story come alive so that you feel as though you’re right there in the middle of it.

I have been looking forward to Lady Anne’s story because I knew it would be as striking as she is, and I was right. She’s fiercely loyal to her friends (and I loved getting to see some events from The Belle of Belgrave Square again through Anne’s perspective this time) and simultaneously stronger and more vulnerable than she appears (I absolutely adored this dichotomy in her character – so unique). She is a force to be reckoned with, the friend you want in your corner, and a spine of steel struggling to stay upright against warring factions of grief, love, duty, and control. And when it comes to Felix Hartford, well… the line between ‘I love you’ and ‘I hate you’ is a very fine one indeed. On either side of that line there is passion, though, and ooo boy do some delightful sparks fly!

Hart is as beautifully layered a hero as I’ve met in some time. On the surface he is all humor and no substance but with her usual brilliance, Matthews gives even his humor depth. I adored his wit and flirtatious banter when it comes to Anne, too, especially in the hidden meaning he tucks away in his writings for her to find. Not only that, but the author imbues him with such profound longing and an inherent decency that will have you swooning in no time. Like Anne, he too is caught in a battle between love, grief, and duty, and the added dimension these elements added to his character made him all the more swoonworthy and compelling. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Hart, and I can’t wait for you to discover him for yourself.

Bottom Line: The Lily of Ludgate Hill is yet another prime example of Mimi Matthews’ unparalleled ability to immerse readers into the Victorian era while entertaining them with a story that engages all the senses. Lady Anne and Felix’s second chance romance is deliciously passionate (while remaining chaste) and their individual characters are masterfully layered. Add in an endearing parrot-kitten, some compelling subplots, and the power of friendship, and you have a treat you won’t want to put down. The hints we get about Stella’s upcoming story are icing on the proverbial cake, and I cannot wait for book four!

Reviewer’s Note: Readers may want to be aware that there are some mild curse words scattered throughout this novel, as well as the word God as an occasional expletive and a subplot involving the spiritualism movement of the era.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

This is the third installment of the Belles of London series and I am really enjoying the series so far! It has been fun seeing how Anne's character has evolved throughout the series. One thing that I've found to be unique to the series is Mimi Matthew's way of intermingling all of the books within each other. They take place during the same time and you get to see how the events in one story affect the characters in the next. </spoiler>For example, during the course of this story readers get to see Julia leave London with Captain Blunt from the perspective of Anne and how Anne fought to travel to save her. Whereas in Julia's story, we just see Anne arrive in Yorkshire.</spoiler>

It was hard not to fall in love with such a complex character as Hart. It was a joy to see him take down his mask and show his true self to his family and Anne. I think many readers can relate to wearing a mask.

This also sets readers up for the fourth (and final? I'm not sure) book in the series, which follows Stella. I'm excited to see that it appears to have a disabled MMC! We love disability rep.


NOTE: I will also make a post about the series on my blog in the next couple weeks (https://radishandhare.wixsite.com/endpapers)

Matthews writes Victorian era historicals—not Regency—but I find her writing to be incredibly Austen-like: introspective, mature, and deliriously romantic. The third book in her Belles of London series echoes Persuasion with a second chance romance full of pining. Lady Anne Deveril and Felix Hartford were happily engaged until tragedy struck Anne’s family and split them apart. Six years later, they reunite as friends, but Hart is determined to make Anne see how much he’s changed—and that they could be happy together if she would only embrace her freedom.

“I told you in York,” he said. “It isn’t over.” Her eyes closed briefly against a swell of such raw yearning she didn’t know whether to weep or to swoon. He bent his head to hers. “It never has been. Not for me.”
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I love so much about a story from this author and here are some of my favorite things about this one!
One is the beauty of female friendships that are highlighted in this story and this series! These ladies have found a family with each other in the midst of difficulties and I love the way they support and care for each other!
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This author writes some of my favorite male characters and Felix has definitely been added to my list! Is there anything better than a man who won’t give up on you and your love despite years and hurt you’ve caused each other? And who knew articles about plants could be so romantic?
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Also, this story shows a family going through grief and the way their loss has changed them and how they move forward in such an authentic and beautiful way.
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I have loved each story in this series and look forward to Stella’s story next!
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

IF Mimi writes it, then I read it and LOVE IT! She is one of my favorite authors. She gives you swoons, romance, in a historical backdrop that will make you want to time travel. I ADORED this book.

“I’ll always care what happens to you, Anne. The truth is…I wouldn’t know how to stop.”

This story is another winner in the Belles of London series by Mimi Matthews. I love these strong, unique women and the stories they live. In this installment, there is such a beautiful bond and dynamic between Anne and Felix, and I loved watching them clash and come together in the ebb and flow of this second chance, almost enemies-to-more tale, with lightning to water type of attraction.

There is such a strong feeling of family loyalty threaded through these pages–Anne to her eccentric, overly long grieving mother and Felix to his secret support of half siblings, due to his father’s affair. It was so much fun to watch Anne’s headstrong, fearless character come up against a former beau in such a beautiful and challenging way. Felix is what dreams are made of, with his pining and undying fascination for this beauty.

The pages kept turning as this eventful story unfolded and I loved this addition to the series.

Content: mild romance; mild moments of peril, a fight/beating; talk of infidelity resulting in children; mild language; talk of child labor

If you love historical romance then you have to add 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹 to your TBR!

Book: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱—𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀?

I adored this book, and now I have to go back and read the first two books in the 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 series (these can be read as standalone novels)! This story follows Anne Deveril and Felix Hartford in a second chance romance that also explores the impact of grief and complex family relationships. The banter and tension between these two is perfection. Anne tries to convince herself of her disdain for Hart, but Hart is always assured of his love for her. I love how he supports her and is not afraid to go against the traditional roles of women during this period.

The author’s note at the end gave context to the themes of the novel and explained the historical significance of people and places in the story, which furthered my appreciation of this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book! All opinions expressed are my own.

Mimi Matthews continues her Belles of London series with a rousing new addition, The Lily of Ludgate Hill. Like the other Belles, the titular character of Lady Anne Deveril is an accomplished horsewoman who must also overcome challenges within her society and family. As she mourns the loss of her father, she must also tend to her grieving mother and face the prospect of eviction from her home. Mr. Felix Hartford, a former love interest returns to her social circles, and the enduring chemistry between them more than complicates matters. What follows is a dance of two strong yet vulnerable individuals who have loved and have been hurt, but are tentatively willing to consider another waltz together.

The relationship between Lady Anne and Felix Hartford is very similar to the lead characters in the television program Miss Scarlet & the Duke. Like the lead pair in that enjoyable mystery series, Anne and Felix have known each other for several years, prior to full adulthood. Both have strong personalities and are prone to bicker and spar with one another. However, beneath the contentiousness lies a connection that will forever tie them together. As Anne wrestles with troublesome issues within her family, Felix has familial struggles of his own. Yet despite all they have weathered, Mr. Hartford in particular is persistent in fully winning the heart of this admirable and beautiful young lady. Through sacrifices that they both must make, there is the possibility of a conclusion that will not only satisfy them both, but surprise many around them.

As has been the case with other works by Mimi Matthews, I highly enjoyed The Lily of Ludgate Hill. Like characters in Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Anne and Felix wrestle with unrequited love and the opportunity for a second chance in a way that is quite delicious. Each individual must learn to compromise and consider the other on more than one occasion. Their flirtations are sweet, with a slight edge at times. They seem to be truly sparring, although they simultaneously support the success of the other. Felix is saddened to see Anne shackled by the mourning state of her mother, which has affected Anne’s ability to move on with her life. Anne’s growing awareness of Felix’s burdens not only increases her affection for him, but allows her to stand by his side to support him as well. Between the challenging situations they face individually and the romantic issues they tackle together, Anne and Felix’s narratives combine to produce a compelling work of fiction.

For those who are interested in the content within the novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill does not become overly steamy or rife with colorful adult material. That said, Matthews’s writing is powerful and still presents a compelling tale. She simply does not have to rely on ripped bodices, extensive violence, or pervasive harsh language in her work. Adult themes are indeed mentioned though. A persistent, illicit affair by a “righteous” person plays a key role in one family’s history. Anne’s mother is very interested in spiritualism, which was a common pastime in Victorian England. That said, there are no seances or gothic scenes shared. There are a few moments of violence, but they are tempered. Matthews focuses on the lives and loves of her main characters in a way that can be recommended to all audiences.

I particularly appreciated the opportunities for forgiveness and redemption given to multiple characters. Mistakes are made, but the narrative illustrates a worldview allows for new beginnings. The inherent imperfection of the human condition was poignantly addressed in the following passage (edited to withhold spoilers), as Anne discusses a seemingly righteous person who had moral failings:

"He idolized [him] that much?"

"If he didn't while he was alive, he certainly does now. ... The snow-white reputation of the esteemed moralist...has only grown after his death. He was, apparently, a man too good for this world."

"No human being is that good," Anne said.

"Some are."

"Nonsense. If we didn't make any mistakes, we'd have no need to be forgiven." (p.332)

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a fine addition to the Belles of London series. Although it could feasibly stand alone, the enjoyment of the novel would be enhanced if the reader is familiar with the previous two works. Characters and plot points from both The Siren of Sussex and The Belle of Belgrave Square are mentioned on several occasions. In fact, several scenes from Belgrave and Ludgate overlap in such a fashion that I actually pulled out my copy of Belgrave to compare and contrast the simultaneous experiences of the characters. It was an interesting experiment! Matthews also plants the seeds for the next title The Muse of Maiden Lane, which will focus on the character of Stella. Like the women who came before her, Stella seems to be an interesting woman, and I look forward to seeing where Mimi Matthews takes her next. The Lily of Ludgate Hill was a diverting ride, and I wait in expectation for more adventures to come.

OH did I love this! Watching Anne and Hart make their way back to each other was just so enjoyable to read about. The mark of a good book for me is how fast I read it and I just could not put this one down. Hart really had to work and I appreciated his efforts! Read this one even if you haven't read the whole series.

Impeccably researched, expertly plotted, and lovingly told, The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a wholly satisfying second chance romance with a spirited heroine and easy-to-love hero. Mimi Matthews has become an auto-buy author for me, and I eagerly look forward to her next book in the series.

An enjoyable read! I received a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley, but I actually ended up reading it after pub date (borrowed from the library!)

Mimi Matthews' writing is always romantic and lush. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no exception. I felt that though the romance was a little lackluster (it was more tell than show, to me), the historical setting was well-researched and the cultural/social/personal subplots were interesting.

SO looking forward to The Muse of Maiden Lane, Stella's story!!

The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the story of Lady Anne Deveril. Anne withdrew from society years ago after her father passed away. When she encounters Hart again, he still has a romantic interest in her. She agrees to go to a house party at his family estate, and things begin to change.

I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction and have enjoyed the previous books in the Belles of London series.

This is a delightful book - perhaps my favorite in the series! Anne is a sympathetic character, and I loved her rapport with Hart. I enjoyed watching Anne allow herself to be happy again and to pursue her heart's desire. Highly recommended - 5 stars!

This was a delightful Victorian romp. I loved the playful banter and the great characters. 5-star read!

I adored Anne and Hart's story! I love that they were able to find their way back to one another after being separated for so long.

This is the third book in the Belles of London series and I didn’t realize this until I was reading it but it can definitely be read as a standalone book. This one focuses on Anne Deveril who has been caring for her mother since her father passed 6 years ago. She needs a favor and turns to her former intended, Felix Hartford, for help. This is a slow burn, second chance romance set in the regency era. Anne and Felix are both interesting characters with responsibilities that have kept them from being totally happy. I enjoyed the yearning and romance between these two as well as the fighting lol. Anne and her friends are into horses and that was a fun aspect of the book. I was a little bored by how long the mourning period went on and how Anne was putting her own happiness last. But Felix was 🔥

I recommend to fans of regency romance. I will go back and read the previous two books now:)

Thanks to @netgalley and @berkleyromance for an arc for review.

In The Lily of Ludgate Hill, the third installment of Mimi Matthews' Belles of London series, we are treated to more of her impeccable writing and characterization.

Felix Hartford and Lady Anne Deveril loved and lost each other due to youthful insecurity and family issues. They carry a torch for each other, though they try their best to hide it. A second chance at love presents itself but are they strong enough to reach out and grab the opportunity?

Matthews explores the family dynamics that have thrown many curve balls at Felix and Anne but have molded them into the adults they have become.

It took some time for me to warm up to Anne. I found Felix so much more accessible and ready to let Anne know his feelings.

"I'll always care what happens to you, Anne. The truth is...I wouldn't know how to stop."

Matthews also gives us hints about another character that piqued my interest - Stella. I am definitely intrigued to read about her and Teddy Hayes from Matthews' Parish Orphans of Devon series.

I recommend this clean, well-written installment and look forward to the next book in the series!

I mean this is so good. I love Mimi writing so much and I also love that she is a horse girl. All the horse stuff is done right and captures that feeling of your horse being your best friend. The romance is also very good but as a horse girl seeing the horse stuff done right just makes me so happy.

Matthews is at her best when she doesn't appropriate disability and doesn't use archaic, hurtful disability tropes. No disability in sight, so this is miles better than much of her other work. Sorry to say, but not every author should attempt diversity if they can't deliver it. Although I dread her next novel as she's alluded in this that it's with a man who uses a wheelchair 🙃

I liked the premise of an old relationship starting back up again. It dragged, though, and could have been a third shorter than it is. I like the changing of viewpoints between hero and heroine, I love books that give you insight to what he's feeling. Other than horses and her codependent relationship with her mother, I'm not sure what else defines Anne's character, however? And how she's different from any of the other 4 Horsewomen? Idk I need to stop writing my review, it's losing more stars the longer I type. I do like Matthews regencies over many of the other troped titles out there, it tends to be more fleshed out, balanced, with character development built around something outside of the relationship/romance.

Sigh! Mimi Matthew’s books are just the sort I can fall into for an enjoyable, proper romance. Each novel in her Belles of London series has been a winner. And while each works as a stand-alone novel, this series is too addicting to read just one.

Lady Anne Deveril and Felix “Hart” Hartford have history. They had a secret engagement that broke off when Hart returned after an extended time in India to find Anne dealing with the loss of her father and the deep grief of her mother. She had been unwilling to leave her mother alone and Hart had been unwilling to wait. They were too young and immature to work through the strain and Anne was left feeling hurt and angry. Now six years later when they cross paths, the sparks still fly. Anne thinks Hart is too daring, irresponsible, and careless, and he thinks Anne is imprisoned by her mother’s grief. As much as they spar, they can’t seem to fight the same attraction that brought them together before, however this time they’re older and wiser.

If you enjoy second chance romances, you’ll love the story of how these two characters find their way back into each other’s hearts. With the benefit of time, they find there is so much more depth of character to each other, and it sweeps away the youthful perceptions that tore them apart. I also really enjoyed that in this novel, the author brilliantly reveals that Anne & Hart’s romance is closely overlaps with events in the previous two books and there is a hint of the romance to come in the next novel. I highly recommend this series.

I loved this second chance romance by Mimi Matthews. I loved the banter between Anne and Hart. I loved how they used that to protect their hearts from being hurt. I liked how through the story, their walls came down as they talked to each other and as they realized that they had grown up since they first fell in love. I liked how they help each other with the different things they were going through. I thought the story was well written with wonderful characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.