Sarah MacLean begins a new series, Hell’s Belle’s with a book about Sesily Talbot. If you have read other books by MacLean you will remember many of the background characters, even Sesily’s sisters have been matched in previous works. So long time reader’s will be thrilled to revisit their favorites. If you have not read any of the previous works by the author, never fear it isn’t necessary just be warned this book will have you going back and reading them all.

Sesily, nicknamed Sexily by the ton, is the only unmarried Talbot sister. At thirty she is firmly on the shelf and loving her single life. She has joined a group of women who protect others that evil mean have taken advantage of. They help women who have no where else to turn. However the one man that Sesily was ever interested in has returned to England from America. He is best friends with her sister and runs a business with her. Caleb has an annoying habit of turning up where Sesily doesn’t want him. Will he spoil the ladies plan to out a villain? Can Caleb and Sesily ever settle down together?

MacLean is a master of storytelling and world building. You must read all of her novels!

I absolutely adored this book. I’ve only read one Sarah MacLean novel previously, but I will definitely be reading more! This one focuses on a secret society of women who get vengeance on terrible people throughout London society, and it’s based on a real group of women criminals, which is incredibly cool. The romance is steamy and witty and an absolute blast to read. Can’t wait to check out the next Hell’s Belles!

So this book took me almost a year to read. I know. A year. What’s even more shocking about that is it didn’t take me a year to read because I hated it or something like that (I gave it 5 stars!!!) but because for the past year I have struggled to read historical romances. This one though reminded me why I love them.

I am going to say more, but I want to just leave this little quote here for y’all to get a taste:

“I should stop because you feel fucking glorious. Like a treasure to be thieved.”

I mean, really that should let you know how much you NEED to read this book! And the way he treats her and calls her a goddess? I melt.

Caleb and Sesily’s story is one I’ve waited YEARS for and it did not disappoint. The banter was phenomenal and for some reason I always worry the banter won’t keep up with the characters and I’m always proven wrong, Maclean knows how to write banter! The loyalty they have for one another is unmatched and is something I deeply resonated with. I never felt like the conflict was too contrived or unbelievable like I was expecting (plot twist, the reason they couldn’t be together was very different from what I originally thought) and the wait was worth the payoff.

Longing is the word I would use to describe the book. The longing they have for one another, the buildup, the devotion Caleb and Sesily had with each other before they even knew about the others feelings, and the passion is why I love this book so much. If there is one thing I love in a book, it is characters who long for one another and this delivers.

I cannot wait for Imogens book (I cannot BELIEVE she is making me wait for it!) and am so excited for Adelaide’s book that comes out in August!

*I received this ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily read this book. my thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me the chance to read an advanced copy!*

I had lots of fun here. This was my first by this prolific author and I loved it a whole lot. It was just what I needed and I’m so glad I read it. I am excited for book 2 and can’t wait for more from this author. I found it fun and loved the idea of girls being great rebels and causing havoc for the greater good. This was pure delight!

I saved this book for a rainy day, and it definitely delivered. Caleb is such a compelling hero. He’s fiercely loyal and protective, but mysterious about his past and his life in America. He also strikes me as something of a feminist, which is refreshing in a subgenre that often has heroes having to be convinced of the capability of their heroines. He’s built a life for himself, and he wants to be content, but he’s still tormented by what he thinks he can’t have (connection, vulnerability, protection).

Sexily (my phone autocorrected it and I’m not changing it lol) is less compelling to me. This might be because I haven’t read her sister’s book. But the best parts of her character, for me, were her friendships and family relationships. She has what everyone wants in a girl gang: loyalty, humor, and the type of support that also holds you accountable. The scenes with her family are less fleshed out, but completely adorable, and they show how full her life is despite her spinster status.

The Hell’s Belles plot is the main star of this book, and I found the romance to be less compelling than the disruption of the power structures in the Victorian gentry. The women’s missions are extremely important and very well executed, completely taking advantage of the place and power that wealthy, titled women had in that era. That’s why this is still a four star read for me, even though the romance felt a bit mechanical.

Sarah MacLean is still and always be an instant buy for me. I have some of her older titles put back on my doomsday shelf for the "Break in case of emergency" situation. Read this one for sure and stock up on older titles for that end of the world scenario.

I wanted to like this book so much. I really like Sarah MacLean's other stuff and all of the other sisters' book were really good. I'm not sure why this one didn't work for me but the plot just wasn't interesting. I will be back for more books by Sarah but maybe just not in this series.

The first half is centered around the push and pull of Sisley and Caleb's relationship. If you read her sisters' books, then you saw how much tension and longing they had. I really enjoy their relationship dynamic and banter. I was smiling and laughing the entire time. BUT THEN, suddenly the last like 30% took me for a RIDE. I was soo enthralled and completely invested. It honestly felt like a major plot twist. I did not see any of it coming at all. Mrs. Maclean is a storytelling GENIUS! I'll leave it at that because I want you to experience it for yourself. To note, it had all the heart pangs and swoon that I was looking for in a romance novel. Sisley is my queen!! She is everything that I love in a heroine.

Either historical romance isnt for me, or I just have yet to find a really good one. This was really boring, the characters had no chemistry and, honestly, it felt more contemporary than historical.

Sarah MacLean is an auto-buy author for me. Her books are a joy. Bombshell did not disappoint- the lead up to Sesily and Caleb’s love story was long and hard fought but they got a rock solid HEA. loved it!

Historical romance is a new genre for me, and I’m absolutely obsessed. When I saw this plot I knew it was a book I wanted to read and I’m so glad I did! Perfect for new fans of the genre

Finally Sesily and Caleb! I do love their banter and flirting with each other! Each other equals. This book had a lot of women power and the idea that because it how it is does not mean it how it should be. The world changes when there are brave people willing to make a difference. Sesily proved that if she wants it she can win it! I love her spirit and fire to be herself with no care of what others think! Caleb is a hero with a past but he couldn't stay away from our Sesily's charm! The beginning felt slow but it was building the foundation of a wonderful group and what they are capable of. Of course Caleb couldn't stay far from Sesily whether from duty or loyalty. Their chemistry burns and I love the Adventure we had with them. Great read. Can't wait to read the next installment.

Sesily and Caleb are fabulous characters. As part of MacLean's Hell's Belles series, Bombshell adds a new and delightful layer to the theme of a strong group of smart women who take on injustices against the weak.

Caleb Calhoun knows that Lady Sesily Talbot is pure trouble—so why can’t he manage to get his best friend’s sister out of his head? Caleb knows he should steer clear of Sesily and her scandals, but when he fears she’s wandering too close to danger he can’t help but step in.

Let's talk about Sesily f*cking Talbot—goddess, mastermind, bombshell. I have been looking forward to Sesily's romance since we first met her and I loved getting to see her in all of her brilliant, vulnerable, sharp-tongued glory in Bombshell. This first book in the Hell's Belles shows how strong the bond is between Sesily and her friends, and that focus on friendship made it such a joy to read.

Caleb was equally delightful in his pining for Sesily and his growth towards realizing that he should be fighting alongside her and not simply trying to protect her.

MacLean never fails to deliver a knockout romance, and fans of the genre are sure to devour this gem.

Absolutely love Sarah MacLean! Was so excited for this new series, and she did not disappoint. I loved this book. It’s witty, sexy and fun like its heroine. I am excited for other books to come and Sarah MacLean always wins.

Sarah Maclean had me hooked right from the prologue, and Bombshell turned out to be a wonderful read for me full of exciting elements. I really liked both characters, especially the female character, Sesily. The dynamic between both characters was fun, but also very steamy. There was really never a moment throughout the book where I felt bored, the dialogue was also very entertaining and witty.

Finally, the story of Sesily Talbot and Caleb Calhoun, who readers first got to know in The Day of the Duchess. Bombshell is not only a romance loosely enemies-to-lovers; it’s also about 4 powerful women (and the whisper network of many more) who use their intelligence, talents, money & connections to destroy despicable men (from the aristocracy down to the lowest-born). At a time when women had no rights and men could treat their wives abominably (since they were legally considered their husband’s property), women needed subversive ways both to protect themselves and to mete out vigilante justice; thus the Hell’s Belles were born.

MacLean has masterfully written another winning romance filled with mystery, danger and intrigue. Long gone are the days of the bodice-rippers where women were passive and men were possessive. Authors like MacLean, Lisa Kleypas, Eloisa James and more have ushered in a new era of historical romance in which female protagonists wield their power and live out loud, supported by the men who love them.

In Bombshell, readers will see parallels with the toxic masculinity of today in which men resort to violence when they feel their position and power being threatened by classes of people they feel are beneath them. In this case, the biggest villain, Viscount Coleford, has spent 18 years seeking vengeance, and Queen Victoria’s ascension to the throne was the further excuse he needed to escalate his attacks on women. Sesily and her gang’s plans to expose his nefarious deeds take on an urgency when she realizes that both she and Caleb are in his crosshairs.

MacLean’s fans, who have long awaited this couple’s story, will be thrilled to see their romance blossom while learning about a past Caleb has closely guarded and the lengths he’s gone to protect Sesily. Theirs is truly a partnership of equals who play to their strengths while allowing themselves to expose their personal fears and weaknesses without judgement. The other Talbot sisters feature prominently, and it’s wonderful to catch up on their lives and growing families. Although this can be read as a standalone, reading The Rogue Not Taken and The Day of the Duchess first will provide the Talbot sisters’ background. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I loved this book! I love Sesily so much and I missed this world and the characters so much! I loved that Sesily was so kick ass! I loved her romance and undeniable chemistry with Caleb! I loved the family dynamics with her sisters, and I loved that we got to see her family all over again! I highly recommend reading her previous series Scandal and Scoundrels first, because you get to view her other sisters, as well as get a different view of Sesily and her funny, wild ways! Maclean really knows how to write really fun, hot and sexy historical romance novels! I cant wait to read the next books in this series!

Sarah made me fall in love with historical romance. This proves exactly why that is. I love everything about her writing and stories. She has a way with her writing that makes me feel every single thing.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced her role as London high society’s most scandalous lady, if she can even be called a true lady given her father’s common origins. She enjoys the freedom that comes with being older, wealthy, and already of dubious reputation. Seeing her lure a man into a darkened garden is nothing memorable to the eyes of the ton, and none have realized that her supposed trysts aren’t all they appear to be.

Except Caleb Calhoun, who sees much more than he should of the truth of his best friend’s lovely and rebellious sister. He’s impressed with himself for resisting his connection to Sesily for the past two years, especially considering the clearly interested looks and blatant invitations she gives him each time they meet.

But Caleb was most successful at resisting Sesily when there was an ocean separating them. Now he’s back on English shores and someone must try to protect Sesily from the risky endeavors she undertakes late at night. Caleb is hopeful that such time spent with Sesily will be enough to get her out of his system, once and for all, but it rapidly becomes clear that will never happen as Caleb realizes Sesily is a forever type of woman, and that sort of future remains woefully out of his reach.

I have quite a mix of feelings about this book, so as per usual when this happens, beware you may encounter spoilers below as I get my thoughts out, though I’ll try to remember not to.

I have been looking forward to this book for quite a while and putting off reading it for the same reason. When hopes and expectations are high, the standard can sometimes be impossible to meet, or we set ourselves up for a letdown. That was the case here in some respects, but not in others. For the first half-two thirds of this book, I just wasn’t that into it. Sesily, and at times Caleb too, just annoyed me. I found them arrogant and not that likable and I was annoyed by having the feminist aspects of the book shoved down my throat. For me, romance itself is feminism and empowerment, so I don’t need or want so much of a clear agenda in my book, especially when it makes me feel like I’m reading a modern contemporary romance rather than the escapist period piece I’m after. I think part of my annoyance stems from the fact that this agenda has been pushed so hard recently in nearly every book I’ve read that I’m just sick of it, especially when I didn’t need it reiterated to me in the first place and it just feels like preaching to the choir.

Besides that, I found Sesily off-putting because of her arrogance and the high opinion she had of herself and her good looks. She was very aware of her nickname as “sexily” and the fact that she could have anyone she wanted. In fact, the main reason she was so interested in Caleb, at least at first, was because she thought he had no interest in her. This just made her seem like a spoiled child to me, definitely not a mature and intelligent woman of 30, and boy did she ever emphasize her age, maturity and independence every chance she got. Her confidence and supposed empowerment for me just came off as obnoxious arrogance and poor decision making under the guise of bravery and independence. Most times, Sesily was cutting off her own nose to spite her face, as the saying goes, which is rather the story with much of the feminist movement itself over the years really.

This is probably just a weird quirk of mine, but the descriptions of both Sesily and Sera as beautiful women who are well aware of their beauty and who use it to get what they want just emphasizes stereotypes of women using their looks to manipulate men, which just breeds disdain. Anyway, the number of times Sesily mentions knowing she looks fabulous, and she can’t fathom why Caleb wouldn’t want her makes it hard to believe or relate to her insecurities about his rejection. It also makes her seem rather small-minded that she for quite a while there she really can’t think of much of anything beyond looks and physical attraction/desire. Sesily is a weird combination of worldly and incredibly naïve, so it was often hard to figure out where she was coming from, much less where she was trying to go.

I liked the concept of this book, I’m just unsure of the execution. A lot of this narrative rapidly fell into a repetitive enumeration of all the reasons Caleb and Sesily can never be together, and this was perpetuated by both Sesily and Caleb. Several times he calls her combative and accuses her of viewing everything as a battle even when it isn’t, and it is hard to disagree with him. For his part, Caleb was very preoccupied with his past and his secrets and when this was matched with Sesily’s immaturity and quickness to fall into a sulk (much too often for a grown woman who loves to emphasize just how grown up she is), I got a little frustrated. At this point in the book, a plot device that is just a pet peeve for me was deployed and I nearly threw the book, it just felt like such a cop out and unnecessary.

By the time we got more details of why she is the way she is, and why he’s so resistant to her advances, it was very nearly too late for me to care. Thankfully, things turned around in the nick of time for me and I actually really liked the bravery Sesily began to demonstrate. She was brave enough to tell Caleb her feelings, even knowing the difficulty they faced due to his unique circumstances. I somehow wound up loving their teamwork and her refusal to give up when he could see no way out. Caleb could see only one way to protect Sesily and he was too blinded by his need to keep her safe to see any other options. This is where Sesily’s strength and ingenuity finally, finally got a chance to shine and I’m glad I stuck it out to get to that point, even if it was a long time coming. Sesily and Caleb truly met each other halfway in the end and I’ll never not be a sucker for a couple who works together as a real team to fight some sort of outside force. For me, the first 60-65% of this book was very much not working, but the last 30% or so of the story saved this book for me and I will look forward to the next book in the series.

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