Whenever I have a Mimi Matthews book to read, I have to make myself slow down to savour the storyline yet, the books hold me in such thrall, that I can’t wait to find out the outcome. I had thought that ‘The Matrimonial Advertisement’ from the amazing Parish Orphans of Devon, was my favourite, but ‘Gentleman Jim’ has topped even that.
Margaret (Maggie) Honeywell has waited ten years for Nicholas Seaton to return to her. Helping Nicholas to escape having been framed for theft, she has begun to realise that he may have died, leaving her to face marriage to her neighbour, Frederick Burton-Smythe. Yet when she meets John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, she begins to wonder whether he may actually be her Nicholas. Yet John swears that she is mistaken, but all may not be as it seems. 
I so loved both characters of Maggie and St Clare. St. Clare whilst appearing calm and at times aloof, oozes charm and strength, yet his feelings for Maggie, evident from the start, make him all the more captivating. Maggie’s personality is so full of warmth and spirit, that she draws a reader in. This is definitely a book that I will reread, as I found what sets it apart is its sense of mystery behind the character of St Clare, giving it a connection to the Count of Monte Cristo (as alluded to in the opening quote “All human wisdom is contained in these two words - Wait and Hope” .
5+ stars! 
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

5 perfect ⭐️
You know the sad feeling you get when your favorite author gives you her latest book and you finish it?? And you’re wondering how you can possibly read anything else?? That’s mmmeeee!  How can anything compare?? 
It was wonderful. Her best work yet! But who am I kidding, all of her books are excellent! Matthews has done it again! *Sigh* I. Loved. It. A passionate, heartfelt, historical romance with all the things I love.... friendship, chemistry, angst, long glances and passionate kisses. 
A romantic connection that cannot be explained, only felt! 
Reading Matthews books are always a pleasure. The characters were well-developed and I can’t express enough how much I love the writing. If you’re like me, you will love it from beginning to end. 
Quote from the book: 
“His concerned gaze moved over her face. Every curve and contour was as precious to him as his own life.” 💗

This book lived up to the hype. It also had a exhilarating scene (brawl) that reminded me of the movie, The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne. Anybody else see this oldie? I can’t say enough how special this was. I wish so badly it could be made into a movie. I highly recommend this book. Ok, I’m done I think. I’m a happy girl. Thank you Mimi Matthews for blessing me with this precious book. Thank you for all of them. 
Please don’t pass up this special gem, romance reader. I purchased my copy months ago. Happy Reading. 

“There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness.”
-Edmond Dantès, Count of Monte Cristo.

Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review. ♥️

I don’t really enjoy most historical romances anymore,  but I adore Mimi Matthews’.  She reminds me of the gothic romances I devoured as a young girl in the ‘70s. 

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy for my review.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Gentleman Jim is very different tonally from the previous Mimi Matthews book I read, and I found myself surprised by how much I still enjoyed it. While it still being on the sweet side in terms of steam level was a given, I was concerned about the parallels being drawn to works like The Count of Monte Cristo, and the subheading denoting the story one of “romance and revenge.” Revenge plots have never been my thing, and they almost always reflect badly on the “hero.” 

But I need not have worried, as Matthews deftly handles these themes, while also managing to make it a believable sweet romance (although this is probably her most sensual, without being super-explicit). Nicholas/John is at heart a good person and he never fully loses that, even as he seeks vengeance against those who wronged him. There’s also a delightful mystery surrounding his circumstances and double identity, and I love the way that was conveyed.

Maggie is also a wonderful heroine, constantly fighting for her own happiness. I loved her unfailing belief  in Nicholas also being John, even as he tries to deny it.

With lots of twists and turns, this is a compelling story that had me swept up in the sense of adventure and intrigue. It’s a delightful addition to Matthews’ catalog, and perhaps the one that will have the most broad appeal among historical romance readers.

Gentleman Jim is a story that pulled me in right away and held my attention to the end.  I am reminded once again why I used to read so many Regency novels with the fashion, rules, balls, and aristocracy gossip.  It begins in Somerset, England, where Maggie Honeywell and her best friend growing up was Nicholas Seaton, the son of a maid on her family's estate, are picked on by Frederick Burton-Smythe of the neighboring estate, a fellow who is a bully, mean spirited, and jealous of their relationship.  Nicholas finally left the area at age eighteen to get away from Fred.  
Ten years later, Maggie's father left the control of Maggie and her estate in the hands of Fred after his death.  She will have to marry Fred or forfeit her beloved estate.  While in London visiting a friend, Maggie tries to stop a duel between Fred and an unknown Viscount St. Clare, not knowing what will happen to her if Fred is killed.  St. Clare is a known to the Ton as a dark, dangerous fellow who grew up on the Continent, but he looks very familiar to Maggie.  Could it be her old friend?  He denies it but he and Fred do dislike each other.  This an engrossing story with love, jealousy, revenge, secrets to unravel, and answers to find with realistic characters you will love/like and some to dislike.  I highly recommend this one if you like to read historical fiction and especially Regencies.
I received a complimentary ARC from Perfectly Proper Press through NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Mimi Matthews gives us an engaging Regency tale filled with romance and an intriguing mystery surrounding the identity of the dashing John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare. Maggie Honeywell, a lovely, rather frail young woman, spends ten years of her life wondering what happened to her best friend, a young man named Nicholas Seaton who is the illegitimate son of one of the maids. Just as she resigns herself to marrying her unpleasant guardian, the son from a neighboring estate, she accidentally meets John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, who bears a startling resemblance to Nicholas. As Maggie tries to uncover the mysterious identity of St. Clare, she finds herself in precarious circumstances more than once trying to unravel the clues. Could a scruffy, fun loving stable boy turn into an educated, well-mannered aristocrat? An intriguing little romance that ends in an absolutely delightful way! 

This ARC copy was received from Perfectly Proper Press and Netgalley.com. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.

#GentlemanJim  #NetGalley 
 4/5

What a wonderful book! My heart was so happy after I had finished it, I even went back and read the romantic parts again. I know that it is fiction, but to hear that a man acknowledges all of those feelings is just heart warming. But in real life a man doesn't even know how to express those feeling, only that he loves his partner. Romances are truly written for women.
Well, our plucky little heroine in this story is the only child of a gentry landowner. Her best friend, the hero, comes to work at the estate with his mother, a maid, when he is quite young. He is raised to work with the horses and since the heroine loves horses, they become best friends. The son of a local squire is always jealous of them and always tries to belittle the hero, but they just laugh at him. When the hero is 18 years old, squire's son frames him with theft, beats him and locks him in a stall until he can be hanged the next day. The heroine finds out, but since her father is away, can't help him. So late in the night, she gathers her coins and releases the hero. She gives him her coins and he leaves to find his father and make his own way. He asks her to wait for him to return. Ten long years later, the heroine has a few months to find a husband or she will have to marry the squire's son. Her father approved of the match and made the squire's son her guardian and overseer of her inheritance unless she married with his approval. And he only approves of himself for her husband. The squire's son was found cheating at cards and is scheduled for a duel. Worried that her inheritance will be given to another if the squire's son dies, she goes to see the person he is dueling and he looks a little familiar.....
What a joy this story was! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I liked the addition of the supporting characters, they helped round out the story. The story was continuous and had no errors. I give this book 5 stars and I would recommend this book for a wonderful read.

When I first read A Holiday by Gaslight I never knew it was going to start a love of all things Mimi Matthews. I can’t think of one of her books that hasn’t made me fall in love with the characters. The same can be said for Gentleman Jim. It doesn't disappoint. 

Margaret Honeywell is the daughter of a wealthy squire. She is warm and kind and has a heart for Nicholas Seaton, a stable boy on her father’s estate, and rumored son of highwayman Gentleman Jim. They grew-up best friends and loving each other, but it has always been assumed that she was meant to marry her neighbor Frederick Burton-Smythe...not that she wants to, but her father has different plans. Jealous of Margaret and Nicholas’s relationship Fred ends up framing him and causing them to separate for many years. Margaret has never forgotten and 10 years later John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare appears. Someone who very much looks like Nicholas, someone she is convinced is him. What is the story between these men and what does the future hold for Margaret and her lost love?

I feel like Mimi Matthews always delivers. Her books are so enjoyable. Margaret is a intelligent heroine who doesn't jump to make stupid decisions. She is delicate and fierce and nobody’s fool. Nicholas is suave and sweet and has grown into a man that anyone would be proud of. The angst is there, but it doesn't overtake the story. It's not one of those books where you have to worry about waiting six chapters before something big is revealed or a secret is divulged... It's dealt with succinctly. The main characters are smart and you don't have to spend a lot of the book worried about unnecessary angst. This is a loving and beautiful story. 

This book is definitely five out of five stars.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review.

This was an enjoyable read!  I really liked Maggie.  I really felt for her in her predicament.  I liked John Beresford as well.  There was a lot of romantic tension in the story.  Just a great book to read!

This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. It was a nice reprieve from WWII historical fiction. Very entertaining. 

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Mimi Matthews is the master of Victorian romance and Gentleman Jim is a perfect example. Maggie is a strong, lovable heroin who knows her own heart, regardless of what others try to press upon her. I love the backstory of Maggie and Nicholas and how their love surpasses all obstacles. I enjoyed the transformation of Viscount St. Clare and the way all the loose ends came together. The passion is tampered, but palpable, and thoroughly enjoyable. This story leaves you feeling warm and satiated from head to toes. You do not want to miss this one by Mimi Matthews. 
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

Count me as one of Mimi Matthews' die-hard fans! Gentleman Jim was fantastic...I'm pretty sure I read it in one day. (Yay for Saturday reading!) I loved how the story kept me guessing (one minute I was sure I knew what was up with John and the next minute I was all, "But wait...hmm...I don't know...") and it was paced so well. I so appreciate a story in which the plot moves along quickly enough to keep you turning pages but slows down in poignant moments to let you savor the romance and/or the emotional journey of the characters. And speaking of romance, this one has it in spades and it. is. splendid. LOVED IT!!

Good heavens. I don’t even know what to say. Gentleman Jim is more than I ever expected from author Mimi Matthews. I want to read it again, starting right now. So yeah... gotta go.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is my first experience with this author, but dang, girl! Way to blow me away. I really enjoyed this story line. It was exciting and cringe worthy. I love a plot where the main character seems to be lost to the wolves, but in the end it all blows up and is thrown in the wolves faces. It really was a "take that," kind of moment and I just wanted to scream and punch them in the throats...

I can't wait to pick up another book by Mini Matthews.

Review will go live on the Book Confessions Blog on 11-22-20.

This is a fabulous historical novel that captures the romance of Jane Austen and the adventure and intrigue of Count of Monte Cristo. This prolific author once again swept me off my feet with her storytelling and plopped me back in time to meet a delightful cast of characters. For an avid fan of history this book was a veritable treat.  Never once while reading the book could I guess how the author would resolve the obstacles in the hero and heroine’s path. 
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. This review is my honest opinion.

I finished [book:Gentleman Jim|49471321]      [bookcover:Gentleman Jim|49471321]  This is the first time that I have read anything by Mimi Matthews and I found it well done. 
Set in the Georgian/Regency period, I felt the angst palpable and the longing genuine. Margaret, (Maggie), Honeywell is tied into a no win situation. In order to take any control of her dead Father's estate, he has written that she must marry the obnoxious son of the neighboring estate, (to join the estates together), or get his approval to marry someone else. Fredrick Burton-Smythe, (Fred), is a domineering oaf and will no way surrender her estate to another. 
At the heart of the story is her love of a former groom on the estate. He is her soul-mate and accused of a crime he did not commit, he had to run away. 
Ten years later in London, Maggie comes across a dead ringer for her beloved Nicholas Seaton, only he is Viscount St Clare, John Beresford, who has recently returned to London from the continent with his Grandfather. Chomping at the bit are Beresford family members trying to discredit St Clare as the real heir so that a distant relative can step into the inheritance.  

One thing that I really liked was the intrigue, Is he Nicholas re-invented or not? Also, Maggie is a strong character, certain in her convictions, and daring in her actions. She suffered a bout of influenza that left her physically weaker than she was in her youth, but her spirit and mind are robust. There is a small cast of supporting characters who are not as fleshed out as I would like, but that would have made for a longer book.

All in all, it was a great read that I stayed up way too late reading. 4*'s

I have read pretty much every Mimi Matthews book and she has never disappointed. So naturally I had to read this and from the start I was in fact not disappointed. Another good story from a great author.

Gentleman Jim was most definitely a tale of romance and revenge. Maggie Honeywell has returned to London after mourning her father and aunt, as well as suffering the long term effects of influenza. For Maggie, this is a short period of freedom before she finally gives in to her persistent suitor, who just so happens to also control her fortune. However, Maggie's reluctant plans are cast adrift when she meets Viscount St. Clare, a man who bears an uncanny resemblance to her childhood sweetheart, Nicholas Seeton, whom she had thought dead. Considering that Nicholas was born to an unwed mother, Maggie is conflicted on whether or not St. Clare is exactly who she thinks he is.

What follows is a tale filled with romance and revenge (and the revenge is sweet, with the villain getting his just desserts). The tension between St. Clare and Maggie is palpable - there is so much standing in the way of their happily ever after. Matthews does an incredible job in calling into question whether or not St. Clare and Maggie will get their happy ending. The claustrophobia of Maggie's circumstances truly came across the page and that tension really propelled the plot. The swoony romance helped too!

A fabulous romance from Matthews!

i really enjoyed reading this book, i always enjoy the time period and I found these characters really well done. I look forward to more from the author.

While this wasn't my favorite  of Ms.Thomas' books,it was entertaining. It lagged at the 1/2 way mark. The last chapters were predictable  to a fault.
I much preferred  the "Orphans" series. I also like the fact that her books are "clean" romamce. I get really tired of the swelling bosom, bodice ripping and rutting males.
Her stories are sweet romances with mystery  and intrigue.