Review by Booklist Review
Lady Justice may wear a blindfold, but Lady Sesily Talbot does not. Working with the Duchess of Trevescan, Adelaide Frampton, and Imogen Loveless, Sesily helps tip the scales of justice back in favor of the female population of London by whatever means necessary. In Sesily's case, her willingness to court scandal regardless of the consequences to her reputation leaves her immune from the scrutiny of almost everyone in the ton. Well, everyone except for American Caleb Calhoun. Now back in London after spending two years in Boston, Caleb is convinced Sesily is flirting with danger, and while she might think she doesn't need anyone's help, he plans on being right there by her side just in case. With the splendidly conceived launch to her new Hell's Belles series, RITA award-winning MacLean (Daring and the Duke, 2020) aptly demonstrates that her literary magic never loses its allure by gifting readers with both an extraordinarily memorable cast of characters and a fiercely feminist storyline powered by ample measures of intense sensuality and sharp wit.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Bestseller MacLean (Daring and the Duke) launchers her Hell's Belles series with a sizzling, adventurous Victorian romance. Thirty-year-old Lady Sesily Talbot's brazen reputation is well-earned--it's also a helpful cover for her acts of vigilante justice: no one thinks twice about a notorious lightskirt luring men into dark corners. With a group of multitalented, badass women at her back, Sesily makes a habit of toppling villainous aristocrats, and now she's plotting to expose the crimes of the horrible Viscount Coleford. Throwing a wrench in this plan is American tavern owner Caleb Calhoun. The pair have been pining for each other for two years, but Caleb's convinced that his dark past will endanger any woman in his orbit. As resolved as he is to keep his distance, however, he's equally determined to protect Sesily, and comes to her rescue in ballrooms and bar fights alike. Refreshingly, their relationship's development hinges on Caleb learning that Sesily is more than capable of protecting herself. Caleb's defining traits are his unwavering devotion and willingness to martyr himself, but he lacks the wonderful nuance that animates Sesily herself. The highlight is instead Sesily's fierce, loyal friend group, and readers will be eager to see more of them in future installments. This promises good things to come. Agent: Holly Root, Root Literary. (Aug.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
Lady Sesily Talbot has always courted scandal in Victorian London, and she's never been concerned with what others think of her. Her constant flouting of the rules of the ton (Britain's high society) soon leads her to a group of women who use their power and intellect to solve problems where others have looked away. In the recent past, it also led Sesily to Caleb Calhoun, the one man who not only refused her advances but ran away from her; he sailed to the States the day after she confessed her attraction to him. Now, two years later, Caleb is back, and he's distressingly curious about Sesily's clandestine activities. Will danger and espionage draw them together, or will their secrets force them apart once again? MacLean ("Bareknuckle Bastards" series) kicks off a planned series with this feminist historical romance that's full of witty dialogue and plenty of steamy scenes. The plot is well written and fast paced; its twists and turns pull the reader along on Sesily's missions and introduce unforgettable secondary characters. Caleb, who at first seems to be an alpha hero, has radical thoughts, hidden depths, and a willingness to embrace chaos, and he is increasingly likeable as the novel progresses. VERDICT MacLean's dedicated fan base will be eagerly awaiting this novel, but it will also appeal to other romance readers who are unfamiliar with her body of work. Highly recommended for general purchase.--Heather Miller Cover, Homewood P.L., AL
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
MacLean kicks off an explosive new series featuring a girl gang in Victorian London. Thirty years old and single, Lady Sesily Talbot is no wallflower. Nicknamed "Sexily," she's known for being scandalous--and she knows how to keep a secret. Two years ago, heartbroken after having been rejected by American businessman Caleb Calhoun, Sesily was approached by the Duchess of Trevescan with a life-changing proposition. She joined a group of women collected by the Duchess who use their skills to take down evil men. Something between fixers and vigilantes, these ass-kicking women--besides the Duchess and Sesily, there are Imogen, "who came with an expertise in things both extremely useful and extremely dangerous," and Adelaide, "whose meek exterior made her a superior thief"--are fearless and are also great friends to each other. Caleb spent most of the past two years across the Atlantic, but now he's back in London. He's always been irresistibly drawn to Sesily, and right away he knows she's up to something. He has his own secrets to keep, though, which preclude him from pursuing a future with her. As they protect each other in dangerous situations, their secrets unravel and passion ensues. This book is a complete pleasure as it seamlessly shifts from nail-biting action to aching romance. It's a celebration of finding joy through living and loving with truth and authenticity. The characters are rich and complex, and the pining between Sesily and Caleb is top-notch. MacLean fans will be thrilled with this much-anticipated pairing and eat up the cameos by characters from earlier books. Another stunner from a Romancelandia favorite. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
