Historical Romance Book Review: The Belle of Belgrave Square
About the Book
Title: The Belle of Belgrave Square
Series: Belles of London (Book 2)
Author: Mimi Matthews
Genre: Historical Romance/ Historical Fiction
Publisher: Berkeley Romance
Release Date: October 11, 2022
Purchase Links
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS
Publisher's Book Description
A BookBub Best Romance of 2022
A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.
Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.
For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.
In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes…
Advance Praise
“A grand cross-class romance, a twisty mystery, and emotional internal struggles combine to excellent effect…fans and new readers alike will root for this well-earned love story.”— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“[C]ombines deception, risk, and a resourceful heroine to create an intoxicating, suspenseful romance. Highly recommended.”— Library Journal (starred review)
“If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast, this regency romance will rapidly become a new favorite of yours. Wallflower meets an infamous war hero in this fascinating and intriguing love story.”— BuzzFeed
“Mimi Matthews never disappoints, with richly drawn characters and couples whose individual shortcomings become strengths, when paired together. In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, we get to root for two underdogs who get to rewrite their own stories.”— Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here
“The Belle of Belgrave Square is such tremendous, good fun: a heroine with a big horse, an even bigger novel-reading habit, and a hidden anxiety; a hero with a crumbling estate, a trio of wary children, and a literary secret—what's not to love? Mimi Matthews paints Victorian England with vivid humor, and her Belles of London is set to go on for at least a few more much-anticipated installments. Julian Fellowes fans will rejoice!”— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
My Review
The Belle of Belgrave Square, by Mimi Matthews, is the second book in the Belles of London series. Brimming with secrets, twists, and plenty of sweet romance, this book is truly stunning! Page after page there unfolds a compelling story that is memorable and moving. With captivating characters and relevant themes like truth, courage, and redemption, it is an utterly riveting and enjoyable novel.
Set in London and York during the Victorian Era, this historical romance is exceedingly well-written. Ms. Matthews has skillfully crafted authentic characters who are vulnerable, sympathetic, and realistic. They often exude fortitude, passion, and resiliency that is enthralling and inspirational. Even when contending with significant challenges, they cling to determination and hope. Through these characters and their unique story, this novel successfully reflects upon the human capacity for survival and perseverance in the face of immeasurable odds.
Ms. Mathews’ talent for descriptive storytelling is undeniable. Her writing is very beautiful, well-researched, and immersive. In The Belle of Belgrave Square, she has crafted a novel that is genuinely clever, thoughtful, and bold. It is a remarkable book from beginning to end, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and Austenprose PR. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
About the Author: Mimi Matthews
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, 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 a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Connect with Mimi Matthews at the following sites:
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS
Victorian Readers Room
Join Mimi at her Victorian Reading Room Facebook Group for exclusive access as she shares her love of writing, historical romance, Victorian fashion, brooding heroes, independent heroines, and of course, her beloved pets!
Read an Exclusive Interview with Mimi Matthews
Discover intriguing insights into The Belle of Belgrave Square and Mimi’s writing life in this exclusive interview at austenprose.com.
Giveaway
Mimi has generously offered a fabulous giveaway that book tour participants can add to their post and on social media. Here are the details:
Giveaway period: October 3 – October 30
Terms & Conditions:
Giveaway hosted by Mimi Matthews. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of the book to the winner. Void where prohibited.
Giveaway Details:
1 winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) receives a paperback copy of The Belle of Belgrave Square, signed and annotated by the author with personal comments, underlining of her favorite lines, and other highlights by Mimi Matthews.
Giveaway is open from 12:01 am Pacific time 10/03/22 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 10/30/22.
The winner will be announced on Mimi's blog on 10/31/22.
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