I had the pleasure of reading "Appointment in Bath" by Mimi Matthews, thanks to NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press for providing me with a free eARC. All thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

As a devoted fan of Ms. Matthews's works, I was thrilled to be approved for this advance copy. This book surpassed my expectations, especially due to its captivating heroine. Compared to the spirited and fearless Kate from "Return to Satterthwaite Court," I found myself drawn to the shy and introspective Meg. Being an introvert myself, I resonated deeply with her character. I adored every aspect of this book, except for one thing—it was too short! I was left craving more of Ivo and Meg's enchanting romance.

The writing in "Appointment in Bath" is truly exceptional. Mimi Matthews has a unique and distinctive voice that effortlessly captures the essence of the time period. The dialogues feel perfectly in tune with the era, avoiding any sense of anachronism. Moreover, the vivid descriptions of the clothing and settings are absolutely glorious. Finding a modern historical romance author of Matthews's calibre is a rare gem.

The characters in this book are simply outstanding. Ivo, whom we briefly encountered in a previous book, truly shines here. As the non-heir to his family's legacy, he defies expectations by rejecting both military and religious paths. Instead, he ventures into the world of railway companies with his friends, fueled by ambition and a kind heart. Handsome and compassionate, he has earned a spot on my book boyfriend list.

Meg, with her shy nature and charming stammer, stole my heart. Her red hair, freckles, and china blue eyes are just a small part of her beauty, which she remains blissfully unaware of. It's this innocence that makes her even more desirable to Ivo. I appreciate that Matthews portrays them as realistically young and a bit immature, given their age.

The overall feel of the book is absolutely fantastic. It follows a Romeo and Juliet trope, which creates an undercurrent of tension and anticipation throughout the story. I highly recommend reading "Gentleman Jim" to grasp the origins of the families' animosity fully and to understand the obstacles standing in the way of Ivo and Meg's love.

Additionally, "Appointment in Bath" sets up the next book beautifully. I'm eager to witness James, Ivo's older brother, find his own redemption and happiness. His rigid adherence to family honour and his unexpected attraction to Hannah, a squire's daughter, promises an engaging and heartwarming storyline.

Lastly, I must mention the gorgeous cover of the book. While the model could have been slightly younger, the portrayal of Meg is spot-on.

From start to finish, "Appointment in Bath" was an absolute pleasure to read. I wholeheartedly give it a well-deserved 5-star rating. I highly recommend this book to all historical romance enthusiasts who crave a beautifully written story with engaging characters and a touch of forbidden love.

Meg is a wonderful young lady whose governess has recently moved to Bath to marry. She is quiet and has a stutter but that does not stop her from riding or wanting a season to find the love of her life. Little does she know that the love of her life is just next door.

Ivo has recently returned from time away abroad but he has returned home to make his mark on the world. Ivo is all about progress and when he rescues a young lady after a fall from her horse, he realises progress can be made in many ways.

Will Meg get that season in Bath she is so keen on? What will happen when Meg and Ivo's families discover their friendship? Will the feud between the two families mean the end of this budding friendship?

This was a delightful story of character growth and realising that change is possible in all sorts of ways. This is a classic historical romance with miscommunication and manners overruling everything. I loved Kate's story and also love Ivo's story. I can't wait for the other two sibling's stories!

Big thanks to Netgalley, Perfectly Proper Press and Mimi Matthews for this ARC

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Perfectly Proper Press, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance, Proper Romance
Spice Level: Sweet
Themes: Family enemies, Friends to Lovers

I loved how APPOINTMENT IN BATH incorporates the R & J feeling right on the nose (but with a HEA). It also has a tiny redemption arc for Meg's father. Which must have been a struggle for the author since he's been the outright villain in the past. Don't worry—I still hate him. ;) But I like how Meg dealt with him and her feelings at the end of the book. She is naïve in the best way and learning who she is. So it also has a coming-of-age vibe.

Ivo is also enjoyable as a character. He is NOT perfect—in fact, one of his mistakes had me gaping. But Meg and Ivo are young so it felt so genuine. Both characters grow exponentially in this book.

If you love historical or sweet romance, this is the perfect book for you!

I highly recommend this book (and anything written by Mimi Matthews).

Happy reading!

A sweet, sweet story. Ivo and Margaret’s story was delightful! This is probably the gentlest of the stories in the series so far, but fits appropriately as Ivo and Margaret are younger than other characters (18 & 23). They each learn of themselves in this story and of the courage to carry on for love’s sake. ❤️

Ivo is quite simply a good, good man. ❤️

A charming romance, beautifully written with wonderful characters. A chance meeting that turns into a secret friendship and so much more for Meg and Ivo. Loved their journey to happily ever after.

Ivo and Meg met when she fell off her horse and sprained her ankle. Ivo takes an immediate interest in her but is aware of their conflicting families. Meg is a shy and quiet girl, with an occasional stammer, partly due to her isolated upbringing. Ivo is the middle child, well-traveled and eager to be different from his brother. The two strike up a tentative friendship. Ivo and Meg have a very sweet and kind relationship. Ivo learns to be gentler and Meg learns to be more outspoken. The dynamic between the two was beautiful to read!

Ivo and Meg must also face their own struggles that get in the way of their relationship. I loved the interaction between them! He was very gentle with her and she learnt how to be more self assured. One thing I like from Mimi Matthews books is that characters don’t magically become perfect as they fall in love. Ivo was quite selfish in certain parts and even unkind to Meg, without meaning to. Meg for her part, has many internal struggles to overcome. Those imperfect interactions made for a very fun read! I liked seeing their personalities jump from the page, both the negative and positive sides. It made them more human, more relatable to me.

I loved the complex family relationships displayed in this book. Both families were against the relationship yet they forged ahead. If you’ve read Return to Satterthwaite Court, this story happens simultaneously. I was very intrigued by the glimpses of Ivo’s story there and this one just brings all those tidbits into focus. I liked that the “villain” of this story, although focused on a person, was mostly the family conflict and how it can affect different generations. Ivo and Meg almost paid the price for a problem that didn’t even happen during their time. I really wanted a full redemption story for Fredeick but I feel the way it was written to better fit the character.

I always hated Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for many reasons, especially the ending. The way this story unfolds, it has a bit of a Romeo and Juliet vibe, but in my opinion, much better developed and with a beautiful ending. Who doesn’t love a happy ending!? I’m so much happier with this version!

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is book 4 in the Summerset series. Book 3 and 4 overlap each other. So even though this can be read as a stand alone, it made so much more sense knowing what happened in book 1.
This is the story of Ivo and Meg. They meet when Meg falls off her horse and hurts her ankle. Ivo helps her up and back onto her horse. Even though they are neighbors, they have never met due to the "bad blood" between their two families. But despite that, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship that leads to a beautiful romance. I loved the development of the relationship between these two main characters.
Mimi Matthews knows how to tell a story and develop a relationship.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

"He rode up on an enormous white stallion... rays [of sun] catching in the threads of his thick golden hair." Hello? Who DOESN'T want to be rescued by a charming prince straight out of a fairytale? So starts our story for Meg and Ivo.

Meg is a little shy (or perhaps just inexperienced?) and has a stammer. She's been fairly locked up in her tower. I mean house. Her father... well, he's no saint, but Meg has hopes of making him proud of her one day. We know him to be a bit of an ogre, if you've read Gentleman Jim. Meg has a different view though...

Ivo, although looking like a prince, is fairly progress in thoughts and actions. He is determined that those around him be moved forward, progessing whether they want to or not.

And to put a cherry on top, these two are the Romeo and Juliet of the county. They should NOT be talking with each other, let alone dining at the same house or going on rides together. It gives the story a little more tension since there cannot possibly be a reconcilition. Can there?

(Please read Gentleman Jim 1st. This book will mean so much more!)

Things I loved:

How Ivo sees Meg. No preconceived notions. Just who she is and what she can do. He helps her to build her confidence and recognize that she has a core of steel.
How Ivo becomes curious about Meg. Determined to peel back layers. He sort of falls into it with no notion that he's head over heels.
Meg - as she realizes she doesn't need a knight on a white horse to rescue her. That she is brave and courageous and can take matters into her own hands.
The scene under the oak tree. IYKYK

I would have liked to have more exploration of the resolution at the end. Still, it was very satisfying.

Quotes:
You're more than your circumstances.

I mean it. Humans have an infinte capacity for change. We've no need to fear it. To change is to survive.

Well that was a delight of a book! I read all four of her Somerset stories in a row which was quite fun! There are of course, character cross overs and threads that connect them all so I would definitely read them in order if you can!

Things I loved about this book:

-loved the forbidden love trope here! Romeo and Juliet vibes without all the poison.

-Ivo…smart, determined to put his stamp on the world. And gah a hero who wears “spectacles” is kind of adorable.

-Meg…timid, quiet but coming into her own as a person.

-their quiet and secretive courtship was so sweet. I loved their moments together and how caring Ivo was with Meg.

-all the familiar relationships and growth that these two families go through is poignant and well earned!

Appointment in Bath is the next story in the Somerset Stories series, overlapping with the third book Return to Satterthwaite Court. In the fourth installment, Mathews focuses on second son Ivo Beresford and next-door neighbor Meg Burton-Smythe.

A sort of Romeo and Juliet retelling that includes forbidden love, Mathews will have readers enwrapped from the opening page. You’ll be equal parts delighted and charmed by the main characters and the blossoming love story that slowly unfolds between Meg and Ivo. And friends the slow burn is EVERYTHING.

Mimi Matthews writes such memorable characters, and Meg in particular stood out to me. She’s shy, has a stammer, and feels like a character who is on the cusp of breaking free from a mold of a woman trapped in a gilded cage. It takes an unexpected encounter to help propel her forward on a journey to find her voice and a life worth savoring.

Fingers crossed we get to read about the oldest Beresford son next. 🤞

Make sure to add this one to your TBR.

Poor Meg and Ivo! Their parents have had a bitter feud all their lives. When they meet by chance, a friendship results despite the feud. A very sweet story about looking to the future and not the past!

This was my second book by Mimi Matthews. I really like her wirting style.
This story was unfortunaly not my favorite. In my opinion it was sometimes too slow like when they were riding, but also sometimes too rushed.
I didn‘t feel the chemestry between Meg and Ivo. I liked their characters. Meg was a really strong person who learned to have a backbone and stand up for herself. Sadly she didn‘t stand ab against Ivo. He didn’t really thought absolut her feelings and he should have groveld more at the end. Also Ivo was a little bit naive. Meg gave so many signs. She told ihm goodbye and he didn’t thought about her running away?
I also feel like the stutter aspect wasn‘t really thought about. But I don‘t stutter and I don‘t know anyone who stutters. So I‘m not the right person for this part. But I would like to see more charakters with it.
In the end, it was a okay read. But I‘m intrigued to read more from Mimi.

The story of Meg and Ivo is another fantastic read by Mimi Matthews! Appointment in Bath is the 4th book in the Somerset Stories and a wonderful addition to the series. Meg Burton-Smythe is the daughter of bad guy Frederick and suffers from both loneliness and a studder. Beautifully, handsome neighbor Ivo Beresford meets Meg during their solitary riding and develop a relationship even though there is a feud between the families. As always, the primary and secondary characters in this newest Matthews book are wonderfully written with flaws and foibles, The story is delightful and the ending is lovely but also realistic when the extended families meet in Bath. Mimi Matthews is an auto-buy author for me and never disappoints!

Okay while I didn’t hate it I was bored with it. This was much different from Gentleman Jim and Return to Satterthwaite Court. I was expecting it to be more similar to those books and I feel that was the biggest let down. There was no angst or slow burn here. I felt that the characters feelings came out of no where. There was no real build up to any of them suddenly being madly in love. Overall everything felt rushed. It was also a bit confusing that this store overlaps with Return to Satterthwaite Court.

I absolutely love Mimi Matthews' Victorian stories. I anxiously await her new ones like no other.
This one is a continuation of her Somerset stories series.
It is the fourth in the series and the story of Ivo and Meg who are the next generation down from the first two books. Ivo's sister, Kate is the central character of the third book in the series.

This is a sweet sweet story of young love, first love for Meg at 18 and of serious love for Ivo at 23.
It is a Romeo and Juliet type story with characters whose families are enemies.
There is a wonderful theme of bridges that runs through this book, as that is what will have to be built for this relationship to survive.

This book has heightened my want to go back and read Work of Art and Gentleman Jim which are my favorites of Mimi's books anyway (so not a problem)!. I love this series and how the stories continue in to the next generation.
Bravo Mimi!
I am anxiously awaiting James's story!

Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. The opinions are entirely my own.

Great regency romance from Mimi Matthews-no surprise there. :)
I if you’re like me and not a fan of InstaLove or forbidden romance, you should still read this. Meg is so great! Watching her grow up/get comfortable was worth the InstaLove. And Ivo! He’s just the sweetest, most determined, and considerate but sometimes an idiot haha

Read if you like….
-insta love
-forbidden love
-secret relationship
-strangers to friends to something more
-sweet cinnamon roll heroes and strong but quiet heroines
-happy endings, but not so fairytale-ish that the bad guy suddenly becomes the best guy ever
-any of the other books in this series

I’m looking forward to reading James’ story!

In "Appointment in Bath" by Mimi Matthews, readers are transported to Victorian-era England and immersed in the forbidden romance between Meg Burton-Smythe and Ivo Beresford. Meg, a shy and dreamy young woman, finds hope when Ivo, a dashing and forward-thinking man, enters her life. Despite the deep-seated enmity between their families, their friendship evolves into something more, forcing them to navigate obstacles and challenges. Matthews skillfully crafts a historical romance that beautifully unfolds within the constraints of societal expectations and family feuds. Meg's character development and Ivo's supportive nature shine, while the elegant prose, vivid descriptions, and authentic dialogue enhance the immersive reading experience.

However, while the story captures the essence of the romantic era, it can feel slow-paced at times and lacks overall tension. The chemistry and interaction between the protagonists could have been further explored to deepen their connection. Nevertheless, "Appointment in Bath" remains a captivating addition to the Somerset Stories series, reminding readers of the enduring power of love and leaving them eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Overall, the book is a delightful exploration of forbidden love, family dynamics, and personal growth, showcasing Mimi Matthews' talent as a masterful storyteller in historical romance.

Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Book 4 of the Somerset Stories series. Meg and Ivo are from neighboring rival families, but that doesn’t stop them from hesitantly forming a friendship (and further attachment). This book takes place in the same timeframe as Book 3 and results from the rivalry of Book 2, so it will make the most sense reading in order. Even without the backstory, the shy and stammering Meg slowly learns to stand up for herself and go after what she wants with the confidence built from her friendship with Ivo. She interprets Ivo’s kindness as pity and is dismayed that he only sees her as a friend. However, Ivo believes that their friendship is precious and hopes to mend the rift between their families (even if he doesn’t know all the details of how bad things are between the parents). This one was a pretty quick and straightforward read.

4.5⭐I recently finished reading another captivating book by Mimi Matthews, one of my favorite authors of sweet historical romance novels! I found the storyline incredibly adorable, and the cover art is simply stunning. This particular story had a familiar feel reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters, Meg and Ivo, were delightful, and watching their romance unfold was nothing short of perfection. The tender, swoon-worthy moments they shared were mixed with occasional awkward and embarrassing moments, but they always managed to make up for it with their sweet gestures. The slow-burn romance was incredibly endearing. Overall, it was a heartwarming, beautifully written tale that I would highly recommend to other fans of the genre. Mimi Matthews never fails to deliver captivating and swoon-worthy stories!

"It isn't the words that defeat you, but the feelings behind them"

Meg Burton-Smythe is a shy and introverted person who has always felt like an outsider in her community. She finds solace in her daydreams and prefers to keep to herself. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a charming and gallant hero comes to her aid one morning. Meg begins to entertain the possibility that her fantasies could become a reality. Unfortunately, her rescuer happens to be the son of her father's arch-nemesis. Despite this, Ivo is determined to put aside any past animosity for the sake of Meg's happiness. He encourages her to secretly get to know him as friends, without any expectations of falling in love.

Thank you, Mimi Matthews and Rel Mollet for the eARC. All opinions are my own

Mimi Matthews is a favorite author and so it pains me to say this but I had one major problem with Appointment in Bath – Ivo. The story’s “hero” is a jerk.

*spoilers below - read with caution*

Don’t tell me he didn’t seek out a relationship with Meg because he feels like an outsider in his own family. And then he invites her to a house party without telling anyone so he can set the fox among the chickens! (And his family went down in my esteem quite a bit in this new book – the way they treated this shy, stammering teenager because they hate her father was appalling.)

“I’ve been shy all my life,” says Meg. “You’re not shy. You’re inexperienced,” responds Ivo. Sure, dude. You’ve known this woman for a minute but you understand her better than she understands herself. (p. 54 of the advance reader copy)

After Meg shows up unexpectedly at the party he invites her to, his sister asks him, “Are you satisfied?” “Immensely,” he replies. “I’ve often found that the best way of enacting change is to force it upon the resisting parties.” What a jerk. (p. 170 of the advance reader copy)

I really could not stand Ivo and wanted to tell Meg to go fall in love with someone nice in Bath. I don’t see a long and happy marriage coming out of this relationship. The “romance” did not work for me at all. I’ve seen that a lot of readers “love” Ivo and good for them, but the author did not convince me that he learns anything by the end. As usual with works by Matthews, the historical details seem accurate. I look forward to the next Somerset story and I hope I find it more satisfying.

I read an advance reader copy of Appointment in Bath from Netgalley.