A review by onthesamepage
The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes:
secret identities, marriage of convenience, he falls first

Steam level: 🌶

“If I drown in this pond—”
“You’ll not drown.”
“— I shall come back to haunt you.”
He gave her a fleeting grin. “‘Be with me always— take any form— drive me mad.’”
Her fingers dug into his muscles. “You said this wasn’t like Wuthering Heights.”
“Thank God for that. I much prefer you alive.”

Once I got into this story, I couldn't put it down. I read it on my way to work. I read it during every minute break during a two-day conference, to the detriment of my phone battery, which was at 12% when I got home. I wanted to know what the next obstacle for Julia and Jasper would be, and how they would overcome it and exceed my expectations while doing so. Because if there is one compliment I can give this book, it's that it really didn't go the way I was expecting.

The plot isn't very subtle, and I found it easy to figure out what exactly was going on. There was a lot of potential for relationship drama here, and especially for miscommunication, but there was surprisingly little of that going on. Secrets were revealed, they would discuss it, and their bond would grow stronger without anyone flouncing off.

I was enthralled by both Jasper and Julia. Julia's anxiety was depicted in a way that doesn't make her a regular shy wallflower of the kind historical romances are full of. But despite that, she's also brave and willing to stand up for those she cares about, even if she can't always stand up for herself. Jasper, meanwhile, appears to be a man of many layers, but the way he cares about Julia was incredibly sweet, and I loved seeing all the concessions he made just to be with her.

My only issue is the ending, which felt lackluster compared to the rest of the book. It's clear very early on that Julia's parents' motivations are incredibly self-centered, but it made for a weird plotline and an even weirder resolution. There are things that are conveniently ignored or swept under the rug, but I still really loved this book, and would recommend it. 
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