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snakeling's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amy_in_the_city's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
This was good, but it was so similar to Mimi Matthews's more recent book, The Belle of Belgrave Square, and I think it suffered a bit by comparison. I did really like how the romance unfolded and watching them fall in love. Justin was a bit more of a possessive alpha type than I prefer in my leading men, although really not that bad compared to the typical MMC that is prevalent in historical romance. I also didn't really care for all the "masculine" this and "feminine" that and "males" and "females" in this book, but I understand that is also a norm in the historical romance genre. The third-act breakup felt unnecessary and cruel.
I felt conflicted about the India backstory. It was good to learn about some historical events I'd never heard about and at least there was some mention of the atrocities committed by the British in India. I just didn't like the MMC having actively participated in British colonialism. He said he didn't believe the British should have been in India, so why did he join the British military to go to India?
I felt conflicted about the India backstory. It was good to learn about some historical events I'd never heard about and at least there was some mention of the atrocities committed by the British in India. I just didn't like the MMC having actively participated in British colonialism. He said he didn't believe the British should have been in India, so why did he join the British military to go to India?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Colonisation, Torture, Confinement, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual violence
mariettula's review
3.0
3.5 Devon hills stars
Mimi Matthews has a very distinctive writing style. It feels atmospheric and calm in a way.
Justin is a tortured hero. Helena is a woman in need of help and escape. They each need something from each other- and an ad provides the answer.
It’s a marriage of convenience, though both of them start feeling something for each other pretty quickly. The story is engaging and fun. And Mimi Matthews’ style makes the book different than most HR.
Mimi Matthews has a very distinctive writing style. It feels atmospheric and calm in a way.
Justin is a tortured hero. Helena is a woman in need of help and escape. They each need something from each other- and an ad provides the answer.
It’s a marriage of convenience, though both of them start feeling something for each other pretty quickly. The story is engaging and fun. And Mimi Matthews’ style makes the book different than most HR.
thenovelbook's review
3.0
While this was pretty predictable historical romance, what I did like was that, for the most part, the two main characters didn't misunderstand or resent each other because of the stupid misinterpretations that keep characters apart in many books. Yes, there's an unnecessary "I'm-going-to-be-noble-and-let-you-go" bit at the end but it's not overly angsty and doesn't go on too long.
booksnbubbly7's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
angenotes's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
emeraldgarnet's review
5.0
What a fantastic book. I loved the storyline, the setting and of course the main couple. Lady Helena Reynolds was someone I could root for and Justin Thornhill was the very definition of devotion. I loved this quote from him in particular:
"Didn't I tell you I'd go to the ends of the earth for you?"
From early on in their marriage, Helena realises she could fall in love with her new husband.
I could fall in love with him.
The realization settled in her chest, warm and bright. It was not as alarming as she would have imagined it would be. Quite the opposite. For Justin Thornhill wasn’t only a handsome man capable of bestowing kisses that made her melt into a mass of treacle. He was a good man. Unutterably kind and steadfast, and fiercely protective of everyone in his care.
And Justin, meanwhile, is totally devoted to his bride.
"I advertised for a wife and you answered. It doesn’t signify what drove you to it. That ceased to matter the moment we exchanged vows in Abbot’s Holcombe. We’re married now, in law if not in deed. I’d walk through fire for you, and you wouldn’t owe me a thing.”
Throughout the novel, the heroine and the hero grow and develop, with Justin's self sacrificing nature winning out until almost the final reel.
He bowed his head, his forehead coming to rest against hers. “Of course I love you,” he said, his voice a husky growl. “Why in blazes do you think I let you go?”
In a crucial scene towards the end of the story, Helena sums up her husband's character.
"That ex-soldier is the finest gentleman I have ever known."
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys closed-door historical romance in a Victorian setting. It is well worth your time.
"Didn't I tell you I'd go to the ends of the earth for you?"
From early on in their marriage, Helena realises she could fall in love with her new husband.
I could fall in love with him.
The realization settled in her chest, warm and bright. It was not as alarming as she would have imagined it would be. Quite the opposite. For Justin Thornhill wasn’t only a handsome man capable of bestowing kisses that made her melt into a mass of treacle. He was a good man. Unutterably kind and steadfast, and fiercely protective of everyone in his care.
And Justin, meanwhile, is totally devoted to his bride.
"I advertised for a wife and you answered. It doesn’t signify what drove you to it. That ceased to matter the moment we exchanged vows in Abbot’s Holcombe. We’re married now, in law if not in deed. I’d walk through fire for you, and you wouldn’t owe me a thing.”
Throughout the novel, the heroine and the hero grow and develop, with Justin's self sacrificing nature winning out until almost the final reel.
He bowed his head, his forehead coming to rest against hers. “Of course I love you,” he said, his voice a husky growl. “Why in blazes do you think I let you go?”
In a crucial scene towards the end of the story, Helena sums up her husband's character.
"That ex-soldier is the finest gentleman I have ever known."
I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys closed-door historical romance in a Victorian setting. It is well worth your time.
kelseyreadshr's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Matrimonial Advertisement is the first book of the Parish Orphans of Devon series.
This was a new to me author and I loved this book. I devoured it, only meaning to start and read a little before bed before realizing I was 40% in.
I was drawn in and captivated by the mystery and tenderness from the beginning. The first half was giving gothic romance vibes but once the story shifts to London, the remainder is reminiscent of a regular historical romance.
I loved both of the MC, they were complex characters each with their own secrets and vulnerabilities. Helena transformed from being desperate and scared to one who is strong and able to face her fears. Justin had spent the last several years living based on his past and has to find a way to live for his future and leave the past behind.
One of the main plot points deals with asylums and the horrendous treatment “patients” endured and highlights the injustices regarding this practice. While this is a darker theme, the overall story never felt weighed down by this as there are several tender and emotional moments to balance out. There’s also an informative author’s note at the end.
I knew going in that this would be low steam and while there are several kissing scenes there aren’t any intimate encounters.
This was a new to me author and I loved this book. I devoured it, only meaning to start and read a little before bed before realizing I was 40% in.
I was drawn in and captivated by the mystery and tenderness from the beginning. The first half was giving gothic romance vibes but once the story shifts to London, the remainder is reminiscent of a regular historical romance.
I loved both of the MC, they were complex characters each with their own secrets and vulnerabilities. Helena transformed from being desperate and scared to one who is strong and able to face her fears. Justin had spent the last several years living based on his past and has to find a way to live for his future and leave the past behind.
One of the main plot points deals with asylums and the horrendous treatment “patients” endured and highlights the injustices regarding this practice. While this is a darker theme, the overall story never felt weighed down by this as there are several tender and emotional moments to balance out. There’s also an informative author’s note at the end.
I knew going in that this would be low steam and while there are several kissing scenes there aren’t any intimate encounters.