Thank you publisher and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the premise but the book was too spice for my liking so I had to DNF it at 35%.

Thank you to Net Galley & Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Genres, settings, categories, themes: historical romance (M/F), romantic suspense, feminism

💗 Tropes: 💗
> Age Gap
> Armed Forces / Military (scarred war hero)
> Lords & Ladies
> Marriage Tropes: Marriage of Honor
> Scarred/Broken (Subtrope of Hurt/Comfort)
> Spies (Subtrope of Danger)

POV: 3rd person

Series/Sequencing Style: 2nd in an anthology series, can be read as standalone, no cliffhanger

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Overall ratings

Heat level: 🌋 4/5 red hot 🌋
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)

~ Heroine (Millicent "Millie") ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 Badass Amazon of a woman...this is a series of strong female leads

~ Hero (Beaufort/Drake) ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 I could have done without his "hatred of women" which was my biggest issue with him (although it also didn't seem to be played up fully beyond stating it). But it makes sense for his character, who has been burned. Just never much into an "all women are untrustworthy" mantra...

~ Other characters ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

~ Plot ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 I liked it. The romantic suspense portion is definitely more historical than contemporary in its pacing & levels of suspense. Light on the actual investigating side of it, so I'm not sure I'd call it a crime or mystery novel, but I liked the added element of danger/suspense to the plot, which needed something more than her trapping him to get out of an unwanted forced engagement.

~ Pacing ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗

~ Romantic connection ~ 4.5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 They're cute together. I like how he comes to respect her independence and realizes he can't control her, and how he gets over his distrust of women. I'm not the biggest fan of an age gap trope, but it wasn't overwhelming.

~ Writing ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

~ Depth & tone (light & fun --> more serious, addresses heavier topics?): light 2/5
~ Angst level: low 1/5
~ Sadness level: none-low 1/5

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❗CW/Triggers:❗abuse, forced prostitution / sex trafficking

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📝 Review/Notes 📝
It's odd that once again both the Military/Prime Minister and the Queen have agents investigating the same thing, like in the last book. These branches really need to learn to talk to each other.

A few tropes that just aren't my personal favorite, like the "scarred war hero" thing, but another solid one after the first in the series. Would read more. Waiting for the duchess to fall for her butler...or is she actually into women as implied a couple of times through gossip? Thinking she should have her story.

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🤠 Recommended for: fans of historical romantic suspense (a genre usually lighter on the suspense side than contemporary romantic suspense)

What a great read! 👏🏼

This historical romance was exactly what I needed to get over my post-exam slump. This book delivered the perfect blend of intrigue, suspense and excitement!

Millie, the fmc, was honestly one of my favorite fmc’s that I’ve encountered in a book. This book is set in a time where women’s futures were dictated by societal expectations and men, however, Millie defies the norms with her fierce determination, sharp wit and strength. I found her journey throughout the book to be inspiring and empowering.

Equally compelling, is the dynamic between Millie and the mmc, General Drake Beaufort. I loved their witty banter and how they both met their match in one another. Their relationship developed in a natural and captivating way which is what made reading this book even better to read.

This book is a must-read for anyone who is looking for a historical romance with strong, complex characters and a healthy dose of mystery and intrigue.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for providing me with an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!

What a lovely addition to this series by Ms. Mcguire. I'm a sucker for unconventional heroines in the victorian/regency era, and what can be more unconventional than a female angent/spy!? The couple do fall for each other rather quickly and I could have used a bit more couple building in that respect, but this is still a great option for anyone looking for a quick and steamy victorian era read.

4/5

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Darcy McGuire is book two in The Queen's Deadly Damsel's series and if you haven't read the first book in the series, that's ok, you can still read this one as it follow another set of characters. That said, you should still go back because I thought the first book was good and it sets this book up nicely.

Millicent Whittenburg is our fmc in this installment and she needs to escape her betrothal and she is willing to do whatever it takes - even if it means her own ruin. Which would actually work out well because then she can disappear from society and carry out the Queen's deadly missions. All she has to do is seduce the one man who despises marriage more than her.

Unfortunately, she underestimates her target. Major General Beaufort Drake is a private investigator, notoriously cold and visibly scarred. He also doesn't trust society ladies, especially after the one he was supposed to marry does the unthinkable. But Millie's public kiss awakens something in Drake that he has suppressed for a while and he does the unthinkable. Instead of allowing them both to succumb to shame, he offers for Millie's hand in marriage.

I loved these characters. As I mentioned, Drake has a past that he is unable to forget and he is hard-pressed to believe that Mille doesn't see any of his scars. And while she sees his scars, that isn't all Millie sees in Drake. I loved how these two developed their relationship with each other. And Millie - it was so hard to see how her relationship was derailed with her father just because of her stepmother and a few missteps. I was happy to see Drake step in and stand up for her because honestly her father (unfortunately) was never going to be the one to do it.

Similar to the last book in the series, these two characters have to determine whether they can balance their love for each other with their love for their secret missions all while hosting a week-long wedding house party.

I truly enjoyed this book and am loving this series by McGuire. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider this one - it has spice, romance, and a little bit of angst. I'll be looking for more from this author in the future!

Why is this such a good book? I'm not sure. I can't really point out one thing in particular. It's the combination of angst, action, mystery, intrigue, historical aspects, humour and, of course, spice. It just all works together so well! I loved the first book and I loved this one just as much, which is a big thing, given it's the second book in a series and we all know second books can suck. This one does not and I loved it!! There is an ongoing investigation which will continue in future books and I am so invested! Who is the head of these kidnaps and deaths? I can't wait to see who is in the next book and what happens!

Big thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood books and Darcy McGuire for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

What a delightful and exhilarating read! I was completely swept away by these incredible lady spies and their formidable skills. This story beautifully captures the tension between what women aspire to be and what society allows, all while exploring the magic of love. Millie, our fierce heroine, wants nothing more than her own independence after being abandoned by her father and pushed into marriage by her scheming stepmother. But everything changes when she meets the dashing Major Drake. What starts as a clever ruse quickly turns into a whirlwind of passion and discovery, with Millie realizing that maybe she can have it all—on her own terms.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing a copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

When it comes to historical romance, few books truly deliver the perfect mix of intrigue, romance, and spice, but Darcy McGuire’s A Lady's Lesson in Scandal does exactly that. From the very first page, I was hooked—and for good reason. If you’re looking for a novel that’s equal parts Pride and Prejudice charm and Bridgerton steam, buckle up! This book takes all the beloved tropes—enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, mystery, and a heroine who knows her mind—and spins them into something uniquely thrilling.

Characters: A Dynamic Duo
Meet Millicent, our bold and headstrong heroine. She’s smart, fiercely independent, and has little patience for society’s rules. McGuire’s portrayal of Millicent feels refreshingly modern without losing the historical authenticity, making her a character you instantly root for. Enter Major General Beaufort Drake—enigmatic, charming in his own way, and a man of mystery. He’s everything Millicent should avoid, yet their chemistry is undeniable. The dynamic between these two characters is electric, and the journey they take together is filled with plenty of sparks, tension, and deeply felt moments. McGuire brings these two opposites together with wit, heart, and an undeniable attraction that builds page by page.

Chemistry and Spiciness
Let’s talk about the romance—it’s sizzling! The tension between Millicent and Beaufort is incredibly well-written, with the right amount of push and pull that keeps you turning the pages. Their banter is sharp, flirtatious, and at times, laugh-out-loud funny. The chemistry is palpable, but it never feels forced. Instead, the passion between them grows naturally, simmering beneath the surface and bursting into flame at just the right moments. This isn’t just romance; it’s romance with spice, intensity, and heart.

Setting and Historical Detail
The attention to historical detail in A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is impeccable. McGuire transports readers straight into the lavish ballrooms, elaborate gowns, and strict social rules of the 1800s, immersing you in the time period without ever slowing the story down. The authenticity of the setting enhances the plot, and McGuire captures the era’s societal norms and restrictions beautifully, adding a layer of depth that elevates the entire narrative.

Plot: Mystery, Twists, and Scandal
The story isn’t just a straightforward romance—it’s also a mystery. Both Millicent and Beaufort are drawn into a world of secret missions, unsolved mysteries, and covert operations. The pacing here is spot-on. McGuire keeps the story moving at a clip, with just the right amount of twists to keep you guessing but never overwhelm the reader. If you’re someone who loves a bit of suspense in their romance, you’re in for a treat. The plot is filled with unexpected turns, and both characters find themselves caught in a scandal that’s as thrilling as it is dangerous.

Writing Style: Elegant, Evocative, and Witty
McGuire’s prose is elegant, evocative, and often downright funny. The language feels true to the period, but there’s a modern wit that makes it incredibly readable. Her descriptions of the settings, emotions, and characters are vivid and immersive, allowing you to feel every heart-pounding moment, every whispered word, and every twist of the plot. McGuire’s talent shines brightest in her dialogue, which crackles with intelligence, humor, and emotion.

Final Thoughts
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is an absolute must-read for fans of historical romance who love a mix of romance, spice, and mystery. Darcy McGuire’s characters are memorable, her plot is intriguing, and her attention to historical detail makes every scene feel like stepping into another time. With well-drawn characters, a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and chemistry that leaps off the page, this book truly has it all.

If you’ve been craving a romance that’s rich in scandal, packed with witty banter, and filled with a story you won’t forget, I highly recommend picking this one up. McGuire’s talent for balancing authenticity, romance, and suspense is a rare treat. Whether you’re a longtime historical romance fan or just diving in, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal promises an unforgettable reading experience that will leave you eagerly awaiting McGuire’s next book.

If you like regency romance this is a good read. Add in a little mystery and well you just got a nice little adventure romance going on. This is a great concept for a regency style series add a little spice and you got a good standing book!

What a fun read! I loved these lady spies, and all they could do, the knifes impressive! This is a story about what women want to be, but society will not let them but also about love. But finding love when you want your own life is not easy and really that is all Millie wants more than anything. After all her father abandon her and now her stepmother is trying to marry her off to rid her once and for all. But life has a way taking a turn for Millie when she meets Major Drake. What starts out as a rouse turns into something more, can Millie believe she deserves to be loved and also her true self?

This was a fast-paced book that has you cheering for Millie and Major Drake!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a copy of this story for my honest review.

I love a good historical romance, especially with an espionage plot! There are a few out there where the FMC is the secret spy, but this one really stood out - really enjoyed all the action and drama!

This is becoming an all too frequent experience for me but I requested this not realizing it was the second book in a series. Luckily, I could follow the thread very easily so now I just need to go back and read the first one because this was so good! I saw someone say iff Bridgerton and Mr and Mrs Smith had a baby you would get this book, and that is the most accurate description you could get! The passion between Millie and Drake was delicious and so spicy, their journey was a rollercoaster of emotions that I did not want to get off of. The historical detail was great and McGuire did a fabulous job of evoking the era, from lavish ballrooms to whispered intrigue, she captured the societal norms and constraints of the time.

Loved this book. Millie is your typical blue stocking female character. I felt like her and Drake developed a good connection. Millie’s plan to get a fiancé and then get dumped by him is kinda the typical craziness you would expect from a historical romance. If your a fan of historicals this is for you.

A great romance with intrigue!

This delightful novel introduces us to the endearing characters of Millie and Drake. I loved the characters and the interactions between them. This book has a perfect mix of intrigue, twists and turns, romance, and spice. It’s a well-paced romance and was delightful to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Not sure how to review this book. I was annoyed by the historical inaccuracies and anachronistic dialogue. I didn't care for the over-the-top brutality of some plot elements and absolutely didn't understand why some of the culprits weren't held accountable for their actions. Why add it to the plot in the first place? Shock-value? What really brought this novel down to just one star was the show-down and its aftermath at the end of the book. Why, after all that has happened to the protagonists is having a sex scene more important than properly processing what brutal event had just happened? They could have had sex afterwards.

This review is being posted as part of the A Lady's Lesson in Scandal blog tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is the latest historical romance from author Darcy McGuire and the second instalment of her series The Queen's Deadly Damsels. This novel is the perfect blend of the historical romance and crime thriller genres, set against the backdrop of Victorian England and packed full of strong female characters and page-turning drama.

This was my first time reading anything from Darcy McGuire and I was completely enthralled by her compelling writing style to the point that I could barely put the book down. Darcy McGuire has an incredible storytelling ability and her brilliant world building made the setting come alive on the page. All of the beautifully written characters were so complex and I loved the choices to include little snippets of first-person writing throughout the narrative as insights into Millie and Beau’s internal dialogue. The narrative was perfect-paced narrative which took so many unexpected twists and turns I really had no idea what would come next, particularly with regards to the crime element of the plot.

Millie was an absolutely brilliant protagonist and the definition of as strong female character. She was strong-willed, so intelligent and really fought against societal expectations of her because of her gender. I warmed to her instantly and it was brilliant to see her grow throughout the book. Our MMC is Major General Beaufort Drake, known to his friends as Beau. He was a beautifully written and very complex character I’d challenge any reader not to fall in love with immediately. He was the perfect match for Millie and I loved the many similarities we gradually began to see between the two of them, including their past traumas, and the way this formed the foundations for their relationship. They had brilliant banter, constantly verbally sparring throughout the book. If as a reader you love the trope of a MMC really looking after a FMC you will particularly adore Beau and this formed some of my favourite scenes in the entire book. This is a spicy romance and this aspect to the plot was beautifully written.

Although this is the second book in the The Queen's Deadly Damsels series, this was my introduction to it and it does still work fantastically as a standalone story.

Overall, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is bar far the best historical romance we’ve seen this year and an absolute must-read for fans of the genre, especially those who are also partial to a crime thriller plotline that keeps you on your toes throughout.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ / 5 (Explicit Open Door)

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk

*Thank you to Darcy McGuire, Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley.

Darcy Mcguire is a new to me author but one that i am already adding to my favorites! there is nothing better than a historical romance with a heroine with a mission and is being forced to marry an old creep except for when you have all of that AND a chivalrous handsome hero with the same mission! loved this one

Millie doesn’t want to get married so needs to ‘lose’ her intended husband before their betrothal is announced at the ball. She’s decided to seduce the only man she knows who also has no intention of getting married.. Unfortunately things don’t quite go according to plan. She manages to lose her intended but still ends up betrothed to the man who doesn’t want to marry. As Millie is an investigator for the Queen marriage is not really an option in their world so she only has a few weeks to lose another fiancé and complete a successful investigation
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I received this book from NetGalley and when I realised it was the second in a series I got a copy of the first one as I like to read series in order. Reading the first one gave me a good idea of what this book would be like. Disappointingly, it was worse. The plot line of the investigation was very thin, almost non-existent so that any success in the investigation came from luck rather then skill. Most of the storyline was taken up by the hero and heroine either having sex with each other or thinking about having sex with each other and it became boring.

Sadly I really can’t recommend this book,

3.75 out of 5 stars!

Secret femme-fatale in training whose deadly mission is to seduce the one man who despises marriage more than her!?
The way I'm going feral right now is indescribable.

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is a must-read for enthusiasts of historical (spicy) romance, mystery and intrigue. Featuring a captivating storyline, nicely crafted characters, and insightful themes, this novel promises to make a memorable impact. Although it can be enjoyed on its own, starting with the series' first book 'The Secret Life of a Lady' will enhance your experience. I definitely need to dive into that one soon!

Super cute and really fun read! I really enjoy getting to read these types of books. Will be adding any future ones straight to my tbr.