Mimi Matthews returns to the show to talk about her latest novel, The Lily of Ludgate Hill, which is the third book in her Belles of London series. Among the major themes of this book? PINING. SO MUCH PINING. Which I love. But this is also a book about grief: characters are pining for what was as much as other characters are pining for what could be. So we talk about grief, loss, hope, and … Continue reading 598. Historical Romances for Horse Girls with Mimi Matthews →
This book drove me crackers but I still read the whole thing in a couple days. While it was as compelling as Matthews’ usual work, it brought me none of the joy. The reason for this is the role a character from a previous book played in this book. But first, let’s focus on this book on its own merits. Ivo Beresford is a young man with his eye on the future. He wants to … Continue reading Appointment in Bath by Mimi Matthews →
Mimi Matthews joins me to talk about her latest book, Appointment in Bath, about self publishing historical romance, and about being one of many lawyers who write romance. We also talk about chronic pain and recovery, disability, and the joys of re-reading. Plus, she shares some of her all time favorite historical romances. … Music: Purple-planet.com
You know, I love a series that’s connected enough to be rewarding, but separate enough to be dipped into at any point. I did not enjoy the first book in Mimi Matthews’ Belles of London series, but I decided to give book 2 a try and I’m so glad that I did. As with so many of my reading kinks, they are so different from my real life preferences in human companionship. And as it … Continue reading The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews →
Y’all know how much I love Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, so it’s no surprise that when someone mentioned a gender-bent version I was intrigued. John Eyre doesn’t match up for me as a version of Jane Eyre, but it is an atmospheric, compelling Gothic – low on heat and character development, but with enough chills to be fun for a stormy winter’s night. John Eyre: A Tale of Darkness and Shadow tells the tale … Continue reading John Eyre by Mimi Matthews →
I love a good yarn (in all senses of the word) and this book delivers a belter. This is an historical romance that feels fresh, vibrant and made me sing the Good Book Noise. Margaret Honeywell is in love with Nicholas Seaton. But there are so many barriers that stand between them, not least of which is that Nicholas works in the stables on her father’s estate. Their love is pretty much doomed. Especially as … Continue reading Gentleman Jim by Mimi Matthews →
RECOMMENDED: Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse is $1.99! I bought the book at full price and immediately preordered the second one upon finishing. You can find my review here:
It’s steeped in mythology, badassery, and lots and lots of violence. If you’re sensitive to graphic, gritty details, this book is not for you.
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It’s meet-disaster for Laura Hayes and Alex Archer: Fascinated by water, Laura is at the local pond practicing her diving skills. Alex thinks she’s drowning and tries to “save” her, much to her indignation. Little does Laura know that wading into the pond to save her was an act of sheer courage on Alex’s part, connected to a past he’d rather forget. A Convenient Fiction is the third book in the author’s Parish Orphans of … Continue reading A Convenient Fiction by Mimi Matthews →
Sophie Appersett is engaged to Edward (Ned) Sharpe. She’s the daughter of a baron; he’s a very wealthy merchant, and their alliance is built over a massive class chasm, one that she’s trying to cross with continued conversation, while he remains silent and withdrawn in all of their outings together. Sophie decides she’s not willing to continue the engagement because they don’t suit. She wants more for herself, and from his behavior she’s pretty sure … Continue reading A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews →
Last year, it was my New Year’s resolution to learn more about cheese. In pursuit of this knowledge, I decided to take a cheese pairing class of month at the lovely Curds&Co in my area. It’s a fabulous cheese shop owned and managed by an awesome team of women. Over the course of twelve classes, I got to know the management team well (shoutout to Marisa and Gillian!). My “Stay Gold, Horny Girl” sweatshirt definitely … Continue reading Romance Novels + Cheese Pairings →
Welcome to our first Whatcha Reading post of July 2023! It’s time to talk about what we’ve been reading lately! Claudia: I am reading Appointment in Bath by Mimi Matthews! Hoping to keep my very good book run that included the fantastic The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies and We Could Be So Good! Sarah: I just started Cathy Yardley’s Role Playing and it is DELIGHTFUL. Lara: Claudia, I just finished Appointment in Bath and … Continue reading Whatcha Reading? July 2023, Part One →