I almost passed on this book because the advertising said it was “unapologetically feminist” and from other books I’ve read with that same advertising, I expected to find a shrewish, man-hating, overbearing, unlikable female lead along with a weak, milquetoast, doormat of a male lead. I am so glad that wasn’t what I found. Sesily Talbot is strong, independent, intelligent, has a totally wicked sense of humor, is very caring, and has a devil-may-care attitude that people either abhor or admire. While she chafes at Caleb’s protectiveness, she doesn’t belittle him, she understands where he is coming from and then quietly teaches him to trust her abilities. They are both much better people in the end because of that exchange of values, ideas, and abilities.

I understand both lead characters and many of the supporting characters have been introduced in other books, but I haven’t read any of those. That said, I don’t feel as if that was much of a problem when reading this book since it gives plenty of background and mentions the most pertinent facts that we’d need to know. I also loved that the author’s notes included information on the real-life group on which the Hell’s Belle’s were based.

Lady Sesily Talbot is a walking scandal and has been for her entire life. Her entire family has set the ton on edge since her father won his title from the Prince Regent – in a card game no less. Sesily and her sisters have a couple of collective sobriquets associated with them – one of them is the Soiled S’s (all five of the sister’s names begin with S). Sesily is also referred to as Sexily when they don’t think she is listening.

Two years earlier, Sesily was approached to join a ‘team’ whose mission was to protect those who couldn’t protect themselves from those with more power. Their network is wide-ranging in both rank and gender. That invitation came at just the right time for Sesily because she was growing bored and restless with what life had to offer and the group, Hell’s Belle’s, gave her a purpose. Sesily, along with new friends Miss Adelaide Frampton, Lady Imogen Loveless, and their leader, the Duchess of Trevescan work tirelessly to right the wrongs of society. Think A-Team in silk skirts.

Caleb Calhoun, a 35-year-old American, is the only man who has ever been able to withstand the charms of Sesily Talbot. Granted, he had to leave England and put an ocean between them before he could do it, and even then, the pull was constantly there. Caleb has to resist Sesily because he has secrets – deep, dark secrets – that won’t allow him to have a home and family – or anyone he cares about. His caring will put them in grave danger.

The book begins with Caleb trying his darndest to protect Sesily – and it goes that way through most of the book. Sesily repeatedly shows him she is strong, smart, and can defend herself. His respect for her abilities constantly grows and he cannot continue to fight the attraction. When his enemy makes a discovery of his secret, it puts Sesily in grave danger. Caleb intends to protect Sesily at all costs – even his own life – but Sesily and her crew have other plans. They’ll save Caleb despite himself.

This book was witty, entertaining, filled with lively banter, and had a wonderfully supportive cast of secondary characters. Those supporting characters will be getting their own books in the series as well. I rated the book a bit lower because the book seemed to slow down in the middle. That was probably to do with quite a bit of angsty internal monologue with the characters, but it did drag and I didn’t have any trouble putting the book down for a while before picking it up again. That said, I can definitely recommend this highly entertaining book if you don’t mind a much more modern take on things.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Let me preface this review by first saying . . . . I LOVE Sarah MacLean. I think she's fabulous and I've enjoyed many of her previous books, most notably One Good Earl Deserves a Lover. I couldn't wait to get the ARC for this book mainly because the premise is all of my catnip -- older-than-25 non-innocent heroine with a secret job in the criminal underworld and the guy that's loved her forever. Mutual pining is my jam.

But it just . . . . sort of fell flat for me. There were definitely things I liked -- the secondary characters were great, the sex was (as always) hot and well-written, and it was funny. I also LOVED the sneaky little Veronica Mars allusion she snuck in there (if you know you know . . . ). But . . . .this relies HEAVILY on prior knowledge of her characters from other books, which was a definite downgrade. I tend to not read romance novel "series" in order, or to not read all of them at all, since they tend to be so loosely connected -- but my enjoyment of this one would have been increased, as other characters/love stories are mentioned quite frequently.

The characters and their love story also just sort of fell flat. She was your standard beautiful sexy kick-ass heroine with no real vulnerabilities to speak of and he was completely in love with her with a "dark secret" she had to fix basically . . . I didn't believe in WHY they were supposedly so in love, and we don't see them meet (I'm presuming that was in a previous book but . . . ). They seemed to be more in lust than anything else, which was great fun to read, don't get me wrong, but they didn't seem to be very in love or I didn't believe that they were.

So overall a solid 3-star read -- entertaining but forgettable. But I'm TOTALLY looking forward to the next two stories about her friends. Both of those characters seem interesting and so do their potential heroes.

It took me a little bit to get into this one because it was a little chaotic at first, and I have a terrible memory for all the characters from Sarah MacLean's past books. But in the end it really came together. There's great mutual pining, excellent set pieces, some good plot twists, and the kinds of romantic declarations that are just incredibly fun to read. I'm not usually one for a lot of action in my romance but in this case it didn't detract.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars! This book has mutual yearning, but behind the veneer of fake dislike (particularly on the Hero’s side), caretaking trope, a femme fatale heroine, and a bit of action. This was definitely one of the hottest books I’ve read from Sarah MacLean. Caleb is a dirty talker and I loved every bit of it.

Sesily is so funny, taunting Caleb at every turn. And despite his taciturn responses, purposeful distance, and scowls, you can tell he feels deeply for her (even against his better judgement). There’s a scene in here that reminded me exactly of the “bantering-while-fighting” scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean, and I loved that Sesily is a heroine that can hold her own while Caleb exasperatedly tries to protect her.

"He should leave her there. Leave her in the darkness to find her way back inside, or back home, or wherever it was Valkyries went to when they were done with their battles. He should walk away from that woman who had been a danger to him from the moment he met her."

Find me a man who will kick in doors, kick out windows, and unintentionally be a spy along with you :’) This was such a fun read, I highly recommend for fans of historical romance, badass women, and grumpy heroes who are brought to their knees by the heroine!

Bombshell is the only historical romance novel that has ever made me cry.

Don’t take this as a bad sign, though; it is a very good one, indeed. The fact is, I have not been this moved by a couple in any novel since I read Julia Quinn’s An Offer from a Gentleman several years ago. Sesily and Caleb are, quite frankly, extraordinary.

Sesily, to begin with, is a truly interesting character. It is so refreshing to see an older heroine who has been living her life the way she wants to live it, not because circumstances dictate or because she’s considered unattractive or uninteresting by society (which is an often grating trope, as it’s rarely true of the characters in question). Caleb himself is intriguing, and as his secrets unravel and more of him is revealed, my admiration of him increases, both for the sacrifices he has made and how understandable his actions are.

Together, they crackle. That tension that comes when two people won’t just admit their feelings can sometimes feel drawn-out and exasperating, but MacLean navigates it well so that even though the characters are exasperating about it, the situation never feels that way because the scenes are so rich and varied. Besides which, MacLean also gives us perhaps the hottest hiding place scene ever, and certainly within recent memory, and many romance readers will love how sexy it is.

While Bombshell is probably not for the faint-of-heart, it is a great read for anyone who appreciates an action-packed story that moves at a good pace and explores the characters’ feelings in a way that makes the reader connect deeply with them, rather than on a surface level. It’s also a great deal of fun, and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to arrive!

After years of hearing about Sarah MacLean's books, I finally read a book by this author, and it's so nice to know that there is a back catalog I can dive into while waiting for the next in this series. A great romance in this one, as well as a cast of fierce and entertaining women alongside the main character. This story is as filled with action as it is with steam, making it a great pageturner.

Bombshell by @sarahmaclean is the first novel of her new series Hells Belles about a motley crew of early Victorian feminists seeking vengeance on horrible men with too much power. Yes, I can get behind that!!

Sesily Talbot is a wealthy, unmarried, “elderly” 30 year old bombshell who gets away with doing whatever the fuck she wants bc she’s rich and gives zero shits. Sesily has had the hots for Bostonian Caleb Calhoun for two years, but he broke her heart and fled to America. But now he’s back and he has secrets. Surprise, so does Sesily. Everyone in this book has secrets. Secrets leading to bombshells. Bombshells dropping bombshells- thus the title.

This books has pretty much everything- a sexy, flirty romance, a wickedly smart girl squad of supportive friends, a fierce heroine with a sharp tongue, a complex action packed plot, a hero with a large penis who just wants to pleasure to his lady. What else do we need here? This book has it all.

Thanks @netgalley and @avonbooks for this ARC. The book drops on 8/24.

Smut- 3.4 stars
Romance- 4.8 stars
Story- 4 stars
A man in the 1830s understanding that women possess the ability to have multiple, successive orgasms- 10 stars

Bombshell is a spin-off series of Sarah MacLean’s Sandal & Scoundrel. Do not be afraid if you did not read the first series because Hell’s Bells series stands on its own. The first in a series this book centers on Sesily Talbot, a British Lady with a scandal in her background, and Caleb Calhourn, Ms. Talbot brother’s American friend. The book oozes banter, humor, and steamy romance. Overall, this book is another hit for Ms. MacLean.

It’s no secret that I love historical romances and Sarah MacLean always delivers. Bombshell brought back the Soiled S’s with Sesily and Caleb’s story *swoon*

And don’t think I won’t mention how excited I was to see some of my favorite characters from The Bareknuckle Bastards!!

I was fascinated in The Rogue Not Taken, mesmerized in A Scot in the Dark, and completely captivated in The Day of the Duchess by the Bombshell that is Sesily Talbot.

Bombshell is the first book in Sarah MacLean's new series, Hell’s Belles. Sesily Talbot is fierce and independent. She’s thirty years old, but instead of retiring to the country she lives life by doing what she wants, when she wants and doesn’t care about society’s rules or opinions. She loves her sisters and has an amazing girl gang. The only thing missing is the self-made American businessman, Caleb Calhoun.

Sesily’s girl gang is comprised of bold, beautiful, and brilliant women. Their name suits them. Hell’s Belles are fiesty and powerful, and they use their power for good. They have each other’s backs and look out for women who are treated horribly. I definitely want these women as my friends, and I hope they will each get their own book soon.

MacLean’s writing, as usual, is outstanding. Her words and style make you feel as though you are right there in the story experiencing the love and friendship between all the characters. The opening, especially, is so magical. I felt as though I was beside Sesily and we were both being led toward a different path by the all the enchanting performers.

Caleb and Sesily have such a beautiful journey. I have loved them since they first met in The Day of the Duchess. Even their cameo in Brazen and the Beast was so great. Their banter sets off sparks on every single page! It was so fun watching Caleb pine for and unsuccessfully try to resist falling in love with hurricane Sesily. The scintillating sexual tension was on point with plenty of spicy banter. Caleb is an amazing hero. He matches Sesily every step of the way and never tries to change her. In fact, he completely accepts her exactly the way she is, and I love that about him.

I enjoyed the easter eggs from previous books and was so excited for the Talbot family reunion with all the nieces and nephews.

Thank you so much Net Galley and Avon for this ARC.

The Duchess and her ladies are like historical Batman's. They are the Vigilantes for the women that can't stand up and fight for themselves. Sesily is good at what she does. Caleb is less sure of that. He seems to be showing up at the worst times. Then he starts showing up all at the best times.

5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bombshell has been one of my most anticipated reads after reading The Day of The Duchess. Like seriously, I have been waiting for this book for more than 4 years already. I can't believe that I finally got to read the story of Sesily and Caleb. Is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY! I loved every single second of it. I've experienced many different kinds of emotions while reading this book. All the angst and feels seriously got me. Moreover, I was able to finish this book within one day cause it got me hooked from the beginning till the end.

Talking about the characters, I really adore Sesily and Caleb. The way they portray their characters in the story really made me love them. Not to mention the chemistry that these two have for one another is off the chart. Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me and I think that Sarah has done a great job in delivering this story. Everything was just well written and greatly developed. I highly recommend for everyone to try out this book especially if you have been waiting for this couple too. Believe me, you won't be disappointed.

Sesily and Caleb's story was worth the wait! This is a delightful romp through women's rights, cruel men, lack of understanding of love and more! A great read for fans of MacLean.

Bombshell is the first book in Sarah MacLean’s new series Hell’s Belle’s and it was exactly what I thought it would be. Hugely feminist, action packed with lots of pining and steamy sexy times!

Think the A-Team but 1830’s England- “It was a crew if he’d ever seen one. A revolution, clever in rouge and silk.”

Sesily Talbot, knows as Sexily thoughout the aristocracy is one of the Soiled S Sisters that we met several books ago in the MacLean universe. Now she is thirty, embracing her spinster, ruined status joining forces with three other women to help women in less fortunate positions than themselves. Caleb Calhoun is her sisters mysterious business partner who Sesily has lusted after for years but he keeps running back to America. These two have a mutual pining that result in some seriously hot scenes - I am sucker for a closet session- that lead to real feelings.

The mystery of why Caleb (with his sexy thighs) keeps pushing away Sesily and their love story is interesting but the real heart of the book is the girl squad of Sesily, Adelaide, Duchess and Imogen.

“I carry a blade in my pocket and my dearest friends are a spymaster, a con artist, and a woman who is extremely fond of explosives.”

These four woman that are considered outcasts by society each bring a talent to their team that through clever plans, seduction and men assuming women are lesser than them are able to change the world of some women. The conversations between the women, how they support each other with a no questions asked policy - Um the part with the dead body- are every woman’s squad goals.

Are Caleb and Sesily a perfect couple, Of course, it’s a MacLean book. Caleb is tortured, self punishing and protective of Sesily, a great mix in a hero. But his protective instincts don’t smother her- he calls her Athena and realizes she isn’t the reckless, bed hopping tart the aristocracy thinks. She has cultivated this image to work for her advantage and he doesn’t want to stop her but instead stand beside her.

Do you need to read the other books to enjoy Bombshell? No BUT it will add to the overall enjoyment of the book- IMO. You get to snippets of the Bareknuckle Bastards (Nik and Nora!) and obviously all of Sesily’s siblings.

Enemies to lovers, hidden identity, protective Alpha hero and a bada$$ lady gang made Bombshell an enjoyable ride and left me wanting more of Hell’s Belles!

This was what I was expecting and so much more! The slow burn with these two was amazing. Enjoyed following Hell's Belles and all the hijinks, trouble, and shenanigans they got up to in this book. Also can't wait for their stories.

Thank you to Avon & NetGalley for the advance copy of this book!

This is my first book by Sarah MacLean, so it took me a bit to acclimate to who all of the characters are and what I was hopping into. That said, this book was so much action and fun! Sesily is so cool. I love that her nickname is Sexily. It just exudes confidence. You know a good character when you think to yourself, I wish they were my best friend, and I totally felt that way about Sesily. She's confident, strong, and knows what she wants/doesn't want. And I really just love her girl gang.

Her relationship with Caleb was adorable. There's so much pining on both sides. He's an American who has come back over to England. Their romance was SO GOOD. Their steam was great, too. There's a bit of a voyeur kink going on, and it is full steam ahead.

Overall, this book was action-packed and romance-packed which made for a very exciting read. I look forward to reading this series and more of Sarah MacLean's books.

I was so happy to finally get Sesilys story. She was one of the spoiled S’. But was she really spoiled? Sesily was feisty. Adventurous. I loved reading about her adventures. How her and Caleb were made for each other. How they always seemed to be pulled to the same spot and the same time. How Sesily and her pact of friends took matters into their own hands. I am really excited for the rest of the books in this series.

Sesily Talbot, the most infamous of the five Talbot sisters, isn't your average Regency heroine. She's a little older (30! gasp), drinks, gambles, has lovers, knows how to fight, breaking a man's nose three times! She puts herself at risk, being part of a secret organization focused on bringing down men of the aristocracy who abuse their power to hurt women. Caleb is the man she can't stop thinking about. He hurried back to America when they were getting too close but couldn't help returning to England. He has a secret that would bring harm to Sesily and others if it were found out. The problem is, he can't stay away. Prepare yourself for lots of action and intrigue. "Playing croquet" will never be the same

I think I had very high hopes for this book and it fell short. Sesily was great, she is involved in a covert operation with other ladies that you would find unlikely to participate in these shenaigans. It didn't grab my attention as much as I thought it would. However, I greatly enjoyed all the interactions with the lady's and any time there was action in the scene. Our hero also had many complexities and secrets that were quite surprising. I do think the romance was OTT and a bit forced. It seemed as though there were extra uses of flowery language that almost seemed to make a caricature of the romance. I would read Imogen's story because she is so explosive.

Sarah MacLean always delivers!! This was a great start to her new series, but also even more satisfying having met Caleb and Sesily in past books. Their HEA was hard-earned and very satisfying! I loved both characters independently with their strong wills and desire to do good, and together they are so fiery and loving. MacLean also painted some especially colorful and fun secondary characters, and I’m excited to see each of their HEAs in future Hell’s Belles books!