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Belles of London #4
The Muse of Maiden Lane
The final book in The Belles of London series, in which unconventional equestriennes fight for individuality, independence and love in mid-Victorian England, set amid the dawn of the Impressionist Art Movement. This is Stella Hobhouse’s story and her hero is Teddy Hayes from the author's Parish Orphans of Devon series.
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First published November 19, 2024
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About the author
Mimi Matthews
24 books4,413 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 711 reviews
February 19, 2025
Lacklustre ending to the series
There were so many things about this book that just did not land for me. The execution was muddled, the pacing was slow and the romance lacking.
This book is a finale for not one but two series, and as a result, it was bogged down by side characters and cameos. And for a marriage of convenience, they didn’t get married until nearly the end. Very little time was spent with them together and I felt very little between them. The thing I could not get over was Stella saying she decided to fall in love with Teddy because she wanted love in her marriage. But they truly both married each other out of desperation and a need for both of them to live freely and independently from their domineering families. This could have been ok if we had enough time with them together building on that, but we didn’t. I still feel incomplete and like I don’t really have an idea of what their HEA looks like.
Also the family drama on Stella’s side was a caricature of what Mimi usually writes. It was almost lazily inserted and not resolved.
This is so unfortunate as I was highly anticipating this story. Overall this was just so very flat. It had moments of the style I like from Matthews but it really lacked emotion and angst.
I’m rounding to three stars because it’s still a Mimi Matthews, and she is a very good writer. There were moments of great description and I could always tell I was reading one of hers, this one just wasn’t her best.
I do appreciate the complimentary copy of this book and look forward to her next series, but this was just not it for me.
So maybe Berkley rejected me but Mimi accepted me onto her arc team so I’m back babieeeesssss! I will be arcing this bad boy after all!
I know, this is the update every body wanted 🤣
***************
Rejected by Berkley, yet again.
*************
Ok I requested the arc on NetGalley, now to wait for my rejection.
I have yet to ever be chosen by the elite Berkeley publishers. I’m 0/23, maybe this is the one?
**********
The beautiful cover is out, now it’s time for me to start politicking for the arc.
Pleaaaaaaase give it to me, Berkley, pleaaaaaase 🥺.
There were so many things about this book that just did not land for me. The execution was muddled, the pacing was slow and the romance lacking.
This book is a finale for not one but two series, and as a result, it was bogged down by side characters and cameos. And for a marriage of convenience, they didn’t get married until nearly the end. Very little time was spent with them together and I felt very little between them. The thing I could not get over was Stella saying she decided to fall in love with Teddy because she wanted love in her marriage. But they truly both married each other out of desperation and a need for both of them to live freely and independently from their domineering families. This could have been ok if we had enough time with them together building on that, but we didn’t. I still feel incomplete and like I don’t really have an idea of what their HEA looks like.
Also the family drama on Stella’s side was a caricature of what Mimi usually writes. It was almost lazily inserted and not resolved.
This is so unfortunate as I was highly anticipating this story. Overall this was just so very flat. It had moments of the style I like from Matthews but it really lacked emotion and angst.
I’m rounding to three stars because it’s still a Mimi Matthews, and she is a very good writer. There were moments of great description and I could always tell I was reading one of hers, this one just wasn’t her best.
I do appreciate the complimentary copy of this book and look forward to her next series, but this was just not it for me.
So maybe Berkley rejected me but Mimi accepted me onto her arc team so I’m back babieeeesssss! I will be arcing this bad boy after all!
I know, this is the update every body wanted 🤣
***************
Rejected by Berkley, yet again.
*************
Ok I requested the arc on NetGalley, now to wait for my rejection.
I have yet to ever be chosen by the elite Berkeley publishers. I’m 0/23, maybe this is the one?
**********
The beautiful cover is out, now it’s time for me to start politicking for the arc.
Pleaaaaaaase give it to me, Berkley, pleaaaaaase 🥺.
August 10, 2024
This might be my favorite Belles of London book, and Stella might be one of my favorite four horsewomen! The blossoming love story between Stella and Teddy—the angst, the banter, the way they truly see and accept each other—stole my heart.
Both of them are not the usual main characters you read in love stories; they are creative, quirky, bold, straightforward, talented, and honest. Unfortunately, London society cannot understand how unique they are, often reviewing them for their differences and unusual qualities that don't fit standard beauty norms and capabilities.
Stella Hobhouse, twenty-two, is a skillful rider, aspiring sketch artist, and loyal friend living with her clergyman brother after losing their parents. She's being pushed to find potential suitors, but her outmodish gray hair is openly criticized by a man in the papers, feeding the gossip mill of London elites.
When she accepts her best friend Anna’s invitation to a London party, she sees it as an opportunity to become someone else by dyeing her gray hair red and meeting potential suitors. What she didn’t expect was that the talented painter Edward "Teddy" Hates, whom she met at the museum three months ago, would also be a guest at the party. He already knows how she changed her hair color, a scandalous move in society that could kill her last hope of finding an ideal candidate to marry.
However, Teddy sees her true beauty, which she’s forced to hide to fit society’s standards. He’s spent much time sharpening his drawing skills and working with a tutor in Paris, portraying others. He’s bold enough to admit he wants to portray her and asks her to become his muse. Even though his straightforwardness can offend Stella, he’s also suffering from people’s pity due to being partly paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair after scarlet fever in his youth. His health situation has made him a more direct and honest person because he learned to lose a lot at a young age.
Their second meeting starts on the wrong foot when he asks her to model for him, resulting in Stella's embarrassment and her ignoring him during the festivities. However, a coincidental meeting in his studio, followed by sharing tea time and a carriage trip around the estate that ends under the mistletoe with an unforgettable kiss, slowly turns things around.
When Stella returns to her old life in Derbyshire, things get more heated with her brother Daniel’s decision to marry Amanda Trent, who criticizes everything about Stella and aims to control the household. Daniel forces Stella to marry a sixty-year-old man with older children than her, planning to restrict her from riding her horse, which he deems inappropriate behavior for ladies. This is the last straw.
Teddy becomes her pen friend under a nickname, giving her the courage to survive these unfair situations. But what if they can find a solution that suits them both? Am I talking about a marriage of inconvenience? Perhaps! You’ll have to read more to find out!
Overall, it’s a slow burn, emotional, angsty, unique story, and one of the best books in the series that I highly recommend! I think Teddy and Stella are among the best characters Mimi Mathews has created.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing historical romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Both of them are not the usual main characters you read in love stories; they are creative, quirky, bold, straightforward, talented, and honest. Unfortunately, London society cannot understand how unique they are, often reviewing them for their differences and unusual qualities that don't fit standard beauty norms and capabilities.
Stella Hobhouse, twenty-two, is a skillful rider, aspiring sketch artist, and loyal friend living with her clergyman brother after losing their parents. She's being pushed to find potential suitors, but her outmodish gray hair is openly criticized by a man in the papers, feeding the gossip mill of London elites.
When she accepts her best friend Anna’s invitation to a London party, she sees it as an opportunity to become someone else by dyeing her gray hair red and meeting potential suitors. What she didn’t expect was that the talented painter Edward "Teddy" Hates, whom she met at the museum three months ago, would also be a guest at the party. He already knows how she changed her hair color, a scandalous move in society that could kill her last hope of finding an ideal candidate to marry.
However, Teddy sees her true beauty, which she’s forced to hide to fit society’s standards. He’s spent much time sharpening his drawing skills and working with a tutor in Paris, portraying others. He’s bold enough to admit he wants to portray her and asks her to become his muse. Even though his straightforwardness can offend Stella, he’s also suffering from people’s pity due to being partly paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair after scarlet fever in his youth. His health situation has made him a more direct and honest person because he learned to lose a lot at a young age.
Their second meeting starts on the wrong foot when he asks her to model for him, resulting in Stella's embarrassment and her ignoring him during the festivities. However, a coincidental meeting in his studio, followed by sharing tea time and a carriage trip around the estate that ends under the mistletoe with an unforgettable kiss, slowly turns things around.
When Stella returns to her old life in Derbyshire, things get more heated with her brother Daniel’s decision to marry Amanda Trent, who criticizes everything about Stella and aims to control the household. Daniel forces Stella to marry a sixty-year-old man with older children than her, planning to restrict her from riding her horse, which he deems inappropriate behavior for ladies. This is the last straw.
Teddy becomes her pen friend under a nickname, giving her the courage to survive these unfair situations. But what if they can find a solution that suits them both? Am I talking about a marriage of inconvenience? Perhaps! You’ll have to read more to find out!
Overall, it’s a slow burn, emotional, angsty, unique story, and one of the best books in the series that I highly recommend! I think Teddy and Stella are among the best characters Mimi Mathews has created.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing historical romance's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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November 24, 2024
2.5⭐️ Rounded up because, Mimi.
This story wasn’t so much about romance as prioritizing passions:
🐴 Stella loved her horse, Locket.
🎨 Teddy loved to paint.
🐌 Between bouts of riding and painting, Stella and Teddy slowly, and I can’t stress “slowly” enough (the story was literally about drying paint)… fell into like… then into love, and then Whoosh! tossed into an epilogue.
Honestly, this was a boring story in need of a hard pruning which could have shaped it into a touching novella. I had to skim sections in nearly every chapter to reach the final page. The story was so bland I couldn’t recall the beginning (a house party). If it were any other author but Mimi I would have DNF’d before 25%.
There Be Word Counts
Gallop 34
Artist 76
Locket 91
Painting 167
This story wasn’t so much about romance as prioritizing passions:
🐴 Stella loved her horse, Locket.
🎨 Teddy loved to paint.
🐌 Between bouts of riding and painting, Stella and Teddy slowly, and I can’t stress “slowly” enough (the story was literally about drying paint)… fell into like… then into love, and then Whoosh! tossed into an epilogue.
Honestly, this was a boring story in need of a hard pruning which could have shaped it into a touching novella. I had to skim sections in nearly every chapter to reach the final page. The story was so bland I couldn’t recall the beginning (a house party). If it were any other author but Mimi I would have DNF’d before 25%.
There Be Word Counts
Gallop 34
Artist 76
Locket 91
Painting 167
August 19, 2024
Disability representation in romance novels is becoming increasingly commonplace, but I genuinely feel there should be more of these!!
Also - I'm biased regarding Mimi Matthews because I've always loved her books. However, one of the reasons I love her and the reason you'll love the fourth book in the Belles of London series is that her characters have SO much depth. Their relationships are unconventional but in a lovely, inspiring way.
- The first book in the series was The Siren of Sussex where the main couple was interracial during the Victorian Era.
- The second book, which I haven't read yet, although I have a physical copy waiting for me - Is a marriage of convenience romance and I will 100% be reading that while at the beach in a few weeks!!
- The third book in the series tackles overcoming serious self-doubt issues.
**The Muse of Maiden Lane is the fourth book, and one of the characters was an artist in a wheelchair - not the gentry at all, and I loved their characters all the more for it!!
(4.3/5) - I'll pretty much read anything that Mimi Matthews writes and most likely fall in love with her characters!! The one thing I was thinking throughout all of this though is that the MMC was very young? 24 seems like a really young little lad lol But overall - I still really enjoyed the story!
**Thank you to Berkley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Also - I'm biased regarding Mimi Matthews because I've always loved her books. However, one of the reasons I love her and the reason you'll love the fourth book in the Belles of London series is that her characters have SO much depth. Their relationships are unconventional but in a lovely, inspiring way.
- The first book in the series was The Siren of Sussex where the main couple was interracial during the Victorian Era.
- The second book, which I haven't read yet, although I have a physical copy waiting for me - Is a marriage of convenience romance and I will 100% be reading that while at the beach in a few weeks!!
- The third book in the series tackles overcoming serious self-doubt issues.
**The Muse of Maiden Lane is the fourth book, and one of the characters was an artist in a wheelchair - not the gentry at all, and I loved their characters all the more for it!!
(4.3/5) - I'll pretty much read anything that Mimi Matthews writes and most likely fall in love with her characters!! The one thing I was thinking throughout all of this though is that the MMC was very young? 24 seems like a really young little lad lol But overall - I still really enjoyed the story!
**Thank you to Berkley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
November 12, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
A somewhat disappointing end to the series for me 😩
I'll start by saying Stella was a great FMC. She was stuck in a horrible spot with no prospects and a brother who should kick rocks, but she still kept her spirit and as much of a positive outlook on her life as she could get.
But where was her romance story?? Compared to the first three books, there is almost no romance here, just Teddy's obsession with painting her, which I don't think ever REALLY transitioned that well into actually loving her.
I couldn't really get behind Teddy. He had a couple of good moments, but his character was totally flat and because of that their relationship was just not realistic. I feel like they spent almost half the book apart, and it's advertised as a marriage of convenience story, but the prospect of marriage doesn't even come into play until about 3/4's of the way into it...
Unfortunately a lack luster ending to an otherwise great series 💜
A somewhat disappointing end to the series for me 😩
I'll start by saying Stella was a great FMC. She was stuck in a horrible spot with no prospects and a brother who should kick rocks, but she still kept her spirit and as much of a positive outlook on her life as she could get.
But where was her romance story?? Compared to the first three books, there is almost no romance here, just Teddy's obsession with painting her, which I don't think ever REALLY transitioned that well into actually loving her.
I couldn't really get behind Teddy. He had a couple of good moments, but his character was totally flat and because of that their relationship was just not realistic. I feel like they spent almost half the book apart, and it's advertised as a marriage of convenience story, but the prospect of marriage doesn't even come into play until about 3/4's of the way into it...
Unfortunately a lack luster ending to an otherwise great series 💜
May 24, 2024
I like to thank Mimi for the being the queen she is and forcing Berkley's hand at giving me an ARC. Some people have their authors they will absolutely, 100% support and Mimi is mine. I buy all her books, and every single one of the Muse books I've purchased when they come out after I have read the ARC. If there is a fanclub, I am part of it and vocal in it.
Anyway. Before I begin, I want to say: this book has a handicapped main character. I work with disability individuals, and I get to hear on the phone their suffering and their triumphs. So I responded to this very strongly. Bias (even if it was not Mimi)? Perhaps.
Teddy Hayes is like a pot boiling on the stove. His emotional feelings have been simmering and cooking for so long but held back due to his predicament (scarlet fever caused him to loose feeling in his legs). He is outspoken, direct, passionate, and focused in his art. Art is his joy and the one thing that has not been taken from him so to speak. I recall Teddy from the Orphan series, and I knew we would have an interesting character. He needed the right woman to show him and tell him he matters..
Enter Stella. Our little grey haired beauty. Teddy caught sight of her in the previous Muse book, compared her to a painting. Stella did not know how to take Teddy's outward, focused comparison. Already she has attention drawn to her due to her grey hair at a young age and she wishes she were ordinary. (She didn't always have grey hair, it just changed that way over time.)
To Teddy this is exquisite, perfection, and unlike anything he ever seen and he must paint her.
The focus of art is like an invisible thread and feeling that pulls the two of them together. From my time spent in the art path (before I chose the medical path), art can unlock people. It can heal people. It can change people. Through the course of the book, as Stella sits to be sketched by Teddy, her feelings of apprehension change into love. And his feelings of focus, determination of sketching her begin to make him soften and explore the hope that he can be loved for who he is - disability and all. I can't tell you how absolutely evocative the chapters are of him drawing her. They're intimate, hot, and it was on par of Jack Dawson drawing Rose naked on the divan. (Girl isn't even naked, and when he gets to paint her finally she still isn't naked - she is clothed in less though.)
It was also fun seeing all the Devon Parish couples appear, too. I will say that if you grabbed this ARC / book without reading those you're missing out. (While they weren't part of Berkley, they are on par with these even if under a different publisher.) It's a fun thing for a longtime reader and someone who is a fan.
I loved these books because not only does Mimi not put sex in them, she puts the focus on the emotional aspect and how a person is beyond sexual intimacy. What if Teddy could not have sex? Could he find love, even if he was handicapped? Stella proves time and time again, through her growth, she is unafraid, she is open to loving him... she wants to love him and care for him as a wife does for a husband.
To me, this series was a perfect capture of historical fiction that would delight those who watch shows like Downton Abbey or The Gilded Ones. For readers, it's a Heyer and an Austen (different time periods obviously) when you have read them all.
So thank you Mimi for allowing me to be your fan and allowing me to travel with you through your written worlds. I can't wait for your next series!
Anyway. Before I begin, I want to say: this book has a handicapped main character. I work with disability individuals, and I get to hear on the phone their suffering and their triumphs. So I responded to this very strongly. Bias (even if it was not Mimi)? Perhaps.
Teddy Hayes is like a pot boiling on the stove. His emotional feelings have been simmering and cooking for so long but held back due to his predicament (scarlet fever caused him to loose feeling in his legs). He is outspoken, direct, passionate, and focused in his art. Art is his joy and the one thing that has not been taken from him so to speak. I recall Teddy from the Orphan series, and I knew we would have an interesting character. He needed the right woman to show him and tell him he matters..
Enter Stella. Our little grey haired beauty. Teddy caught sight of her in the previous Muse book, compared her to a painting. Stella did not know how to take Teddy's outward, focused comparison. Already she has attention drawn to her due to her grey hair at a young age and she wishes she were ordinary. (She didn't always have grey hair, it just changed that way over time.)
To Teddy this is exquisite, perfection, and unlike anything he ever seen and he must paint her.
The focus of art is like an invisible thread and feeling that pulls the two of them together. From my time spent in the art path (before I chose the medical path), art can unlock people. It can heal people. It can change people. Through the course of the book, as Stella sits to be sketched by Teddy, her feelings of apprehension change into love. And his feelings of focus, determination of sketching her begin to make him soften and explore the hope that he can be loved for who he is - disability and all. I can't tell you how absolutely evocative the chapters are of him drawing her. They're intimate, hot, and it was on par of Jack Dawson drawing Rose naked on the divan. (Girl isn't even naked, and when he gets to paint her finally she still isn't naked - she is clothed in less though.)
It was also fun seeing all the Devon Parish couples appear, too. I will say that if you grabbed this ARC / book without reading those you're missing out. (While they weren't part of Berkley, they are on par with these even if under a different publisher.) It's a fun thing for a longtime reader and someone who is a fan.
I loved these books because not only does Mimi not put sex in them, she puts the focus on the emotional aspect and how a person is beyond sexual intimacy. What if Teddy could not have sex? Could he find love, even if he was handicapped? Stella proves time and time again, through her growth, she is unafraid, she is open to loving him... she wants to love him and care for him as a wife does for a husband.
To me, this series was a perfect capture of historical fiction that would delight those who watch shows like Downton Abbey or The Gilded Ones. For readers, it's a Heyer and an Austen (different time periods obviously) when you have read them all.
So thank you Mimi for allowing me to be your fan and allowing me to travel with you through your written worlds. I can't wait for your next series!
November 20, 2024
And just like that, the series is complete.
The Muse of Maiden Lane is everything I’ve come to know and love about a Mimi Matthews book and SO much more.
The attention to detail of setting and character was immaculate. Teddy and Stella will find a way into your heart with their passions, longings, and bravery for being conspicuous! They are the youngest represented characters in this series, but still felt very age appropriate in all their interactions which I really enjoyed!
This book follows Stella, a woman with graying hair at an early age who loves nothing but riding her horse and living in the moment. And…Teddy, a tortured artist who while confined by his disability, doesn’t let it confine his opinionated, no nonsense spirit.
The two clash together like threads of intertwining fate, somehow being the exact thing the other person needs them to be, all while shining their own unique and vibrant light. Teddy’s passionate candor and Stella’s vulnerable yet stubborn heart really create some crazy good chemistry! I was so here for it.🔥
This book was incredibly well researched, the disability rep for the time period was very well done, the relationship build was well timed out, and beautifully romantic, and the ending came together like an epic and colorful masterpiece. It was a perfect finale for the series.
If I am a fool for being such an intense fan, then let that foolery convince you to pick up your next book by Matthews.
The Muse of Maiden Lane is everything I’ve come to know and love about a Mimi Matthews book and SO much more.
The attention to detail of setting and character was immaculate. Teddy and Stella will find a way into your heart with their passions, longings, and bravery for being conspicuous! They are the youngest represented characters in this series, but still felt very age appropriate in all their interactions which I really enjoyed!
This book follows Stella, a woman with graying hair at an early age who loves nothing but riding her horse and living in the moment. And…Teddy, a tortured artist who while confined by his disability, doesn’t let it confine his opinionated, no nonsense spirit.
The two clash together like threads of intertwining fate, somehow being the exact thing the other person needs them to be, all while shining their own unique and vibrant light. Teddy’s passionate candor and Stella’s vulnerable yet stubborn heart really create some crazy good chemistry! I was so here for it.🔥
This book was incredibly well researched, the disability rep for the time period was very well done, the relationship build was well timed out, and beautifully romantic, and the ending came together like an epic and colorful masterpiece. It was a perfect finale for the series.
If I am a fool for being such an intense fan, then let that foolery convince you to pick up your next book by Matthews.
May 31, 2024
I am always surprised by how this author creates a love story with simple words...and makes often-overlooked characters come to life...making her Historical Romances a delight to read.
"Be loud," he told her. "Be opinionated. Be as much yourself as you wish...and then some. Once we're wed you and I will answer to no one but each other."
Teddy is an artist who has been in a wheelchair for four years after contracting scarlet fever. He is outspoken, direct, and passionate. He has always felt judged and less than because of his disability and never once entertained the possibility that someone could love him for just being himself. Stella is a skilled sketch artist, a young woman with gray hair, and Teddy's Muse. She desires to marry, leave her brother’s unwelcoming home, and longs for romantic love from someone who sees her as more than just an oddity with silver hair.
It was heartwarming to read about how Teddy and Stella relied on each other for freedom, independence, and unconditional love. They were both in challenging situations with no permanent escape, and the best they could do was manage as well as they could. Having autonomy and the freedom to make choices about their own lives seemed impossible, yet living without it was also unthinkable.
This beautiful book has unique characters, an interesting setting, and a closed-door romance, ideal for historical romance readers. It's the final book in the Belles of London series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the previous books... The Belle of Belgrave Square will always be my favorite.
Pub date, Nov 19 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC.
"Be loud," he told her. "Be opinionated. Be as much yourself as you wish...and then some. Once we're wed you and I will answer to no one but each other."
Teddy is an artist who has been in a wheelchair for four years after contracting scarlet fever. He is outspoken, direct, and passionate. He has always felt judged and less than because of his disability and never once entertained the possibility that someone could love him for just being himself. Stella is a skilled sketch artist, a young woman with gray hair, and Teddy's Muse. She desires to marry, leave her brother’s unwelcoming home, and longs for romantic love from someone who sees her as more than just an oddity with silver hair.
It was heartwarming to read about how Teddy and Stella relied on each other for freedom, independence, and unconditional love. They were both in challenging situations with no permanent escape, and the best they could do was manage as well as they could. Having autonomy and the freedom to make choices about their own lives seemed impossible, yet living without it was also unthinkable.
This beautiful book has unique characters, an interesting setting, and a closed-door romance, ideal for historical romance readers. It's the final book in the Belles of London series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the previous books... The Belle of Belgrave Square will always be my favorite.
Pub date, Nov 19 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC.
July 22, 2024
Teddy and Stella each deserve the world and Matthews has given it to them. Shining stars, both.
If The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a slow, heart-wrenching burn, Muse is a wildfire. It's a faster read than most of Matthews' others, but it was giving me shades of The Matrimonial Advertisement, which is my favorite of hers. This is a soul-stealing romance where both parties have to overcome obstacles, but find themselves (and each other) in the process. This is love at first sight, an artist finding his muse, and a bold, brilliant woman finding out how much she can shine. While Lily will always be my favorite of this series, Stella and Teddy sparkle on their own.
Bonus points because I got to see my beloved Anne and Hart and the Archers.
Pre-review:
TEDDY?! MY DARLING BOY?! MY TEDDY?! EDAKHHJFFHAWEOIF
BERKLEY, YOU BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE I WILL LOVE YOU ETERNALLY TIME TO CALL IN SICK FROM LIFE 😭😭😭😭😭
seriously, i will now lay down my life for whoever is approving people for arcs
RED ALERT!!!!!! (PURPLE ALERT????) SHE'S BEAUTIFUL
-------------
Look I just read the sneak peek in the back of Lily and I am actually foaming at the mouth for Stella x Teddy especially after the glory that was Anne x Felix
-------------
p.s. i wrote this ages ago but when i tell you i think about this book daily. my roman empire.
If The Lily of Ludgate Hill is a slow, heart-wrenching burn, Muse is a wildfire. It's a faster read than most of Matthews' others, but it was giving me shades of The Matrimonial Advertisement, which is my favorite of hers. This is a soul-stealing romance where both parties have to overcome obstacles, but find themselves (and each other) in the process. This is love at first sight, an artist finding his muse, and a bold, brilliant woman finding out how much she can shine. While Lily will always be my favorite of this series, Stella and Teddy sparkle on their own.
Bonus points because I got to see my beloved Anne and Hart and the Archers.
Pre-review:
TEDDY?! MY DARLING BOY?! MY TEDDY?! EDAKHHJFFHAWEOIF
BERKLEY, YOU BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE I WILL LOVE YOU ETERNALLY TIME TO CALL IN SICK FROM LIFE 😭😭😭😭😭
seriously, i will now lay down my life for whoever is approving people for arcs
RED ALERT!!!!!! (PURPLE ALERT????) SHE'S BEAUTIFUL
-------------
Look I just read the sneak peek in the back of Lily and I am actually foaming at the mouth for Stella x Teddy especially after the glory that was Anne x Felix
-------------
p.s. i wrote this ages ago but when i tell you i think about this book daily. my roman empire.
June 12, 2024
This was flat and empty of peaks and valleys of plot. The book ended when it felt like it was just beginning, there was no major conflict or crisis. It reads like a novella in-between books and not a complete book. It's bogged down by all of the appearances and nods to other characters and stories in the series, making this unreadable unless you've read everything else. Stella and Teddy are also flat - she has no personality outside of having grey hair and loving her horse, he has none outside of having a disability and painting.
While I appreciate that Matthews has come a long way from her previous books that feature disabled characters, and love DOESN'T cure the disability like it has in her previous work, it is instead bogged down in didactic info dumps about wheelchairs and his disability. I'd have to do a deeper dive but I'm not finding leg paralysis as an outcome of scarlet fever to be true. Maybe she meant polio?
While I appreciate that Matthews has come a long way from her previous books that feature disabled characters, and love DOESN'T cure the disability like it has in her previous work, it is instead bogged down in didactic info dumps about wheelchairs and his disability. I'd have to do a deeper dive but I'm not finding leg paralysis as an outcome of scarlet fever to be true. Maybe she meant polio?
July 19, 2024
The final novel in the Belles of London series finds Stella Hobhouse, the fourth horsewoman of the group of equestrian friends, regretfully seeking a husband for financial security.
When she meets disabled artist Teddy Hayes again at a country house Christmas party, he is determined to paint her portrait. Since proper young ladies do not work as artist's models, she is perplexed by his dogged determination that only she can be his muse to begin his professional career. The story is about their own personal challenges that are holding them back and how they resolve them together.
This was a great conclusion to the series bringing all of the previous couples back into the story at different moments to support Stella and help her find her happiness. Matthews continues her smooth prose and historical references skillfully. The romance is a slow burn, so be patient until the finale.
When she meets disabled artist Teddy Hayes again at a country house Christmas party, he is determined to paint her portrait. Since proper young ladies do not work as artist's models, she is perplexed by his dogged determination that only she can be his muse to begin his professional career. The story is about their own personal challenges that are holding them back and how they resolve them together.
This was a great conclusion to the series bringing all of the previous couples back into the story at different moments to support Stella and help her find her happiness. Matthews continues her smooth prose and historical references skillfully. The romance is a slow burn, so be patient until the finale.
May 29, 2024
I cried knowing this was the finale of the Belles of London series, but the tears dried quickly as I fell headlong into this gorgeous romantic tale of young silver-haired Stella and disabled artist Teddy.
💜 He first saw her at the British Museum and found her "stunning," especially with her distinctive hair that in Victorian society made her overlooked. His disability, born from scarlet fever, left him wheelchair-bound due to weak legs. Will they find true love?
Author Mimi Matthews writes with such elegance and heart that it is pure pleasure to read her historical romances. Her characters are relatable and ALIVE, and her narratives and settings so authentic that you feel you are horseback riding with the belles in Victorian London.
💜 I highly recommend THE MUSE OF MAIDEN LANE to readers who adore historical romances that shimmer like diamonds of the first water. Brava, Mimi!
💜 He first saw her at the British Museum and found her "stunning," especially with her distinctive hair that in Victorian society made her overlooked. His disability, born from scarlet fever, left him wheelchair-bound due to weak legs. Will they find true love?
Author Mimi Matthews writes with such elegance and heart that it is pure pleasure to read her historical romances. Her characters are relatable and ALIVE, and her narratives and settings so authentic that you feel you are horseback riding with the belles in Victorian London.
💜 I highly recommend THE MUSE OF MAIDEN LANE to readers who adore historical romances that shimmer like diamonds of the first water. Brava, Mimi!
April 16, 2025
When it’s a must-read author, I don’t bother with pesky things like reviews or blurbs. But in case, no one has told you: you need to have read her Parish Orphans of Devon series before this one or you won’t care a horse’s harness for most of the people orbiting around this couple. You won’t receive the complete effect of this utter full circle or delight in all the tiny nods and winks of their previously detailed love stories. Matthews ties up two series here, okay? I’m all dazzled and heart-squished by what was pulled off at the end. We really were smiled upon the day she decided dear, dear, prickly, intense Teddy would pair up with darling Stella Hobhouse.
That’s not to say I didn’t grumble on the way. To me this read like we had some good forced proximity and chemistry from the start but that the inciting incident didn’t truly happen until like 75%. And then it stalled for a bit and then it pushed through with realizations, transformations, declarations, affirmations, and palpitations. Agh, but I loved that last little test and resolution. All worries that the HEA would not be secured and our moody artist would continue to lash out or our burgeoning independent woman would go back into her shell were dispelled.
Plus I got to see Alex Archer all protective husband mode, Captain Blunt staring down country vicars, and Hartford in yet another snappy suit. Smiled upon, I tell you.
Content notes: Married fade to black, some biblical swearing. Toxic family relationship. Brief mention of prostitution.
That’s not to say I didn’t grumble on the way. To me this read like we had some good forced proximity and chemistry from the start but that the inciting incident didn’t truly happen until like 75%. And then it stalled for a bit and then it pushed through with realizations, transformations, declarations, affirmations, and palpitations. Agh, but I loved that last little test and resolution. All worries that the HEA would not be secured and our moody artist would continue to lash out or our burgeoning independent woman would go back into her shell were dispelled.
Plus I got to see Alex Archer all protective husband mode, Captain Blunt staring down country vicars, and Hartford in yet another snappy suit. Smiled upon, I tell you.
Content notes: Married fade to black, some biblical swearing. Toxic family relationship. Brief mention of prostitution.
November 22, 2024
Stella hopes to make a match before acquiescing to a quiet life at her demanding brother's side. She has one last chance at a house party but fortune is not on her side when she runs into a man who recognizes her despite the dye that changed her naturally grey hair. Teddy is thrilled to put a name to his mysterious and hoped for muse and will do anything to have Stella pose for one painting... or a thousand!
This book will be a favorite 2024 read. I've adored the whole series and this one met my expectations! I love the characters and couldn't wait to see Teddy and Stella together after the little teaser Mimi gave in Lily. While it can be read as a standalone, I HIGHLY encourage reading the Parish Orphans of Devon AND the previous Belles of London to really get the full bounty of how magical this book really is. Mimi brings in so many cameos from this world she's created and I loved every minute. It's full of great chemistry and special historical details that give a dynamic background to Teddy and Stella's love story.
Thank you to the author and Berkley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
This book will be a favorite 2024 read. I've adored the whole series and this one met my expectations! I love the characters and couldn't wait to see Teddy and Stella together after the little teaser Mimi gave in Lily. While it can be read as a standalone, I HIGHLY encourage reading the Parish Orphans of Devon AND the previous Belles of London to really get the full bounty of how magical this book really is. Mimi brings in so many cameos from this world she's created and I loved every minute. It's full of great chemistry and special historical details that give a dynamic background to Teddy and Stella's love story.
Thank you to the author and Berkley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
May 29, 2025
Three months ago, paraplegic artist Edward “Teddy” Hayes met silver-haired Stella Hobhouse at a museum. He gets obsessed, and when they meet again he asks if she'll pose for a portrait. She demurs oils but agrees to a pencil sketch. While sketching, they bond. Then there's an interlude where Stella returns to her brother's house and Teddy goes to visit some friends of his brother-in-law and they write confessional letters to one another. Then they reunite in London. When Teddy realizes that Stella will allow him to paint her because she needs the cash, he instead proposes marriage! This is at the literal two-thirds / 66% point of the book! Then there's nesting, emotional turgidity, and the wedding (at 84%), cramp rubbing, and declarations of lurve. The end.
1. I mean, there is a marriage and it is of convenience but when it's not until the last third/quarter of the book IT'S NOT A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE BOOK?? Maybe this is just me, but when I put up a "MOC" book, I expect there to be a marriage in the first half of the thing to really set the stage for what I'm there for: developing intimacy within the boundaries of a formally established union.
This isn't to say that the relationship between Teddy and Stella wasn't pretty good—it was!— or that they don't (outwardly) agree to the marriage based on an understood mutual need vs. expressed feelings, but they are pretty much in love with one another by the time of the proposal, and they're both regretting the "convenience" aspect of the arrangement before they even make it down the aisle.
2. Stella's a fine heroine: she's torn between needing to fit in to find a spouse and her own "wild" desires (which is...galloping her horse and posing for a portrait, I think?). There's some awful shit with her awful brother and his fiancee that causes her to strike out on her own, and its tempered with some prideful rejection of staying with friends indefinitely. I wish there had been a little more time spent on Stella's overall internal landscape because I didn't finish this feeling like I knew her, but it's a minor complaint.
3. Teddy, though. Teddy is an interesting hero in that he's far more complexly drawn (it's clear Matthews spent time here to ensure she was representing a partially paralyzed hero with respect) but also...he's a dick?? Like, his frustration with being treated as not capable or requiring "supervision" (EURGH) was wrenching: I was SO MAD at his family for basically demanding that he, AN ADULT MAN, travel back to France with them or stay with friends BECAUSE IT WOULD REASSURE THEM. (And yes, Teddy's sister is dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, but does her need override another human person's bodily autonomy????? NO????? AND SHE NEVER APOLOGIZES???? WHAT THE HELL?????)
But even while there's so much well done with that aspect of his story, there are other elements of Teddy that are just....asshole-y? He's routinely a dick to Jennings, his hired man-servant / valet / body man to the point where I was rooting for Jennings to GTFO and find a happy ending elsewhere because Teddy was such a brat. And then he routinely prioritizes his art (talking about his art; thinking about his art; being about his art) over connecting and communicating with Stella. And it's never addressed in the text that he's being a dick, even though Stella's often hurt by it.
(Honestly, I was kind of excited about a story about a creative who connects via their art and needs to learn to more intentionally connect beyond their art but NOPE this is a man who will barely acknowledge that he has anything going on in his head aside from his art—not even a single reassurance to his bride-to-be that he's excited to be with her.)
4. IDK, man. IDK.
1. I mean, there is a marriage and it is of convenience but when it's not until the last third/quarter of the book IT'S NOT A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE BOOK?? Maybe this is just me, but when I put up a "MOC" book, I expect there to be a marriage in the first half of the thing to really set the stage for what I'm there for: developing intimacy within the boundaries of a formally established union.
This isn't to say that the relationship between Teddy and Stella wasn't pretty good—it was!— or that they don't (outwardly) agree to the marriage based on an understood mutual need vs. expressed feelings, but they are pretty much in love with one another by the time of the proposal, and they're both regretting the "convenience" aspect of the arrangement before they even make it down the aisle.
2. Stella's a fine heroine: she's torn between needing to fit in to find a spouse and her own "wild" desires (which is...galloping her horse and posing for a portrait, I think?). There's some awful shit with her awful brother and his fiancee that causes her to strike out on her own, and its tempered with some prideful rejection of staying with friends indefinitely. I wish there had been a little more time spent on Stella's overall internal landscape because I didn't finish this feeling like I knew her, but it's a minor complaint.
3. Teddy, though. Teddy is an interesting hero in that he's far more complexly drawn (it's clear Matthews spent time here to ensure she was representing a partially paralyzed hero with respect) but also...he's a dick?? Like, his frustration with being treated as not capable or requiring "supervision" (EURGH) was wrenching: I was SO MAD at his family for basically demanding that he, AN ADULT MAN, travel back to France with them or stay with friends BECAUSE IT WOULD REASSURE THEM. (And yes, Teddy's sister is dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, but does her need override another human person's bodily autonomy????? NO????? AND SHE NEVER APOLOGIZES???? WHAT THE HELL?????)
But even while there's so much well done with that aspect of his story, there are other elements of Teddy that are just....asshole-y? He's routinely a dick to Jennings, his hired man-servant / valet / body man to the point where I was rooting for Jennings to GTFO and find a happy ending elsewhere because Teddy was such a brat. And then he routinely prioritizes his art (talking about his art; thinking about his art; being about his art) over connecting and communicating with Stella. And it's never addressed in the text that he's being a dick, even though Stella's often hurt by it.
(Honestly, I was kind of excited about a story about a creative who connects via their art and needs to learn to more intentionally connect beyond their art but NOPE this is a man who will barely acknowledge that he has anything going on in his head aside from his art—not even a single reassurance to his bride-to-be that he's excited to be with her.)
4. IDK, man. IDK.
November 19, 2024
"The Muse of Maiden Lane" by Mimi Matthews is a lovely conclusion to the “Belles of London” series! This series follows four horse loving friends during the Victorian era. This final installment tells Stella and Teddy’s story. Stella Hobhouse has always stood out due to her silver hair. Even though Stella’s hair makes her stand out, it is not always in a good way. She is used to being overlooked by gentlemen because of that very thing, making her somewhat of an oddity. Teddy Hayes is an artist who uses a wheelchair, due to being partially paralyzed by scarlet fever. Teddy sees Stella and is taken aback by her beauty and feels that he must paint her portrait, even though sitting for a portrait is considered scandalous for a lady of that time. Ms. Matthews once again brings her readers well thought out and complex, loveable characters. I instantly fell in love with Stella and her love for her horse, Locket. Stella feels more confident and independent with Locket. Teddy’s character brings great disability representation, while also being a three-dimensional hero that readers will root for. It is refreshing to see a male protagonist who deals with chronic pain. I love how Mimi shows what the reality of life would have been like for someone in a wheelchair and partly paralyzed, especially in that era. There is also a lot of talk about art, artists, and techniques that I found fascinating. Readers of Ms. Matthews’s books will love seeing characters from the previous books in this series as well as from her “Parish Orphans of Devon” series. I especially loved the house party setting and getting so much time with characters from other books. Both Stella and Teddy have things that make them different and considered odd in their society and they want to find independence. Combine these characters with a marriage of convenience plot and you have a winner! I only wish there were more books in the series!
Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of prostitutes and brothels; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; the words “da*n, “bloody,” “hell,” and “devil” are used; characters drink alcohol; reference to someone being born out of wedlock and a bastard; talk of someone having a mistress; someone struggles with depression; a man wants his future wife to pose in the nude for him to paint; talk of wedding night and consummation; fade to black scene with kissing and undressing to underwear.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of prostitutes and brothels; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; the words “da*n, “bloody,” “hell,” and “devil” are used; characters drink alcohol; reference to someone being born out of wedlock and a bastard; talk of someone having a mistress; someone struggles with depression; a man wants his future wife to pose in the nude for him to paint; talk of wedding night and consummation; fade to black scene with kissing and undressing to underwear.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
November 26, 2024
“If we marry, I intend to fall in love with you.” YES, STELLA. Thank you for finally being honest about your desires and feelings before a marriage of convenience.
I think the middle section of this book is the best part. Once the letters back and forth started rolling in is when this book finally hooked me. The whole first third was so slow, and I always hate books that include a couple from a different book unrelated to this series show up without warning. I figured it out right away because the MMC’s sister and brother in law just screamed romance protagonists to me even before I confirmed that they have their own book from other Mimi Matthews aficionados.
I also felt like the end was a bit abrupt.
I think the middle section of this book is the best part. Once the letters back and forth started rolling in is when this book finally hooked me. The whole first third was so slow, and I always hate books that include a couple from a different book unrelated to this series show up without warning. I figured it out right away because the MMC’s sister and brother in law just screamed romance protagonists to me even before I confirmed that they have their own book from other Mimi Matthews aficionados.
I also felt like the end was a bit abrupt.
May 22, 2024
ARC provided by the publisher.
What a wonderful, wonderful book and delightful way to close out a series. The Parish Orphans of Devon series is one of my favorites and I have absolutely loved the Belles of London. That they have a crossover is pure heaven.
I loved Stella and Teddy’s story so very much. They are two characters whose pairing and ultimate HEA I have been anticipating for months. It did not disappoint. They were perfect for each other in every way. I loved that they saw each other. Truly saw each other. In Victorian England, a prematurely silver haired horsewoman and many in a wheelchair were subjected to disregard and ignorance. Both found ways to express their frustrations that society didn’t fully understand. What mattered is how they understood each other and the magic of that flows each page. Pure magic.
What a wonderful, wonderful book and delightful way to close out a series. The Parish Orphans of Devon series is one of my favorites and I have absolutely loved the Belles of London. That they have a crossover is pure heaven.
I loved Stella and Teddy’s story so very much. They are two characters whose pairing and ultimate HEA I have been anticipating for months. It did not disappoint. They were perfect for each other in every way. I loved that they saw each other. Truly saw each other. In Victorian England, a prematurely silver haired horsewoman and many in a wheelchair were subjected to disregard and ignorance. Both found ways to express their frustrations that society didn’t fully understand. What mattered is how they understood each other and the magic of that flows each page. Pure magic.
January 11, 2025
Ahhh, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye! 🥹
Matthews consistently gives us characters we can root for, an enchanting story, and a sweet romance to sweep us off our feet. Spending time with Anne, Julia, Evelyn, and Stella has been like spending time with friends. And while I’m sorry to leave this series behind, I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!
Stella & Teddy were everything I needed them to be. I will say I was a smidge disappointed that this was marketed as a marriage of convenience (which it *technically* is, but marriage isn’t even brought up until the 70% mark, and the wedding happens in the last 10% of the book). I still loved it; my expectations were just a little off.
It starts out with a Christmas holiday house party, and then we get a front seat view into Stella’s terrible home life. Someone put Daniel in a blender… ugh that man. I was feeling so angry during this part of the story, haha. And then of course we get to see Teddy with the rest of the Parish Orphan crowd and it was glorious! I love crossovers! And let me add here that Teddy’s disability was handled so well!
Loved it!
Content: mild language (including a few religious epithets); moderate kissing (less than other books in the series); a wedding night fade to black
Matthews consistently gives us characters we can root for, an enchanting story, and a sweet romance to sweep us off our feet. Spending time with Anne, Julia, Evelyn, and Stella has been like spending time with friends. And while I’m sorry to leave this series behind, I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!
Stella & Teddy were everything I needed them to be. I will say I was a smidge disappointed that this was marketed as a marriage of convenience (which it *technically* is, but marriage isn’t even brought up until the 70% mark, and the wedding happens in the last 10% of the book). I still loved it; my expectations were just a little off.
It starts out with a Christmas holiday house party, and then we get a front seat view into Stella’s terrible home life. Someone put Daniel in a blender… ugh that man. I was feeling so angry during this part of the story, haha. And then of course we get to see Teddy with the rest of the Parish Orphan crowd and it was glorious! I love crossovers! And let me add here that Teddy’s disability was handled so well!
Loved it!
Content: mild language (including a few religious epithets); moderate kissing (less than other books in the series); a wedding night fade to black
January 27, 2025
Such a late review but not because I didn’t love it!! This whole series has my heart. Four women who love horses and live on the outskirts of society find love matches and learn to follow their dreams.
This was the final book in the Belles of London series. Mimi Matthews paints a beautiful picture of life in the city and the country in the Victorian era. Her descriptions really bring the story to life.
Teddy and Stella don’t blend in, but life being what it was at that time they did their best to find ways to fade into the background. They bond over their mutual desire to live a life as more than a wallflower. I loved watching them give each other confidence and strength to embrace who they are.
Finding beauty in each other’s perceived flaws. The slow burn romance was perfection. Mimi writes romantic tension so well, I love the subtle glances and longing that you feel between her characters.
Favorite Quotes:
“His injury wasn’t the whole of him. It wasn’t even the most interesting part. It irked him to no end that, for some people, it was the only thing worth noticing.”
“It didn’t just sadden her. It made her doubt her worth. That was the power of words. Especially harsh words from someone you’d once loved.”
“You deserve more than a life in the background.”
“She’d been made so small for so long, the words hadn’t existed to articulate the wild yearnings within her. But no longer.”
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC!
This is book 4 in a series (can standalone)
Romance: closed door
This was the final book in the Belles of London series. Mimi Matthews paints a beautiful picture of life in the city and the country in the Victorian era. Her descriptions really bring the story to life.
Teddy and Stella don’t blend in, but life being what it was at that time they did their best to find ways to fade into the background. They bond over their mutual desire to live a life as more than a wallflower. I loved watching them give each other confidence and strength to embrace who they are.
Finding beauty in each other’s perceived flaws. The slow burn romance was perfection. Mimi writes romantic tension so well, I love the subtle glances and longing that you feel between her characters.
Favorite Quotes:
“His injury wasn’t the whole of him. It wasn’t even the most interesting part. It irked him to no end that, for some people, it was the only thing worth noticing.”
“It didn’t just sadden her. It made her doubt her worth. That was the power of words. Especially harsh words from someone you’d once loved.”
“You deserve more than a life in the background.”
“She’d been made so small for so long, the words hadn’t existed to articulate the wild yearnings within her. But no longer.”
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC!
This is book 4 in a series (can standalone)
Romance: closed door
May 18, 2024
This whole series was just such a delight! I love that Matthews brings together characters all throughout her universe of books - it makes it so fun to see cameos and catch up on the lives of so many beloved characters.
Teddy and Stella are so perfect for each other, and Matthews weaves that so seamlessly throughout the story. There were small pieces of knowledge provided that showed me just how much they would be able to support, celebrate and uplift one another. I loved their grumpy/sunshine personalities, and the honesty they both were always able to get to with one another.
This was such a great read and exactly what I needed to get me through my Bridgerton III part I withdrawals.
Thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for the ARC!
Teddy and Stella are so perfect for each other, and Matthews weaves that so seamlessly throughout the story. There were small pieces of knowledge provided that showed me just how much they would be able to support, celebrate and uplift one another. I loved their grumpy/sunshine personalities, and the honesty they both were always able to get to with one another.
This was such a great read and exactly what I needed to get me through my Bridgerton III part I withdrawals.
Thanks to Berkley and Edelweiss for the ARC!
December 3, 2024
A unique pair of individuals have their own reasons for agreeing to a marriage of convenience and a scandalous artistic endeavor by high society’s standards. Mimi Matthew wraps up the Belles of London series set in the Victorian era with two colorful characters seen in previous books with their own emotion-laid, difficult road to lasting love.
The Muse of Maiden Lane is the fourth book in an inter-connected series that can still work well as an individual romance if the reader doesn’t mind encountering the previous happy couples from not only this Belles of London series, but an older one, the Orphans of Devon.
Stella would love to be truly seen and not for her odd premature graying hair and Teddy with his artistic talent is only first noticed as a man in a wheel chair. Her prim preacher brother with his even primmer lady are determined to pawn Stella off on a local old widower and squelch her spirited riding on Locket. Her previous reluctance to be Teddy’s art muse is overcome by his honest, earnest desire to see her as special and lovely, but also his wish for something more.
A country house party set during the holiday season and her friend Anne’s surprising engagement (Anne and Hartford got their story in the previous book) allows for Stella and Teddy to enjoy the treats of the season including a sleigh ride and bit of mistletoe to bolster against Stella going back to her dreary life in Derbyshire. Their secret correspondence with him penning his side under a guise so her brother can’t take offense that’s she’s writing with a man draws a deeper connection. Only Teddy is aware that he wants her love and not just her need for an escape from her brother’s plans.
I loved the layered character development and the build of a friendship through time spent together at a country house holiday party then a discreet correspondence which led to a romance with this winning pair whom I was cheering from the beginning. There was also the magnificent support of her Belles of London friends as well as his Orphans of Devon group. They both always saw each other as worthy and attractive when others overlooked them. Gradually, love supplanted doubt. Such a tender and sometimes sultry romance without worry about stigmas and ready to face the challenges together.
All is over for this series, but this was a satisfying and heartwarming finale. I hope to spot this pair and others as crossover minor characters in future books just to spend more time with them. This is for those who enjoy their historical romance full of authentic backdrop, diversity, variety, and compelling character and plots.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley and print copy from Berkley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink in 11.14.24.
The Muse of Maiden Lane is the fourth book in an inter-connected series that can still work well as an individual romance if the reader doesn’t mind encountering the previous happy couples from not only this Belles of London series, but an older one, the Orphans of Devon.
Stella would love to be truly seen and not for her odd premature graying hair and Teddy with his artistic talent is only first noticed as a man in a wheel chair. Her prim preacher brother with his even primmer lady are determined to pawn Stella off on a local old widower and squelch her spirited riding on Locket. Her previous reluctance to be Teddy’s art muse is overcome by his honest, earnest desire to see her as special and lovely, but also his wish for something more.
A country house party set during the holiday season and her friend Anne’s surprising engagement (Anne and Hartford got their story in the previous book) allows for Stella and Teddy to enjoy the treats of the season including a sleigh ride and bit of mistletoe to bolster against Stella going back to her dreary life in Derbyshire. Their secret correspondence with him penning his side under a guise so her brother can’t take offense that’s she’s writing with a man draws a deeper connection. Only Teddy is aware that he wants her love and not just her need for an escape from her brother’s plans.
I loved the layered character development and the build of a friendship through time spent together at a country house holiday party then a discreet correspondence which led to a romance with this winning pair whom I was cheering from the beginning. There was also the magnificent support of her Belles of London friends as well as his Orphans of Devon group. They both always saw each other as worthy and attractive when others overlooked them. Gradually, love supplanted doubt. Such a tender and sometimes sultry romance without worry about stigmas and ready to face the challenges together.
All is over for this series, but this was a satisfying and heartwarming finale. I hope to spot this pair and others as crossover minor characters in future books just to spend more time with them. This is for those who enjoy their historical romance full of authentic backdrop, diversity, variety, and compelling character and plots.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley and print copy from Berkley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink in 11.14.24.
August 19, 2024
I absolutely adore many of the books by Mimi Matthews, but find others a bit of a miss. The Muse of Maiden Lane is fine – well written, well researched – but it didn’t resonate with me. There is no tension in the relationship between Teddy and Stella. He says he doesn’t want to marry, but we don’t believe that. Stella is put off by Teddy’s forward ways, but not that much.
I was a bit puzzled by Stella dyeing her hair for a house party – did she not know eventually she might see those people somewhere else when her hair went back to gray? (“But one rule remained as inflexible in London as it was across Britain entire: a respectable female did not color her hair. Only actresses and - Stella blushed to admit to herself – prostitutes would resort to such tawdry tricks.” p. 1 of the advance reader copy) For that matter, I don’t get the deal with a beautiful young woman having gray hair. Would that really have been a big deal in Victorian times?
As book four in this series, there are also too many brief and distracting appearances by so many characters from this series and another by the author. As a reader, I really don’t expect every happy character to cameo. I know the author loves horses, but this is also an excessively horsy book. Lots of descriptions of and focus on the four horses. Yes, they love their horses. Yes, we understand that Stella will not give up her spirited and dangerous gray horse that matches her hair.
I still love Matthews and eagerly await her next book, but The Muse of Maiden Lane was a miss for me. I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.
I was a bit puzzled by Stella dyeing her hair for a house party – did she not know eventually she might see those people somewhere else when her hair went back to gray? (“But one rule remained as inflexible in London as it was across Britain entire: a respectable female did not color her hair. Only actresses and - Stella blushed to admit to herself – prostitutes would resort to such tawdry tricks.” p. 1 of the advance reader copy) For that matter, I don’t get the deal with a beautiful young woman having gray hair. Would that really have been a big deal in Victorian times?
As book four in this series, there are also too many brief and distracting appearances by so many characters from this series and another by the author. As a reader, I really don’t expect every happy character to cameo. I know the author loves horses, but this is also an excessively horsy book. Lots of descriptions of and focus on the four horses. Yes, they love their horses. Yes, we understand that Stella will not give up her spirited and dangerous gray horse that matches her hair.
I still love Matthews and eagerly await her next book, but The Muse of Maiden Lane was a miss for me. I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.
October 9, 2024
Mimi Matthews is my favorite historical romance author. I love the writing because she consistently delivers satisfying plots that are eloquent and moving and they leave me breathless. I gave this 4.5 stars because it was that good.
Stella and Teddy were unique and headstrong. They have both been judged and live on the outskirts. They don’t fit into the norm and yet they find love anyway. It had precious awkward moments and a gentle different kind of romance. Overall it had all the charm of a great story.
This was book 4 of Belles of London and I highly recommend.
Thanks Berkeley, Rel Mollet and of course Mimi Matthews for this early ARC. I loved it! 💗
Stella and Teddy were unique and headstrong. They have both been judged and live on the outskirts. They don’t fit into the norm and yet they find love anyway. It had precious awkward moments and a gentle different kind of romance. Overall it had all the charm of a great story.
This was book 4 of Belles of London and I highly recommend.
Thanks Berkeley, Rel Mollet and of course Mimi Matthews for this early ARC. I loved it! 💗
May 5, 2025
Really solid marriage of convenience! Thought the presentation of how limited a woman's choices were was heartbreakingly depicted, and I thought the disability representation was very thoughtful but I do not claim expertise.
July 25, 2025
This book is about Stella, the last horsewoman standing in her group of friends, and Teddy the artist. They have a meet-annoyed in the previous book where Teddy butts in on her conversation with someone else about a painting at a museum. She is not impressed. "Most men who considered themselves experts in a field took great pleasure in offering uncollected opinions." There's no reason for them to ever see each other again, except months later they are at the same week-long house party.
Stella and Teddy have some pretty parallel issues going on. He's obsessed with weakness and control, since he uses a wheelchair "And ladies loathed weakness in a man" and he hates how conspicuous he is with it. "The very fact of being different had put him under a painful variety of scrutiny." She is prematurely grey, and that's her big thing. There is an amazingly cringey conversation where she tries to compare their situations "I understand better than anyone" and he isn't having it (as well he shouldn't) but of course takes her larger point. Meanwhile she also is weak and without control, her brother is marrying and wants her out of the house and is pushing her in directions she doesn't want to go. She needs to marry someone of her choosing to avoid his arranged one.
Anyway, for Romance Reasons they are cooped up together during the party while he sketches her, and "A simmering heat nevertheless polled low in Teddy's Belly. He ignored it. Picking up his pencil, he returned to his sketch. Intense artistic inspiration could often be mistaken for another kind of attraction." Sure Jan, she's your muse, that's it.
Matthews writes closed door, and while it's not at all my preferred level of heat, she is an exemplar of why it can work well. "Their bare fingers brushed. It was only for an instant. The space of a breath, a heartbeat. But it was long enough. A jolt of unmistakable heat shot through Stella. Her eyes jerked to Teddy's. Their gazes locked and held for a moment - hers questioning and his dark with a sudden intensity." Yeah, that's the good stuff right there.
Anyhoo, they separate, have a lovely epistolary segment of getting to know each other, and by the time they come back together for a wedding things have changed. Guess what would help them both out of their respective jams? That's right, a marriage of convenience. I would have liked to see a little more thinking about what intimacy and married life with his nurse/aide a constant presence would look like for them, apart from his muttered assurance that it all works like it ought. If you think Stella doesn't quickly grok that Teddy needs support not hovering (like his family has done), and Teddy doesn't realize that weakness can be a strength when it comes to intimacy, guess again.
Two quibbles that kept me from enjoying this book fully. It's possibly too reliant on the previous Orphans series characters to fully appreciate? If I had read them I would have loved the "gang's back together" of it all, but as it was I felt a little outside looking in. And at times the Art Scene of it all felt a little too "I had to research the early impressionists to write this and by jove you are going to read about it." I would have gladly sacrificed some of the painting and art history comparisons for a little more emotional development between them. Hat fully off to Matthews for not having Stella reconcile with her awful brother though.
July 2025 reread: I meant to skim the group scenes now that I read Orphans and knew who everyone was, but ended up rereading. More than any other book in the Belles of London, I really think this one doesn't stand alone apart from the Orphans series. Even in book one, Ahmad was only a true side character, I hadn't read them and didn't feel like I was missing anything. I think there are so many Orphan characters in this book (including the MMC) that it benefits too much from having read that series, and suffers too much if you haven't. I understand Matthews not wanting to get into a giant MacKenzie/McBride super series or whatever, but it really solidified my first read feel that I was missing out, because it was such a deeper read having read it. Having read Orphans I loved to see the old gang together though! Maybe she could have crossed tagged it for both.
Stella and Teddy have some pretty parallel issues going on. He's obsessed with weakness and control, since he uses a wheelchair "And ladies loathed weakness in a man" and he hates how conspicuous he is with it. "The very fact of being different had put him under a painful variety of scrutiny." She is prematurely grey, and that's her big thing. There is an amazingly cringey conversation where she tries to compare their situations "I understand better than anyone" and he isn't having it (as well he shouldn't) but of course takes her larger point. Meanwhile she also is weak and without control, her brother is marrying and wants her out of the house and is pushing her in directions she doesn't want to go. She needs to marry someone of her choosing to avoid his arranged one.
Anyway, for Romance Reasons they are cooped up together during the party while he sketches her, and "A simmering heat nevertheless polled low in Teddy's Belly. He ignored it. Picking up his pencil, he returned to his sketch. Intense artistic inspiration could often be mistaken for another kind of attraction." Sure Jan, she's your muse, that's it.
Matthews writes closed door, and while it's not at all my preferred level of heat, she is an exemplar of why it can work well. "Their bare fingers brushed. It was only for an instant. The space of a breath, a heartbeat. But it was long enough. A jolt of unmistakable heat shot through Stella. Her eyes jerked to Teddy's. Their gazes locked and held for a moment - hers questioning and his dark with a sudden intensity." Yeah, that's the good stuff right there.
Anyhoo, they separate, have a lovely epistolary segment of getting to know each other, and by the time they come back together for a wedding things have changed. Guess what would help them both out of their respective jams? That's right, a marriage of convenience. I would have liked to see a little more thinking about what intimacy and married life with his nurse/aide a constant presence would look like for them, apart from his muttered assurance that it all works like it ought. If you think Stella doesn't quickly grok that Teddy needs support not hovering (like his family has done), and Teddy doesn't realize that weakness can be a strength when it comes to intimacy, guess again.
Two quibbles that kept me from enjoying this book fully. It's possibly too reliant on the previous Orphans series characters to fully appreciate? If I had read them I would have loved the "gang's back together" of it all, but as it was I felt a little outside looking in. And at times the Art Scene of it all felt a little too "I had to research the early impressionists to write this and by jove you are going to read about it." I would have gladly sacrificed some of the painting and art history comparisons for a little more emotional development between them. Hat fully off to Matthews for not having Stella reconcile with her awful brother though.
July 2025 reread: I meant to skim the group scenes now that I read Orphans and knew who everyone was, but ended up rereading. More than any other book in the Belles of London, I really think this one doesn't stand alone apart from the Orphans series. Even in book one, Ahmad was only a true side character, I hadn't read them and didn't feel like I was missing anything. I think there are so many Orphan characters in this book (including the MMC) that it benefits too much from having read that series, and suffers too much if you haven't. I understand Matthews not wanting to get into a giant MacKenzie/McBride super series or whatever, but it really solidified my first read feel that I was missing out, because it was such a deeper read having read it. Having read Orphans I loved to see the old gang together though! Maybe she could have crossed tagged it for both.
November 27, 2024
3.5 Stars
The Muse of Maiden Lane is a solid finale to the Belles of London series, but also serves as a coda for Matthew’s Parish Orphans of Devon series.
I think a reader needs to have read, if not the rest of this series, then all seven preceding books to fully enjoy Teddy and Stella’s romance. It will also help with all the cameos of previous characters.
The first half of the book takes place nearly all at the March Christmas party. While this is where Teddy and Stella reconnect after their one run-in from The Lily of Ludgate Hill, there is very little - if any - relationship development to consider these two more than acquaintances by the end of the party. Yes, there were moments when Stella was sitting for Teddy’s sketch that lent themselves to possible romantic development but there wasn’t enough.
In the second half of this book, Stella really shines as the Heroine not only of this book, but of her own life and I loved that journey of her from a woman trying to hide in the background to one who demands to be seen and heard.
It is also in the back-half that the romance picks up as Teddy and Stella are reacquainted in London. But Stella says it best herself at the 68%(!) mark: “It occurs to me that, outside of art, and the fact that you once loved a young lady named Miss Talbot, I don’t know very much about you.” Had I not read A Convenient Fiction, I wouldn’t have known more of Teddy nor cared for his HEA as much as I did so IDK how Stella was expected to be falling in love with him at this point.
While Teddy and Stella’s acquaintanceship quickly becomes more from this point, a marriage of convenience is suggested and then crammed into the last 30% of the book in a way that had this not been a Mimi Matthews book, I wouldn’t have believed in. Nor would I have felt a tendre for the finally building romance…I just...wasn’t sold on it completely by the end. Teddy came across as obsessed with his painting of Stella and art in a way that others might find charming but was not to me.
Still, this is a Mimi Matthews book so it is well written, researched and the characters are fantastic. As a series finale, it is also fantastic. But as a Romance, the usual spark and development I come to Matthews for wasn’t present.
I will go cry now that I didn’t love this book as much as I wanted to.
Thank you to Mimi Matthews, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the Arc!
The Muse of Maiden Lane is a solid finale to the Belles of London series, but also serves as a coda for Matthew’s Parish Orphans of Devon series.
I think a reader needs to have read, if not the rest of this series, then all seven preceding books to fully enjoy Teddy and Stella’s romance. It will also help with all the cameos of previous characters.
The first half of the book takes place nearly all at the March Christmas party. While this is where Teddy and Stella reconnect after their one run-in from The Lily of Ludgate Hill, there is very little - if any - relationship development to consider these two more than acquaintances by the end of the party. Yes, there were moments when Stella was sitting for Teddy’s sketch that lent themselves to possible romantic development but there wasn’t enough.
In the second half of this book, Stella really shines as the Heroine not only of this book, but of her own life and I loved that journey of her from a woman trying to hide in the background to one who demands to be seen and heard.
It is also in the back-half that the romance picks up as Teddy and Stella are reacquainted in London. But Stella says it best herself at the 68%(!) mark: “It occurs to me that, outside of art, and the fact that you once loved a young lady named Miss Talbot, I don’t know very much about you.” Had I not read A Convenient Fiction, I wouldn’t have known more of Teddy nor cared for his HEA as much as I did so IDK how Stella was expected to be falling in love with him at this point.
While Teddy and Stella’s acquaintanceship quickly becomes more from this point, a marriage of convenience is suggested and then crammed into the last 30% of the book in a way that had this not been a Mimi Matthews book, I wouldn’t have believed in. Nor would I have felt a tendre for the finally building romance…I just...wasn’t sold on it completely by the end. Teddy came across as obsessed with his painting of Stella and art in a way that others might find charming but was not to me.
Still, this is a Mimi Matthews book so it is well written, researched and the characters are fantastic. As a series finale, it is also fantastic. But as a Romance, the usual spark and development I come to Matthews for wasn’t present.
I will go cry now that I didn’t love this book as much as I wanted to.
Thank you to Mimi Matthews, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the Arc!
October 25, 2024
I have wanted to love this series so so so badly. And unfortunately, every book in the series has just missed the mark for me. Which shouldn’t be the case, because I’ve loved Mimi Matthews other series and novellas. Stella and Teddy were really the couple I’ve waited for this whole time because I was hype about Teddy from her previous books in the Parish Orphans of Devon series. But I was so bored. Which has essentially been my issue with each of the books in this series. The burn isn’t even a burn. It’s nonexistent. And for it to be advertised as a marriage of convenience, they don’t marry until far, FAR into the story. Which…negates the point of a MOC for me as a reader. Teddy and Stella are fine on their own but the chemistry? Nonexistent. Their personalities? Can’t find ‘em. It may be a while before I pick Mimi’s books back up under her Berkley contract because these have not been it. Honestly? A 2.5 ⭐️ and that feels generous.
October 13, 2024
"You're made of light, Miss Hobhouse. It shines all around you. I've never yet met a lady who possesses one fraction of your brilliancy."
this is why ladies swoon. trust in mimi! a must read interconnected series!
It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." "It should be," he said. "It's a portrait of you."
✨THINGS AND STUFF✨
-hampshire, england 1862
-he’s an aspiring artist
-he must paint her or he’ll run mad
-the four horsewomen: girl friends & horse lovers
-disability rep
-a sleigh ride under the stars
-friends to lovers
-secret letters
-a marriage of convenience
-vulnerability & reliance
-starlight 💫 a la howl’s moving castle
-#IsThisAKissingBook closed door.
thank you berkley romance and Mimi Matthews for the free book!
this is why ladies swoon. trust in mimi! a must read interconnected series!
It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." "It should be," he said. "It's a portrait of you."
✨THINGS AND STUFF✨
-hampshire, england 1862
-he’s an aspiring artist
-he must paint her or he’ll run mad
-the four horsewomen: girl friends & horse lovers
-disability rep
-a sleigh ride under the stars
-friends to lovers
-secret letters
-a marriage of convenience
-vulnerability & reliance
-starlight 💫 a la howl’s moving castle
-#IsThisAKissingBook closed door.
thank you berkley romance and Mimi Matthews for the free book!
February 2, 2025
*Read January 2025.* ✨An easy 5 out of 5 stars.✨ Thank goodness for Mimi Matthews' historical romance books. They are all romantic perfection, and Stella and Teddy were no exception. Just a really lovely close to this beautiful series (and I got to see Captain Blunt again, so that was a TREAT ahhh I love him. That dinner scene with Teddy's sister and the gang was too good). The admiration Teddy had for Stella and vice versa honestly gave me goosebumps. The representation of disability was caring and well thought. And they were just sooo in love with each other. Not to mention the art/painting theme was so unique!! AND THERE WAS A "LEAVE US" SCENE AND UGH I EAT THAT UP IN MY HISTORICALS. AND THEN STELLA TENDS TO TEDDY IN A WAY THAT ONLY SHE CAN BECAUSE SHE UNDERSTANDS HIM. Do read this book! It is comforting from cover to cover and will look glorious on your Mimi Matthews-book-themed shelves with all of her series, especially this Belles of London series. I cannot wait for Ms. Matthews' upcoming books, and I am so thankful that we have her as a writer of historical romances. It is needed. ✨
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