I absolutely love this series so far and this sequel was even better than the first book! I love the banter between characters. The strong heroines are so enjoyable to read and very distinct individuals from one another. I think she writes heroines better than almost anyone I've ever read before, definitely the best in Avon romances. Her male characters probably go through more emotional development and I really like how she lets them be vulnerable and caring. I also loved the band of friends both the lead characters had by their sides. The had honest conversations to support one another, not just about romance, which was so refreshing to read in a romance book. This book was a bold adventure story about a woman fighting to be taken seriously in the male business world and a man who's always been a protector learning how to open up to others. I couldn't put it down from start until finish. The humor, suspense, action, and romance were a perfect blend. I highly recommend this book and will be eagerly awaiting more books in this series.

Hattie is determined to takeover her father's prosperous shipping business and knows the person to help make that happen is Beast, a member of the Bareknuckle Bastards quartet. Seeing this strong woman and strong man clash in a wonderful battle of wits was so fun! As much as I enjoyed this, I'm even more excited to see the next edition featuring Grace and Ewan.

Actual Rating: 3.75 stars

Brazen and the Beast is the second book in MacLean's Bareknuckle Bastards series. I went into this book without reading the first, and it read perfectly fine as a standalone despite the main characters from Wicked and the Wallflower making a few appearances.

Lady Henrietta "Hattie" Sedley has a plan for her 29th year of life: take control of her future in many ways, and that includes her father's shipping business. Fate, however, has other plans when Whit (aka Beast), a 'king' of Covent Garden, is stashed, unconscious and restrained, inside her carriage.

The "Year of Hattie" is off to a poor start, but she isn't about to allow a man to get in the way of her goals.

I enjoyed both Hattie and Whit in Brazen and the Beast—they were full of life, their motivations are clear, and their interactions were fun and engaging. Good characters can be hard to find, so it's refreshing to find two likeable (though imperfect) main characters.

What dragged this story down for me wasn't the romance, but rather the subplot. There's dishonesty and betrayal, and the situation devolves into ridiculousness. What should have been clear-cut becomes convoluted, and the antagonist's reasoning is pretty weak. The plot seems to have been devised simply to set up the next book.

I'd love to see the clever writing we got from MacLean's Rules of Scoundrels series, which gave us relevant-yet-building plot and a great romance in each story. While Brazen and the Beast is a fun romantic read, and I recommend it for anyone looking for an engaging historical summer romance, it's missing the magic of MacLean's early-2010s writing. I hope the next entry in this series finds it again.

I adored this book. The female lead was spunky and courageous. Ms. MacLean did not disappoint. Recommend for historical fans.

Lady Henrietta Sedley has a plan to inherit her father's company despite the fact that her father, brother, and society at large don't believe women can run a business. Hattie is setting out on the Year of Hattie, and she is determined to succeed. Meeting Whit throws a wrench in her plans - can the two work together to get what they both want?

I've read a few of Sarah MacLean's books and I've not been disappointed yet. If you're looking for a feminist take on historical romances, look no further.

Sarah MacLean absolutely never disappoints. Sexy, badass, with an inspiring heroine and so much fun chemistry.

ARC via Netgalley

I hoard Sarah MacLean's romances until I need to read something uplifting for my feminist spirit. All her Heroines are fucking (pardon my lack of caring about swears) are so independent and fierce in their ways that it just makes me think, "maybe to tomorrow I will be that brazen and bold." One would think that a romance novel would not inspire that, but Sarah MacLean novels inspire.

Hattie, Lady Henrietta Sedley, doesn't fit the mold at all for a Regency romance novel, and that is what I loved about her character. She about to turn 29 and realizes that she needs to take hold of her life, has a list of five things that need to change. The eve of her birthday finds one of the BKB tied up in her carriage, no time to deal with that situation Hattie unties him and tosses him out - possibly the best meet-cute ever. However, she is going into his territory of Covent Gardens, and he knows where she is heading.

What could go, wrong? Right?

This romance is full of banter, smarts, fights, and a HEA. Oh yeah, Hattie knows how to tie a good sailors knot.

Do you have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one? No, but it would increase your enjoyment. That said, this was so good that I read it while I was supposed to be sleeping and working. The heroine is clever and strong and better than either of the men in her family. The story is smart and snappy. The main characters are well matched and I can’t wait to see what happens with the last of the siblings.

This love story is a jewel shining in the tough, gritty, streets of early 19th century London’s underworld. The heroine is refreshingly aware and unashamed of her social standing as a woman approaching a certain age, as well as her own sensuality and need for human connection. As the possessor of most of the common sense in what’s left of her family, she deserves a break -- and it arrives in the form of the somewhat devious, alluring hero. When the story isn’t an enjoyable twisting and turning adventure, it’s a slow seduction. Aside from some snippets of modern-sounding dialogue, the historical setting is well rendered, as are the secondary characters; loyal friendship between women is especially well presented in this novel. A fun, well-rounded entry in the author’s Bareknuckle Bastards series.

Sarah MacLean’s Brazen and the Beast was reminiscent to her first ever novel, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake; both female protagonist’s had enough of their prim and proper upbringing and while on the cusp of encroaching ’spinsterhood’, find their mettle to break the bonds of their obeisant roles.

Such as in Nine Rules, Brazen and the Beast explores female independence with the help of the erstwhile gruff and jaded male protagonist. The couple fall in love while exploring new-for-the-times mentalities.

Because I enjoyed MacLean’s debut of Nine Rules to Break so well many years ago, I think it was hard for me to be as enamored of this couple Hattie and Whit, and the winding road of their love because I felt I had read it before, and didn’t want my memory of the first novel to be tarnished by this decades after follow-up. Otherwise this rendition was easy-to-read with a mellow love story.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I was provided wth an ARCof this title by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. I have been shattered to smithereens, jigsaw pieces helter-skelter, by the genius and wonder of the latest Bare Knuckle Bastards installment. It is the perfect sojourn to a world of rough around the edges, heart on the sleeve heroes.

Hattie repeatedly demonstrates to Beast her ability to fend for herself, take all comers, and hold her own. Her fire and independence are irresistible to a man who is accustomed to wielding the weapons of intimidation and seduction. Hattie demonstrates no trepidation whatsoever when she bargains with him for the loss of her innocence.

Their battle is waged in the language of sarcasm, innuendo and illicit entanglement. If you are a fan of Eloisa James' Duchess series, Tessa Dare's Spindle Cove, or the sparkling repartee of rom com queen Sally Thorne, pick up this book!

Regency romance? Check. Devilishly handsome man? Check. Smart and defiant woman? Check. This book hits all the right marks and should be on everyone's fun book list. Hattie is the smart sibling in her family but as she's a girl, her father won't even consider her running his shipping company.. When her irresponsible brother decides to mess with the wrong master criminal, it will be up to Hattie to save him, and maybe show her father that she is fully capable of running his company. But when that master criminal turns out to be the handsome Beast of the underworld of crime, maybe she is a little in over her head.

She's outdone herself. Brazen and The Beast is the best historical romance of the year. I loved Whit and Hattie so much--their fearlessness and bravery, the ferocious way they go after what they want. You'll definitely cry a little--but you'll feel so alive when you do!

Loved the story of Hattie and Beast! I loved her concept of The Year of Hattie and her desire to grab life by the horns and go after what she wants. Beast and her idiot brother stand in the way though.

Beast is a tortured soul who holds soft spots for Covent Garden and his family. He fights adding Hattie to the list, but can’t help but fall for her.

Great romance and story. Wish I didn’t have to wait so long for Ewan and Grace’s story. I can’t wait to see how MacLean redeems this seemingly unredeemable hero.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

This is the first historical romance that I’ve read in a while. I should not let as much time pass between reading them. I had a lot of fun reading this book. I need to go read book one and I’m looking forward to book three.

There were a few things that didn’t make it a 5 star read for me. There was some more modern language than I’ve heard in a historical. I was still able to enjoy it, but it through me off for a minute. There were a few scenes that seems to drag on a bit. Overall, I’m glad I decided to read this book.

I voluntarily read an early copy.

Brazen and the Beast was seriously entertaining right from the start. It flowed so well and I was wrapped up in the characters’ lives, learning their histories, their dilemmas, feeling their pain, I was caught up in it all. It was riveting!

I loved Hattie. She was such a strong woman, a fighter. I loved her tenacity and how she stood up for herself and just kept on pushing forward. She was so smart and witty and just an incredibly likable and enjoyable character. Whit. Oh Whit, oh dear Beast... it's always those gruff ones that totally make me melt. He was so fantastic, loyal but quiet, so very commanding. And sexy. Hattie and Whit coming together was perfect, they were such a great match. The dialogue was excellent, I loved their verbal sparring and antagonist banter. It was so fun and I couldn't stop smiling. I could feel that chemistry building between them and when the sparks flew, it was freaking hot!

Their story was just so well thought out with all these really great details. Excellent writing and descriptions with wonderful character development. It was entertaining yes but it had the perfect blend of emotion happening. I had these little flips in my stomach as special moments were happening and beautiful words are said.

I love the bond the Bareknuckle Bastards have, their good-natured ribbing and how they're there for each other. There are all these great characters, some small and don't play a big part but it helped to paint this elaborate picture of this world. To make it full and rich. It was awesome!

This is officially one of my favorite reads of 2019! I was smiling and tearing up and fanning myself and just was thrilled to be reading it. It was exciting and engaging and just really well done. There were times I had to stop myself from reading fast because I didn't want to miss a thing but I was so consumed. I loved everything about this!

You know what? Every time I read a historical romance I love it and immediately wonder why I don't read more, more often. I definitely need to broaden my horizons and read more in this genre because it is such a delicious escape from the trials and troubles of the modern world.

Brazen and the Beast was a wonderful escape into the world of Covent Garden and the escapes of Hattie and her bestie and Whit and his comrades. I loved how bold and independent both of these characters were --they definitely smashed the mold of what I normally think of when I think of historical romance. I also loved how they clashed and sparked on the page. Their interactions had me smiling and wanting more.

I loved everything about this novel and look forward to reading more of the series!

Wicked and the Wallflower was one of my top books of 2018, and I was basically screaming when I got approved for Brazen.

I love love loved Hattie and Beast. They’re both so smart and so opinionated and the bickering was the best. I adored their arguing and reading how their relationship unfurled in the most deliciously slow way and of course the chemistry was insane. I loved Nora and was beside myself at seeing Devil and Felicity again.

Plot wise it was perfect. From Hattie taking charge of her year to everything with Ewan to the best ending and epilogue: I loved all of it. I was captivated at the first scene and didn’t want to stop reading.

Overall, this was another book from Sarah I know I’ll be reading again. I can’t wait for Grace’s story and I’ll be over here hoping for Nora’s.

**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**

Heat Factor: I love the way MacLean writes sex. A+
Character Chemistry: The bickering-because-I’m-into-you is great
Plot: bananas
Overall: I wouldn’t mind being Hattie

I so hope I can adequately describe this book. It has all the hallmarks of a MacLean novel, which is to say, it’s delightful. It’s dramatic and emotional and lively and a little bit outrageous.

So. What might one pretty much always find in a MacLean novel?
- A heroine who thinks there’s something wrong with herself that makes her unloveable
- An alpha-ish hero with 1000% too much testosterone and a serious case of emotional constipation
- Something threatens the heroine that seems to require brute strength but actually requires unlocking an emotional vault
- Characters from other books are mentioned or crop up throughout the story

I can’t get enough. It’s the perfect combination of everything I like in a historical romance and just enough over-the-top everything else to be riveting and, as I had previously stated, delightful. Brazen and the Beast is no exception. It has been some time since I read book one (Wicked and the Wallflower) of this new series, the Bareknuckle Bastards (which, come on--it’s hard to take seriously...and then it’s impossible not to), but I would say that Brazen and the Beast is stronger. It also doesn’t start with the somewhat cryptic and overly dramatic prologue that began Wicked and the Wallflower and seemed like it’d be plugged into the beginning of every book in this series, so that’s already a good start.

The story centers on Hattie, who is turning 29 and has decided that her 29th year will be the Year of Hattie. She will seize her life, take control of her future! Nine years ago she might have thought she was going to get married and have a family but now… It’s time to get real. No one is going to marry Hattie, and she is really good at running her father’s business. Unfortunately, her father thinks she needs to fill that womanly role and is not on board with handing over the family business to her. Therefore, phase one of the Year of Hattie is: lose virginity. Then marriage is out of the question. Checkmate, Daddy!

Unfortunately, as she is about to embark on phase one, she finds a man in her carriage. A big, unconscious man, who is the handsomest man she’s ever seen. That man is Beast (not for his looks, obvi), and he is a Bareknuckle Bastard. A King of Covent Garden. A powerful man in the darkness of the streets. I’m gonna be honest--it’s a little ridiculous...and it’s also compelling. Dukes don’t have all the power. Sometimes men who run criminal enterprises and have hearts of gold also have power. Also Beast’s real name is Saviour Whittington. A++ to MacLean for a name like that.

So Beast, a.k.a. Whit, wakes up in Hattie’s carriage as she’s on her way to be debauched, and the rest is history. They’re adversaries, they’re allies, he falls in love with her, his crazy third brother the-evil-Duke-who-is-illegitimate-and-will-be-a-hero-we-love-in-the-next-book threatens her, they become adversaries again because he can’t risk her safety even if it means he never sees her again (I mean, really, can you BE any more stubbornly romance-heroey?), he tries to protect her, he FAILS HARD…. There are BOMBS and underground SURGERIES and SEX ON BOATS.

I wasn’t at first sold on the Bareknuckle Bastards because I do love an alpha aristocrat hero, but MacLean has created an environment in which Beast and his brother, Devil, have the power and the money that parallels that of aristocratic heroes. They even have their own little world in Covent Garden with bird whistles and cane tapping and other delightful mysterious secret methods of communicating so they can manage their kingdom in secret. The result is a level of power that rivals or even outstrips that of most aristocrats in these novels. At the same time it’s impossible to say that a Covent Garden crime ring and the London aristocracy are the same thing, so there’s going to be a lot of baggage for Beast/Whit as he navigates his feelings for Lady Henrietta. Hattie’s father came from humble beginnings and has been elevated to Earl, but he’s a life peer, so she’s got one foot in Society and one foot outside of it, which is a nice flourish on the relationship problem in an Uptown Girl scenario.

The way Hattie and Whit navigate their relationship as they playfully antagonize each other makes all the other drama feel fresh and engaging. This book could easily be over the top, with secret fights and murderous dukes and a crime family called the Bareknuckle Bastards (of all things), and maybe it is a little bit over the top. But in such a good way.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

Strong female character

Brazen and the Beast is the 2nd book in Sarah MacLean’s Bareknuckle Bastards series.
I thought the first meet between Hattie and Whit(Beast) was clever. While I happily read about the non-traditional independent future Hattie had planned for her life and believed the chemistry between her and Whit there was just something missing in this story for me to give it 4 stars. I found myself skim reading hoping I’d get to a part that really captured my attention. Alas, I never found that part. This book can be read as a stand alone however there is a very important arc that runs through the first 2 books in the series that I believe will be resolved in book 3.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.