This book blends romance, intrigue, and adventure with a feisty heroine and brooding nobleman. Elegant writing and strong chemistry drive the story, but pacing lags and predictability occasionally dulls the spark. A thrilling historical setting and covert missions add depth, though it doesn’t match Duran’s finest. Fun and engaging, despite some archetypal plot points, it’s a solid, if not standout, sequel.
Thank you NetGalley for ARC, all opinions are my own.

"A Lady's Lesson in Scandal" ist der zweite Band der Reihe "The Queen's Deadly Damsels" und verbindet geschickt historische Romantik mit Spannung und Abenteuer.

Die Protagonistin Millicent Whittenburg, eine entschlossene junge Frau, die heimlich für Königin Victoria als Ermittlerin arbeitet, versucht, einer ungeliebten Verlobung zu entkommen. Ihr Plan, ihre Ehre zu verlieren, um aus der Gesellschaft zu verschwinden und ihre Missionen fortzusetzen, führt zu unerwarteten Wendungen, insbesondere als sie Major General Beaufort Drake begegnet. ​

Die Chemie zwischen Millicent und Beaufort ist intensiv und entwickelt sich von einer anfänglichen Zweckgemeinschaft zu einer leidenschaftlichen Beziehung. Der Roman bietet eine ausgewogene Mischung aus romantischen und spannungsgeladenen Momenten, wobei Themen wie persönliche Freiheit und gesellschaftliche Erwartungen im viktorianischen England behandelt werden. Allerdings sollten Leser sich bewusst sein, dass der Roman auch schwerwiegende Themen wie Missbrauch und Menschenhandel anspricht. ​

Der flüssige Schreibstil und die detaillierte Charakterentwicklung machen das Buch zu einer fesselnden Lektüre. Obwohl es als Fortsetzung einer Reihe konzipiert ist, kann es problemlos als Einzelband gelesen werden. Für Liebhaber historischer Romantik mit einem Hauch von Spannung ist "A Lady's Lesson in Scandal" definitiv empfehlenswert.

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Darcy McGuire is a captivating historical romance that combines tension, wit, and passion. The story follows a strong-willed lady who finds herself caught in a scandal and must navigate society's expectations while grappling with her own desires. McGuire’s writing is engaging and filled with chemistry, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps readers hooked. The blend of romance, intrigue, and personal growth makes this a delightful read for fans of historical romance with a bit of edge.

Someone said if Bridgerton and Mr & Mrs Smith had a baby it would be this book and it's pretty accurate! It's a fun and easy read with likable characters

Wanted to like this one loved the premise but was a miss for me and a DNF. Would still recommend anyone to give it a try.

This book offers an intriguing mix of rags-to-riches romance and social commentary, with a feisty heroine and a brooding nobleman at its core. The writing is elegant, and the chemistry between the leads is engaging, but the pacing occasionally drags, and some plot developments feel predictable. While the story has its emotional highs, it doesn’t quite reach the depth or intensity of Duran’s best works. A solid read, but not a standout.

Not my normal genre, but I really enjoyed this! Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the copy!

This book follows Millicent Whittenburg, a clever and resourceful heroine determined to escape her unpleasant betrothal to an older man, Viscount Tread, orchestrated by her wicked stepmother. To reclaim her freedom, Millicent devises a scandalous plan to ruin her reputation, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Major General Beaufort Drake, a cold and battle-scarred private investigator for the Prime Minister. Their fiery kiss ignites undeniable chemistry, leading to a marriage of convenience that neither anticipated. As they navigate a week-long wedding house party while investigating a dangerous human trafficking scheme, the stakes rise, testing their bond. With a blend of romance, espionage, and intrigue, this novel artfully intertwines passion and mystery against the rich backdrop of Regency England.

While Millicent sets out to trap Drake, the unexpected chemistry between them is super fun. As the reader, I didn’t expect that and neither did the characters! The author did a great job writing steamy romance with a twisty mystery. The book will suck you in and you won’t be able to put it down. Who doesn’t love spicy scenes, with some added knife throwing? The strong-willed female protagonist defies societal norms, and her group of friends add a lot of fun to the story. The novel's humor, emotional depth, and intricate plot ensure that readers experience a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving us anticipating the next installment in this exciting series. I started out by reading book two in this series, but now I am going to go back and read the first and third one.

The chemistry between Millie and Drake is electric. Their banter crackles, their attraction is undeniable, and watching them navigate their reluctant marriage is pure entertainment. McGuire strikes the perfect balance between emotional depth and scorching tension—there’s no shortage of swoon-worthy moments, but the romance feels layered and earned. Millie’s defiance of societal norms makes her an easy protagonist to root for, while Drake’s icy exterior and hidden vulnerabilities make him a perfect match for her fire.

Beyond the romance, the book delivers intrigue, action, and a fast-paced plot that keeps the pages turning. The covert missions, the high-stakes tension, and the historical setting all blend seamlessly, making this feel more than just a love story—it’s a thrilling adventure.

While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, though I imagine the full experience would be even richer with the context of the previous book.

I've absolutely loved reading these books, couldn't put them down but really sad knowing I've nearly finished.The author pulls you in so easily and actually feels your living in the story. So great to have such strong heroines. I can't wait for the next book. I can't wait for February i fear it will be along wait.
If you love strong women who know their own minds and are an equal to strong minded men you must read this book. Not a full moment in this book.

A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal delivers a delightful blend of spicy historical romance and thrilling intrigue, continuing the captivating “Deadly Damsels” series. Millicent Whittenburg, a wallflower with a secret life as a Queen’s investigator, seeks to escape an unwanted betrothal by orchestrating her ruin. Her plan hinges on seducing the marriage-averse Major General Beaufort Drake, a scarred warrior and private investigator. However, Millie underestimates Drake’s resolve, and their scandalous encounter leads to an unexpected marriage proposal. The chemistry between Millie and Drake is electric, fueled by witty banter and a shared passion for their covert missions.

Millie’s character shines as a fiercely independent woman defying societal norms. Her determination, wit, and strength make her an inspiring protagonist. General Drake, equally compelling, proves to be a worthy match for Millie, and their relationship develops naturally and authentically. The author effectively weaves in the historical context, showcasing the constraints faced by women in that era while highlighting Millie’s defiance.

The author’s attention to detail, particularly in depicting the characters’ emotional journeys and the intricacies of their covert operations, adds depth to the story. “A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal” is a must-read for fans of spicy historical romance with a touch of intrigue, offering a captivating tale of love, deception, and empowerment.

This is a spicy and exhilarating addition to the captivating The Queen's Deadly Damsels series that blends dangerous liaisons with a touch of espionage.
The novel introduces Millicent Whittenburg, a resourceful and clever heroine determined to escape a life she has no desire for—an unwanted betrothal. Millicent’s decision to sabotage her engagement sets the stage for a scandalous and passionate journey, where her plan to ruin herself leads her into the path of the brooding and enigmatic Major General Beaufort Drake. A private investigator with a cold exterior and a past marked by war, Drake is the last person Millicent expects to be swept away by, and yet, their fiery kiss sparks an undeniable chemistry that neither can ignore.
The plot is a delicious mix of tension and intrigue as Millicent and Drake, both carrying their own burdens and secrets, are forced into a marriage of convenience. However, their connection runs deeper than mere obligation. Their chemistry crackles off the page as they embark on a week-long wedding house party, with every corner of their new relationship testing their boundaries. Millicent's boldness and Drake's dangerous appeal create a whirlwind dynamic that fuels their growing bond.
The novel does a good job of balancing steamy romance with espionage, as both characters are drawn into a web of intrigue, with Millicent being trained for secret missions that threaten to unravel everything. The slow-burn tension between them is delicious, and the stakes feel high, not just for their hearts, but for their very survival.
With sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and a dose of action, this is a captivating addition to the series that will have readers eagerly awaiting the next book. If you enjoy historical romance laced with suspense, strong female leads, and complex, compelling relationships, this one is sure to satisfy.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Millicent Whittenburg has an evil step-mother who blackmails and abuses her. The only way out of her step-mother's marriage plans is to seduce Major General Beaufort Drake. Everyone knows he doesn't want to get married. Unexpectedly, her plan backfires when Drake, against his better judge, is attracted to the lady. Millie has been secretly training with the Duchess of Dorsett as a private investigator working for the queen. Drake works for the prime minister to bring peers to justice. Both sides are out to destroy The Devil's Sons. Drake and Mille explore their sexual attraction, but will the lack of trust in her work for the queen tear them apart.
Recommend reading this series in order. The cross over of characters play a significant part in each book.
Explicit sex. Some violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Good old historical romance. greatly appreciate the ages of both the main characters. quite a well written book.

As I accidentally read this book as a stand alone, Rather than as the second in the series. It would have been beneficial for me t have read the first book as I was a tad confused for some parts of the book.

Upon re reading the book, The FMC (Millie) is an icon as she defies the societal norms and follows her own path.

Id recommend this to anyone who loves a historical romance with some spice.

What a great continuation of the first book. But definitely can be read as a stand alone as well. So don't be discouraged if you haven't eead the first one . This concept is so well done , the jokes and the references are very fun. The book was really good and the story really entertaining. Hopping to get more of this series.

ARC review of A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal, book two in the Queen’s Deadly Damsels series by Darcy McGuire!

Thanks to @theboldbookclub I received an early ebook of the book and then I read it and loved it but bc my executive functioning sucks, it’s taken me way too long to post a review BUT HERE I AM NOW!!!

We have a wallflower who is desperate to escape an arranged marriage negotiated by an evil stepmother and we have a war vet who keeps to himself and isn’t really the most popular guy in London society.

So what is a desperate woman - Millie - gonna do? Well, create a scandal, render herself unmarriageable and continue working for Queen Vicky with her friends so they can take down some nasty criminals. She didn’t account for the scandalous kiss with Major General Beaufort Drake being so delectable nor that he would be of the gallant variety and offer to marry her.

But our friend Drake is also investigating the same nasty criminals but for the Prime Minister. And then Millie and Drake, her family and their friends and guests are alllllll together for a week for a wedding house party where they hope to reveal the culprit(s).

And of course Millie and Drake kiss, bang, and find themselves falling in love AS TWO PEOPLE INVESTIGATING CRIMES TOGETHER ARE WONT TO DO IN A ROMANCE BOOK.

I’m loving this series. It has everything I enjoy in a historical romance with a mystery. I’m hooked.

A testament to what makes a great romcom, with a twist of historical romance and a secret mission. The chemistry between the main leads was fantastic—I really enjoyed this one!

This could have been a wonderful sexy read. Don’t get me wrong; the storyline was good and steamy, but the f-bombs were dropping too frequently for my taste. They spoiled the romantic atmosphere. Although it was a delightful story, the F-bombs were crass; they took away the true romantic flavor.

This was an easy read for me. The character's personality traits colliding was the best part of the book!

Okay this was just fun! I was blithely unaware that this was a sequel and so struggled a bit to pick up context but was able to get there. While I wish some of the plot ran more smoothly rather than feeling like it was checking off archetypes as it went through, it kept me engaged and giggling 3.5 stars!