Duchess If You Dare is the first book in The Maidens of Mayhem series by Anabelle Bryant. An intriguing story with well-written characters and a story that leaves you wanting more.

This book had all the right elements: the female protagonist Scarlett is fierce, dynamic and utterly loyal to her friends. She is able to tackle villains and wears trousers so that she can escape all sorts of predicaments. The male character Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, is as well, intense, confident and protective of those he cares for. There was plenty of action throughout this book, with both Scarlett and Ambrose trying to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of several women, including Scarlett’s seamstress friend. Yet why did I just like this book and not love it? There were times when the self-talk overwhelmed the actual romance between the couple. I just wanted to savour their time together, and when they were conversing, it was wonderful. However, the musings particularly of Ambrose, was a bit too much, and detracted from the storyline. Overall, this would not stop me from reading another book in this series as I think the ideas made for an interesting read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

First in the Maidens of Mayhem series by Anabelle Bryant. The subject matter is pretty grim...it's not your usual light hearted Regency romance, but it was an interesting story about the class differences of England at the time. Ambrose, the Duke of Aylesford, has always known what's expected of him as a Duke and a peer so when he meets and falls in love with Scarlett he has to rethink everything he has known of his life. I liked Scarlett alot...she is tough and resilient and willing to fight for those in need. When Scarlett is abducted Ambrose comes to realize how much he needs her in his life. Scarlett comes to understand that she is going to have to change some things about the way she lives if she wants to be with him. This was a good love story that held my interest but seemed to lack a spark...or the passion,.. to make it exceptional
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When one of her friends goes missing, Scarlett sets out to find out what happened. Her search has her crossing paths with Ambrose, the Duke of Aylesford, who’s on a mission of his own. Finding unlikely allies in each other, the pair find themselves embroiled in a plot that goes deeper than they imagined. Together, they must battle the odds in an attempt to find Linie before any other women meet the same fate.

I actually really loved this overall plot. It drew me in and kept me guessing, and all the little twists throughout were well paced and exciting. The last twist at the very end had me gasping—up until the end the plot continued to take me but surprised. So when I tell you I really wanted to like this book, I mean it.

Where this book went awry for me was the writing itself. It was very wordy at times, and there were several tangents that were just paragraphs of detail about something that wasn’t relevant to the story. While I enjoyed both of the main characters, and wished any of the secondary characters had been developed more (I’ll admit that I’ll probably be reading the next book in the series just to learn more about Martin and the other Maidens of Mayhem), the way they were described often was at odds to how they actually spoke or acted. Without delving into spoilers, this came up the most with the romance plot itself, which then took away from my enjoyment of that love story. Again without spoiling anything, some of Scarlett’s choices in the end, made in the name of love, felt incredibly out of character and cheapened so much of how the author had spent most of the book building up for who she was as a person.

What really got to me, more than anything, was how often this book toed the line—or crossed it—into slut shaming. I commend the inclusion of such a strong female character like Scarlett and I love the idea of women fighting for the rights of other women, especially when set in the Regency era. But there is a way to do this that doesn’t look down on every woman in the time period who chose to have sex. It really felt at odds to the powerful feminist message underlying everything.

So, I liked this one, but I didn’t love it, and a lot of that had to do with how absolutely wordy it was. I don’t know if it was my headspace, or if I just didn’t vibe with the writing style, but I found myself skimming a lot of this story. Now, overall, I did enjoy the plot and the characters. I thought that Scarlett and Ambrose were delightful characters, and I absolutely loved the Maidens of Mayfair and what they stand (stood?) for.

Scarlett is fierce, she is loyal, and she’s dangerous, and she was the type of character that the historical romance genre has been missing. A woman running around the streets of London in the dead of night in trousers taking down bad guys? Yes, please! Part of a secret club of other women who are also off investigating their own bad guys? Love it! Ambrose catches her completely off guard which was a lot of fun as a reader, and while I loved their relationship, it lacked the depth I wanted to feel.

Ambrose falls into my new favorite niche category of “dukes struggling to decide if they can ditch their duty and follow their hearts instead” and I loved that for him. He was raised believing he had to honor his duty, which is understandable, but every moment he spent in Scarlett’s company tested that belief of his a little more. But again, it was insta-love without a lot of foundation behind it, because so much time was spent focused on their overall mission, and I think it detracted from what could have been a sweet love story.

I also want to add that I loved their mission and what they were fighting for. I think it was a unique twist and brought a little oomph to the story, but as I mentioned before it was just kind of wordy. I found sections repetitive, I found them lengthy, and I think a lot of it was kind of unnecessary? Like I said I skimmed and didn’t really miss a thing and instead found myself wishing we had spent some of those words on Scarlett and Ambrose developing their relationship. It may have been a bit shallow, but it was certainly steamy, so I think that definitely made up for some of my disappointment.

Overall this book was okay. I wish it had been less redundant because I really did enjoy the overall idea behind it, but the execution was just a little flat. I’ll definitely try another book by Annabelle Bryant in the future because I’m not giving up hope just yet.


{Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for my review copy!}

The Regency period is not filled with independent, non judgemental women and when one meets the Maidens of Mayhem one is filled with admiration that they do what they do in the face of steadfast opposition from men from all walks of life - their fathers, brothers, husbands will all oppose what they are doing, not just out of an idea of protecting them, but also with the idea that women should not get ideas above their station and that all decisions should be in the hands of the men in the family (even in fact if it leads to their ruination).

Scarlett is one such woman. A misty, shady past which she never enlightens one very much and meeting Lord Ambrose in the middle of an investigation where they are both seeking one woman is a meeting which will end in a burst of fireworks. Ambrose has not met women of Scarlet's ilk and she is usually distrustful of all men. She hasnt met very many who are straight and honest and when she does meet one, she does not trust him at all.

A mix of detection, a lot of sparks and romance all add to a light hearted Regency story.

3.25 Stars
Scarlett Wynn’s tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when local seamstress Linie disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues—and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other. As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett’s fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. But when the pair learn both mysteries they’re trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger.
This is the first in a new series, it was well written & flowed well but it just didn’t totally grab me. I had so many questions at the beginning about The Maidens of Mayhem, how did they form, where did they learn their skills so much so that I felt I was reading the second book rather than the first. Maybe a prologue, which set the scene should be available? Whilst I liked both Ambrose & Scarlett I didn’t love then & whilst there was chemistry is didn't sizzle. I also felt this was more of a mystery than a romance but I was left with questions at the end & a feeling that things were far from wrapped up, so was left unsatisfied. I’ll probably read the next in the series to see if questions are fully answered
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Regency ladies taking charge

Unusual subject matter here. A group of women calling themselves the Maidens of Mayhem fighting to uplift the plight of women in London including prostitutes. They “had banded together with a vow to right wrongs in London and fight for women who had no voice against male harassment or otherwise unjust travesties thrust upon their gender.“ worthy indeed but to me the women seemed somewhat distant, they’re waiting stage right as it were. I was a tad nonplussed by how flimsy their support for each other appeared. I know this is the first in the series but that part was somewhat lacklustre.
Wycombe House owned by Julia Wycombe is apparently for them a place where in a “society disinclined to allow females to conduct business, own property or invest finances without the consent or participation of a male, the ... building [has] became their fortress of secrets.” Again I loved the concept ... but!
Scarlett Wynn, “illegitimate daughter of a destitute commoner” treads the streets of the darkest alleyways of London by night dressed in trousers made for her by a young seamstress Linie, accompanied only by her strong will and deadly knives.
When Linie disappears and the spectre of young women being lured away to become sex slaves raises its ugly head, Scarlett starts investigating.
That’s when she runs into Ambrose Cross, fourth Duke of Aylesford, watching the same place but for different reasons.
Their searches combine as does their regard for each other, that of course becomes rather more than a few kisses. Alas I felt the pages spent on their trysting was a tad gratuitous and would've been better spent building up other parts of the story. What will their relationship become—this is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks after all and a duke needs more? Scarlett thinking she wasn’t worthy definitely didn’t meet my expectations of a 'mayhemic' maiden.
As challenges are solved and relationships questioned I was not convinced by Aylesbury. He was just too wooden for me. Scarlett I adored, but I didn’t feel she soared as she could have. I wanted her to be more 'mayhemy'. Still her character raised my star allotment from 2 to 3.
Too many subplots and resolutions too quickly come by, hints of things to come (a Wise Woman?Hmm!) hampered things for me. I felt like there was a prelude that I’d missed somehow.
The Bow Street Runner Howell seemed full on in the beginning and then ...

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I really enjoyed this book! It had witty characters and a great plot. It had Miss Scarlett and The Duke vibes.

If you enjoy a quick-paced mystery with a bit of romance and a Regency setting, I recommend this book.

This new series from Anabelle Bryant centres around a foursome of women from different walks of life banded together for the betterment of women in London and England.

When Scarlett discovered that her seamstress has vanished she takes up the search and soon finds herself embroiled in a much bigger scheme and partnering with an unlikely match, Duke of Aylesford!

Ambrose, Duke of Aylesford has given his word to look into the strange happening s at a brothel that his brother had him summoned to. Girls are going missing grad now he and at the mysterious trouser wearing Scarlett are working together to solve the same mystery. Cane these two that are so very different come together and trust each other without letting their mutual attraction get in the way of their investigation?

The romance between Ambrose and Scarlett was difficult to get into. They are both working on the same case but so very hesitant to trust each other. Ambrose not willing to look past Scarletts femininity and accept she is capable. Scarlett not willing to fully share the burden of the investigation and her discoveries. Not to mention the gaping chasm that is their class differences; Scarlett is born out of wedlock to a prostitute and Ambrose is a duke with the ear of the prince!

I had some moments while reading where I found the clothing descriptions confusing depending on what was happening at the time. Scarletts holes are specially tailored and made to hide trousers and sometimes a fight scene or chase scene occurs and she is in regular cloths but acting like her trousers are on… this might have just been my issue, but since her attire is an important element, these confusion times were a detraction for me.

Overall, this story wasn’t bad and introduces an interesting gang of women, whom I am looking forward to see where their adventures lead!

Duchess if You Dare by Anabelle Bryant is scheduled to release March 30th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#DuchessIfYouDare #AnabelleBryant #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

This was one of those that I was really into in the beginning, bored me in the middle, and picked up again by the end. I'm bummed that I was bored in the middle because the plot was intriguing - Regency era romance that starts while they're both secretly investigating disappearing women at a brothel. Just sounds like a fun time, doesn't it? And honestly, it started off good so I'm not exactly sure where it lost its way.

I will say that this book has some smut, and while I'm personally not a fan of too much smut, I didn't mind it in here. It was almost like sweet smut? Yes, the pages went on for a while, but in the midst of all the smutiness, they were both really focused on how much they were in love with each other, so it somehow made it more appealing to me.

Overall, there were things I liked, things I didn't like, and I don't think this book will leave any lasting impression on me one way or the other so it's 3 stars for me.

Duchess If You Dare is the first book in Anabelle Bryant's The Maidens of Mayhem series. I've read a few of Ms. Bryant's previous books and found them to be entertaining. This one is no exception, and here's hoping the other books in the series will be just as fun.

Scarlett Wynn has a tragic past, and she seeks to help other women who have little to no power. When her seamstress disappears without a clue, she is determined to find the young woman. It turns out the woman worked at an upscale brothel, and there are rumors that other girls have also disappeared from that same brothel. While investigating there, she meets Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, who's also on his own investigation concerning a matter his wayward brother brought to his attention. It seems their mystery is connected, so they join up to solve it. Ambrose is a man who must uphold his family's reputation at all costs; Scarlett is a commoner with a horrid past. Is there any way their growing feelings for each other can overcome their differences? And will they even live to find out?

Both our heroine and hero were entertaining characters. Scarlett's past drives her mission to help other women. She has knives, and she knows how to use them, and she can best a lot of men in a fight. She wears trousers for ease of movement when she's prowling the streets. Ambrose, somewhat staid duke that he is, is not turned off by any of this; he actually finds it all quite exciting. However, he still wants to protect Scarlett, though he sometimes needs her protection! Though they were falling in love, they both fought their feelings, thinking in no way could they live in each other's worlds. Their personal time together was nicely steamy, not too explicit if you don't care for that sort of thing. I would have liked to know more about the Maidens of Mayhem and how they got together, but I imagine we'll find out more in the coming books of the series. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington books for providing me with an eARC in exchange of an honest review!

I enjoyed this book for the most part given the premise was intriguing and the characters were interesting enough but towards the middle until the end, it felt mediocre. I was entertained enough to keep going since I was curious how it all ends but I didn’t super excited. I found myself skimming through the pages.

I appreciated how the story tackled the issue of human trafficking and the sad reality of it. I just wanted a bit more excitement and suspense in the plot but the romance was my fave part as it was making me swoon. I loved our female lead as well for being such a strong, independent woman with a modern way of thinking amidst the misogynistic era.

Overall, this book is perfect if you’re looking for a nice historical romance to read!

A special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Scarlett runs with a dangerous crowd. As a Maiden of Mayhem, she wields a weapon, wears trousers under her skirts, and fights for women who have been wronged by society. When her seamstress goes missing and all clues point to the Scarlet Rose brothel, Scarlett will stop at nothing to solve the case, even if it includes going toe to toe with the Duke of Aylesford. The Duke is a rule follower to the core, trying to keep his family fortune afloat with his privileged brother squanders is away. But he also knows something's amiss at the brothel. Both Scarlett and the Duke want to solve the mystery of where the women are disappearing, but they go about it in very different methods. As the two start to unravel the mystery, their lives may soon be in mortal danger.

There was so much to love about the action and intrigue of this book! It gave me serious Bringing Down the Duke vibes and I loved both main characters. Duchess If You Dare isn't one noted. There are several interesting plot twists that I did not see coming. The mystery runs deeper than the reader is led to believe in the beginning. No character is what they seem. It will leave you questioning every character until the very end, as the pieces of the puzzle slowly fall into place.

Scarlett is a complete bad ass. Even though she's an orphan and has had to fight tooth and nail for everything she has, she doesn't let this jade her toward humanity. She's hard, yet soft, intelligent, witty, and has grace under pressure. Scarlett is constantly pushing the boundaries of relationships, not afraid to be the strong, brave heroine in order to do the saving. She certainly doesn't need to be taken care of and isn't afraid to push the rules.

Her character is completely balanced by the Duke. I loved how he was such a rule follower that was bound by a duty to his family and his title. He's so reserved, but Scarlett pushes him out of his comfort zone, unwillingly many times. Their chemistry was delicious and I loved the enemies to lovers slow burn. A couple other highlights included the accurate historical representation of the lives of the poor in 1800s London and the class division struggle that Scarlett and the Duke faced throughout the book.

My wish for the book would have been to give more background about the Maidens of Mayhem. I was curious how it started, how each woman got involved, and some of the inner workings of the society.

For the full review, visit https://allieboed.wixsite.com/literallybookedsolid

I loved the concept, mystery and main characters. But the overall writing style really didn't work for me. By the time I hit 50%, I was actively skimming for dialog and action that moved the plot forward. Each character's inner commentary could have been cut by about 30-40% and still got the same point and intent across. While I liked both characters (and finally a duke who actually uses his position to do whatever he wants), I didn't really understand their attraction let alone feeling they were in love.

I love the idea of a strong secret sisterhood set in Regency London. This is a great romance to recommend to readers who enjoy the Regency era romances, but appreciate a more modern take.

3 stars

Duchess If You Dare, billed as a Regency era Robin Hood story, tries valiantly to provide readers with a new and exciting take on historical romance. However, as much as it is advertised as being different from the pack, this book hits pretty much the same tropes that we have seen over and over again.

I'm not mad about it - I just wish we had actually gotten to delve deeper into everything in this story. The idea that four women are trying to solve crime on the streets of Victorian England is a good one, but we only get to see one of those women really do anything. The biggest selling point of the book is the strong female characters and yet we don't get to delve into that world at all. There was definitely a way to balance character building with the romance and we just didn't get enough of that for my taste.

If you are looking for some historical romance as the weather gets nicer, this will still get the job done. I just wanted a little more than what this book had to offer.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zebra for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

I love Anabelle’s writing. I have read a lot of her stories and thought every one was great. That is why I feel bad giving this a middle of the road review. The premise of the story was so intriguing but as I was reading, I got bored. Nothing much really happened and things were repeated over and over. How many times was she going to go to Linie’s apartment? I wanted more of the Maidens of Mayhem. More interaction, more devising plots, more working together. Ambrose and Scarlett are nice enough characters although I did get annoyed with the whole class thing that they could not let go. We were never led to the villains. It was “here they are”. I hate that I did not like this book more since I love mysteries in stories.

This was simply... fine. It was entertaining enough that I was able to read it rather quickly, but I’ve read books with more twisted mysteries and more passionate romances. If my TBR pile was depleted, I’d borrow a copy of Duchess if You Dare from the library.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Very interesting how they deal with the issue of human trafficking. and at the same time they give us a beautiful love story.

Although the book is more than anything the love story between the protagonists, which by the way unfolds in an exciting way, the part about trafficking remains biased.
I feel that the author wanted to put this problem in the plot to give excitement and suspense, I succeed. I personally kept very restless waiting how to be solved the mystery.

It was a story that I enjoyed and read very pleasantly.