Evelyn Maltravers had hoped she wouldn’t have to brave the ruthless London season and catch a wealthy husband, but that’s exactly where she finds herself in the spring of 1862. Her prospects aren’t ideal: with no dowry to speak of, the reputation of an elder flighty sister to overcome and a depressed London society in mourning for the recent death of the Prince Consort, Evelyn has her work cut out for her. She does have a secret weapon though: she can ride better than most men, and with the help of the finest habit maker in London, she will look irresistible to the ton atop her stunning Andalusian stallion. But the real shock comes when she meets the elusive habit maker. Ahmad Malik’s name isn’t on top tailor’s shop in London, but he’s the unknown success behind the fabulous finery that has the gossips buzzing. Ahmad’s Anglo-Indian background and his checkered past—he was raised in a brothel—means he’s at an even greater disadvantage than most tailors trying to break into high society. Yet when Ahmad and Evelyn clap eyes on each other, they know they were made to be together. He recognizes her as a muse that will showcase his best work; she knows that his clothes will give her an immeasurable boost in confidence. The sparks aren’t just limited to fashion. But can the Siren of Sussex achieve the impossible: marry her tailor while achieving the financial independence that will allow her to pursue her own destiny?
This being a romance, the end might be a foregone conclusion, but Mimi Matthews tells Evelyn and Ahmed’s story in a fresh and compelling way. Matthews’ work is new to me with this title, but she’s already making a name for herself with her Victorian-set romances. An author on Victorian history, her research shines through in her storytelling. Touching on the rich elements of this moment in Victorian history—for instance, the craze for spiritualism and séances and the transitions in women’s apparel as women’s athleticism grew— Matthews’ historical touches liven the story and play a pivotal role in telling Ahmed and Evelyn’s journey to happiness. Perhaps the most interesting element is the portrayal of all of London’s society, from the highest courtier to the lowly dockside characters, blue-blooded aristocrats and burgeoning middle class tradespeople, all in a metropolis that is vibrantly in color. It’s a London that too often is underrepresented in historical romance, and Evelyn and Ahmed’s story of cross-cultural and cross-class love gives a freshness to historical romance that I’ve been missing lately. Their road to love isn’t smooth of course, but Evelyn is firm in her desire to get what she wants, even if it means bucking society’s expectations, and Ahmed is her equal in every way, supportive of what she needs, but a fully developed character in his own right. AND he makes her a dress with pockets. Reader, what more could you want in a hero?
The Siren of Sussex is the first of Matthews’ Belles of London series. Evelyn’s posse of horse-riding friends are a great supporting cast, each coping with difficulties of a London season, but confident and bold on horseback. I cannot wait to read the next in the series, The Belle of Belgrave Square, due out in October. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to trying out some of Matthews’ backlist. The Siren of Sussex is a great read for fans of Evie Dunmore’s or Joanna Lowell’s Victorian set romances, or general readers of historical romances from any era.