“Matthews weaves suspense and mystery within an absorbing love story. Readers will be hard put to set this one down before the end.” -Library Journal, starred reviewWinner of the 2020 HOLT MedallionAn Uncommon Beauty… London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland—a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke’s clutches, she’s going to need a little help.
An Unlikely Hero…
Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.
Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her—and her heart—in more danger than ever?
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Mimi Matthews can pull me into a story and stay up way too late to read more. This book has great imagery. I could feel as if I was there and feel what the characters felt. I appreciate that since this is a historical novel everything was kept within the time period. The people were well written and had depth. There was a natural flow to the story and romance. Great villains, h & H, and I was always guessing “who dunnit”. Full disclosure I’d say this romance was slightly more towards the pg-13 side than her other books because the “marriage bed” is mentioned and alluding to physical intimacy sometimes. There’s a kissing scene the night of the wedding. However, there’s no description and that door is nicely shut on that. I appreciate that because I do enjoy her books and I like my clean romances
I’ve only recently discovered the stories of Mimi Matthews and I can’t read them fast enough! I was thrilled to see that a new one was releasing this summer. I loved the vivid characters and the unique plot that made the story fresh and interesting. Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, and this one did not disappoint! There is an element of suspense as Arthur protects Philly from her mercenary uncle and the eccentric duke, which only continues as the danger follows them to their country estate. The genuine friendship they share blossoms into attraction, love and romance, with lovely chemistry. I appreciated that they share in each other’s vulnerabilities and provide true encouragement and support. Philly’s dogs are a fun addition to the story and play a vital role in the plot, as well as various society friends. A vibrant, well-rounded Regency!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
This was my first Mimi Matthews historical and I loved it so much, that as soon as I finished, I ordered four more! Really love her writing and characters, and its so wonderful to be swept into a rich, beautifully detailed Victorian world. I crave well written historical romances and this fit the bill perfectly. A fantastic story. Highly recommend!
This was a fun read, & had an element of mystery which made it more and interesting because I just had to see what would happen next!
Mimi Matthews did it again for me. I couldn’t put this one down just like her other books. I loved the story, engrossing and suspenseful. I love her books and can’t wait for the next one!
Miss Phyllida Satterthwaite has spent the majority of her life in the country. When her cousin takes over the only home she’s known, he takes Philly to London where her oddity makes her a sensation. With control of her life quickly slipping away and desperate to avoid the fate her cousin has planned, Philly must trust an injured war hero to protect her. Has she made the right choice?
This was a lovely read. I really enjoyed Philly and Arthur. They complimented each other well. Their relationship grew with time and they communicated well. It was really, really sweet. At times, the emotions were a little heavy and I had to step away for a short time.
The Duke of Moreland brought a high level of suspense and tension to the story. There was a “twist” to the end that I have to admit, I suspected about halfway through the story. It was set up well and the plot played out in an enjoyable way.
I would recommend this to readers looking for a stand-alone clean Regency romance. I received an advance copy from NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Clean without being insipid!
I’ve loved all of Mimi Matthews books, just love the way she writes. Philly and Arthur find each other and it’s fun to watch them get acquainted and slowly fall in love. Each is a wonderful character, smart and very understanding. Don’t jump to conclusions about each other. Love each other.
Exceptional
I loved this story!
I really enjoyed these characters, and the twist at the end, never saw it coming. This is going be something I read again.
Philly, female character, went from quiet door mat Orphan to Sage, Psychologist, Healer of animals and Physical Therapist of scarred ,grumpy Soldier hero, without so much as a hint of hidden strength. The ending was like reading a melodrama of the girl tied to the railroad tracks and a leering, evil, villain. Said Villain spews a lengthy confession, which I skimmed, while I wanted to say”Keep your mouth shut, just in case you make it out alive.” Nice, quiet read with no sexual descriptions, but remember, I warned you. Ha!
Mimi Matthews has outdone herself with The Work of Art. It is an engrossing romance with wonderful characters throughout. The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter has been my favorite for sometime, but The Work of Art has now replaced it. I highly recommend it. (Actually I recommend both books.)
Mimi Matthews has done it again! With every new book of Mimi’s that I read, I think to myself, clearly, she can’t top this one…and yet, she does. Every dang time!
The Work of Art is actually one of Mimi’s earliest books but was never released until now. It makes me so sad to think of this beautiful book sitting all alone, but now it’s getting the love it deserves and I could not be more thrilled for that.
When Phyllida Satterthwaite’s beloved grandfather and only guardian passes away, her Uncle moves her to London so that she might make her debut and find a husband. Her beauty and unique eyes grab the attention of the men in town, including the scandalous Duke of Moreland, who is known as a collector of rare and unique items. Now he wants Phyllida…and he is used to getting what he wants.
Captain Arthur Heywood was injured in the Peninsular War and can only walk with the assistance of a cane. While he prefers to stay at home in his country estate away from society, business brings him to London and the home of Phyllida’s Uncle. Her beauty is not lost on Arthur and they soon become friends. When the dangerous Duke of Moreland sets his sights on Phyllida despite her not being interested, Arthur steps in with an offer to help.
I have to say that Phyllida and Arthur are my most favorite fictional couple ever! I’m not the easiest reader of romances. I’ve never been one for the lovey-dovey stuff but I swear Mimi is converting me! If any book can be called “swoon-worthy” it’s The Work of Art!
Not only is this a book for romance fans, but also a book for animal lovers! Phyllida’s love for her dogs and animals was my favorite thing about her. As someone that drove an hour away last week to save an injured chipmunk, I can totally relate to her 🙂
Mimi’s books always bring a smile to my face and I was totally grinning ear to ear when I finished The Work of Art. I could not love it more and will be shouting about this book to anyone who will listen!
I do believe that The Work of Art is my favorite Mimi Matthews book….that is, until the next one releases 🙂
The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews is an impressively written Regency romance with a realistic plot and plenty of memorable moments. Phillida has been brought to London from her late grandfather’s country estate by Edgar Townsend with the understanding that the goal is a good marriage. Captain Arthur Heywood is in town solely to explore a business deal with Townsend, arriving at his home to pursue that end. He meets Philly when she comes racing into the library in pursuit of one of her four dogs. During the following weeks it become painfully clear that it is not just any marriage her uncle is arranging for her but one to Duke Moreland, “the Collector.” After two awkward meetings with the Duke, he informs her that they are betrothed. She replies that she will not consider the offer. The Duke lets her know she has no option, that she is bought and paid for. She has nowhere to turn. Townsend threatens her precious dogs and she has already seen how the Duke treats his dogs so she arranges a meeting with Captain Heywood for the express purpose of requesting her care for her dogs. He goes a step further and offers for her in an attempt to keep the wedding from the Duke from happening.
The Work of Art is an absolutely lovely book with no complicated, strained plot, instead a simple, realistic one with twists and turns and red herrings. Each of the main characters is a complicated, real human with faults and problems. Arthur has been damaged in war and has returned home disabled and shell-shocked. Philly is a lovely, kind girl who has lived a simple life and asks for nothing; both, nicely written characters. There are people who figure in their lives who are both good and bad, some just kind of useless. They provide color and red herrings as well as support for both Arthur and Philly. There are so many Regency romances available. This is a gentle and endearing alternative for someone who is looking for a well-written novel. I recommend it. Any reader would have several very pleasant afternoons.
I was given a free ARC of The Work of Art. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #theworkofart
The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews is a marvelous Regency that was a joy to read. Having read and been impressed with Matthews’ work set in the Victorian era, I was happy for the opportunity to read more of her work. From the gorgeous cover, you are drawn into the heartfelt, romantic story of Phyllida Satterhwaite and Captain Arthur Heywood.
Phyllida had been living in the country with her grandfather and is offered a Season when his estate is inherited by Edgar Townsend, not knowing that “Uncle Edgar” has an ulterior motive in bringing her to London. Arthur had withdrawn from Society after being terribly wounded in the war and is only in town to handle business for his father, the Earl of Gordon. Phyllida and Arthur strike a chord in each other and form a true bond.
War-damaged heroes and marriage of convenience are not new tropes, but Matthews deftly captures the society and manners of the era with well-defined characters and wonderfully descriptive prose. I highly recommend The Work of Art to anyone who appreciates fine Regency romance.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Easy to recommend this Regency Romance by Mimi Matthews. Chocked full of characters I liked very much—an animal-loving yet orphaned female protagonist and the injured war hero meet in London where her greedy uncle is trying to marry her off to one of the richest yet mysterious men in England. What a page turner as Philly and the captain elope and escape to his estate in the country — though all is not as it seems when a cryptic message arrives, claiming the captain has “stolen what belongs to me.” Just when I thought things were coming to an unsatisfactory, predictable ending, Matthews pulled a rabbit out of a hat—and surprised me afterall! Excellent intrigue that you don’t want to miss!
Mimi Matthews is fast becoming one of the best writers in the romance genre these days. Her characters are compelling, her plots fresh and her HEAs always a tiny bit in doubt until she wraps up the story. In “The Work of Art” she goes to the Regency period rather than her usual Victorian era for the story of a beautiful young woman about to be sold into marriage by her uncle to a wicked Duke. Phyllida Satterthwaite, as used to doing what she is told, refuses to go along with the arranged marriage. She is sweet but not a pushover; she’s also a great judge of character — that’s why she turns to Captain Arthur Heywood, a wounded soldier, our tortured hero. He spirits her away to the countryside, offers a marriage of convenience and sets about protecting her. Along the way, the convenient marriage becomes decidedly more. The elements of mystery and suspense add to the romance and propels the story to the end.
Mimi Matthews writes like a dream, giving her love stories added depth and details that linger long after the book is closed. Another winner!
(I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions mine.)
Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity of having two different coloured eyes has made her a sensation & she’s caught the eye of the Duke of Moreland a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures & who’s nickname is The Collector. Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol.
Everytime I read one of the author’s books I now know I’m in for a treat, they are beautifully written & have a lovely attention to detail. The characters are extremely well portrayed with plenty of depth. The pace is good & flows effortlessly. This is a lovely romance of Arthur & Philly bringing out the best in each other, he’s the wounded war hero & she’s the woman with a heart of gold, they are perfect for each other. There’s the added interest of unexplained accidents but it’s the love story between Arthur & Philly that proved to be the page turner
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Perfection. Yes, that describes this story of the heart that won me over quickly. This is the second story I have read by this author and I truly did not think it could top the other. But I am beginning to understand this author has so much depth in her characters and insight into the emotions she builds on, I will always read her stories going forward!
A lady that needs saving from a marraige to an evil man and a hero who at first thinks he is not good enough for anyone. A washed up wounded soldier who could not possible come to the aid of a lady. But oh, he does and an amazing friendship develops which smoothly falls into a romance for the heart.
A stunning, emotional dance filled with suspense, a marriage of convenience and a sigh worthy couple that exhibit all that is good in matters of the heart. I highly recommend this book and thank the publisher, Perfectly Proper Press and NetGallery for letting me read and review.