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?
The Siren of Sussex Review
While I’m a huge fan of romance, I’m quite new to the historical romance genre. The Siren of Sussex is a sweet and emotional romance that I enjoyed!
The Siren of Sussex follows Evelyn, an equestrienne who is new to London. She’s determined to make a name for herself and hopefully find herself a husband. When she enlists a London tailor named Ahmad to create her riding habits, they strike up a quick friendship that leads to something more.
Evelyn and Ahmad are both charming main characters. Evelyn is quirky and so sweet — it’s easy to like her! I also love how she chases after what she wants. Ahmad is just a sweetheart that readers can’t help but love. The reader can’t help but root for Ahmad to accomplish his goals.
I really enjoyed the overall story and the side characters! The friendship that Evelyn strikes up with Julia, Anne and Stella is so enjoyable. I’m super excited to read the sequel and see how Julia’s love story unfolds.
While the romance is closed-door, there’s still a lot of passion and emotion. My only complaint is the instant love between Evelyn and Ahmad. It’s just not one of my favourite tropes. But I love their connection with each other and the growth of their relationship is enjoyable.
Overall, The Siren of Sussex is a delightful historical romance. While I’m new to the genre, I definitely plan on continuing my exploration of these types of books. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both hirstorical non-fiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, in 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.
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