This book is fast-paced and exhilirating. The writing is clever, descriptive, and at times, cryptic. It was also difficult for me, as a reader, to immerse myself fully in the world. I felt a bit as if I’d been dropped in the middle of a world that everyone else understood.

It was not quite the book I was expecting, but I will read it again and update my review with additional insights.

This is the second book in the Ill-Mannered Ladies Series. It is a five-star read full of action, mystery, and just a smattering of romance!

The eccentric Colebrook sisters are 42-year-old spinster twins who make smart, capable protagonists; it’s refreshing to see Regency heroines depicted with maturity and independence. I also loved the two male leads: a brooding, heroic Bow Street Runner and Lord Evan, a charming wrongly accused man on the run. The pace never lets up, and is filled with action and adventure.

The historical backdrop feels rich and well-researched, thanks to the author’s thoughtful notes at the end.

This series just keeps getting better, and I’m excited for the next adventure!

In the second book in this Regency series, twin sisters Augustus and Julia continue to try and prove the innocence of Lord Evan Belford, who Augustus is in love with. Add to the mix is the drama surrounding Lord Belford’s sister, Hester and her female companion, Miss Graham. Trying to stay a step ahead of those out to capture Lord Belford and his brother, who wants to commit again to the insane asylum their sister Hester, and the adventure is set. I will say I liked the first book better than this one- once the mystery started it picked up steam and was more interesting. Even though it’s set in the Regency period, I would have liked fewer of the “yes dearest/sweetest”, etc - was a bit overdone. Overall an enjoyable read. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book; all opinions are my own.

This was a fun who dunnit in a regency romance but just wasn’t for me. This is the second book in the series but the first I read which may have affected my rating. In this book we follow Gus and Julia unmarried spinsters as the ruffle upper society trying to solve a murder. My main issue with this book was I loved the characters so much I kind of lost the point of the story though and once they would start getting to the mystery I was bored and just wanted more of the characters. With that said again I think this was a personal issue and from me starting from the second book. I really think there is an audience that will enjoy these fun crazy characters as well as the mystery. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book for an honest review.

The second book in a series is often a "bridge" book to tie the start and ending books together. "The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin" defies that norm and creates an second book as good as, if not better than, the first! The characters, plot, and pacing are excellent. I stayed up much too late to finish the book, knowing I wouldn't be able to sleep without knowing the end. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I loved the independence that the Colebrook Sisters make for themselves. I started this second book shortly after I finished the first - I was SO eager to continue the tale. I don't know why it didn't enrapture as the first did.

Life and my schedule intervened, and I don't know if I was too distracted to finish the book? Were there too many subplots that discouraged me from digging in? For whatever reason, I did not finish after about 30% in. PLEASE do not decide to read this just because of this review: It really could have been my fault.

Here's what I can share from that limited reading: The characters are consistent and engaging! I loved seeing people from the first book appear again, more satisfyingly developed and contributing to the plot. The uncomfortable family situation continues, such that it had me pulling for Gus (and Evan) and for Julia. The goal (at least my personal goal) of getting Gus and Evan fully together ... I'll miss knowing if that comes true because of my DNFing too early.

Anyway, hearty thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing early access to a digital copy. I will try again in the future!

3.75
Despite the cover and the genre conventions, this book deals with some very heavy subject matter and I would recommend checking trigger warnings before reading. I was honestly shocked by how bleak things got and was tempted to put the book down at a few points, but I'm glad I finished it.

The Colebrook sisters are a plucky pair who will do anything for those they love or for those forgotten by society. Augusta (or Gus) is determined to clear the name of her lover Lord Evan who is on the run from the law. They are also trying to keep Lord Evan's sister and her lesbian lover hidden, but of course, not all goes to plan and they are soon in over their heads investigating a nefarious London club.

A fun historical mystery romp!The author's passion shines through in this book. It has great potential to appeal to romance readers. I encourage others to try it out! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.

The historical details stayed strong in this one, making the setting really come to life. This included societal norms and contemporary events in history, which was wonderful. This book wasn't set up like the last, and instead of being a series of smaller cases, it resolved one of the major plot points from the previous work and set up more information on another major plot point that's yet to be resolved.

I felt a little more connected to the characters this time than I did in the previous work. There was solid character growth in this one for the two sisters, which I loved. It didn't feel forced and went hand-in-hand with the plot in a satisfying way. The thoughts of some of the characters got a little repetitive, as did the romance plot for two characters and the subplot relating to another two characters (can't give details due to spoilers), but it wasn't a major detractor. I do think that this work could have been many pages shorter and would have benefitted from a more stringent editing.

This work sets up nicely for a book three, which promises some international shenanigans and hopefully a final resolution of the main plot. My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

So, I started out reading my ARC, but I was too slow and the book released and my preordered audiobook and my paperback arrived. Not complaining, it’s my own fault. But there is seriously something to be said for listening to a book while you read it. I’m at the age where brain fog is constant and I can’t remember squat. This method helps me, personally, focus at a level that keeps me engaged and less likely to check my phone and socials.

And it makes me love these novels even more. I’ve long been a fan of Alison Goodman, and I don’t think it’s fool hearty to say that there’s something in the water in Australia. The authors that come from the continent are just beyond amazing. I’ve literally never read a book by an Aussie that I didn’t like.

I don’t know how many books are planned for this series, but I could read the shenanigans of the Colebrook sisters forever, especially as Gus finds her more tender side and Julia finds her voice. As it is, there’s gonna be another book and it’s gonna be fancy. I’m thinking less blunderbuss and more décolletage. ;)

And I’m here for it because this book only barely whet my appetite for spinster sisters who are barely respectable and full of derring-do, highwaymen who are not criminals, and lawmen who stand by their principles. Plus, “beaus” keeping secrets of their own. It’s a sequel but it’s an entertaining one, and one that furthers the story rather than being a boring middle book.

I am loving this series and the second installment has only added to that love! It has all of those Bridgerton/regency vibes we love but with more scandal high stakes drama. I adore our female protagonists and that they are spinsters in their 40’s who are completely okay with that.

This book was so exciting and had me in the edge of my seat for 75% of it. I love the first person narration from Augusta and her snarky commentary. I’m glad we got to see more of the romances and am excited to see where things go in the next book!

I really enjoyed Alison Goodman’s The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies and was glad to return to the adventures of the Colebrook sisters in THE LADIES ROAD GUIDE TO UTTER RUIN.

This second book in the Ill-Mannered Ladies series is a continuation of the first, so Benevolent Society is not to be skipped. Goodman once again places the 42-year-old “spinsters” in danger as they seek to right the wrongs against Regency England’s most vulnerable. Using their courage and wits, Gus and Julia protect a lady from an asylum's horrors, save a young woman from a notorious gentlemen’s sex club, and investigate the wrongful sentencing of a man for murder.

I enjoy how these books are written in a style similar to historical romances, but with a focus on adventure instead. The sisters both have romantic interests, but those relationships serve to drive their risk-taking actions. Goodman also tends toward showcasing the darkest parts of Regency England, giving glimpses of life outside the aristocracy as the ladies meet sex workers, street dwellers, and deadly thugs. I appreciate how the author illustrates not only the powerlessness of women in all social spheres - how they were forced to rely on the goodwill of fathers and husbands - but also the ways that some more fortunate were able to carve out a life of independence.

The ending of book two does a great job of setting up the next adventure for the Colebrooks, and I look forward to the continuation of their story. I recommend this series to any reader who enjoys historical mysteries and adventures.

A delightful twist on historical romance type book when two spinster sisters living together decide to get out there and solve mysteries, help people in trouble, etc. They piss of their traditional brother with their escapades, fall in love with unsuitable gentleman, and generally lead the reader on an entertaining romp through the english countryside in the second installment of this series.

I'm sorry to have missed the first entry in this series, but delighted to catch up with book number two. Augusta and Julia Colebrook are 42 year old twins and members of the Aristocracy. They live together, are independently wealthy and their temperaments are more complimentary than like. Augusta takes risks and could care less about the gentry. Julia, who is battling a serious disease, holds herself out as more conventional and aware of their need to maintain appearances. Yet, each has already crossed that line by harboring Hester and her "companion' Miss. Grant while Hester recovers from being institutionalized by her brother in an insane asylum, a common place for women over many years when their families found them problematic. That was apparently the story of the first novel.

"Gus" and Julia each are in love with an inappropriate man. Gus, with Hester's brother who is illegally in the country, having been transported to Australia for killing a man in a duel. Julia, with a Bow Street Runner (predecessor to centrally organized policemen) who met them in connection with Hester's rescue. Now, Hester's other brother, the one who placed her in the asylum is homing in on the twins as the culprits, the twin's brother is helping and they must try to find a way to exonerate the illegally present brother and win back his good name. This indeed leads to a road trip during the Regency period, interfacing with some very evil members of the aristocracy and a club they have that is pernicious, and visits with various friends including encounters with Beau Brummell. A fun read.

I loved The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies, and continue to enjoy Gus and Julia Colebrook's adventures as they pursue justice for Lord Evan. I am charmed by their slow burn romances with Lord Evan (Gus) and Mr. Kent (Julia). Their goal to protect vulnerable women and children is paired with the intense chemistry and fun frivolity of the cozy relationship between the neurodivergent Gus and her sister as well as the amazing cast of supporting characters. I am thoroughly charmed by this series and can't wait for the next escapade in this cozy Regency series.

I really enjoyed this book! Overall a 4.5 out of 5 for me. I found the mystery aspect compelling and wanted to figure out the problem. However, what I particularly enjoyed was the relationship development between the sisters as they navigate aging, falling in love with their respective love interests, becoming more independent, and discovering who they are as adults rather than who they were as children. As people age, their relationships change, and that includes the dynamics between siblings. Alison Goodman articulated these changes well.

There are some dark elements in terms of the mystery, women's rights, mental health, and sexual autonomy. I liked that Goodman doesn't shy away from describing the unsavory elements of being a woman in the 1800s, but check the content warnings.

Finally, I also loved that there is diversity and inclusivity.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
I received an ebook copy, and I did a combination of reading the ebook arc and an audiobook that I purchased.

I don't think I can continue with this series, it's too stressful. I made it through the last book a lot more easily because the main characters were such bright spots amidst the darker subject matter, and ultimately they put their skills and plans to good use and were able to help a lot of people. In this book it felt like everyone became at least a little less likable and a lot more jerked around by the plot. Old characters were a bit flatter and new characters had very little substance. I'm also getting a bit impatient with how some of the plots from the first book are dragging.

I'm still giving it 4 stars because this has many of the good qualities of the previous book and I appreciate the integration of the historical research into the story. The audiobook narrator is also once again doing a great job. The next book even sounds interesting in terms of where the plot is going, but I know myself and I'm most likely going to avoid it because I didn't like the headspace this one put me in. The present day still has so many injustices that it's too disheartening to think about how little things have changed from the past.

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Murder, Classism
Minor: Cancer, Cursing, Rape

Mysterious, romantic, and entertaining!

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin sweeps you away to the British countryside during the early 1800s and into the life of the independent, reliable Lady Augusta Colebrook who, after falling for the escaped convict, Lord Evan, will do whatever it takes to help hide his sister from there spiteful brother, finally discover what despicable behaviours are really going on behind the closed doors of the Rack and Ruin club, and once and for all prove her beloved is actually innocent of all the crimes he was accused of.

The prose is witty and sharp. The characters are resourceful, vulnerable, and passionate. And the plot is a fulfilling blend of family, friendship, danger, desire, societal expectations, scheming behaviour, tricky situations, awkward moments, secrets, attraction, and true love.

Overall, The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin is another charming, adventurous, action-packed addition to the Ill-Mannered Ladies series by Goodman, complete with characters I couldn’t help but root for and a swoon-worthy ending that left me smitten and satisfied!

I absolutely adored this second in the series from Alison Goodman. I have loved so many of her books that any time I see she has a new title out, I know it's going to be amazing. This story was certainly no exception. Augusta and Julia right the wrongs of society the way no one else can. I love that these books have plenty of the fun, fluffy parts of Regency romances that we all love so much, but also speak to the harsh realities that women faced. Goodman does a wonderful job balancing the two and producing a book that is both fun and insightful.

An interesting second installment in a series that seems to be trying to blend semi-comic, Regency mystery with something a bit grittier.

I think the former works better than the latter. Or at least makes for better reading. There is a lot of pretty serious violence towards women in these books, and sometimes it feels out of step with the tone and setting. I understand what Goodman is trying to do, and I think there’s a place for Historical Fiction that is perhaps more representative of actual history in this way. But I’ll be honest and say I don’t actually enjoy that all that much.

I find I prefer not to encounter this kind of violence outside of nonfiction, and never in something that at least purports to be a hybrid with Regency comedy. That said, if you’re willing to tolerate or seeking that kind of content, the disconnect between tone and content likely won’t bother you as much as it did me. Hence a four star rating for a book that I didn’t actually enjoy all that much at times, but recognize is well-crafted.

What I like about these is the sisters’ personalities and relationship, the way they navigate a desire to live freely in an era where that was nearly impossible for unmarried women, and the period detail, which is terrific and my favorite part of the series.

I’d like a somewhat lighter plot in future installments of the series, but there’s a lot about these that make them worth reading.