Author Mimi Matthews gives us a delightful peek into her new historical romance novel, Gentleman Jim. Known for her engaging Regency Romances, Matthews has impressed critics like Kirkus and The Library Journal. If you’re a fan of her work or enjoy clean historical romance and stories reminiscent of Jane Austen, you’ll want to learn more about Gentleman Jim and read the exclusive excerpt below.
OFFICIAL BOOK DESCRIPTION OF GENTLEMAN JIM
She Couldn’t Forget…
Margaret Honeywell, the daughter of a wealthy squire, was expected to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe. But her heart belonged to Nicholas Seaton, rumored to be the son of the infamous highwayman, Gentleman Jim. Framed for theft by Fred, Nick vanished into the night, vowing to find his legendary father. He never returned and was presumed dead after a decade.
He Wouldn’t Forgive…
John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, returns to England with a mission to restore his family’s honor and perhaps settle some old scores. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he didn’t expect to encounter Maggie Honeywell. Bold and beautiful, she mistakenly believes he’s someone else. As danger looms, St. Clare finds himself torn between love and revenge. Will he have to choose, or can he find a way to seize both?
EXCERPT FROM GENTLEMAN JIM
Fred directed a stern look at Maggie, his cheek twitching. “I’ve never refused you anything if you asked nicely. Go ahead, visit the dressmaker and milliner, and send me the bills. But not today. Today, you need to rest. You can go shopping tomorrow if you’re feeling better, but you must take Bessie. I’ll talk to her before I leave. She knows what to do.”
Once Fred left, Jane called a footman to fetch his hat and cane and see him out. When the doors closed, she sarcastically remarked, “How generous of him. We’re so very thankful.”
Maggie, sinking into her chair, felt drained rather than invigorated by the argument. “What a total waste of time.”
“Not entirely,” Jane said, sitting in Fred’s empty chair. “He’s given you permission to buy as many new clothes as you want. And we certainly won’t be shopping for bargains at Grafton House. We’re going to Madame Clothilde on Bruton Street, a French modiste everyone’s raving about. She only dresses the wealthiest and most beautiful women in town. You may have lost a bit of your bloom, but she won’t turn you away.”
“How can I think about shopping? There’s still the duel tomorrow, and I have no idea what to do…” Maggie closed her eyes, rubbing her forehead.
“A headache?”
“No, well, yes, but I think I have an idea.”
“To stop the duel by interfering?”
“Of course not. But if I can’t reason with Fred, I need to try reasoning with the viscount.”
Jane paused. “Lord St. Clare? How? You haven’t even met him. Moreover, you can’t just visit a single gentleman unannounced.”
“Exactly, it’ll be too late by tomorrow afternoon. I must go today or tonight, so I won’t be seen.”
“You can’t go at all. Think about your reputation.”
“I’ll go in the dark then, less chance of being observed,” Maggie said, thinking aloud. “I won’t ask you to come with me, and I won’t involve your servants. I can take a hackney to his residence.” She hoped this would shield Jane from any scandal. “Unless he lives in bachelor rooms on St. James’s Street?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’ve heard he’s staying with the Earl of Allendale in Grosvenor Square. That’s nearby.”
“Yes, walking distance,” Jane replied dryly.
“I know you don’t approve, but help me out. Do you think St. Clare is as unreasonable as Fred?”
“I have no idea. We’ve never met. I saw him twice at the theater with his grandfather. He didn’t seem very friendly, but that’s better than Fred.”
Maggie thought for a moment. “The worst that can happen is he’ll refuse to see me or laugh in my face. It might be foolish, but I have to try to stop this duel.”
“The worst? Margaret, you don’t know him. He could be a rake or worse. Visiting him alone at night is risky.”
“I won’t go alone. I’ll take Bessie with me,” Maggie decided.
AFTERWORD:
Mimi Matthews is a USA Today bestselling author, known for historical nonfiction and Victorian romance novels. Her work has received accolades from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus. Her articles are featured in reputable publications like Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture. Additionally, she’s a practicing attorney based in California. Her forthcoming romance, The Siren of Sussex, will be released in 2022.
