Victorian high society's most daring equestrienne finds love
and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms
of London's most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian
tailor.
Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little
she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a
family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match
in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the
biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute
couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a
habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his
heart.
Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent
for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by
designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty
Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit
enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.
But
pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to
welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles
spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles
they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following
their hearts?
Review:
After reading a few chapters of this story, I was a bit concerned that it wasn't going to be a clean novel. There were a lot of hints towards things turning the opposite way. Thankfully, that was not the case, because this was a really good story and I didn't want to stop reading it due to content.
Evelyn is quite the spitfire, and it was amusing to read about her exploits. She knew what she wanted and knew just what she needed to do to make it happen. Thankfully, she met Ahmad, and that changed everything.
The characters were all brought to life well, and I either loved them or hated them depending on who they were. I especially enjoyed Evelyn's friends, and look forward to reading their stories.
There is a fair sprinkling of "Bible swears" in this story, so be aware of that.
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, 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 a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Andrea. I am glad that you enjoyed the story too. Mimi is a gifted writer. I have enjoyed several of her stories. I am looking forward to the second book in the series, The Belle of Belgrave Square in October.
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