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.

This book was lots of fun to read, particularly the internal thoughts of the two main characters. I loved Millie’s selection of swear words, while Beau’s conversation with his private parts had me laughing out loud. Both characters are well crafted and easy to love, while Millie’s despicable stepmother is downright vile. I liked that both Millie and Beau were working secretly, she for Queen Victoria and he for the Prime Minister, to uncover a group of men involved in a kidnapping and slavery ring. I also loved that Millie was so adept at throwing a knife. There’s nothing like a heroine who can well and truly stand up for herself to make me swoon. A Lady’s Lesson In Scandal is not to be taken too seriously. It’s a lovely light, enjoyable book and I’ll happily read more from Darcy McGuire.

Millie has a plan to avoid marrying the old man her stepmother agreed to. She'll ruin herself by being seen kissing Major General Beaufort Drake during a ball. He'll refuse to marry her, and she can go on investigating crimes for Queen Victoria. Only -- Beau doesn't cooperate. He agrees to marry her! Beau is actually an investigator for the Prime Minister. Turns out they are after the same people. A group of men are involved in human trafficking, kidnapping, and murder. Only these two have different beliefs about the outcome. Beau believes in letting the courts deal with the criminals, while Millie knows the courts won't prosecute the aristocracy. She believes in vigilante justice. There are some difficult topics covered here including torture (Beau), physical abuse (Millie). Both have trust issues from past relationships. Their feelings are beautifully written as they navigate each other's views on a woman's role in marriage and life, trust, and partnership. The mystery behind the sex trafficking ring began in book one and will continue in the next book since there are still many unknown elements. You can read this as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the first book also.

The second book in The Queen's Deadly Damsels series is just as funny, lovable and spicy as the first.
The plot continues with uncovering the group stealing and selling girls. This time however, the plot centres around Millie and Beau.
Millie being a funny, awkward and passionate fighter for freedom who will do whatever it takes to be away from her oppressors, and Beaufort Drake who is a battle scarred hero with his heart turned to stone.
We see a return of Hannah and Killian, the ever impressive and witty Phillipa and a host of new characters who in turn made my blood boil and/or made me smile.

I wasn't satisfied with the end of the evil stepmother as what she had done was the cruelest actions I had seen in a while and I would have liked to see her get exactly what she deserved.
The ending of the rest was well done and had me googling if there was another book (of course there is!) and eager to see when it will get here.

I love the writing and not just the story but the funniest bits which were in my opinion, the bits said inside Millie's head. They had me laughing out loud in quite a few places.

A great story and I'm putting Darcy McGuire in the firm favourite category!

My biggest thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Darcy McGuire for allowing me the chance to read an ARC. All opinions are my own.

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Darcy McGuire comes with a brilliant plot!
 
This book, the second in the Queen's Deadly Damsels series, introduces us to Millicent Whittenburg, a wallflower with a secret mission. Desperate to escape an unpleasant betrothal, Millie plans her own ruin to disappear from society and carry out the Queen's deadly missions.
 
Enter Major General Beaufort Drake, a fearsome private investigator with a cold demeanor and visible battle scars. When Millie's scandalous public kiss awakens a deeply suppressed desire in Drake, he does the unthinkable and offers her a convenient marriage. What follows is a thrilling tale of passion, intrigue, and unexpected love as they navigate a week-long wedding house party filled with secrets and new lessons to be learned.
 
Millie and Drake are both strong, complex, and well-developed characters with intriguing backstories and palpable chemistry. The societal norms of that era and how Millie is fighting her way in there is commendable. The secondary characters were good, but I was irritated and frustrated and wanted to get rid of a few of them. It was a rollercoaster of emotions.
 
The mix of romance, mystery, and historical elements keeps you hooked from start to finish. The romantic tension and steamy scenes are perfectly balanced with the plot, making it a page-turner. The world building is amazing, and the detailing is beautiful.
 
If you're looking for a historical romance that combines passion, danger, and a touch of scandal, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is the book for you! It can be read as standalone.

Millicent Whittenburg is trying to extricate herself from a betrothal her wicked stepmother made for her. She decides the only way to get out is to get caught with another man, thus ending the unwanted betrothal.
Major General Beaufort Drak:e: former military man; visibly scarred from warfare; now a private investigator for the Prime Minister.

Millicent ends up executing her ruination plan with the unexpected help of Drake via a public kiss. Now that they must marry, they spend a week at Drake's home for a wedding house party. In between their verbal sparring and oodles of chemistry, they must also solve a crime. The twist of the murder mystery is who the murderer turns out to be. I certainly did not expect it to be who it was.

Definitely a worthwhile second installment of what is turning out to be a very enjoyable series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

A book I thoroughly enjoyed. I had not read the earlier book, The Secret Life of a Lady, but this was not an issue as the story focused on Millie Whittenburg and Major General Beaufort Drake. Millie, intent on escaping her evil stepmother's plans to marry her to a friend of her father’s (who supposedly had sexually deviant proclivities), decides with the help of her mentor and friend, Lady Philippa Winterbourne, the Duchess of Dorsett, to trap Drake in a compromising position so he would have to ruin her in front of witnesses and thus guarantee her life of quiet “solitude” in the country, away from the family and ton. However, unfortunately for Millie, Drake decides to offer her marriage instead which throws Millie off her original plan.

The chemistry between these two is lovely to read, where they both see beyond what everyone else sees. Philippa and her team of female trained agents work for the queen whereas Drake and his report to the prime minister. Slightly different agendas but both are intent on stopping the human trafficking ring that they have yet to completely break.

This story, with its witty dialogue, chemistry between the main characters and the mystery that they are only beginning to solve, will keep you engaged and engrossed.

I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal
by Darcy McGuire
Pub Date: Oct 12 2024

Secret femme-fatale in training Millicent Whittenburg needs to escape her unpleasant betrothal. Taking matters into her own hands, she plans her eventual ruin! Then she can disappear from society to carry out the Queen’s deadly missions. Step 1: seduce the one man who despises marriage more than her!

However, she hugely underestimates her target. Major General Beaufort Drake. Fearsome private investigator, he’s notoriously cold and visibly battle scarred. But Millie’s scandalously public kiss awakens a deeply suppressed desire in Drake. Instead of allowing them both to succumb to shame he does the unthinkable, and offers for her hand in a convenient marriage.

Nothing prepares them for the fireworks when a fearless damsel collides with a dangerous Major General! And as their secret missions align they face their hardest test on the glittering battlefield – a week long wedding house party where there is nowhere to escape…only new and wicked lessons to be learnt!

Loved it so much! The tension between the characters, the sexyness of their actions, the femme fatale/kickass women and how besoted Beau became for Millie. Going back to the first book and hope for many more in this series.

I requested this book not realising it is a sequel.
Millie is an agent for the Queen. She is trying to escape an arranged marriage orchestrated by her horrible stepmother. She ends up with a proposal from Beaufort Drake who is trying to prevent a scandal.
They have to work together to stop human trafficking.
I am not really sure what I thought of this book. I didn't dislike it but it isn't one of my favourites. It didn't hold my interest for long.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley

A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal is such a fantastic read, I was drawn in by the wonderful concept, Mr and Mrs Smith meets Bridgerton, that alone wanted to make me read this, this is the second in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone story.

This is a story full of love, drama, scandal and society’s expectations, I loved the fact Millieis such with a strong woman, testing the boundaries and not willing to play along with simply what’s expected of a woman.

The passion between Millie and Drake is sizzling, I was drawn in completely by their story, the pacing is spot on and kept me engaged and pate turning until the end, so many twists and turns. The writing is excellent and I can’t wait to read more from Darcy McGuire.

A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal is full of mystery, drama, action ,secret missions, heartbreak and triumph, it’s simply an amazing read you won’t want to miss.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Net Galley for a good read. Millie does not want the marriage her step-mother has arranged for her. To get out of it she is caught kissing Major General Drake. He says he will marry her and that gets her out of the other marriage but she doesn't want any marriage because of her work for the Queen. Beau insist that they marry. They have a hose party for four days at his estate with the people who will attend the wedding. He has been badly injured but most of it doesn't show. Millie doesn't let that bother her. They are working on the same case but not together.