The Muse of Maiden Lane. Finished 1-10-25, 4.25/5, historical romance, 384 pages, 2024

“She’d been made small for so long, the words hadn’t existed to articulate the wild yearnings within her… She knew now what she wanted– what she’d always wanted… The freedom to want, to choose, to be. To live a colorful, conspicuous, unconventional life.”

The Belles of London series has come to an end as the last of the four horsewomen find love. I’ve really enjoyed this historical romance series, set in 19th century England.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Stella. She had a head full of gray hair in her 20s, a problem I am familiar with, but I could die my streak of gray away. Stella, stood out in a way that made her not marriage material for many. And her jerk of a brother made her feel like a burden. Stella deserved better. Enter Teddy, wheelchair-bound due to Scarlet Fever, who is mesmerized by her and wants to paint her portrait.

They make such an interesting pair, each conspicuous and both having limited independence. I loved seeing how they were able to come together in an unconventional way.

The themes of independence, art, and being bold made this one shine for me. As well as having a leading man in a wheelchair. I found Teddy interesting because of his struggles and his resistance to his vulnerability.

This is my favorite since the first of the series.