Another really fun book from Susanna Craig! Dunstane made me annoyed at some points with his thoughts on women and I don't know that he ever really confronted any of that? So points off there. However, I did really like Julia and how we got to see her relationship with Mrs. Hayes change throughout the story to where I felt like Julia really did see her as a fun aunt. The storyline of playwright versus reviewer was super fun and I liked how Julia weaseled her way into pre-show rehearsals. I also loved seeing cameos from previous characters in Susanna Craig's other books! Notably, Jeremy is Julia's brother. But we also get to see General Scott from the Love and Let Spy series and there is a mention of a specific botanist that seemed like a name drop to me, and come to find out she is a character in a different series that I have yet to read! I love a little cameo. For me, this wasn't my favorite of Craig's romances, but I still had a really fun time reading it. I'm so excited to see what's up with Miss C in the next book!

This is an intoxicating mix of historical romance and sharp wit, set against the backdrop of London’s lively theater scene. The novel combines fast-paced storytelling, sizzling chemistry, and a refreshing dose of humor. The story centers around Julia Addison, a smart and headstrong writer for Mrs. Goode’s Magazine for Misses, affectionately known as Goode’s Guide to Misconduct. Being the daughter of a clergyman, Julia has long resigned herself to the fact that her dreams of acting on stage will never be realized. Instead, she redirects her sharp eye and bold opinions into writing scathing, yet insightful reviews of the season’s plays.
Graham McKay is the reclusive and brooding Earl of Dunstane. He doesn't care much for London and its frivolities, that is, until he meets Julia in a theater box at a play that has earned her infamous critique.
The chemistry between Julia and Graham is evident from the moment they meet. Graham is not only the object of Julia's critique, but he also has a few secrets of his own, namely his role as the mysterious writer of the very play that Julia despises. What follows is a whirlwind romance that could spell disaster for both their personal and professional lives if the truth about their identities gets out.
Julia and Graham have a great dynamic, their bickering and banter are endearing, and the sparks between them sizzle with every interaction. The story not only is a delightful romance, but the witty dialogue and exploration of identity, ambition, and the dangers of hiding behind public personas make it an even more enjoyable tale. The unexpected collaboration between Julia and Graham creates a storyline full of suspense and delightful twists, keeping me engaged from start to finish.
A captivating novel with endearing characters, a plot full of tension, and a romance that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

part of a strong series, this installment was fun and interesting but got a little distractied with too much of the internal play and theatre drama, (no npun in tended)

Continuation of the series. I enjoyed the banter between these two characters. The mystery was a surprising twist in addition to the unfolding of the dual subterfuge. They have great chemistry and their story is enjoyable. I would have liked to have a little bit more of romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and chose to leave this review voluntarily.

I have no idea where the title came from but the book was really good. I had some good laughs and enjoyed the characters and the quirks.

I enjoyed this book. It was entertaining and had a clever plot. I found I was invested in the main characters. I will definitely read more by this author.

A delightful historical romance with a clever plot and engaging characters. The story blends wit, drama, and a touch of scandal. Some plot twists are a bit predictable but overall a very enjoyable read.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this advanced copy!

I have really been enjoying Susanna Craig's books over the years and this new series is much the same as before: wonderful romances with medium stakes where smart women get to push the envelope just a bit on their way to finding love. Julia and Graham are a delight as they battle wits on and off the stage, though I thought the reveal of their shared identities would be a bit bigger. Regardless, these two love trading barbs and it was a fun read.

I jumped right into book #2 of this series without realizing it. I was totally sucked into the book by the series title, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct. I mean, who wouldn’t like that in a historical romance? Our two main characters are Julia Addison, who is the daughter of a clergyman, a lady’s companion and an anonymous play reviewer in London. Graham McKay, Earl of Dunstan, aka Blackadder is a playwright. The Earl is a patron of plays and Blackadder write the plays. Blackadder is a harsh critic of people and the ton in his plays, but people pack the stands to see what outrageous things will happen on stage. The Earl delights in reading the reviews, until the one Julia writes in Mrs. Goode’s Magazine for Misses.

Right away the reader can see that Julia and Graham are the perfect match because they are both writers and they enjoy theatre. They both have a lot of societal issues to deal with. And they both need to earn a living. Graham uses a pen name because members of the aristocracy are not supposed to work. Julia uses a pen name because women are not supposed to be writers. They are both intrigued by each other and little do they know they are trying to uncover each other’s secret identities. The Lady Plays with Fire is a well written historical romance with a fun plot and a sexy romance. The chemistry between the characters does not disappoint. There is some humor, some drama, good friendships and strong women. There is a lot of witty word play and a bit of a slow burn. But they definitely get to the spice. If you happen to be a theatre buff, you will love the story even more. This is a sexy enemies to lovers story. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

The Lady Plays with Fire by Susanna Craig
Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #2

Words can be mightier than the sword ~ a playwright and a reviewer of plays using false names use words at first in anger then almost as foreplay as this historical romance sees an earl and a clergyman’s daughter fine their happily ever after.

What I liked:
* Julia Addison: lady’s companion, reviewer for Mrs. Goode’s Magazine, dreamed of being on stage as a child, wrote a review that incensed Ransom Blackadder-playwright
* Graham McKay: Earl of Dunstan, aka Blackadder, used his writing skills to return his earldom to prosperity, witty, difficult backstory, intrigued by Julia
* Mrs. Mildred Hayes: Julia’s employer, bright and caring, enjoyed her part in the story
* The attraction between Julia and Graham and how their relationship came about
* The parallels between the play in the story and the lives of the main characters
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That there was no big “break-up” as many romances use
* The communication between Julia and Graham
* Julia’s brother – good older brother that cared for his sister – also that I could see him and Graham becoming like brothers in the future
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

**Review of "The Lady Plays with Fire" by Susanna Craig**

"The Lady Plays with Fire" by Susanna Craig is an addition to her Regency romance series - Goode's Guide to Misconduct. This book follows the romance and intrigue of Lady Cassandra and the enigmatic Major Nathaniel Storm.

Cassandra's fiery spirit and determination to uncover secrets make her a character to root for. Major Storm, a war hero with a shadowy past, is the perfect match for Cassandra, creating a dynamic and electric romance. Their chemistry is undeniable, sparking off the page with every interaction.

Supporting characters are well-developed, adding richness to the story and setting the stage for future installments. "The Lady Plays with Fire" is isn't my favourite Susanna Craig nor is the Goode's guide series. Her earlier writing is far superior.

This is book 2 in the Miss Goode's guide to conduct series .
This story is about Julia, who writes the Theatre column for the magazine. She reviews all plays as they come out and critiques the writing and the actors. When she gives a critical review of a new play, the playwright decides to get his revenge by writing anew play called the Poison Pen. In it he takes on Theatre Critics and hopes to expose who this new critic really is.
Graham is an Earl. He inherited his title after his brother was killed in a duel, leaving him an Earldom in a mess. He needs to find a way to make money, so he turns to his love if writing and writes plays for the theatre under a pseudo name. His plays have all been met with success until his last one. So he decides to expose this new critic by writing a satirical play about her.
When the two meet there is an instant connection between them. Neither know who the other really is.
I enjoyed this book. The story flowed easily and kept your attention. The characters were very likable.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Another enjoyable lighthearted romance from Susanna Craig!

Julia is a Lady's companion who also writes theater reviews, and Graham is a secret playwright. After a scathing review of one of his plays, he decides to seek revenge. Neither of them knows the true identity of the other, and they have been spending time together as their true selves.

This book has so many tropes that I love in a historical romance. It was wonderful experiencing them falling in love while also trying to uncover each other's secret identities.

Everything about this was fun and cute! I adore the idea of the Women's magazine and can't wait for the next installment of this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love Susanna Craig's writing! This story is a lot of fun and has a great meet cute/set up. Like the last book in her series, this book focuses on one of the writers of Goode's Guide articles and how her writing lands her in hot water with the hero. I'm loving this series' premise being mostly the same but Craig twists every story in fun and creative ways!

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion...

This is book 2 of the series and continues the story of one of the writers for the magazine. This is a fun, hidden identity, grumpy-sunshine historical romance.

Graham McKay is a dour Scotsman who unexpectedly inherited the impoverished estate and title of the Earl of Dunstane from his rakehell, wastrel brother. He was overwhelmed by his responsibilities. As a child, he was bullied and picked by others, and found comfort in writing to express himself, and as the new Earl, writing again became a comfort and source of income. Hiding under a nom de plume, he writes wicked satire that is hugely popular on London stages, as Ransom Blackadder, and as the Earl of Dunstane, is known as a patron of the theatre and the link to the reclusive writer.

But Graham takes insult at a review published in the Goode' Guide, and takes up his pen with vengeance against the critics in mind, but specifically against the reviewer for the Guide. He then travels to London with the intent of bringing to stage Blackadder's latest work, skewering the critic, and to find out the identity of the mysterious miss and others at the magazine.

Julia Addison has been enamoured of the theatre and acting since a child, watching traveling troupes in her local village. She takes the opportunity, as a companion to an elderly widow, to enjoy the theatre in their private box, and writes secretly as the reviewer for Goode's Guide. However, they find out one night that the manager of the theatre has been double-dealing with them, and sold the Earl of Dunstane's private box to them, as he is not known for travelling to London.

Sparks strike, but the heat of anger is mixed with the heat of attraction. They encounter each other repeatedly, fostering greater attraction and friendship, but both continuing to hide their secret identities and work at cross purposes from each other. Julia finds out about Blackadder's latest play and works to try to find out more about it, and that someone is trying to reveal her and her cohort's identities, and ruin herself and the magazine, and uses Graham's connection to the play to seek out more information and how to stop it, making Graham a salacious and intriguing proposal to get into the play. Not a hardship for her when she, considering how attractive she finds him. Graham is intrigued by Julia, and continues to see her, including allowing her to sit in on rehearsals. He is dissatisfied with aspects of the play, and finds Julia has a talent for writing and seeing things that he cannot. They complement each other, and grow to like each other more and more, despite keeping secrets from each other.

A fun romance with sweet spiciness, and I love the character of Mrs. Hayes and her relationship with Julia as well.

3.75 stars out of 5

Genre: historical romance
London, 1810

Julia Addison is a paid companion to her brother’s wife’s aunt. Her brother may recently have inherited a title, but Julia’s roots as the daughter of a clergyman are modest and her prospects slim, so her chances at the freedom of the city and a Season are as a companion. She’s an avid playgoer, and anonymous critic, writing a column for Mrs. Goode’s Magazine for Misses, and her most cutting critiques are for the plays by Ransome Blackadder, a Scottish playwright. Graham McKay, Earl of Dunstane, is in fact Ransome Blackadder, and while Miss on Scene may be his foe, he doesn’t know that Julia is behind those words when he chances upon her at Covent Garden.

The focus of the plot is the conflict between playwright and critic, all while the relationship between Julia and Graham evolves. He may have had a reputation as a rake and a scoundrel, but as soon as he meets Julia, he can’t think of any other woman. His desire to be open and communicate both his identity and his feelings is valiant, and prevents the miscommunication trope in what is essentially a hidden identity romance. I loved the amount of time we spend on the stage and in rehearsal, emphasizing the importance of the theater to Graham and Julia, but also centering the conflict as something ultimately so essential to each of them.

The Lady Plays with Fire is a solid historical romance with a fun plot, great characters, and a swoonworthy relationship. This is the second book in the series, but I never found myself lost. It’s clear that Mrs Goode’s Magazine is the main connection for the series, and we find out enough information without it feeling as if Craig is leaving us in the dark.

Exceptionally well-written, highly entertaining, with wonderfully fleshed-out characters. I really loved the theatre part and I was able to picture everything in my mind with great satisfaction. It was like a story in the story! There was humor, a touch of angst, a little mystery and everything I could have asked for in a historical romance. Five stars are well-deserved!

A magazine for young ladies is a really fun premise! I liked reading about a heroine who had the opportunity to indulge her love of writing. I am a big fan of theater so it was really fun to read about Julia getting to explore her love of theater.

It's always fun to watch a man who is grumpy and thinks he doesn't need anyone fall in love. I did like how hard he fell for Julia. I didn't find their dynamic the most interesting part of the story. The chemistry wasn't there for me. However, the plot was interesting enough that I still enjoyed this one.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book is how well it read as a standalone. I hadn't read the first book but I didn't feel lost at all. I think this series is fun but I have read a lot of similar series so I'm not sure I will continue it. I recommend it for readers who like a theater setting and a grumpy hero.

When Graham reads the scathing review of his current play in Mrs. Goode's Magazine for Misses, he's O.K. with it, even pleased. After all, he WANTS controversy. People are flocking to see his mean spirited, mocking plays, ridiculing his audience. He's O.K. that is, until he reads Miss on Scenes remark that it was a pity that he was wasting such a formidable talent. Pity! Never mind that he was using the pseudonym Ransom Blackadder to write his plays and no one knew it was him. He was going to find and destroy her! He meets Julia when she and her aunt enter his theater box unexpectedly. While they both try to hide their secret identities from each other and the world, Julia becomes more in involved with the rehearsal of his current play, a satire of a playwright and a theater critic. Someone is out to expose the identities of the contributors to Mrs. Goode's magazine, while rehearsals aren't going to well with all the changes "Ransom" makes to the dialogue as his relationship with Julia intensifies. Another enjoyable entry to the series and I'm looking forward to the next.

Goode’s Guide to Misconduct continues to deliver females of independent, determined nature that you can’t help but love. Julia is no exception, she is courageous enough to go after what she wants without fear. Her love of the theatre compels her to find a place in London despite the unpopular nature. Aunt was a delightfully and surprisingly supportive character. I loved her charming goading, constantly encouraging Julia in her deceptions and secrecy. Graham and Julia’s bickering and banter brought a wonderful tone to their romance. I love a good enemies to lovers tale, whether true enemies or simply gentle rivals, it breeds are delicious angsty longing to their emotions. A wonderfully enjoyable story.