Reasons to read:
- Historical Romance
- Unique, well written, main characters
- Victorian London Setting
- Early Impressionism movement
- Themes of friendship and family
- Disability representation
- Series Final

My Thoughts:
Featuring two unconventional characters and their journey to independence and romance, The Muse of Maiden Lane is a memorable, captivating, read that again proves why Mimi Matthews is the undisputed queen of Victorian historical romance.

I loved that Teddy was not your traditional hero. In addition to his limiting disability brought on by a childhood illness, Teddy’s blunt personality, passion (sometimes obsession) for art, and no-nonsense outlook on life made him an unforgettable character and instant favorite. Living dependent on a wheelchair was difficult, to say the least in Victorian England, and I appreciated the care and detail Matthews put into describing Teddy’s challenges - and the confident way he faced them. The depth of his character, paired with the perceived flaws in his personality shaped him into a much more real person than the traditional hero. And he was met with his perfect much in Stella.

Stella, the last of the four horsewomen, faced a true plight when her demanding older brother began to view her as a burden. With her gray hair and small dowry, her prospects for marriage were slim, and I was grateful for the time Matthews took to show how difficult of a situation this was for a young, single gentleman at the time. She was a character with a lot of love to give, and a graceful manner that showed, while she may have been quiet, she was no pushover. She was smart and dignified, which played wonderfully off the sometimes gruff manner of Teddy's personality. I loved watching Stella’s character grow in confidence as she began taking her future into her own hands. Teddy, confident by nature, helped Stella to find her confidence - and this without a doubt was my favorite part of their romance.

The romance between Stella and Teddy was a fun one to watch unfold. This was not a “He fell first” situation (though he did fall hard), they matched each other's pace, which led to some wonderfully surprising declarations and actions. Their chemistry was some of the best in the series. Teddy and Stella also had moments of vulnerability, adding softer moments of growth in their romance, giving it just the right mix for a beautiful romance. I appreciated that both characters acted their age (early 20s) and faced similar issues, like gaining independence in a society that was stacked against them for being different.

Mimi Matthews' writing gifts readers with a seamless reading experience. The plot flow and characters' development were expertly executed, keeping me glued to the pages as the story progressed. The historical research conducted, not only for the setting but also detailing Teddy’s experience as a young man bound to a wheelchair and Stella’s life as a woman in Victorian England, added layers of realism to the story that allowed me to envision the world they lived in with perfect definition. Matthews has a way with words that sweep you up in a character's enthusiasm for their passions. For example, the explanations of early impressionism, often told from Teddy’s perspective, pulled me into the art scene at the time. I was fully invested in Teddy’s career and love of art. The same could be said for Stella’s bond with her horse and skill for riding!

As a long-time Mimi Matthews reader, I was excited about the return of many central characters, not only from the Belles of London series. Each returning couple was given some screen time, giving readers a glimpse of how they were doing after their “Happily ever after”. It was natural and did not distract from the main story, these moments contributed to the satisfying closing of not one, but two series, a true nod from a caring author to her readers. While it is bittersweet to see this amazing series end it ends on a high note for me, 5 stars and an instant recommendation for any historical romance reader.

I am excited to see what comes next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The last book in the Belles of London series was fantastic. I loved that this one was more of a slow-burn compared to some of Mimi's books. You get to see lots of past characters from her other books. Mimi's books are some of the most tender, romantic books I've read and this one is no different. Teddy and Stella show up for each other and develop feelings through real and honest interactions, which I loveeee.

While I did really enjoy the story, I didn't really connect to the painter/muse aspect of it. A couple of times, Teddy came off as pushy to me and I didn't like that. I definitely think that it's a me issue though, and that others would thoroughly enjoy this part of the story!

The Muse of Maiden Lane is a fitting conclusion to the Belles of London series. If you are historical romance fan who likes a slow burn with interesting characters, Mimi Matthew’s latest is a good choice.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

After another unsuccessful season, Stella Hobhouse heads to a country house party with friends, unsure of what her future look like. She even dyes her distinctive gray hair in an effort to blend in. But then she sees artist Teddy Hayes, who she met in a London gallery. He’s been searching for her, since he desperately wants to paint her. Teddy is memorable because he’s confined to a wheeled chair, but also because Stella enjoyed his artistic musings. The two have a connection that only grows stronger as they get to know each other, but what will happen when they are forced to go their separate ways.

I really like the way both characters are allowed to be “different” from what is expected of them. Teddy being confined to a wheelchair affects every relationship in his life, including his pursuit of Stella. The honest representation here is well done. And Stella, along with her friends, stands apart from a typical literary spinster, both in her appearance and the decisions she makes after her unsuccessful seasons. It is a treat to experience her supportive relationships with women who, in addition to their love of horses, truly put their friend’s best interests first.

There are a couple little things that didn’t work as well for me in this book. I’m a fan of a couple on the page together; this story slows when they are separated. And if you say a book involves a specific trope—that I adore—it needs to show up before 70% the way through the story.

The Muse of Maiden Lane is an entertaining historical romance. Stella and Teddy are characters readers want to spend time with, while being a little different from your average historical MCs. If you are a fan of a slow burn, closed door romance, you’ll enjoy this book.

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

A beautifully written triumph from Mimi Matthews! The Muse of Maiden Lane completely captured my heart & is the perfect ending to a fabulous series. I absolutely adored Teddy’s & Stella’s story.

Both Teddy & Stella are stifled by their families. Stella’s often made to feel small by her clergyman brother. Her beautiful luminescent white hair which changed when she was only 16, causes her to want to blend into the background & hide. After her failed second season, she feels compelled to find other options rather than live life under her brother’s thumb & his soon to be bride.

After a terrible bout with scarlet fever, Teddy’s been confined to a wheelchair. As a talented painter, he wants to create his art & live life on his own terms. His doting sister only wants to protect him, but her love often feels smothering, especially when Teddy desires to be on his own.

When these two souls meet briefly at a gallery & then again at a house party, Teddy believes he’s finally found his muse. He wants so badly to paint her, but doing so would risk her reputation. When he at last poses a marriage of convenience, Stella must decide if she’ll live life in the shadows or “be conspicuous” & embrace the passionate, talented woman Teddy sees her as.

I loved these characters! Teddy won my heart from the beginning. I loved his no nonsense, blunt way of thinking. He’s passionate, romantic, & a true artist who embraces the best in Stella. I loved the way he encouraged her & helped her see the best in herself. It was also amazing to have a hero with a disability & gain new understanding in navigating life in a wheelchair, especially in Victorian England.

Stella was just as amazing! I loved seeing her grow into the person she was meant to be. I enjoyed the letters she exchanges with Teddy & the confidence she gains with his friendship & love. I loved the hair debacle at the party & Teddy’s solution. I also loved her careful attention to Teddy’s needs & feelings.

It’s such a beautiful love story where each person lifts the other to reach their full potential. Filled with humor, endearing friendships, & a tender romance, this is a must read. Highly recommend! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews
What I enjoyed about this book:
💌 A girl who's tired of being "small and quiet"
💌 A disabled artirst who's a bit temperamental
💌 Closed door romance, kisses described
💌 Christmas vibes
💌 Communicating through letters
Genre: Romance
A stellar (hehe) ending to the Belles of London series! I loved how each couple throughout the series was so different from the others. I love how Mimi's books are romantic and exciting and while this one was definitely romantic I did feel it could have been a bit more exciting at the end.
Favorite quote: “Good afternoon,” she said. “I hope you haven’t been waiting for me?”
All my life, he was tempted to say.
Favorite scene: The proposal
Favorite character: Stella (our main female character)

I had been waiting for Teddy's book for so long, and I am so happy to say that Mimi did his story justice. He and Stella were a heartwarming couple, both respecting each other's autonomy and desires in life. Although I am not an expert on disability rep for someone in a wheelchair, it seemed to be done very well, and I appreciated that the author showed the challenges as well as the solutions to ensuring Teddy could retain his independence. Stella never treated him as less than, even when Teddy felt embarrassed or frustrated over his limitations. She was the perfect match for him, and he, in turn, helped her feel beautiful despite her self-consciousness over her prematurely gray hair. He found beauty in what she always felt was her worst feature.

As always, despite this book being a closed door romance, I didn't miss the open door scenes when the emotional intimacy and the glimpse we get in the bedroom was plenty steamy and romantic. I loved how we saw them slowly fall in love, with Teddy falling first and Stella slowly catching up once she realized their marriage of convenience could become a true marriage of souls. Although there were some bumps in the road as Stella got to know Teddy and his laser focus on his art, their communication built gradually throughout the store in what felt like a very realistic way. Nothing was rushed, and both were willing to listen to how the other person feels. It was such a healthy representation of what a marriage should be like, and my only disappointment is that we didn't get to see Teddy giving Stella's brother the comeuppance he so greatly deserved. I just know that Teddy would be a protective husband who would make her brother regret being born. While I wish Stella had stood up for herself more often and sooner, it did align with what we were shown of her character, and it was nice that the focus moved off her brother once she broke free.

Reading a Mimi Matthews book is a breath of fresh air. I have been a fan for years and look forward to being one for many years to come.

I fell in love with Mimi’s Devon Parrish Orphan series a few years ago and more recently with the Belles of London series. The Muse of Maiden Lane is a truly exceptional novel in its own right, but it’s also the culmination of these two series; I absolutely adored it! Settle in for the most delicious slow burn, my friends.

Holy smokes. The chemistry is chemistry-ing between Stella and Teddy. I love how straightforward these two were with each other. It made their interactions and intimate conversations light up with banter and wit. What’s so special about these characters is they each saw what the other person was trying to hide from the world and then fiercely encouraged each other to share those parts!

The way they showed up for each other just ahhhhhhhhh…it was everything. It was so freaking romantic. I mean, painting the woman you’re in love with?! Posing for the man you’re in love with?! Mimi always brings the most exquisitely, tasteful sensuality. It destroys me every time.

The romance paired with impeccable historical research and the disability representation makes this a must read novel. Not to mention all of the characters showing up from both series. It’s like they became one big family. That made me so happy for Stella after having to deal with her brother and his fiancée. Mimi does such a good job of portraying the struggles women had in that time period, and she writes the strongest heroines. I love how Stella didn’t back down with her brother and stayed absolutely true to herself.

It’s bittersweet that this series has come to an end, but I’m also so excited to see where Mimi goes from here. I can’t recommend Mimi Matthews enough. I promise that if you give her a chance, these series and her characters will completely grip your heart and bury themselves there.

Many thanks to Mimi Matthews and Berkley for the gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

Stella hopes to make a match before acquiescing to a quiet life at her demanding brother's side. She has one last chance at a house party but fortune is not on her side when she runs into a man who recognizes her despite the dye that changed her naturally grey hair. Teddy is thrilled to put a name to his mysterious and hoped for muse and will do anything to have Stella pose for one painting... or a thousand!
This book will be a favorite 2024 read. I've adored the whole series and this one met my expectations! I love the characters and couldn't wait to see Teddy and Stella together after the little teaser Mimi gave in Lily. While it can be read as a standalone, I HIGHLY encourage reading the Parish Orphans of Devon AND the previous Belles of London to really get the full bounty of how magical this book really is. Mimi brings in so many cameos from this world she's created and I loved every minute. It's full of great chemistry and special historical details that give a dynamic background to Teddy and Stella's love story.
Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Muse of Maiden Lane is the fourth and final book in Mimi Matthews’ Belles of London series and is another captivating story by a masterful wordsmith.

After reading The Lily of Ludgate Hill, the third book in the series, I was definitely intrigued to know more about Stella Hobhouse and Teddy Hayes, who was introduced in Matthews’ wonderful Parish Orphans of Devon series. I was definitely not disappointed.

Stella and Teddy are both looking for and reaching for freedom to pursue their dreams. The two characters made me just beg for them to finally realize freedom together.

“The freedom to want, to choose, to be. To live a colorful, conspicuous, unconventional life…

While their romance is slow-burning, it is very satisfying to see them make their choices and trust in the love they have for each other.

The other Belles - Anne, Julia and Evie - feature, as well as the characters from the Parish Orphans. Matthews weaves them all into the story, and we can see what they have all found.

“Together they had found friendship, acceptance, and the courage to follow their hearts.”

Sweet but sizzling, The Muse of Maiden Lane is the very best in slow burn romances, providing a swoon-worthy love story with an artistic backdrop and a unique set of characters who face a unique set of difficulties in the Victorian era. Stella and Teddy have excellent chemistry on the page, and those who love the marriage of convenience trope with fade to black romance will love the happily ever after! Heroes with physical disabilities and heroines with unconventional beauty are not done enough in romantic fiction, and Mimi Matthews features both perfectly with great emotional depth, realistic adversity, and humbling perspective. I truly adored this book, and this entire series, because Mimi Matthews does historical romance in a fabulously remarkable way that delivers five star reads for me each time! Be sure to add the entire Belles of London series to your collection!

I received an advance copy for review purposes from the author, but my thoughts are my own! I really did love it!

Hampshire England - 1862

Stella Hobhouse, 22, lives in the village of Fostonbury with her pious clergyman brother, Daniel. After her parents died when she was quite young, Daniel has overseen her upbringing and also her schooling. When she was 16, her hair turned gray which has always made her feel that she is overlooked and uninteresting. Stella and her best friends Anne, Evie, and Julia are all very good horsewomen and enjoy their riding expertise. She misses her horse, Locket, as they are very close.

When in London recently, Stella visited a gallery to view their paintings. A young man, Edward (Teddy) Hayes, 24, was painting there and he was so struck with the beauty of Stella’s gray hair that he suggested that she view Whistler’s newest creation of a woman surprisingly similar in looks to Stella. He was hoping he could see her again and be introduced to her as he knew he had found his muse and he wanted to paint her. Teddy is in a wheelchair after suffering a bad case of scarlet fever as a young child that resulted in the loss of the use of his legs.

Shortly after, Stella is attending a Christmas house party and when she sees Teddy, she flees because as she was tired of her gray hair, she had dyed it an auburn color and she knew he would notice. But when she realizes that her hair has grown sticky, it must be washed thoroughly resulting in it returning to her natural color. Now, she has to cover her hair until the party is over. But she happens upon Teddy one day as he is painting and she realizes how very talented he is.

As Teddy continues to pursue Stella, we see a slow build of attraction, respect, and then love grow between these two people. The story is rather different from the usual historical romance novels I have read in that our hero is in a wheelchair and appears to be centered more on his art than on Stella, however, he needs Stella to complete his art. Stella is a very strong character and it is her strength that will make her the perfect wife and muse for a lifetime. A deep love is depicted in this story that will have readers think about it for a long time to come. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Love this series! Love how the previous couples are very present in this story as well.
Appreciate the representation of the hero in a wheelchair and the heroine a lovely spinster with silver hair. Stella, a Spinster of 22 years old, so old lol, but her unconventional looks put her at a disadvantage. It’s so hard listening to how hard her brother was on her and how little he seemed to care for her. But also listening to Teddy’s family who was very protective of him since he needed care but they at least meant well.
This was part marriage of convenience, part attempt at independence for them both. He wanted to paint her and she wanted to ride her horse. They fell for each other before they even knew it.

Stella's story was such a fun ending for the four horsewomen! Reading about her learning to see her own beauty and overcome the typical perspective of society was a really satisfying experience. Add to that the hero's reliance on a wheelchair and others for his mobility, after an illness several years prior to the series, and this is a really fun story well told. Definitely a modern take, which I really enjoyed, as well as the opportunity for the reader to stay in the surface of the story or dig deep into the work with the characters.

I’ve appreciated Mimi Matthews novels about the “Belles of London” for various reasons but mostly because her heroines buck society’s expectations. Stella’s story is a little bit different because she is both a pariah because of her unusual hair color but she’s also close to impoverished and reliant upon her brother’s good nature, of which he has none. When she has to make a difficult decision about her future she is brave enough to try to make things happen on her own.

Teddy also has his own difficulties. As a man in a wheelchair, his family tends to coddle him and try to make decisions for him. His “marriage of convenience” that he offers to Stella helps his independence, but isn’t the only reason for his offer. He truly is attracted to and wants to be with Stella. I loved that these two people who had difficulties in their lives found each other and a way to be in love together. For me, their stories made for a more emotional book which made it different than the others. I liked it!

This is the final tale of the last to fall in love of the Four Horsemen is Stella Hobbouse beautifully talented and lovely to look at!
Because of her pious prig of a brother she always attempts to dull her brilliance and make herself small! It is the true saying of hiding your light under a bushel.
Stella does try but she is unable to with her mostly sweet disposition!
Enter Teddy Hayes in a wheeled chair due to scarlet fever that greatly impacted his spine and use of his legs!
One look at Stella and became his muse and he had to paint her but do much more!
Stella knew that to be seen really seen it would strike a nerve in her brother who wants to marry and Stella is. Burden in the way!
When I tell you I stayed up way too late to finish this book!
Her friend Anne finale along with several other couples stories are intertwined with their own continued happy ending!
There are times of frustration as everyone can see the obvious answer to the couples dilemma but them!
They do finally figure out after several more hiccups but love always wins! Bravo

Loved this gorgeous book! From the cover to the opening line, I was hooked! This authors’ characters are always beautifully described in artfully written words! She takes time to help you feel what they are feeling, what they are experiencing! I love it! I am never disappointed in the journey to find themselves and even each other! I really can’t explain it, you must experience it! Enjoy it! You won’t be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley and the author for this opportunity to read this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Mathews is a wonderful book that is number four in The Belles of London series, but is a stand-alone novel. Stella Hobhouse is a an amazing horse rider, friend, artist, and her hair has completely gone gray. She stands out wherever she goes. Her brother is controlling and does not see her potential. Teddy Hayes is an artist who is in a wheeled chair and thinks Stella is breathtaking! He dreams of painting her. Hope!

I always enjoy falling into a Mimi Mathews story. Watching both Stella and Teddy come into their own, become confident in who they are, and slowly realize they were good together was breathtaking. Teddy and Stella had great chemistry, banter, and a beautiful relationship.

It was great to visit with other characters from the series and see everyone’s happy ending. I felt like I was attending a beautiful family reunion.

The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Mathews is a delightful story filled with romance, fascinating historical details, and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed visiting with the four furies of Victorian London and am so sorry the series has come to an end. I highly recommend!

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Stella Hobhouse has done her best to disappear in the background and not draw attention to her herself, except when it comes to horse Locket and group of fellow lady equestrians. She is therefore taken aback by all the attention she receives from disabled artist Teddy Hayes. Captivated by Stella’s silver hair and ethereal glow, Teddy is determined to convince her to let him paint her portrait. After Stella’s relationship with her clergyman brother comes to a head, she heads to London where she and Teddy come together again as she slowly takes her life by the reins.

I will forever be a fan Mimi Matthews and recommend her to any historical romance fan. Not only does this book have a disability represented, but the historical research of the art and equipment of time helps the reader fully understand and connect to these beautiful characters. What an ending to this wonderful series!

Happy pub day to the final Belles of London book! This series was one of the first that really got me into Historical Romance, so I'm feeling particular mushy about the last Belle of London.

It isn't a surprise that I loved this book; I love every book of Mimi's that I get to read. What does still surprise me is how thoroughly she makes me fall in love with her characters time and time again. Teddy and Stella were no different, but still uniquely themselves, just as Mimi achieves with all of her literary couples. No one writes tender love and longing like her. I truly believe she is one of the best current writers of love stories.

It is so bittersweet to see this series end, but knowing the Mimi-verse, I'm confident we will get glimpses of our Four Horsewomen in the future.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love this series. The Muse of Maiden Lane is the fourth installment in the Belles of London series. I loved the fact that one of the main characters has a physical disability, and the story built around him absolutely shines. I love reading about art and enjoyed Stella's role as the "muse" in this story. I loved to see two people who don't quite fit society's expectations fall in love. This is a wonderful conclusion to the series.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.