The Lily of Ludgate Hill (Belles of London #3)
Description
A BookBub Best Romance of Winter 2024!
Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?
Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.
No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.
Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.
Praise for The Lily of Ludgate Hill (Belles of London #3)
Praise for Mimi Matthews
"No one writes Victorian romance like Mimi Matthews, and her Belles of London series just keeps getting better! No-nonsense Lady Anne has renounced marriage and devoted herself to two things—her band of equestrienne friends, and her widowed mother still locked in deepest crepe-veiled mourning. But a dashing former suitor blasts back into Anne's shuttered world bringing passion and change in his wake, and Anne must decide if she will embrace life or remain safe in her chrysalis. The Lily of Ludgate Hill made me smile from beginning to end."—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author
“Mimi Matthews never disappoints, with richly drawn characters and couples whose individual shortcomings become strengths, when paired together. In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, we get to root for two underdogs who get to rewrite their own stories.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author on The Belle of Belgrave Square
“Shiveringly Gothic…Watching Julia blossom away from prying eyes is almost as satisfying as seeing Jasper Blunt pine for her from nearly the first page…For best effect, save this one for a windy night when trees scrape against the windowpanes.”—New York Times Book Review on The Belle of Belgrave Square
“A rare treat to enjoy and savor. Highly recommended!”—Kate Pearce, New York Times bestselling author on The Siren of Sussex
“Mimi Matthews just doesn’t miss. The Belle of Belgrave Square is exquisite; a romance that delivers the perfect balance of passion, tension, and tender moments.”—Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author
“I’ve long been a devoted fan of Mimi Matthews, and with The Lily of Ludgate Hill, the delightful continuation of her Belles of London series, my admiration of her work has only increased. Her command of historical detail is faultless…I loved Anne and Hart, was instantly and completely consumed by their tangled past and seemingly impossible future.”—Jennifer Robson, international bestselling author of The Coronation Year
“Mimi is truly a national treasure. All of her books are filled with such delicious chemistry and heart, and her writing is superb. This one is another winner. Highly recommend.”—Isabel Ibañez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What the River Knows
“Mimi Matthews is a master at combining rich, historical detail with an emotionally tender love story. Watching Anne come into her own while Hart’s long denied flame for her nearly burns him alive was absolutely delightful. I loved The Lily of Ludgate Hill and I hope this series never ends.”—Harper St. George, author of The Stranger I Wed
“It is truly a wonder how Matthews can consistently craft fresh romances featuring unique, multidimensional characters who face huge obstacles to their relationships.”—Booklist, starred review
"A poignant portrait of the destabilizing effects of loss and the strength in forging a new life with the help of loved ones…Historical romance fans are sure to be moved.”—Publishers Weekly
"An engaging series installment offering a second chance at love to a spunky heroine and a hero with hidden depths."—Library Journal
"Richly detailed and emotionally tender"—Kirkus
