Book Review: The Work of Art (Somerset Stories #1) by Mimi Matthews

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 392 pages
Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release Date: July 23rd, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

An Uncommon Beauty…
Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in 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?

STUNNING.

I just want to sit and read Mimi Matthews books all day. She is the QUEEN of closed door historical romances and I am obsessed.

This marriage of convenience story hit me in the feels. I adored our FMC Phyllida. She was filled with compassion and kindness and continually looked at the glass half full. All she wanted was a safe space to land and thank heavens for our unlikely hero, Arthur. Super swoony, PROTECTIVE (my kryptonite) and a wounded soul who found healing through love. And I love all of the heat that is still very much present without wide open doors. It’s tender and passionate. Everything I love seeing in romance books.

I thought the plot was interesting and I liked the little bit of mystery and intensity brought about by the awful Duke. I adored all of the dog content and how they played a true role in the story too. I just really love the way Matthews crafts stories. Her writing is gorgeous and fluid and brings about all of the emotions.

I am turning into a super fan and will not be turning back.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents, war injuries, PTSD, gun violence, animal attacks, near death experiences

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