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Belles of London #2
Die Wahrheit deiner Worte
Die junge Erbin Julia Wychwood leidet unter einer Sozialphobie, die jedes gesellschaftliche Ereignis für sie zur Tortur macht. Ausgerechnet der düstere Kriegsveteran Jasper Blunt scheint ihre Ängste zu verstehen – aber jeder weiß, dass er nur eine reiche Frau sucht, die sich um seine Kinder kümmert. Als ihre Eltern sie mit einem alternden Lord verheiraten wollen, bietet Julia Jasper dennoch an, ihn zu ehelichen – wenn sie so viel lesen und reiten darf, wie sie will. Blunt stellt ebenfalls eine Regel auf – sein Arbeitszimmer ist tabu. Aber je mehr Julia über Jasper erfährt, desto größer wird ihr Verlangen, sein Turmzimmer zu betreten und den Mann hinter der grimmigen Fassade wirklich kennenzulernen
509 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2022
329 people are currently reading
15710 people want to read
About the author
Mimi Matthews
24 books4,406 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 1,652 reviews
June 8, 2024
Such a delightful regency romance with references of fairytales including Beauty and Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Bluebeard’s wife with sweet touch of mythology, some sweet resemblances with Bridgerton series ( a drunk and eldest Lord Gresham’s forced kissing attempt at the balcony resembles Daphne’s situation at the first book and Julia and Jasper’s meetings as they’re horse riding reminded me of Kate and Anthony’s meetings at the second book) : a quirky, shy, wallflower, bookish, gold hearted heroine meets the notorious, cruel, war hero : the marriage in convenience turns into something incredibly deep, genuine, flaming!
Yes, I’m sold! There are smart twists, surprises in this book that I saw them coming. But they were still great ones! The character development is amazing! Both Julia and Jasper are so adorable characters and the unconventional beginning of their love story evolved into something so real, heartfelt, poignant!
Julia, shy, book lover, suffering from anxiety issues and low self-esteem because of her selfish, hypochondriac parents who force her to take care of them, preventing her to have a fulfilled life!
Unless she wants to marry old and irritating Lord Gresham to be his countess and sooner a widower, she needs to find a groom to win her freedom back from her extra demanding, morbid, soul sucking parents.
Captain Blackbird, very dangerous, ruthless man as he’s mentioned by the members of London society might be answer for her key to the freedom. Jasper Blackbird, raising his three bastard kids alone, having financial issues to renovate Goldfinch Hall: the dilapidated place, presumed as haunted, needing to elope asap! A woman who is fragile with sizable dowry can also be answer of his problems.
The arranged marriage between them can save both of the parties from their own problems.
But Julia’s family has no consent to let her live out of London. They need 24/7 caretaker and this is the duty of their daughter even though it makes her prisoner in her own house!
And of course there’s a risk to marry a man who is rumored to be coldblooded and extremely vicious. But what if Jasper has changed after war? The man Julia interacts with is nothing but caring, romance reader. He seems like caring his children he’s left behind. Doesn’t that man deserve a second chance?
Could their marriage in convince plan work and could it turn into something pure, real, inevitable? Keep on reading to find out!
Overall: this is swoon-smile- feel so good historical romance that fulled my heart with pure happiness. Thankfully I’m not Mr. Bilgewater to write obnoxious reviews! I adored the characters and entire execution! Looking forward to read more books of the series!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Yes, I’m sold! There are smart twists, surprises in this book that I saw them coming. But they were still great ones! The character development is amazing! Both Julia and Jasper are so adorable characters and the unconventional beginning of their love story evolved into something so real, heartfelt, poignant!
Julia, shy, book lover, suffering from anxiety issues and low self-esteem because of her selfish, hypochondriac parents who force her to take care of them, preventing her to have a fulfilled life!
Unless she wants to marry old and irritating Lord Gresham to be his countess and sooner a widower, she needs to find a groom to win her freedom back from her extra demanding, morbid, soul sucking parents.
Captain Blackbird, very dangerous, ruthless man as he’s mentioned by the members of London society might be answer for her key to the freedom. Jasper Blackbird, raising his three bastard kids alone, having financial issues to renovate Goldfinch Hall: the dilapidated place, presumed as haunted, needing to elope asap! A woman who is fragile with sizable dowry can also be answer of his problems.
The arranged marriage between them can save both of the parties from their own problems.
But Julia’s family has no consent to let her live out of London. They need 24/7 caretaker and this is the duty of their daughter even though it makes her prisoner in her own house!
And of course there’s a risk to marry a man who is rumored to be coldblooded and extremely vicious. But what if Jasper has changed after war? The man Julia interacts with is nothing but caring, romance reader. He seems like caring his children he’s left behind. Doesn’t that man deserve a second chance?
Could their marriage in convince plan work and could it turn into something pure, real, inevitable? Keep on reading to find out!
Overall: this is swoon-smile- feel so good historical romance that fulled my heart with pure happiness. Thankfully I’m not Mr. Bilgewater to write obnoxious reviews! I adored the characters and entire execution! Looking forward to read more books of the series!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
August 2, 2022
Read for a cover quote, and was delighted to give it. The Belle of Belgrave Square is just tremendous good fun: a heroine with a big horse, an even bigger novel-reading habit, and a hidden anxiety; a hero with a crumbling estate, a trio of wary children, and a literary secret--what's not to love? Mimi Matthews paints Victorian England with vivid humor, and her Belles of London series is set to go on for at least a few more much-anticipated installments. Julian Fellowes fans will rejoice to find this series.
October 23, 2022
The Belle of Belgrave Square is the story of Julia, a London heiress, whose marriage has been arranged with Captain Jasper Blunt, a military hero, now mysterious with a seedy reputation and lack of funds . Julia struggles with social anxiety, and her horses and riding bring her comfort. (Oh, how I love how Mimi Matthews depicts equestrianism and horses).
To her marriage, Julia brings a large dowry earmarked to dig Jasper out of debt, and in return, he must give Julia her freedom.
Jasper’s backstory provided quite the mystery, and I loved both him and Julia and their strong communication with one another. A regency with a refreshing modern feel, there were some great Gothic elements as well. Another winner by Mimi Matthews, and I’m ready for book three!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
To her marriage, Julia brings a large dowry earmarked to dig Jasper out of debt, and in return, he must give Julia her freedom.
Jasper’s backstory provided quite the mystery, and I loved both him and Julia and their strong communication with one another. A regency with a refreshing modern feel, there were some great Gothic elements as well. Another winner by Mimi Matthews, and I’m ready for book three!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
February 11, 2024
A light, gothic inspired read. I liked this for the most part but found it a bit long and, as usual, wanted a bigger grovel from the hero (he deceived her pretty horrendously) and a bigger comeuppance for the villains (they gave in so easily that I wondered why we had to wait so long ).
This is a really good series and the covers are so great. I’m off to read the next one before my library loan expires.
This is a really good series and the covers are so great. I’m off to read the next one before my library loan expires.
October 8, 2022
✨The horse was the hottest character.✨
I simply found this book to be so dry. The main characters were likable and the plot had its moments, but the pacing was kinda wild to me. We got like five hours of tragic backstory until the actual plot began. I just wanted her to be at his estate with the kids but it took such a long time to get there!! Her parents and her situation at home—depicted in great detail in the first five hours—were just angering and vaguely sickening. Obviously the general gist was crucial to the plot, but giving a fraction of the time spent on them would’ve worked just as well. The audiobook is fifteen hours and by hour five, the book was already at least 3 hours too long.
I was most excited to get to his estate and the beauty and the beast vibes, but nothing really happened when we got there. It just felt very anticlimactic. The children were fine and she didn’t really have a tough time getting used to married life. The second half of the plot really revolved around them getting to know each other so consummation could happen and I just…what a sad day when you realize the consummation is going to be fade-to-black and closed door. We got the barest hint of detail, but nothing to do with anything actually happening to her body. It was like “wow! he is part of me! goodnight.” Book one didn’t even talk about sex, so this one gets .5🌶 because it was at least a thing that occurred.
The ending was cute, but I had called the plot twist at the beginning and nothing was really left to entertain me by that point. It also felt an hour or so long at the tail end because I just didn’t know what else we had to cover. They said I love you late in the book but it felt early to me from what we’d seen of their relationship. I did appreciate the lack of a true third-act break up, but even there, nothing really happened.
Maybe I’m just a frigid wench but I truly felt no real connection to either character. All of the other reviews are talking about a grand love story and sweeping emotions and I just…have to disagree. Like I said, the book was dry and by the time the two spent any significant amount of time together, it felt like I’d already read a fully separate book. I see the appeal, but it’s simply not for me.
Sex or no, I just do not mesh with the long winded writing style and plots that take ten hours to get started. I wanted to give the author another try because the summary seemed interesting, but this will unfortunately (or fortunately) be my last book by Mimi Matthews.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 .5🌶/5
As if the narrator wasn’t tired enough, the poor thing had to read the world’s longest author note recounting alllll of the research in this book. Maybe that’s why the book was so long 😭 we wouldn’t want any single detail to go to waste, now would we?
Thanks to PRH Adio for an ALC and Berkley Romance for a gifted finished copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
I simply found this book to be so dry. The main characters were likable and the plot had its moments, but the pacing was kinda wild to me. We got like five hours of tragic backstory until the actual plot began. I just wanted her to be at his estate with the kids but it took such a long time to get there!! Her parents and her situation at home—depicted in great detail in the first five hours—were just angering and vaguely sickening. Obviously the general gist was crucial to the plot, but giving a fraction of the time spent on them would’ve worked just as well. The audiobook is fifteen hours and by hour five, the book was already at least 3 hours too long.
I was most excited to get to his estate and the beauty and the beast vibes, but nothing really happened when we got there. It just felt very anticlimactic. The children were fine and she didn’t really have a tough time getting used to married life. The second half of the plot really revolved around them getting to know each other so consummation could happen and I just…what a sad day when you realize the consummation is going to be fade-to-black and closed door. We got the barest hint of detail, but nothing to do with anything actually happening to her body. It was like “wow! he is part of me! goodnight.” Book one didn’t even talk about sex, so this one gets .5🌶 because it was at least a thing that occurred.
The ending was cute, but I had called the plot twist at the beginning and nothing was really left to entertain me by that point. It also felt an hour or so long at the tail end because I just didn’t know what else we had to cover. They said I love you late in the book but it felt early to me from what we’d seen of their relationship. I did appreciate the lack of a true third-act break up, but even there, nothing really happened.
Maybe I’m just a frigid wench but I truly felt no real connection to either character. All of the other reviews are talking about a grand love story and sweeping emotions and I just…have to disagree. Like I said, the book was dry and by the time the two spent any significant amount of time together, it felt like I’d already read a fully separate book. I see the appeal, but it’s simply not for me.
Sex or no, I just do not mesh with the long winded writing style and plots that take ten hours to get started. I wanted to give the author another try because the summary seemed interesting, but this will unfortunately (or fortunately) be my last book by Mimi Matthews.
⭐️⭐️.5/5 .5🌶/5
As if the narrator wasn’t tired enough, the poor thing had to read the world’s longest author note recounting alllll of the research in this book. Maybe that’s why the book was so long 😭 we wouldn’t want any single detail to go to waste, now would we?
Thanks to PRH Adio for an ALC and Berkley Romance for a gifted finished copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
March 8, 2024
The second HF romance I’ve read by this author and I was even more charmed this time. In total transparency, I love when there’s a clash of personalities and circumstances. Add to that a few secrets (even one that had me guessing), crazy parents, and a little spice without an R rating, and I’m all in.
Already have another Matthews book on hold at the library!
PS- As satisfying as any Bridgerton installment for those wondering!
(Reviewed 2/26/24)
Already have another Matthews book on hold at the library!
PS- As satisfying as any Bridgerton installment for those wondering!
(Reviewed 2/26/24)
October 13, 2022
5 stars ✿
⊹ playlist: the belle of belgrave.
I will never get over how gentle and sweet jasper is with julia and rereading the belle of belgrave in physical form feels like a dream. every scene and line just hits different.
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
❛Some stories are better the more you read them. You notice things you didn’t the first time. And not only that. Books you’ve already read are like old friends. It’s comforting to revisit them.❜
okay, I am officially head over heels in love with jasper and julia. I love how caring, loving, and affectionate they are with each other. I love how they are fond of reading books. I love how they always communicate openly and honestly about their feelings. there's no miscommunication, and that's so refreshing.
I think this is the fifth book I have read by miss mimi, and they just keep getting better and better. my plan was initially to read the first book in the series, but then I saw that my request for one of my most anticipated reads of this year was approved, and I'm so happy that it exceeded my expectations. I even purposefully read it very slowly because I didn't want it to end. dreamy sigh, I will forever treasure this story in my heart.
p.s. I can't get the scene out of my mind when he brushed her hair because she told him it made her feel as though someone cared for her and it helped soothe her to sleep. please excuse me while I melt into a puddle in the corner. 🖤
thank you to berkley, netgalley, and mimi matthews for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. <3
⊹ playlist: the belle of belgrave.
I will never get over how gentle and sweet jasper is with julia and rereading the belle of belgrave in physical form feels like a dream. every scene and line just hits different.
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⋆
❛Some stories are better the more you read them. You notice things you didn’t the first time. And not only that. Books you’ve already read are like old friends. It’s comforting to revisit them.❜
okay, I am officially head over heels in love with jasper and julia. I love how caring, loving, and affectionate they are with each other. I love how they are fond of reading books. I love how they always communicate openly and honestly about their feelings. there's no miscommunication, and that's so refreshing.
I think this is the fifth book I have read by miss mimi, and they just keep getting better and better. my plan was initially to read the first book in the series, but then I saw that my request for one of my most anticipated reads of this year was approved, and I'm so happy that it exceeded my expectations. I even purposefully read it very slowly because I didn't want it to end. dreamy sigh, I will forever treasure this story in my heart.
p.s. I can't get the scene out of my mind when he brushed her hair because she told him it made her feel as though someone cared for her and it helped soothe her to sleep. please excuse me while I melt into a puddle in the corner. 🖤
thank you to berkley, netgalley, and mimi matthews for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. <3
April 18, 2022
As an author, I technically no longer review books because I feel I cannot be impartial. But as a reader, I can still swoon and occasionally want to shout one out from the rooftops. This book might be my favorite of Mimi Matthews (although it's hard to pick). It's super romantic, super slow burn (and to echo the line of another reviewer, this does have more physical intimacy than her other books, which might be something potential readers will want to know - it is not overly descriptive). The characters are lovely and the plot is done with finesse. Although I could figure out pretty quickly what lay behind Captain Blunt's mystery, it was only because Matthews allowed it. I still didn't know how the heck the conflict would get resolved until the very end. That meant I was up turning pages until way too late. I highly recommend this book!
(I had an advanced copy, but there was no expectation that I say anything positive about the book, or even that I review it).
(I had an advanced copy, but there was no expectation that I say anything positive about the book, or even that I review it).
April 29, 2022
Any time Mimi releases a book I get excited. Not because she is one of my favorite authors, but because it's one more book in the romance genre that hearkens back to the days of Austen and the time when Georgette Heyer romances were abound. Romances that focus on the interactions, emotions, and plot more than the sex and risque things a couple can do with one another.
In the previous book we had met Julia. Beautiful, kind, shy, but a lover of books. Though she may be wealthy, she is governed by her parents - two very cruel people who believe that she exists only to take care of them. Being that Julia has social anxiety, and prefers the company of books, she likes to hide away at gatherings reading. She is a bit of an outcast and is known for being 'ill' (mainly due to her choosing to remain at home than be at a gathering with so many people).
Enter Jasper Blunt. He is a war hero and has been smitten with Julia since the first day he saw her. His appearance is tall, dark, dour, and battle scared. His war stories are but rumor of how cruel he was on the battlefield and how he treated both the enemy of war and his own men. War can change a man and certainly has changed Jasper. There is also the talk of his children that were born out of wedlock and his gloomy house far from the city. With lack of funds he is come to town to find a wife to care for his children, reshape his estate, and fall in love with him in the process. He hopes that he can find someone who can see he man he wants to be now than the man he once was.
The moment that Julia and Jasper have a real discussion, a real heart to heart is over books. She finds out that he is a fan of an author that she likes. This allows the two of them to bond incredibly. Though, his guarded demeanor and his war history is puzzling, she can't help wanting to know more of him and learn to love him.
From this moment on, the book plows ahead with moments of lingering glances, will they/won't they, and a marriage proposal and rescue that is absolutely romantic. And hey! We're not even half way through the book!
Mimi makes no disguise in her nods to Beauty and the Beast, Hades / Persephone, and shades of Du Maurier's Rebecca. The theme of this book is also change - can Julia learn to be a stronger woman? Has Jasper truly changed from the cruel man he was rumored to be in the war? What secrets does he hold that he keeps from her? Can she learn to love him?
There is so much I love about this book, and so much I wish to tell and gush about. However, I think a book that is this good requires someone experiencing like I did. I will say that it has been a while since I shed a tear over a chapter and this one had two.
If you love to read, if you are a romantic dreamer, and of course - love romances that are clean with gorgeous lines of love and devotion PLEASE, read this book. You won't regret it and I hope it makes you a fan of Mimi's!
In the previous book we had met Julia. Beautiful, kind, shy, but a lover of books. Though she may be wealthy, she is governed by her parents - two very cruel people who believe that she exists only to take care of them. Being that Julia has social anxiety, and prefers the company of books, she likes to hide away at gatherings reading. She is a bit of an outcast and is known for being 'ill' (mainly due to her choosing to remain at home than be at a gathering with so many people).
Enter Jasper Blunt. He is a war hero and has been smitten with Julia since the first day he saw her. His appearance is tall, dark, dour, and battle scared. His war stories are but rumor of how cruel he was on the battlefield and how he treated both the enemy of war and his own men. War can change a man and certainly has changed Jasper. There is also the talk of his children that were born out of wedlock and his gloomy house far from the city. With lack of funds he is come to town to find a wife to care for his children, reshape his estate, and fall in love with him in the process. He hopes that he can find someone who can see he man he wants to be now than the man he once was.
The moment that Julia and Jasper have a real discussion, a real heart to heart is over books. She finds out that he is a fan of an author that she likes. This allows the two of them to bond incredibly. Though, his guarded demeanor and his war history is puzzling, she can't help wanting to know more of him and learn to love him.
From this moment on, the book plows ahead with moments of lingering glances, will they/won't they, and a marriage proposal and rescue that is absolutely romantic. And hey! We're not even half way through the book!
Mimi makes no disguise in her nods to Beauty and the Beast, Hades / Persephone, and shades of Du Maurier's Rebecca. The theme of this book is also change - can Julia learn to be a stronger woman? Has Jasper truly changed from the cruel man he was rumored to be in the war? What secrets does he hold that he keeps from her? Can she learn to love him?
There is so much I love about this book, and so much I wish to tell and gush about. However, I think a book that is this good requires someone experiencing like I did. I will say that it has been a while since I shed a tear over a chapter and this one had two.
If you love to read, if you are a romantic dreamer, and of course - love romances that are clean with gorgeous lines of love and devotion PLEASE, read this book. You won't regret it and I hope it makes you a fan of Mimi's!
October 18, 2022
With her usual blend of intriguing characters, wonderful dialogue, and delectable romance, Mimi Matthews brings us her own twist on the Beauty and the Beast story...and I might just like hers better. The passion in this story between the characters is palpable while still remaining a clean read. I adored the depth of Jasper's character and Julia was truly his perfect match. I've already read the last four chapters 3 times!! Thank you for another wonderful tale, Mimi!!
May 6, 2024
I appreciate that Ms Matthews is paying homage to many of the classics (some of them are unknown to me) in this book. The most obvious one is 'beauty and the beast'; scarred and gruff hero together with the beautiful and bookish heroine. Please read the author's footnotes for complete details.
The result is, in my humble opinion, a trite underwhelming. The book becomes overlong because there are too many secrets and it feels drawn out. Furthermore, little is at stake here, translating into a decidedly lack of tension. Yes, Julia does struggle with anxiety and uses horse riding and reading novels to manage it. Jasper struggles with his notorious reputation and doesn't seem to be who he is. What's actually keeping them apart besides Julia's supposedly lack of dowry if they marry without her father's approval and also the fact that Jasper is in need of funds for his estate and three illegitimate children? Pretty trivial stuff compared to 'The Siren of Sussex', the first book in the series where the obstacles are differences in station and race, coupled with duty and honour toward one's family. These are real stuff.
I have to remark that there is slightly more (just a tad) physical intimacy between the character than in her usual books.
There is one quote that caught my attention. I think Ms Matthews puts it succinctly. It's one of the reasons why I read romance as well. Truer words have never been spoken.
“Stories like the ones we read in novels help us understand the human condition,” he said. “They teach us empathy. In that way, they’re more than an escape from the world. They’re an aid for living in the world. For being better, more compassionate people.”
The book was still a pleasure to read, but it's not as good or memorable as her other works. Here's hoping the next one will be another winner from Ms Matthews (the excerpt is a delight!). For this one, a soft 3.5 stars from me.
The result is, in my humble opinion, a trite underwhelming. The book becomes overlong because there are too many secrets and it feels drawn out. Furthermore, little is at stake here, translating into a decidedly lack of tension. Yes, Julia does struggle with anxiety and uses horse riding and reading novels to manage it. Jasper struggles with his notorious reputation and doesn't seem to be who he is. What's actually keeping them apart besides Julia's supposedly lack of dowry if they marry without her father's approval and also the fact that Jasper is in need of funds for his estate and three illegitimate children? Pretty trivial stuff compared to 'The Siren of Sussex', the first book in the series where the obstacles are differences in station and race, coupled with duty and honour toward one's family. These are real stuff.
I have to remark that there is slightly more (just a tad) physical intimacy between the character than in her usual books.
There is one quote that caught my attention. I think Ms Matthews puts it succinctly. It's one of the reasons why I read romance as well. Truer words have never been spoken.
“Stories like the ones we read in novels help us understand the human condition,” he said. “They teach us empathy. In that way, they’re more than an escape from the world. They’re an aid for living in the world. For being better, more compassionate people.”
The book was still a pleasure to read, but it's not as good or memorable as her other works. Here's hoping the next one will be another winner from Ms Matthews (the excerpt is a delight!). For this one, a soft 3.5 stars from me.
March 22, 2024
3.75*
Ms Matthews is quickly becoming a go-to HR author for me and not only cos her new baby horse gets a shout out in the acknowledgements 🤩
Admittedly this is but my second book of hers and it's not your typical 🌶 HR storytelling...the way MM writes her romances draws you in with frissons of their own speciality. Although this one does have some on page consummation of marriage aka not totally fade to black and/or lingering touches - but yeah; manage your expectations ladies.
Bridgerton this is not TG as while the MMC may make choices that lower my rating for this one below the previous book - he is not remotely as bothersome as I found the Bridger'bois but I digress 🙊
Sadly, this one also had considerably less page time for the fabulous female friendships we encountered in book1 as the timeline for this one overlaps slightly with the end of the previous book - no spoilers but the gals ain't all in London is all I can say 🤗
This does however open the door for cute interactions between J & J as she navigates the London Season alone to avoid parental ministrations at home. I stg her parents are the 🤬 pits...they threaten to burn her books and take away her horse FFS!
Those assholes deserve 🤜🏼💥
The upside to the parents being the worst is that we get whisked away to Yorkshire and meet the adorably troublesome trio. Seeing Julia come into her own as the story progresses especially her CTJ towards the end as she takes stock & acts for herself had me fist pumping and cheering her on.
I don't want to say anything about the MMC as his story is prob best discovered as it unfolds. I will just drop this nugget...needs more grovelling but 🤐
I cannot wait for the next book in this series, I knew from the first interaction in the previous book that they would be endgame and having had a sneaky peek preview chapter at the end of this book I am even more excited & trying to patiently wait for my hold to come through from the library 😇
Ms Matthews is quickly becoming a go-to HR author for me and not only cos her new baby horse gets a shout out in the acknowledgements 🤩
Admittedly this is but my second book of hers and it's not your typical 🌶 HR storytelling...the way MM writes her romances draws you in with frissons of their own speciality. Although this one does have some on page consummation of marriage aka not totally fade to black and/or lingering touches - but yeah; manage your expectations ladies.
Bridgerton this is not TG as while the MMC may make choices that lower my rating for this one below the previous book - he is not remotely as bothersome as I found the Bridger'bois but I digress 🙊
Sadly, this one also had considerably less page time for the fabulous female friendships we encountered in book1 as the timeline for this one overlaps slightly with the end of the previous book - no spoilers but the gals ain't all in London is all I can say 🤗
This does however open the door for cute interactions between J & J as she navigates the London Season alone to avoid parental ministrations at home. I stg her parents are the 🤬 pits...they threaten to burn her books and take away her horse FFS!
Those assholes deserve 🤜🏼💥
The upside to the parents being the worst is that we get whisked away to Yorkshire and meet the adorably troublesome trio. Seeing Julia come into her own as the story progresses especially her CTJ towards the end as she takes stock & acts for herself had me fist pumping and cheering her on.
I don't want to say anything about the MMC as his story is prob best discovered as it unfolds. I will just drop this nugget...needs more grovelling but 🤐
I cannot wait for the next book in this series, I knew from the first interaction in the previous book that they would be endgame and having had a sneaky peek preview chapter at the end of this book I am even more excited & trying to patiently wait for my hold to come through from the library 😇
October 10, 2022
Wow, I didn't expect the amazing and lovely story I read when I picked up this book! I adored the inspiration from The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery and Beauty and the Beast. Julia and Jasper do have some time to develop the beginnings of friendship amid the turmoil of society events and Julia's household of invalid/hypochondriacs, which provided a foundation to their relationship when secrets begin seeping out to damage their trust. I loved that they also had the stirrings of attraction from the beginning which helped their friendship naturally transition to romance as they grew to know the core of each other's goodness over time and learn how well-matched they are in personality. The author skillfully inferred how intimate relations in their marriage drew them closer together as an expression of love, while still keeping details vague enough to not cross the borderline of comfort for her readers who prefer clean romance. I didn't expect some of the reveals when I began the book, but with very light foreshadowing I was able to anticipate them as I read and it created such a wonderful reading experience, looking forward to Julia's discovery of the mysteries of her husband. Julia's own growth as an anxious wallflower to a confident woman with a greater perspective of the world is a major theme of the book, and I loved her full character arc. The supporting characters of friends, family, and servants create a vibrant world of subtle influences on Julia especially, and it was interesting to see how three dimensional the author could made even her minor characters. Overall, a favorite read of the year and highly recommended!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
July 10, 2025
4.5 stars
Julia has crippling social anxiety, the cause of which seems to be less a brain chemistry problem and more a mom-and-dad-are-festering-human-pustules problem. She escapes into books and occasionally feigns illness to avoid social situations, which prompts her hypochondriac parents to call in their ancient family quack to bleed her. She is controlled, meek, and resigned to a life of tending her demanding parents unless she escapes through marriage, but she seems to be too odd for anyone to want her. Captain Jasper Blunt wants her, but he’s a fortune hunter and dark rumors of his cruel inhumanity during the Crimean War follow him, so she asks him not to pursue her. When he moves on to another heiress, she doesn’t like it one bit. She likes it even less when her parents order her to marry an old Earl who creeps her out, but that’s what she has to do, right?
Until she feigns illness one time too many, the quack bleeds her to the point of death, and Jasper swoops in to rescue her. Jasper, though, is a shining knight harboring a dozen dark secrets and he’s determined to keep them hidden.
I suffered quite a bit of anxiety watching Julia meekly acquiesce to her parents malevolent control, even to the point of death. I normally don’t enjoy FMC’s this passive, but Julia got smart just before I gave up on her. The book lost a star from me over Jasper’s apparent resolve to live his lies for the entirety of his life and his marriage to Julia. It was obvious why he needed to keep his secrets in the beginning, but the lies were foolish and unsustainable once he and Julia cemented their relationship emotionally and physically. And his motive, to spare her from the burden, was pretty flimsy. That part of this story didn’t hold water for me.
But the writing was beautiful, the characters were well-developed, the plot was interesting, and I was emotionally invested.
Julia has crippling social anxiety, the cause of which seems to be less a brain chemistry problem and more a mom-and-dad-are-festering-human-pustules problem. She escapes into books and occasionally feigns illness to avoid social situations, which prompts her hypochondriac parents to call in their ancient family quack to bleed her. She is controlled, meek, and resigned to a life of tending her demanding parents unless she escapes through marriage, but she seems to be too odd for anyone to want her. Captain Jasper Blunt wants her, but he’s a fortune hunter and dark rumors of his cruel inhumanity during the Crimean War follow him, so she asks him not to pursue her. When he moves on to another heiress, she doesn’t like it one bit. She likes it even less when her parents order her to marry an old Earl who creeps her out, but that’s what she has to do, right?
Until she feigns illness one time too many, the quack bleeds her to the point of death, and Jasper swoops in to rescue her. Jasper, though, is a shining knight harboring a dozen dark secrets and he’s determined to keep them hidden.
I suffered quite a bit of anxiety watching Julia meekly acquiesce to her parents malevolent control, even to the point of death. I normally don’t enjoy FMC’s this passive, but Julia got smart just before I gave up on her. The book lost a star from me over Jasper’s apparent resolve to live his lies for the entirety of his life and his marriage to Julia. It was obvious why he needed to keep his secrets in the beginning, but the lies were foolish and unsustainable once he and Julia cemented their relationship emotionally and physically. And his motive, to spare her from the burden, was pretty flimsy. That part of this story didn’t hold water for me.
But the writing was beautiful, the characters were well-developed, the plot was interesting, and I was emotionally invested.
July 20, 2023
Do you know that feeling when you fall in love with the first book in a series? You go for the second book expecting to love it too and… nope.
Julia needs to marry to escape her parents. Jasper is in desperate need of funds and wants to marry an heiress. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes but even that didn’t help.
There were things I enjoyed about this book; the writing was beautiful as always, the chemistry was there and Julia was a wonderful heroine. There was also a lot of touching, it was intense for a closed-door romance.
Unfortunately the hero’s secrets and lies ruined this book for me. I never believe it when they promise to never lie again at the end, you lie once and all your truths will be questioned, sorry not sorry.
Three stars.
Julia needs to marry to escape her parents. Jasper is in desperate need of funds and wants to marry an heiress. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes but even that didn’t help.
There were things I enjoyed about this book; the writing was beautiful as always, the chemistry was there and Julia was a wonderful heroine. There was also a lot of touching, it was intense for a closed-door romance.
Unfortunately the hero’s secrets and lies ruined this book for me. I never believe it when they promise to never lie again at the end, you lie once and all your truths will be questioned, sorry not sorry.
Three stars.
May 17, 2023
A good read but not as enjoyable as the first book for me.
Captain Blunt is rather 'blunt' but he has a dark reputation from the Crimean War that dogs his heels. Is it a well deserved reputation?
Well Captain Blunt seems to think so. But now he's a changed man. And he really is. So slowly Julia loses her fear of him and his big scarred face and unapproachable demeanor.
But when Blunt goes to her father to ask for her hand he finds that her father isn't looking to marry his daughter off to anyone she chooses. He already has someone in mind and it's not someone anyone would want to wed their daughter to.
Julia was raised by two selfish hypochondriacs who want to keep her close to home so she can nurse them and cater to them for the rest of their miserable lives. A future that would surely kill all her joy in life.
I loved the way Blunt and Julia gained interest in each other over their mutual love for novels.
I loved the way he showed Julia how an honourable man would behave, totally contradicting his reputation as a heartless monster.
Julia who has been stifled by her parents her whole life and suffered from social anxiety, finds herself blooming once she and Blunt marry and run away from her parents.
She meets his brood of bastards who run wild on his crumbling, distant Yorkshire estate.
The only thing Blunt asked of her when rescuing her from her parents, was that she asked no questions of his past, and she never enter his study in the tower.
Of course she can't seem to keep to her promise almost from the get go. I found it kinda annoying to be honest. She was always prodding at him about it. I thought her social anxiety fell away rather quickly. She gets all worried about his past relationship with his children's mother, whom he never married. So many things don't add up and she just can't let sleeping dogs lie. It was all about her and what SHE wanted.
There's not as much with her other friends in this one which was a bit disappointing. Just a small bit where Ann and her mother visit them in Yorkshire.
Anther disappointment was her reaction when Blunt finally confesses all to her, she gets her panties in a twist like he did her wrong. I mean he rescued her when she wouldn't rescue herself from her parents. He catered to her in all ways and only requested that she not question his past, yet that was ALL SHE DID from the moment they married.
So when she finds out the key to his mystery she immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion thinking the worst of him. It really pissed me off because he'd been nothing but good to her. She never apologizes about that either. Only Blunt did any apologizing.
Then she's all butt hurt that he hadn't told her sooner even though the answer to that was rather obvious.
So that's why 3 stars.
But the writing is lovely and as usual with MM, a lot of research went into the story.
Safety is good. (big BIG spoilers herein)
The other thing that bothered me or seemed odd was the way the story contradicts itself.
SPOILERS BELOW although I don't totally spell it out;
Captain Blunt is rather 'blunt' but he has a dark reputation from the Crimean War that dogs his heels. Is it a well deserved reputation?
Well Captain Blunt seems to think so. But now he's a changed man. And he really is. So slowly Julia loses her fear of him and his big scarred face and unapproachable demeanor.
But when Blunt goes to her father to ask for her hand he finds that her father isn't looking to marry his daughter off to anyone she chooses. He already has someone in mind and it's not someone anyone would want to wed their daughter to.
Julia was raised by two selfish hypochondriacs who want to keep her close to home so she can nurse them and cater to them for the rest of their miserable lives. A future that would surely kill all her joy in life.
I loved the way Blunt and Julia gained interest in each other over their mutual love for novels.
I loved the way he showed Julia how an honourable man would behave, totally contradicting his reputation as a heartless monster.
Julia who has been stifled by her parents her whole life and suffered from social anxiety, finds herself blooming once she and Blunt marry and run away from her parents.
She meets his brood of bastards who run wild on his crumbling, distant Yorkshire estate.
The only thing Blunt asked of her when rescuing her from her parents, was that she asked no questions of his past, and she never enter his study in the tower.
Of course she can't seem to keep to her promise almost from the get go. I found it kinda annoying to be honest. She was always prodding at him about it. I thought her social anxiety fell away rather quickly. She gets all worried about his past relationship with his children's mother, whom he never married. So many things don't add up and she just can't let sleeping dogs lie. It was all about her and what SHE wanted.
There's not as much with her other friends in this one which was a bit disappointing. Just a small bit where Ann and her mother visit them in Yorkshire.
Anther disappointment was her reaction when Blunt finally confesses all to her, she gets her panties in a twist like he did her wrong. I mean he rescued her when she wouldn't rescue herself from her parents. He catered to her in all ways and only requested that she not question his past, yet that was ALL SHE DID from the moment they married.
So when she finds out the key to his mystery she immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion thinking the worst of him. It really pissed me off because he'd been nothing but good to her. She never apologizes about that either. Only Blunt did any apologizing.
Then she's all butt hurt that he hadn't told her sooner even though the answer to that was rather obvious.
So that's why 3 stars.
But the writing is lovely and as usual with MM, a lot of research went into the story.
Safety is good. (big BIG spoilers herein)
The other thing that bothered me or seemed odd was the way the story contradicts itself.
SPOILERS BELOW although I don't totally spell it out;
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2022
a;sdfhsmalksdvdmld.asaslmdaggkmld
That’s about all the coherent thought I can muster after finishing The Belle of Belgrave Square by the fabulous Mimi Matthews. I’m still all a’swoon, basking in the deliciousness of the romance and the literary nods and the absolute sweetness of this novel.
Normally I talk about how marvelous Matthews’ writing is (because it is) and how I learn something every time I pick up one of her novels (because I do… and I did this time, too). But this time…. fair warning… I’m just going to gush over the romance and the literary nods and how much I love Julia & Jasper together (and the perfection of how they bring out the best in each other… the best that stayed hidden until ‘them’ because it wasn’t safe to reveal until then). Because while Matthews’ writing is even more marvelous than usual in The Belle of Belgrave Square and while I learned some pretty fascinating things between its pages, it’s Julia and Jasper who will stick with me long after I’ve moved on to other books.
“Stories like the ones we read in novels help us understand the human condition,” he said. “They teach us empathy. In that way, they’re more than an escape from the world. They’re an aid for living in the world.”
Julia is a delightfully bookish heroine with a fabulous horse and two invalid (or hypochondriac) parents who have kept her rather a prisoner her whole life. They use her selfishly for their own needs, never caring about what she might need – or want – in life. She uses books as an escape from her dreary reality until on her physically weakest day she musters the emotional strength to change the course of her life forever. I loved watching her blossom as Jasper’s wife and the mother of his three kids, I loved watching her fall in love with Jasper – this big beast of a man who in equal turns overwhelms her and makes her feel safe – and I loved the way Matthews crafted this heroine to be both incredibly relatable and incredibly easy to root for.
And then there’s Jasper. Mimi Matthews has outdone herself with him. I will never ever get over besotted Jasper and his endearing Beast-ness. Never. Ever. I just…. aslw;efrlkmfsl;;ldflfndkmsa … I can’t even. You just need to meet this troubled, wonderful hero yourself because every time I try to talk about him I start babbling incoherently. He will forever henceforth be in my book boyfriend Hall of Fame.
“She gave him an apologetic look. “I might have to lean on you a little.”
His expression softened. “What do you suppose I’m here for?”
Bottom Line: The Belle of Belgrave Square is my new favorite novel by Mimi Matthews! It’s one for my keepers shelf, and one that I will undoubtedly reread until I’ve practically memorized it. The author has lovingly woven threads from classics such as Beauty & the Beast, Bluebeard, and The Blue Castle into a plot that pays homage to them while still standing uniquely on its own. But the literary nods don’t stop there – readers’ hearts will dance with bookish glee at many classic references – from both Julia and Jasper, two wounded souls who have found life on the pages of books. And can’t we all relate to that?
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
That’s about all the coherent thought I can muster after finishing The Belle of Belgrave Square by the fabulous Mimi Matthews. I’m still all a’swoon, basking in the deliciousness of the romance and the literary nods and the absolute sweetness of this novel.
Normally I talk about how marvelous Matthews’ writing is (because it is) and how I learn something every time I pick up one of her novels (because I do… and I did this time, too). But this time…. fair warning… I’m just going to gush over the romance and the literary nods and how much I love Julia & Jasper together (and the perfection of how they bring out the best in each other… the best that stayed hidden until ‘them’ because it wasn’t safe to reveal until then). Because while Matthews’ writing is even more marvelous than usual in The Belle of Belgrave Square and while I learned some pretty fascinating things between its pages, it’s Julia and Jasper who will stick with me long after I’ve moved on to other books.
“Stories like the ones we read in novels help us understand the human condition,” he said. “They teach us empathy. In that way, they’re more than an escape from the world. They’re an aid for living in the world.”
Julia is a delightfully bookish heroine with a fabulous horse and two invalid (or hypochondriac) parents who have kept her rather a prisoner her whole life. They use her selfishly for their own needs, never caring about what she might need – or want – in life. She uses books as an escape from her dreary reality until on her physically weakest day she musters the emotional strength to change the course of her life forever. I loved watching her blossom as Jasper’s wife and the mother of his three kids, I loved watching her fall in love with Jasper – this big beast of a man who in equal turns overwhelms her and makes her feel safe – and I loved the way Matthews crafted this heroine to be both incredibly relatable and incredibly easy to root for.
And then there’s Jasper. Mimi Matthews has outdone herself with him. I will never ever get over besotted Jasper and his endearing Beast-ness. Never. Ever. I just…. aslw;efrlkmfsl;;ldflfndkmsa … I can’t even. You just need to meet this troubled, wonderful hero yourself because every time I try to talk about him I start babbling incoherently. He will forever henceforth be in my book boyfriend Hall of Fame.
“She gave him an apologetic look. “I might have to lean on you a little.”
His expression softened. “What do you suppose I’m here for?”
Bottom Line: The Belle of Belgrave Square is my new favorite novel by Mimi Matthews! It’s one for my keepers shelf, and one that I will undoubtedly reread until I’ve practically memorized it. The author has lovingly woven threads from classics such as Beauty & the Beast, Bluebeard, and The Blue Castle into a plot that pays homage to them while still standing uniquely on its own. But the literary nods don’t stop there – readers’ hearts will dance with bookish glee at many classic references – from both Julia and Jasper, two wounded souls who have found life on the pages of books. And can’t we all relate to that?
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
November 24, 2022
The second in the Belles of London series by Mimi Matthews, this follows the story of shy and anxious Julia Wychwood and the infamous Captain Jasper Blunt, renowned war hero of the Crimea, of whom tales abound amidst the London ballrooms, hardly any of them good. Jasper is in London in hunt of a bride with a fortune, and Julia is in dire need to escape her confined life in London, hence the two arrive at a match together, though both have their terms. Julia will marry Jasper so long as he grants her freedoms that her parents do not, to read and ride as she likes. Jasper's own terms are that she not inquire as to his past or snoop about parts of his estate that are forbidden to all but him. Yet as Julia begins her new life in Yorkshire, in Jasper's secluded estate, she can but find herself more and more curious about the man she has married.
I very much enjoyed the first in the series, but have to say that this second book exceeded my expectations. This was such an unabashedly romantic book, the story sweet and gentle. Julia is the sort of heroine that one increasingly sees less of in fiction, in that she is not the typical strong and independent minded young lady, but rather she is shy and retiring, preferring the pages of her books to the real world around her, which she often finds frightening. She is in need of rescuing, and whilst it is certainly true that Captain Blunt does quite literally rescue her in the story, she also rescues herself, learning to stand up for herself and those she cares about, and not being intimidated any longer by figures of authority like her parents, and appreciating her own gentle strength. As such her arc was a very fulfilling one, and it was a refreshing change to have a heroine who was more gentle-spirited and who truly felt like a character of the time-period as opposed to a character with a very modern voice in a period story. Jasper was a great hero too, so brooding and serious, yet gentle and romantic underneath it all, and in many ways as wounded and in need of love as Julia herself.
I liked how Matthews portrayed the restraints and confinements placed upon women in Victorian society, and her exploration of common Victorian practices such as blood-letting and such popularly held beliefs at the time as the reading of novels being a bad influence on women. Matthew's clear research into her depiction of the time period is very apparent, and I also enjoyed the references to the Crimean War and the hardships faced by the soldiers. I appreciated the homage to other works of literature within the story, and also to the power of novels and reading in itself. Other themes explored within the novel are around identity and belonging, and also around morality and justice.
The story certainly has echoes of Beauty and the Beast, though it very quickly becomes apparent in his interactions with Julia, that Jasper is not at all the Beast he is rumored to be. Still it takes Julia time to truly understand him, and reconcile the man she sees before her with the one she knows has committed such cruel deeds in the past. I will say that perhaps the mystery around Jasper was a little too obvious too early on in the story to the reader, though I do not think that really detracted from my enjoyment of the story and watching Julia slowly uncover his many secrets.
The slowly evolving romance between the pair was very tender and heart-felt, and again it was refreshing to have a romance where the couple are clearly so well suited, their interests and personalities complimenting each other. The children at Goldfinch Hall were a delightful addition to the story in the later half as well, and we did see some familiar faces from the first book such as Lady Anne. I will say that this is a more character-driven and slow-burn story, that may not be to everyone's taste, however I personally liked the gentle feel to it, though perhaps Matthews could have instilled a bit more tension in the final act.
Overall this was a charmingly told tale with characters I truly came to care about. It had its tropes certainly, however, they were handled well to deliver a tender romance with a slightly Gothic touch. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series. 4.5 stars
I very much enjoyed the first in the series, but have to say that this second book exceeded my expectations. This was such an unabashedly romantic book, the story sweet and gentle. Julia is the sort of heroine that one increasingly sees less of in fiction, in that she is not the typical strong and independent minded young lady, but rather she is shy and retiring, preferring the pages of her books to the real world around her, which she often finds frightening. She is in need of rescuing, and whilst it is certainly true that Captain Blunt does quite literally rescue her in the story, she also rescues herself, learning to stand up for herself and those she cares about, and not being intimidated any longer by figures of authority like her parents, and appreciating her own gentle strength. As such her arc was a very fulfilling one, and it was a refreshing change to have a heroine who was more gentle-spirited and who truly felt like a character of the time-period as opposed to a character with a very modern voice in a period story. Jasper was a great hero too, so brooding and serious, yet gentle and romantic underneath it all, and in many ways as wounded and in need of love as Julia herself.
I liked how Matthews portrayed the restraints and confinements placed upon women in Victorian society, and her exploration of common Victorian practices such as blood-letting and such popularly held beliefs at the time as the reading of novels being a bad influence on women. Matthew's clear research into her depiction of the time period is very apparent, and I also enjoyed the references to the Crimean War and the hardships faced by the soldiers. I appreciated the homage to other works of literature within the story, and also to the power of novels and reading in itself. Other themes explored within the novel are around identity and belonging, and also around morality and justice.
The story certainly has echoes of Beauty and the Beast, though it very quickly becomes apparent in his interactions with Julia, that Jasper is not at all the Beast he is rumored to be. Still it takes Julia time to truly understand him, and reconcile the man she sees before her with the one she knows has committed such cruel deeds in the past. I will say that perhaps the mystery around Jasper was a little too obvious too early on in the story to the reader, though I do not think that really detracted from my enjoyment of the story and watching Julia slowly uncover his many secrets.
The slowly evolving romance between the pair was very tender and heart-felt, and again it was refreshing to have a romance where the couple are clearly so well suited, their interests and personalities complimenting each other. The children at Goldfinch Hall were a delightful addition to the story in the later half as well, and we did see some familiar faces from the first book such as Lady Anne. I will say that this is a more character-driven and slow-burn story, that may not be to everyone's taste, however I personally liked the gentle feel to it, though perhaps Matthews could have instilled a bit more tension in the final act.
Overall this was a charmingly told tale with characters I truly came to care about. It had its tropes certainly, however, they were handled well to deliver a tender romance with a slightly Gothic touch. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series. 4.5 stars
February 14, 2023
I knew from Siren of Sussex that I would love Julia and Capt. Blunt’s story and I’m here to tell you that I should be a psychic because of how right I was! ;) This book had so many things that I just love in books—a strong hero that can overwhelm the senses of the heroine while simultaneously making her feel safe with his mere presence, making her feel stronger just by being beside him. Communication between the hero and heroine. No simpering around feelings, being too afraid, or meaningless miscommunication. Delicious, building romantic tension that keeps me turning the pages. A heroine that I can really sympathize with and root for.
Bottom line, I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Bottom line, I loved this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series.
October 10, 2022
If you know Matthews's books, you know she's cornered the market on closed-door historical romance with tons of references and homage to Victorian literature. The Belle of Belgrave Square is another masterful entry in this vein: Julia is a retiring heiress with crippling social anxiety; Jasper is a hero of the Crimean War who's looking for a rich wife.
The book explores identity, nature vs. nurture, and the beneficial effects of fiction through the slow burn of Jasper's courtship of Julia. It's also got all the hallmarks of classic gothic romance: a scarred, inscrutable hero; a crumbling manor house with a forbidden tower; prenuptial conditions that seem reasonable at first but that soon turn into sources of friction in an otherwise-comfortable marriage.
If you like your historical romance on the sweeter side but with a gothic, this is a perfect one to pick up!
Some spoilers:
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
The book explores identity, nature vs. nurture, and the beneficial effects of fiction through the slow burn of Jasper's courtship of Julia. It's also got all the hallmarks of classic gothic romance: a scarred, inscrutable hero; a crumbling manor house with a forbidden tower; prenuptial conditions that seem reasonable at first but that soon turn into sources of friction in an otherwise-comfortable marriage.
If you like your historical romance on the sweeter side but with a gothic, this is a perfect one to pick up!
Some spoilers:
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
November 29, 2022
This was an absolute joy as my first audiobook of Mimi's and my thirteenth book of hers!
Stuffed with subverted Gothic tropes, character growth, and delightful allusions to other great literature, this was everything I love about Mimi Matthews' work. If I had to boil it down to a headline, Villain of Ill Repute simps for Adorably Bookish Wife would fit the bill very nicely, and that was the very thing I loved so much about this.
I was super excited for this second installment of the Belles of London, as it promised a dark, brooding and scarred war hero of a male lead, and an all-too relatable bookish heroine with extreme social anxiety. It lived up to the hype, with tons of swoony moments and emotional engagement.
Captain Jasper Blunt is on a rather mercenary hunt for a bride, prowling the dance floors of London society in search of one with a sizeable dowry and whose family won't ask many questions if she's whisked off to his decrepit, haunted castle in Yorkshire, full of his bastard children, or so the rumor mill says. Julia Wychwood is the single heir to the wealthy Wychwood estate, chained to the house by her parents' frequent imagined maladies and periods of unwellness. Her own only escape is novels, and slipping out to the bookshop to buy them. This was incredibly relatable, as was her fleeing to deserted rooms during balls to read, and I was immediately invested.
They grow to care for one another, delicately skirting around the issue of fortune and duty, until Julia's parents use her excuse of slight illness one night to subject her to a radical session of period-accurate medical care that threatens her health. This results in a whirlwind of social gymnastics to get Julia away from her family home, and allows the romance to progress, as well as letting Julia find herself as a person rather than an extension of her parents.
Okay, a few aspects of the plot were easily predicted, but I wasn't here for a full-on Gothic mystery, anyways, but rather the development of this unexpected pair's sweet romance. I didn't care for the male voice narrator used in this audiobook, but the lady was lovely. I even found children characters bearable in this, which is shocking for me as a reader. Mimi Matthews deftly inserts historical accuracies as usual, drawing on her skill as a Victorian scholar and delighting me as usual with grounded but terribly romantic plots. And one of the plot twists in this had me absolutely delighted.
I swear every new release of Mimi Matthews' becomes my new favorite book of hers. I also cannot wait for the next installment, the Lady Anne story, which has been teased as a sort of bickering enemies to lovers that we've seen glimpses of in these first two books. This was a more-than worthy installment in this series, and I give it five full stars.
Stuffed with subverted Gothic tropes, character growth, and delightful allusions to other great literature, this was everything I love about Mimi Matthews' work. If I had to boil it down to a headline, Villain of Ill Repute simps for Adorably Bookish Wife would fit the bill very nicely, and that was the very thing I loved so much about this.
I was super excited for this second installment of the Belles of London, as it promised a dark, brooding and scarred war hero of a male lead, and an all-too relatable bookish heroine with extreme social anxiety. It lived up to the hype, with tons of swoony moments and emotional engagement.
Captain Jasper Blunt is on a rather mercenary hunt for a bride, prowling the dance floors of London society in search of one with a sizeable dowry and whose family won't ask many questions if she's whisked off to his decrepit, haunted castle in Yorkshire, full of his bastard children, or so the rumor mill says. Julia Wychwood is the single heir to the wealthy Wychwood estate, chained to the house by her parents' frequent imagined maladies and periods of unwellness. Her own only escape is novels, and slipping out to the bookshop to buy them. This was incredibly relatable, as was her fleeing to deserted rooms during balls to read, and I was immediately invested.
They grow to care for one another, delicately skirting around the issue of fortune and duty, until Julia's parents use her excuse of slight illness one night to subject her to a radical session of period-accurate medical care that threatens her health. This results in a whirlwind of social gymnastics to get Julia away from her family home, and allows the romance to progress, as well as letting Julia find herself as a person rather than an extension of her parents.
Okay, a few aspects of the plot were easily predicted, but I wasn't here for a full-on Gothic mystery, anyways, but rather the development of this unexpected pair's sweet romance. I didn't care for the male voice narrator used in this audiobook, but the lady was lovely. I even found children characters bearable in this, which is shocking for me as a reader. Mimi Matthews deftly inserts historical accuracies as usual, drawing on her skill as a Victorian scholar and delighting me as usual with grounded but terribly romantic plots. And one of the plot twists in this had me absolutely delighted.
I swear every new release of Mimi Matthews' becomes my new favorite book of hers. I also cannot wait for the next installment, the Lady Anne story, which has been teased as a sort of bickering enemies to lovers that we've seen glimpses of in these first two books. This was a more-than worthy installment in this series, and I give it five full stars.
November 1, 2023
All I needed to know was Mimi wrote it, and that it would be marriage of convenience heaven with an icy, scarred Captain Von Trapp hero. So completely ready for it (ok, it’s been screaming from my TBR waiting for the mood stars to align and me to start the series). But then we also had absolutely lovely, fade-into-the-wallpaper anxious wallflower Julia. When the seemingly frail one stands her ground so well with the gruff brooder who is just so gone for her, I have a good time.
And so I did. Their tension and connection was a-blazing, plus this one’s so loaded with not-as-it-seems secrets. Peak relatability when it’s the bookish introvert’s escapish dream to be whisked away to a reclusive castle with only the creaks and wind howls as companions that let you read in peace. Would totally risk marrying a grudgingly blatant fortune hunter of dubious reputation for that. He reads novels: say less, let me at those kids.
Marriage of convenience is my absolute favorite, but, as a Kissing Only romance reader, the relationship progression and consummation pacing choices can be tricky. Here? Not my personally ideal way of pacing that intimacy, which took the swoon out of my sails, and I struggled a bit to move on. Still, this was utterly readable, characterizations were delectable and love when that HEA is a family affair.
Word to the wise, spoiled myself by reading up on the author’s inspirations for this one before jumping in, so have no way of knowing if I would’ve guessed those reveals all along. It did not diminish my enjoyment not wondering “what”, but only “how” secrets would come to roost, but still, I’ll never know if I would’ve been shooketh. I did love being pleasantly surprised by some other favorite micro-tropes sprinkled in, but I wouldn’t spoil and do that to ya. Just know the tropeys are on point.
Such a marriage of convenience must-read, especially if you’d love intensely brooding Christopher Plummer in your mind’s eye, dilapidated gothic manors a-gothicing and a tower-ful of secrets.
Have to add my voice to the chorus and say casually mercenary/unexpectedly generous Lord Ridgeway’s comeuppance/HEA is required.
Content Notes: Mostly Kissing Only, but plenty preoccupation with consummation and a scene between the married couple that technically does not fade to black just glosses over the act. Brief mentions of further occasions of married intimacy. Mention of mistress/illegitimate children. Mention of prostitution. Mention of interest in the occult and seánces. Language (*amn, God’s name in vain).
And so I did. Their tension and connection was a-blazing, plus this one’s so loaded with not-as-it-seems secrets. Peak relatability when it’s the bookish introvert’s escapish dream to be whisked away to a reclusive castle with only the creaks and wind howls as companions that let you read in peace. Would totally risk marrying a grudgingly blatant fortune hunter of dubious reputation for that. He reads novels: say less, let me at those kids.
Marriage of convenience is my absolute favorite, but, as a Kissing Only romance reader, the relationship progression and consummation pacing choices can be tricky. Here? Not my personally ideal way of pacing that intimacy, which took the swoon out of my sails, and I struggled a bit to move on. Still, this was utterly readable, characterizations were delectable and love when that HEA is a family affair.
Word to the wise, spoiled myself by reading up on the author’s inspirations for this one before jumping in, so have no way of knowing if I would’ve guessed those reveals all along. It did not diminish my enjoyment not wondering “what”, but only “how” secrets would come to roost, but still, I’ll never know if I would’ve been shooketh. I did love being pleasantly surprised by some other favorite micro-tropes sprinkled in, but I wouldn’t spoil and do that to ya. Just know the tropeys are on point.
Such a marriage of convenience must-read, especially if you’d love intensely brooding Christopher Plummer in your mind’s eye, dilapidated gothic manors a-gothicing and a tower-ful of secrets.
Have to add my voice to the chorus and say casually mercenary/unexpectedly generous Lord Ridgeway’s comeuppance/HEA is required.
Content Notes: Mostly Kissing Only, but plenty preoccupation with consummation and a scene between the married couple that technically does not fade to black just glosses over the act. Brief mentions of further occasions of married intimacy. Mention of mistress/illegitimate children. Mention of prostitution. Mention of interest in the occult and seánces. Language (*amn, God’s name in vain).
January 26, 2024
Didn’t expect to read this whole thing in a day! But that is exactly what I did. I really, really like Mimi Matthews’s style. This is the second book of hers I’ve given 4.5 stars. I think I’ll have to look up her backlist sometime soon, especially since the last book in this series (Belles of London) has a character from a previous series (Parish Orphans of Devon) as the hero.
The Belle of Belgrave Square follows the second of our equestriennes, Julia Wychwood, who is stifled and abused by her infuriating, controlling (sort of Munchausen by proxy??) parents and who longs for a place and a person to make her feel safe.
*They subject her without her consent to barbaric medical treatments that are tantamount to torture, and hold her hostage to their own imagined ill-health. The doctor that treats her advises that she stop reading novels because many people believed at the time that they literally caused illness in women. I know this is history, but I just can’t. I can’t.
Enter Captain Jasper Blunt, “hero” of the Crimea. He is lauded publicly for his deeds, but feared and reviled behind his back for what he did in the war, and for choosing to have his “by-blows” (read: illegitimate children) running free and acknowledged on his crumbling estate. But you just know there is more to this Jasper guy than meets the eye, not least because he is the only person who is seemingly able to see past Julia’s exterior and give her the kindness she is looking for, and he does so easily. This is a marriage of convenience story. He needs her money to save his estate, and she needs to get the hell out of there, and craves the freedom he’s willing to give her. I was surprised by how long it took them to actually get married, so don’t go into this expecting it to happen right away like I did. It’s a bit of a slow burn; just enjoy the ride.
I did manage to predict two things that were meant to be surprises/plot twists, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. It actually alleviated a lot of my concern over Julia marrying this guy who really did some truly terrible, awful things that he was trying to atone for. You’ll see what I mean when/if (when!) you read this.
Anyway, book three is up in March, and I really do think, my library’s catalogue withstanding, I might be checking out her other stuff soon.
[4.5 stars]
The Belle of Belgrave Square follows the second of our equestriennes, Julia Wychwood, who is stifled and abused by her infuriating, controlling (sort of Munchausen by proxy??) parents and who longs for a place and a person to make her feel safe.
*They subject her without her consent to barbaric medical treatments that are tantamount to torture, and hold her hostage to their own imagined ill-health. The doctor that treats her advises that she stop reading novels because many people believed at the time that they literally caused illness in women. I know this is history, but I just can’t. I can’t.
Enter Captain Jasper Blunt, “hero” of the Crimea. He is lauded publicly for his deeds, but feared and reviled behind his back for what he did in the war, and for choosing to have his “by-blows” (read: illegitimate children) running free and acknowledged on his crumbling estate. But you just know there is more to this Jasper guy than meets the eye, not least because he is the only person who is seemingly able to see past Julia’s exterior and give her the kindness she is looking for, and he does so easily. This is a marriage of convenience story. He needs her money to save his estate, and she needs to get the hell out of there, and craves the freedom he’s willing to give her. I was surprised by how long it took them to actually get married, so don’t go into this expecting it to happen right away like I did. It’s a bit of a slow burn; just enjoy the ride.
I did manage to predict two things that were meant to be surprises/plot twists, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. It actually alleviated a lot of my concern over Julia marrying this guy who really did some truly terrible, awful things that he was trying to atone for. You’ll see what I mean when/if (when!) you read this.
Anyway, book three is up in March, and I really do think, my library’s catalogue withstanding, I might be checking out her other stuff soon.
[4.5 stars]
July 8, 2023
5 stars.
Mimi Matthews' outstanding writing skills, combined with her historical research and accuracy, shine through this vastly entertaining and deeply romantic novel.
I love most of Mimi Matthews' books, some of her novels and novellas are all-time-favorites of mine, and The Belle Of Bellgrave Square is definitely one of her best yet.
Beautiful writing, compelling characters, a never-boring storyline, this book was simply phantastic and I rushed through it!
I'll have to reread it, and savor it more 💕.
I had loved the first book in the series, Evie's book, and I'm so happy this was just as amazing, although it was totally different plotwise, as well as in regard to both MC's characters.
Can't recommend this book enough.
Mimi Matthews' outstanding writing skills, combined with her historical research and accuracy, shine through this vastly entertaining and deeply romantic novel.
I love most of Mimi Matthews' books, some of her novels and novellas are all-time-favorites of mine, and The Belle Of Bellgrave Square is definitely one of her best yet.
Beautiful writing, compelling characters, a never-boring storyline, this book was simply phantastic and I rushed through it!
I'll have to reread it, and savor it more 💕.
I had loved the first book in the series, Evie's book, and I'm so happy this was just as amazing, although it was totally different plotwise, as well as in regard to both MC's characters.
Can't recommend this book enough.
January 24, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No one writes historical romance like Mimi Mathews. I just can’t get enough. I’m smiling even now at the satisfaction I get after finishing one of her novels. MM has a very special talent and I hope she doesn’t EVER stop writing. I feel privileged to have found her years ago. MM, your my favorite always!
Just one of my favorite quotes:
{He gave her a fleeting grin. “‘Be with me always—take any form—drive me mad.’”} - this book 💗
The romance was swoon worthy and the novel held all my special feels, honorable men, strong heroines, villainous characters and smoldering kisses! **Sigh with the biggest smile ever**
No one writes historical romance like Mimi Mathews. I just can’t get enough. I’m smiling even now at the satisfaction I get after finishing one of her novels. MM has a very special talent and I hope she doesn’t EVER stop writing. I feel privileged to have found her years ago. MM, your my favorite always!
Just one of my favorite quotes:
{He gave her a fleeting grin. “‘Be with me always—take any form—drive me mad.’”} - this book 💗
The romance was swoon worthy and the novel held all my special feels, honorable men, strong heroines, villainous characters and smoldering kisses! **Sigh with the biggest smile ever**
January 29, 2023
I’ve read most of Mimi Matthews’ books. But this one was particularly good because the twist towards the end was surprising. I never saw it coming (and I’ve read hundreds of romance novels over the years ). Absolutely loved this one.
October 11, 2022
I absolutely adore this novel! It’s an enchanting spin on a bit of a Beauty & the Beast situation with a little influence from another favorite classic, The Blue Castle (L. M. Montgomery). Matthews is a master at combining tropes and charms and spinning a story uniquely stamped with her style. This one shines with its marriage of convenience setup, a Victorian setting, the only-one-bed trope, a bit of flair from the aforementioned classics, three impish children, and character cameos from earlier books.
Julia and Jasper are a new favorite fictional couple of mine. Their romance is equal parts tender, swoony, and steadfast. Their journey to each other is not an idealized fairytale, though Julia’s bookish habits set off events for him to sweep her off her feet. Seeing her find agency, encouragement, and belonging with Jasper, and them both finding footing with his children, are things I particularly enjoyed.
Which brings me to Jasper. #swoon He’s a brooding, serious hero who is a romantic at heart and HE. FALLS. FIRST. He blushes and shows unflinching patience when it comes to romancing Julia. His backstory coming to light proves him all the more worthy of admiration for his integrity and of Julia’s affection. This is, perhaps, the most tender romance Matthews has written, skilfully balanced with a hint of sensuality that makes the reader swoon at the simple detail of a touch or endearment between Julia and Jasper.
I appreciate the slight unconventionaliity of this storycin its genre, especially the way the characters seek to give little weight to society’s opinions. In subtle ways, the issue of a female’s role and limited ability to make independent choices are a part of the story. So, too, are bigger themes of loyalty, honesty, and justice.
Content note for my inspy reading friends all: this is a general market romance with a few mild expletives and a closed door romance.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance ebook copy. I purchased the paperback for my shelves. This is my honest review.
Julia and Jasper are a new favorite fictional couple of mine. Their romance is equal parts tender, swoony, and steadfast. Their journey to each other is not an idealized fairytale, though Julia’s bookish habits set off events for him to sweep her off her feet. Seeing her find agency, encouragement, and belonging with Jasper, and them both finding footing with his children, are things I particularly enjoyed.
Which brings me to Jasper. #swoon He’s a brooding, serious hero who is a romantic at heart and HE. FALLS. FIRST. He blushes and shows unflinching patience when it comes to romancing Julia. His backstory coming to light proves him all the more worthy of admiration for his integrity and of Julia’s affection. This is, perhaps, the most tender romance Matthews has written, skilfully balanced with a hint of sensuality that makes the reader swoon at the simple detail of a touch or endearment between Julia and Jasper.
I appreciate the slight unconventionaliity of this storycin its genre, especially the way the characters seek to give little weight to society’s opinions. In subtle ways, the issue of a female’s role and limited ability to make independent choices are a part of the story. So, too, are bigger themes of loyalty, honesty, and justice.
Content note for my inspy reading friends all: this is a general market romance with a few mild expletives and a closed door romance.
Thank you to the publisher for the advance ebook copy. I purchased the paperback for my shelves. This is my honest review.
January 27, 2023
This story had such a beautiful premise. And the characters were perfect—Julia and Jasper had the sweetest story and I adored them 🥹 I wanted to give this book all the stars, but some content kept me from doing so. There was several scenes of inferred husband/wife intimacy, and even though it’s fade-to-black, it still made me uncomfortable and I skipped several pages total. Once I got to 70% of the book, I skimmed to the end of the story because I didn’t want to keep investing myself in the book—but it does have a redemptive and beautiful ending, I will say 🥲 I wish there weren’t so much of the intimacy scenes in the book—it’s just something I’m not comfortable with. If you are comfortable with fade-to-black, however, you may definitely enjoy this book!
Favorite quote:
“Real life was more complicated than that. And real love was more complex still. It wasn’t faint or feeble. It was rich and nuanced and strong. So relentlessly strong. It had to be. Human beings were fallible. They stumbled and fell. They made mistakes. Love didn’t crumble in the face of those errors. It held fast and true.”
Favorite quote:
“Real life was more complicated than that. And real love was more complex still. It wasn’t faint or feeble. It was rich and nuanced and strong. So relentlessly strong. It had to be. Human beings were fallible. They stumbled and fell. They made mistakes. Love didn’t crumble in the face of those errors. It held fast and true.”
October 11, 2022
When I discovered the books written by Mimi Matthews, she had a back list. I loved her work so much that I had that back list read quickly. Sometimes you come across an author whose work pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let you go even after you have finished the book. Matthews is such an author. She has the unique ability to craft characters that very nearly live and breathe as they walk off the pages and into your heart. I was captivated from the first paragraph and couldn’t wait to finish! I love it when a book dies this to me. One thing that will cause me to set a book aside is wooden characters. There is certainly no need to fear this in a book by Mimi Matthews!! Not even a slight chance. Well done!
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion here is entirely my own.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion here is entirely my own.
October 22, 2021
Captain Blunt! *Swoons* I think Mimi writes the best heroes in romance period.
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