I struggled a little at the beginning trying to figure out the relationships of the many characters but once I got that I loved the rest. I have read about a half dozen historical romances by Sarah MacLean and she never disappoints. I particularly enjoyed the history of this book..based on a real life group of women in Victorian England who worked to help other women in bad situations. And the romance was really well written. This book is the first in a new series and I look forward to the stories of the other three principal characters.

Long story short: if you like historical romances, kick-ass women taking names and getting into trouble, and/or the Sarah MacLean universe, read this book.

About 2/3 of the way through Bombshell, all the pieces that MacLean has been working to set in motion start to come together. This includes:
- Introducing the Hell's Belles, a group of highborn women who bring special talents to problems affecting other women. Maybe the man you are being forced to marry is a rotter. Maybe your husband is abusive and likely killed his first two wives. Maybe you work for a shady aristocrat and you are looking for a way out. The Hell's Belles and their network of skilled women around London can help you. There is an early scene with them in action that is just so much fun.

- Reintroducing Sesily and Caleb. If you've read The Rogue Not Taken or The Day of the Duchess from a previous MacLean series, you have probably been waiting for them to finally get together. For readers, it's never been a matter of if but how. As characters, they have both been such charismatic scene-stealers in past books, and they remain so here. You'll want them to get together, but there are shortcuts taken and assumptions made about how informed readers are when they meet these two.

- Setting up the mystery of Caleb's past and the specific dilemma that this group collectively needs to address.

It's a lot, and given the payoff from all the threads coming together near the end, MacLean mostly pulls it off. This is an exciting romance, and the last 1/3 of the novel is truly a romp.

I almost want to stop there, but there may be readers like me who will wonder, at around the halfway mark, whether this is turning into the Bareknuckle Bastards series. That series--particularly, the Daring and the Duke--suffered in a few ways: the romances sometimes came second to the universe-building, and the final romance between Grace and Ewan was so predestined that it started at overwrought and got more intense from there. The good news is that readers of Bombshell who hang in will be rewarded by the end.

Once Sesily and Caleb were given something to do, they managed to redirect some of the melodramatic romantic energy that was building towards working together. This, really, is where the romance seems truest and earned within the pages of this book (versus a given that's set up in previous books). In some ways, it was a bit like the scene from Shakespeare in Love where Shakespeare has to tell his Romeo to tone down the emotion around Rosalind; if he's at a 10 when talking about his crush, then where can he go with his performance when he finally meets his true love, Juliet? Sesily and Caleb were starting perilously close to a 10, so as their relationship progresses over the course of the novel and they face new obstacles, there's not a lot of room for increased intensity for their emotions. Thankfully, this resolves itself by the end in a satisfying way.

Even though this is a new series, I'd recommend that new readers go back and pick up The Rogue Not Taken first, then The Day of the Duchess. Not only does this provide important backstory for Sesily, Caleb, and the Talbot sisters, but they are some of MacLean's best novels. In fact, The Day of the Duchess is one of the best historical romances in recent years, and really shows how yearning and intense, consuming love can play out well on the page.

I have high hopes for the rest of the series. MacLean has introduced two likely romantic pairings already, and future installments in the series will probably not wrestle with the weight of expectations and a long-running history the way that Sesily and Caleb's romance did.

The Hell's Belles are delightful, and the concept of this series is exciting. MacLean is phenomenal at world-building, perhaps better than any other historical/Victorian romance writer now. There's a moment in the book where faithful readers will delight at how she incorporates past characters, but truly, she weaves them all through this novel in such a seamless way.

Sesily is just such an outstanding character, and Caleb proves to be a capable, loving, supportive partner. What more could you want from a romance?

Gotta love a series about a group of women doing what they can to protect people no one else would listen to from those who would do them harm, cruel suitors, opportunistic bosses, or whatever brand of no-good villain that is need of a comeuppance. The fact it is by Sarah MacLean makes it all the sweeter because you can trust that she will do that storyline justice and then some.

Sesily is largely considered a lady in title only. She embraces her scandalous reputation and the freedom it gives her to carry out the work that makes her happy in secret. When her sister's friend and business partner, Caleb, returns to England and notices things he shouldn't about her movements it causes complications. Her friends need for her to make sure he trustworthy but that mean endangering her heart. Sesily is strong, smart, and more than capable of fighting her own battles. She does need any man to save but that does keep Caleb from really wanting to try. Sesily is a far more vibrant character but I really liked them together and the push and pull of their attraction as it conflicts with their secrets. I loved the Hell's Belles and could have read much more about their machinations which I hope I get the chance to in the future books.

This was an excellent start to a series and I am so looking forward to reading more about the Belles.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved returning to the Talbot sisters and all their scandals in this book! MacLean has crafted a beautiful love story with just the right amount of humor, angst, and romance, just like always!

I’m so glad to finally get Sesily and Caleb’s story! This new girl gang is fun, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the stories too. Imogen’s story is going to be fun based on what we saw in this book, and I have guesses about what’s going to happen in the Duchess’s story.

Look. You know any MacLean romance is going directly on my reading list. This one exceeded even those high expectations while undertaking the very challenging task of blending a well-developed romance with a properly constructed mystery/thriller element. Many authors try to make “Ocean’s Eight” with corsets, but MacLean pulls it off. I could write forever about all the amazing elements but to avoid spoilers, here are the key highlights: amazing protagonist, hot mysterious hero, smart independent women, humor, a bit of cross/double cross, a well-developed world that incorporates previous works and...let's call it “chemistry” that really hits the mark (if you get my drift). Put this one at the top of your summer reading list.

First of all, Sarah Maclean is amazing and I’ve never read anything bad written by her. Bombshell does not disappoint! First in a new series of strong women, I loved it. She is perfection as always. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

This book is a GLORIOUS historical romance! I am ecstatic that this is the beginning of what promises to be a legendary series, namely the Hell’s Belles series. This first book delivers so much sizzle and pop, and an absolute brilliant cast of amazing and intriguing women that I simply cannot wait to read more about in upcoming books.

But, no need to rush ahead of myself into the future because this story is exceptionally fulfilling. Sesily shines so brightly that she practically leaps off the page. Caleb compares her to Athena, and it doesn’t seem like hyperbole. If you relish a storyline that includes an underground network of brave and clever women who can literally fight “bad guys,” this is the book for you. The writing is perfection. You won’t be able to put it down.

I received an ARC of this book.

‘Bombshell’ is the epitome of a historical romance done so, so right. And, with this novel, author Sarah MacLean once again demonstrates why she is one of the best historical romance novelists writing today.

Lady Sesily Talbot is no stranger to scandal, and embraces it with outstretched arms. She, along with other women who’ve found themselves along the fringes of civilized society, has decided to take some matters into her own hands. Never has she deigned to allow a man to turn her head… until she meets the enigmatic American Caleb Calhoun. That feeling is short-lived, however, as the man literally leaves the county to avoid her. Caleb Calhoun has always been enamored by spirited Sesily Talbot, but he has his own reasons for keeping his distance. But when Caleb catches Sesily emerging from a scandalous situation, and finds himself in quite the pickle himself, he’ll find that he might not have the strength to stay away any longer.

This novel delivers action, chemistry, and strong female relationships in spades. Spades, I tell you! It’s wonderfully feminist and the dialogue is delightfully witty. There’s yearning and longing and a male protagonist that has to contend with his feelings; it’s all of the things that I love to read. To quote the author’s much-adored saying from her popular podcast, Fated Mates, “Put it in my veins.”

I’m abashed to admit that I’d never read a MacLean novel before this, and I am remedying that situation IMMEDIATELY. Even if historical romance isn’t your typical genre, this book just hits. I’m already adding it to my best reads of the year without any equivocation.

Fans of MacLean and new readers alike will absolutely be sucked into this new series. I, for one, cannot wait to read about the rest of the Hell’s Belles.

A sincere thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow wow wow. what a great start to a new series. I love Sesily, I love Caleb, and I love them together. I loved the dynamics between not only the main couple, but also the sisters and the Hell's Belles. There were just so many different and wonderful relationships, and I want to read books for every character who doesn't have one yet! I loved how Sesily was independent and forging a different path than her sisters. The steamy scenes were well written and varied and *gasp* focused on female pleasure. I'm not even a big romantic suspense fan, but even those elements didn't bother me much. The only thing I don't necessarily love is when one character jumps to massive conclusions about the other and just assumes the worst. As a plot device, that frustrates me, especially when the characters know each other fairly well like Sesily and Caleb do.

Overall, I loved this. It was a delight to read and I can't wait for the rest of the series.

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc. All opinions are my own.

Sesily is the most scandalous of the infamous Talbot sisters. She has embraced her role as the ton’s most talked about woman. She has joined a group of women who help to correct the wrongs committed by the most powerful members of society against the least powerful.

Caleb Calhoun is a self-made American tavern owner who happens to be business partners with Sesily’s sister. He is loyal and kind. He has been keeping an ocean between himself and Sesily to try to fight his feelings for her.

There is so much pining in this book. Sarah MacLean’s writing makes your heart yearn with them. The side characters are fully fleshed out and add so much to the story. This is a wonderful love story filled with hope, justice, and partnership. This is another great addition to the Sarah MacLean universe of books.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Lady Sesily Talbot is unapologetically herself, scandlous, brazen and ready for war.


I got up at 4 am to finish this book and it was worth it. I loved the women's friendship, the glimpses of sisterly love and the attraction between Caleb and Sesily. A romance filled with light moments, action and explosives.

" Aunt Sesily loves with her whole heart"

I can't wait for the continuation of this serie.

I recommend this book.

I have never read a historical like this before.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a ROMANCE like this before.

Bombshell rocked me to my very core with this action-packed, sensual, emotionally charged, Victorian era girl gang heist of a narrative.

Reading this felt like watching Wonder Woman kick ass for the first time on the big screen. I don’t know how Sarah MacLean is going to level up from here but I can’t freaking wait to see it when (not if, WHEN) it happens.

I really enjoyed this book, however it is best to read Sarah MacLean's previous series not the Bareknucke Bastards but the series before that.

I really loved Sesily and the lady gang on how they come together to bring down bad Dukes.

This was an enjoyable read.

“'Patience, friend.'
Sesily nodded. 'It is the least of my virtues.'
'Really?' the duchess retorted. 'I would have thought that was chastity.'
'I confess.' Sesily cut her friend with a wry smile. 'I’m better with vices.'”

This was a wild, wild romp.

Thirty year old Sesily has made a reputation for doing what she wants when she wants; society be damned. Lately, what she wants is to bring down the patriarchy, and she does it with the help of her girl gang, wielding hidden knives, reticules full of explosives, and dangerous smiles with wicked abandon. Caleb Calhoun realizes there is more to Sesily’s garden trysts than meets the eye and can’t help but to be captivated by her--even if his secret past demands he stay far, far away for both their sakes.

You’ll really need to suspend your disbelief for this one, but I promise the payoff is well worth it. I thoroughly appreciated that Sesily doesn’t want to have children, ever. I have literally never read that in a romance, historical or otherwise. Sarah MacLean, you are a true gem.

Female empowerment and the power of female friendship flow strongly throughout the book. Sesily and her friends fight their own battles (quite self-sufficiently, might I add), often to the dismay of Caleb.

"His eyes narrowed. 'Goddammit, Sesily. You’re in danger. You ran toward it, like a madwoman. Without waiting for me.'
'Men are ridiculous.'
'For wanting to keep you safe?'
'For believing that you aren’t the thing from which we are in the most danger.'”

The sexual tension between Sesily and Caleb is off the charts, with some of the hottest scenes I have ever read in a romance. There’s been that recent uproar about DC Comics removing a scene from a comic in which Batman, uh orally pleases Catwoman with the statement, “Heroes don’t do that.” Well, Caleb Calhoun certainly does. Frequently. Very well. I think we know who the real hero is here, DC. *fans self vigorously*

Sometimes the writing was a bit of a ramble, but other times it was poetic and beautiful.

"He reached for her, his big hand cupping her cheek, his fingers sliding into her hair, scattering hairpins, threatening the quick work she’d done to put it to rights earlier. She didn’t care. Let them fall. Let them rust in the soil to be found two hundred years from now."

The main conflict between Sesily and Caleb made me roll my eyes, especially for how long it went on, but overall I loved Bombshell. I can enthusiastically tell you that I cannot wait to read about detective inspector Thomas Peck and Imogen in what I hope is a quickly released sequel. Thomas is mouth-wateringly my type.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Wow did I enjoy this book! As someone relatively new to the historical romance world, this is a great introduction.

Sesily has been cast off by society. She's 30, unmarried, and unbothered by her own attractiveness. Instead of spending her time chasing around little tots, she's been chasing nefarious men with her band of misfits (who are absolutely badass). However, there is one man who she can't seem to nail down. Caleb has been the one man to make her heart sing, but it doesn't seem like he feels the same way. However, Sesily's current investigation forces them together in more ways than one.

This was such a fast-paced, beautiful romance. I haven't read many where both characters are pretty smitten at the beginning of the book, and I really loved what that did to the banter and tension throughout the story. Sesily's character is badass and powerful, and I loved how she doesn't back down from anything including a good fist fight. Caleb was adorable and infuriating and incredibly masculine, and they make a good pair.

My only qualm with the book was that a few of the reveals were a little confusing, I could have used some more information to fully understand what had happened. I admit that I haven't read the series prior to this, so perhaps that would have helped. I will be going back and reading MacLean's previous work after this however!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

This was a decent historical romance! I didn't super connect to either main character, but I liked the concept and the side characters enough that I'll read the next book when it comes out.

LOVE! Sarah MacLean is doing incredible work for the genre with this book and I cannot help smiling & singing her praises because of it. I will admit to being a huge fan and therefore maybe a bit biased. Day of The Duchess is one of my favorite works and I have been, like many fans, waiting for Sesily & Caleb. This book did not disappoint! MacLean and Sesily are smashing the norms of historical romance novels while holding what still makes this genre special near. This book is so accessible to new readers and I cannot wait to suggest it to everyone and their grandma!

I’m always excited for a new release by Sarah MacLean, especially if it’s in a new series and features a heroine who readers have met before. This is Sesily Talbot’s book and she is FIERCE.

Sesily is one of the infamous Talbot sisters, referred to by the ton as the Soiled S’s because of how their father gained his title. She is also the last remaining sister who hasn’t yet settled down into marriage. And she really has no intention of doing so. She doesn’t crave marriage and children like her siblings and she is just fine living her life under her own terms and using her notoriety to help with the behind the scenes, undercover, secret work she does with a small group of friends, righting the wrongs of society by exposing dastardly noblemen and terrible employers.

The only man she wants is the one man who keeps running home to Boston every time he gets too close.

Caleb Calhoun owns numerous taverns, including one with Sesily’s sister Sera. He’s come back to London to help until the birth of Sera’s child, then he plans on boarding a ship and heading back home once again. Despite his attraction to Sesily, the secrets of his past won’t let him pursue a relationship with her. But when he discovers that she may be in some trouble with a ghost from his past he can’t help but try and protect her.

This couple y’all. Sometimes I like the whole I can’t be with you because I have secrets, so instead, I’ll just make you feel like shit because I keep running the other direction trope and sometimes it makes me want to smack the offending main character upside the head. I really wanted to smack Caleb upside the head a few times. He acts like he doesn’t want her, but then he keeps getting in her way to “rescue” her and telling her what she will and won’t do. He’s hot and cold and I hoped that Sesily would make him grovel way more than she actually did.

I will say that this couple is super hot together. They have closet sexy times, gamekeeper’s cottage sexy times, just lots of hands and mouths and bodies pressed up against each other. Their mutual pining and sexual tension made those sexy times all the more delicious. Caleb does eventually admit to his big-time secrets and why he was running, but damn. I was so thankful to finally find out why he was acting the way he was. For me and for Sesily. I did enjoy their honest talks about not wanting children and what they wanted their HEA to look like.

Sesily is a strong, smart, resourceful woman surrounded by other strong, smart, resourceful women and I love that they have formed this cool girl gang who figures out ways to help people who need help the most. I enjoyed meeting all of them and watching as they make plans on how to bring down the despicable people who are hurting the vulnerable. There’s the mastermind, the spy, the genius who specializes in explosives, and Sesily who uses her reputation to put it all into play. I love these women and can not wait to read their stores and see if their hinted at love interests pan out.

This was a good start to what I’m sure will be a most enjoyable series.

Maclean continues her story arc about the Talbot sisters with this new series starter. Sesily Talbot and her group of friends are crusaders for justice, working behind the scenes to reveal the misdeeds and wrongdoings of society’s scoundrels in the hopes their actions will bring about necessary change.

Brash, unapologetic and fast paced, the story is a modern reworking of Victorian society. Conventional etiquette takes a back seat in place of wild costumes, fisticuffs and bar room brawls, and explosive dialogue.

As Sesily begins investigating a new case, she uncovers mysteries and secrets involving Caleb Calhoun—American businessman and family friend, who happens to be the person she’s pined for over the past two years. Boundaries are tested as revelations surface, forcing Sesily and Caleb to face their hidden fears.

Many readers will enjoy how the story rolls along to a satisfactory conclusion. However, some readers may find that this pacing has an impact on the storytelling. There are key revelatory moments where one may wish that more time was spent in the explanation as to what happened and how it happened. Some readers might feel that a flashback scene or two would have been appropriate.