Helena Montgomery takes drastic measures to support her younger brother and sister after the death of their parents. This is her sister's first season and must be a success. As one of the five women known as the Band Brigands, they rob coaches at night, and evenly split the profits to survive. What choice do they have except sell themselves as Haymarket strumpets. Sebastian, the Earl of Stratford is ready to find a wife. At first he is drawn to the younger sister, but when he waltzes with Helena he finds he is strongly attracted to her instead. Falling in love comes quickly, but if he discovers her secret all will be lost. Sebastian is very pompous and full of himself. I liked him, but at the same time he needed to be knocked down a peg or two. I admired Helena for what she had to do to protect her family. All five women had valid reasons for taking a dangerous way to get money.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

This story ticked off several plot points that I enjoy. Spinster, man courting said spinster’s sister only to realize it is the “other” sister that he really wants, and witty banter. What I really like about this story is that even though there was back and forth banter (which I totally dig), they realize their attraction and that they can not deny it for very long. One thing that did not sit well with me was the highwaymen aspect but Helena explains she thought she had no other choice. I could see where Sebastian could not handle it and was furious. You can’t blame him. They talked about it and resolved their situation. I very much enjoyed this story.

I enjoyed this story. Helena is a loving woman who has taken care of her siblings since the death of their parents. I won't write a spoiler! I will say every character is well developed and you'll cheer many of them on. Sebastian is a great hero, not afraid to go after what he wants. Sit back and enjoy!

So, I initially requested this book because the cover features a larger woman on the cover which I thought was gorgeous! However, while I get that the main character, Helena, is supposed to be a bigger woman, sometimes her descriptions don’t coincide with it. She is described as the same height as her sister who is lithe, but she “outweighs her by a stone”. This was a time where it was obvious the author is American. One stone is only 14 pounds. How is she supposed to be totally full-figured, voluptuous, bigger woman, but only weighs about 15 pounds more??

There were also some instances of grammar and formatting that appeared in the book (or at least the epub version I have). For example:

Chapter 7: “Bloody hell,” he muttered under her breath – obviously should be “she” not “he”.
Chapter 8: On the one hand, he suppose he had no one to blame for himself – the phrase is usually ‘no one to blame BUT themselves’
Chapter 13: Used the word “goal” instead of “gaol” for prison.
Chapter 13: “Harriet, there are matters that, it’s complicated.” – in this instance I think the author is meaning to use some dashes instead or even ellipses (“Harriet, there are matters that... it’s complicated.”)

Beyond the small mistakes and formatting, I really liked the story. I love a plus-size heroine and the diversity of characters as well (including POC is often left out of historical romance even for the friends and side characters! I hope Mina gets her story too!). The pacing was good, the plot was exciting, I just wish there had been a bit more clean-up before reading!

This is my first book by this author and I’m hooked. An exciting concept, five ladies form a group of thieves that become known as the Band of Brigands. These women are surviving and providing for their families the only way they know how. Helena is the only one left to provide for and protect her siblings. She joins her friends robbing coaches to feed her family and prepare let sister for her season. Their only hope is for Harriett to make a match. “She wasn’t a wallflower… she was more like a stem—plain and unremarkable and always unnoticed.” She never dreamed she would meet someone like the Earl of Stratford. An exciting, entertaining and charming store that’s keeps you wanting more. I am anxiously awaiting the next books in the series.

Where do I start? I really liked this one. I love stories where the mc suffers from low self esteem through no fault of her own - I can always relate with them.
And I like easy reads like this book. I don’t have anything negative to say about it. I hope there will be books about the other characters, too.

Helena Montgomery has been orphaned, left penniless, and now has to somehow give her younger sister a Season. Only a good marriage will save them now. Lord Sebastian Radcliffe seems like an excellent suitor for her sister - if only Helena didn't feel sparks in his presence! And how will he respond once he knows Helena has become a highwayman in order to support her family?

I loved the premise. I loved Helena. I LOVED this book. It made going to bed at a decent time completely impossible and I have no regrets! A plus-sized heroine...diverse characters who aren't just servants...steamy scenes...a deadly secret. This ticked every box for me. It's also on the shorter side for historical romance, which I appreciated (otherwise I'd have been awake past midnight lol) but you don't feel like you're missing anything. An excellent first book of what looks to be an excellent series.

This book’s main subject is the position of women of higher status in England and the paucity of choices offered to them when disaster struck. What to do when creditors are banging on the door and you need to take care of your siblings or family and have no education to do so?

This is what happens to Helena and four of her friends. They all need money. Desperately. So they decide to become highway-women. Or thieves. And à la Robin Hood, take from the rich to save themselves.

Added to this is a light romance with a gorgeous, authoritarian, arrogant hunk who becomes fascinated with Helena. It helps that he is rich as Crésus.

This was a very likeable romance, with good characters, enjoyable dialogues, a bit of suspense thrown in.

My only issue with the book is that I guessed what would happen right at the start, hence not giving me the full satisfaction I wanted.

If you like a good, witty, quick-paced romance, go for it. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange of my review.

Helena Montgomery is in need of money to support herself and her siblings, so she turns to robbing coaches with a group of her closest friends. However, when she falls in love with Sebastian, an earl, that becomes exponentially more difficult.

Firstly, may I shout this from the rooftops - I adored Helena. She is a tough and loving woman who is driven to go whatever she can to save her family. I thought Sebastian was a little blander than her, but I really liked their relationship and how devoted he is to her, almost puppyish. I also really liked the Lawless Ladies and would love to keep reading the series to find out what happens to them - already I have spotted several potential heroes!

I did think, however, that the black moment and the resolution of the story was a touch rushed, compared to the much longer build-up of the story. Sebastian comes to his realization remarkably quickly, though I am glad he was able to recognize his privilege.

Overall, an excellent, sweeyread with an unusual premise.

This is book 1 of a new series entitled "Lawless Ladies." Helena is your typical spinster who does not fit in with society. She is overlooked and ignored.. She cares for her family, especially her gorgeous sister Harriet. The hero, Sebastian, is a brutish alpha male in the best possible way. He thinks he knows exactly what he wants, until he realizes it is Helena.

The book starts off with a whirlwind of characters, introducing the Band of Brigands, and setting the plot for the series. I had to re-read the chapter to make sure I had each character correct and could move on, but from there the book took off.

This is going to be a series with great plots and fierce heroines.

Loved it! I have a soft spot for spinster romance, and even better if she is a witty and loveable character such as Helena. Tne Band of Brigands is also great, loved the interaction and how each lady has her own problems but each of them relies on each other to help. Harriet was on point as the clever young sister and helped out her older sister gain love the most adorable way. Sebastian was not so bad, I loved the fact that he was such a pompous brute-boar and that the couple always got on their nerves. But there were also those moments where they connected and were able to talk like civilized people. The twist at the end was well delivered and the angst kept me on my toes.

I love the Lawless Ladies! Each member of the Bandit Brigand has been dealt an unfair hand at life --- and with no other feasible options they turn to highway robbery to provide for themselves and their families.

Caring older sister during the day, ruthless criminal at night --- both sides of Helena's character are strong, determined, and extremely loveable.

Such an important discussion of the lack of opportunities available to women during this time period --- a point that even an arrogant, titled man of the ton can eventually come to realize.

Excited to read more of this series and learn more about the other women in this fierce pack!

I truly enjoyed this historical romance. Helena is a fighter and is doing what needs to be done to keep her family. She's been looked over by society because she doesn't fit. However, she has a plan and she's brave enough to make it happen.
Sebastian is privileged and looking for a wife. He sets his eyes on Helena's sister but soon realizes Helena is made for him.

They have a lot of differences but love can make it work or can it.
I loved the love story between Sebastian and Helena. A classic historical romance. The sex is also AMAZING!
I am down for the ride. I will be reading the rest of this series.

I'm quite sad that this book ended quickly, i kind of devoured it ....
The amazing thing about this book is that i wasn't impressed by the first chapter, there were so many characters and i had a hard time singling out the lead female, but then oh my god it went on wide strides!!
It turned out to be so fast paced, the characters, both female and male, were so likable and it was really hard not fall in love with them.
The author wrote some sweet, sweet love story, it was really perfect.
I enjoyed it tremendously.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review via netgalley and the publisher*

This was my first Elise Marion book I have read. I loved the way that the hero had to growl for the heroin to realize he was serious about her feelings. The side characters were loveable and very funny especially Felix, the heroes brother. I also really enjoyed the heroines group of friends and how they supported each other. The downside of this book was that it took a while for me to be interested and get into the plot.