Adelaide is the protagonist and a member of the Hell’s Belles, an underground gang of women doing their best to make the world they live in a better place, especially for the marginalized & unprotected. Adelaide is a master thief/former South London pickpocket, but she has lived amongst the Ton for years under an assumed identity. She resides with her best friend, the Duchess of Trevescan (can NOT wait for her book).

Unbeknownst to society, Adelaide is the notorious figure known as The Matchbreaker. She rescues women from situations where they feel forced into marriage in a time when women had very little agency. When she is called in to break up the impending marriage of the Duke of Clayborn’s brother, that’s when the story really starts to spark. Adelaide & the Duke find themselves on a road trip to the young couple before they make it to Gretna Green to get married.

The story that unfolds is a road trip adventure where the reader gets to watch these two closed off, stubborn people find each other. It’s really beautiful. This book is a romance novel, so it seems a little on the nose to say that it’s romantic, but dang… it is really romantic.

I have to be honest and say that the heat level in this one was a little too much for my personal taste, but the story and character development were so good, it didn’t truly bother me. I absolutely loved the female friendships on display throughout this book. That was a huge highlight for me. And no spoilers, but the symbolism of the puzzle box as a metaphor for their relationship was sheer perfection.

My favorite quote:
“I’d like to see you wearing the beauty of the morning.”
(See what I mean? So freaking romantic!)

What can I say about Adelaide and Clayborn!! I have waited to read their sorry and it did not disappoint. The love that they show each other is incredibly beautiful. I loved the fact that they are considering each other equals and that they journey that they go through makes them closer. They also are able to face their fears together. I loved this book.

Heartbreaker is hands down my favorite Sarah MacLean novel. It was so, so, so good. Adelaide and Henry are so well crafted and so well matched. The opening scene is exciting and delicious. The chase to Gretna Green is invigorating and a great plot device.
The intimacy and trust is *muah* (chef's kiss). Every scene is intentional and pulls the plot forward and develops there characters. I never felt like there was a random, gratuitous scene thrown in to meet some 'sex scene' quota. Loved this one from cover to cover.
Thank you so much Avon & Netgalley for the ARC!

Here’s the thing, I love all of Sarah MacLean’s books (that I have read, apparently, there is 1 I have yet to read) and I love all of her FMCs and MMCs but I have a sneaking suspicion that Henry, Duke of Clayborn and Adelaide Framption (aka Adelaide Trumbull, cutpurse queen of Lambeth aka The Matchbreaker aka one of Hell’s Belles) might just rank as my all time favorite MacLean pairing. This book was so romantic and hit some of my very favorite tropes (a scandalous lack of beds in England, I am SHOCKED to find out!) but with a plot that was so tightly woven and a whole cast of characters that lent so much depth and body to this book. But aside from all of that, it was the beautiful romance between Henry and Adelaide that sealed it for me, the way he just LOVED her, ALL of her, and saw her, all of her, and wanted her, exactly as she was. And the way she kept trying to save him from herself and all he ever wanted was just her, only her, all of her.

MORE Hell’s Belles!

I’ve read about 20 of this author’s books—all well worth reading and one of my favorite writers. This one was full of non-stop action with an atypical plot. This is the second in the Hell’s Belles series. This group of aristocratic women act as vigilantes for women who are unable to help themselves. In book 2, Adelaide is rescued from the slums by a duchess in this group and helps continue their work for 5 years. She meets up with the Duke of Clayborn (Henry) on one of her jobs and they start their antagonistic adventures.

I loved that this group of powerful women were able to perform services to bring high ranking men down who deserved it and more. It’s still hard for women to fight for their rights to this day. Adelaide believed she was living her best life until she met Clayborn and he helped her believe in herself as a woman. The duke had secrets he kept only to himself until he got to know Adelaide. My favorite quote of Henry’s is “without you, I’m nothing. …love is all there is. All that matters”.

Henry and Adelaide’s love scenes are touching and steamy. They burn up the book. Loved it.

I received an advance copy of this book for my honest opinion.

I love Sarah MacLean's London and the Hell's Belles aren't an exception. I was so excited to get this ARC! This story picks up with Addie, a mysterious member for the vigilante girl-gang. It was fun to imagine the women fighting back against the evil in Mayfair. Throw in a mysterious Duke and a one bed trope? Sold. Addie and Clayborn's banter and rivalry was very entertaining through the first have of the book. I like the building up of their romance as the characters started to share the secrets from their pasts. I only got a little put off by Addie's redundant lack of self worth by the end. Otherwise, it was a great book!

Although this book was good, I think I'll go feral when Imogen and Tommy's book comes out, PLEASE BE NEXT!

I always love everything Sarah MacLean writes, and her latest is no exception. The chemistry between the two main characters — a handsome duke with some regrets in his past and a criminal king’s daughter with just as many in hers — is sizzling as they play a clever game of cat and mouse to try to beat each other on a mission to Gretna Green (and not for their own nuptials). It’s delightful to read their thoughts and insightful dialogue as they solve the puzzle of each other’s character and learn to overcome their past hurts in order to try to make room for a future together. This book also contains delicious forced proximity and a sexy only one bed scene. I love s book where the heroine is smart, strong and a little bit morally grey!

I loved this book!!! Sarah Maclean is a fantastic author who writes wonderful books. This was a great addition to the series and I very much enjoyed this book!!. I can't wait for the next book in this series!!!

Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins Publishing, and Sarah MacLean for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

SARAH MACLEAN IS THE HISTORICAL ROMANCE QUEEN. Honestly, how does every new book she puts out become my new favorite?! I am OBSESSED with the Duke of Clayborn.

Duke of Clayborn >> Duke of Hastings

This book had pining, man falls first, STEAM, and fast paced action! I can’t wait for the next one! Imogen & the Detective are for sure going to have an EXPLOSIVE 😏 book 💕


Some of the Duke’s quotes:

“Someday, Adelaide Frampton, you are going to realize that you are absolutely impossible to miss.”

“You are all of those things,” he allowed. “But you are also…” aHe paused, searching for the proper description. “…Christ, there is nothing plain about you. You are…magnificent.”

I find myself barely capable of writing a coherent review of this novel, wanting instead to be breathless and emphatic in my enthusiasm. Let's just be clear: SARAH MACLEAN DOES NOT MISS. She proves time and again that she is an absolute powerhouse in the realm of historical romance, and the Hell's Belles series is possibly her best work to date. I was a huge fan of BOMBSHELL, but HEARTBREAKER blew it out of the water (though perhaps I should save the explosive metaphors for Imogen's book...). Adelaide is a heroine you can't help but to love, and Henry is everything you could want in a hero. If you're looking for a high-stakes, fast-paced romance with lots of action and even more steam, you need this book. Every aspect of this novel is catnip: two extremely competent, unbelievably stubborn people doing increasingly dangerous stuff in order to protect the other one, all while swearing up and down that of course they don't need protection themselves. Masterfully deployed 'there's only one bed' trope, as well as some impeccable hurt/comfort / bedside vigil goodness. I already cannot wait to reread!!!

This was a delightful, fun, steamy story about opposites attracting in the best of ways! Henry, Duke of Clayborn, is trying to keep family secrets while helping his younger brother marry the girl he loves but all his plans go sideways when Adelaide Frampton turns up. She defies him at every turn and not only works to learn his secrets, but keeps secrets of her own. The two clash at every opportunity yet work well together when needed in the perfect enemies to lovers collaboration- especially since the enemies part is more about opposing methods than goals. Both need to be in charge, both are used to having their own way and both are used to protecting others as they work toward their goals- now they have to figure out how to work together for goals larger than the happy marriage of Henry's brother.

Such a great book! I enjoyed the fast paced action, the multi-layered goals disguising secrets hiding other goals as Adelaide and her group of Hell's Belles fight the powerful men harming innocents in London by whatever means necessary. And I loved how Henry accepted their abilities and their goals instead of telling Adelaide she can't so anything. The two sizzle together while denying their attraction and absolutely earned all the buzz I've been hearing about this book before reading it. I'll definitely be going back to read book 1 in the series while waiting for the next book to come out!

A can't miss book for romance readers looking for a delightful escape!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

3.5 stars/rounded up. Heartbreaker is the second book in Sarah MacLean’s Hell’s Belles series. I adore this author and have read all of her series now, while this Hell’s Belles series hasn’t really been my favorite, I did enjoy this addition more than I did the first book Bombshell.

Basically, the Belles are on a mission to keep a certain lady safe. The heroine Adelaide is an important part of the mission and when said lady elopes to Gretna Green with her betrothed, Adelaide follows. The lady’s betrothed is the brother of Henry, the Duke of Clayborn, and he gets involved as well to ensure his brother is okay. Eventually Clayborn and Adelaide join forces to work together.

Adelaide is the 26-year-old daughter of Alfie Trumbull, her father built himself a small empire and is the head of the Bulls, a gang of thugs and thieves. Growing up Adelaide learned the ways as well and became the “princess of thieves”. Her father tried to marry her off 5 years ago but her wedding turned into a turf war instead and Adelaide used that time to escape. She’s been working with the Duchess and the rest of the Belles ever since. Adelaide has always thought herself unremarkable and uninteresting, which has helped with her thieving and sneaking about since she’s able to go unnoticed.

MacLean always delivers on very feminist historical romances, the girl power is strong with the Belles. I adored the close proximity we get in this romance, Henry and Adelaide spend SOO much time together alone and I always eat that up. We also get a roadtrip, sharing a room, only 1 bed, action, adventure, the hero falling first, caretaking/nursing back to health, banter, crashes, a highwaywoman, a puzzle box, a letter, secret identities, family secrets, and so much more! I do think the beginning was excellent, I lost a little bit of interest in the middle, but then I was back on board towards the end! I did enjoy the romance in this one, more so than I like all the action and Belles time. The setup for the next couple though already sounds like a blast.

Thank you to the publisher (Avon Books) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. Heartbreaker has a publish date of August 23, 2022.

When we end the first chapter with a brawl in a church you know the story is going to be Sooo Goood!

Upon finishing Heartbreaker my first thoughts were
This was Brilliant! Everything I could have possibly hoped for... and so much more! The characters just jump off the page, and I love every single one of them... at least out of the good guys lol. They left me with all the feels and a smile on my face.

Adelaide is leading Henry on a merry chase as they hunt down Henry's brother and his fiance, and boy was the chase so satisfying. Different Inns, which only ever have one bed... and some very explosive chemistry. This story had me both laughing out loud and swooning.

I love Henry and Addy together! While she sees herself as largely invisible, which works in her favor for the work she does helping others, Henry really sees her. and every little tidbit he finds out intrigues him more.

I have read if not all, then a major good portion of Sarah Maclean's books, and Heartbreaker has jumped to one of my all-time favorites!!! I CAN NOT wait for the next book!

The next in the "Hell's Belle's" series from Sarah MacLean does not disappoint. This historical romance is full of secrets, passion, and adventure. Adalaide and Clayborn have sizzling chemistry and a great plot that follows their journey to protect Clayborn's brother. The feminist take on historical romance is a refreshing change of pace. There are steamy scenes and wild adventures to be had in this book. Fans of MacLean's "Bombshell" won't be disappointed.

Heartbreaker was such a fun book. I loved Adelaide and Henry, both individually and as a couple. Adelaide was strong and clever, always thinking one step ahead. Henry was a bit of a dum-dum at times (dude, at least cover your crest), but he meant well, and he would do anything for those he loves. I enjoyed the running jab on his boxing experience at school.

Overall, Heartbreaker was great. The story flowed well and passed at a great pace. The characters were interesting and made me want more of their stories. I can't wait for the next book!.

Wow wow wow. I cannot stop thinking about this book, and I read it almost two weeks ago. This is now my favorite MacLean, and I do not say that lightly. The chemistry is amazing. The world-building superb. The spice is breathtaking. It’s the best romance I’ve read all year.

I have never finished a book and immediately wanted to start reading it again. Sarah Maclean really knows how to write about love, vulnerability, and how family can come in all shapes and sizes. She gets us out of London for this story and we spend a majority of our time on the road or on the south side which adds a different flavor to the story. We spend a large amount of time with our lead couple, Adelaide and the Duke of Clayborn, and we learn of their secrets and desires along with them. We grow to love them as they learn to love each other. I want more of them both.

It is slow to start, taking 2 or so chapters to get going but by then, we are on fire. And I would like to see more on Adelaide's father. He is written with a very interesting and quick turn that seems to come too easily. There is also a side step to check in on Imogen and Tommy Peck. It's a little jolting and I honestly skipped over that chapter. Just give me more Addie and Henry.

Pick up this book and don't put it down until you reach the back cover.

LOVED this one. If you're a fan of dramatic declarations of love and men absolutely slavering after women, this one is for you. The romantic speeches were a bit excessive, but I didn't mind one bit. And truly excellent steamy scenes.

Heartbreaker

by Sarah MacLean

These books let me leave the stress of my life behind for a few hours. They are a great entertaining escape and this installment did not disappoint. Action, romance, and even some humor. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Sarah Maclean can never do any wrong with her historical romance. I have been waiting for this book for so long and it didn’t disappoint!! I loved it so much. But, now I can’t wait enough to read about the Imogen.