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A review by katiemack
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
adventurous
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first in a promising new Victorian-era romance series, and I found myself falling in love with the fiercely independent, intelligent, and somewhat self-deprecating Evelyn and the serious-yet-warmhearted Ahmad. Their coupling felt natural with only a hint of insta-love; it's a slow burn with a pretty low spice level (quite appropriate for the era). I appreciate how Ahmad's passion shines through both when he creates new designs for dresses, but also when he contends with his own identity as a half-Indian, half-British tailor and how that would affect his relationship with Evelyn. (I learned while reading the Author's Note that Mimi Matthews has similar struggles with her own identity.) While we don't get as much of a sense of Evelyn's passions other than her horse and vaguely bluestocking values system, I was still invested in her and rooted for the romance up until the end of the book.
Tired of Bridgerton? (Or, in the same vein, NOT tired of Bridgerton and looking for more historical romance?) Try this.
This is the first in a promising new Victorian-era romance series, and I found myself falling in love with the fiercely independent, intelligent, and somewhat self-deprecating Evelyn and the serious-yet-warmhearted Ahmad. Their coupling felt natural with only a hint of insta-love; it's a slow burn with a pretty low spice level (quite appropriate for the era). I appreciate how Ahmad's passion shines through both when he creates new designs for dresses, but also when he contends with his own identity as a half-Indian, half-British tailor and how that would affect his relationship with Evelyn. (I learned while reading the Author's Note that Mimi Matthews has similar struggles with her own identity.) While we don't get as much of a sense of Evelyn's passions other than her horse and vaguely bluestocking values system, I was still invested in her and rooted for the romance up until the end of the book.
Tired of Bridgerton? (Or, in the same vein, NOT tired of Bridgerton and looking for more historical romance?) Try this.