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Belles of London #3
The Lily of Ludgate Hill
Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?
Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.
No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.
Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.
Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.
No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.
Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2024
About the author
Mimi Matthews
21 books3,546 followersUSA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances, including The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee. Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, 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 an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, a miniature poodle, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
**I only rate the books I love.**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 618 reviews
March 17, 2024
watching turtles have sex would have been more fun
February 1, 2024
*kristina falls over dead* 💀
July 14, 2024
4.5 stars
I was so excited when I was approved for this arc! I've loved this series so far and think it deserves far more interest than it has received so far. They're getting better as they go, and I'm sure the last will follow that pattern.
I loved Hart and Anne's relationship and their second chance romance. I don't really remember any specific interactions with them in the first two books, but you'll get the gist of it seeing them interact at the beginning of this one.
Hart was a big ol' softy and I loved how he poked at Anne; someone had to give her some shit! I really felt for Anne's situation and trying to take care of her mother, but seven years way a looooong time to be stuck as she was. But I enjoyed her progression throughout and realizing she'd been stagnant and wanted to do something more with her life.
I'd highly recommend this series, especially for those who are Bridgerton fans. Maybe not quite as much drama as those but still incredibly enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
I was so excited when I was approved for this arc! I've loved this series so far and think it deserves far more interest than it has received so far. They're getting better as they go, and I'm sure the last will follow that pattern.
I loved Hart and Anne's relationship and their second chance romance. I don't really remember any specific interactions with them in the first two books, but you'll get the gist of it seeing them interact at the beginning of this one.
Hart was a big ol' softy and I loved how he poked at Anne; someone had to give her some shit! I really felt for Anne's situation and trying to take care of her mother, but seven years way a looooong time to be stuck as she was. But I enjoyed her progression throughout and realizing she'd been stagnant and wanted to do something more with her life.
I'd highly recommend this series, especially for those who are Bridgerton fans. Maybe not quite as much drama as those but still incredibly enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
February 4, 2024
”I’ll always care what happens to you, Anne. The truth is . . . I wouldn’t know how to stop.”
Six and a half years ago Anne and Hart had a terrible fight and broke their secret engagement. Now they cross paths again…
These two never stopped loving each other, but their journey to HEA was not easy. Nothing was obvious and it took Hart some time to get Anne to trust him again. It was wonderful how he fought for her and for their love, how he always thought of her and never lost hope.
This book was much more than a romance, there were so many layers to it! It was a poignant story about grief, forgiveness and allowing yourself to be happy. There was the complex family dynamic on Hart’s side which showed how incredibly kind and loving he was, and there was Anne’s relationship with her mother.
My heart was breaking for both women, especially knowing that the author based the story partly on her own experiences.
I am absolutely in love with this book and the Alex Archer cameo was just a cherry on top.
Thanks Kristina for the buddy read!
——-
I want to go back in time and read this book for the first time again. I need more stars to rate it.
RTC
Six and a half years ago Anne and Hart had a terrible fight and broke their secret engagement. Now they cross paths again…
These two never stopped loving each other, but their journey to HEA was not easy. Nothing was obvious and it took Hart some time to get Anne to trust him again. It was wonderful how he fought for her and for their love, how he always thought of her and never lost hope.
This book was much more than a romance, there were so many layers to it! It was a poignant story about grief, forgiveness and allowing yourself to be happy. There was the complex family dynamic on Hart’s side which showed how incredibly kind and loving he was, and there was Anne’s relationship with her mother.
My heart was breaking for both women, especially knowing that the author based the story partly on her own experiences.
I am absolutely in love with this book and the Alex Archer cameo was just a cherry on top.
Thanks Kristina for the buddy read!
——-
I want to go back in time and read this book for the first time again. I need more stars to rate it.
RTC
January 16, 2024
Mimi Matthews has carved out a special little niche in historical romance: her books are closed door romances that are also homages to Victorian literature and history. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no different. It focuses on Lady Anne Deverill. Six years ago, the day after her beau Felix proposed, her father (an earl) passed away. Instead of remaining in England, Felix left on a year-long plant-hunting expedition. As soon as he returned, he was ready to start his life with Anne. But when she said she needed more time, they had a ferocious row that ended with their breaking the engagement. And ever since, Anne and her mother have lived in perpetual mourning. When the book opens, things around Anne and her mother are slowly changing: Anne's friends are getting married, and the heir to the earldom has notified them that he will be taking possession of their townhouse.
This is a book without much plot. Things happen, but there's no real driving force. This mirrors Anne's slow reemergence from her grief. While her mother was able to fully immerse herself in her feelings, Anne felt responsible for holding the small family together. Felix's inability to understand (or, perhaps, his unwillingness to sympathize) solidified her isolation. And yes, Felix has more going on than Anne (or anyone else!) knows.
This is a slow, slow burn of a romance that's more about Anne's reawakening to the world than about her feelings for Felix. (Anne and Felix are remarkably constant, despite their falling out.) Their decaying orbit - moving closer and closer to each other as the book goes on - is a pleasure to read, despite the lack of major plot elements or grand gestures.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
This is a book without much plot. Things happen, but there's no real driving force. This mirrors Anne's slow reemergence from her grief. While her mother was able to fully immerse herself in her feelings, Anne felt responsible for holding the small family together. Felix's inability to understand (or, perhaps, his unwillingness to sympathize) solidified her isolation. And yes, Felix has more going on than Anne (or anyone else!) knows.
This is a slow, slow burn of a romance that's more about Anne's reawakening to the world than about her feelings for Felix. (Anne and Felix are remarkably constant, despite their falling out.) Their decaying orbit - moving closer and closer to each other as the book goes on - is a pleasure to read, despite the lack of major plot elements or grand gestures.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
February 16, 2024
This book. This review. Nothing about this comes easy. Some of my favorite books were written by Matthews, but this doesn’t make the list.
To be candid, at 20% I was about to pull the plug and call time of death. But… Mimi?? Do that to Mimi???. I took a break and returned.
This story dragged. Every 10% felt like a hard won battle. It took six days to finish, or in doggy years, a cosmic 2-1/2 weeks.
So here’s the thing, along with too many unlikable characters, Anne was devoid of a personality. In the previous books she never piqued my interest. And whad’ya know, in here she embodied the perfect example of a “drip” (old slang). In contrast, Hart was the epitome of swoony charm with full on 😍😍😍 whenever he was around Anne. Which begged the question, what did he see in her? Which kind of led me to conclude he was an idiot. My suspension of disbelief collapsed like a house of cards.
The last 12% and Mimi’s flair for writing kept the rating modestly afloat. I’m not ready to abandon this series yet. I’ll return for Stellla and Teddy.
To be candid, at 20% I was about to pull the plug and call time of death. But… Mimi?? Do that to Mimi???. I took a break and returned.
This story dragged. Every 10% felt like a hard won battle. It took six days to finish, or in doggy years, a cosmic 2-1/2 weeks.
So here’s the thing, along with too many unlikable characters, Anne was devoid of a personality. In the previous books she never piqued my interest. And whad’ya know, in here she embodied the perfect example of a “drip” (old slang). In contrast, Hart was the epitome of swoony charm with full on 😍😍😍 whenever he was around Anne. Which begged the question, what did he see in her? Which kind of led me to conclude he was an idiot. My suspension of disbelief collapsed like a house of cards.
The last 12% and Mimi’s flair for writing kept the rating modestly afloat. I’m not ready to abandon this series yet. I’ll return for Stellla and Teddy.
November 20, 2023
The pent-up dejected pining radar was getting some off the charts readings whenever Lady Anne and Mr. Hartford interacted in previous books. Right on point, this is such a new favorite second chance (and so-far favorite in this beloved series) with years’ worth of frustrated resentment and achy yearning tension, decadent with that short-fuse push and pull plus the most top-notch sardonic banter I’ve read in a minute. I’d be remiss not to mention this also has the most unexepectedly swoony endearment. Got me everytime.
Anne’s the mourning-bombazine-clad, virago-ish mama bear of the equestriennes girl gang/Furies and when she believes some sisterly rescuing is in order, well, she makes “a deal with the devil” (since I guess “A deal with the thorn-in-her-side, earl’s roguish second son” doesn’t have as good of a ring to it) and gets the help she needs and obviously more than her heart bargained for. Because then it’s like doth-protest-too-much forced proximity road trip! Honestly, that first act? Could’ve been its own angsty novella, so much unpacking and blazing moments of tension packed in. After all that, I was adrift there for a bit with where this was going. But if we learn anything from Hart and Anne, it’s that they’ll go at their own pace. And this reads in a way you knew this story is so much their own.
Though I always would appreciate a prologue or at least lots of background tea on the “first chance” when reading this esteemed trope, I’m so happy this gives so much of the special brand of second chance “Childhood friends to love to enemies to love” essentials: aforementioned angst and tension with a capital “T” for “termagant”, a slow reveal of how the wheels originally came off, the resurgence of latent feels and the discovery of who they are in the present. Plus I just live for the healthy dose of animosity from barely leashed rancor and emotional shredding that ensues as they’re simultaneously battling their individual outside pressures. Just some great hashing it out as the line between “It’s Always Been You” and “Go Take a Long Walk Off a Short Pier” is extremely, crackingly thin. But then of course Ms. Matthews has to go steps further and give me grovel and hidden meaning written communication. Romance reader joy overload.
And also, it finally happened. After eons of repelling Henry Cavill as a too-handsome hero, my mind’s eye locked in on him for Mr. Felix Hartford, and that was it. As he goes from flamboyantly dressed, impetuously daring bon-vivant to some roughened up long-suffering oceans of depth and stubborn ambition and constancy, yep, it worked so well for me. So many layers, he is not just one thing. As Miss Hobhouse’s wisdom gleamed: “…it’s the humorous ones who often pose the greatest danger.” And Hart is hazardous just with his presence, a sense of menace and grit beneath the carefree charm. He knows well the regretful face-palming of teasing barbs and an ill-timed guffaw, and that’s just the tip of the Tower of London; regrets are pesky things. I say again: when a Grade A Piner is made to grovel? Ugh, he’s such a deliciously, devotedly intense “Would Burn It All Down For You” hero.
And it’s good he’s intent on some tried-and-true steadfastness, because Anne demands to see the proof (and needs to work on some things herself). Matching her plaid-wearing “One that let me get away” in complexity, my lady has all the duality, torn by her grieving, her sense of duty and guilt and her grasping for control of her life. She’s very “Have a good cry, then straighten that spine of steel.” The symbolism Ms. Matthews paints with makes me just as giddy as all the banter and stolen kisses. I’m exercising restraint to not list all the characterization little emblems I loved catching. Read the book then look up my Pinterest board; I have such fun with images of tangible parallelisms, but also especially with books that are so utterly steeped in the time and place. Transporting and swoony, just why I read historical romance. What more could you ask?
I love the Belles, and I love this series! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. All these many, many thoughts are my own.
Content notes: Kissing only. Some language (*amn, *ell, God’s name in vain) Mention of toxic parent. Mention of extra-marital affair and illegitimate children. Mention of child labor. Interest in the occult and seánces by secondary character.
Anne’s the mourning-bombazine-clad, virago-ish mama bear of the equestriennes girl gang/Furies and when she believes some sisterly rescuing is in order, well, she makes “a deal with the devil” (since I guess “A deal with the thorn-in-her-side, earl’s roguish second son” doesn’t have as good of a ring to it) and gets the help she needs and obviously more than her heart bargained for. Because then it’s like doth-protest-too-much forced proximity road trip! Honestly, that first act? Could’ve been its own angsty novella, so much unpacking and blazing moments of tension packed in. After all that, I was adrift there for a bit with where this was going. But if we learn anything from Hart and Anne, it’s that they’ll go at their own pace. And this reads in a way you knew this story is so much their own.
Though I always would appreciate a prologue or at least lots of background tea on the “first chance” when reading this esteemed trope, I’m so happy this gives so much of the special brand of second chance “Childhood friends to love to enemies to love” essentials: aforementioned angst and tension with a capital “T” for “termagant”, a slow reveal of how the wheels originally came off, the resurgence of latent feels and the discovery of who they are in the present. Plus I just live for the healthy dose of animosity from barely leashed rancor and emotional shredding that ensues as they’re simultaneously battling their individual outside pressures. Just some great hashing it out as the line between “It’s Always Been You” and “Go Take a Long Walk Off a Short Pier” is extremely, crackingly thin. But then of course Ms. Matthews has to go steps further and give me grovel and hidden meaning written communication. Romance reader joy overload.
And also, it finally happened. After eons of repelling Henry Cavill as a too-handsome hero, my mind’s eye locked in on him for Mr. Felix Hartford, and that was it. As he goes from flamboyantly dressed, impetuously daring bon-vivant to some roughened up long-suffering oceans of depth and stubborn ambition and constancy, yep, it worked so well for me. So many layers, he is not just one thing. As Miss Hobhouse’s wisdom gleamed: “…it’s the humorous ones who often pose the greatest danger.” And Hart is hazardous just with his presence, a sense of menace and grit beneath the carefree charm. He knows well the regretful face-palming of teasing barbs and an ill-timed guffaw, and that’s just the tip of the Tower of London; regrets are pesky things. I say again: when a Grade A Piner is made to grovel? Ugh, he’s such a deliciously, devotedly intense “Would Burn It All Down For You” hero.
And it’s good he’s intent on some tried-and-true steadfastness, because Anne demands to see the proof (and needs to work on some things herself). Matching her plaid-wearing “One that let me get away” in complexity, my lady has all the duality, torn by her grieving, her sense of duty and guilt and her grasping for control of her life. She’s very “Have a good cry, then straighten that spine of steel.” The symbolism Ms. Matthews paints with makes me just as giddy as all the banter and stolen kisses. I’m exercising restraint to not list all the characterization little emblems I loved catching. Read the book then look up my Pinterest board; I have such fun with images of tangible parallelisms, but also especially with books that are so utterly steeped in the time and place. Transporting and swoony, just why I read historical romance. What more could you ask?
I love the Belles, and I love this series! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. All these many, many thoughts are my own.
Content notes: Kissing only. Some language (*amn, *ell, God’s name in vain) Mention of toxic parent. Mention of extra-marital affair and illegitimate children. Mention of child labor. Interest in the occult and seánces by secondary character.
August 11, 2023
Not my favorite in the series, the romance felt flat and the story dragged on for too long.
Loved the second book The Belle of Belgrave Square, especially Captain Blunt. While Mimi Matthew is skilled at bringing her characters to life, this one felt somewhat dull and unremarkable.
Hartford is like a saint who takes care of his late father's mistress and children but keeps it secret from his grandfather and uncle. I didn't find his reasons to be valid. Anne's father died 7 years ago, and she is stuck taking care of her mother that has fallen into spiritualism and melancholy. They reunite when Anne needs a favor from him, and Hart will play along on the condition that Anne attends a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate...The repetitive pull between Hartford and Anne made it difficult to feel the chemistry, and the romance lacked the tension and anticipation expected in a romance story., why they broke up 6.5 years ago? the reason why they couldn't be together...mutual disappointment and hurt feelings, the reasons didn't seem justifiable to me... It takes until the end of the book for Hart to understand the man he needs to be for Anne. Lack of communication, frustratingly slow, and I didn't like the epilogue.
I felt like the story could have been 100 pages shorter, things were prolonged way too long, and for that reason... losing momentum and failing to engage. I found the book to be an alright read, but it didn't personally resonate with me. While it may not have been a perfect match for my preferences, I believe it could certainly appeal to others.
Always enjoy Matthews' stories, and will continue reading her books. Loved the cover. Sadly the story was just not for me.
I appreciate NetGalley and Berkley for allowing me to read the eARC of this book.
Loved the second book The Belle of Belgrave Square, especially Captain Blunt. While Mimi Matthew is skilled at bringing her characters to life, this one felt somewhat dull and unremarkable.
Hartford is like a saint who takes care of his late father's mistress and children but keeps it secret from his grandfather and uncle. I didn't find his reasons to be valid. Anne's father died 7 years ago, and she is stuck taking care of her mother that has fallen into spiritualism and melancholy. They reunite when Anne needs a favor from him, and Hart will play along on the condition that Anne attends a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate...The repetitive pull between Hartford and Anne made it difficult to feel the chemistry, and the romance lacked the tension and anticipation expected in a romance story., why they broke up 6.5 years ago? the reason why they couldn't be together...mutual disappointment and hurt feelings, the reasons didn't seem justifiable to me... It takes until the end of the book for Hart to understand the man he needs to be for Anne. Lack of communication, frustratingly slow, and I didn't like the epilogue.
I felt like the story could have been 100 pages shorter, things were prolonged way too long, and for that reason... losing momentum and failing to engage. I found the book to be an alright read, but it didn't personally resonate with me. While it may not have been a perfect match for my preferences, I believe it could certainly appeal to others.
Always enjoy Matthews' stories, and will continue reading her books. Loved the cover. Sadly the story was just not for me.
I appreciate NetGalley and Berkley for allowing me to read the eARC of this book.
February 1, 2024
I got a bit of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ vibes from this w/ the second chance romance and a widowed mother/daughter pushed out of their home because of a callous heir. Only this time around, the love interest was absolutely to die for. Truly, Felix is the best of men.
The 5 star rating is purely an emotional reaction. Because if it were any less swoonworthy, I would probably knock off a star for the start being a bit slow (with so much focus on wrapping up Anne’s version of events from The Belle of Belgrave Square) and there was an entire subplot with the gambler's minion stalking Hart that never comes up again after several times that he notices he’s being followed. Don’t mind that though, the rest of the book of Felix desperately groveling to correct his past mistakes with Anne (and vice versa) which blows away any criticisms for me. Diligently taking ownership of her animals when she was unable to was a highlight. Along with how he tactfully dealt with her mother - A+ in-law management. Oh also the secret coded messages for just her that he writes into his articles. H O T
The 5 star rating is purely an emotional reaction. Because if it were any less swoonworthy, I would probably knock off a star for the start being a bit slow (with so much focus on wrapping up Anne’s version of events from The Belle of Belgrave Square) and there was an entire subplot with the gambler's minion stalking Hart that never comes up again after several times that he notices he’s being followed. Don’t mind that though, the rest of the book of Felix desperately groveling to correct his past mistakes with Anne (and vice versa) which blows away any criticisms for me. Diligently taking ownership of her animals when she was unable to was a highlight. Along with how he tactfully dealt with her mother - A+ in-law management. Oh also the secret coded messages for just her that he writes into his articles. H O T
January 6, 2024
The vibes in Lily of Ludgate Hill are everything. The romantic tension was delightful. Our hero and heroine are unique and original, and their second chance romance is perfectly executed- we understand exactly why they broke up and exactly why they need to get back together again. I loved the layers in this book, the integrity of the main characters, and the way everything fit together.
One of my favorite things about this book was the recognition that it's not weakness that causes a person to lower themselves to become a caregiver and put someone else first in their life - that is a strength. "Strong" women have been badly represented in fiction as being selfish, and I loved seeing selflessness being held up as the true strength that it is.
This book focuses on Anne, whose mother is the spiritualist, so that theme was stronger in this book than the last one. The main characters do not adhere to the occult, but they do view it as a harmless diversion, which I strongly disagree with and needed to mention for the sake of my own audience. With that said, there's no occult scenes here, no seances or anything like that, just references to it.
As the clean romance that this book is, I think it is an excellent representation of its genre.
I read a copy for review from Netgalley and the publisher but was not required to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
One of my favorite things about this book was the recognition that it's not weakness that causes a person to lower themselves to become a caregiver and put someone else first in their life - that is a strength. "Strong" women have been badly represented in fiction as being selfish, and I loved seeing selflessness being held up as the true strength that it is.
This book focuses on Anne, whose mother is the spiritualist, so that theme was stronger in this book than the last one. The main characters do not adhere to the occult, but they do view it as a harmless diversion, which I strongly disagree with and needed to mention for the sake of my own audience. With that said, there's no occult scenes here, no seances or anything like that, just references to it.
As the clean romance that this book is, I think it is an excellent representation of its genre.
I read a copy for review from Netgalley and the publisher but was not required to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my own.
November 7, 2023
I've really enjoyed other books by this author, but sadly this wasn't one of them. Felix is absolutely besotted with Anne the entire time, and while that makes for a great real-life relationship it does make for a bit of a boring book. Especially when I have no idea why Felix likes her so much.
The author's note at the end does explain the real life inspiration for this story, but I think the author missed the mark when she chose to make Anne wear black for six years. What could have been a touching story about how a daughter is willing to set aside her own grief to support her mother is instead now a story about how a daughter is continually choosing to be a doormat to her mother out of fear of losing her. It makes Anne appear weak and her mother to appear uncaring, and makes it hard to see why Felix would want anything to do with either of them.
I will still absolutely read other books by this author and the hint of Stella and Teddy being the next couple in this series does intrigue me.
The author's note at the end does explain the real life inspiration for this story, but I think the author missed the mark when she chose to make Anne wear black for six years. What could have been a touching story about how a daughter is willing to set aside her own grief to support her mother is instead now a story about how a daughter is continually choosing to be a doormat to her mother out of fear of losing her. It makes Anne appear weak and her mother to appear uncaring, and makes it hard to see why Felix would want anything to do with either of them.
I will still absolutely read other books by this author and the hint of Stella and Teddy being the next couple in this series does intrigue me.
September 18, 2023
Thank you so so so much to Mimi Matthews and Berkley Publishing for this wonderful eARC. I’ve never gotten a Berkley arc before, so this was so very exciting. All thoughts/opinions are my own.
*Full review to come, but for now, here are some of my thoughts:
Ok in true Mimi Matthews style, there are little elements of these books that are so sweet and tender that they're unforgettable🤩. Like the defending of Anne? Incredible. The cat? Incredible. The pet names with both endearing and teasing undertones? Incredible. The taking care of her cat and having her shawl next to his pillow in bed? Incredible.
The writing was, as always, superb. Mimi Matthews has a way with words because you feel all of these sensual elements even though there is no open door sexual content in her books. All of the movements of her characters in these books are intentional. Everything has meaning. Every glance, touch, and smirk all reflect the overarching romance in the book. It’s wonderful and it’s always wonderful to read.
There are some excellent quotes that I highlighted that I will be including in this review, just so that you can get a taste of the delightful moments🥹
I will be finishing this review very soon🥰
*Full review to come, but for now, here are some of my thoughts:
Ok in true Mimi Matthews style, there are little elements of these books that are so sweet and tender that they're unforgettable🤩. Like the defending of Anne? Incredible. The cat? Incredible. The pet names with both endearing and teasing undertones? Incredible. The taking care of her cat and having her shawl next to his pillow in bed? Incredible.
The writing was, as always, superb. Mimi Matthews has a way with words because you feel all of these sensual elements even though there is no open door sexual content in her books. All of the movements of her characters in these books are intentional. Everything has meaning. Every glance, touch, and smirk all reflect the overarching romance in the book. It’s wonderful and it’s always wonderful to read.
There are some excellent quotes that I highlighted that I will be including in this review, just so that you can get a taste of the delightful moments🥹
I will be finishing this review very soon🥰
March 6, 2024
The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the third book in Mimi Mathew's Belles of London series, this time following the story of Lady Anne Deveril and Felix Hartford. Their charged interactions in the previous two books has certainly hinted that there was more between them than met the eye, however, now the true nature of their past relationship is revealed, and what has led to the current state of tension between them.
This second-chance romance was another solid addition to the series. As well as following Anne and Hartford's rocky path to a happy ending, we catch up with Evelyn and Mr Malik, as well as Julia and Captain Blunt, and are given a hint of what lies in store for Stella.
Anne and Hartford, we learn, have a complicated past together, and whilst it is clear throughout this book that they still have feelings for each other, it is also clear there is a lot of hurt between them. It was a joy to watch them both mature, and reflect on their past mistakes where the other was concerned, as well as endeavour to learn from those mistakes. The chemistry between them was palpable throughout, be it when they were at each other's throats, or in more tender scenes between them, and as the story went on the genuine care between them was sweet to see in the way they supported each other though their own troubles.
As well as the central romance between Anne and Hartford, the story also focuses on their own private familial troubles. The relationship between Anne and her mother is a complex one, both of them never really having recovered from the loss of Anne's father. Meanwhile, Hartford is burdened by having to support his father's secret family, determined to avoid the scandal coming out.
I do think the story could feel a little repetitive and dragged out at times, particularly as the only real obstacle between Anne and Hartford was their own stubbornness. Some of the side-plots too were a bit drawn out, for instance whilst I appreciated the social commentary on attitudes towards those in trade, I'm not sure we needed so much of the intricacies of Hartford's business dealings.
Overall whilst not my favourite, this was still another solid addition to the series. Looking forward to Stella's story.
This second-chance romance was another solid addition to the series. As well as following Anne and Hartford's rocky path to a happy ending, we catch up with Evelyn and Mr Malik, as well as Julia and Captain Blunt, and are given a hint of what lies in store for Stella.
Anne and Hartford, we learn, have a complicated past together, and whilst it is clear throughout this book that they still have feelings for each other, it is also clear there is a lot of hurt between them. It was a joy to watch them both mature, and reflect on their past mistakes where the other was concerned, as well as endeavour to learn from those mistakes. The chemistry between them was palpable throughout, be it when they were at each other's throats, or in more tender scenes between them, and as the story went on the genuine care between them was sweet to see in the way they supported each other though their own troubles.
As well as the central romance between Anne and Hartford, the story also focuses on their own private familial troubles. The relationship between Anne and her mother is a complex one, both of them never really having recovered from the loss of Anne's father. Meanwhile, Hartford is burdened by having to support his father's secret family, determined to avoid the scandal coming out.
I do think the story could feel a little repetitive and dragged out at times, particularly as the only real obstacle between Anne and Hartford was their own stubbornness. Some of the side-plots too were a bit drawn out, for instance whilst I appreciated the social commentary on attitudes towards those in trade, I'm not sure we needed so much of the intricacies of Hartford's business dealings.
Overall whilst not my favourite, this was still another solid addition to the series. Looking forward to Stella's story.
January 19, 2024
4
As usual, Mimi Matthews takes the reader into an amazing world of Victorian romance with strong-willed women and dashing men - and Felix Hartford is CERTAINLY dashing. But more than that, he's loyal, devoted, humorous, determined, and desperately in love...but Anne Deveril's deep wounds (and, though Anne would deny it, fear) keep her heart just out of reach.
Mimi Matthews is an auto-buy author for me because of her ability to create an emotional connection to her well-drawn-out characters and her ability to bring the Victorian world to life.
I adored Felix's multivariant character and Matthews' way of drawing attention to the beauty of relinquishing the taskmaster of control (whether man or woman) when loved well makes for a happy heart.
As usual, Mimi Matthews takes the reader into an amazing world of Victorian romance with strong-willed women and dashing men - and Felix Hartford is CERTAINLY dashing. But more than that, he's loyal, devoted, humorous, determined, and desperately in love...but Anne Deveril's deep wounds (and, though Anne would deny it, fear) keep her heart just out of reach.
Mimi Matthews is an auto-buy author for me because of her ability to create an emotional connection to her well-drawn-out characters and her ability to bring the Victorian world to life.
I adored Felix's multivariant character and Matthews' way of drawing attention to the beauty of relinquishing the taskmaster of control (whether man or woman) when loved well makes for a happy heart.
January 19, 2024
Lady Anne Deveril needs a favor from Mr. Felix Hartford because she’d do anything for her friend Julia. But being in dept to Hart isn’t something Anne is looking forward to, as they have an emotional past that still pinches her heart.
Hart can’t resist helping Anne, even though he’d love to forget her, but the favor reignites a hope that there might still be a future for them.
Anne and Hart’s relationship has been hinted at since the beginning of the series, there’s been fun/snippy verbal exchanges at every meeting! I wondered what had happened between them. There’s a lot going on with Hart as well, he’s not just the carefree, fun-loving gentleman he projects to society. I adored him!
Anne has been dealing with her broken-hearted mother’s refusal to come out of mourning since her father’s death six years earlier. Anne’s put aside any hope of marrying to help her mother, Lady Arundell, as she seeks solace in the spiritualist/occult scene.
Even though Anne’s mother was the reason for Anne putting her life on hold, I couldn’t help but like her! Lady Arundell spoke her mind and spoke to reason when others needed it! She swooped in and saved Evelyn (in book one) from a situation that could’ve ruined her reputation. I admired the strong female friendships forged between Anne, Julia, Stella and Evelyn! The foundation for Stella’s story/romance next has been laid in this installment and I can’t wait!
It’s hard to put into words just how much I loved The Lily of Ludgate Hill! I savored every minute of reading! The clever, flirty banter, the absolute loyalty and depth of feeling between Anne and Hart, despite the hurt they inflicted on each other in the past! The Lily of Ludgate Hill, and the two previous stories in the series, tick all the boxes for me! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Romance in exchange for an honest review.
Hart can’t resist helping Anne, even though he’d love to forget her, but the favor reignites a hope that there might still be a future for them.
Anne and Hart’s relationship has been hinted at since the beginning of the series, there’s been fun/snippy verbal exchanges at every meeting! I wondered what had happened between them. There’s a lot going on with Hart as well, he’s not just the carefree, fun-loving gentleman he projects to society. I adored him!
Anne has been dealing with her broken-hearted mother’s refusal to come out of mourning since her father’s death six years earlier. Anne’s put aside any hope of marrying to help her mother, Lady Arundell, as she seeks solace in the spiritualist/occult scene.
Even though Anne’s mother was the reason for Anne putting her life on hold, I couldn’t help but like her! Lady Arundell spoke her mind and spoke to reason when others needed it! She swooped in and saved Evelyn (in book one) from a situation that could’ve ruined her reputation. I admired the strong female friendships forged between Anne, Julia, Stella and Evelyn! The foundation for Stella’s story/romance next has been laid in this installment and I can’t wait!
It’s hard to put into words just how much I loved The Lily of Ludgate Hill! I savored every minute of reading! The clever, flirty banter, the absolute loyalty and depth of feeling between Anne and Hart, despite the hurt they inflicted on each other in the past! The Lily of Ludgate Hill, and the two previous stories in the series, tick all the boxes for me! A definite recommend!
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley Romance in exchange for an honest review.
January 17, 2024
Since the death of her father six years ago, beautiful Anne Deveril spends most of her time caring for her ailing mother. Any free time is spent with her close group of friends, riding their horses in London. She has given up on romance, or so it seems. Then she makes a deal with Felix Hartford (Hart), and change begins to bloom.
This is the third book in the Belles of London series and another delightful novel from Mimi Matthews. This captivating group of equestrian friends in Victorian London continues to intrigue the reader and their gentlemen admirers. This time the focus is on Anne, and Matthews gives us a wonderful second-chance, former friends-to-lovers romance that does not disappoint. The description of the fine horses that the women ride adds another layer to the story that will please fans of all things equine. The wonderful stars of the first two books, Julia and Evelyn, make plenty of appearances in this book as well. Romance, friendship, horses, and second chances all make this an emotional and captivating read. Although it is Book 3 in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book from Berkley via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This is the third book in the Belles of London series and another delightful novel from Mimi Matthews. This captivating group of equestrian friends in Victorian London continues to intrigue the reader and their gentlemen admirers. This time the focus is on Anne, and Matthews gives us a wonderful second-chance, former friends-to-lovers romance that does not disappoint. The description of the fine horses that the women ride adds another layer to the story that will please fans of all things equine. The wonderful stars of the first two books, Julia and Evelyn, make plenty of appearances in this book as well. Romance, friendship, horses, and second chances all make this an emotional and captivating read. Although it is Book 3 in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book from Berkley via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
February 1, 2024
A storm has been building on the horizon in this series and it was the upcoming romantic clash of Lady Anne Deveril and Mr. Felix Hartford. Each of the Belles of London has presented a different style romance and in this case it’s a cross of second chance and enemies to lovers causing the very air to crackle with tension at times due to the talented pen of Mimi Matthews
The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the third Belles of London series set in Victorian England. Each book can standalone in a pinch, but the series is connected by the lady equestrian friends who met in book one and the background ongoing storyline of each lady and her situation.
Anne has been the woman who most stood out for me even when she was barely there in the previous book, Belle of Belgrave Square. She’s got a presence and she is ferociously protective of her friends even racing to the rescue with her worst enemy in tow when she thinks Julia is in danger from Captain Blunt. The women characters of this series are capable and tend to ride to their own rescue and each other’s. The men who fall for them respect as well as love them and there is a beautiful partnership woven through even when the conflict interfering with the romance is still active and The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no exception.
I’m not a fan of many stories with an enemies to lovers trope. I don’t care for reading or listening about two people going at each other up until they work it out. Many times I don’t buy into the switch from enemies to lovers because of the pacing of the romance development. Anne is so strong and has a real emotional knot boiling over Hart who gives as good as he gets- the man enjoyed riling her. And, I was right. Hart and Anne had some scenes that made me positively cringe. They had a good deal of animosity built up from their broken off courtship.
However, I was not worried and was right to trust in Mimi Matthews to draw me in and discover just what went awry between this pair. So many emotions and thoughts are going through Anne’s head in a short time: the force proximity road trip, Anne’s scheme with Felix as her partner after years of mostly avoidance, Anne’s struggle with grief and the vulnerability that came with great loss, her mother’s emotional manipulations of Anne, Anne being in a dark place from grief, what she understood about their courtship. And, on the flip side, Hart isn’t making it easy though he is there for her all the way if she would but see that he was just as hurt back in the past because of Anne’s retreat into grief, and reacting accordingly.
There was too much bitterness and recrimination between them so this took time to come out and something new to grow in the current circumstances. To balance it, Evelyn and Ahmad’s wedding celebration gives a lovely background note, Julia and her Captain happily working out their new life together, and cute kitten (it must be mentioned) as does the interesting pair who are still to have their story.
The Lily of Ludgate Hill was one I expected to hit me hard and it did, but so satisfyingly good. So much deeper and richer and rang true with the theme of grief running through their healing romance and healing souls. The author poured her soul into this one and it was quite obvious. Definitely recommend the series and particularly this book.
I rec’d an eARC from Austenprose via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Jan 24th for the Austenprose blog tour.
The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the third Belles of London series set in Victorian England. Each book can standalone in a pinch, but the series is connected by the lady equestrian friends who met in book one and the background ongoing storyline of each lady and her situation.
Anne has been the woman who most stood out for me even when she was barely there in the previous book, Belle of Belgrave Square. She’s got a presence and she is ferociously protective of her friends even racing to the rescue with her worst enemy in tow when she thinks Julia is in danger from Captain Blunt. The women characters of this series are capable and tend to ride to their own rescue and each other’s. The men who fall for them respect as well as love them and there is a beautiful partnership woven through even when the conflict interfering with the romance is still active and The Lily of Ludgate Hill is no exception.
I’m not a fan of many stories with an enemies to lovers trope. I don’t care for reading or listening about two people going at each other up until they work it out. Many times I don’t buy into the switch from enemies to lovers because of the pacing of the romance development. Anne is so strong and has a real emotional knot boiling over Hart who gives as good as he gets- the man enjoyed riling her. And, I was right. Hart and Anne had some scenes that made me positively cringe. They had a good deal of animosity built up from their broken off courtship.
However, I was not worried and was right to trust in Mimi Matthews to draw me in and discover just what went awry between this pair. So many emotions and thoughts are going through Anne’s head in a short time: the force proximity road trip, Anne’s scheme with Felix as her partner after years of mostly avoidance, Anne’s struggle with grief and the vulnerability that came with great loss, her mother’s emotional manipulations of Anne, Anne being in a dark place from grief, what she understood about their courtship. And, on the flip side, Hart isn’t making it easy though he is there for her all the way if she would but see that he was just as hurt back in the past because of Anne’s retreat into grief, and reacting accordingly.
There was too much bitterness and recrimination between them so this took time to come out and something new to grow in the current circumstances. To balance it, Evelyn and Ahmad’s wedding celebration gives a lovely background note, Julia and her Captain happily working out their new life together, and cute kitten (it must be mentioned) as does the interesting pair who are still to have their story.
The Lily of Ludgate Hill was one I expected to hit me hard and it did, but so satisfyingly good. So much deeper and richer and rang true with the theme of grief running through their healing romance and healing souls. The author poured her soul into this one and it was quite obvious. Definitely recommend the series and particularly this book.
I rec’d an eARC from Austenprose via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Jan 24th for the Austenprose blog tour.
August 2, 2023
I adored book 3 in the Belles of London series. This time it is Anne's turn to find true love and a home of her own, after tending to her controlling widowed mother for years. It's a lovely second chance, enemies to lover, slow burn romance story that grabbed my heart and hasn't let it go. I was reminded of Austen, and even Gone with the Wind at times, and so wanted Anne and her once fiancé Felix Hartford to find their way back to each other.
Anne:
"No man on earth has ever been loved the way I love you, Felix Hartford."
Felix:
He cradled her face in his hand. "All I want--all I've ever wanted--is you."
Horses, equestrian friends, and a spirited black kitten add to the charm of this must-read tale. Janeites and histfic romance readers, rejoice! Mimi Matthews has done it again!
Anne:
"No man on earth has ever been loved the way I love you, Felix Hartford."
Felix:
He cradled her face in his hand. "All I want--all I've ever wanted--is you."
Horses, equestrian friends, and a spirited black kitten add to the charm of this must-read tale. Janeites and histfic romance readers, rejoice! Mimi Matthews has done it again!
January 16, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy and PRHAudio for the gifted audiobook.
CHARMING SECOND CHANCE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Audiobook notes: I love two narrators for a two POV romance. I thought both were amazing and I was swept away to historical England.
This was another good read for the series! It does lean a little away from romance and focuses a lot on grief and self growth and finally severing the ties that are holding you back. I absolutely adored Felix. He was carrying so much on his shoulders and worked hard to make things work the best he could.
Anne, I struggled with a little. I thought her Mom issues held her down for SO long and I was waiting for that freedom moment where Anne had the spotlight. Because when she showed up in that dress? I SWOONED. Felix has been pining for years and that man deserved a break. I actually loved that this didn’t have big flashback chapters and that we got to see more at present what was happening.
I loved seeing the other Belles and just being back in this world. Mimi Matthew’s books are always wonderful reads for me and this was no different.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none-low
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: toxic parent, mentions of child labor
CHARMING SECOND CHANCE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Audiobook notes: I love two narrators for a two POV romance. I thought both were amazing and I was swept away to historical England.
This was another good read for the series! It does lean a little away from romance and focuses a lot on grief and self growth and finally severing the ties that are holding you back. I absolutely adored Felix. He was carrying so much on his shoulders and worked hard to make things work the best he could.
Anne, I struggled with a little. I thought her Mom issues held her down for SO long and I was waiting for that freedom moment where Anne had the spotlight. Because when she showed up in that dress? I SWOONED. Felix has been pining for years and that man deserved a break. I actually loved that this didn’t have big flashback chapters and that we got to see more at present what was happening.
I loved seeing the other Belles and just being back in this world. Mimi Matthew’s books are always wonderful reads for me and this was no different.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Romance
- Language: none-low
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: toxic parent, mentions of child labor
January 17, 2024
If you want a solid historical romance with the right atmosphere, characters with spirit and depth, then look no further!
I have been in love with the Belles of London series since the Siren of Sussex. What impresses me most is that each book in the series is incredibly unique and purposefully crafted to fit each main character. None of her books will have the same backstory or type of love. And if you fully embrace that...then that's what makes this series so special.
The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a story about second chances, grief, and allowing yourself to move past what others may say of you. Hart and Anne have a complicated history. When they reconnect after years apart, the flame and the hurts still burn just as fervently. Anne is stubborn and Hart lets his passions drive his tongue and thats why I enjoyed them both so very much.
The push and pull was fantastic and there were plenty of one liners I wanted to highlight Harts one liners so that I could read them again. The grievances were worked through while keeping the tension tight. I loved how the grief plot flowed with the history of Prince Albert and the authors own personal experience. It was all so smartly done that I can help but tip my hat to another job well done.
I am over the moon excited about the next edition to the series after the small glimpses we got in this book!
The perfect historical romance to start of your 2024.
I have been in love with the Belles of London series since the Siren of Sussex. What impresses me most is that each book in the series is incredibly unique and purposefully crafted to fit each main character. None of her books will have the same backstory or type of love. And if you fully embrace that...then that's what makes this series so special.
The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a story about second chances, grief, and allowing yourself to move past what others may say of you. Hart and Anne have a complicated history. When they reconnect after years apart, the flame and the hurts still burn just as fervently. Anne is stubborn and Hart lets his passions drive his tongue and thats why I enjoyed them both so very much.
The push and pull was fantastic and there were plenty of one liners I wanted to highlight Harts one liners so that I could read them again. The grievances were worked through while keeping the tension tight. I loved how the grief plot flowed with the history of Prince Albert and the authors own personal experience. It was all so smartly done that I can help but tip my hat to another job well done.
I am over the moon excited about the next edition to the series after the small glimpses we got in this book!
The perfect historical romance to start of your 2024.
August 5, 2023
I'd like to thank Mimi herself for overturning Berkley's denial (!) on this book. As someone who is an ardent supporter for Mimi's work (because she writes that clean, historical romance that calls to me), she kindly rescued me from not getting to plug this book. So, thank you Mimi, you are forever a gem and an author I will back until the end of time.
But enough about me, lets talk about this book. Mimi says in her afterword that this book was mostly shaped by the loss of her father in 2021. When reading it, I felt it. I felt that the main theme was grief, time, and second chances. You have two people who fall in love after being childhood friends, secretly have intentions for one another. Hart goes away on a business trip (around this time he finds out his father on his death bed reveals he had a mistress - his mom's maid - and have several children with her). Anne looses her father and her mother looses her 'place' in society and her 'rock', falls into spiritualism and melancholy. When Hart returns to her, he wants her to marry him now and save him from his misery and woe of secrets told. She on the other hand is looking to be comforted and reassured that he will be her equal in all things (since the loss of status so to speak crippled her mother). He takes issue with her choosing to remain with her mom, and in mourning, and after a spat, break off their engagement. This leaves them for the next seven years absolutely disliking one another while running into one another.
I loved Hart and Anne - the first time we meet them she is absolutely tearing into him. (We have no idea what went on between them.) But we side with Anne because man, in a man's world - especially then - women got the brunt end of the stick. Anne is not shy to let him know that she will walk all over him. Hart however believes that while Anne seems to be this way in talk she is most certainly not like that with her actions. She still remains in mourning and bends backward for her mothers' ridiculous flights of fancy. Anne asks Hart to write a column in the local spiritualist newspaper (under one of his pseudonyms), convincing her mother to drive on out to Captain Blumford's estate (looking for ghosts) so that Anne (without her mom knowing) to rescue Julia (from previous book).
So begins their slow journey to become friends again, rekindle their feelings (if they were ever really gone), and fall in love with one another while family issues on both sides try to keep them apart. Something you can always count on when it comes to Mimi's stories is that her supporting characters are always three dimensional and don't just feel 'made' for plot points. That they feel real and exist in this historical world she has adapted. There is a scene at the end of the book during a crucial moment when both families converge in a library where a secret is revealed and the hilarity and chaos of the scene had me rolling, just rolling. It's right up there with Heyer and at times a Marx Bros. film.
The romance moments also are lovely! While the books are clean, the moments feel earned and palpable between the leads. Their tender talk escalated to kisses and embraces at times and I was gleefully curling my toes in delight. Honestly her men are the best. And in a book where the main character is looking for purpose in a male driven world (and equality), this one for sure. So far, in this series, I think Hart won me over as my favorite of the gentlemen (though that excerpt from the final book, and the moment with Teddy and Stella? Hart MIGHT have some competition. Dude was so pointed and absolutely suave to talk to her the way he was.)
Anyway, I really loved this book and I devoured it. This entire series has been a treat so far with these ladies and their horses, friendship, and men. If you're a fan of clean, historical romances I urge you to jump into this series. You could start with this book, but you miss out on all the fun and lead ups that got us here.
I'll be ready for Book Four in 2024! (Thanks again, Mimi.)
But enough about me, lets talk about this book. Mimi says in her afterword that this book was mostly shaped by the loss of her father in 2021. When reading it, I felt it. I felt that the main theme was grief, time, and second chances. You have two people who fall in love after being childhood friends, secretly have intentions for one another. Hart goes away on a business trip (around this time he finds out his father on his death bed reveals he had a mistress - his mom's maid - and have several children with her). Anne looses her father and her mother looses her 'place' in society and her 'rock', falls into spiritualism and melancholy. When Hart returns to her, he wants her to marry him now and save him from his misery and woe of secrets told. She on the other hand is looking to be comforted and reassured that he will be her equal in all things (since the loss of status so to speak crippled her mother). He takes issue with her choosing to remain with her mom, and in mourning, and after a spat, break off their engagement. This leaves them for the next seven years absolutely disliking one another while running into one another.
I loved Hart and Anne - the first time we meet them she is absolutely tearing into him. (We have no idea what went on between them.) But we side with Anne because man, in a man's world - especially then - women got the brunt end of the stick. Anne is not shy to let him know that she will walk all over him. Hart however believes that while Anne seems to be this way in talk she is most certainly not like that with her actions. She still remains in mourning and bends backward for her mothers' ridiculous flights of fancy. Anne asks Hart to write a column in the local spiritualist newspaper (under one of his pseudonyms), convincing her mother to drive on out to Captain Blumford's estate (looking for ghosts) so that Anne (without her mom knowing) to rescue Julia (from previous book).
So begins their slow journey to become friends again, rekindle their feelings (if they were ever really gone), and fall in love with one another while family issues on both sides try to keep them apart. Something you can always count on when it comes to Mimi's stories is that her supporting characters are always three dimensional and don't just feel 'made' for plot points. That they feel real and exist in this historical world she has adapted. There is a scene at the end of the book during a crucial moment when both families converge in a library where a secret is revealed and the hilarity and chaos of the scene had me rolling, just rolling. It's right up there with Heyer and at times a Marx Bros. film.
The romance moments also are lovely! While the books are clean, the moments feel earned and palpable between the leads. Their tender talk escalated to kisses and embraces at times and I was gleefully curling my toes in delight. Honestly her men are the best. And in a book where the main character is looking for purpose in a male driven world (and equality), this one for sure. So far, in this series, I think Hart won me over as my favorite of the gentlemen (though that excerpt from the final book, and the moment with Teddy and Stella? Hart MIGHT have some competition. Dude was so pointed and absolutely suave to talk to her the way he was.)
Anyway, I really loved this book and I devoured it. This entire series has been a treat so far with these ladies and their horses, friendship, and men. If you're a fan of clean, historical romances I urge you to jump into this series. You could start with this book, but you miss out on all the fun and lead ups that got us here.
I'll be ready for Book Four in 2024! (Thanks again, Mimi.)
August 27, 2023
In the third book of The Belles of London series, Mimi Matthews pens a thoughtful and poignant tale of love, duty to family, and second chances set in Victorian England. Additionally, The Lily of Ludgate Hill gently explores the relationship between grief and healing in a romantic context. Anne’s loyalty to her friend, Julia (Belle of Belgrave Square), sends her on a road trip to Yorkshire with Felix Hartford, the man who broke her tender heart six years ago. Despite the long separation and disappointment, there remains a lingering attraction, undying love, and hope for reconciliation. Luckily, the journey to Yorkshire presents Anne and Hart with the opportunity to view each other with fresh lenses and confront their unresolved past.
The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the quintessential second chance romance that delivers on the angst, yearning, banter, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. Anne and Hart are both burdened with familial responsibilities, which forces them to make decisions even at great cost to their personal happiness. Anne’s efforts to help her mother through grief demonstrate her strength and generosity. However, I cheered when Anne finally stood up to her self-centered mother. Hart is not a typical Mimi Matthews hero. At least not on the surface. Outwardly roguish and frivolous, but on the inside, he’s kind, steadfast, and noble. I love both sides, tbh. His character development is beautifully and sensitively crafted. From the endearments to his witty lines, to his romantic gestures, Hart is now one of my favorite romance heroes. I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with Felix Hartford. I also loved his flirtatious columns: “No good has yet been derived from ignoring our mutual history.” “She requires inordinate patience on the part of the gentleman gardener who would seek to cultivate her.”
One of the hallmarks of the Belles series is empowering female friendship. I adore the Four Horsewomen. Their sweet and strong friendship is comforting to read. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is also expertly researched and showcases the nuances of human nature. Mimi Matthews writes with empathy and gentleness, which compels the reader to feel compassion for the characters. Both readers and the characters find common ground in their grief. If you love Jane Austen’s Persuasion, you will savor Anne and Hartford’s slow burn romance. “Skeptical she might be. Uncertain she was. But not immune. Not to him.” And if you need more inducements, one or two Parish Orphans make a cameo appearance in this book!
On a personal note, I read this book on my dad’s death anniversary, and consequently, Anne’s grief and fears resonated so hard with me. I could empathize with her situation. There is such a thing as falling in love at the wrong time. Anne and Hart’s journey to happily-ever-after is paved with obstacles and, as a result, requires them to communicate and work on their relationship. They had to face their fears, overcome personal challenges, and grow as individuals to finally secure their happiness. This is a story of love, forgiveness, and optimism.
I can’t wait for Stella and the blunt-spoken Teddy’s book. The little tease is delicious.
Content note: closed door, classism, grief (parent’s death), slight violence.
My gratitude to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Mimi for providing me with an advance copy of Anne and Hart’s endearing second chance romance.
The Lily of Ludgate Hill is the quintessential second chance romance that delivers on the angst, yearning, banter, and a heartwarming happily-ever-after. Anne and Hart are both burdened with familial responsibilities, which forces them to make decisions even at great cost to their personal happiness. Anne’s efforts to help her mother through grief demonstrate her strength and generosity. However, I cheered when Anne finally stood up to her self-centered mother. Hart is not a typical Mimi Matthews hero. At least not on the surface. Outwardly roguish and frivolous, but on the inside, he’s kind, steadfast, and noble. I love both sides, tbh. His character development is beautifully and sensitively crafted. From the endearments to his witty lines, to his romantic gestures, Hart is now one of my favorite romance heroes. I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with Felix Hartford. I also loved his flirtatious columns: “No good has yet been derived from ignoring our mutual history.” “She requires inordinate patience on the part of the gentleman gardener who would seek to cultivate her.”
One of the hallmarks of the Belles series is empowering female friendship. I adore the Four Horsewomen. Their sweet and strong friendship is comforting to read. The Lily of Ludgate Hill is also expertly researched and showcases the nuances of human nature. Mimi Matthews writes with empathy and gentleness, which compels the reader to feel compassion for the characters. Both readers and the characters find common ground in their grief. If you love Jane Austen’s Persuasion, you will savor Anne and Hartford’s slow burn romance. “Skeptical she might be. Uncertain she was. But not immune. Not to him.” And if you need more inducements, one or two Parish Orphans make a cameo appearance in this book!
On a personal note, I read this book on my dad’s death anniversary, and consequently, Anne’s grief and fears resonated so hard with me. I could empathize with her situation. There is such a thing as falling in love at the wrong time. Anne and Hart’s journey to happily-ever-after is paved with obstacles and, as a result, requires them to communicate and work on their relationship. They had to face their fears, overcome personal challenges, and grow as individuals to finally secure their happiness. This is a story of love, forgiveness, and optimism.
I can’t wait for Stella and the blunt-spoken Teddy’s book. The little tease is delicious.
Content note: closed door, classism, grief (parent’s death), slight violence.
My gratitude to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and Mimi for providing me with an advance copy of Anne and Hart’s endearing second chance romance.
January 20, 2024
Just when I think I’ve found my favorite Mimi Matthews book, she writes The Lily of Ludgate Hill. It’s magnificent, passionate, witty, and everything I love in a closed door Victorian romance. I adored this book! The second chance, childhood friends to more romance with a touch of enemies to lovers was so delicious. I loved watching these two strong willed people find their way back to each other. I also enjoyed the themes of working class versus aristocracy, spiritualism as it relates to grief, the Victorian double standards when it comes to women and inheritance, and forgiveness and second chances.
Lady Anne Deveril has had a lot thrust upon her beautiful shoulders. Dressed in unrelieved black long past the time of mourning, she tries to support & humor her grieving mother. She’s also a fierce defender of her friends known as the Furies. When she believes her friend Julia is in trouble, she turns to the last man she wants to ask for help. Though Felix Hartford hurt her so many years ago, she’s still in love with him. Determined to remain single, she deftly ignores his witty barbs and the sizzling attraction between them until she can’t.
Felix “Hart” Hartford regrets not marrying Anne when he had the chance. He’s never met another woman like her, but her fierce independence and rejection bring out his cutting wit. When she comes to him needing help, he offers her a bargain she can’t refuse. Yet, underneath his handsome, playboy facade, is a hardworking man who cares for his family and employees. He’s determined to keep his father’s indiscretions a secret from his grandfather and uncle, but it might just cost him his fortune and life. He’s also ready to do whatever it takes to gain Anne’s forgiveness, good opinion & love.
I absolutely adored Hart & Anne! Oh the banter and wit! And those kisses! *sigh* I loved their intellectual battles. Hart’s sarcasm is expertly matched with Anne’s sharp tongue. But, underneath that pretended animosity is a passionate love waiting to be unleashed, if only Hart can convince Anne. I loved the added complexity to the characters. There was so much more than just a simple misunderstanding that drove these two apart and I enjoyed how the past was revealed and seeing the characters recognize their own faults.
I also appreciated the way grief, pain of loss, and forgiveness are addressed in the story. Both Anne and Hart carry heavy burdens and I loved the way they helped each other. The side characters were intriguing and I’d love to know how Marcus fairs in the Highlands. I also loved seeing Julia & Capt. Blunt again as well as the other “Furies.”
It’s a must read for closed door Victorian romance fans! I’ve loved each of these Furies’ stories and am excited for more. Though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but is more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous books. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
CW: mild swears, mild violence, only passionate kissing
Lady Anne Deveril has had a lot thrust upon her beautiful shoulders. Dressed in unrelieved black long past the time of mourning, she tries to support & humor her grieving mother. She’s also a fierce defender of her friends known as the Furies. When she believes her friend Julia is in trouble, she turns to the last man she wants to ask for help. Though Felix Hartford hurt her so many years ago, she’s still in love with him. Determined to remain single, she deftly ignores his witty barbs and the sizzling attraction between them until she can’t.
Felix “Hart” Hartford regrets not marrying Anne when he had the chance. He’s never met another woman like her, but her fierce independence and rejection bring out his cutting wit. When she comes to him needing help, he offers her a bargain she can’t refuse. Yet, underneath his handsome, playboy facade, is a hardworking man who cares for his family and employees. He’s determined to keep his father’s indiscretions a secret from his grandfather and uncle, but it might just cost him his fortune and life. He’s also ready to do whatever it takes to gain Anne’s forgiveness, good opinion & love.
I absolutely adored Hart & Anne! Oh the banter and wit! And those kisses! *sigh* I loved their intellectual battles. Hart’s sarcasm is expertly matched with Anne’s sharp tongue. But, underneath that pretended animosity is a passionate love waiting to be unleashed, if only Hart can convince Anne. I loved the added complexity to the characters. There was so much more than just a simple misunderstanding that drove these two apart and I enjoyed how the past was revealed and seeing the characters recognize their own faults.
I also appreciated the way grief, pain of loss, and forgiveness are addressed in the story. Both Anne and Hart carry heavy burdens and I loved the way they helped each other. The side characters were intriguing and I’d love to know how Marcus fairs in the Highlands. I also loved seeing Julia & Capt. Blunt again as well as the other “Furies.”
It’s a must read for closed door Victorian romance fans! I’ve loved each of these Furies’ stories and am excited for more. Though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but is more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous books. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
CW: mild swears, mild violence, only passionate kissing
February 27, 2024
Loved this! It’s my favorite in the series so far. I love seeing Anne and Hart’s character development. They almost have a bit of an Anne/Gilbert vibe. Lots of years of misunderstanding before they can learn to know and trust each other. I love how Mimi weaves in other plot threads as well for both leads. The ending was very satisfying in how it ties things up and weaves in characters from the previous two and the next book. (And Mimi’s previous books too!) I can’t wait for Stella’s story!
June 7, 2024
Another fun installment of the Belles of London series. As usual, I wish there were more horses involved, but I loved Anne’s story and the writing is always so fun!
Content: a few h and d words, some kissing
Content: a few h and d words, some kissing
January 8, 2024
Occasionally I read a book even slower than my normal snail-like pace and it's because I keep re-reading sentences or scenes. It's not a "I love this book". It's an "it's so incredibly good that I might be (read: am) obsessed". I can't even wait to reread it when I'm finished so I reread it as I go. This is one of those books for me.
Anne has withdrawn from society after her father's passing and lives as companion to her sometimes eccentric and perpetually mourning mother. She released Felix Hartford from any promises and never looked back. Felix has returned to London stirring up long ago and new desires.
The series as a whole (up to this point) is fabulous - probably not a surprise to anyone I've recommended her writing to. I adore the balance of attention to history and research with the delicious love story between Anne and Felix. Lily is masterfully done and I highly encourage any romance fan to pick it up (even those who only choose to read contemporary - Mimi makes it accessible in the best way).
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
Anne has withdrawn from society after her father's passing and lives as companion to her sometimes eccentric and perpetually mourning mother. She released Felix Hartford from any promises and never looked back. Felix has returned to London stirring up long ago and new desires.
The series as a whole (up to this point) is fabulous - probably not a surprise to anyone I've recommended her writing to. I adore the balance of attention to history and research with the delicious love story between Anne and Felix. Lily is masterfully done and I highly encourage any romance fan to pick it up (even those who only choose to read contemporary - Mimi makes it accessible in the best way).
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 9, 2024
I liked the industrial history aspect of this story but had to do a lot of skimming to make it through.
December 1, 2023
This was a beautiful written historical fiction about Anne Deveril and Felix Hartford. It was a second chance clean romance and can be read as a stand-alone.
Mimi Matthews writes like no other historical romance author. Shes an automatic buy for me. This novel was about London and its common places. Anne and Felix were different than Matthews others romantic characters and they struggled. They were hurt and stubborn and I was anxious about them. It was a slow burn and I enjoyed how they finally worked things out. The animals were delightful and made me smile. I love horses and have cats of my own.
I can’t wait for Stella and Teddy’s story.
4.5⭐️
Thanks Berkley Publishing and Rei via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Mimi Matthews writes like no other historical romance author. Shes an automatic buy for me. This novel was about London and its common places. Anne and Felix were different than Matthews others romantic characters and they struggled. They were hurt and stubborn and I was anxious about them. It was a slow burn and I enjoyed how they finally worked things out. The animals were delightful and made me smile. I love horses and have cats of my own.
I can’t wait for Stella and Teddy’s story.
4.5⭐️
Thanks Berkley Publishing and Rei via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 13, 2024
So rich and satisfying!
Fascinating and complex tale of the third of the four horsewomen friends who ride together in the mornings galloping along Rotten Row. Named by the ton, The Four Horsewomen.
When her beloved father dies Lady Anne Deveril is besieged with grief. Her own and her mother’s.
When her fiancé Felix Hartford, whom Anne had loved from childhood, returned twelve months later after a trip to India with his grandfather collecting plants, Anne still wore black and refused to marry him in order to support her mothers grief. Harsh words were said and Anne repudiated him.
Now, some seven years later, Anne is still wearing black and supporting her mother’s grief, travelling to spiritualists endeavoring to be in touch with her beloved husband, Anne’s father.
Hartford has returned and continues to pursue her, from a distance.
Hart has discovered an awful secret about his father. A man whose love and approval he could never gain. A man who was pointed out as moral and upstanding, a vigorous upholder of Christian values.
As it turned out a man who had a family and three children with his mistress, Hart’s mother’s ex maid. The scandal would reverberate throughout society and badly affect his worthy politician uncle if it ever came out!
More than this, his father had left his alternate family destitute. Hart had taken on responsibility for his half siblings and their rather unpleasant mother. However his half brother Marcus was bleeding him dry with his gambling debts. He and his mother are blackmailing Hart.
Unknown to all Hart’s father had left his inheritance in desperate straights. Hart been quietly investing in a Plumbago mine, and pursuing other methods of making money to support his estate and his siblings.
Hart has never given up on Anne. He offers to escort Anne and her mother to Yorkshire in order to visit one of Anne’s close friends, Julia Wychwood at her abductor’s (now husband) residence. Anne wants to check on Julia, her mother wants to see Captain Blunt’s residence that’s of spiritual significance. His hope is that their relationship might stand some chance of being renewed.
However rough patches are very much ahead for Hart and Anne. Including Anne and her mother having to leave their Mayfair home as the new heir has finally decided to claim his London home. Anne’s mother decides they’ll move to a place on Ludgate Hill, crowded and never quiet, yet claimed to be spiritually important.
Maybe all Anne needs is to be replanted in different soil, like Hart’s grandfather’s giant Himalayan Lily that refuses to bloom. Maybe then they’ll each come into their own?!
Once again a brilliant novel from Mimi Matthews, a second chance romance, with twists and turns I couldn’t see around until they happened!
A novel full of love disregarded, love reclaimed, duty chosen, independence gained in true love, and so much more.
I loved Hart’s column about plants that hinted of course at the Lily of Ludgate Hill.
Despite the frustrations there’s so much joy and anticipation in this novel! Rich indeed!
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Fascinating and complex tale of the third of the four horsewomen friends who ride together in the mornings galloping along Rotten Row. Named by the ton, The Four Horsewomen.
When her beloved father dies Lady Anne Deveril is besieged with grief. Her own and her mother’s.
When her fiancé Felix Hartford, whom Anne had loved from childhood, returned twelve months later after a trip to India with his grandfather collecting plants, Anne still wore black and refused to marry him in order to support her mothers grief. Harsh words were said and Anne repudiated him.
Now, some seven years later, Anne is still wearing black and supporting her mother’s grief, travelling to spiritualists endeavoring to be in touch with her beloved husband, Anne’s father.
Hartford has returned and continues to pursue her, from a distance.
Hart has discovered an awful secret about his father. A man whose love and approval he could never gain. A man who was pointed out as moral and upstanding, a vigorous upholder of Christian values.
As it turned out a man who had a family and three children with his mistress, Hart’s mother’s ex maid. The scandal would reverberate throughout society and badly affect his worthy politician uncle if it ever came out!
More than this, his father had left his alternate family destitute. Hart had taken on responsibility for his half siblings and their rather unpleasant mother. However his half brother Marcus was bleeding him dry with his gambling debts. He and his mother are blackmailing Hart.
Unknown to all Hart’s father had left his inheritance in desperate straights. Hart been quietly investing in a Plumbago mine, and pursuing other methods of making money to support his estate and his siblings.
Hart has never given up on Anne. He offers to escort Anne and her mother to Yorkshire in order to visit one of Anne’s close friends, Julia Wychwood at her abductor’s (now husband) residence. Anne wants to check on Julia, her mother wants to see Captain Blunt’s residence that’s of spiritual significance. His hope is that their relationship might stand some chance of being renewed.
However rough patches are very much ahead for Hart and Anne. Including Anne and her mother having to leave their Mayfair home as the new heir has finally decided to claim his London home. Anne’s mother decides they’ll move to a place on Ludgate Hill, crowded and never quiet, yet claimed to be spiritually important.
Maybe all Anne needs is to be replanted in different soil, like Hart’s grandfather’s giant Himalayan Lily that refuses to bloom. Maybe then they’ll each come into their own?!
Once again a brilliant novel from Mimi Matthews, a second chance romance, with twists and turns I couldn’t see around until they happened!
A novel full of love disregarded, love reclaimed, duty chosen, independence gained in true love, and so much more.
I loved Hart’s column about plants that hinted of course at the Lily of Ludgate Hill.
Despite the frustrations there’s so much joy and anticipation in this novel! Rich indeed!
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
January 15, 2024
It is always a red-letter day when a book is published by Mimi Matthews. Since her debut novel, The Lost Letter in 2017, I have been beguiled by her writing. In six years she has published 16 novels and novellas, first as a self-published author and now with Berkley Romance. While her rise in popularity has been meteoric, it is not without merit. She works hard at her craft and consistently delivers. Her fans love her for it.
Her next novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill, will be released on January 16th. It is the third book in the Belles of London series in which four women, brought together by their love of horseback riding, support each other through adversity and romance. Lady Anne Deveril takes center stage in this story. I found the prose compelling and the second chance romance hard won and worth the wait. Matthews has a gift of romantic tension like few others can deliver. The push and pull between her protagonists was at times frustrating, yet ultimately rewarding. I also always appreciate her peppering of historical details and her inclusion of fashion, family, and fur friends.
I hope you will give The Lily of Ludgate Hill a try. I recommend it highly. It is packed with immersive drama, longing, and romance—all the best elements that the genre can deliver.
Her next novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill, will be released on January 16th. It is the third book in the Belles of London series in which four women, brought together by their love of horseback riding, support each other through adversity and romance. Lady Anne Deveril takes center stage in this story. I found the prose compelling and the second chance romance hard won and worth the wait. Matthews has a gift of romantic tension like few others can deliver. The push and pull between her protagonists was at times frustrating, yet ultimately rewarding. I also always appreciate her peppering of historical details and her inclusion of fashion, family, and fur friends.
I hope you will give The Lily of Ludgate Hill a try. I recommend it highly. It is packed with immersive drama, longing, and romance—all the best elements that the genre can deliver.
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