This was my first book in the series and I did not feel like I missed out on a backstory. The book was pretty exciting and the protagonists have a great rapport. I liked this book and will likely read the others in the series as well.

#netgalley #DisarmingtheBaron

This was a strong third entry in the Courting a Curious Lady series, it had that element that I was looking for from the previous two books. The characters felt like they were supposed to and was invested in what was going on. Lexi Post has a strong writing style and was glad the overall feel of this world. It continued the story perfectly and was glad everything worked together to tell the story.

This Regency historical romance is full of surprises! I was expecting a staid run-of-the-mill historical filled with Dukes, ladies or Barons, but this had the added element of a mystery with a hidden plot to kill a king. So, I was a bit shocked to discover that. The book in the beginning started off slowly, but it didn’t stop my enjoyment of it and when I think of best friends to lover stories, this one is done extremely well. Especially when one of the friends doesn’t realize how much or the depth of feeling the other party feels. There is more fun in reading it when you discover it also. There is a long past between Anthony and Lissa that I wish could be delved into further. Maybe there could be a book about them and their shared exploits because I surely would read it. Anthony also seemed a bit of a stick-in-the mud. While Lissa would be so much fun to hang out with and someone that likes adventure. Well, anyone that has a sling in their bedroom and uses it isn’t a boring person at all! I hope Ms. Lexi Post writes more about these wonderful ladies because I will read and enjoy them all!

The fourth son of a duke, Anthony Taylour was a Bow Street Runner and a lieutenant in the Calvary during the war. He worked with Lissette Fontaine undercover in France. Lissa attends The Belinda School for Curious Ladies, but is bored. Anthony seeks her help on a case he's investigating for the Earl of Harewood. He needs an expert in weaponry. Lissa is one of the best. The investigation involves the man who threatened the earl's wife. An invitation to a house party is like no houseparty Anthony's ever attended. The house itself opens up clues to prove that what they were looking for is a lot more complex than they expected. Close quarters at the house party reveals the love Anthony and Lissa have for each other.
Never underestimate the fourth son of a duke. Explicit sex and references to multiple partners for sex, bondage and violence.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is the third book I'm the Courting a Curious Lady series. It is a very adventurous, exciting, engaging, and well written love story. The characters were complex, interesting, intelligent, and strong-willed. I enjoyed the drama, action, suspense, plots, and subterfuge that was very entertaining. The ending was lovely. I highly recommend reading!

Disarming the Baron by Lexie Post is a romance wherein the baron, Anthony doesn’t even admit to being a baron and has no desire to marry. He had met Lissa in France when she was little more than a child and had helped her and her grandmother keep from starving. They had had adventures together. Now he needed her help in identifying a weapon, at which she was an expert. She was thriving at the Belinda School for Curious Ladies and he called in her there. Frankly, she was bored and wanted to help him with whatever he was investigating. He was shocked at how beautiful she was in a gown with her hair done up. After a couple of meetings to discuss the weapon, he agreed she could help him in her guise as a boy. Things got complicated within the investigation. She killed someone and to keep her from the hangman he took extreme measures.

Anthony was the third son, therefore a baron. He really was not part of the family. They didn’t like what he did for a living: investigating situations for members of the ton and getting paid for it. Lissa was determined that Anthony find her a man to marry, one who was wealthy but without a title. She could not become part of the aristocracy, not with her past. They both had a lot to figure out. They were both interesting and likable characters who just wanted some excitement in life. That they got. It was an intriguing plot and they ended up with more than they thought there was. It moved quickly and took turns the reader did not expect. A good novel.

I was invited to read Disarming the Baron by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #LexiePost #DisarmingTheBaron

Very slow to get started and super slow burn. Finally picks up some about half-way through, though still doesn't go where I thought it might or wanted it to. Mainly focuses on investigation/plot but has a couple of decent, if short, steamy scenes (though not a lot of detail and the kink mentions are just a tease with zero payoff) If you like friends to lovers that very slowly and quietly realize their love while being busy investigating a villian, maybe you would like it more.

I had a big problem with the premise, as the whole idea that he is a baron makes no sense since he is a younger son of a duke (and even eldest children with courtesy titles are not actually peers either). Plus there are problems with the French used. Both these things and the slow and bland pacing brought it down a couple stars.

To be noted, I really like the cover. It represents the characters well and has good background details. And who doesn't love a good Floyd? ;)

I received an ARC from Netgalley. These are my honest opinions.

Old habits die hard in this fast-paced romance. Lissette and Anthony had to depend on one another for their survival during the Napoleonic war, where Anthony came to appreciate Lissette's ability to filch food and handle weapons with aplomb. Asked to investigate a puzzling case, Anthony is directed to the Belinda School for Curious Ladies for help in identifying antique weapons, and, much to his surprise, he once again comes face to face with Lissette. Desperate for adventure and to shake off the pressure of conforming to the rules of society, Lissette persuades Anthony to take her along to work the case. Knowing no one is more adept at assisting him, he agrees to her plan. The investigation leads them into a perilous situation which is hampered somewhat by the sizzling attraction between them. The novel comes to a very good conclusion as the case is resolved and Anthony and Lissette can plan their future. This novel is part of a series and although some characters from previous books appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This historical romance is part of a series that centres around the school for curious ladies. Each of the young women has a different reason for being there. Our heroine in this story has come from France and is nothing like the others.

Our hero is the fourth son of a duke and has an unusual way of earning a living. His family doesn't approve of it.

We get plenty of adventure, danger, and mischief in this story. There are lots of surprises about both of them.

A thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish.

I loved it.

I have absolutely enjoyed this series, so when book three came out, I jumped on it. I'm still waiting for Rose's story but Lissette and Anthony are a good consolation. Being the newest member of the Belinda School for Curious Ladies, Lissette has lots to learn yet she puts her past skills to work in helping an old acquaintance, Anthony. As they work together, the simmering takes place and the steam is great. This author writes with a flair for drama, creativity, and mystery. Her stories are always engaging and entertaining.

A wonderful storyline with engaging characters!

This novel introduces us to two captivating main characters, Lissa and Anthony. I loved Lissa. She is such a spirited and passionate heroine. I enjoyed Lissa and Anthony’s story and watching their mutual attraction grow. The character's interactions were fabulous, with respect and empathy. I liked the book’s mystery part with the investigation that brought some adventures in the story. With its friends-to-lovers trope , the plot is enjoyable and offers a good balance of mystery, twists, romance, and spice. The book was such a delight to read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I haven’t read the previous books under the ‘Courting a curious lady’ series which may have influenced my reading experience. ‘Disarming the baron’ follows Lissa, a French beauty being reformed into a proper lady, and Anthony, her former wartime acquaintance who resurfaces seeking her expertise in weaponry. While their reunion at a house party presents an intriguing premise, the narrative suffers from disconnected flashbacks that disrupt the emotional momentum between the characters. The story did have some sweet romance elements. Despite my mixed feelings about this particular installment, I'm curious to explore the author's other works to better appreciate their writing style.

P.S. I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Last year I really enjoyed reading the author's Marrying a Mabry series, which was a retelling of Little Women. This spinoff collection, Courting a Curious Lady, resembles the sequel, Jo's Boys. I have unfortunately not read that and a lot of the references were lost on me. I tragically have not been enjoying these books as much as the Mabry sisters. The first book, Uncovering the Lord, was absolutely darling and I have not liked its successors, sad to say. Disarming the Baron was not enjoyable to me and ranks among the bottom with the Meg March retelling. We don't talk about Meg.

Disarming the Baron did not work for me. I had no connection to these characters and wasn't interested in their romance. I hated flashbacks to the beginning of their relationship and their emotions not occurring in real time. Lissette seemed like a dream girl character who was drop dead gorgeous and also happened to be a weapons expert. Sure, Jan. I was bored by this book and found myself skimming more often than not. She was the quintessential French vixen and didn't seem as genuine as the previous heroines.

Although I disliked Disarming the Baron, I do adore Lexi Post as an author. Her writing is so sweet and I love how her couples fall in love. I'm not sure if this is the final book in the series, but I'm still interested in following her future collections. This book wasn't for me, but I'll still support the author. Maybe if I read Jo's Boys, I would have been able to Disarm the Baron far more successfully.

***SPOILERS***


It's not often that I read a romance book that gives me both "Eyes Wide Shut" AND "The Most Dangerous Game" vibes.

Lissa is the latest girl at the Belinda School for Curious Ladies to find love. Her love interest is Anthony, a guy who she shared a past life with in France during the war. He's shown back up in her life again and he wants her help with old fashioned weaponry and to help take down a bad guy.

They pose as a couple at a house party. They quickly realize that this is no ordinary, tame get together. There's the orgy element, but also a much darker game going on here, and I just wanted them to get the hell outta there. It wasn't a sexy, hot masquerade party but dark debauchery.

I was glad to see them prevail and go from friends to lovers.

I hope the teaser at the end is the couple in the next book. A story with mental health rep is always welcome.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

I devoured this book. It was well written with great characters and a romance and bubbled and sizzled across the page. I really enjoyed the schooling aspect and how it was inspired by earlier works by Louisa May Alcott. Can't wait to read more from this enchanting author.

Lissa and Anthony meet again in England after being friends in France during troubled times.
Lissa is now being reformed into a proper lady despite her misgivings.
Anthony comes to her for information and is surprised by her new looks.
They face challenges and class differences throughout their newly defined relationship.
Enjoyable fun romp with lots of banter.