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hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a great series opener and I enjoyed Evelyn and Malik’s story.
Malik is working to create a place for himself as a dressmaker and Evelyn is need of clothes to transform her for her London season. Their romance unfolds through appointments as Malik designs and creates a wardrobe for Evelyn. Stolen glances and accidental touches create a forbidden longing between the two. Each are in the midst of bettering their futures and feel that their family’s opportunities are riding on their current plans.
I wasn’t sure how Malik and Evelyn would find a HEA that was believable but it all fit perfectly as the pieces fell into place. The potential consequences was palpable but was proud of the leap they both had to make to get there.
Spiritualism was popular during this time and heavily influenced the events and decisions of the story. It took a larger part of the plot than I expected but was beneficial in propelling the story forward at times. The effects of colonialism and racism was also a large part of this story.
The future heroines of the rest of the series was introduced gradually instead of all at once in the beginning. I found it interesting Evelyn wasn’t part of the established group of friends. But it worked well and gave the story a different dynamic.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and how/if any of the male side characters make their way to being future heroes.
There was a bit of a lull a little over halfway through, waiting for something to propel the plot forward. Once it got a nudge, the pace picked up again and stayed rolling until the end.
I appreciated the author’s note and found it interesting and insightful. Siren of Sussex is the first book in the Belles of London series.
This is a closed door romance with several kisses and a few sensual moments and internal thoughts.
Malik is working to create a place for himself as a dressmaker and Evelyn is need of clothes to transform her for her London season. Their romance unfolds through appointments as Malik designs and creates a wardrobe for Evelyn. Stolen glances and accidental touches create a forbidden longing between the two. Each are in the midst of bettering their futures and feel that their family’s opportunities are riding on their current plans.
I wasn’t sure how Malik and Evelyn would find a HEA that was believable but it all fit perfectly as the pieces fell into place. The potential consequences was palpable but was proud of the leap they both had to make to get there.
Spiritualism was popular during this time and heavily influenced the events and decisions of the story. It took a larger part of the plot than I expected but was beneficial in propelling the story forward at times. The effects of colonialism and racism was also a large part of this story.
The future heroines of the rest of the series was introduced gradually instead of all at once in the beginning. I found it interesting Evelyn wasn’t part of the established group of friends. But it worked well and gave the story a different dynamic.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and how/if any of the male side characters make their way to being future heroes.
There was a bit of a lull a little over halfway through, waiting for something to propel the plot forward. Once it got a nudge, the pace picked up again and stayed rolling until the end.
I appreciated the author’s note and found it interesting and insightful. Siren of Sussex is the first book in the Belles of London series.
This is a closed door romance with several kisses and a few sensual moments and internal thoughts.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was a bit slow for me at times; I had to put it down to pick it up a few times (aided by the Storygraph's new paused feature). I also read the 2nd book first, and the friendship circle left me excited to read this 1st one. However, I don't think this one delves as much into their friendship as I would like. In fact, I feel there's more talk of mourning/spiritual matters than there is of the friends. I wish there was more of that, especially since the 2nd book places so much emphasis on how close they are.
Overall, I did enjoy this. I really liked Ahmad, I thought he was so sweet and doting. And I enjoyed the play on class/race in a historical romance. I feel like there aren't many stories like this one!!
Overall, I did enjoy this. I really liked Ahmad, I thought he was so sweet and doting. And I enjoyed the play on class/race in a historical romance. I feel like there aren't many stories like this one!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, Sexual harassment, Classism
Moderate: Racial slurs, Colonisation
Minor: Suicide, Death of parent, Pregnancy
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a slow book, but the first 30% was extremely slow. I pushed through because I really liked the chapters with the Male lead’s POV. This would make a beautiful adaptation- the historical accuracy, deception of clothes and social class, chefs kiss. It was a little bit too “love at first sight” for my taste, but I know many like that sense of certainty. There’s not any banter, it’s more an emotional connection between the couple.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cute, quick read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism
Minor: Sexual violence, Sexual harassment
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I adored this! The premise, the 'stakes' - this was exactly what I wanted out of a historical romance!
The story follows Evelyn, a young orphaned lady who is tasked with finding a wealthy husband to support her and her sisters, and Ahmad, a biracial dressmaker setting his sights on expanding his business. Together they
This story clearly had a lot of care put into it, especially with the historical accuracies! Very accurate to the time-period and really helps you feel like you are there with our ladies.
This is a closed-door romance, so no spicy scenes, but the tension between our two really adds to the story, and I honestly prefer historical romances like this. If you like the slow burn romances of the likes of Jane Austen, then give this one a try!
Cannot wait to read the next one!
The story follows Evelyn, a young orphaned lady who is tasked with finding a wealthy husband to support her and her sisters, and Ahmad, a biracial dressmaker setting his sights on expanding his business. Together they
This story clearly had a lot of care put into it, especially with the historical accuracies! Very accurate to the time-period and really helps you feel like you are there with our ladies.
This is a closed-door romance, so no spicy scenes, but the tension between our two really adds to the story, and I honestly prefer historical romances like this. If you like the slow burn romances of the likes of Jane Austen, then give this one a try!
Cannot wait to read the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, Classism
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual violence, Suicide, Pregnancy
Matthew’s writing is great and the romance is sweet, but my god this was a tough one to get through 😭. If this was edited down about 100 pages it would have been a 4/5 star
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Sexual harassment, Colonisation
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Colonisation
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Colonisation
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Classism
Minor: Racial slurs