Book Review: Gentleman Jim: A Tale of Romance and Revenge by Mimi Matthews

Format: Paperback

Pages: 376 pages

Published: November 10, 2020

Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency Romance

Are you looking for a historical romance that will entertain you during the holiday season nut also will be a treat for fans of the genre? Look no further with the latest novel from the bestselling author Mimi Matthews, Gentleman Jim. This one perfect example of escapism literature that is beautifully well-written with an engaging writing style that will entice any reader.

Margaret Honeywell is a wealthy squire’s daughter destined for great things, including marrying her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe. It will bring so much happiness between the families. However, it is Nicholas Seaton, an illegitimate son, who has captured her heart. But when Fred frames Nicholas for a crime, he is forced to flee the country and escape the noose, forced to be torn away from Margaret. A decade has passed, and Margaret is still unmarried and unfortunately even under the thumb. Her life is looking bleak, until John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare, returns to England after years spent on the continent. His one objective: to restore his family’s honor. And if he achieves vengeance along the way, so be it. But meeting and being enchanted by Margaret Honeywell was not part of the plan, especially when she thinks he is someone else. As they grow closer, St. Clare has to choose what is more important to him: true love or his thirst for vengeance.

Gentleman Jim is a combination of all the classic novels that we know and love. Lost and returning love (Persuasion and Wuthering Heights) and the thirst for vengeance for those who wronged you (again, Wuthering Heights and The Count of Monte Cristo). As a classic lover, I was able to make those references, which made this book more realistic and appealing to the reader who loves historical fiction. However, the witty sentences, character-driven storyline and engaging writing style provide an Austenesque feel that will even make the great novelist proud. After rereading Jane Austen for the 1000th time, if fans are looking for another regency/historical romance to quench their first, they can’t go wrong with this book selection. It will provide the same enjoyment and feeling that Austen novels offer, something that people could use at the current moment.

Don’t be fooled. This novel is just not another historical romance. It is a story that filled with adventure and suspense that will keep any reader on their toes from beginning to end. The tension between Margaret and St. Clare is endearing and powerful that a reader can’t help drawn into their relationship. Their actions and personalities leap off the pages and make you feel that you are in the regency era.

Well written, with enticing and intriguing character development, Gentleman Jim is the perfect book to cozy up to for the winter season.

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Her next romance, The Siren of Sussex, will be out in 2022 from Berkley/Penguin Random House.