This book really needs content warnings. I was absolutely blindsided by how dark and detailed things got. The cover and blurb lead us to believe that this would be a fun rom-com situation and even after reading the first book I did not expect how far things went in this book.

I will not be reviewing on socials as I do not post anything lower than 3 stars

Riveting Victorian adventure/romance!

Millicent Whittenburg is a member of a secret group of Queen Victoria’s sleuths led by the formidable Duchess of Dorsett. Millie’s been training with the Duchess, Phillipa Winterbourne, to be a Queen’s investigator. The Queen needs to keep an eye on her House of Lords and certain villainous members.
Unfortunately Millie is being forced into marriage with a repulsive, elderly man, Viscount Tread, a friend of her father’s and “wicked” (truly!) stepmother. (I’m frequently disgusted by Millie’s avarice stepmother Patricia. A nasty piece of work. How did Millie’s beloved father, Marquess Whittenburg, allow Patricia to make so much angst and trouble for Millie? Dreadful woman! Pitiful father!)
Millie’s attending a ball where her betrothal is to be announced.
Her way to escape? Entrap someone into marriage, and then refuse to marry them.
Only Millie didn’t have the measure of her target, Major General Beaufort Drake, Earl of Tetly, a scarred warrior hero, and private investigator for the Prime Minister.
I’m not going to lie, a fiery intimate life develops between the two. It is indeed spicy as the sub title allows.
What happens brings the past and future into collision. A tangled story of love and deceit, of romance and mystery.
An intriguing addition to McGuire’s Deadly Damsels series.

A Boldwood Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Darcy McGuire for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Lady's Lesson in Scandal coming out October 12, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I enjoy this series. I love regency romances with some action! I loved the first book. I think Millie was a strong heroine. I don’t think her and Beaufort had as much chemistry as the couple in the first book, but I liked it. There seemed to be a lot of villains in this book. I would check out more books by this author!

This was everything and more.. I can't say how much I loved this book really, Millie and Beau - Drake are just amazing.. Who wouldn't like a feisty woman with a secret, who wants nothing more than be a paria só she could leave the society and live her own life but then she meets Drake, the man with who she tries to make a scandal but that ends up in backfire because now they have to married

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read the first in this series and was a bit disappointed with the story being very different from what the synopsis had described, this was just the same. Mostly another sex education lesson for the main female character with a bit of an investigation thrown in for good measure.

I really enjoyed the parts about the secret missions and lessons Millie has with the Duchess, but there are so few and far between that they feel like another story all together! I don’t mind a bit of sexy stuff in a book but this rather took over again.

Not sure if I’d read any more, unless the secret training is upped a bit more and more is mad of trying to catch some bad guys.

3.5/5 rounded to 4. A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal is the author’s second book and also second in The Queen’s Deadly Damsels series. This was a new to me author and was able to read this as a standalone.

There were several things I enjoyed about this book. The plot was interesting and I love when the best laid plans are ruined. I enjoyed the characters, a tall curvy heroine that is training to be an investigator for Queen Victoria. Millie was proud of her curves and it was a characteristic that stayed in the forefront of her character. She was a strong heroine with determination and also a lot of empathy that made her easily lovable. Drake also was lovable but had a tougher shell to crack. A hardened war veteran that had been tortured from the Anglo-Afghan war and was now working as an investigator for the Prime Minister.

I always like it when the MC have different experiences but both have to overcome a similar internal problem to reach their HEA. Drake and Millie had both been burned by prior loves and no longer trusted the opposite sex. Their ability to trust one another took a while but was rewarding when they did.

My heart hurt for Millie and the relationship with her father. It was sad for Millie to lose that relationship with him but also angry at her father for treating her as he had. I would’ve liked to have seen their relationship brought back into the story at the end.

There were a few things though that I wasn’t as big of a fan of. They may not bother other readers but I had a hard time letting them go. I didn’t like the sapphic blackmail subplot the stepmother had on Millie. It rubbed me wrong and also didn’t make sense to me on how the lines were drawn for the stepmother to make that conclusion. The villain at the end was surprising but also seemed like a complete change in character that made it harder to believe. The main plot of taking down the Devil’s Sons wasn’t resolved or made clear if it would carry on.

Overall, it was an intriguing story and loved the connection and healing between the MC.

There are four detailed encounters that were steamy and tender.

CW: contains on page violence

I received an advance ecopy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

3 Stars
One Liner: Okay! Liked the first book better

Millicent Whittenburg has been secretly training as one of the Queen’s ladies to join a deadly mission and find the gang trafficking young women to France. However, she needs to first get out of the horrible betrothal finalized by her evil stepmother. There’s only one way – seduce a man who hates marriage.
Major General Beaufort Drake has scars on his body and a rock for his heart. While the war gave him the scar, his then fiancée’s betrayal made him hate women and stay away from matrimony. However, Millie’s attempts to escape her fate stir a few feelings in him.
With both on the same secret mission, a marriage of convenience might benefit them, even if they realize their hearts are at risk of loving the other.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Millie and Beau (Drake).

My Thoughts:
The book works as a standalone though the characters have met in the earlier one. Reading that is not mandatory but could help see that the MCs had a couple of conversations (banter of sorts).
This series is predominantly steamy romance (~4). The mystery and danger are a subplot and take center stage only in the last quarter. The writing has a contemporary flavor as most books in this genre tend to be.
There’s quite a lot of drama in this one – evil stepmother, shitty exes (jealousy and all that), a struggling relationship (or the lack of it) between the main characters, the mystery of the gang, etc. Some of it works.
For me, the bright spot was Billy Bright, the young lad from book one. Boy, the kid brightened up the scenes whenever he was around. Lady Phillipa, once again, makes her presence felt. I hope she gets her own book.
While the previous book also had a dark backstory for the FMC, the chosen track in this book did not appeal to me. A certain scene, especially around 15% was unexpected. What made sense in the previous book doesn’t work here since the characters and the resolutions are different. Just look at that yellow cover and the flowery design on it. I didn’t expect something this triggering to happen. What’s worse is that the person responsible doesn’t even pay for their actions. No justice! Also, after a point, the issue isn’t even discussed again.
There’s one more random piece of information about a different character that’s revealed and left hanging. Possible that it will be tackled in the next book. Since I did guess a bit from the earlier scene, I knew what the trigger would be. It might affect other readers, though.
Quite a few issues are supposed to be presumed as settled (sorted off page). This doesn’t make the ending as satisfying as it should be. I wanted a more comprehensive approach to tying up at least the major subplots. Only one gets a sort of resolution.
To summarize, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal has its moments but doesn’t appeal to me as much as the previous book in the series. I had high hopes for this since I liked both characters, but the execution wasn’t great. Hopefully, things will be better in the next book. Fingers crossed!
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I was a bit disappointed by this second book of the series. I loved the first and I had great expectations, but even if I enjoyed this one, I didn’t like some of the things that happen in the book. First, the evil stepmother is really TOO much. She seems a parody, the epitome of all the evil stepmothers in literature. I don’t believe for a minute that strong, confident Millicent would have accepted to be treated like that, and all because of a threat that’s at best shallow. Second, I found that the excess of humor very often clashed with the general plot of the book and with some of the tropes (tortured war hero, abused daughter, traffic of human beings). I usually like a subtle mix of humor and angst, but here the angst was totally missing. In general, though, I found the book entertaining and I’m still willing to read the next in the series.

This is the first book I have read in this series although it is the 2nd that didn't affect my reading. It styles itself very much as a 'romp' as you could guess from the cover. However it had everything I like It has spies, scarred heroes, strong female just in a more light hearted and fun way. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

AHHHHHHH I ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK !!!!! The cahracters re so well written and THE SUBPLOTS?!?!?!?!?

I genuinely thought there was a third act breakup kind of scene and it turns out I just can't read so my bad ! Millie is one of my favourite main characters I've ever read and a Grumpy Sunshine, Marriage of Convenience with Major General Beu?! absolute heart eyes!!

also ivy accidentally interrupting their moment? HILARIOUS!

I loved the chemistry between Millie and Drake, and I thought the progression of their relationship from dislike > lust > affection > love was very well done, with lots of tension and angst from both of them. I also liked the twist at the end that I didn't see coming! I was expecting them to spend more time working together on the investigation, but instead they only discovered that they were each investigating the same thing in the last quarter of the book, so much of it was them "keeping secrets" from each other. I would have liked to see them become partners on the page more.

The two villains were almost cartoonishly evil, without much nuance, and this made the plot feel a bit overwrought at times. I'm not saying they needed to have a "good side," but I wish they felt a little more complex. The very first scene between the FMC and her stepmother was so melodramatic I almost stopped reading, but I'm glad I kept with it as overall I enjoyed the read.

Readers should be aware that the plot covers a lot of dark issues (torture, abuse, sex trafficking, murder) which you may not be expecting from the cutesy cover (how I wish publishers would reserve the cartoony covers for true rom coms or lighthearted romances but I guess it can't be helped and it's not the author's fault).

I mostly enjoyed this book, it's fairly typical of regency tropes. It has spies, scarred heroes, strong female lead, troublesome family etc. A fun read

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🔥
Tropes: historical romance, marriage of convenience, secret badass FMC

There’s so much to talk about when it comes to the book. But I guess let’s start with the fact that I don’t generally read historical romances, but Darcy McGuire’s book was pure perfection.

I felt it was the perfect blend of spicy romance, witty banter, interesting plot, and just anything else you expect and want from a book that makes you laugh while making your heart happy. There was even character growth! Dual POV is something I’ve come to almost need in a book, but the way each POV was intertwined and the small little connections is something only a true master knows to incorporate. I really couldn't have asked for more.

I haven’t read book one of the series, but that was not an issue while I was reading this one. I will definitely be going back and reading the first book and am MOREEEE than excited for the next books.

“What I feel for you is forever. It’s my breath. My beating heart. It eclipses every other emotion. If I have a soul, you are the essence that fills it.”

A lady lesson in scandal was a very nice read, spicy and funny, mixing Victorian and modern romance. Millicent and Beau are both endearing, stubborn and strong (I’m not sure about the subtitle “a wallflower at risk of ruin”, maybe is it a reference about book1, that I haven't read yet). They are both too attached to their independence (and to their respective missions), which makes them reject their feelings during the whole story, resulting in a lot of mutual pining. And even if I like that, it sometimes felt a bit too much.
I loved how the mystery plot waved with the love story, as it undoubtedly adds some rhythm to the novel, and –for once– I didn’t see the final twist coming (at least not a long time before it happened).
I loved Millie’s questioning, it made a lot of sense, and if I absolutely ADORED Drake’s grand gesture, I wish her feelings had taken more space in the story.
If I like the modernity of both MC, I like the writing a bit less. It is completely personal, but when I read historical romance, I prefer to be plunged into the area by the writing, and it is not the case here (the writing is absolutely OK, it’s just modern), but the book was truly an easy read, and very fun with that mystery/spy plot. I’ll definitely read the first book in this series (they are stand alone), as much as the next one.

PS: some characters show openly homophobic behaviors (anti-lesbian), be warned if it might trigger you.


Thank you NetGalley, Darcy McGuire and Boldwood books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

"A Lady's Lesson in Scandal" by Darcy McGuire is a fun historical romance that combines espionage, love, and humour. Set in Victorian England, the story follows Millicent Whittenburg, a secret agent (sort of still in training) for Queen Victoria, who tries to escape a marriage she doesn’t want by publicly ruining her reputation and making herself unmarryable. Her unknown victim and collateral damage is Major General Beaufort Drake, a man known for avoiding marriage and hating women. However, Millicent's plan goes awry when the battle-scarred veteran (and secret private investigator for the Prime Minister), proposes marriage for his own reasons.

McGuire's storytelling is compelling as she blends romance and mystery. The chemistry between Millie and Drake is palpable from their first meeting, and their relationship grows as they deal with their imminent engagement. Both characters are interesting and well-developed. Millie is a strong, possibly plus-size woman (she is called fat by a character, but the book cover doesn't show this) who challenges societal norms of feminine weakness and stupidity. At the same time, Drake’s tough appearance hides a more sensitive side and trauma that is both mental and physical.

What makes this novel stand out is the powerful mix of romance and mystery tipped in favour of romance in the first half of the book, and mystery in the second. As Millie and Drake secretly work on supposedly separate missions to uncover a sinister plan, their paths cross. The intertwined storylines keep the pace engaging. Their playful banter is delightful and the spicy scenes are realistic and enjoyable.

A romance needs some spice, and McGuire delivers a good amount of it. The intimate scenes strike a lovely balance between sensual and sweet. The tension between Mille and Drake builds wonderfully, making their moments together even more rewarding.

"A Lady's Lesson in Scandal" is a must-read for anyone who loves historical romance (and isn't too much of a stickler about historical accuracy), with a bit of mystery and strong female leads. It's perfect for both newcomers (like me) and seasoned fans, offering captivating characters and a plot that keeps you intrigued until the last page.

It was a real struggle not to read this book all in one go, I could barely put it down. "A Lady's Lesson in Scandal" is a fantastic addition to the historical romance world and leaves you excited for more in The Queen's Deadly Damsels series. I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for my eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

A rollicking tour-de-force filled with heart and heat! A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal had so much to enjoy. I ripped through it in a little more than a day--it is that much fun.

However, it has some issues, that, while the book was compulsively readable, really kept me from fully immersing myself in McGuire's writing and enjoying the book. On the surface level of the writing, I found the villains to be a tad cartoonish, the interior thoughts of the characters (Millie especially) far too anachronistic, and the “badassery” read mostly silly and over the top. But for me the biggest issue was the way in which the war “hero” backstory was handled for Beau. There was no nuance in his backstory to acknowledge the horrors of British occupation in Asia, particularly in the Middle East, and so the one note-ness of the evil Afghan soldiers was very shallow. While I don't necessarily expect minor villains to be round, dynamic characters, I would have expected more nuance and understanding of how the "evil Middle Eastern" may read to an international audience, especially given the last two decades or so.

All that being said, I think McGuire has a lot of talent and some really excellent writing in this book, making it very hard for me to decide on a rating for this review. I found Millie and Beau's relationship trajectory perhaps a bit too insta-lusty and quickly paced, but that is a purely personal preference; their banter and character growth helped to ground their stories and create characters I was rooting for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

This second book in the series was really fun to read . I’m looking forward to next in the series

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Darcy McGuire delivers an engaging blend of historical fiction and slow-burn romance, with a refreshing twist—a female secret agent protagonist in a historical setting. As a fan of historical romances, especially with strong, independent female characters, I thoroughly enjoyed this unique approach. The slow-burn romance was well-developed, with an intriguing dynamic between the leads that kept me invested. The fairytale-like presence of the evil stepmother added a classic element to the story, while the love scenes were steamy and satisfying, making for a well-rounded read.

What truly stood out was the protagonist's role as a secret agent, a rare and exciting feature in a historical romance. Darcy McGuire skillfully handled this aspect, making the heroine's strength and independence believable and compelling. This was my first experience with such a storyline, and it brought a fresh energy to the genre. Overall, the book was a lot of fun, and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances with a twist. A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is available to buy or through Kindle Unlimited.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a ARC of this book.

I received this as an ARC but am providing an unbiased review.

I liked this. I enjoy historical romances that have a mystery, and especially ones where the women are strong and doing more than just being fashionable. In this case, there was some interesting relationship stuff and gender inequities, and I need to read Ivy's book. I very much hated the war stuff because the history of the British in South and Central Asia is horrific. For most of the book, the focus was on the horror visited upon them and I'm a little tired of the narrative, but at least there were some illusions as to the horror they visited on people whose only crime was living on land they wanted to possess. The central case was also a little difficult to buy, but at the end, that didn't mar my enjoyment of the book much.

But in the end, there were interesting exchanges about justice and the way it is, and isn't, enforced. Also the duchess is one of my favorite recent characters. I've immediately bought the first book in the series and will be buying more.

A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal is one of my favourite Regency romances of the year. There is brilliantly-written slow-burn romance, espionage, kidnapping, and subterfuges, a cruel step-mother (as they are usually found in a Disney movie), an all-female squad of well-trained spies, and lots of spice.

The protagonists of the novel are Millicent “Millie” Whittenburg and Major General Beaufort Drake, both considered outcasts from the ton of London. Millie has been entrapped by her step-mother in a betrothal with a man old enough to be her grandfather, but all she wants is to have the freedom to train as a spy with the Duchess of Dorset and take down the band of criminals kidnapping and selling young women all across Europe. The only way out of her engagement is to cause a scandal and what better than to be found in a compromising position with Major Drake? He is a war hero who still bears the scars, both physical and mental, of two years of imprisonment and torture in Afghanistan. Now working as a spy for the prime minister, he has sworn off women for good after he returned from war to his first love married his brother. And while Millie may think that she will be released from any engagement and let go in shame, Major Drake has every intention of being honourable and marrying her. And during a week-long party at his country estate to celebrate the wedding, they will have to face not only their trust and feelings for each other, but also a few dangers and enemies.

I had so much fun reading A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal. The romance is very well-developed. The characters are intriguing and entertaining and there are also a few twists that I didn’t expect. This is the second book in The Queen’s Deadly Damsels series and I am looking forward to reading more.