USA Today bestselling historical romance writer Mimi
Matthews makes her Berkley debut with a boldly feminist tale about a daring
equestrienne in her quest for independence just as the birth of haute couture
takes the echelons of Victorian society by storm.
Matthews’ novel is inspired by the real-life Pretty
Horsebreakers, a scandalous group of equestriennes and infamous courtesans at
the forefront of fashion trends in Victorian London who defied the rules of
polite society, and Charles Worth, the father of haute couture. THE SIREN OF
SUSSEX (Berkley Trade Paperback Original; January 11, 2022) introduces
Evelyn Maltravers, an incurable bluestocking determined to make her first and
only season in London a roaring success.
Evelyn turns to half-Indian dressmaker Ahmad Malik, who
has a unique talent for bringing out his clients’ best features. Despite the
inherent barriers he faces to becoming part of high society, Ahmad is working
toward owning his own shop by designing the eye-catching habits of the Pretty
Horsebreakers. Evelyn is convinced that Ahmad is the only person who can make
her debut at Rotten Row a success. Ahmad knows that Evelyn, a fierce and
confident woman on horseback, is the perfect muse, and an alluring subject to
display his designs to the ton, if only he can set aside the intense attraction
he feels for her.
With both their futures at stake, Ahmad will have to
turn the diamond in the rough into the diamond of the season—while they both
strive not to lose their hearts in the process.
Mimi Matthews delivers an enthralling romance while
exploring themes of race, class, and the lingering effects of British
colonialism. Drawing from her own Indian heritage and experience as an avid
horse rider, Matthews brings to life Ahmad and Evelyn, two outsiders who change
the course of Victorian society.
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews
writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances.
Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers
Weekly, 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, and two Siamese cats. Learn more online at mimimatthews.com.
Please Enjoy the excerpt
A surge of disappointment dimmed Evelyn’s smile. It
occurred to her, quite suddenly, how little she knew about him.
Of course, he must have a sweetheart. Heaven’s sake, he was
probably married! Just because he didn’t wear a wedding band didn’t mean he didn’t
have a wife—and probably several children besides. It was none of her affair.
She turned back to the shelves. “In that case . . .
What about a romance?”
“No romances,” he said darkly.
“No?” Was he one of those stuffy men who disapproved of
romance novels? Many did. Even so, she’d expected better of him. A man who
designed clothing so beautifully shouldn’t be averse to sentiment. “What about
this one, then? Silas Marner. It only came out last
year.”
Mr. Malik drew it from the shelf. It was bound in brown
cloth with gilt lettering on the spine. “What’s it about?”
“An individual and his place in society. The hero of the
story is a weaver. A man with no family to speak of, who keeps himself apart
from his community.”
“A bit too close to home.” He returned the book to the
shelf. “She needs something bright. Something to boost her spirits.”
Evelyn wondered why. Was she ill? Melancholic? Had she had
some sort of disappointment? “In that case”—she reached for a Jane Austen novel—“I
recommend this one.”
He took it from her, giving the title a dubious glance. “Northanger Abbey.”
“It’s Miss Austen’s satire of a Gothic novel. A vastly
entertaining read. It should take her mind off whatever it is that’s troubling
her.”
Mr. Malik thumbed through the pages. His expression was
doubtful.
“I confess,” she said “there is a
romance in the story, but it’s witty rather than mawkish. I can’t imagine she
won’t enjoy it.”
“It’s still a romance.”
A cough sounded nearby, along with the thump of books being
shoved back on a shelf. It was a reminder that she and Mr. Malik weren’t alone.
Far from it. The shop seemed to be growing busier.
Evelyn sunk her voice. “What does she have against romance?”
“Nothing,” he replied, his tone equally low. “I just don’t
want her to get any ideas.”
“Ideas about what?”
“About happily-ever-afters.”
The wide swell of Evelyn’s skirts brushed his leg. She
belatedly realized that she’d drawn closer to him. That their conversation had
taken on an air of intimacy. “You object to them?”
“I don’t believe in fairy tales,” he said.
She gave him an amused look. “Is that what they are?”
“In my experience.”
“How illuminating.”
“Is it?” He turned another page.
“Indeed. You’re a cynic, Mr. Malik. I wouldn’t have thought
it.”
“I’m a realist.”
“Happily-ever-afters are real. For
some people, at least. And even if they weren’t . . . A little
romance never hurt anyone.”
His eyes lifted to hers. There was an expression in them
that was hard to read. “You think not?”
Butterflies unfurled their wings in her stomach. The same
feeling she’d had when she’d first touched his hand. A fluttering, breathless
sensation. As if her corset had been laced too tightly. “No,” she said. And
then she thought of Fenny. “Not in a novel, anyway.”
His mouth curled into the barest hint of a smile.
Once again, she had the unsettling sensation that he could
read her mind. She took a step back from him. “Forgive me, but I mustn’t
linger. My maid is waiting for me.”
He closed the book, clutching it in his hand. “Thank you
for your help.”
“It was my pleasure. I hope your . . .” Wife?
Sweetheart? “I hope she enjoys the story.”
“My cousin.”
Evelyn nearly stumbled in the process of taking another
step backward. “I beg your pardon?”
“The book is for my cousin.”
His words penetrated before she could school her features.
She was certain an expression of relief passed over her face.
She was equally certain that he saw it.
Heaven only knew what he must think.
“Your cousin. Well, that’s . . . that’s
splendid.” Splendid? Evelyn’s eyes closed against a
swell of embarrassment. She was quite ready to disappear into a hole in the
earth. She took another step back. “Please convey my regards.”
His smile broadened. “I shall.”
From THE SIREN OF
SUSSEX published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random
House LLC. Copyright © 2021 by Mimi Matthews.
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