Book Review #thebelleofbelgravesquare #mimimatthews #berkleyromance #netgalley #historicalromance #booktour #autenprosepr
I have been absolutely charmed by the Belles of London series by Mimi Matthews. I loved the first and I am continuously blown away by the second. Mimi Matthews has such a lovely voice that is easily accessible, quickly draws the reader in, and keeps the reader intrigued to the last page. This novel feels fresh and new, the machinations and beats are unique to the first and draws on gothic inspiration (which Matthews is no stranger to). This novel feels carefully and gentle crafted with respect and understanding of the gothic classics genre. Matthews builds and interesting plot with wonderful and dimensional characters and leaves the reader with a cozy gothic romance perfect for the fall season.
Julia is a hopeless romantic with crippling social anxiety which makes transversing the London ballrooms an uneasy task. Julia finds confidence while riding her horse and joy and freedom in her novels. From the moment the notorious Captain Jasper sets his sights on her, Julia is intrigued while cautious unsure of exactly what she could truly offer him. Jasper needs a wealthy wife to help him restore his run down estate and raise his three illegitimate children. Rumors and secrets around Jasper's past and estate not only spark Julia's imagination but also provide a bit of hesitancy until she decides that she must take her own future into her hands and she proposes a marriage of convenience.
I absolutely adored this novel. I loved Julia as our heroine, she is quietly strong, extremely intelligent and thoughtful and has an open and loving heart. Jasper is not all that he seems and rumors are made to be ignored, he is caring and kind and once he sets his eyes on Julia, no one else will do. I love that in this novel the hero is the first to fall, he is quietly intrigued by Julia, he finds her irresistible, and he pursues her with care and consent. I love that he always respects her boundaries, while also being readily available to her when and if she needs his support. I love that Jasper sees that Julia is strong and capable. I love that these two build a friendship and respect for each other and that they slowly build their trust in each other which means they can work through their secrets calmly and give each other space when it is needed. Mimi Matthews has a way of building a soft kind of chemistry that is comforting and heartwarming. Matthews does not write her romances explicitly but I am still able to experience a sweet romance that has a nice depth of respect and a gentle love that is believable.
I love that Matthews is able to build a cozy gothic romance in this novel. The gothic elements are gentle and balanced in this realistic feeling historical romance. I definitely feel like Mimi Matthews respects and enjoys the gothic genre and she uses it to influence this romance is a beautiful way while giving it plot points that mimic gothic beats but keeping the tone in line with a modern style of historical romance.
I highly recommend this novel, and now is the perfect season to read it in. Mimi Matthews is definitely an author to check out and I am so looking forward to the continuation of this series. If you have not picked up the first novel in this series I also highly recommend it, and while this is a series, each novel is a standalone and can easily be read as such.
Thank you to Berkley Romance and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
PURCHASE LINKS
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.
VICTORIAN READING ROOM
Join Mimi at her Victorian Reading Room Facebook Group for exclusive access as she shares her love of writing, historical romance, Victorian fashion, brooding heroes, independent heroines, and of course, her beloved pets!
READ AN EXCLSUIVE INTERVIEW WITH MIMI MATTHEWS
Discover intriguing insights into The Belle of Belgrave Square and Mimi’s writing life in this exclusive interview at austenprose.com.
GIVEAWAY
Mimi has generously offered a fabulous giveaway that book tour participants can add to their post and on social media. Here are the details:
Giveaway period: October 3 – October 30
Terms & Conditions:
Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of the book to the winner. Void where prohibited.
Giveaway Details:
1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives a paperback copy of The Belle of Belgrave Square, signed and annotated by the author with personal comments, underlining of her favorite lines, and other highlights by Mimi Matthews.
Giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 10/03/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 10/30/22.
The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog on 10/31/22.
Rafflecopter Form: