* Themes, imagery, and content may be a trigger for some readers. Discussion of physical abuse, rape, suicide, and death appear within the novel. Scenes depicting graphic violence/death also appear. they could be considered triggering to you, please take note.

The Bachelor Bargain, by Maddison Michaels. Oh wow! I can not say enough of how much I love this book. Maddison Michaels has written a splendid story of two lovers from different sides of the tracks. The author has given her readers a love story that has left a wonderful impact for my love of reading historical romance novels.
I was pulled in by the entertainment. The drama. The romance and the action. And let me say this, the action was wickedly awesome. I mean Livie, whose the love interest of Seb.
She was a beast with a cane. This woman is bold, fierce, brave, intelligent. I mean the list can go on on. Kate, her partner was the creator of said beast. Kate shares the same quality of skills that Livie masters with ease.
Seb, I mean the man is a rogue, whose powerful dominance and devil may care attitude was phenomenal. I absolutely loved his character. I can not say enough about this man. He literally ruled with an iron fist, but he loved and cared with the softest heart. Did I say the drama reads like a movie?
Well it did. I was totally glued to this book. From beginning to end the drama and action didn’t stop. Of course in between the flirting between Livie and Seb was a pleasure to read. It brought some good excitement to the book, which made the pacing of the book move with ease.
My fellow readers, I give this book this book two snaps and a twist. Until next time my my fellow readers… read on!

After the ruination and death of her friend, Lady Olivia Haliford is OVER IT. She's tired of the men of the ton using and stomping all over women, and the women being the only ones to pay for it. So, with two of her best friends, she sets out to expose them, starting with the mystery man who killed her friend, by publishing an anonymous news sheet and publishing all their dirty secrets. But she needs help, so she makes a deal with the Bastard of Baker Street himself, Sebastian Colver.

Admittedly, I did have a hard time getting into this book. The first half dragged a bit. But I did truly enjoy the 2nd half, when the mystery picked up and their characters and chemistry really developed.

I gave this book a chance but the approach seemed sooooo wrong. After reading first few pages, I knew I wouldn't really like it. And my gut feeling is always right when it comes to a book. I couldn't connect with Livie. She was hiding her suspicions about Alicia from her best friends who's gonna actually help her with her revenge for Alicia. How's that fair? Her friends already feeling guilty for not being able to prevent what happened to Alicia. Ugh! And then all of them decided to expose everyone's secrets. They came up with a revenge plan in name of saving women in that era. Are they that stupid? Or did they really wanted everyone to end up like them? They're not even thinking one second for the consequences for their action. It could be same as Alice or worse. The women are gonna be ruined and they're the one who's gonna suffer instead of the guys. I can't believe this. Ugh! The author could've tried a different approach. I'm done.

The Bachelor Bargain by Maddison Michaels is the First book in the Secrets, Scandals and Spies Series. This is the story of Sebastian Colver and Olivia Haliford.
Sebastian is known as the Bastard of Baker Street due to his reputation along with having the most notorious gambling den and the King of the Underground. Olivia is a society lady who is tired of seeing other ladies fallen victim to scandal, so along with her friends they plan to retaliate in their defense. This leads her to Sebastian to get his help which he only agrees if she will help sponsor his sister. Sebastian goal is to get his sister out of the dark underworld and into society. A bargain is struck between the two but they end up with more than they planed. Really enjoyed their story and I will be looking for more books by this author.

I received an ARC copy of #TheBachelorBargain from #NetGalley

This was an excellent period romance with lots of mystery tossed in. The characters were very well thought out and developed, and were very likeable except for the villain (of course). The plot kept me guessing who the villain was all they way up to the reveal. This is a definite must read.

The Bachelor Bargain is a very well-written historical that has an exceptional plotline. The characters' romance was so good. I really liked it.

The Bastard of Baker Street meets a lady. He is enchanted with her spunk and outspoken attitude. Even though they are destined to stay apart they are madly attracted to one another. The twists and turns and seeing the progress women's have made over time makes this book even more interesting.

This is quite a book! First off, the author has a way of sucking you right into the story line - and what a story line it is! Her writing style is easy, flowing and very descriptive. The characters of Olivia and Sebastian are well done with enough back story that I felt I got to know them a bit. Loved that Olivia has a disability but doesn't let it hold her back at all. She has a great wit and some good comebacks. This has a great mystery in it with twists and turns, some predicable but others that were quite clever.
There is a slow burn romance with one bedroom scene.
What didn't work for me was that these two characters are so independent I really did not believe their romance was anything other than lust. If I had to predict the future for these two, I don't see them being together long. That said, this is a fun ride and enjoyable story.
What I also didn't believe was the whole premise that these ladies were going to slander the men in society that had wronged women. Now this is a great idea but one that is hardly do-able because of the legalities attached with it. Even back in regency times, you wouldn't have been able to call someone out like they did without dire consequences to all involved.
Overall I do recommend this for being an entertaining read, with great characters and a great story line and strong writing.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review

This is a tough book to read for a feminist. I love books with quirky characters and interesting backstories - who doesn't? Both Sebastian and Olivia have very interesting backgrounds and are interesting characters. the book as a whole is really well written and the mystery did have some twists and turns (some I could see coming - some I didn't) The thing is - I really really felt the overwhelming sexism of the time - and I am not sure I was 100% behind how the author handled the scenarios she created.

Olivia is an independent spirit - set on avenging her friend's death and letting the world know who ruined her. She and her other friends plan to launch a scandal sheet that brings to light the terrible things some men of the ton have done - so that they can pay in the court of public opinion for their sins. She seeks out Sebastian as a financial backer. Sebastian is the bastard son of a Duke - who sounds like he was just a real winner. It is strongly suggested that Sebastian's mother was raped by the duke - but it isn't explained in detail.

Both Sebastian and Olivia both blame themselves for the deaths of their mothers. They have lived vastly different lives though. Sebastian worked his way up from nothing to basically own the streets of the rookeries and now basically runs and owns 1/2 of London. Their relationship is fiery and complex - but also somewhat predictable (I know it is romance so things are always somewhat predictable - but even in romancelandia their love story is not all that unusual).

The bulk of the book boils down to making sure people get what they deserve. This is a complicated thing - because often in getting revenge, you make more enemies.

So here are the things that bothered me:

A lot of the book focuses on how the men of the ton are ruining women and not being shamed for it. This is 100% accurate - but I am not sure that outing them as behaving badly would really have impacted them that much. Particularly if they are wealthy and titled. Mostly - the women they "ruined" would have been blamed for their own situations. So would outing them really have the desired effect? The financial straights or harming other men - maybe - but I am not sure about the ladies side of thing.

Also - how was the gazette going to out the bad behavior of men - without making the situations of the girls they ruined worse. Slander is a real thing and was serious business even at the turn of the century (maybe even more than now) - to which the ultimate defense is truth - but if I was one of the men profiled - the first thing I'd do would be to sue. To prove the truth, they'd need to parade the victims of their bad actions in front of the court which would force them to be identified and share their situation. I am doubtful many of the women would do that.

Finally - the concept of a woman being "ruined" by a man - was one of the things that always haunts historical romances. It is a truism of the eras (even now slut shaming is so common). The core females in the book are worried about the men who have ruined the women and left them to their shame - they want to make sure the men pay for their crimes. Again, understanding the morals of the time and the people who lived it,

I did love however the setting in Victorian London - I loved Sebastian's honesty about his own character and life. I also really did like Olivia - I just wish maybe she and her friends had considered some of the possible outcomes of their work on their tell-all-publication.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Such great chemistry between Livie and Seb. I loved how Livie stands up for herself and won't take any sh*t from anyone especially The Bastard of Baker Street. Loved the atmosphere of the London setting and the whole cast of characters especially the Dragon Duchess and Charlotte. Such a fun, hot read. Looking forward to more from this series!!

I am newer to reading historical romance and have been looking for new authors to try. I'm so glad I picked up the Bachelor Bargain!

Olivia and Sebastian's were interesting characters. Olivia is smart and strong and wants to expose the secrets of some of society's bachelors. In order to do so, though, she needs to make a deal with Sebastian.

Their story brings romance, mystery, and suspense together really well in a story that is hard to put down. The plot moves at a good pace but doesn't feel rushed. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this enticing read. To start I must say that I found the storyline fresh and fun. I can't say that I've never read anything else like it but it is not a concept that is overused either. Very quickly I was completely invested an consumed by this well written tale and its wonderful characters. I simply adored Olivia and Sebastian!! Opposites in so many ways but so totally perfect for each other, these two are going to steal your heart and leave you swooning. The smartly crafted blend of emotion, drama, suspense, action, heart and romance was pure perfection and entirely to potent to resist. I loved it and am so looking forward to enjoying more from what looks like to be a clever and utterly delightful series.

Loved it!! I am a huge fan of historical romance novels and this book was awesome! A fresh take on historical romances as well. This is a new author for me and I will definitely be reading more from her!

ho doesn’t love a feisty heroine as Lady Olivia Haliford as decided she’s changing her life. Her father the Duke and her brothers are very proactive of her, her limp, her disability after she was injured in a carriage accident that killed her mother. She’s headed into London’s East End to save abused woman who live in the Rookeries and she hopes to get information to find her friends murderer. She tangles with Sebastian Colver the Bastard of Baker Street, she approaches the King of London’s underworld to strike a deal. Sebastian see a beautiful, stubborn willful young woman, one he can’t help but be attracted to. He keeps saving her from murder and mayhem as she goes about his Rookeries seeking information and trying to save young abused woman. Olivia is on a mission and no one is going to stop her especially arrogant Sebastian. A great mystery, intrigue and romance story as these two personalities tangle, their passions rise, but can never be a Duke’s daughter and a bastard from London’s East end. Will their love be enough to save them? Will her family understand Olivia is stronger than they imagined? I love the interaction between them its make an excellent story I’m voluntarily reviewing.

Lady Olivia Haliford believes her friend has been murdered. She wants revenge and wants one of the most notorious men in England to help her achieve it. Sebastian Colver, aka the Bastard of Baker Street, is the only man Olivia will accept being her silent partner in a new publication in which she will expose the secrets of the most horrific men of the Ton. After her relentless pursuit of his purse, Sebastian caves to her brilliant mind and delectable curves. Nothing can ever work between the bastard son of a duke and an honorable duke’s daughter. Or can it?

Maddison Michaels has sucked me into this new series with an explosive start. She gives us lust and romance, mystery and murder, as well as unshakable friendships that go beyond death. While I go into most romance novels knowing I will get a happily ever after, this one scared me to death. Could our author bring these characters together just to keep them forever apart?

These characters had so many challenges, it was almost impossible to predict where it all would end. When both characters are wanted dead and more than one villain is lurking in the shadows, things were more than a bit tense for 339 pages. Micheals makes the journey worth it. Olivia is a spitfire who isn’t afraid of anything except maybe falling in love with killer with an infectious personality. Sebastian is a man on a mission to keep control of his empire, but be kind to those who deserve it. As I turned the pages, these imperfect individuals became the perfect match. When you reach the last couple of chapters and everything begins to fall into place, you will realize the perfection of Micheals new world of Secrets, Scandals, and Spies.

I received The Bachelor Bargain for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

3 stars

I liked the start of this book, though I was sceptical that a victorian lady would attend a funeral even of her friend. My great grandmother left explicit instructions that no female was to attend her funeral. Olivia is an interesting character, guilt ridden because the delay in setting off from home in bad weather led to her accident and the death of her mother and irrepressible as she wasn't going to have her disability hold her back. We are introduced to her friends, her brother and her godmother. Sebastian was the archetypal bad boy that's led a difficult life and done awful things to keep he and his mother safe. The passion is just kisses for the majority of the book. My reservations are that most of the solutions to the problems happen off screen and seem a bit twee and easy. The villain was an interesting placement and I didn't twig this until near the end of the book though I was correct in Alice's murderer. I couldn't reconcile my disgust in Sebastion's behaviour in the tourture and brutality that he inflicted on his mothers attacker. He also promises Livia godmother not to ruin her and then almost immediately starts an imtimate relationship. I'm not sure I'll bother with the rest of the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was fortunate to be gifted an ARC of The Bachelor Bargain by Maddison Michaels for an honest review. Where do I start? Reminiscent of the The First Wives Club, the story begins with a pact to destroy men but, unlike the aforementioned movie, these strong women plan to punish bachelors who seduce and discard young socialites, ruining them for marriage.
Maddison paints the picture of Victorian society so clearly, I soon found myself lost in the pages and carried along with the adventures of the heroine, Lady Olivia and her naughty but nice leading man, Sebastian. I read the novel in one sitting, unable to drag myself away as Livia and Sebastian’s relationship builds to a very satisfying climax. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading many more from this talented author.

Olivia and Sebastian were likable enough characters, for most of the story, but the side characters were mostly filler. I did like where the story was going, however, I felt the villain was lackluster, and honestly not in the least bit terrifying. I didn’t feel the danger, or anxiety, expected of the situation. That last 30% sped by so quickly and felt rather rushed and anticlimactic. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Sebastian and Olivia – and in the end I didn’t feel that rush of giddy exuberance, or sense of accomplishment, you get from time we’ll spent completing a great book.

The Bachelor Bargain by Maddison Michaels is book one of her “Secrets, Scandals, and Spies” series and is a historical romance featuring some of my favorite tropes including forbidden love and villain gets the lady. The story features two of my favorite character types, strong women and a glorious antihero. The story is set in London 1885 and does have some possible trigger’s (see end of review).

Lady Olivia Haliford, the Duke of Beresford’s daughter is fed up with Society’s most eligible bachelors walking all over the women of society, breaking hearts and ruining women, then walking away unharmed. After one of her closest friends is ruined and then found dead, Olivia is done. She is ready to fight back! In order to do so she will need money and fast, who better to approach than a man with money to burn who also is one who doesn’t bend to society’s whims or care what people think of him. Who better than the Bastard of Baker Street, a man who is feared throughout London, a man who will also enjoy seeing society’s bachelor’s pay their due.

Sebastian Colver, known as the Bastard of Baker Street, is feared throughout London as the city’s most notorious gambling den owner and undisputed king of the underground. He is a man who needs nothing, loves no one, and just dares you to try and double cross him. Society doesn’t exactly accept him but they don’t dare to shun him. When he finds himself being forced into a meeting by a beautiful angel who is the most daring Lady he has ever met. He is intrigued to say the least. After agreeing to be Lady Olivia’s silent partner in her endeavor—he quickly figures out that there isn’t much he wouldn’t do for the enchanting vixen. He will claim her. He will protect her. He will draw her out of her shell. He may even seduce her. He might even find himself liking...loving her. I mean what could go wrong?!? 😉

Romance/Heat: The lust between Olivia and Sebastian takes on a slightly slow burn through much of the story. There is only one on page bedroom scene in the story, but a couple heated kissing and groping sessions are also portrayed. The overall heat level simmers around a midway point or a 3/5

The story has quite a few action/danger scenes but they do add to the overall story. There is also a bit of a mystery in the story that keeps you intrigued even if it was slightly easy to figure out. Overall, I found myself embroiled in the plot and flipping the pages quickly!

There are lots of supporting characters that I am eager to see if they will get their own books. A couple potential romantic pairings would be fun, particularly those of Lady Olivia’s friends with the fellow associates of Sebastian’s.

Last but not least, the couple gets their HEA ending against all the odds and the author was kind enough to give us a glimpse of their future! I love my epilogues!

4 Stars ~ Can’t wait for the next book!!


**Trigger Warnings: The Bachelor Bargain features themes, imagery, and content that may be triggering for some readers. Discussion of physical abuse, rape, suicide, and death appear within the novel. Scenes depicting graphic violence/death also appear. It is my hope that these elements have been handled sensitively, but if they could be considered triggering to you, please take note.**

The Bachelor Bargain is a fantastic start to this Secrets, Scandals and Spies series.

A captivating page-turner. It had it all - the feisty and determined heroine in Livie and the swoon worthy scarred tortured hero in Seb known as the Bastard of Baker Street and king of the underworld. Lots of gritty action, danger, excitement and passion.