The Story
Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.
Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.
Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.
But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?
My Review: The Siren of Sussex
Friends, I’ve found my new favorite historical fiction romance!
I can’t seem to get this book out of my head and I’m perfectly okay with that. It is an enduringly lovely piece of fiction. Not your typical run-of-the-mill Victorian Era novel, where it’s all about nobility.
Don’t get me wrong, society and the season is ever present, but it’s how Matthews focuses on her expertly crafted characters that makes this a must read. Where we have two people, a tailor and an equestrienne’s story of romance and finding their own path for each other.
Unique in it’s way of reminding readers of England’s past and it’s colonization of India, Matthews paints into her story the cruelty, bigotry, and racism towards bi-racial Brits who are Indian. Where the delicious Ahmad Malik is constantly on edge because of his awareness of the realities of his race and class.
Enter Evelyn Maltravers.
When these two meet it wraps around your heart and gives you all the feels. It’s one of my favorite moments of the novel (and there are many).
With little steam in the romance department, which worked for this novel, characters who you are rooting for from the opening page, The Siren of Sussex will sweep you away and leave you feeling completely dazzled by its wholesomeness and beauty.
I need the next book!
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
RATING: 
– Exceptionally Inked
Photos by Sheaf & Ink of The Siren of Sussex
Publication Details
| Pub Date | ISBN | Page Count | Publisher | Age Group | Source & Format | Review Posted Online |
| 11-Jan-22 | 978-0593337134 | 432 | Berkley | Adult | NetGalley, Digital Copy | November 13, 2021 |
The Siren of Sussex Photo Collage by Sheaf & Ink
Adam Rhodes on Unsplash
Alexander Naglestad on Unsplash
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Similar Books Recommended by Sheaf & Ink
Bringing Down the Duke, Evie Dunmore
The Lady Tempts an Heir, Harper St. George
Never Fall for Your Fiancée, Virginia Heath
Need More Book Recommendations?
An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins
The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George
📚Have you read The Siren of Sussex? Planning too?
Join the conversation. We love hearing from you.⏬
Welcome Reader!
I’m Cecelia and I’m so glad you’re here! You’ll find honest reviews, book recommendations, along with other bookish essentials. So happy you stopped by!
– C
Well I’ve been counting the days till Jan 11th since the first time I heard about The Siren of Sussex. I’ve read ALL Mimi’s books. I am a huge fan of her writing. I am sure that this book will be another amazing unforgettable story. And now after your amazing review I’m looking forward to it even more!!!
Thank you so much for your lovely words. It’s such a fantastic book. I’ll definitely have to read her other books now that you’ve recommended it.