I was a big fan of the Bareknuckle Bastards series and was glad to see elements from that series woven into this story. Sesily reminded me quite a bit of Grace, which was no bad thing. Caleb was confusing at times, but the discrepancies in his behavior are later explained by the issues with his identity. Altogether, a wonderful romance and an exciting read. Will definitely keep an eye out for the rest of this series!

It's absolutely no surprise that Sarah MacLean has knocked another one out of the park. She is the master strong female leads, multi faceted heroes that we LOVE to love and of weaving a story filled with feminism, strength and fun without a heavy hand. I appreciate so much how she drops bits and pieces from other stories into her books. The story was tension filled, but also not overly stressful. It was the perfect book for an afternoon by the beach.

let me just say: HELLS YES to Hell's Belles.

Sesily is everything. The Hell's Belle's are everything. I live for Sarah Maclean's subversive, sexy, wonderful books.

Sarah MacLean is a master at crafting strong romantic heroines who are intriguing. Her first novel in the Hell's Belle's series is no exception. Sesily captures your attention from page one as we see her enter into a mysterious world where she helps seek justice for women who had been wronged. Sesily has been rejected by society, but she uses this to further her mission to help other women, and her adventures are intriguing. Her love for Caleb is equally exhilarating from start to finish. The pacing of the book is excellent and readers will find it hard to put down as they discover how Caleb and Sesily come together for their happily ever after.

I am always a fan of Sarah MacLean and look forward to new releases. I am also a big fan of all types of historical romances and I love how the author in this particular series uses the darker, seedier parts of London in which to set the stories in. We are definitely not dealing with “refined”society, but new money and people who are willing to work, even though it’s frowned upon by high society. In the book Bombshell, the main character is Lady Sesily Talbot and she is perfectly content embracing her reputation for scandal. Caleb Calhoun is an American, who came back to England for the birth of his friend’s baby. Caleb’s friend is Sera and she just happens to be Sesily’s sister. They have a thing for each other, but try really hard to ignore it and each other.

Sesily is part of a syndicate of sorts. They work to right the wrongs done to women by men in many different ways. From fighting, public shaming and other undercover operations to help people who need to be helped or who have been unfairly targeted.

As a reader, I kept expecting Caleb to flee at any moment. You can just tell he wants to get on the next boat back to the states. He starts to get an idea of what Sesily is up to as his own secrets start to unravel and he is targeted by hired thugs. As the suspense builds, there is a lot of action and the romance is quite swoony. The sexual tension builds throughout the story and the chemistry between them sizzling. I love the resolution and the happy ending. I am really looking forward to the rest of this series and getting to know this world and the characters better. Oh, and the cover is amazing! It totally sets the mood and the tone of the book. Well done to the cover designer.

Sesily is in love with her sister Sera’s best friend and business partner Caleb, who fled England for the United States two years earlier and is back for the birth of Sera’s baby. But the minute Sesily thinks Caleb might return her feelings, he’s ready to run. While Caleb has plenty of skeletons in his closet, so does Sesily, being a member of a society of women hellbent on righting societal wrongs. Only Sesily and her friends and their wily ways can rescue Caleb from his perilous past.

This first installment in the Hell’s Belles series fits in nicely into the rich story world MacLean created in her other Regency romances, and BOMBSHELL provides a spin on the best friend’s little sister trope. Sisily’s besties provide great potential series heroines. Sisley has the brains and courage to be a great operative. Her willingness to get hands on with the bad guys highlights her fierceness.

Caleb’s need to flee feels infuriating until his secrets are revealed. The dastardly villain relies on his title and privilege while the ton suspects his heinous crimes and association with hired thugs, making him a formidable opponent.

While I throughly enjoyed Sesily and Caleb’s story, I feel the other love stories in the series have the potential to be even more fun. All in all, BOMBSHELL provides a great new series starter.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thanks to Avon Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publisher, for providing an Advance Reader Copy.

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.

A slow start, but once it got going, it got going. I wonder if it was slow at the start because setting up this specific subset of MacLean's world took a little bit of time and uh, it was slightly boring. That said, I am invested NOW in this group of people, and will happily consume any and all books about them. (Pretty sure we got teasers of what the next two books will be.)

Also, the little dip into the world of the Soiled S's was nice, as I really did enjoy those books ever so much.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC.

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!

Another great addition to the world of Sarah MacLean! Smart and daring ladies fighting against the rogues who try to keep them "in their place"; a handsome man with terrible secrets; the drama of Victorian England and enough action to thrill both Liam Neeson fans and romance readers!

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.