What do you think?
Rate this book
The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
A WORLD-WEARY RAKE
After years of unbridled debauchery, Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton has hit proverbial rock bottom. Seeking to escape his melancholy, he takes refuge at one of Victorian society’s most notorious house parties. As the Christmas season approaches, he prepares to settle in for a month of heavy drinking…until an unexpected encounter changes his plans—and threatens his heart.
A PRIM VICAR'S DAUGHTER
Valentine March is not the drab little spinster she appears to be. When her new job as a lady’s companion lands her smack in the middle of Yorkshire with England’s most infamous rake, she resolves to keep her head down and her eyes fixed firmly on her future—a future which most definitely does not include a sinfully handsome viscount.
A MATCH MADE IN SCANDAL
A friendship is impossible. An affair out of the question. But when one reckless act binds them together, will two star-crossed souls discover there’s more to each other than meets the eye? Or will revelations from the past end their fragile romance before it begins?
After years of unbridled debauchery, Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton has hit proverbial rock bottom. Seeking to escape his melancholy, he takes refuge at one of Victorian society’s most notorious house parties. As the Christmas season approaches, he prepares to settle in for a month of heavy drinking…until an unexpected encounter changes his plans—and threatens his heart.
A PRIM VICAR'S DAUGHTER
Valentine March is not the drab little spinster she appears to be. When her new job as a lady’s companion lands her smack in the middle of Yorkshire with England’s most infamous rake, she resolves to keep her head down and her eyes fixed firmly on her future—a future which most definitely does not include a sinfully handsome viscount.
A MATCH MADE IN SCANDAL
A friendship is impossible. An affair out of the question. But when one reckless act binds them together, will two star-crossed souls discover there’s more to each other than meets the eye? Or will revelations from the past end their fragile romance before it begins?
226 pages, ebook
First published January 23, 2018
2589 people are currently reading
3285 people want to read
About the author
Mimi Matthews
24 books4,376 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.**
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 722 reviews
December 23, 2019
A gentle and sweet romance about a prim and proper vicar’s daughter turned companion and a hardened rake on the way of reforming. Despite some rushed developments, due mainly to the novella format, and a trope that has been done innumerable times before, the story managed to feel fresh and convincing all the same thanks to the truly mid-Victorian era evocative characters’ behaviours and smooth writing style.
October 23, 2017
After enjoying the author’s first Victorian romance so much, I snapped The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter up immediately. Mimi Matthews writes “proper” Victorian books, where the characters act era-appropriately, the conversations are entertaining, and there’s a focus on the *romance*.
The relationship in this one moves fast – it has to, as hero and heroine are caught together and forced into an engagement. Now, this is a plot device used a million times over in historical romance, but it is handled differently here and it felt different – refreshed.
There are few books I’ve read where I believe in an instant connection, “love at first sight” more or less. In fact, I can think of only three: this is one of them. The first meeting and the hurried arrangement between them was convincing to me, and it was helped by the two spending a lot of time together over the course of only a few days.
The characters – hero, his father, heroine, various relatives – come across as real, well-rounded people. Rakish aristocrats aren’t exactly what they seem, and prim vicar’s daughters have secrets, disappointments, hopes and dreams.
The Victorian setting is always special to me, and never more so than when written by an author who knows the era inside out. This is very much a *Victorian* book, and couldn’t be mistaken for a Regency romance. The fashions, the train travel etc. It’s an era of so much energy and change, which is why I love it.
I enjoyed The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter for heaps of reasons, but especially because it took well-used (almost over-used?) tropes and turned every single one of them around, making them new again.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
The relationship in this one moves fast – it has to, as hero and heroine are caught together and forced into an engagement. Now, this is a plot device used a million times over in historical romance, but it is handled differently here and it felt different – refreshed.
There are few books I’ve read where I believe in an instant connection, “love at first sight” more or less. In fact, I can think of only three: this is one of them. The first meeting and the hurried arrangement between them was convincing to me, and it was helped by the two spending a lot of time together over the course of only a few days.
The characters – hero, his father, heroine, various relatives – come across as real, well-rounded people. Rakish aristocrats aren’t exactly what they seem, and prim vicar’s daughters have secrets, disappointments, hopes and dreams.
The Victorian setting is always special to me, and never more so than when written by an author who knows the era inside out. This is very much a *Victorian* book, and couldn’t be mistaken for a Regency romance. The fashions, the train travel etc. It’s an era of so much energy and change, which is why I love it.
I enjoyed The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter for heaps of reasons, but especially because it took well-used (almost over-used?) tropes and turned every single one of them around, making them new again.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
September 13, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction romance novel. It has a likable, sympathetic female protagonist, an engaging male protagonist, an unexpected twist, and a heartwarming romance. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Justine Eyre, has a captivating voice and does an outstanding job voicing the characters. Many thanks to Goodreads friend, Avonna, whose wonderful review piqued my interest in reading this delightful novel.
February 4, 2019
4.5 STARS
Damn but this woman can write! Loved this one too. My only qualm was that it could have been much longer and in depth. And I don't say that often about a book. I found myself wanting more depth in the story. More detail. And much more time together for this couple. And again this was an audiobook, fantastically narrated by Justine Eyre.
Set me as a seal upon thine heart,
as a seal upon thine arm:
for love is strong as death...
-from Song of Solomon 8:6 King James Bible
Damn but this woman can write! Loved this one too. My only qualm was that it could have been much longer and in depth. And I don't say that often about a book. I found myself wanting more depth in the story. More detail. And much more time together for this couple. And again this was an audiobook, fantastically narrated by Justine Eyre.
August 22, 2023
I still love Mimi’s writing and will read whatever she writes, but this was not her best.
As we all know an innocent virgin with no idea about sex is a wet dream of every rake. So when Tristan first sees Valentine, an ugly crying girl in ugly clothes, he falls head over heels. He is handsome and charming so she falls too, obviously. The problem is, I don’t.
Instant attraction is a very real thing, but it needs time to develop into something more. This book should have a few more chapters to allow Tristan and Valentine to get to know each other, but alas. They spent a total of a few hours together in the course of the book, so the ‘I love yous’ were far fetched.
The ending was abrupt, villains didn’t get the comeuppance they deserved and I didn’t get a peek into the wedding night.
I’m underwhelmed.
As we all know an innocent virgin with no idea about sex is a wet dream of every rake. So when Tristan first sees Valentine, an ugly crying girl in ugly clothes, he falls head over heels. He is handsome and charming so she falls too, obviously. The problem is, I don’t.
Instant attraction is a very real thing, but it needs time to develop into something more. This book should have a few more chapters to allow Tristan and Valentine to get to know each other, but alas. They spent a total of a few hours together in the course of the book, so the ‘I love yous’ were far fetched.
The ending was abrupt, villains didn’t get the comeuppance they deserved and I didn’t get a peek into the wedding night.
I’m underwhelmed.
September 15, 2025
“I very much doubt that I’m the first female you have kissed in a conservatory.”
“No. You’re not the first,” he admitted gravely. “But if you’ll marry me, I promise that you’ll be the last.”
At his words, some of her resolve melted. She looked tired and confused and more than a little wistful. “You can’t promise me that.”
“I just have.”
Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton!
Just the name makes me swoon.
The book … not so much. It’s another well-written, authentic book by Mimi Matthews and I enjoyed it, it is still my least favorite story by this author so far. It started strong but fell a bit flat later, despite the likable main characters.
Tristan, the 32-year-old heir to an earldom, is in trouble. Because of his rakish lifestyle, his father is cutting him off financially and ordering him to repair and cultivate his rundown estate in Northumberland for a living. In truth, however, the viscount has already given up the curricle racing, whoring and gambling and dueling; he’s still drinking, though, and suffering from melancholia. So basically, he’s already a reformed rake when he meets Valentine March, a mousy vicar’s daughter and lady’s companion, at an infamous house party and falls in love with her at first sight.
They share a soul-shattering kiss that turns their worlds upside down (and makes me wish–again–for a full sex scene from Matthews). In several ways, unfortunately, because they get caught. St. Ashton wants to do the right thing and marry Valentine, but his annoying father won’t allow it.
From there, the story goes downhill because the two of them are separated in the last third of the book: Tristan is in Northumberland, trying to get his estate running, Valentine is in London with a cousin, trying to save her reputation. They aren’t even allowed to write longing letters to each other, and really, that’s not enough for a romance.
It’s still a good book, but not as good as you would expect it from Mimi Matthews.
Also, even if meant lovingly, “my little idiot“ or “you little fool“ are not appealing terms of endearments.
3.5
“No. You’re not the first,” he admitted gravely. “But if you’ll marry me, I promise that you’ll be the last.”
At his words, some of her resolve melted. She looked tired and confused and more than a little wistful. “You can’t promise me that.”
“I just have.”
Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton!
Just the name makes me swoon.
The book … not so much. It’s another well-written, authentic book by Mimi Matthews and I enjoyed it, it is still my least favorite story by this author so far. It started strong but fell a bit flat later, despite the likable main characters.
Tristan, the 32-year-old heir to an earldom, is in trouble. Because of his rakish lifestyle, his father is cutting him off financially and ordering him to repair and cultivate his rundown estate in Northumberland for a living. In truth, however, the viscount has already given up the curricle racing, whoring and gambling and dueling; he’s still drinking, though, and suffering from melancholia. So basically, he’s already a reformed rake when he meets Valentine March, a mousy vicar’s daughter and lady’s companion, at an infamous house party and falls in love with her at first sight.
They share a soul-shattering kiss that turns their worlds upside down (and makes me wish–again–for a full sex scene from Matthews). In several ways, unfortunately, because they get caught. St. Ashton wants to do the right thing and marry Valentine, but his annoying father won’t allow it.
From there, the story goes downhill because the two of them are separated in the last third of the book: Tristan is in Northumberland, trying to get his estate running, Valentine is in London with a cousin, trying to save her reputation. They aren’t even allowed to write longing letters to each other, and really, that’s not enough for a romance.
It’s still a good book, but not as good as you would expect it from Mimi Matthews.
Also, even if meant lovingly, “my little idiot“ or “you little fool“ are not appealing terms of endearments.
3.5
November 28, 2017
I was hooked on Mimi Matthews after reading The Lost Letter. And her newest, The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter, has only fed my addiction more. Like her earlier book, this was a wonderful Victorian tale of two people from different worlds. Virtual strangers who fall in love and must overcome misunderstandings and family interference on their path to true love. And most importantly, it’s another beautifully romantic story that will tug at your heart strings.
Years ago, Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton, had been accused by his father and brother of ruining a young woman. He’d denied it, but they hadn’t believed him. Once the truth came out and Tristan’s innocence was revealed, it had been too late. Tristan couldn’t forgive his brother and father for their lack of faith in him. He’d parted ways and began years of drunken debauchery. Though he’d given up the carousing and gambling some time ago, he did spend most of his time alone and drunk. And now he was attending a house party where debaucheries were the hallmark of the event. But when he finds a young woman crying in a dilapidated folly, his whole world changes. Though dressed in a shapeless gown and wearing spectacles, this prim and proper woman had the face of an angel. He’d thought love at first sight was a laughable idea until he met Miss Valentine March. In that moment he knew she was what he most wanted and needed.
Valentine March had lost her father, the vicar, a year ago. Her mother had died in childbirth. With no relations willing to take her in, Valentine was all on her own and had taken a position as a lady’s companion to Lady Hortensia Brightwell. Now she was attending a house party and answering to every whim of Lady Hortensia and her spoiled and hateful daughter Felicity. When Valentine meets Tristan in the folly, she feels at ease with him. He was a little brutish but he was a gentleman. And he was outrageously handsome. They were both a little discombobulated by each other. The sudden attraction confused them. And the fact that, though strangers, they were telling each other things they’d never told anyone, disconcerted them.
Tristan knew Valentine was an innocent and he meant to only share one chaste kiss. But that kiss was followed by many more. Passionate kisses that they lost themselves in. Until they were discovered by most in attendance at the party. Including Tristan’s father who had come to lay down the law to his errant son. Tristan knew he must do the honorable thing and propose. And frankly, he liked the idea. But his father has other plans for the couple. And unless Tristan is willing to comply, he’ll be cut off completely. Will Val’s and Tristan’s families determine their course or will they be able to follow their hearts?
I couldn’t help but fall in love with Tristan and Val. Both were feeling lost in the world and trying to find their way. I’m so glad they were led to each other. Tristan had lived with his father’s disapproval for so long that he was on the road to becoming the man his father accused him of being. Until he met Val. She was exactly what he needed- innocence, truth, and beauty. She had faith in him. For once, he wanted to be the man his father had hoped he’d be. And with someone believing in him, he had the confidence to do it. Val had never known her mother. The vicar who raised her was not her real father. When he died, she was truly alone. She just wanted a place in the world. To belong. I hurt for her as she finally met her relations. She longed for familial affection and it was sad to see how she was received. She longed for Tristan too. He showed her kindness and affection that was missing in her life. Regardless of how her well-meaning relations tried to chip away at his reputation, Val had faith in Tristan. She just hoped he felt the same about her.
This story had superb pacing and was unbelievably romantic. The familial issues they both had truly supported and wove beautifully into the plot. Miss Matthews’ writing and characterization brings the story and characters to life immediately. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, charming, and completely swoon-worthy romance, you’ll find it in this delightful story. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
Years ago, Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton, had been accused by his father and brother of ruining a young woman. He’d denied it, but they hadn’t believed him. Once the truth came out and Tristan’s innocence was revealed, it had been too late. Tristan couldn’t forgive his brother and father for their lack of faith in him. He’d parted ways and began years of drunken debauchery. Though he’d given up the carousing and gambling some time ago, he did spend most of his time alone and drunk. And now he was attending a house party where debaucheries were the hallmark of the event. But when he finds a young woman crying in a dilapidated folly, his whole world changes. Though dressed in a shapeless gown and wearing spectacles, this prim and proper woman had the face of an angel. He’d thought love at first sight was a laughable idea until he met Miss Valentine March. In that moment he knew she was what he most wanted and needed.
Valentine March had lost her father, the vicar, a year ago. Her mother had died in childbirth. With no relations willing to take her in, Valentine was all on her own and had taken a position as a lady’s companion to Lady Hortensia Brightwell. Now she was attending a house party and answering to every whim of Lady Hortensia and her spoiled and hateful daughter Felicity. When Valentine meets Tristan in the folly, she feels at ease with him. He was a little brutish but he was a gentleman. And he was outrageously handsome. They were both a little discombobulated by each other. The sudden attraction confused them. And the fact that, though strangers, they were telling each other things they’d never told anyone, disconcerted them.
Tristan knew Valentine was an innocent and he meant to only share one chaste kiss. But that kiss was followed by many more. Passionate kisses that they lost themselves in. Until they were discovered by most in attendance at the party. Including Tristan’s father who had come to lay down the law to his errant son. Tristan knew he must do the honorable thing and propose. And frankly, he liked the idea. But his father has other plans for the couple. And unless Tristan is willing to comply, he’ll be cut off completely. Will Val’s and Tristan’s families determine their course or will they be able to follow their hearts?
I couldn’t help but fall in love with Tristan and Val. Both were feeling lost in the world and trying to find their way. I’m so glad they were led to each other. Tristan had lived with his father’s disapproval for so long that he was on the road to becoming the man his father accused him of being. Until he met Val. She was exactly what he needed- innocence, truth, and beauty. She had faith in him. For once, he wanted to be the man his father had hoped he’d be. And with someone believing in him, he had the confidence to do it. Val had never known her mother. The vicar who raised her was not her real father. When he died, she was truly alone. She just wanted a place in the world. To belong. I hurt for her as she finally met her relations. She longed for familial affection and it was sad to see how she was received. She longed for Tristan too. He showed her kindness and affection that was missing in her life. Regardless of how her well-meaning relations tried to chip away at his reputation, Val had faith in Tristan. She just hoped he felt the same about her.
This story had superb pacing and was unbelievably romantic. The familial issues they both had truly supported and wove beautifully into the plot. Miss Matthews’ writing and characterization brings the story and characters to life immediately. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, charming, and completely swoon-worthy romance, you’ll find it in this delightful story. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.
December 9, 2022
Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton (32), is hiding in the woods from his father when he runs into the weeping, beautiful Valentine March (28). He's mean to her to cover up all the boners. Later that evening, they get caught making out (like strangers do) in the conservatory. He proposes to her to cover up all the boners. They are estranged briefly while Tristan sets his life right and Valentine discovers family falling out of all the trees, but then reconciled because of the Power of Boners.
1. This was fun, but frayed.
2. By frayed I mean that there were a few too many loose threads introduced that never really resolved, which were especially distracting in a novella. Things like Valentine's alleged wanton-ness, which was awoken and then abandoned; Tristan's slide into alcoholism; the question of the Sinclair family Christmas... None of them are particularly egregious, but they were just enough to take the polish off the story.
3. I wished we had gotten more of the fixing of their relationship ("fixing" in the sense of securing, establishing, the firming of resolutions and feelings after the initial rush has faded).
I suspect the day in York was supposed to serve this purpose but then the wrong things were focused on: rather than resolving why it's okay for Tristan to buy gifts for Valentine and then on how pretty she is now that she's made over, I would have wanted the conversation on the ride home, the transition from a "you and me" to a "we" as they think / discuss their future. I wanted to see how they functioned as a duo, resolving dispute and forming and understanding of one another.
Instead we found out that Val's a hottie under her shapeless dress NO DUH.
4. Introducing Lady Hermione so late in the book did no one any favors.
5. Some of the prose tics were pretty obnoxious. Phrases that aren't terrible on their own but are just odd enough that they snag you out of reading, and then you find them again three chapters later are kind of distracting and annoying. So much clunky exposition that just wasn't necessary. A sentence that I don't think was really a sentence. Etc.
6. I really like the novella format since it requires authors Get To The Point: I think the Viscount and Vicar's Daughter was one that didn't lean in hard enough on this conceit and could have benefited from either trimming some things or committing hard to a full-length story.
1. This was fun, but frayed.
2. By frayed I mean that there were a few too many loose threads introduced that never really resolved, which were especially distracting in a novella. Things like Valentine's alleged wanton-ness, which was awoken and then abandoned; Tristan's slide into alcoholism; the question of the Sinclair family Christmas... None of them are particularly egregious, but they were just enough to take the polish off the story.
3. I wished we had gotten more of the fixing of their relationship ("fixing" in the sense of securing, establishing, the firming of resolutions and feelings after the initial rush has faded).
I suspect the day in York was supposed to serve this purpose but then the wrong things were focused on: rather than resolving why it's okay for Tristan to buy gifts for Valentine and then on how pretty she is now that she's made over, I would have wanted the conversation on the ride home, the transition from a "you and me" to a "we" as they think / discuss their future. I wanted to see how they functioned as a duo, resolving dispute and forming and understanding of one another.
Instead we found out that Val's a hottie under her shapeless dress NO DUH.
4. Introducing Lady Hermione so late in the book did no one any favors.
5. Some of the prose tics were pretty obnoxious. Phrases that aren't terrible on their own but are just odd enough that they snag you out of reading, and then you find them again three chapters later are kind of distracting and annoying. So much clunky exposition that just wasn't necessary. A sentence that I don't think was really a sentence. Etc.
6. I really like the novella format since it requires authors Get To The Point: I think the Viscount and Vicar's Daughter was one that didn't lean in hard enough on this conceit and could have benefited from either trimming some things or committing hard to a full-length story.
March 3, 2019
Sweet novella about a scandalous rake falling for a Vicar's daughter with a scandalous past!
Valentine March
Well developed love story packed into a small package. The secondary characters were perfect and the plot progressed well. I really liked the hero and how he kept coming through for his Valentine.
I was surprised to find this novella was squeaky clean... except for a few passionate kisses. The romance felt more realistic without all the hanky-panky you find in some historical romances.
Valentine March
Well developed love story packed into a small package. The secondary characters were perfect and the plot progressed well. I really liked the hero and how he kept coming through for his Valentine.
I was surprised to find this novella was squeaky clean... except for a few passionate kisses. The romance felt more realistic without all the hanky-panky you find in some historical romances.
October 3, 2021
Ok, ok, I have a weak point for rakes ;-) But only for those that convince me, that aren't just brutal, and whose transformation is believable. Tristan was "a perfect rake". And his conversations with Valentine glued me to the book.
All three romances by Mimi Matthews I have just read were as great and enjoyable as they could. They weren't historical fictions that span big events or are studies of human nature. They were charming love stories written by someone who did homework about times it took place, thought through about characters, made consideration about the pace of the plot (I really appreciate it), and did not overdone the story.
This one I liked the most (among the three I have just read), not only because of Tristan (yeah... really... ;-) ) but also because of his father and the dynamic between them. I couldn't help and not think of my absolute favourite ever, Devil's Cub [of course, I don't compare the books in this review, not many come up well next to GH novels].
All three romances by Mimi Matthews I have just read were as great and enjoyable as they could. They weren't historical fictions that span big events or are studies of human nature. They were charming love stories written by someone who did homework about times it took place, thought through about characters, made consideration about the pace of the plot (I really appreciate it), and did not overdone the story.
This one I liked the most (among the three I have just read), not only because of Tristan (yeah... really... ;-) ) but also because of his father and the dynamic between them. I couldn't help and not think of my absolute favourite ever, Devil's Cub [of course, I don't compare the books in this review, not many come up well next to GH novels].
November 9, 2022
This book was exactly what I was in the mood for. A little shorter than Mimi Matthews’ typical novel but packed quite a punch in terms of making an impression. The story starts out immediately and you’ll be unable to put the book down until it’s finished.
August 25, 2022
This book was the author's debut novel a couple of years ago, but I have just gotten around to it after enjoying several of her more recent titles from the Parish Orphans of Devon series. It's a sweet story, and although it has many familiar tropes, she handled them all very well.
The ebook is free on Kindle Unlimited and the audiobook is available from Audible Escape. This one was narrated by Justine Eyre, a competent narrator but not my favorite. Her later books, however, are narrated by the marvelous Alex Wyndham and are definitely worth a listen.
Mimi Matthews is now on my auto-buy list, so obviously I recommend this book.
The ebook is free on Kindle Unlimited and the audiobook is available from Audible Escape. This one was narrated by Justine Eyre, a competent narrator but not my favorite. Her later books, however, are narrated by the marvelous Alex Wyndham and are definitely worth a listen.
Mimi Matthews is now on my auto-buy list, so obviously I recommend this book.
September 18, 2019
This is more like a novella than a full length novel, which I didn’t realize. For me, what was there was so good that it needed more. More depth, more plot, just more of everything. I really enjoy this author’s work, so it was a lovely reading experience, but just not quite to the level of the other two books I’ve read.
April 22, 2018
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE VISCOUNT AND THE VICAR’S DAUGHTER by Mimi Matthews is the second historical romance I have read and reviewed by this author and it will not be the last. Ms. Matthews sets her romances in Victorian England. They are beautifully written and era appropriate. The plots are character driven with no sex, but swoon worthy romance.
Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton is world weary. Years of drinking, gambling and evading the responsibilities of his station have left him with the reputation as a rake and scoundrel beyond redemption. He has made his way to a notorious house party in Yorkshire to escape into drink as the Christmas season approaches, but his father has sent word that he will meet him there for a discussion of his future.
Valentine March is alone in the world and accepts a new position as a lady’s companion. The daughter of a vicar, she is very innocent and does not realize the type of house party she is attending.
When Valentine and Tristan meet, Valentine knows nothing of Tristan and his reputation. When she finds out what others say of him, she vows to avoid him and keep to herself, but one foolish encounter binds them together. As Valentine gets to know Tristan, she realizes that he wishes to be more than his reputation. As Tristan gets to know Valentine, she inspires him with her belief and trust, but she has a secret in her past that she believes makes her unworthy of him. Can these two find happiness together or will their pasts separate them?
The plot may be like others in this genre, but Ms. Matthews brings her characters to life on the page and so it feels completely unique. Tristan and Valentine both have pasts that make them feel lost and alone. They find each other at just the right time. Tristan needs Valentine’s belief in him and Valentine needs Tristan’s love and acceptance. The romance develops at a steady pace and the dialogue is witty and believable. The description of travel, dress and mores demonstrates the author’s exceptional knowledge of the time period.
I am looking forward to reading many more Victorian romance books by Ms. Matthews!
THE VISCOUNT AND THE VICAR’S DAUGHTER by Mimi Matthews is the second historical romance I have read and reviewed by this author and it will not be the last. Ms. Matthews sets her romances in Victorian England. They are beautifully written and era appropriate. The plots are character driven with no sex, but swoon worthy romance.
Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton is world weary. Years of drinking, gambling and evading the responsibilities of his station have left him with the reputation as a rake and scoundrel beyond redemption. He has made his way to a notorious house party in Yorkshire to escape into drink as the Christmas season approaches, but his father has sent word that he will meet him there for a discussion of his future.
Valentine March is alone in the world and accepts a new position as a lady’s companion. The daughter of a vicar, she is very innocent and does not realize the type of house party she is attending.
When Valentine and Tristan meet, Valentine knows nothing of Tristan and his reputation. When she finds out what others say of him, she vows to avoid him and keep to herself, but one foolish encounter binds them together. As Valentine gets to know Tristan, she realizes that he wishes to be more than his reputation. As Tristan gets to know Valentine, she inspires him with her belief and trust, but she has a secret in her past that she believes makes her unworthy of him. Can these two find happiness together or will their pasts separate them?
The plot may be like others in this genre, but Ms. Matthews brings her characters to life on the page and so it feels completely unique. Tristan and Valentine both have pasts that make them feel lost and alone. They find each other at just the right time. Tristan needs Valentine’s belief in him and Valentine needs Tristan’s love and acceptance. The romance develops at a steady pace and the dialogue is witty and believable. The description of travel, dress and mores demonstrates the author’s exceptional knowledge of the time period.
I am looking forward to reading many more Victorian romance books by Ms. Matthews!
January 6, 2020
This was a nice engaging read, not a bodice ripper but it still has it's rake and self proclaimed womanizer, Tristan Sinclair. The Viscount St. Ashton a handsomely, devilish man used to over indulgence in drinking and women. Having finally burnout from all the excess he comes across Valentine March a prim and proper young Vicar's daughter who is employed as a companion that suddenly turns the viscount's head because she is not the typical, easily seduced young woman he is used to having. But Valentine has a few well kept secrets of her own and the viscount determined to have her sets forth a scandal after they are found in a compromising situation. Nicely written and descriptive of the era.
November 16, 2022
3.75🌟
Audiobook:
What a sweet story. I enjoyed watching Tristan and Valentine’s romance blossom despite their pasts working against them. (The narrator was perfect for the story as well.)
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook:
What a sweet story. I enjoyed watching Tristan and Valentine’s romance blossom despite their pasts working against them. (The narrator was perfect for the story as well.)
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
December 28, 2017
Let me start by saying what an unbelievably great book, it is rich and emotional and for me definitely what I have now come to expect from Ms Matthews. The Viscount and the Vicars daughter is very different from other historical romances it does go along the lines of marriage of convenience but the difference if that Tristan genuinely does love Valentine very much, and he wants to do what is right by her – after what happened, even with so much going against them not just society and his father and his lack of funds after his after cuts him off but also his black reputation. To see his transformation from the cynical and harsh rake to the loving and protective man right before your eyes is refreshing and appealing and hugely enjoyable.
The relationship between Valentine and Tristan is honest and pure, he never lies or misuses her, he is kind, unlike his reputation he acts like the true gentleman around her something which has very rarely happened to Valentine. She has never been treated as though she is special or like a proper lady before in her life, in all honesty when her mother died her father the vicar was very harsh with his grieving daughter and so she hasn’t experienced true kindness so obviously she is suspicious of Tristan’s motives. I love how from the moment of meeting Valentine, Tristen knows that this woman is exceptionally special and that she is just what is fractured and blackened heart needs – he knows she is the one immediately, he doesn’t fight how he feels for her the biggest obstacle in their way is her independent and cynical nature.
I do really like this one, as we have come to expect from Ms Matthews we are transported the fascinating Victorian era, and I do really like this era it is full of promise of what is to come and also darkness of what is happening and amongst the grim reality we have wonderful stories like this one. The Viscount and the Vicars Daughter is hugely romantic, fabulously written and researched, it teases the senses and makes you wonder and surprisingly all the romance comes from Tristan. He surprises you as you get to know him throughout the book, the change in him from his black rakish reputation to the man he becomes is beautifully composed.
This is very much recommended, if you like the marriage of convenience with a light twist and transformed rakes and cynical, shy heroines this is the book for you – even if you don’t like all that, this is still a must read.
The relationship between Valentine and Tristan is honest and pure, he never lies or misuses her, he is kind, unlike his reputation he acts like the true gentleman around her something which has very rarely happened to Valentine. She has never been treated as though she is special or like a proper lady before in her life, in all honesty when her mother died her father the vicar was very harsh with his grieving daughter and so she hasn’t experienced true kindness so obviously she is suspicious of Tristan’s motives. I love how from the moment of meeting Valentine, Tristen knows that this woman is exceptionally special and that she is just what is fractured and blackened heart needs – he knows she is the one immediately, he doesn’t fight how he feels for her the biggest obstacle in their way is her independent and cynical nature.
I do really like this one, as we have come to expect from Ms Matthews we are transported the fascinating Victorian era, and I do really like this era it is full of promise of what is to come and also darkness of what is happening and amongst the grim reality we have wonderful stories like this one. The Viscount and the Vicars Daughter is hugely romantic, fabulously written and researched, it teases the senses and makes you wonder and surprisingly all the romance comes from Tristan. He surprises you as you get to know him throughout the book, the change in him from his black rakish reputation to the man he becomes is beautifully composed.
This is very much recommended, if you like the marriage of convenience with a light twist and transformed rakes and cynical, shy heroines this is the book for you – even if you don’t like all that, this is still a must read.
January 21, 2020
I cannot explain why I thoroughly enjoyed this story, except that perhaps I love the redemption thread with Tristan. I laughed many times throughout this story and I loved the way Valentine upended Tristan's bravado. This definitely rates as one of my top 3 favorite Matthews' books. I think Alex still has my heart, though.
February 4, 2018
2.25 stars.
This was one of the better HR novellas that I've read. I appreciated the clean and safe read that it was. It was engagingly told, with alternating povs, and for a novella, surprisingly developed characters. There wasn’t any OP drama and the H’s rake past was firmly in the past. We didn’t meet any mistresses or former paramours of his. And he did seem to be at the point in his life when he wanted something real and lasting. So that was something.
That being said, I don’t think I would have enjoyed as much had it been a full length novel. First off, my annoyance at rakes has been well established. While the H in this story seemed to have left that part of his life behind, he was also fully willing to deflower the h in a moment of drunken passion. That to me says that his tendencies are too ingrained to be completely gone. I would have found it hard not to doubt his faithfulness but the h never does. And that frustrated me. I understand that the author wrote the H as someone who was in desperate need of another to believe in him, but it also made the h look ridiculously naive. It didn’t help matters that she couldn’t help but notice how hot and masculine he looked, like every time she saw him.
The H also seemed like he wanted to change the direction of his life but he wasn’t willing to do any work. I know that historically, having an allowance from your parents, even as an adult, was a normal thing among the wealthy nobility, but it made it feel like the H had the mentality of a 40 year old dude who lived in his parents’ basement. Wearing boxers all day long. And playing gobs of video games. With empty pizza boxes and beer cans strewn all over the place. He barely started to actually do some hard work before he caved and went to go ask the h to marry him. And this was after he promised his father he would stay away from her in order to save her reputation. How long did he manage to stay away? Less than a month. And that, to me, said that he hadn’t really changed too much. Sure, he attributed his unwillingness to wait to the fact that he loved the h, but I just saw his inability to delay gratification. If he was really mature and really loved the h, he would’ve been able to get his affairs in order before reconnecting with the h. Half a year would have been an adequate amount of time to prove his fidelity, maturity, and love for the h. So as far as novellas go, this one wasn’t bad, but the romance was a bit unconvincing.
This was one of the better HR novellas that I've read. I appreciated the clean and safe read that it was. It was engagingly told, with alternating povs, and for a novella, surprisingly developed characters. There wasn’t any OP drama and the H’s rake past was firmly in the past. We didn’t meet any mistresses or former paramours of his. And he did seem to be at the point in his life when he wanted something real and lasting. So that was something.
That being said, I don’t think I would have enjoyed as much had it been a full length novel. First off, my annoyance at rakes has been well established. While the H in this story seemed to have left that part of his life behind, he was also fully willing to deflower the h in a moment of drunken passion. That to me says that his tendencies are too ingrained to be completely gone. I would have found it hard not to doubt his faithfulness but the h never does. And that frustrated me. I understand that the author wrote the H as someone who was in desperate need of another to believe in him, but it also made the h look ridiculously naive. It didn’t help matters that she couldn’t help but notice how hot and masculine he looked, like every time she saw him.
The H also seemed like he wanted to change the direction of his life but he wasn’t willing to do any work. I know that historically, having an allowance from your parents, even as an adult, was a normal thing among the wealthy nobility, but it made it feel like the H had the mentality of a 40 year old dude who lived in his parents’ basement. Wearing boxers all day long. And playing gobs of video games. With empty pizza boxes and beer cans strewn all over the place. He barely started to actually do some hard work before he caved and went to go ask the h to marry him. And this was after he promised his father he would stay away from her in order to save her reputation. How long did he manage to stay away? Less than a month. And that, to me, said that he hadn’t really changed too much. Sure, he attributed his unwillingness to wait to the fact that he loved the h, but I just saw his inability to delay gratification. If he was really mature and really loved the h, he would’ve been able to get his affairs in order before reconnecting with the h. Half a year would have been an adequate amount of time to prove his fidelity, maturity, and love for the h. So as far as novellas go, this one wasn’t bad, but the romance was a bit unconvincing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2019
Lovely clean story! Adorable titled rakish hero meets a prim lady's companion/ Vicar's Daughter
My second book by this author and she has already become a favorite of mine. The book is a traditional historical romance, with no steamy scenes (a few kisses and caresses) and characters behaving according to the time period (Victorian). The story is engaging and very romantic.
Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton has broken with his father and younger brother and dedicated himself to a decade of debauchery (or so his sire and brother believe). At a house party, he meets a lady's companion (Valentine March) and is enchanted by her primness, her sweet demeanor, and her innocence.
Valentine learns of Tristan's terrible reputation and tries her best to stay away from him, but a strong attraction of body and mind keep bringing them together.
With everybody against them, Valentine will have to trust a renowned rake (in spite of all the evidence against him and his motives to be with her), and Tristan will have to stand up and fight for his heart's desire.
My second book by this author and she has already become a favorite of mine. The book is a traditional historical romance, with no steamy scenes (a few kisses and caresses) and characters behaving according to the time period (Victorian). The story is engaging and very romantic.
Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton has broken with his father and younger brother and dedicated himself to a decade of debauchery (or so his sire and brother believe). At a house party, he meets a lady's companion (Valentine March) and is enchanted by her primness, her sweet demeanor, and her innocence.
Valentine learns of Tristan's terrible reputation and tries her best to stay away from him, but a strong attraction of body and mind keep bringing them together.
With everybody against them, Valentine will have to trust a renowned rake (in spite of all the evidence against him and his motives to be with her), and Tristan will have to stand up and fight for his heart's desire.
February 11, 2020
6 Stars! I absolutely loved this one! *sigh* Everything about this story was wonderful. ❤️❤️❤️
June 15, 2021
This book has been on my kindle for ages so when I got an ARC of Mimi Mathew’s latest John Eyre, I picked this up for some light reading. The Viscount and Vicar’s daughter has a charming quality that captivates the reader. The romance is clean without a whole lot of lust and desire muddling things about. I do love reading that too but sometimes romances with beautiful moments between the leads do the trick. Tristan just needed someone to believe in him. As everyone around him including his father thinks that Tristan is a good-for-nothing rake, his only solace is Valentine whose sweetness and practicality attract him like no other. The relationship develops at a believable pace and the dialogues between them were, I should once again say sweet!
I loved Mimi Mathew’s writing, there’s a distinctive flavor to the plotline that seems similar to many others but the characters are lovable and alluring. Well, I was in a mood for all that sugar love so was additionally glad for having read this.
Looking forward to reading other books by Mimi Mathews!
I loved Mimi Mathew’s writing, there’s a distinctive flavor to the plotline that seems similar to many others but the characters are lovable and alluring. Well, I was in a mood for all that sugar love so was additionally glad for having read this.
Looking forward to reading other books by Mimi Mathews!
January 9, 2020
I'm really sorry that I don't like this little romance more than I do. Matthews' first one, THE LOST LETTERS, was a little gem and I was looking forward very much to this one, which has as its hero the older brother of the H of the first book.
The writing is good. I was especially impressed that the author is one of a select few who know the difference between "comprise" and "compose". That was almost enough for me to want to hand out 4 stars to this book. But, unfortunately, as I was reading this story with good writing and above-average grammar, I kept wondering when something unusual or unpredictable would happen.
What do we have here? (1) A handsome young viscount whose rakish lifestyle and bad behavior he chooses to blame on unjust treatment of his younger self by his father and somewhat by his brother. (2) An orphaned vicar's daughter now alone in the world who must put up with unkind treatment by the woman of the peerage she is companion to and by that woman's horrid daughter. (3) Uncertain parentage of heroine to be unraveled as the book progresses, and, of course, the usual snobbishness of the Upper Ten Thousand. (4) Redemption of an immature hero.
This has all been done before and held no surprises for me. That wasn't compensated for by the love story because I felt that the fall into love was a bit forced and too instant. The H and h didn't interact and converse enough to fully convince me that this was True Love. But I do believe that Ms Matthews has true talent and can do better. I'll keep on buying her books. The next one, which we have a sneak peek of at the end of this one, sounds interesting.
The writing is good. I was especially impressed that the author is one of a select few who know the difference between "comprise" and "compose". That was almost enough for me to want to hand out 4 stars to this book. But, unfortunately, as I was reading this story with good writing and above-average grammar, I kept wondering when something unusual or unpredictable would happen.
What do we have here? (1) A handsome young viscount whose rakish lifestyle and bad behavior he chooses to blame on unjust treatment of his younger self by his father and somewhat by his brother. (2) An orphaned vicar's daughter now alone in the world who must put up with unkind treatment by the woman of the peerage she is companion to and by that woman's horrid daughter. (3) Uncertain parentage of heroine to be unraveled as the book progresses, and, of course, the usual snobbishness of the Upper Ten Thousand. (4) Redemption of an immature hero.
This has all been done before and held no surprises for me. That wasn't compensated for by the love story because I felt that the fall into love was a bit forced and too instant. The H and h didn't interact and converse enough to fully convince me that this was True Love. But I do believe that Ms Matthews has true talent and can do better. I'll keep on buying her books. The next one, which we have a sneak peek of at the end of this one, sounds interesting.
October 24, 2019
The dreaded formula strikes again! When authors write many books and have to churn them out over and over sometimes the authors books start to sound exactly the same. Unfortunately this one sounded like the last two I read:{ Not good. It was good enough, it kept my attention but it was irritating to have the same type of characters and the same time of conflict and resolution. So sad. I really liked this author. I am going to give her one more chance. So this story was a good one and I enjoyed the romance and characters. This is a chaste romance.
March 14, 2025
This is a pretty good novella. The writing was good and it held my interest well. However, I didn't like how often the hero's promiscuous past was brought up, or that he seemed to mostly be attracted to the heroine because of her "innocence". Also, they were "in love" after a couple of short conversations and they were apart for half of the book, so there wasn't much relationship buildup.
July 16, 2020
Enjoyed this one!
Mimi Matthews is one of my favorite authors. Her stories flow nicely and her H and h are always lovable. My only complaint is I wish it had been a chapter or two longer! ❤️❤️
August 1, 2019
3.5/5. My first book by this author and I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality of her writing, the humorous dialogue and the authenticity of the language and the details of the Victorian setting. Unfortunately the plot didn't completely hold up, perhaps because it's more novella length than full length at 216 pages. The love story is truncated likewise:
Day 1 saw rakish Viscount hero proposing to orphaned, bible-quoting vicar's daughter after a searing kiss compromised them.
Day 2 (at 60 %) we've got the heroine already confessing to the hero that he has her heart even though she had sworn off smooth-tongued men.
Day 3 had the lovers separated while she mused that she had never felt further from him!
There were a few other strange comments or thoughts implying a far longer courtship and more thorough knowledge of the other person than in actual fact. I'm really not a fan of instant lust or love in general anyway. I definitely do see the potential in the author. Their first meeting was quite amusing after he came upon her sobbing in the woods:
“Come now,” Tristan said gruffly, “this won’t do. You’re weeping directly into your hands. Have you no handkerchief?”
He turned to look at her, his dark eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Either you and I suffer from the same abnormality of vision…or these lenses are made of clear glass.” “Oh, please go away, sir,” she said on a sob.
No. Tristan Sinclair was nothing like Phillip Edgecombe. He didn’t disguise his true intentions with silky words and flattery. He was a brutally honest gentleman. A thoroughly masculine one, too. The kind Valentine suspected could only be found in the rural countryside. A gentleman farmer, she decided. God particularly approved of farmers.
The witty exchanges continued:
“What need have you to travel halfway round the world to reform a single godless heathen? You might do the very same staying right here in England. Indeed, you could do the same. With me.” Valentine stilled. “You’ve already started, you know. Consider, Miss March. I’ve proposed to you on bended knee. I’ve foresworn other women. Two things I’ve never before done in my entire life. Two exceedingly honorable things. And that’s only after having known you for a single day. Imagine what changes you might effect in a week. A month.”
“Do you mind a long engagement?” she asked him. “Of course I mind it.” “I suppose it would give us time to get to know each other better.” He raised a brow. “With me in Northumberland?” “We could write to each other. Many friendships develop through correspondence. Romances, too. Just look at Héloïse and Abélard.” “A touching love story. I believe at the close of it Abélard was castrated.” Her face reddened. “That was only one small part of the tale,” she said in her most reproving tone. “One small part? My little innocent, trust me when I tell you that big or small has nothing to do with it. Once a fellow has been castrated, the story is over.”
There are more serious aspects to the story with her being illegitimate and he being estranged from his father and struggling to regain his father's respect and his own self-respect.
“She’s different from the others. Sweet and earnest. She believes in things. Has faith in things.” He’d looked away from his father before adding, “She has faith in me.”
He [Tristan's father] regarded her with a thoughtful expression. “Take care, my dear. Many a lady has fancied she would be the making of my son and many a lady has been disappointed.” Valentine wished people would stop warning her about Tristan’s unreliability. It was fast becoming exasperating. “Lord St. Ashton shall be the making of himself. I have nothing at all to do with it.”
I like Tristan's work and progress in his rural estate, getting his hands dirty and finally making himself worthy of his title and of her after years of debauchery and living off his father's allowances. Maybe if it's a full length book, it might feel more complete rather than not quite realising its potential. This is a pretty clean book.
Day 1 saw rakish Viscount hero proposing to orphaned, bible-quoting vicar's daughter after a searing kiss compromised them.
Day 2 (at 60 %) we've got the heroine already confessing to the hero that he has her heart even though she had sworn off smooth-tongued men.
Day 3 had the lovers separated while she mused that she had never felt further from him!
There were a few other strange comments or thoughts implying a far longer courtship and more thorough knowledge of the other person than in actual fact. I'm really not a fan of instant lust or love in general anyway. I definitely do see the potential in the author. Their first meeting was quite amusing after he came upon her sobbing in the woods:
“Come now,” Tristan said gruffly, “this won’t do. You’re weeping directly into your hands. Have you no handkerchief?”
He turned to look at her, his dark eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Either you and I suffer from the same abnormality of vision…or these lenses are made of clear glass.” “Oh, please go away, sir,” she said on a sob.
No. Tristan Sinclair was nothing like Phillip Edgecombe. He didn’t disguise his true intentions with silky words and flattery. He was a brutally honest gentleman. A thoroughly masculine one, too. The kind Valentine suspected could only be found in the rural countryside. A gentleman farmer, she decided. God particularly approved of farmers.
The witty exchanges continued:
“What need have you to travel halfway round the world to reform a single godless heathen? You might do the very same staying right here in England. Indeed, you could do the same. With me.” Valentine stilled. “You’ve already started, you know. Consider, Miss March. I’ve proposed to you on bended knee. I’ve foresworn other women. Two things I’ve never before done in my entire life. Two exceedingly honorable things. And that’s only after having known you for a single day. Imagine what changes you might effect in a week. A month.”
“Do you mind a long engagement?” she asked him. “Of course I mind it.” “I suppose it would give us time to get to know each other better.” He raised a brow. “With me in Northumberland?” “We could write to each other. Many friendships develop through correspondence. Romances, too. Just look at Héloïse and Abélard.” “A touching love story. I believe at the close of it Abélard was castrated.” Her face reddened. “That was only one small part of the tale,” she said in her most reproving tone. “One small part? My little innocent, trust me when I tell you that big or small has nothing to do with it. Once a fellow has been castrated, the story is over.”
There are more serious aspects to the story with her being illegitimate and he being estranged from his father and struggling to regain his father's respect and his own self-respect.
“She’s different from the others. Sweet and earnest. She believes in things. Has faith in things.” He’d looked away from his father before adding, “She has faith in me.”
He [Tristan's father] regarded her with a thoughtful expression. “Take care, my dear. Many a lady has fancied she would be the making of my son and many a lady has been disappointed.” Valentine wished people would stop warning her about Tristan’s unreliability. It was fast becoming exasperating. “Lord St. Ashton shall be the making of himself. I have nothing at all to do with it.”
I like Tristan's work and progress in his rural estate, getting his hands dirty and finally making himself worthy of his title and of her after years of debauchery and living off his father's allowances. Maybe if it's a full length book, it might feel more complete rather than not quite realising its potential. This is a pretty clean book.
November 8, 2017
She was a prim vicar's daughter. He was a notorious rake. They were ill-suited by societal standards, but the attraction between them was too strong to ignore.
Valentine's beautiful society mother was pregnant and alone when the vicar married her to save her. Val grew up understanding her mother was a fallen woman, a sinner, and her father endeavored to ensure that Val did not follow her mother's path.
The death of her father brings Val to be the companion of a vain and shallow beauty who forces Val to wear dowdy clothes and glasses. Val dreams of escape by going into missionary work abroad.
Unaware, Val is brought to a gathering of dissolutes, ensembled for a drunken and adulterous spree. There she meets Viscount St. Ashton, the devilishly handsome rake with a score of conquests behind him, an heir to fortune who has made nothing of his life. St. Ashton is attracted to the girl and when he makes advances he is not repulsed. He proposes to Val, but she believes he is motivated only by societal expectations, expiating for a drunken and unwise moment of passion. A time apart is forced upon them.
As St. Ashton tries to prove he is a changed man, both to his father and to Val, she discovers her true heritage and is offered other options. Misunderstandings arise as St. Ashton constrains his desire. The road to love is rarely smooth. And in Victorian society it is fraught with concerns that have little to do with the human heart.
Mimi Matthews employs her deep understanding of the Victorian world of 1861 in this romance.
Learn more about Matthews books and blog at https://www.mimimatthews.com
I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Valentine's beautiful society mother was pregnant and alone when the vicar married her to save her. Val grew up understanding her mother was a fallen woman, a sinner, and her father endeavored to ensure that Val did not follow her mother's path.
The death of her father brings Val to be the companion of a vain and shallow beauty who forces Val to wear dowdy clothes and glasses. Val dreams of escape by going into missionary work abroad.
Unaware, Val is brought to a gathering of dissolutes, ensembled for a drunken and adulterous spree. There she meets Viscount St. Ashton, the devilishly handsome rake with a score of conquests behind him, an heir to fortune who has made nothing of his life. St. Ashton is attracted to the girl and when he makes advances he is not repulsed. He proposes to Val, but she believes he is motivated only by societal expectations, expiating for a drunken and unwise moment of passion. A time apart is forced upon them.
As St. Ashton tries to prove he is a changed man, both to his father and to Val, she discovers her true heritage and is offered other options. Misunderstandings arise as St. Ashton constrains his desire. The road to love is rarely smooth. And in Victorian society it is fraught with concerns that have little to do with the human heart.
Mimi Matthews employs her deep understanding of the Victorian world of 1861 in this romance.
Learn more about Matthews books and blog at https://www.mimimatthews.com
I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
December 24, 2017
Tristan and Valentine
A vicar's orphaned and destitute daughter meets a world weary hardened rake in the abandoned folly of the ramshackle estate of a dissolute lord and lady in the midst of a debauched gathering and guess what? A sweet romance ensues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Both protagonists shared varying degrees of self doubt throughout this tale. Their vulnerability and willingness to bare their souls in spite of their innate low self esteem was heartening.
Tristan Sinclair is not what he seems on the surface. This brusque rake is a tender and caring soul. Misunderstandings and mistrust, from those who should have trusted him, hardened him at a young age. As so many do, he decided to live down to their expectations.
Valentine March has experienced a life devoid of tenderness. The vicar who raised her as his own has never allowed her to forget her unworthiness. After his death, even the bit of stability and security she enjoyed was stripped away.
When she finds herself alone and weeping over the cruelty meted out to her at the hands of her employer's cruel daughter, she meets Tristan for the first time and pours out her heartbreaking story.
Over a short period and amidst a forced separation, their love is cemented and this reader beamed with delight.
Mimi Matthews is quickly becoming an autobuy author for me. Her sly winks to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen were duly noted and delightful for their inclusion.
If you love a sweet romance devoid of excessive steam and imbued with the intoxicating warmth of the growth of first true love, this is the story for you. It certainly is for me.
A vicar's orphaned and destitute daughter meets a world weary hardened rake in the abandoned folly of the ramshackle estate of a dissolute lord and lady in the midst of a debauched gathering and guess what? A sweet romance ensues.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Both protagonists shared varying degrees of self doubt throughout this tale. Their vulnerability and willingness to bare their souls in spite of their innate low self esteem was heartening.
Tristan Sinclair is not what he seems on the surface. This brusque rake is a tender and caring soul. Misunderstandings and mistrust, from those who should have trusted him, hardened him at a young age. As so many do, he decided to live down to their expectations.
Valentine March has experienced a life devoid of tenderness. The vicar who raised her as his own has never allowed her to forget her unworthiness. After his death, even the bit of stability and security she enjoyed was stripped away.
When she finds herself alone and weeping over the cruelty meted out to her at the hands of her employer's cruel daughter, she meets Tristan for the first time and pours out her heartbreaking story.
Over a short period and amidst a forced separation, their love is cemented and this reader beamed with delight.
Mimi Matthews is quickly becoming an autobuy author for me. Her sly winks to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen were duly noted and delightful for their inclusion.
If you love a sweet romance devoid of excessive steam and imbued with the intoxicating warmth of the growth of first true love, this is the story for you. It certainly is for me.
June 7, 2025
2025 reread update: Tristan is still a top-tier Mimi Matthews hero, and Valentine is adorable.
The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter has the makings of a scandalous romance but what is found between its pages is a sweet romance and story of friendship. Tristan and Valentine have an unconventional beginning, but as their identities tie them together and more is revealed about their characters, an intriguing story of romance and second chances unfolds. Mimi’s subtle style of weaving all story elements together shines through in this novel, particularly where Valentine’s surprising history is concerned.
And oh, the themes of this story! How a person cannot be forced to change — it must be a personal choice. How faith in someone can encourage and uplift. How forgiveness, second chances, and love are all possibilities, no matter the negativity of circumstances. I also really loved the inclusion of Bible verses as a particular element and how they conversationally figure into the dynamic between Tristan and Valentine.
I was particularly happy to read this novel as it was hinted to as a distant and early-planned connection to her latest story, The Work of Art, in her draft of Art if it were to have been a Victorian piece. Alas, The Work of Art was rewritten for the Regency Era and it is a GEM of a story! But I had no qualms imaging Tristan’s story as a later-set version of Captain Arthur Heywood’s brother. (I hope all of these ramblings/gushings make sense!)
If you haven’t indulged in a Mimi Matthews novel yet, what are you waiting for?!
Content note: this novel is a closed door romance and has a few mild expletives (all era appropriate) throughout.
The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter has the makings of a scandalous romance but what is found between its pages is a sweet romance and story of friendship. Tristan and Valentine have an unconventional beginning, but as their identities tie them together and more is revealed about their characters, an intriguing story of romance and second chances unfolds. Mimi’s subtle style of weaving all story elements together shines through in this novel, particularly where Valentine’s surprising history is concerned.
And oh, the themes of this story! How a person cannot be forced to change — it must be a personal choice. How faith in someone can encourage and uplift. How forgiveness, second chances, and love are all possibilities, no matter the negativity of circumstances. I also really loved the inclusion of Bible verses as a particular element and how they conversationally figure into the dynamic between Tristan and Valentine.
I was particularly happy to read this novel as it was hinted to as a distant and early-planned connection to her latest story, The Work of Art, in her draft of Art if it were to have been a Victorian piece. Alas, The Work of Art was rewritten for the Regency Era and it is a GEM of a story! But I had no qualms imaging Tristan’s story as a later-set version of Captain Arthur Heywood’s brother. (I hope all of these ramblings/gushings make sense!)
If you haven’t indulged in a Mimi Matthews novel yet, what are you waiting for?!
Content note: this novel is a closed door romance and has a few mild expletives (all era appropriate) throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 722 reviews