Blog Tour: The Siren Of Sussex!

The Siren of Sussex (Belles of London #1) by Mimi Matthews

Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

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

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

GIVEAWAY!

Timeframe: Jan 4 - Feb 7, 2022

Terms & Conditions:

Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. Void where prohibited.

The Giveaway Package:

1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives the following:

Signed print copy of The Siren of Sussex

Horse scarf

Pewter sidesaddle brooch (made in Sussex, England!)

The Siren of Sussex tote bag

Three candles in scents: Fresh Hay, New Saddle, and Winter Ride

Box of Ahmad Tea (60 count, assorted flavors)

The Siren of Sussex bookmark

The giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 1/4/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 2/7/22.

The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog - mimimatthews.com – at 8:00 pm Pacific time on 2/8/22.

ENTER HERE!

EXCERPT

A surge of disappointment dimmed Evelyn’s smile. It occurred to her, quite suddenly, how little she knew about him.

Of course, he must have a sweetheart. Heaven’s sake, he was probably married! Just because he didn’t wear a wedding band didn’t mean he didn’t have a wife—and probably several children besides. It was none of her affair.

She turned back to the shelves. “In that case . . . What about a romance?”

“No romances,” he said darkly.

“No?” Was he one of those stuffy men who disapproved of romance novels? Many did. Even so, she’d expected better of him. A man who designed clothing so beautifully shouldn’t be averse to sentiment. “What about this one, then? Silas Marner. It only came out last year.”

Mr. Malik drew it from the shelf. It was bound in brown cloth with gilt lettering on the spine. “What’s it about?”

“An individual and his place in society. The hero of the story is a weaver. A man with no family to speak of, who keeps himself apart from his community.”

“A bit too close to home.” He returned the book to the shelf. “She needs something bright. Something to boost her spirits.”

Evelyn wondered why. Was she ill? Melancholic? Had she had some sort of disappointment? “In that case”—she reached for a Jane Austen novel—“I recommend this one.”

He took it from her, giving the title a dubious glance. “Northanger Abbey.”

“It’s Miss Austen’s satire of a Gothic novel. A vastly entertaining read. It should take her mind off whatever it is that’s troubling her.”

Mr. Malik thumbed through the pages. His expression was doubtful.

“I confess,” she said “there is a romance in the story, but it’s witty rather than mawkish. I can’t imagine she won’t enjoy it.”

“It’s still a romance.”

A cough sounded nearby, along with the thump of books being shoved back on a shelf. It was a reminder that she and Mr. Malik weren’t alone. Far from it. The shop seemed to be growing busier.

Evelyn sunk her voice. “What does she have against romance?”

“Nothing,” he replied, his tone equally low. “I just don’t want her to get any ideas.”

“Ideas about what?”

“About happily-ever-afters.”

The wide swell of Evelyn’s skirts brushed his leg. She belatedly realized that she’d drawn closer to him. That their conversation had taken on an air of intimacy. “You object to them?”

“I don’t believe in fairy tales,” he said.

She gave him an amused look. “Is that what they are?”

“In my experience.”

“How illuminating.”

“Is it?” He turned another page.

“Indeed. You’re a cynic, Mr. Malik. I wouldn’t have thought it.”

“I’m a realist.”

“Happily-ever-afters are real. For some people, at least. And even if they weren’t . . . A little romance never hurt anyone.”

His eyes lifted to hers. There was an expression in them that was hard to read. “You think not?”

Butterflies unfurled their wings in her stomach. The same feeling she’d had when she’d first touched his hand. A fluttering, breathless sensation. As if her corset had been laced too tightly. “No,” she said. And then she thought of Fenny. “Not in a novel, anyway.”

His mouth curled into the barest hint of a smile.

Once again, she had the unsettling sensation that he could read her mind. She took a step back from him. “Forgive me, but I mustn’t linger. My maid is waiting for me.”

He closed the book, clutching it in his hand. “Thank you for your help.”

“It was my pleasure. I hope your . . .” Wife? Sweetheart? “I hope she enjoys the story.”

“My cousin.”

Evelyn nearly stumbled in the process of taking another step backward. “I beg your pardon?”

“The book is for my cousin.”

His words penetrated before she could school her features. She was certain an expression of relief passed over her face.

She was equally certain that he saw it.

Heaven only knew what he must think.

“Your cousin. Well, that’s . . . that’s splendid.” Splendid? Evelyn’s eyes closed against a swell of embarrassment. She was quite ready to disappear into a hole in the earth. She took another step back. “Please convey my regards.”

His smile broadened. “I shall.”

From THE SIREN OF SUSSEX published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2021 by Mimi Matthews.

ADVANCE PRAISE

“…a tender and swoon worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”— Booklist, starred review

“Matthews deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to ‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review

"Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year."— Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman

Photo Credit: Berkley Jove (TR)

Author Bio: USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

Here Are A Few Links:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

The Siren of Sussex Book Tour Schedule

Jan 10 Cogitations and Meditations (Review)

Jan 10   Heidi Reads (Review)

Jan 10   Reading is My Superpower (Review)

Jan 10   Austenprose (Review)

Jan 10   Eli's Novel Reviews (Review)

Jan 10   Robin Loves Reading (Review)

Jan 11   Culturess (Review)

Jan 11   Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

Jan 11   Syrie James (Review)

Jan 11   Wishful Endings (Review)

Jan 12   Amanda's Book Corner (Review)

Jan 12   Quill Ink (Review)

Jan 12   Relz Reviewz (Review)

Jan 13   Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Jan 13   Roses are Blue (Review)

Jan 13   The Lit Bitch (Review)

Jan 14   History Lizzie (Review)

Jan 14   Life of Literature (Review)

Jan 14   My Bookish Bliss (Review)

Jan 15   The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)

Jan 15   Books and Socks Rock (Review)

Jan 16   Heather Moll (Review)

Jan 16   The Bashful Bookworm (Review)

Jan 17   Eleanor Lynn (Review)

Jan 17   Bookworm Lisa (Review)

Jan 17   Novel's Alive (Review)

Jan 18   The Calico Critic (Review)

Jan 18   Nerd by Nature (Review)

Jan 18   Bobs & Books (Review)

Jan 19   The Secret Victorianist (Review)

Jan 19   Savvy Verse & Wit (Interview) 

Jan 19   Captivated Reading (Review)

Jan 20   Vesper's Place (Review)

Jan 20   Nurse Bookie (Review)

Jan 20   A Bookish Way of Life (Review)

Jan 21   Clarissa Harwood (Review)

Jan 21   Library of Clean Reads (Review)

Jan 21   Bonnie Reads and Writes (Review)

Jan 21   Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

Jan 22   The Literature Chick Book Blog (Review)

Jan 22   Red Headed Book Lady (Review)

Jan 23   Inkwell Inspirations (Review)

Jan 23   Stacy's Books (Review)

Jan 24   Elizabeth Mahon (Interview)

Jan 24   Jocelyne Reads Romance (Review)

Jan 24   One Book More (Review)

Jan 24   Lady with a Quill (Review)

Jan 24   From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

Jan 25   Confessions of a Book Addict (Review)

Jan 25   Stephanie Barron (Review)

Jan 25   Laura's Reviews (Review)

Jan 25   Reading with Emily (Review)

Jan 26   Bringing Up Books (Review)

Jan 26   A Darn Good Read (Review)

Jan 26   Lis Loves Reading (Review)

Jan 27   My Vices and Weaknesses (Review)

Jan 27   Katie's Clean Book Collection (Review)

Jan 27   Lu Reviews Books (Review)

Jan 28   The Reading Frenzy (Interview) 

Jan 28   View from the Birdhouse (Review)

Jan 28   Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Jan 28   By the Book (Review)

Jan 29   Cup of Tea with that Book Please (Review)

Jan 29   Chicks, Rogues, & Scandals (Review)

Jan 29   Rosanne Lortz (Review)

Jan 30   Charlotte Brentwood (Review)

Jan 30   Leah Garriott (Review)

Jan 30   Just Another Teen Reading Books (Review)

Jan 30   Literary Time Out (Review)

The Siren of Sussex is out now from Berkley Romance!