This book is SO MUCH FUN! Adelaide is a legend to the women of London. To the upper crust of Mayfair, she's the anonymous Matchbreaker, who investigates marriage prospects on behalf of women and their families and then (as you can guess) spoils the engagement, one way or another. For the criminal class, she's the crime princess who got away. They don't know exactly where she is or what she's doing, but they know she's not used as a pawn in her kingpin father's games any longer.

The book is action-packed, starting with a chase through the slums of London (Adelaide is both hindered and aided by a "mysterious" man she recognizes immediately, the Duke of Clayborn) that ends with a kiss. Almost immediately after, Adelaide and Henry are off on another chase that soon turns into a road trip romance, complete with only one bed, highwaymen, and a dash of hurt/comfort.

This is totally a romance, but it comes with a side of found family, women helping women, and a touch of mafia royalty. It's a fun ride that will hit every button for the right reader.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

I really enjoyed this book about Adelaide and Henry. Adelaide is part of a group of friends that protect women from undesirable marriages. She pretends to be a quiet wallflower while scanning ballrooms looking to save women from marriages with the wrong man. She ends up following a couple because they are in danger. Henry, Duke of Clayborn follows along as he would like to stop the wedding as well. They begin a madcap journey across Britain where they are thrown together. Adelaide believes this uptight Duke, who tried to live a life of perfection, would even look at her as she was raised among notorious criminals. As they travel together and realize feelings are growing, they have to come clean with secrets and feelings they have for each other. I will be reading the rest of the Hells Belles books as I enjoyed this very much and Sarah MacLeans writing is spot on. I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Avon. All opinions are my own. Thank you

The Matchmaker—“How could anyone fail to notice her?”

From the depths of London’s South Bank to the ballrooms of Mayfair, Adelaide Trumbull has become a woman wth a mission. Daughter of the leader of the cutthroat gang, the Bully Boys, with tentacles throughout London, the ‘Princess of Thieves’ becomes Adelaide Frampton, invisible cousin and secretary to the Duchess of Trevescan.
She belongs to a group of women who are dedicated to helping others in situations of abuse, standing against lords who tyrannize their families, employ child labourers, everything, the worst of the worst a… “mysterious quartet of women who meted out justice to men who were too powerful for regular channels.”
Currently they’re trying to protect a young woman who witnessed her father murdering another Lord.
Adelaide is known as The Matchmaker. She compiles files on persons of interest for the group.
This time her plans are disturbed by Henry Carrington, the Duke of Clayborn, a man who really sees her, when others’ eyes pass her by. A man with his own secrets, secrets she’s about to uncover, even as she races against time to rescue Lady Helene, daughter of the Marquess of Havistock and it seems, Clayborn’s brother, Jack.
There’s definitely sizzling situations and heated moments as these two jostle for supremacy, but when they’re together, having to face down a common enemy, all that changes!
A wild read that just keeps on getting wilder!

An Avon and Harper Voyager ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I received an advance copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah MacLean has done it again. Her ability to create a feminist paradise in Regency era England with vibrant characters and magnificently willful heroines is unmatched. From the very first chapter of action-packed romance and mystery, I was hooked. Daddy dukes, delectable pleasure, and enviable friendships reign supreme in this Regency masterpiece. If you enjoy historical romance, Heartbreaker isn’t one to miss.

6/5 stars, absolute perfection in every way. I am a huge fan of Sarah MacLean and even still I was amazed at how much this exceeded my expectations. The chemistry and tension between Addie and the Duke was out of this world, next level. The SWOON FACTOR?! 11/10.

Only one bed, frenemies to lovers, a fantastic caretaking scene, and intimacy that shows a tentative trust that feels fragile but also bravely extended.

I adored this with my whole heart and soul.

4.5 Stars

Man, this book was a complete ride. The Hell’s Belles are at it again, and I love it! This heroine is definitely my favorite yet, and the Duke, goodness!

This book really kept me on the edge of my seat, not only because of the suspense aspect, but the push and pull between Henry and Addie just grabs you as a reader. Their banter alone is fantastic, but the sheer joy they get from competing and driving each other crazy is another level of fun for the reader.

This book will definitely have you swooning, it’s one of the most romantic books by MacLean I’ve read.

I absolutely want to know more about Imogen and especially the Duchess. Knowing that Imogen’s story is next was such a treat at the end of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this earc

This book was so good! I loved everything about it. The action, the relationships and the found family. Somehow book 2 had all the things book 1 was missing and that made me so happy. It was fun, steamy and full of heart. Definitely will be reading the next one.

The Duke was awesome and a perfect match for Addie. I liked how they were interested in each other before this book. The “History” between them made the relationship feel little less like instalove.

I love the support Hell’s Bells have for each other. It felt like true sisterhood and I am always here for it. But I also loved the fact that when in the end Addie goes back to her father, Bells makes sure to take the Duke with them because they understand how important it is to find your person.

But don’t forget the most important part. This book has a “one bed” trop as an ongoing joke!!!

MacLean's Hell's Belles series is pure reading fun. Her characters and plotting are so tightly written. I loved every page. Great comraderie too!

What else is there to say, but Sarah MacLean don't miss?? She is such a deft hand at writing modern sensibilities in a way that isn't anachronistic to the time period of her books, and that is really never put to better use than in the Hell's Belles series. Sesily and Caleb were the perfect transitional couple to kick off this new series, but now that we have a good sense of the group I am seriously on the edge of my seat in anticipation for the rest of the series. Also - not for nothing, but this book is maybe her sexiest? Do with that information what you will.

As I told my friend: Henry is a simp for Adelaide, and I am a simp for Henry being a simp. The dynamic here is SO good, and Sarah really excels at keeping the tried and true tropes fresh and exciting. And the setup for Imogen and Tommy? Stop. Stop. I literally can't wait, gimme gimmeeee.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins/Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great next entry into this series. I loved Henry and Adelaide together and I enjoyed glimpses into Adelaide's friendships. I really loved how much of the book the main characters spend together. I'm looking forward to Thomas Peck and Imogen.

Let me preface this by saying I am a hardcore Sarah MacLean fangirl so I knew going in that I was going to love this book. There was simply no other option. Of her entire backlist, there is only one book I haven’t read more than once and often enjoy in multiple different formats.

Being said, Heartbreaker has made its way into the top three favorite books by Sarah MacLean, right after the first two Barenuckle Bastards books and edging Nine Rules to Break when Romancing a Rake out of the third spot it’s held since almost the beginning.

Adelaide Frampton is, quite simply, a badass. Raised among criminals and trained to be the best cutpurse in London, a twist of fate turns her into a first-rate wallflower in London ballrooms. She’s so quiet and unassuming, it’s easy for her to assume the role of Matchbreaker, using gathered intel to break unwanted and undesirable matches within the Ton. And taking that information for use ruining men who think themselves above the law and retribution.

It is in the role of Matchbreaker that Adelaide finds herself going head to head with Henry, Duke of Clayborn. The two race toward Scotland, on the tail of Clayborn’s younger brother and the lady he intends to wed. A lady Adelaide has promised to protect and who holds vital information to take down a murderous peer.

Clayborn, for his part, is an upstanding member of the peerage who carries himself with dignity and holds everyone to high standards. He and Adelaide have bumped heads in the past and she’s got no time for his secrets, which keep putting him in her way.

This road trip romance includes a startling lack of beds, a feisty highwaywoman and her two strapping men, a semi-naked brawl, an amazingly hot chair scene (Thank you Sarah MacLean for my awkward new chair fetish), and a whole hell of a lot of girl power. It’s low angst, sizzlingly sexy, funny, and just the right amount of drama.

The Hells Bells are the feminist icons we need. They’re strong, fierce, independent, brave, loyal, and willing to put everything on the line to make the world a better place. I couldn’t have loved this book more.

I received an ARC for voluntary review.

Hurray for the return of The Hell’s Belles! This second book in the series takes readers on a journey with Adelaide Frampton, Hell’s Belle and the Matchbreaker, and her nemesis/love interest Henry, The Duke of Claybourn as they trek across England to try and track down a couple eloping to Gretna Green. Let me just say that those of you that enjoy the “Oh, no! There’s only one bed!” trope will love this installment.

Having met these characters in the first book in the series, Bombshell, and seeing the spark in their interactions I was SO EXCITED that the second book would feature them as the main protagonists. Heartbreaker starts out with a bang, introducing Adeliade’s backstory and giving readers a glimpse into how she became a vigilante for good and then immediately dropping her back into her old stomping ground where the notorious thief plans to break into her father’s warehouse to uncover information for the Belles. Along the way she encounters none other than Claybourne, who is there to recover something stolen from his family. Their race through Lambeth, evading Alfie’s men was an exhilarating way to start this romance.

It doesn’t take them too long to realize that they are chasing after the same couple. Adelaide has her sights on the bride, who needs protection and Claybourne is determined to help his brother marry the woman he loves. These two are adversaries, racing through the countryside, trading barbed banter and sly glances… until they fall into that lone bed and trade confessions about their past.

I think this book is one of the most romantic books that Sarah MacLean has written to date. These are two characters with complicated backstories, Adelaide’s is revealed early, but Claybourne’s is wrapped up in the mysterious puzzle box recovered from Alfie’s warehouse. But once they finally begin to trust each other and those secrets start to reveal themselves the chemistry between them quickly turns into intimacy and affection. Claybourne is definitely the protective sort, even though Adelaide has shown that she can more than take care of herself. There is even a sick bed scene where Claybourne is more worried about the bleeding Adelaide than his grievous wounds. *swoon*

I think what I loved the most was Claybourne’s unwavering belief in Adelaide, and that he accepted every part of her right from the beginning and wasn’t afraid to tell her over and over how dazzling and special he saw her. Oh, she tries to “save” him from her less than respectable past, but he will have none of it and reminds her that no matter what she’s all that he wants and he’ll take her in whatever way she decides. They have a swoony romance from beginning to end.

The rest of the Belles make appearances, and they are wonderfully supportive and loyal as always. But this book really does focus on the main couple with just minor appearances by the supporting cast. All signs point to Imogen and a certain detective inspector being the next couple featured in the series and I am 100% here for it.

I loved this sexy, charming romance and look forward to my next adventure with The Hell’s Belles.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am always thrilled to read Sarah MacLean’s books, and Heartbreaker is the most romantic book I have read from her so far. The way Henry and Adelaide’s relationship unfolds is romantic perfection. Henry is a duke with a flawless reputation. Adelaide is a thief raised with criminals. She now poses as a wallflower in ballrooms, secretly exposing the aristocracy’s dirty secrets and saving debutantes from horrible marriages. Henry and Adelaide slowly learn to trust each other with their darkest, deepest secrets. They find themselves racing to a wedding and opening their hearts slowly along the way.

Henry and Adelaide’s connection is instantaneous and ignites the page. What I loved most was as the plot developed, Henry became more and more open with his feelings. Henry was much more demonstrative with his burgeoning feelings toward Adelaide. Henry’s personality stole my heart. Adelaide is a fantastic character. She was raised in poverty and crime and is reborn into a breathtaking, fierce warrior for justice for those that usually escaped punishment. Henry and Adelaide are lonely and always emotionally closed off until they meet their match. The couple’s sensual connection was addictive and delicious to read!

The plot kept me fascinated by the amazing dialogue, characters, and love story. The secondary characters were integral to the plot and enriched it. Heartbreaker is the second book in the Hell’s Belles series. Sarah MacLean has outdone herself in writing a poetic, heart-pounding, fiery romance that enchanted me and stole my heart. Read the Hell’s Belles series; I guarantee Heartbreaker will play havoc with your emotions. By the end, you’ll be smiling. Thank you, Sarah MacLean, for writing such a gorgeous, engaging romance that I never wanted to end! I wait impatiently for Thomas and Lady Imogen’s story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is brilliant. I adored Adelaide and her quick fingers and quicker mind. I loved watching Henry wrestle with his family’s past and his own future, but always focus on what Adelaide needs to be safe - never standing in front of her but happy to stand shoulder to shoulder with her and her wild friends. And I loved seeing the Belles! (Tommy and Imogen are going to be… explosive - sorry not sorry!) I am doing to know more about the Duchess too…

TL/DR Review
Stars: Five (or a million) Stars
Series: Hell’s Belles Book 2
POV: Dual Third
Tropes: opposites attract, interclass romance, lady thief, roadtrip, forced proximity, pining
For Fans Of: Sarah MacLean? (Honestly though)
Theme Song: You and I by Ingrid Michelson
Subgenre: historic romance
CW/ TW: references to unplanned pregnancy, references to financial and food insecurity in childhood, some violence on the page

Thank you to the author and publisher for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Not your average historical romance and I’m okay with that.

Adelaide is part of the Hells Belles. A group of women leveraging their resources to take down men who mysteriously bypass laws and regulations in London. Adelaide grew up in Lambeth, a thief and cut purse, who made it out on her wedding day thanks to the Duchess. She runs into the Duke of Clayborn while stealing from her father and this sets of a chain of events that lasts throughout the rest of the novel. The Duke (Henry) is there to steal back a puzzle box containing a secret that he feels will ruin him and his chances to make a difference in parliaments. His character brought into question, which would prevent him from continuing to champion for reform.

I felt these two were well matched and loved the amount of page time they had together. Lately, I’ve complained about how much inner monologue some novels have had and this was a good balance. There was action, romance, heart, witty banter (my favorite), and a couple of twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat.

Can’t wait for Tommy and Imogen. I laughed quite a bit in that quick snippet.

Thanks to Avon for the arc and the ability to provide my unbiased review.

This is the second book in the Hells bells series. I was highly intrigued to see what Adelaide‘s backstory would be when I first met her in bombshell. The fact that she comes from a criminal background but But uses those skills that she knew from growing up in a way to help young women who want to get out of getting married. it’s also fun to see that Henry, Duke of Cleburne, it’s not just the solid stuffy man that we see. There was a reason that he acts as he does because he is trying to hide his own past.

It’s fun to see the progression of their relationship as they ban together in order to stop a wedding. The way they start to see each other despite each other‘s past is so emotionally satisfying. They both could do anything to protect one another and it’s a fun journey to see not only how the romance progresses but how they solve all the problems.

As always all of the side characters add to the story and just wet our appetite for what the next story will be All in all this was an emotionally satisfying romance and I can’t wait until the next book.

I'm obsessed with this? No, I don't think you understand the absolute existential crisis I'm having because I think this might be my new favorite Sarah MacLean book? It was absolutely incredible. Simply the best. And now I have to review it? I have absolutely no words, but I will try and find them.

This book is breathtaking. It is so beautiful and so well crafted, I have so many highlights that I wish I could share without spoiling anything. But it's so wonderful; even going back and rereading my highlights brings me such joy. Ok listen, I tried to put it into words, but I feel like this review is going to be nothing but feelings and vibes, and I'm just going to shove this book into the hands of every romance reader I come into contact with.

The Duke of Clayborn is perfect. He's so starchy and stoic but simultaneously so gone for Adelaide from the start. He sees her, he notices her. He races her and protects her and loves her for everything that she is. Reading about how much he loves her feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket by the strongest, most comforting arms. He cares about her so viscerally I could feel it. I care about Henry as much as he cares about Adelaide. He calls her 'love' as a term of endearment. "Good girl." Like, COME ON my heart never stood a chance. And Adelaide? She is so fierce. She is so strong but soft and even though she would never admit it, she feels so deeply. She's absolutely brilliant, and for me, she felt incredibly relatable.

I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. I couldn't have put it down if I had tried! The pacing was so perfect and it started with such a bang; if this prologue doesn't hook you, I don't know what possibly could. Except maybe the first chapter because honestly, this book hits the ground running. It has puzzles, brawling, found family, a road trip, and a race. There's only one bed, caretaking, self-sacrifice, and my favorite girl gang gets their name! Because as much as this is about the love between Adelaide and the Duke, it is about the love and strength between women. I could cry.

And the writing, and this story, are so tight. It's absolutely a lesson in craft and how a character-driven romance should be. There is so much happening, and yet the focus is on these two idiots falling in love and learning to lean on the other. And truly it wouldn't be a MacLean novel without chapters upon chapters of incredible sex. I loved how sex-positive they both were and that we had a heroine who wasn't a virgin. Their chemistry was palpable, and the banter between them is some of my favorite.

This book is exactly what I needed and think many of us need right now! Deeply emotional and fun, I cannot recommend this enough!

Sarah MacLean has never written a bad book. If I need a delightful, funny, angsty, swoony read, she is my go-to. This title certainly delivered. The angst was palpable, the hero and heroine equally engaging and delightful, AND, there was tons of really well written action. (I mean...there was also *that* kind of action--also well written--but I'm referring to the kinds of scenes in action movies where the heroes stroll out of a imploding building, their enemies vanquished, their knuckles bleeding, smoke billowing around them, and the music swells and they cock their eyebrows at each other or smirk or blow the dust off of their fingernails or guns or whatever.) These scenes were so well done, and everything I didn't know I needed in my histroms. Five brilliant stars.

This is a wonderful read! I loved the characters Adelaide and Henry, the Duke of Clayborn. They both had secrets from their past that they didn't want anyone to know. The chemistry between the two was hot.
There were many twists, turns and surprises in this book. Another 5-star read from Ms. MacLean.

In just about every historical romance book I have read, life in the aristocracy seems to be awful for women. The marriages strongly resemble business deals with the women as pawns in a game where wealth, titles and prestige are the only aspects that matter. If a woman has any wealth or property of her own it becomes her husband’s. Women must grin and bare it if their husbands are continuously and consistently unfaithful, risking disease. Worst of all, the children belong totally to the husbands. Well at least they have pretty homes, clothes, food and servants. Such cold comfort in an abusive marriage.
Oh, but wait, it gets better. Women can do nothing to end a marriage. It is a husband’s right to beat their wives, exile them to the country, or in the rare instance put them in asylums.
This is where the Hell’s Belle’s come in. The Duchess of Trevescan formed a cadre with the center members being three women from varying backgrounds. These women and their large group of secret supporters across England became the Equalizers of early Victorian times; taking revenge against men who commit egregious sins against women; or men who are generally dangerous to society in general.
The Hell’s Belle’s take on revenge, done with cleverness and style makes for a refreshing book.
Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2) features Adelaide Trumbell, now Adelaide Frampton. Adelaide is the only Belle who does not have a background in the aristocracy. Well, that’s not exactly true, she is known as the Princess of South London, as her father is the main crime lord of that area. The Duchess helps Adelaide escape from her life as her father’s pawn. Oh, the irony!
After joining the Belles, Adelaide becomes the mysterious Marriagebreaker. The most hated unknown woman in the aristocracy. Families hire the Marriagebreaker to investigate the behavior and pedigree of men and their suitability as marriage prospects.
When Adelaide is not the Marriagebreaker she is the consummate wallflower, the woman no one notices or pays attention to, as she sits out every dance, and rarely talks to anyone.
Henry, the Duke of Clayborne is the one person who has noticed Adelaide and is fascinated by her. Fate brings them together in a race to Scotland. Clayborne and Adelaide start out racing each other because they have different goals where a young eloping couple are concerned. They start as competitors quickly becoming allies then lovers.
The romantic scenes between the duke and the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, I mean river, are truly tender. These are not your usual A to B to C love scenes, the emotions, the care, and the passion make for half of an exceptional historical romance. The other half is the exciting story of the chase.
Their love story seems destined to end in heartbreak, as the duke is determined never to marry as he is in possession of a terrible secret. Secrets are at the heart of this book. They are needed for the story of course, but then I find myself thinking “just tell her/him for heaven’s sake.”
Heartbreaker (Hell's Belles, #2) is darker than the usual historical romance. There are some truly evil men, but the Belle’s and their supporters are easily their match.
Heartbreaker is a well-done historical romance. Both story and the characters turn many of the well know tropes slightly askew making them fresh.
My thanks to NetGalley for sending me an ARC for review purpose