Bombshell is the first book in Sarah’s Hell’s Belles series. What a way to start a new series! Sesily is the last unwed Soiled S and Caleb Calhoun is the American who co-owns a tavern with Sesily’s sister, Sera. Sesily and Caleb Calhoun have not seen each other in two years, and even though Caleb knows he should, he can not seem to stay away from Sesily.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I couldn’t put it down. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.

There are some authors where you automatically purchase their books as soon as you get a whiff of a new series, knowing that you'll tear through them in a day, and your brain will be in for a treat. Sarah Maclean is that author for me.

Her new Hell's Belle's series features a gang of intelligent, dynamite women running around London society, doling out justice, and causing all sorts of mayhem (to the consternation of the menfolk around them). If you've read previous series, this is Sesily and Caleb's book (which I didn't realize I was dying for, until I got this). If you are into the trope of the hero denying he ever had feelings for the heroine and some snarky flirting, look no further. It was a bit rushed after a certain point, but I was heartily along for the ride even though it's not perfect.

Based loosely around a real women's crime syndicate (but with arguably better morals), I am excited to see future books featuring this fun group of women. 4.5 stars from me!

*3.5 Stars*
Likes:
In classic Sarah MacLean fashion, we have a woman who has a mind of her own and in this instance, a lot of bravery. Lady Sesily Talbot has found a group of woman that are like-minded. They are done with men trying to keep them down and have decided to do something about it.

Caleb Calhoun is an American who is trying to stay away from Sesily but then promises her older sister to watch her. Their attraction is undeniable and when they are together, it is steamy. Sesily is not a blushing virgin, she’s already thirty years old and knows what she likes and Caleb is there to give it to her (with some resistance at first, of course). But Calen and Sesily have a little history and they’ve been pining for one another since they met.

Sesily is fantastic. She fights, she’s a fantastic aunt (and she doesn’t want kids and is happy with that), she is smart and charming, and sexy as hell since Caleb can’t seem to resist her. I love that she was open to her friends about everything.

I think this is a great start to a new series about strong women who go after what they want! I liked that there was even a Samoan character, which was such a nice surprise.

Random Notes:
Triggers: violence

It will be fun to learn more about the other women in Sesily’s crew. I love how they were all different, smart, brave and each with their own talents.

I’m sure I read the book where Sesily and Caleb met but it was so long ago and for the life of me, I cannot remember what happened in it. But I don’t think you need to necessarily read it to know these two want each other badly.

Final Thoughts:
I think this is a great start to a new series about feminist women in a historical romance setting. I love Sesily and Caleb’s chemistry, they are amazing when they stop fighting one another. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I have been waiting for Sesily and Caleb's story for a very very long time and it did not disappoint! These two were always quarreling with each other and I loved their banter. Their quips and humor did not disappoint in Bombshell - the newest book in a new series by Sarah MacLean.

Sesily Talbot also known as "Sexily" has embraced her reputation. She is one of five sisters and they've never had it easy in society. Sesily and her gang of fierce and ruthless girl friends have decided to take on the worst men of London aristocracy. Those who deserve a lashing and worse are the ones that they are after. When one of these escapades almost goes south it's Caleb Calhon, the American that comes to Sesily's rescue.

Caleb can't seem to stay away from Sesily no matter how hard he tries. He's hiding his own secrets and it's best if he doesn't become entangled with Sesily. But everywhere he turns, she's there. Taunting him with her warmth and light. Will Caleb be strong enough to stay away from Sesily...or rather will Sesily let him stay away?

Oh, how I loved these two. Already I was anticipating their story and once I started reading Bombshell I could not put it down. It was funny, so swoony and the suspense had me hooked in! I love not only the romance, but also the colorful characters that we are introduced to.

As always, Sarah MacLean had the perfect amount of angst, romance and humor balanced out in Bombshell. While sometimes the first book in a series can have a lot of word building or seem tedious, I never felt that way with Bombshell. I already need every single one of the Hell's Belles stories - a few who I've maybe guessed already!

3.5/5 stars

Bombshell is one of those books that got me super excited for the rest of the series, even if it wasn't my favorite Sarah McLean.
Our heroine, Sesily, is part of Hell's Belles, a girl gang bent on justice in 1830's London. She's wealthy, non-aristocratic, 30 (so old for a historical! Lol), with a penchant for trouble. She's fun, but at times I found her a bit too much. I really, really love when heroines are strong and can go up against men without physical strength, which makes me absolutely thrilled for Imogen's story.
Caleb is a pining hero (I love a good pine), though there were a few plot points that didn't stick with me as to why he was hiding alone. Overall though, he was a perfectly good historical romance hero with big thighs which have been all the rage in romance since the release of The Witcher.

Enjoyable read, can't wait for Imogen's story!

The first in a spin-off series, this is Sesily and Caleb's story and it does not disappoint! Sesily is part of a group of strong women who act to right wrongs, using their various talents and often facing dangerous situations. Caleb has long been in love with Sesily but has secrets of his own, and he only wants to keep her safe. There are unexpected twists and turns along the way to their happy ending, and I cannot wait to re-visit these characters in subsequent entries!

I enjoyed this book. I found Caleb to be a wonderful character. I am also looking forward to the rest of the series.

This book is next level for Sarah MacLean. I love Sesily with my whole heart. I recognize the frustration and rage these women feel, and also their love for each other. I'm eager to learn more about Sesily's friends in subsequent books. Sesily never backs down when Caleb is trying to protect her.

If one thing is for sure, this author knows how to write the first book in a series, in a way that I’m already wanting every book! She easily hooked this reader with the amazing characters. I do hope we get the HEA for al of the ladies of this group.

Caleb is so absolutely gone for Sisley, he worshiped the ground she walks on.

“Her blue eyes flashed, full of furious promise. Good Lord she was magnificent.”

Sisley is such a strong fearless character. One of the things I love about the most recent Sarah MacLean books is her heroines are just magnificent. They are the alphas of the stories.

I’m very excited to see where this series will take me, and I cannot wait to read the next book!

I love how gritty Sarah MacLean’s novels are. Even if the novels cross paths with society the characters tend to not care about society and fight to live their own lives. Sesily is 30, unmarried, and the ton calls her Sexily and yet, she does not care. She just wants to right the wrongs of society and wear fabulous clothes.

Caleb and Sesily’s dynamic is so good. I loved them from their first scene together. They are a couple that I wasn’t fighting to see get together because I loved the journey so much. Their banter, internal monologues, and little glances were so much fun to read. Their dynamic is very much “you should not do that because it’s dangerous and I want to keep you safe” and “I’m going to do what I want because it is what is right” which Sarah MacLean writes so well.

I loved how smart the women are. They know Sesily well and know when she is lying. They don’t let her get away with anything and it was great. I loved the scene with her sister after ~ things happen ~ with Caleb for the first time.

I loved the Hell’s Bells so much. I realize that I rarely see women fighting in historical romances and I did not realize how much fun it would be to see women not only defending themselves but defending others. Also, the moment that the words “Hell’s Bells” are spoken because it was so good.

Also, can we talk about this cover?? Like dang this cover is amazing, and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the covers in this series look like. I also can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and the only reason it wasn’t perfect was because I wish I had read a few more of MacLean’s novels before reading this one.

Honestly one of the best things I did in the recent past was regain an interest in historical romance, read my first Sarah MacLean novel, and find a whole bunch of novels and new to me writers. One thing I know for certain, is that if I'm ever in a reading slump, Sarah MacLean has got my back.



If you're new to historical romance, Bombshell is a great novel to read: it's the first in a series and you'll find yourself consumed within pages. As with all of Sarah MacLean novels (that I've read), the heroine, Sesily, is ahhhhmazing. She's interesting, clever, funny, strong, and stubborn as hell. She has the best taste in friends (so excited to know all of the sisterhood in this series) and the things they get into are absolutely insane and incredibly laudable. I love these ladies!! The hero in this novel, Caleb, is also very MacLean-esque in that he needs to get his mind right before he'll be right for Sesily. Like her, he's stubborn, clever, kind, and loyal but his secrets and disappearing acts are not doing him any favors when it comes to his love life...and really his life, in general. Even with his flaws, you can't help but like him and as you get to know him better, you can't help but hope he gets his act together because she deserves better than he's giving her and you just KNOW he wants her!



Absolutely fun read complete with hijinks, great banter, fantastic secondary characters, and steamy romance. Loved Bombshell and am so eager for the next novels in this series.



SIDE NOTE: Since I haven't read all of MacLean's novels, I don't know for sure, but it *seems* like some of these characters may have been in other novels/series? Does anyone know? I'd love to read them. It just seems like Sesily's sisters may have novels? Help!

I do not have the words to express how much I love this book. I enjoyed every single page. Bombshell is an appropriate name. 

Sesily finally gets her story! A girl gang! There is so much to love in this book. Shenanigans abound! Sesily is, of course, amazing. She is absolutely everything you could want in a Victorian Heroine - strong, fearless, bold, proud, vivacious and lovely. Sesily is phenomenal. Her amazing sisterhood of friends is equally lovely. I absolutely cannot wait for this whole series to be on my bookshelf. It will be one I reread over and over, I can already feel it. 

Caleb is perfectly up to matching Sesily. Of course, he is a bit of a clueless man and I did want to shake him at times, but he is also a fantastic character. MacLean writes such swoon-worthy heroes. Caleb is no exception. He is overly self sacrificing. As that is his biggest flaw, I forgive him.

The story is expertly crafted and kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this, and all of Sarah's books.

Loved this one. Recurring characters, along with finally getting Secily’s story. After getting plenty of Secily and snippets of Caleb in Seraphina’s book, I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to with her. Secily was not going to take no for an answer and I expected her to jump on a ship if Caleb didn’t get it together.

I am excited for this new series and will definitely be eagerly awaiting the next in the series.

Squee!! So much to enjoy; while this is a standalone novel, and the start of a new series, it is best to read, or be familiar with Sarah Maclean's Scandals and Scoundrels series first, particularly Day of the Duchess**. Worth the wait for this story, I just didn't think I would be waiting 4 years (See author's note from Day of the Duchess). I highlighted so many different pages of my ARC (thanks Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review).

If you are a fan of author Sarah MacLean, you won't be disappointed. The longing between Caleb and Sesily. The girl gang. Time with Sesily and her sisters. Easter eggs everywhere.

As much as this book, like all of MacLean's books are about fighting the patriarchy, it's also a book about forging an identity, adding meaning to your life, and finding new friends as an adult when your childhood friends have gone down different paths and you don't necessarily relate. It's about being seen by others for who you are, not what you present.

Plus Caleb calling Sesily Athena, swoon. Every time he called her that I just got that warm, butterfly stomach, swoony feeling.

The scene where Sesily is playing with her nieces and nephews, and Sophie tells Sesily how she sees her? I think I love that more than any of the Sesily and Caleb moments.

Happy to finally read Sesily and Caleb's story. When they first met in "The day of the duchess", it was apparent that Sesily and Caleb would have a fun relationship, with Sesily teasing Caleb mercilessly, and that relationship came through in Bombshell. Sesily and Caleb have a rocky start, since he refuses to share his history with her, or spend any time with her, and she is doing her best to help provide justice in their society, which sometimes puts her in tight situations that Caleb does not approve of. Their individual projects bring them closer together for a sweet, satisfying ending.

MacLean's author note providing insight into the research for Bombshell is neat and inspiring. It is enjoyable to have these glimpses of an author's writing process.

3 stars - I liked it

Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced her scandalous reputation and the freedom that comes with her title. She is constantly finding herself in scandalous and dangerous situations but she knows how to handle herself, at least until Caleb Calhoun steps back into her life and starts making trouble for her.

Sesily was a titled Lady who never did what anyone expected of ladies. She was outspoken, beautiful, dangerous and very smart. I really liked how unique she was and her friends as well. Her attraction to Caleb was intense from the beginning and their tense relationship was very good. My only issue with Sesily was that every conversation or event seemed like a battle with her and it did get slightly repetitive and boring.

Caleb was a smart businessman. His attraction to Sesily was intense and you could feel the intense feelings between both of them. Unfortunately, his past prevents him from wanting to commit to Sesily and causes a lot of problems between them. I found his reasoning to be valid but hated that he refused to even consider Sesily’s idea on how to help him get over that.

Overall, this was an interesting start to a new series with some unique heroines. I enjoyed Sesily’s story and meeting her group of friends. I am especially interesting in Imogen’s story now and can’t wait to get my hands on it.

A highly fun, steamy read. There was good tension and chemistry between Sesily and Caleb; I enjoyed all the pinning and swooning. Fans of her other series should also enjoy this one, but new readers will follow along just fine with this new series.

Bombshell by Sarah Maclean

SUMMARY: Lady Sesily Talbot is a card-carrying London scandal, but when a mysterious party offers her the opportunity to be an 1890s riot grrrl and upend the Victorian patriarchy, she’s eager to join the cause! Also, there’s a guy she likes, but he has a mysterious past and thinks they can’t be together, so they repeatedly hook up and he repeatedly runs away.

I have mixed feelings about this book! I LOVE Lady Sesily and have been looking forward to her story for years. I even enjoyed her banter with love interest Caleb Calhoun in The Day of the Duchess and was excited to see how that played out then they got their own story. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t deliver the way I wanted it to. Caleb was so hot and cold with her, demonstrating his feelings over and over then consistently (and literally) running away. If I were Sesily’s friend in real life, I’d be like “Girl, don’t do it. He’s not worth it.” 🙄🙄🙄 To be honest, for those who haven’t read the earlier books, I’m not sure there would be much to get out of this romantic storyline.

That said, I remain intrigued by the Hell’s Bells series. I liked the action sequences in this book, and I Ioved the supporting characters. There’s so much potential here, and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.

I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy atypical Victorian heroines like the ones found in A Lady’s Formula for Love or Tessa Dare’s Girl Meets Duke series but would also recommend that they read The Scandal and Scoundrel series first, for context.

⭐⭐⭐.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I would recommend if you're looking for

-m/f historical romance
-idiots to lovers
-so very very pinny
-only one bed
-a bit of adventure and intrigue
-a secret idenity
-a lady gang

I really enjoyed this one, just so fiercely feminist. Sesily has everything she wants except Caleb. A great aunt, friend, and a gang of friends that goes after terrible men. Sesily never changed, she was fierce and independent. She didn't need Caleb, and he recognized that.

I adored Caleb. Gruff, and just so piny. He was gone on Sesily and never expected her to change, he liked that about her. With secrets, he wants nothing more than protect her. But communication issues didn't abound there was so much trust, and honesty, and just seeing the other person for who they are and truly accepting that. With a bit of praise kink too. This book was full of adventure, and so much sexual tension. It was nice to see glimpses of past characters, love how interrelated this world is. I can't wait for more in this series, this was such a great introduction.

Rating: 4.5
Steam: 3

Lady Sesily Talbot is used to living a life of scandal and honestly embraces the attention it gives her. She is a woman embracing her appeal in an era that tells her not to. Caleb Calhoun, an American who has pined for her for years, sees her sneaking into a dark garden with a strange man one night and follows her, finding out what appeared to be a midnight tryst was anything but.

Worried about what Sesily has gotten herself into and coaxed by her sister and his friend, the Duchess of Haven, Caleb behind following Sesily to keep her safe and hopefully out of trouble. But Sesily is not the only one keeping secrets, and the attraction and pull they have felt and fought for each other for two long years can only be denied for so long.

This book was another impressive work by MacLean, it is full of all of the things we love about her work. Strong heroines with autonomy and agency, a fiercely loyal girl gang, a world set in a time we've never experienced but that feels so vivid and real to us, and of course heroes who are out of their minds in love with the heroine.

This book had a bit of a slow start for me, which makes sense considering it is the start of a new series and Sarah is really laying the groundwork for an intricate plot for future books. But the pay off for that slow build was incredible and one of the most satisfying reading experiences I've had in a long time.

The heat between Caleb and Sesily was so palpable it felt like my eReader might start on fire. And the bedroom scenes were absolutely sizzling. But what I loved the very most was how satisfying that ending was, how every bit of groundwork and plot threads paid off and how I was left thinking, WOW, now this is how you do modern historical romance.

There was also great banter, some laugh out loud humor, MANY Easter Eggs of past characters MacLeaniverse fans will enjoy, and ultimately a hero to applaud and add to my list of best book boyfriends.

I loved this book and can't wait for the next!