BOOK REVIEW: The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews is a refreshingly original historical romance set in Victorian England. 

The heroine, Evelyn Maltravers, is an orphaned country girl brought up (along with her many sisters) by a sympathetic aunt. She is minor gentry, good birth but no title. Her beautiful older sister was supposed to be the family’s salvation, but she ran off with the man she loved, souring the prospects of her sisters. Evelyn is now tasked with going to London for a Season (at age twenty-three) where her disinterested uncle will, with the aid of a dowager friend, help her to launch. Evelyn has been taught to play to her strengths. Considering herself to be plain and tending towards the bluestocking, she knows her strength is her horsemanship. She decides to take the ton by storm by showing off her skill on Rotten Row. To do this, she’ll need to attract attention to herself. She’ll need the services of an up-and-coming dressmaker known for the riding habits he has designed. This habit maker is Ahmad Malik.

The son of a British soldier and an Indian woman, Ahmad has never fit in anywhere. Trained as a tailor of menswear, he is an inspired dressmaker. He hopes to earn enough to open his own shop. For this, he needs the custom of ladies of the ton. He needs someone well-placed to advertise his wares. When Evelyn comes to commission a habit from him, he sees the possibilities. She’s beautiful. And his dresses will make her more so.

They fall in love, of course. But the obstacles facing them are huge. Money is high on the list. Neither is wealthy. Both have family members depending on them for support. Both have nemeses, people who, for various reasons, wish them ill. However, the foremost problem is Ahmad’s parentage. He’s used to being shunned by English and Indian alike. He knows that society will not accept their marriage and he can’t stand the thought of Evelyn being cast out of her world.

While retaining the structure and happily-ever-after ending of historical romance, this novel has a depth and thoughtfulness that is more reflective than usual. The protagonists are strong, progressive, independent thinkers. There are also interesting secondary characters who will likely star in future books in the series. I can’t wait to see their stories.