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Somerset Stories #5
A Lady of Conscience
A Victorian bluestocking with a passion for lost causes attracts the unwilling attention of a frost-hearted viscount during her tumultuous debut season in Bath in USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews’s fifth book in her acclaimed Somerset Stories series.
West Country beauty Hannah Heywood may be quiet with fashionable strangers, but when it comes to animals in need, she has no trouble finding her voice. Newly arrived in Bath for her very first season, all she desires is to find one like-minded gentleman. A man of warmth and compassion, as sensitive to animals as he is to people. But if such a man exists, he dare not approach her. Not with the tall, blond, and menacing Viscount St. Clare standing in the way.
James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has often been described as a sentient block of ice. A man so cold and dispassionate, he would never suit a young lady of Hannah’s disposition. And she would certainly never suit him. Focused on repairing his family’s infamous reputation, James requires a diamond of the first water. The daughter of a duke or a marquess, at least, not a simple country girl with a passion for four-legged creatures.
And yet, there’s something about conscience-driven young Hannah that draws James, first to Bath, and then into one increasingly hare-brained scheme after another. She confounds him at every turn, subverting his expectations and threatening to do what no lady has succeeded in doing before—thawing his ice-cold heart.
West Country beauty Hannah Heywood may be quiet with fashionable strangers, but when it comes to animals in need, she has no trouble finding her voice. Newly arrived in Bath for her very first season, all she desires is to find one like-minded gentleman. A man of warmth and compassion, as sensitive to animals as he is to people. But if such a man exists, he dare not approach her. Not with the tall, blond, and menacing Viscount St. Clare standing in the way.
James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has often been described as a sentient block of ice. A man so cold and dispassionate, he would never suit a young lady of Hannah’s disposition. And she would certainly never suit him. Focused on repairing his family’s infamous reputation, James requires a diamond of the first water. The daughter of a duke or a marquess, at least, not a simple country girl with a passion for four-legged creatures.
And yet, there’s something about conscience-driven young Hannah that draws James, first to Bath, and then into one increasingly hare-brained scheme after another. She confounds him at every turn, subverting his expectations and threatening to do what no lady has succeeded in doing before—thawing his ice-cold heart.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
162 people are currently reading
1219 people want to read
About the author
Mimi Matthews
23 books4,373 followersUSA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning historical romance, including Rules for Ruin, a Kirkus, NYPL, NPR, Library Journal, BookPage, and Marie Claire Best Book of 2025; 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, BookPage, 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 371 reviews
March 13, 2025
Another perfectly nice book that didn’t move me at all
This was ok but nothing like what Mimi can usually write. It was so tame, no angst or drama. This is why I can’t connect to next gen books. They have to be so perfectly perfect and end up being long epilogues for the original couples in the series.
It was also a novella, which I didn’t notice until it was pretty much over so that might explain why it never developed into much. Not a bad book but was so light and sweet that I did not connect with it and everything felt so instalove. Other than his dumb Darcy-like proposal at the beginning they loved each other and had no conflict. They just walked in the park and hung out and rescued kittens and donkeys. 😆
The audiobook was well done, it was single manrrator and Alex Winter did a great job creating different voices for all the characters. He has a nice voice and did a great British accent (this is a joke for me, he’s English).
Anyway this book might work more for someone who has read this entire series -I only read The Work of Art- because if you can’t connect with these families and side characters there really isn’t much else happening here.
This was ok but nothing like what Mimi can usually write. It was so tame, no angst or drama. This is why I can’t connect to next gen books. They have to be so perfectly perfect and end up being long epilogues for the original couples in the series.
It was also a novella, which I didn’t notice until it was pretty much over so that might explain why it never developed into much. Not a bad book but was so light and sweet that I did not connect with it and everything felt so instalove. Other than his dumb Darcy-like proposal at the beginning they loved each other and had no conflict. They just walked in the park and hung out and rescued kittens and donkeys. 😆
The audiobook was well done, it was single manrrator and Alex Winter did a great job creating different voices for all the characters. He has a nice voice and did a great British accent (this is a joke for me, he’s English).
Anyway this book might work more for someone who has read this entire series -I only read The Work of Art- because if you can’t connect with these families and side characters there really isn’t much else happening here.
August 1, 2024
4,5 stars rounded up because Captain and Mrs. Heywood
You just can’t go wrong with Mimi Matthews. She is the absolute queen of closed door romance. 👑
We all knew that when James and Hannah waltzed together at that party at Beasley Park, it was not a coincidence. A waltz with a lingering look will lead to a HEA, it’s the law.
James had ambitions, he had plans, he was supposed to make an advantageous match and live a veryboring proper life. Until he met Hannah Heywood.
James was an adorable, clueless Mr. Darcy, and Hannah wasn’t Philly’s daughter for nothing, she knew how to crack that icy facade. I loved the more human version of James she freed. Hannah was not at all a shy bluestocking, she was fierce and not afraid to go for what she wanted.
My only complaint is that the book was too short and the character development felt a little rushed. I wanted more of them together, more interactions with their families, just more of everything.
I so much loved seeing Philly and Arthur, bummer they didn’t have more children to write about. 😭
——-
RTC, I just need to reread The Work of Art real quick.
——-
I’m here for Captain Heywood
You just can’t go wrong with Mimi Matthews. She is the absolute queen of closed door romance. 👑
We all knew that when James and Hannah waltzed together at that party at Beasley Park, it was not a coincidence. A waltz with a lingering look will lead to a HEA, it’s the law.
James had ambitions, he had plans, he was supposed to make an advantageous match and live a very
James was an adorable, clueless Mr. Darcy, and Hannah wasn’t Philly’s daughter for nothing, she knew how to crack that icy facade. I loved the more human version of James she freed. Hannah was not at all a shy bluestocking, she was fierce and not afraid to go for what she wanted.
My only complaint is that the book was too short and the character development felt a little rushed. I wanted more of them together, more interactions with their families, just more of everything.
I so much loved seeing Philly and Arthur, bummer they didn’t have more children to write about. 😭
——-
RTC, I just need to reread The Work of Art real quick.
——-
I’m here for Captain Heywood
Read
August 3, 2024Having my own personal "we don't talk about Bruno" moment.
But let it be said that James fulfilled my every expectation
pre-review
Viscount St Clare of any generation can slay me. Give me all the ice cold blondes you have to offer, Mimi.
But let it be said that James fulfilled my every expectation
pre-review
Viscount St Clare of any generation can slay me. Give me all the ice cold blondes you have to offer, Mimi.
August 21, 2024
3,5 stars.
Lovely historical romance.
I adored (and loved) most of Mimi Matthews' novellas and novels so far. Even if this one isn't among my favorites, it was sweet and enjoyable.
For me the relationship development was a bit lacking, though. I had the same feelings reading the last 2 installments in this series.
The author's earlier novellas The Lost Letter and A Holiday By Gaslight, as well as her full length novels in the The Parish Orphans-series (excluding the 2.installment), and The Siren of Sussex and The Bell of Belgrave Square all have a much more satisfying relationship development and much more depth.
This one was lighter and fluffier (that's not bad, obviously, just different from what I used to love in the other books I mentioned).
The remarks about spinster ladies and their cats were unpredictably funny in light of some recent statements in the US election campaigns.
"Hannah listened to Mattie in growing disquiet. Was it true? Could people really be so small minded? So judgmental?"
LOL.
Lovely historical romance.
I adored (and loved) most of Mimi Matthews' novellas and novels so far. Even if this one isn't among my favorites, it was sweet and enjoyable.
For me the relationship development was a bit lacking, though. I had the same feelings reading the last 2 installments in this series.
The author's earlier novellas The Lost Letter and A Holiday By Gaslight, as well as her full length novels in the The Parish Orphans-series (excluding the 2.installment), and The Siren of Sussex and The Bell of Belgrave Square all have a much more satisfying relationship development and much more depth.
This one was lighter and fluffier (that's not bad, obviously, just different from what I used to love in the other books I mentioned).
The remarks about spinster ladies and their cats were unpredictably funny in light of some recent statements in the US election campaigns.
"Hannah listened to Mattie in growing disquiet. Was it true? Could people really be so small minded? So judgmental?"
LOL.
August 13, 2024
Bad Haiku on the Fly
Novella format
smothers promising courtship.
Work of Art coda.
Notes
📖 Cover ❤️
📖 As always, the Author’s Notes are not to be missed.
Novella format
smothers promising courtship.
Work of Art coda.
Notes
📖 Cover ❤️
📖 As always, the Author’s Notes are not to be missed.
August 20, 2024
This is a sweet love story. Shy, animal-loving FMC and a seemingly cold, controlled MMC. He needs a mate to complement his life as a viscount, one who can act as hostess, move in society with confidence, etc. Unfortunately, he's drawn to this shy PETA-type woman. It all works out, of course, in the end.
The problem with the book, for me, is the usual problem I have with Matthews' stories. The women are a bit bland and boring, the men usually have sticks that need removing from a certain area of their bodies. These tales all run together in my memory-impaired brain and a month from now I won't remember what this particular book was all about.
The problem with the book, for me, is the usual problem I have with Matthews' stories. The women are a bit bland and boring, the men usually have sticks that need removing from a certain area of their bodies. These tales all run together in my memory-impaired brain and a month from now I won't remember what this particular book was all about.
August 6, 2024
A Lady of Conscience is the newest book in The Somerset Stories series (#5) In a short amount of pages, Mimi gives us a wonderful believable story full of depth, romance and plot. James and Hannah's chemistry carried over from previous book very well, I couldn't wait to dive deeper into their love story.
If you love sweet historical moments with a dash of Pride and Prejudice "your circumstances are unsuitable" vibes...you have GOT to get your hands on this one!
Hannah is a soft spoken woman with a passion for animals. She definitely isn't who James saw himself pursuing for a wife, yet she is all he can think about. I love how James has to let go of his pride and what the ton will think in order to follow his heart. The way he is so gone for this woman was so ENDEARING...he would do anything for her and it was so beautiful to see.
There was a really wonderful sense of honesty between the characters that I found so refreshing. James has a PLETHORA of one liners that I found to be OH SO GOOD....my many tabs speak for themselves on this point, as does Hannah's blushing.
This is a book I had a hard time putting down and was just the most wonderfully wholesome, and sweetest book with characters you could't help but root for. IF anyone can get invested in a book with animals..it's definitely Mimi Matthews. Another great romance for the books from Mimi. I will always and forever be a big fan.
If you love sweet historical moments with a dash of Pride and Prejudice "your circumstances are unsuitable" vibes...you have GOT to get your hands on this one!
Hannah is a soft spoken woman with a passion for animals. She definitely isn't who James saw himself pursuing for a wife, yet she is all he can think about. I love how James has to let go of his pride and what the ton will think in order to follow his heart. The way he is so gone for this woman was so ENDEARING...he would do anything for her and it was so beautiful to see.
There was a really wonderful sense of honesty between the characters that I found so refreshing. James has a PLETHORA of one liners that I found to be OH SO GOOD....my many tabs speak for themselves on this point, as does Hannah's blushing.
This is a book I had a hard time putting down and was just the most wonderfully wholesome, and sweetest book with characters you could't help but root for. IF anyone can get invested in a book with animals..it's definitely Mimi Matthews. Another great romance for the books from Mimi. I will always and forever be a big fan.
July 30, 2024
I am a forever fan of the author, and this finale in the Somerset Stories has all the things I love about her books. A gorgeous clean romance with fully fleshed characters you cheer for. Authentic historical detail that makes you feel you are in Victorian England.
Beautiful prose and a gentle touch that make her books such a delight to read.
"James's chest tightened. He was struck anew by the inherent quietness and grace in her person. She was lovely, of course.
But it wasn't that which had beguiled him so thoroughly against his will-against his self-interest and his reason. It was the softness in her. The tender gravity in her gaze, and the reticence in her manner."
Histfic fans, don't miss this lovely romance between shy animal lover, Hannah Heywood, and the icy Viscount St. Clare James Beresford. You will happily lose hours in their company and believe in the possibility of True Love more than ever before. Stunning!
"He requires a wife who can move in London society. A lady who will be successful there. He thought that, with an effort—" Hannah stopped herself. "But that isn't what I want."
"What do you want, pet?"
She gave him a faint, rueful smile. "A marriage like yours and Mama's, of course."
Papa's stern countenance softened at the mere mention of her mother. "Ah.
Something to aspire to, indeed."
Thanks to author Mimi Matthews and Perfectly Proper Press for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
Beautiful prose and a gentle touch that make her books such a delight to read.
"James's chest tightened. He was struck anew by the inherent quietness and grace in her person. She was lovely, of course.
But it wasn't that which had beguiled him so thoroughly against his will-against his self-interest and his reason. It was the softness in her. The tender gravity in her gaze, and the reticence in her manner."
Histfic fans, don't miss this lovely romance between shy animal lover, Hannah Heywood, and the icy Viscount St. Clare James Beresford. You will happily lose hours in their company and believe in the possibility of True Love more than ever before. Stunning!
"He requires a wife who can move in London society. A lady who will be successful there. He thought that, with an effort—" Hannah stopped herself. "But that isn't what I want."
"What do you want, pet?"
She gave him a faint, rueful smile. "A marriage like yours and Mama's, of course."
Papa's stern countenance softened at the mere mention of her mother. "Ah.
Something to aspire to, indeed."
Thanks to author Mimi Matthews and Perfectly Proper Press for the ARC. Opinions are mine.
June 22, 2024
I'll have a review soon but hooooo man. This was be-yew-ta-ful.
I'm part of Mimi's ARC team for this and I love to thank her for always allowing me to champion for her work! So, hold onto your hats kids, because this was a good read.
Hannah is absolutely a soft, sweet, adorable cupcake. She has her animals, she is shy when she wishes to be, but fierce when she is protective. She is a cinnamon cupcake with buttercream frosting.
Which brings us to Viscount St. Clare, oh man. Talk about wanting to be the man to save his family. But does his family need saving? Or is he just tired of people comparing him to a man who was a notorious highway man and underclass? That's basically it. So, with the right of eldest and next in line, he chooses not to let his passions overrule him. He chooses to stay within the lines. But Hannah, to him, is confusing. She is detour on this path of perfection because she is - to him - the complete opposite in which he should be going after based on society but perfect in his heart.
So, he confesses his feelings... and like Darcy in Pride and Prejudice with his proposal, he absolutely bungles it. He says things he probably shouldn't be saying, and it leads her to rejecting him. And away the story goes! Will they end up together? And how many animals will she force on him?
I couldn't help smiling, laughing and saying 'oh boy' outloud every time you watched him absolutely fall smitten to her charms. Whether it's a donkey he is saving or a bunch of cats, the man is gonna have his own menagerie before their first anniversary!
I also have to hand it to Mimi for giving some hilarious and swoony fight scenes / moments. The one at the end that ties it all into a bow was funny! If I was Hannah I would be smitten and rolling my eyes in admiration / exasperation.
All in all, this was a great read. If this be the end of the series, it was a perfect end. (If Jack gets a tale, I hope it's full of comedy and fun. He needs a feisty / fun gal to tease and laugh with.)
I'm part of Mimi's ARC team for this and I love to thank her for always allowing me to champion for her work! So, hold onto your hats kids, because this was a good read.
Hannah is absolutely a soft, sweet, adorable cupcake. She has her animals, she is shy when she wishes to be, but fierce when she is protective. She is a cinnamon cupcake with buttercream frosting.
Which brings us to Viscount St. Clare, oh man. Talk about wanting to be the man to save his family. But does his family need saving? Or is he just tired of people comparing him to a man who was a notorious highway man and underclass? That's basically it. So, with the right of eldest and next in line, he chooses not to let his passions overrule him. He chooses to stay within the lines. But Hannah, to him, is confusing. She is detour on this path of perfection because she is - to him - the complete opposite in which he should be going after based on society but perfect in his heart.
So, he confesses his feelings... and like Darcy in Pride and Prejudice with his proposal, he absolutely bungles it. He says things he probably shouldn't be saying, and it leads her to rejecting him. And away the story goes! Will they end up together? And how many animals will she force on him?
I couldn't help smiling, laughing and saying 'oh boy' outloud every time you watched him absolutely fall smitten to her charms. Whether it's a donkey he is saving or a bunch of cats, the man is gonna have his own menagerie before their first anniversary!
I also have to hand it to Mimi for giving some hilarious and swoony fight scenes / moments. The one at the end that ties it all into a bow was funny! If I was Hannah I would be smitten and rolling my eyes in admiration / exasperation.
All in all, this was a great read. If this be the end of the series, it was a perfect end. (If Jack gets a tale, I hope it's full of comedy and fun. He needs a feisty / fun gal to tease and laugh with.)
July 31, 2024
2.5 stars……I will have to be a dissenter and admit that this wasn’t my favorite Mimi. First off, this was a novella, and therefore has the flaws of one. It’s simply too short to house the amount of character development, nuance, and romantic tension needed to grip me as a reader. Yes, we do get backstory about why James is so icy and wants to prove everyone wrong about the Beresford’s, but otherwise nothing compelling happens. Nothing truly threatens the relationship. If I didn’t have the context of all the other Somerset stories, this would be a very blah stand alone, in my opinion.
Secondly, (please don’t come knocking at my door, PETA), I found the animal rescue/advocacy scenes and subplot to be a little too YA for my tastes. Again, no real tension. And the dramatic plot point of Hannah’s reputation being ruined by penning her name to an article about how to properly feed cats felt very out of place and borderline silly.
In short, if I find myself as a reader actively dreaming up how I would change or enhance a story to make it better, it’s a sign I just didn’t like it. And this was definitely the case with ALOC. It kind of feels like Mimi has completely committed herself to her Berkeley contract but is throwing together this second gen Somerset story as an afterthought/side hobby. That said, I’m sad that Jack’s story isn’t even in the works (no teaser chapter at the end). I hope she writes it one day, but only when she’s ready to pull out all the stops to give the series a strong(er) conclusion.
Secondly, (please don’t come knocking at my door, PETA), I found the animal rescue/advocacy scenes and subplot to be a little too YA for my tastes. Again, no real tension. And the dramatic plot point of Hannah’s reputation being ruined by penning her name to an article about how to properly feed cats felt very out of place and borderline silly.
In short, if I find myself as a reader actively dreaming up how I would change or enhance a story to make it better, it’s a sign I just didn’t like it. And this was definitely the case with ALOC. It kind of feels like Mimi has completely committed herself to her Berkeley contract but is throwing together this second gen Somerset story as an afterthought/side hobby. That said, I’m sad that Jack’s story isn’t even in the works (no teaser chapter at the end). I hope she writes it one day, but only when she’s ready to pull out all the stops to give the series a strong(er) conclusion.
July 30, 2024
Thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy to review as a member of her street team once again! A Lady of Conscience is available for purchase July 30th.
Mimi Matthews is a rare gem in the historical romance genre, always hitting bullseyes and incorporating unique plot details with my favorite romantic tropes. Lady is no exception, featuring an opposites-attract romance between more of the second generation in the Somerset stories cast. James, the eldest of the St. Clares, and Hannah Heywood, sister of Charles, from Satterthwaite Court.
It's difficult to put my finger on just what the magical ingredient is in Matthews' historical romances, probably because it's a combination of features: dual POVs that show both of the pair's innermost thoughts and affections, impeccable research and accurate prose, and some of the quirkiest yet historically accurate habits or customs of the Victorian era.
In this case, it's Hannah Heywood's fierce animal advocacy, extending to publishing her own writing on the topic, and her vegetarianism. She's both endearing and relatable to modern readers, while refreshingly progressive for a Victorian heroine. Her shyness parallels James' reserve, both feeling a lot more than they show. James was a fantastic study in still waters running deep, a tall, blonde, hunk of a gentleman who is afraid to let himself feel, lest he repeat the mistakes of his lineage's past, and cloaks himself in an icy demeanor as a result.
I had to check that my Kindle hadn't overheated as I read the first waltz scene between our main pair, because it was an exercise in pure romance, the inherent eroticism of the small moments of contact one was allowed while courting during the era. As James' chilly facade melted, so did I, reading him helping Hannah with various animal rescue efforts, or fighting those of the ton who were slandering her.
And did I mention that this story channels Pride and Prejudice in the best way in a couple of scenes? I had to pause and scream-text my fellow Austen fan bestie.
The fact that the most emotionally charged moments in Matthews' closed-door romances are often merely a gloved hand grasping a bare one, or the point of contact between skirts and trousers whilst seated, show that she understands the assignment perfectly. This latest Somerset story was a joy to read.
Mimi Matthews is a rare gem in the historical romance genre, always hitting bullseyes and incorporating unique plot details with my favorite romantic tropes. Lady is no exception, featuring an opposites-attract romance between more of the second generation in the Somerset stories cast. James, the eldest of the St. Clares, and Hannah Heywood, sister of Charles, from Satterthwaite Court.
It's difficult to put my finger on just what the magical ingredient is in Matthews' historical romances, probably because it's a combination of features: dual POVs that show both of the pair's innermost thoughts and affections, impeccable research and accurate prose, and some of the quirkiest yet historically accurate habits or customs of the Victorian era.
In this case, it's Hannah Heywood's fierce animal advocacy, extending to publishing her own writing on the topic, and her vegetarianism. She's both endearing and relatable to modern readers, while refreshingly progressive for a Victorian heroine. Her shyness parallels James' reserve, both feeling a lot more than they show. James was a fantastic study in still waters running deep, a tall, blonde, hunk of a gentleman who is afraid to let himself feel, lest he repeat the mistakes of his lineage's past, and cloaks himself in an icy demeanor as a result.
I had to check that my Kindle hadn't overheated as I read the first waltz scene between our main pair, because it was an exercise in pure romance, the inherent eroticism of the small moments of contact one was allowed while courting during the era. As James' chilly facade melted, so did I, reading him helping Hannah with various animal rescue efforts, or fighting those of the ton who were slandering her.
And did I mention that this story channels Pride and Prejudice in the best way in a couple of scenes? I had to pause and scream-text my fellow Austen fan bestie.
The fact that the most emotionally charged moments in Matthews' closed-door romances are often merely a gloved hand grasping a bare one, or the point of contact between skirts and trousers whilst seated, show that she understands the assignment perfectly. This latest Somerset story was a joy to read.
November 4, 2024
Delightful story featuring a not quite bluestocking Miss and a very cool Lord.
An animal rights activist Hannah is subdued in company yet ferocious in her defense of harmless animals. That’s what James comes to admire about her. But love? When Hannah refuses his marriage proposal James has a hard look at himself.
An animal rights activist Hannah is subdued in company yet ferocious in her defense of harmless animals. That’s what James comes to admire about her. But love? When Hannah refuses his marriage proposal James has a hard look at himself.
August 4, 2024
Lovely and sweet!
March 30, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
When James Beresford, the Viscount St. Clare, first met Hannah Heywood, he was intrigued by her quiet countenance and love for animals. Now, months later, he finds himself drawn to Bath, the place where Hannah has chosen to enter Society. Despite James's strict beliefs that he must marry a lady of high standing, he finds his thoughts consumed with Miss Heywood and her rare beauty. But when he bumbles his words while declaring himself, he's convinced he's ruined his chance of winning her heart. Or has he?
This book is my new obsession. Ever since reading about James and Hannah's first meeting in Return to Satterthwaite Court, I have been DYING for their story. I highly recommend reading that book first in order to fully understand their backstories and understand their characters even more! Mimi Matthews did not disappoint with this romance. While I was taken by surprise by the nod to Mr. Darcy early on in the story, I was thrilled by how things played out. James was forced to shed his stoic demeanor in order to win over the kind-hearted Hannah, and in the process he had so many romantic lines that left me swooning. I loved how he defended her honor, worshipped the ground she walked on, and wasn't ashamed of her "peculiar" interests. He was gone for her from the beginning and unabashedly admitted that she was what he wanted. Hannah may have been reserved in Society, but she was a force to be reckoned with and didn't apologize for her beliefs and interests. I loved how she brought James to his knees without even trying. This is my new favorite in the series, and I loved it so much that I binged it in one day and then did a reread a few days later!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
When James Beresford, the Viscount St. Clare, first met Hannah Heywood, he was intrigued by her quiet countenance and love for animals. Now, months later, he finds himself drawn to Bath, the place where Hannah has chosen to enter Society. Despite James's strict beliefs that he must marry a lady of high standing, he finds his thoughts consumed with Miss Heywood and her rare beauty. But when he bumbles his words while declaring himself, he's convinced he's ruined his chance of winning her heart. Or has he?
This book is my new obsession. Ever since reading about James and Hannah's first meeting in Return to Satterthwaite Court, I have been DYING for their story. I highly recommend reading that book first in order to fully understand their backstories and understand their characters even more! Mimi Matthews did not disappoint with this romance. While I was taken by surprise by the nod to Mr. Darcy early on in the story, I was thrilled by how things played out. James was forced to shed his stoic demeanor in order to win over the kind-hearted Hannah, and in the process he had so many romantic lines that left me swooning. I loved how he defended her honor, worshipped the ground she walked on, and wasn't ashamed of her "peculiar" interests. He was gone for her from the beginning and unabashedly admitted that she was what he wanted. Hannah may have been reserved in Society, but she was a force to be reckoned with and didn't apologize for her beliefs and interests. I loved how she brought James to his knees without even trying. This is my new favorite in the series, and I loved it so much that I binged it in one day and then did a reread a few days later!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2024
I've been reading Mimi's books since 2017, and this woman has superpowers. She can write a book with heavy romance, and then she composes a book like this with only one tender kiss scene, and I was STILL swept off my feet. Mimi understands that romance is more than just physical attraction.
The characters were lovable and good, the past characters were woven in beautifully and this is my favorite book in this series since book 2, Gentleman Jim.
To anyone complaining that it's too short, please understand that Mimi was dealing with intense health issues while writing this, and she did her best. It makes me love it even more.
The characters were lovable and good, the past characters were woven in beautifully and this is my favorite book in this series since book 2, Gentleman Jim.
To anyone complaining that it's too short, please understand that Mimi was dealing with intense health issues while writing this, and she did her best. It makes me love it even more.
August 3, 2024
This book was like a warm hug and a perfect romance. I immediately loved Hannah with her shyness and love for animals. Mimi creates amazing chemistry between her two main characters. I cheered at the nods to Pride and Prejudice! I’ve only read “The Work of Art” in this series so far, but I still
understood this book and loved and seeing the characters from other books in the “Somerset Stories” series. I now want to read all the other books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: PG. Examples: A man was born a “bastard;” characters drink alcohol; a person curses, but the words aren’t actually written; a man talks about putting kittens in a sack and drowning them, but it doesn’t actually happen.
understood this book and loved and seeing the characters from other books in the “Somerset Stories” series. I now want to read all the other books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: PG. Examples: A man was born a “bastard;” characters drink alcohol; a person curses, but the words aren’t actually written; a man talks about putting kittens in a sack and drowning them, but it doesn’t actually happen.
October 27, 2025
Aw, this was sweet.
July 24, 2024
Sometimes a story just burrows into my heart and its characters live there as I imagine what their lives will be like even after the novel ends. That is what A Lady of Conscience has done for me! I adored Hannah and James!
James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, appeared in the two stories before this one as a very controlled and, what appeared to be, an unfeeling man. Whereas his siblings followed their hearts, he seemed to think that he must follow a strict plan to help bolster his family’s name.
But then….Hannah…
I loved that James just couldn’t help himself. This was definitely a “he falls first” trope, although there was attraction from both of the main characters, to be sure. However, Hannah wasn’t certain that James would allow himself to soften enough to have feelings of love and she was determined to only marry for love.
Seeing how well these two seemingly opposite people actually matched up was so precious! They were both kind and thoughtful individuals who were unfailingly loyal to their families. They were both raised by parents who were love matches and had set wonderful examples of what married life could be like.
I simply loved this story from start to finish and I know that it will be a book I reread over and over again! It is book five in the Somerset Stories series. You could pick it up and enjoy it on its own, but it is so fun to read these books from the beginning of their series, as well. The first book, The Work of Art, is about Hannah’s parents. The second book, Gentleman Jim, is about James’ parents. The subsequent novels are about these two couples’ children. I adore this series and highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, appeared in the two stories before this one as a very controlled and, what appeared to be, an unfeeling man. Whereas his siblings followed their hearts, he seemed to think that he must follow a strict plan to help bolster his family’s name.
But then….Hannah…
I loved that James just couldn’t help himself. This was definitely a “he falls first” trope, although there was attraction from both of the main characters, to be sure. However, Hannah wasn’t certain that James would allow himself to soften enough to have feelings of love and she was determined to only marry for love.
Seeing how well these two seemingly opposite people actually matched up was so precious! They were both kind and thoughtful individuals who were unfailingly loyal to their families. They were both raised by parents who were love matches and had set wonderful examples of what married life could be like.
I simply loved this story from start to finish and I know that it will be a book I reread over and over again! It is book five in the Somerset Stories series. You could pick it up and enjoy it on its own, but it is so fun to read these books from the beginning of their series, as well. The first book, The Work of Art, is about Hannah’s parents. The second book, Gentleman Jim, is about James’ parents. The subsequent novels are about these two couples’ children. I adore this series and highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
September 24, 2024
4.5 stars
This is the 5th book in Mimi Matthews Somerset Stories series and it can easily be read as a standalone, but I can definitely recommend the other books in this series.
The Author’s Note on Goodreads explains the reason for the shorter length of the story.
I was intrigued by the attraction between the cold, formidable James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, and the shy Hannah Hayward which was evident in the two previous books. The ‘opposites attract’ storyline is one of my favourites and I was looking forward to seeing how Ms. Matthews was going to pair this ill-matched hero and heroine and create the perfect couple.
James’ family have always been the subject of scandalous rumours regarding the legitimacy of his father’s claim to the earldom. As the eldest son and heir, his main focus in life is to restore the family’s reputation. The Beresfords are renowned for being passionate by nature but James has always kept a tight control over his emotions.
When it came to his own path, James was resolved to steer with his head rather than his heart.
When he chooses a bride, she will be a paragon of society who can aid him in restoring his family’s reputation.There’s only one problem - he is irresistibly drawn to Hannah Hayward, a shy, West Country blue stocking who is entirely unsuitable for the role of his future countess.
Hannah’s extreme shyness makes it difficult for her to converse with strangers but, when it comes to her strongly held convictions on animal welfare, she is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t eat meat and contributes articles to her friend’s Animal Advocate journal.
Hanna refuses to settle for anything less than love when she marries. She wants a man who is kind & warm-hearted and accepts her as she is and shares her commitment to animal welfare. There’s only one problem - the only man who she makes her heart flutter is a frost-hearted viscount who prided himself on his unrelenting sense of control..
When James proposes marriage to Hannah (a lovely nod to Mr Darcy’s failed proposal in Pride and Prejudice), he arrogantly believes that Hannah will accept but she refuses and James is determined to to move on with his life. However, as his father tells him, the heart wants what it wants.”and James wants Hannah. I think the fact that James was willing to face Hannah’s formidable father for permission to renew his suit reveals the depth of his feelings for Hannah, especially as he could risk loosing her forever.
As always, Ms. Matthews gives us a delightful and heartwarming romance. James has always put his duty to restore the family name before anything else but, in his attempts to court Hanna, I enjoyed seeing the real James gradually emerging from beneath that dour exterior …
The hard lines of his face softened, the corners of his eyes crinkled, and he smiled—such a smile!! It was dazzling and warm, making him at once more handsome and more human.
He’s always kept a tight rein on his emotions but throws caution to the wind when he kisses Hannah and, to protect Hannah, he’s even willing to make a spectacle of himself.
Hannah is a lovely heroine - warm, kind and gentle and loyal but, when it comes to her advocacy for animal welfare, she’s confident and fearless, as James discovers when Hannah sets out to rescue a donkey…
She appeared in that moment entirely without fear. She also appeared rather magnificent.
There is a lovely romantic scene where they declare their love for each other and who knew that rescuing several kittens and getting badly scratched would be instrumental in wining a lady’s heart.
The secondary characters all enrich the story. James and Hannah’s loving parents are there to offer support and advice to their children. James’ younger brothers, Ivo and Jack take great pleasure in tormenting James and providing some humorous moments. There’s Hannah’s friend Miss Matilda Winthrop, the odious Miss Paley and James’ nemesis, Lord Fennick. Not forgetting Hannah’s dogs, Evangeline and Tippo, delightful characters in their own right.
I always read the Author’s Note at the end of the book because Miss. Matthews provides some interesting historical background to aspects of her story.
Another delightful addition to this series and I’m patiently waiting for Jack’s book.
This is the 5th book in Mimi Matthews Somerset Stories series and it can easily be read as a standalone, but I can definitely recommend the other books in this series.
The Author’s Note on Goodreads explains the reason for the shorter length of the story.
I was intrigued by the attraction between the cold, formidable James Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, and the shy Hannah Hayward which was evident in the two previous books. The ‘opposites attract’ storyline is one of my favourites and I was looking forward to seeing how Ms. Matthews was going to pair this ill-matched hero and heroine and create the perfect couple.
James’ family have always been the subject of scandalous rumours regarding the legitimacy of his father’s claim to the earldom. As the eldest son and heir, his main focus in life is to restore the family’s reputation. The Beresfords are renowned for being passionate by nature but James has always kept a tight control over his emotions.
When it came to his own path, James was resolved to steer with his head rather than his heart.
When he chooses a bride, she will be a paragon of society who can aid him in restoring his family’s reputation.There’s only one problem - he is irresistibly drawn to Hannah Hayward, a shy, West Country blue stocking who is entirely unsuitable for the role of his future countess.
Hannah’s extreme shyness makes it difficult for her to converse with strangers but, when it comes to her strongly held convictions on animal welfare, she is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t eat meat and contributes articles to her friend’s Animal Advocate journal.
Hanna refuses to settle for anything less than love when she marries. She wants a man who is kind & warm-hearted and accepts her as she is and shares her commitment to animal welfare. There’s only one problem - the only man who she makes her heart flutter is a frost-hearted viscount who prided himself on his unrelenting sense of control..
When James proposes marriage to Hannah (a lovely nod to Mr Darcy’s failed proposal in Pride and Prejudice), he arrogantly believes that Hannah will accept but she refuses and James is determined to to move on with his life. However, as his father tells him, the heart wants what it wants.”and James wants Hannah. I think the fact that James was willing to face Hannah’s formidable father for permission to renew his suit reveals the depth of his feelings for Hannah, especially as he could risk loosing her forever.
As always, Ms. Matthews gives us a delightful and heartwarming romance. James has always put his duty to restore the family name before anything else but, in his attempts to court Hanna, I enjoyed seeing the real James gradually emerging from beneath that dour exterior …
The hard lines of his face softened, the corners of his eyes crinkled, and he smiled—such a smile!! It was dazzling and warm, making him at once more handsome and more human.
He’s always kept a tight rein on his emotions but throws caution to the wind when he kisses Hannah and, to protect Hannah, he’s even willing to make a spectacle of himself.
Hannah is a lovely heroine - warm, kind and gentle and loyal but, when it comes to her advocacy for animal welfare, she’s confident and fearless, as James discovers when Hannah sets out to rescue a donkey…
She appeared in that moment entirely without fear. She also appeared rather magnificent.
There is a lovely romantic scene where they declare their love for each other and who knew that rescuing several kittens and getting badly scratched would be instrumental in wining a lady’s heart.
The secondary characters all enrich the story. James and Hannah’s loving parents are there to offer support and advice to their children. James’ younger brothers, Ivo and Jack take great pleasure in tormenting James and providing some humorous moments. There’s Hannah’s friend Miss Matilda Winthrop, the odious Miss Paley and James’ nemesis, Lord Fennick. Not forgetting Hannah’s dogs, Evangeline and Tippo, delightful characters in their own right.
I always read the Author’s Note at the end of the book because Miss. Matthews provides some interesting historical background to aspects of her story.
Another delightful addition to this series and I’m patiently waiting for Jack’s book.
October 16, 2025
Of course Mimi Matthews writes yet another perfect book😍😍😭😭 grumpy-frosty-slightly-arrogant-but-well-meaning-and-just-doing-his-best James had no business making me tight in the chest from feelings😭😍 nerdy-adorable-bluestocking-Hannah, what a man you’ve got girl. LIKE THIS GRUFF MAN WANTS TO TAKE CARE OF HER. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with the grumpy hero x sweet nerdy heroine in a historical and man, it was DELIGHTFUL. I always feel like Mimi Matthews heroines have the best husbands (like Lisa Kleypas level) and James was no exception🥰
August 18, 2024
I really enjoy how Mimi writes her heroes.
Country gentry heroine has crush on her icy future brother in law. Icy future brother in law is on the lookout for an influential bride from a good family to restore his family name.
One of my favorite Mimi books. I may end up purchasing the audiobook.
Country gentry heroine has crush on her icy future brother in law. Icy future brother in law is on the lookout for an influential bride from a good family to restore his family name.
One of my favorite Mimi books. I may end up purchasing the audiobook.
July 30, 2024
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
OH SO SWEET.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This was a short book that packed such a sweet punch. I loved Hannah and James’ love story!! It had a Pride and Prejudice vibe that I was smitten with and I loved seeing James grow over the book and he realized how blinded he’d been holding too much control in his life. James letting himself loosen was EVERYTHING. He’s easily one of my favorites.
I adored Hannah and how strong she felt in her convictions. I loved that she didn’t settle and waited for that love match she wanted. It was wonderful seeing a more shy character too and how that played into the plot. There’s a lot of cute animals and allllll the family member sightings you could want. Another fantastic read from Mimi Matthews!
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Content Warnings: physical altercation
OH SO SWEET.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This was a short book that packed such a sweet punch. I loved Hannah and James’ love story!! It had a Pride and Prejudice vibe that I was smitten with and I loved seeing James grow over the book and he realized how blinded he’d been holding too much control in his life. James letting himself loosen was EVERYTHING. He’s easily one of my favorites.
I adored Hannah and how strong she felt in her convictions. I loved that she didn’t settle and waited for that love match she wanted. It was wonderful seeing a more shy character too and how that played into the plot. There’s a lot of cute animals and allllll the family member sightings you could want. Another fantastic read from Mimi Matthews!
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Content Warnings: physical altercation
July 13, 2024
James St. Clair is serious and controlled, in mortal fear of ever giving in to the family reputation of being rash and prone to scandal. As readers, we wait for that moment when he snaps and loses control! Hannah, Arthur and Phylicia's pure-hearted, animal-loving daughter (my favorite MM couple), sees something under James's mask that no one else sees. And so begins the newest clean, tender romance in the Somerset Stories series. This book felt shorter than normal to me, like the characters and their romance weren't developed quite as deeply as I'm used to, but it's perfect for those looking for a shorter read with all the feels.
I received a copy of the ebook to read for review from the publisher, but I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
I received a copy of the ebook to read for review from the publisher, but I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
January 8, 2025
On re-read January 2025– I bumped this up to 4 stars. I really enjoyed this. But it was a Matthews where I really could have used some more steam. Even just a wedding night scene with a fade to black or something would have wrapped this up better for me.
—- original review below
3.5 stars, rounded down,just because I’ve been disappointed by all the novels in this series except for The Work of Art.
Like all of these short novels in this series, this is just ok.
I mean it’s lovely and I liked both of the characters, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the real Pride and Prejudice vibes here. I really enjoyed the MMC deciding to come back and pursue her.
But I think I liked these characters so much that I would have preferred something more fleshed out between them. Also even in Mimi Matthew’s stories, she has a spectrum of steam from only kisses to closed door. This was an example of only kisses (two) and I really felt the need for more, especially since the MMC was considered so cold.
Though he did engage in a public brawl which was decidedly not cold. So 🤷♀️
Safe.
—- original review below
3.5 stars, rounded down,just because I’ve been disappointed by all the novels in this series except for The Work of Art.
Like all of these short novels in this series, this is just ok.
I mean it’s lovely and I liked both of the characters, and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the real Pride and Prejudice vibes here. I really enjoyed the MMC deciding to come back and pursue her.
But I think I liked these characters so much that I would have preferred something more fleshed out between them. Also even in Mimi Matthew’s stories, she has a spectrum of steam from only kisses to closed door. This was an example of only kisses (two) and I really felt the need for more, especially since the MMC was considered so cold.
Though he did engage in a public brawl which was decidedly not cold. So 🤷♀️
Safe.
August 6, 2025
August 2025: revisiting the siblings’ stories to prepare for Jack’s installment has been wonderful!
August 2024: If you know stoic, arrogant James from the previous books in this series and sweet, animal-loving Hannah, you might not even want them to get together, but when you see the icy shell around James crack, the beautiful relationship between them becomes something you root for.
This was a quick, 200 page read, but it had all the fun of a caper, between a donkey rescue and the cat distribution system showing itself to be working in Victorian times.
The next (last?) book must be Jack’s…maybe with Miss Colfax? Or perhaps we’ll get another time jump, as he’s probably headed into military service. I can’t wait!
August 2024: If you know stoic, arrogant James from the previous books in this series and sweet, animal-loving Hannah, you might not even want them to get together, but when you see the icy shell around James crack, the beautiful relationship between them becomes something you root for.
This was a quick, 200 page read, but it had all the fun of a caper, between a donkey rescue and the cat distribution system showing itself to be working in Victorian times.
The next (last?) book must be Jack’s…maybe with Miss Colfax? Or perhaps we’ll get another time jump, as he’s probably headed into military service. I can’t wait!
August 16, 2024
3.5/5.0
Just as lovely as any previous books by this incredible author. It is shorter, however, (the ebook ends at the 88% mark). And, there isn’t really any real conflict to speak of, just two very different people learning to appreciate and love the other for the qualities they each possess.
I loved the sparks between James and Hannah in previous books, so was a bit disappointed there wasn’t more umph in their actual story. So overall, in this instance, it really isn’t the actual plot that shines, it is just the beautiful writing style and richness of the era and the people that keeps the stars high.
Just as lovely as any previous books by this incredible author. It is shorter, however, (the ebook ends at the 88% mark). And, there isn’t really any real conflict to speak of, just two very different people learning to appreciate and love the other for the qualities they each possess.
I loved the sparks between James and Hannah in previous books, so was a bit disappointed there wasn’t more umph in their actual story. So overall, in this instance, it really isn’t the actual plot that shines, it is just the beautiful writing style and richness of the era and the people that keeps the stars high.
June 24, 2024
Just finished this one and I ABSOLUTELY ADORED IT! It made me feel so smitten and happy! It was just the heartwarming book I needed! 🥰🫶 It was just so sweet and pure! I love Mimi's writing because it's so easy to just get captivated by the writing and characters! I just loved how our main gal is such an animal lover and our broody guy falls first! 🥰🫠 It was just so delightful! Highly recommend adding this to your TBR. It was impossible to be unhappy reading it!! I want more! It gave me vibes of her Christmas novella she wrote which I absolutely loved!!!
August 13, 2024
I love this couple!!😭 James & Hannah are the perfect opposites attract! 💞
I so wish the story was longer- it felt a little too short for me! I enjoyed every page💗💗💗
I so wish the story was longer- it felt a little too short for me! I enjoyed every page💗💗💗
June 24, 2024
Pour yourself a cup of tea and cozy up with this sweet story. Mimi Matthews has written the perfect book to read on a summer evening!
Hannah Heywood is a quiet heroine with a passion for animals and lost creatures. James Beresford, Viscount St Clare has been portrayed as a cold and dispassionate man who is looking for a high society wife to help silence the long time rumours about his family’s past. However, James is inexplicably drawn to Hannah and can’t help but attempt to win her heart.
This book is a quick read and the perfect continuation of the series. If you’re new to Mimi’s books, I would recommend starting with Gentleman Jim or A Work of Art, as this story features the next generation of those characters. Hannah and James get a sweet, tender love story with very little angst and a classic case of “he falls first”. 💗
Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this book. I’ve enjoyed all the Somerset Stories, and this one was no exception.
Hannah Heywood is a quiet heroine with a passion for animals and lost creatures. James Beresford, Viscount St Clare has been portrayed as a cold and dispassionate man who is looking for a high society wife to help silence the long time rumours about his family’s past. However, James is inexplicably drawn to Hannah and can’t help but attempt to win her heart.
This book is a quick read and the perfect continuation of the series. If you’re new to Mimi’s books, I would recommend starting with Gentleman Jim or A Work of Art, as this story features the next generation of those characters. Hannah and James get a sweet, tender love story with very little angst and a classic case of “he falls first”. 💗
Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this book. I’ve enjoyed all the Somerset Stories, and this one was no exception.
December 30, 2024
I think this series is my favorite of hers, it’s consistently good, the conflicts rings true with internal angst, whereas the other series of hers have been hit or miss each installment, usually for a contrived conflict.
Compassionate heroine with an icy hero we know from previous books, p&p vibes
Compassionate heroine with an icy hero we know from previous books, p&p vibes
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