The Reading Frenzy: #GIVEAWAY The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews Blog Tour Interview with Mimi sponsored by Austenprose PR

Welcome to my stop on the Siren of Sussex blog tour here you can learn all about the novel, enjoy my interview with author Mimi Matthews and enter the generous #Giveaway that Mimi is sponsoring. #Giveaway deets below!
Enjoy!!

·       Title: The Siren of Sussex: Belles of London (Book ·       Author: Mimi Matthews
·       Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction
·       Publisher: Berkley Romance (January 11, 2022)
·       Length: (432) pages
·       Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
·       Tour Dates: January 10-30, 2022

BOOK DESCRIPTION

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?

My Interview with Mimi

Mimi Welcome to The Reading Frenzy

Your book The Siren of Sussex sounds very intriguing featuring a couple who have many obstacles to overcome. How common were inter-racial couples in Victorian England?
Not uncommon at all. Though not everyone in Victorian society accepted or fully approved of interracial relationships, they did exist and in increasing numbers as the century wore on.

I have to admit I’m an audiobook junkie and the narrator(s) can take a book to a whole other level How were the narrators for this book chosen and did you have any input?
My publisher wanted authentic casting for The Siren of Sussex. With that in mind, they held auditions for the roles of Ahmad and Evelyn. I was lucky to get to hear some of the audition clips and to give feedback on the actors I liked best. Penguin Random House Audio ended up casting my top picks, Vidish Athavale and Lydia Hanman, in the roles. I’m so excited for everyone to hear how amazing they sound!

Mimi, your impeccable research has been featured in major publications and is often used in high school and college English and history curriculums. Where did your fascination in nineteenth century English history come from?
I grew up reading Victorian novels and watching costume dramas alongside my mother. That fostered a love of the nineteenth century that only grew throughout my college and law school years. Toward the end of law school, I ended up writing a big paper on the British Courts of Chancery that furthered my fascination with the era. I’ve been researching and writing about it ever since.

This book has received rave reviews including starred reviews from Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly and Booklist. Are you an author who must read all reviews, do you avoid them at all costs or are you somewhere in between?
I used to read advance reviews of my novels and reviews that came in during release week; however, I’ve recently had to stop doing this. Instead, my assistant curates reviews for me so I don’t see the ones that are personally hurtful. And some are hurtful. I’m not sure how it benefits anyone if I read them.
It also doesn't benefit anyone who reads them.
This is why reviewers need to be very careful when reviewing a book. A review should never be hurtful!

If you could meet any historical figure from the Victorian era, who would it be and why?
It’s difficult to choose! Probably one of the Brontë sisters. It would be nice to meet them and talk to them about writing.

If you could time-travel back to this time period, would you?
Honestly, I prefer to enjoy the Victorian era from a distance. Though there’s lots to love, the poverty, lack of sanitation, and rather unevolved views on medicine, animal welfare, and women’s rights would be a big deterrent for me.

Mimi This is book 1 in your new Belles of London series. How will the books connect?
The main point of connection is through the four female main characters: Evelyn Maltravers, Julia Wychwood, Lady Anne Deveril, and Stella Hobhouse. Their friendship and the road each travel toward their ultimate happily-ever-after is what joins the stories together.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions good luck with your new book!

ADVANCE PRAISE

“…a tender and swoon worthy interracial, cross-class romance in Victorian London…Readers will delight in this paean to women’s fashion and horseback riding.”— Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Matthews brings the Victorian era to vivid life with meticulously researched details and an impossible romance made believable and memorable.”— Booklist, starred review

“Matthews deftly underscores racial and gender discrimination in Victorian London in this excellent start to ‘The Belles of London’ series; rather than overshadowing, it propels the romance. Romance aficionados who love fashion and animals will delight in this tender romance and will be excited to see Evelyn’s friends in future installments.” — Library Journal, starred review

"Unflinching, tender, and moving, the delicately crafted The Siren of Sussex might just be my favourite work from Mimi Matthews; it certainly is one of my favourite historical romance reads this year."— Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Portrait of a Scotsman

PURCHASE LINKS

AUTHOR BIO

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.