This book was....disappointing. And maybe that's because I had built it up as something it was never going to be. The book is advertised as a romance, but I was expecting it to have way more plot and substance than what it ended up having. I read the first book in this series (Wicked and the Wallflower), and that book seemed to have more of a plot and character development throughout. I love historical romances, but only if they actually spend time building up the era in which they are set and addressing the issues women in those eras had to deal with. I didn't think this book did as good a job at that as other historical romances I have read, including Wicked and the Wallflower. What the book did have was LOTS of romance scenes. (And by lots, I mean single scenes that stretched for 15+ pages.) If that's what you're looking for in a romance book, then you'll probably love this one because many of the scenes are steamy. I guess I was looking for more, which is why I didn't enjoy this book as much as others.

****4.5 STARS****

What do you get when you cross a tall, dark, handsome and wealthy king of the underworld with a no nonsense and spirited heroine....one hell of a novel!!!

This has to be my favorite book this year. It had everything including the alpha anti-hero. Saviour Whittington is the bastard son of a duke and has had to drag himself from the savage streets of London. But he is a survivor and becomes known as the Beast because of his fighting ability and protectiveness over those he cares about. The man wears a bandolier of knives....I don’t know what else to say about him except he is right up there with my favorite Lisa Kleypas’ hero boyfriends.

Hattie is a force to be reckoned with as she sets out to become an independent woman. After all she is 29, unmarried and practically running her father’s shipping business. Why can’t she have it?

Craftily written...I read it in one sitting....I couldn’t put it down. I hated for the story to end. It should definitely be one to read. You will not be disappointed.

Terrific context of the 18th century London docks frames an independent heroine and a hero who needs a couple of nudges to be on the right side of the law of commerce.

This was a wonderful book. The characters were really great. The hero was likable and well developed. I especially liked the heroine in the book. She was sassy, strong, and sure of who she was the whole time. The overall story of this series is building is very interesting and well done. They were an interesting couple and I really enjoyed how their story developed. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

“There is nothing fearless about me. I am scared every day. I fear the wide world and the way it stares at me and sneers at me and whispers about me when it thinks I cannot hear. I fear a life of half measures, full of shadows of emotions and hints of possibilities and a thousand things I might have had if only I’d reached a bit farther.”

I credit Sarah MacLean (by way of Book Riot) with my giving the romance genre a chance and not being disappointed in the slightest. Years ago when I started reading her books she really helped me to grow comfortable with reading romance, enjoying it, and not being ashamed. This is a huge reason why I echo to friends and customers to read what you want to read.

Sarah is at it again! I liked book one of The Bareknuckle Bastards so much I passed my copy on to a friend and told her to read it and keep passing it on. Hoping I could win over another would be Sarah MacLean fan. Little did I know I could and would like book 2 of the series even more!?!

I don't believe there is anything more refreshing than an honest, looks like me (or so I imagined while reading), heroine who refuses to be put on a pedestal and be saved. She's a keeper...or rather the safer *wink*. It is easy to get swept up in a romance novel and forget that beautiful people are falling in love with other beautiful perfect people with minor bumps in their story along the way. Hattie and Beast are no ugly ducklings, but to me they felt more human and less perfect romance and happily ever after. The struggle was frustrating, but that's because it is supposed to be. More literal and accessible because it isn't so formulaic. I didn't know before I started reading their story how much I wanted/needed to see a character who looks and feels more like me and who I want to be, on the page.

Thank you to the publisher for a review copy!

I’m so happy I read this book. I have been a big fan of Sarah MacLean since the Love by Numbers series, and I own all of her books. But I was really disappointed with the first Bareknuckle Bastards book; I didn’t even finish it,

Because of my love for Ms. MacLean, there was no way I would give up on her after one disappointing book. I am SO GLAD I didn’t, because I loved Brazen and the Beast so much. Hattie is a wonderful heroine—smart, ambitious, and iron-willed. Beast was a much better hero than his brother, Devil. I understood why he made the choices he did, and he cared. He was tough, but he wasn’t an ass (unlike Devil). I also loved some of the secondary characters in this book—really hoping for a novella featuring Lady Nora and Nik! I am excited to read Grace’s book; the next year is going to be a long wait.

I absolutely loved this book! It was my first time reading Sarah MacLean, but will by no means be the last...I can't wait to glom everything she's written!

Everything about this story was on-point--excellent writing, wonderful characters; sexual tension, and romance; unique and engaging plot. I couldn't put it down.

And did I mention I can't wait to read the rest of the "Bareknuckle Bastards" books, as well as anything else by Sarah MacLean? She is a Keeper and auto-buy for sure.

Ok, so before I reviewed this book, I had to wait 2 weeks and read it again!
I inhaled the first time reading it so I had to stop and focus and read it twice before I write my thoughts about it.
It was one of my favorites not of the month or year but EVER. It was gut wrenching with twists that made it a fun read.
Savior and Hattie were a great match for each other. Hattie was confident with her business acumen,choices she has made and her future although she was insecure about her appearance. Savior with his confidence, loyalty also had insecurities about his past, both were perfect for each other.
Sarah did what is very difficult in romance making both the hero/heroine LIKABLE. We want them to succeed so much, it gives you that funny feeling in your stomach.
I never really got a sense of both of their looks and the continued self doubt over and over for Beast were the only challenges for me.

There are other reviews that are more detailed with plot etc.. I am always interested in characters. If the H/H are characters you care about the story will always work.



Thank you Netgalley and Sarah MacLean for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A heroine who knows what she wants, won't settle for anything less, but still sees herself as an ugly duckling. A hero who would give her the moon.

Lady Henrietta Sedley, 28 year old spinster decides that her 29th year will be the Year of Hattie.
Saviour Whittington is also known as the Beast. He is one of The Bareknuckle Bastards who rule Covent Garden by smuggling goods and taking care of the people who live in the Garden.

Hattie understands her father’s shipping business. Her brother doesn’t. When her brother goes up against The Bareknuckle Bastards, Hattie tries to smooth things over and show her father that she can run the business. Shenanigans ensue.

The dialogue between Hattie and Whit is wonderful. The interactions between Whit and his brother and sister are delightful. The relationship between Whit and the people who populate the Covent Garden are delightful. The people of Covent Garden display an intense loyalty to The Bareknuckle Bastards. Hattie also inspires loyalty of the dock workers. When these two characters compete, sparks fly. Listening to Whit talk to Hattie in Chapter 26 brought tears to my eyes. Yes, this was a 3 hankie chapter.

Whit wants to keep Hattie safe from malicious forces in his life. Hattie doesn’t want safety. She wants to be a full partner and she will accept nothing less.

This book was a delight to read. It is a historical romance where royalty are the bad guys and the working people are the good guys. They only problem is we now have to wait a year to find out what Whit’s sister Grace has in store for her hero. It is going to be EPIC.

5 Stars

I can't describe how pumped I was to read this: Sarah MacLean was the very first romance recommendation I ever followed through on, and I’ve loved her books ever since. I say this to impress that Brazen and the Beast is BY FAR my favorite book of hers. I got the copy this morning from NetGalley and blew through the book in one day.

Hattie is a fat heroine who is self-deprecating and has a clear lack of esteem in her looks BUT MacLean doesn’t ever make us sit through some heel character insulting her looks or mocking her, she receives support more than anything else, which is refreshing!! She is smart, brilliant at business, and in command of her own autonomy: both bodily and generally.

Beast is a genuinely great hero, with enough of a tough backstory that he’s interesting but not so much that he’s a bitter douche, for lack of a better word.

I won’t spoil anything as the book hasn’t been released, but I will say that if you enjoy regency/period romance, genuinely strong feminist characters, supportive men, a brief glimpse at a wlw romance side story (future book?? Yes please???) and sex scenes that made me literally blush, it’s worth the read!!

I received this ARC for my honest review.
Brazen and the Beast is the 2nd book in the Bareknuckle Bastards trilogy. While you do not have to read the first one, it definitely helps set up some background of our hero and his siblings.
I want to start this review by saying how much I truly loved that Hattie was curvier than your average heroine. Her description, characteristic, and inner thoughts were so beautifully and accurately done, as only someone personally familiar could really get while reading. I can't say how much I loved and appreciated this! There were things in this book that Hattie said or thought that I was like, YES, I have said that or thought that. A few times she started to say something and stopped and I was like, "I could finish that sentence, I know exactly what you are going to say!" This representation made me so happy. Hattie also made me chuckle a few times at some of her fears and inner thoughts. Hattie was also strong and fearless. She was not one of those heroines who would say 'I don't need protection, ' then end up in a fix that needed rescuing. She was willing and read to save herself. The 'year of Hattie' started with a handsome man tied up in her carriage and never let up! Whit, our Beast of a hero, was handsome, smart, caring, and loved his family, both those by blood and those not. And of course he thought Hattie was perfect and couldn't understand how anyone else couldn't see it. I thought they made a great pair.

I can't wait to read the third book! Will Grace find her happily every after, will Ewan be redeemed? In Sarah Maclean's capable hands, I think so!

Sarah MacLean is the queen of modern historical romances. Her ability to build and bring to life all that is regency England from the ballrooms to Covent Garden is amazing; I felt like I was there.

Her true talent, though, was showcased in Brazen and the Beast. She writes stories of brave, strong women and their empowerment...and about the men who encourage and love them for it. Hattie may be one of her strongest and bravest yet. She never wanted the ballrooms, she wants to inherit her father’s shipping business and has a plan to do just that...The Year of Hattie.

The first night she puts her plan into place, though, she meets Beast...king of Covent Garden. Unfortunately, he could easily ruin her plans. Even though he should be the enemy, Beast is drawn to her boldness. He helps build her confidence and in return she tames the beast. That’s when Hattie’s dreams change. She wants Beast to see they are an equal pair, they can rule side-by-side, while loving each other. She doesn’t want his protection, she wants partnership.

I loved this book and highly recommend it. Give it a read, bruv.

I love Sarah Maclean and this book 2 in the BB series is just as amazing as all the rest! Historical humor and swoonworthy romance. I really enjoyed the intrigue and methodology of written delivery in this adorable historical rom com! One not to be missed! You can read it after the first in the series or as a stand alone.

I worship the ground Sarah MacLean walks on.

Full review for Thats-Normal.com to come. I'll link it when it goes live.

Sarah has done it again! A well written romance. I liked how Hattie was bold and unwilling to be told she can't run a business. I loved Beast. And was so glad to see them both get more then they ever thought they could. All the characters and story line worked so well together. Just a wonderful read that would not let me put it down.

I've been holding off on this review because I wanted to think about "Brazen and the Beast" a little more, especially in conjunction with "Wicked and the Wallflower." MacLean's a great romance writer, and I enjoy many of her books. I liked this book, but I wanted to really like it because it has an interesting premise and entertaining characters.

I really liked Hattie's goals for herself, which were unconventional for the time and admirable for any time. She knew what she wanted and she worked hard to get it. However, I would have preferred if there wasn't so much of an insta-love on her part. She's seemed like a practical girl, and her pining for Whit was out of character, in my opinion.

As for the hero, Whit was a total sweetie, way more so than Devil in the other book. BUT sometimes I felt his sweet personality -- how he protects the people he loves -- didn't match up with his ruthless public image. The public image felt contradictory and undeserved and based solely on the fact that he can punch someone bigger than he is.

As a couple, Hattie and White were well-portrayed, especially considering Hattie was the alpha and Whit the beta. I loved that subversion! However, Whit's beta hero status is the real reason I couldn't find his public image particularly convincing. It would have been better if he would have been the behind-the-scenes compassionate guy, garnering goodwill, while Devil was the ruthless manipulator and Grace was the brains of the three. But the whole I-seek-my-revenge-and-get-it just didn't mesh with Whit's whole personality well.

Also, let's talk for a minute about the tension created with Ewan. It's one of those instances where I feel like if all the characters sat down and had a frank conversation that they would realize that they were ALL kids being manipulated by a conniving man and cut Ewan some slack. But dang, all of these people, including Grace and the wives, can hold onto a grudge for a looooong time.

Overall, this book was just okay for me, but I'm hoping for better for the third book about Ewan and Grace. Their passion sizzles in these books, so I'm hoping MacLean can turn this series around with their romance.

The second in the Bareknuckle Bastards series (trilogy? maybe?), this book struggles at times with feeling like a bridge between the introduction and the thrilling conclusion. It has a lot of work to do in this sense, but it does it well and I am ALL EXCITED FOR BOOK THREE. To the point where, like, I cannot fathom how this character is gonna redeem himself, but I can't wait to see how MacLean does it.

This series is quickly becoming one of my favorites in the genre. It's a lovely balance of delightful fun, class struggle, and romaaaaaance and believe me, I know that combination does not typically go well together. But it does? It really does here.

Huh. I wonder what kind of plans she has.

Why is he so interested in her? How does she know her brother is involved?

I would have stabbed Augie on principle.

Attagirl.

Damn, I like her. She didn't even need his rescue, did she.

Looks can be deceiving.

Ewan ruins everything.

Ooh, nice revenge girl!

He has a desk on the roof?

Grace definitely needs to be the one to deal with Ewan.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love Brazen and the Beast. I never thought any book, even the second in the series, could have beaten the burst Bareknuckle Bastards book but this one did. Whit had my heart from the moment I saw him in the first book. He's smart, capable, but hardeaded as a mule when it comes to Hattie. Hattie is an amazing woman that has struggled in life but she comes out being one of the strongest people I've ever seen (fiction or not). They both have pasta and issues they have to overcome. Which leads to me laughing and crying along with the characters. The book is an emotional adventure that is well worth reading.

I received an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

The trope of the Lord incognito is over done and I don’t need anymore of it. However, the troop of the brothel for Ladies is under done and I am very here for it. PERIODT. So moving forward, I will give every book with that trope five stars in order to encourage further authors to take this on. And no, that is not the primary plot of this book, but it got me in a good mood as I dove in and I want to reinforce