I loved this book! Set on the streets and parlours of Victorian England with thieves, ruffians and street urchins abound, yet one of the things to fear most is a demure, retiring lady!
At a time in history when females had little choice in their destinies, Hannah plays by her own rules!
I love how fearless our heroine is and how very modern our hero's thoughts and ideals are.
Very well written and with a healthy dollop of humour on each page, I found it hard to put down.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy to read. All opinions expressed are my own. This review has been posted to Goodreads and Storygraph and when approved, Amazon.

The Secret Life of a Lady is the first book I've read by by Darcy McGuire but I certainly hope it won't be the last. I saw this one and read the summary and immediately wanted to check this one out.

Lady Hannah Simmons is what you would expect of a wallflower. Unassuming, dowdy, and prone to hiding in the corners. But what everyone doesn't know is that she is a spy for Queen Victoria and she's actually pretty deadly with a dagger. When she's caught (in the middle of a mission) where she shouldn't be by the Private Investigator to the Prime Minister, she finds herself in a competition with him to apprehend a deadly killer.

Duke Robert Killian puts duty first. As Killian struggles to come to terms with what happened during the war and who he is now he finds himself competing with Hannah on the same task and not only does it frustrate him, it makes him realize he's attracted to this woman who has no problem with putting herself in danger just to get the upper hand.

I loved Hannah. McGuire built up her character well and the banter between her and Killian was great. I appreciate a good rivals to lovers story and this one gave me exactly what I was hoping for.

If you're looking for a spicy historical romance with some murder mystery included, consider picking this one up. It's a fairly quick and easy read and I enjoyed it. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author in the future.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

✨ Publication date: June 14, 2024✨

The Secret Life of a Lady is a Victorian era mystery with some spicy romance. This was my first book by Darcy McGuire and definitely won’t be my last!

Hannah Simmons is the illegitimate daughter of a Duke and although invited to and attends most society events wouldn’t be considered an eligible lady for most sought after bachelors.

This is exactly the role Hannah wants to play. She dresses drab and insignificant and fades in the background which plays well for her role as investigator for the Queen herself.

When Hannah discovers she is trying to solve the same murder as the dashing Duke Robert Killian who is employed by the Prime Minister in a similar fashion.

After discovering each other has information that will help they decide that working together may give them an advantage. While determining which clues and information to share they discover a connection neither expected to have.

As their desire for each other grows and the case gets more dangerous will Hannah and Killian be able to work together as professionals or will feelings get in the way. Even though Hannah would not be considered a suitable marital match for the Duke, can they deny their love for each other?

I really enjoyed this story and the strong female characters (and men that can handle and appreciate them). There was enough mystery and intrigue and I enjoyed the layer of spice. This is a 4 star read for me.

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

#NetGalley #darcymcguire #thesecretlifeofalady

This was well written but also, for my personal taste, it focused a bit too much on lust. I don’t like my romances to be so insta-lusty. Unfortunately it failed to fully capture my interest.

Bridgerton fans looking for their next historical romance addiction, look no further than Darcy McGuire’s spellbinding debut, The Secret Life of a Lady.

Polite society might think of Lady Hannah Fitzimmons as a dowdy spinster, but behind that unassuming exterior, the wallflower has a secret: she is Queen Victoria’s leading femme fatale, slipping unnoticed through the London streets and hearing the Ton’s whispers and secrets. With a deadly killer to apprehend, Hannah has got a dangerous mission on her hands, but she hadn’t counted on private investigator to the Prime Minister, the damaged yet attractive former war hero, Duke Robert Killian getting in her way…

Robert is used to being in control and he is not going to let Hannah get in the way of his latest assignment – even if she has managed to get under his skin and infiltrated his thoughts and dreams. As the two spar, sparks quickly begin to fly between the two of them. Yet, Robert knows that he cannot afford to get distracted and that he mustn’t give Hannah the upper hand.

Will Robert and Hannah manage to finish the job and avoid temptation? Or are they about to realise that some things are absolutely impossible to resist?

A gorgeous Victorian romance full of action, emotion, drama, intensity and adventure, The Secret Life of a Lady is a fun historical tale with a resourceful heroine it is hard not to root for and a gorgeous hero who will have readers reading for their smelling salts. A superb historical romance fans of the genre will read in one sitting, Darcy McGuire’s The Secret Life of a Lady is a must-read.

A quick and easy read but it felt like something was missing. I think there was potential for more drama and character development which would have made for a better story.

In a fascinating, racy, and clever historical romance, readers follow Lady Hannah Simmons, companion to a duchess and, secretly, Queen Victoria’s best femme fatale spy. Masquerading as a wallflower to hide her more dangerous profession, Hannah’s path crosses with war hero and private investigator Duke Robert Killian as they both attempt to uncover a deadly murderer in the heart of London. Bitter rivals and competitors, Hannah and Killian do not see eye-to-eye and see the other as a challenge despite their clear compatibility and romantic tension. As the two agents continue their investigations among the highest echelons of London society, readers will watch their investigations -- and their personal relationship -- unfold in this historical romance and spy novel. With clever, complex characters with incredible chemistry and a fascinatingly complex plot, readers will come for the romance but stay for the investigation and the hunt for a mysterious killer. McGuire’s novel is well-written and vibrantly detailed, drawing from the Victorian era for its setting and some background historical events, and the backdrop of balls and country house parties will be familiar for fans of Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. With a high-stakes investigation, strong characters, and a contentious relationship, readers are sure to enjoy McGuire’s latest novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this story, this is my objective review. FMC Hannah is a trained assassin for Queen Victoria. Killian is a duke and private investigator for the prime minister. The dynamic between the two is the exact type of dynamic I like in a historical romance: atypical and strong women who go against what society expects of them, and men smart enough to appreciate them. There's instant attraction in this open-door romance as they both investigate the same murder mystery, with enough twists to keep your attention. Dual 3rd person POV, which I enjoy in a romance (topped only by 1st-person POV). Hannah is 24 and no age is given for Killian but I'm sure he's quite a bit older given his military ranking and experience. So, age gap trope? Although I guess that's a given in historical romances set in British society. This was a quick and enjoyable read, and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Apparently it's the first in a series, and I enjoyed it enough to want to pick up the next one when it comes out.

This book was fabulous! It had everything I was looking for in a book. It had excellent historical aspects with lords and ladies, wallflowers and rakes. It had wonderful dual aspects with both MCs having trauma from past events, which really created depth to the plot. The crime solving aspect was great but it was the sexual exploration aspect that was so well written and wonderful to read. Just an all round great book. If you are not much into historical romance/fiction, this could be a good entry point if you are looking to try something new. This will probably end up being my favourite historical romance novel for a very long time. I can't wait to read the next book!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood books and Darcy McGuire for this early release copy in exchange for my honest review.

Killian is a duke. And a lieutenant general. And a tortured war hero and a secret investigator for the prime minister. Hannah is the illegitimate daughter of a different duke. She's also working for that duke's widowed duchess (yeah her dad kicked the bucket). She's an investigator for the queen. Killian and Hannah are investigating the same crime and competing/impressed with the other's competence in solving it. They fall in love and into bed, he proposes but makes her feel like her social status is beneath him, they solve the crime, experience some near death experiences, and get their HEA.

Look, I know romance can be formulaic (I read a ton of it), but that doesn't mean it can't be good. Sadly this just doesn't measure up to similar books using similar tropes. I found myself getting distracted and not interested in getting to the end (I pushed through). They can't all be winners. The 3 stars here are because the writing wasn't awful and there was nothing particularly offensive about the book.

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

She is a wallflower with battle scars, and he is a gentleman in serious trouble. The Secret Life of a Lady is a delightful debut novel that takes readers on an enthralling journey as two unlikely protagonists join forces to solve a series of harrowing crimes.

Beneath Miss Hannah Simmons’ wallflower facade lies a woman of remarkable resilience and unyielding spirit. Shrouded in a cloak of secrecy from her past, Hannah exudes a compelling blend of candor and strength of character muted by her drab clothes and deceptive and quiet demeanor. I love her inquisitive nature, especially when she discovers the joys of sex, confounding the dashing and receptive Duke Robert Killian. But her skills as a fighter and spy for the Queen set her apart from other wallflowers, and boy, does the Duke fall hard.

Killian is an ex-war hero, a private investigator for the Prime Minister, and an honorable gentleman who carries deep-seated guilt over an incident in the war, which fuels his keen sense of duty to his dukedom. He has abundant life experiences, good and bad, and his encounter with Miss Hannah Simmons results in a surprising change, convincing him to lose his rationality in favor of obsession. Hannah’s dangerous combination of beauty, intellect, and prowess fascinates Killian, leading him to reexamine his life and use his lovely charm and magnetism on the unsuspecting Hannah. Lucky girl!

Hannah and Killian are artfully united in their quest to unveil the identity of a serial killer who is burying innocent maids alive. They start as rivals but learn to trust each other personally and professionally, adding a layer of warmth to the ominous outcome.

Ms. McGuire’s writing is eloquent and thrilling. The sexual tension between Hannah and Killian adds a spicy allure to the historical romance genre. There are also some intriguing twists and turns, making it an irresistible page-turner.

I highly recommend this unforgettable novel, which will fill you with laughter, suspense, and alluring charm. The characters are flawed yet deeply compelling, making them intriguing and relatable. I hope the supporting characters get their own books.

Thank you to Ms. McGuire for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I'm a sucker for a badass female heroine with pistols, throwing knives, and daggers hidden in various spots among her ball gowns, able to take care of herself and rescue the hero. Here we have Lady Hannah, an illegitimate orphan with a secret, trained as a killer and investigator for the Queen. She travels the ballrooms as the plain, unassuming companion to her step-mother as a way to investigate the ton. A maid has been found dead inside a coffin and was put inside alive. Hannah is determined to find and kill the murderer. Killian has been assigned to investigate the same murder by the Prime Minister, but he believes in the justice system inside the House of Lords and wants to bring the murderer to trial. Maybe they should join forces? While the subject matter of human trafficking, murder, and secret societies are grim, the plot and romance is entertaining.

"The Secret Life of a Lady" is Darcy McGuire's debut novel. While McGuire's writing shows promise, this particular book fell a bit short for me. The blurb, and even the title, are misleading. FMC Hannah is the natural daughter of a titled man. She would not be considered a lady. Indeed, she is a lady's companion. There is little to no enemies/rivals to lovers storyline as the blurb implies. Hannah and MMC Killian start working together (by fake courting for some reason???) fairly early on. The couple has good banter and decent enough chemistry, but there are no true stakes to their relationship. And it is hard to see when either crosses the line from lust to love.

The mystery element needed better development. The villain was obvious pretty early on, which was good since Hannah and Killian didn't do much investigating outside of one another. That said, I did enjoy the attention given to Hannah's developing friendships with Ivy and Millie, and am wondering if they will somehow also become secret spies (assassins?) for the queen. I did also appreciate the relationship between Hannah and the duchess, but would have liked more back story on how exactly the duchess ended up in the spy role herself.

Overall, I would be willing to try more from McGuire as I do see promise in her writing. 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

It had an interesting plot which was executed well. Unlike many other Regency mysteries, it didn’t feel like it was just tacked on to a romance. You could see the reasoning behind their actions and the culmination of the mystery was a genuine surprise.

I enjoyed Lady Phillipa's and Hannah's characters immensely but found the male characters to be chauvinistic, narrow-minded and overbearing, even more so than the period called for.
Overall it was a fun read but I wonder how the author will redeem her other male characters to the point where they become genuine heroes.

Ful review at my website

This was definitely a #covermademedoit title as I don’t generally like when historical romance/spy thrillers - but I had a lot of fun reading this one. I liked Hannah ; Killian was ok .. the romance did need a bit more … romance .. although there is def a lot of spice 🌶️… there are some intriguing side characters and I hope to find more about them in future books

The premise for The Secret Life of a Lady had me intrigued and I couldn’t wait to start reading. So what did I think…

Well, first of all this book was fun! It was also intriguing and had a great, spicy romance at its heart. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, Hannah and Killian. They had a lot on their plate as they investigated a crime, were on the trail of a murderer and as they tried to ignore their fiery chemistry. There was just something about this pair that worked well.

Hannah is a great character, she is strong willed and knows her own mind. All of her interactions with Killian were entertaining from their very first meeting to all the verbal sparring that followed. They were well matched and both had pasts that had left marks. Killian made a strong hero, he’s determined but had a softer side that I thought was brought out with care. Let’s just say that I couldn’t help but root for them!

The plot itself moved at a good pace and for me the balance of the mystery and the romance was just right. I was invested in both aspects of the story but I have to say I found myself smiling at both Hannah and Killian often. At times I did want to shake my head at them but it all added an extra layer of tension and entertainment while reading. The minor characters also brought something to the story whether it was friendship or an element of suspicion.

All in all The Secret Life of a Lady was a wonderful story that had a little bit of everything. There was romance, spice and secrets. I really enjoyed it!

Actual Rating = 2.5 Stars

Hannah Simons (referred to as Lady in the blurb), works for Queen Victoria as an investigator and an assassin. In this book, her task is to determine who has murdered a young maid and left her in a coffin. Once the perpetrator is found, she is to eliminate him. Hanna is the base-born daughter of a mistress and her aristocratic lover, so she has seen much in her four-and-twenty years. Most of what she has seen and endured reflects very poorly on the male of the species. She was also specifically told to avoid encountering Robert Killion during this investigation. OOPS!

Robert Killion is a duke, a war hero, a lieutenant general, a spy/investigator for the Prime Minister, and a man with a black soul. At least he thinks he has a black soul because he could not protect his men during the Afghan wars. His mission is to identify the peer who has killed a young maid and to bring him to justice before the House of Lords.

I truly wanted to love this book, but I just couldn’t make it to the love stage – but I did like it - or at least the idea of it. It should have had everything I love in a book – a good romance and a good mystery, but, for me, it fell short in both. There were things in the plot that had me scratching my head, things that didn’t quite feel finished, and it sounded much too modern. When you pair all of that with the obvious forms of address errors and other things, I just couldn’t love it. I did like the banter between Killion and his friend and thought that added a nice touch.

This author’s debut novel presents us with Queen Victoria’s hit squad – a female assassin – versus the Prime Minister’s spies/investigators (males, of course) who are set to investigate crimes and bring the criminals to justice in the House of Lords. Yep, strait-laced, prim, proper, Queen Victoria who described the suffrage movement as “mad, wicked folly” had her own private assassin.

I thought the writing style had promise, but this book could have greatly profited from some simple, easy research to learn that a duke (or duchess) is Your Grace, only titled peers can be tried in the House of Lords, and a base-born daughter cannot be addressed as Lady, etc.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a sweet light read, but I did find the romance a bit rushed.
However, I liked the characters and the overall storyline.

4.5 upped to 5
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as it's fast paced, witty, and a lot of fun. There's a wallflower who's a famme fatale and a secret agent, there's mystery and romance.
It's well plotted and entertaining and I read it as fast as could. I rooted for the characters and enjoyed the twists and the surprises.
The mystery is a bit thin but it was entertaining and kept me guessing.
A good story, I would be happy to read other stories featuring these characters
Read it and have fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I love this new trend in Regency romances, which often includes a mystery component. I love a good mystery and, of course, adore romances, so having the two come together is this bookworm's dream come true. I enjoyed this story. The dialogue is so witty and sharp. You find yourself just devouring the words on the page, and before you know it, you are almost done with the book. The mystery part of this book is good. I found it interesting; it had me guessing at times, and those twists and turns were well-placed. It also works well with the romantic aspects of the story. The pacing of the story was great. Things moved along briskly, which meant my attention never wavered.

I loved the characters. Hannah is smart and capable and knows how to take care of herself. The only thorn in her side is Duke Robert Killian. But despite how much she might grumble about the man's presence and how he often ruins her carefully laid out plants, she cannot deny her attraction for him. The same can be said for Killian, who knows he shouldn't be harbouring such lusty feelings for Hannah, who is not titled, but he cannot deny that he is drawn to her. Watching these two interact was a lot of fun, mostly because they constantly befuddled each other. They keep each other on their toes, and not knowing what to expect is catnip to this bookworm's soul.

Overall, if you are looking for a fun and fast Regency read with a clever mystery twist, you should give this book a try.