This follow-up book picks up just weeks after the ending of the first book in the series and it's not long until the action begins again. This time around the sisters are both experiencing longings for the respective loves and it does seem to affect their actions in various ways. Gus continues to be the bossier sister while Julia continues to be peacekeeper. But their respective natures get turned on their head when they are both challenged in new ways. Both sisters are essential to their team along with those they have picked up along the way. I won't say much more as there is quite a bit to take in as the story advances. I will say the overall book was quite satisfying for me.

What I liked in this book is the character development of the sisters who are the focus of the series. I think this is marked by the fact there is not much development in the other characters, no matter how important to the story. Also, while the book is a fairly light story, it doesn't avoid heavier themes like the plight of women in this period, from being the chattel of male family members to the limited roles to play in society. But even with the bigger issues, they are addressed with wit and clever actions by the characters.

Overall, this was another great read from Ms. Goodman. I look forward to reading the further adventures of the Colebrook sisters and their associates in the next book. Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Australia for the free advanced reader copy. My feedback is totally voluntary. I give this a solid four stars.

I read the first book with the expectation that it was stand alone and was super unimpressed when I reached the end of the book only to figure out that it couldn't possibly be a stand alone. I can't say I was too excited about the second book because all I remembered of book 1 was how unhappy I was lol

No regrets in giving this series a second chance though because having the right expectations actually help me enjoy the book / story much better and I can even say that I'm so very much looking forward to book 3.

It was a rough start for the first third of the book as I was finding Gus super annoying; just as you would of a bossy sister *humph*. After that, it became practically un-put-downable. Thank goodness for character development! We can all aspire to do the same as Gus.

From that point on, it was a rollickin' ride through Regency England with these ladies who will let no injustice stand. Their male counterparts could do nothing to stop them, of course, so played nicely as sidekicks (mostly). 

My thanks to HarperCollins Publishers Australia for ecopy of book via NetGalley in exchange of my honest thoughts

Next installment of the adventures of Gus & Julia! This time they’re galavanting around the English countryside solving problems and creating drama. Brilliant read, thanks for the advanced copy #netgalley

This sequel delivers everything I enjoyed about the first instalment and then turns it up a notch. Set just three weeks after the events of The Benevolent Society of Ill Mannered Ladies, we’re thrown straight back into the action with the ever-resourceful Colebrook twins.

The pacing in this second book felt much smoother, and while the plot did at times feel like a few distinct stories stitched together, they blended well into a cohesive and engaging narrative. I found it a genuine page-turner.

As with the first book, the story delves into some heavy themes, particularly around how restricted and vulnerable women were in Regency society. These themes are handled thoughtfully, and the feminist undercurrent gives the series real depth without overshadowing the fun and mystery.

There were moments of clever humour and warmth throughout, including a delightful reference to Sense and Sensibility, which was a personal favourite detail.

The setup for a potential third book is excellent, and I sincerely hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Gus and Julia.

After loving The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies, I was thrilled to receive an eARC of book 2, The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin. Thank you Netgalley @netgalley and HarperCollins Australia @harpercollinsaustralia

While I did enjoy this book, I enjoyed book 1 more. The characters and writing were highlights. Mature aged female MCs are always going to be a win with me. Alison Goodman's writing is so polished professional, it is a joy to read. She also creates a beautiful world and style of the Regency period. However, I found The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin slower than The Benevolent Society of Ill-mannered Ladies, and wasn't sure why things were happening, nothing seemed related. Then at about the 65% mark, things came together (thank goodness!). I also found it repetitive, with constant travelling here and there. Gus and Julia saying goodbye to Evan and Michael, expecting not to see them again, only to see them again. This happened multiple times and I found it somewhat annoying. Nevertheless, Ill-Mannered Ladies is an entertaining series which I look forward to continuing.

Rating: 3.75/5

Alison Goodman, you’ve done it again! The Colebrook sisters are back and so brilliant as always. This was the perfect cosy mystery, with a bit of a thrill and lots of adventures!

I loved the first book so I’ve been eagerly anticipating the second and I wasn’t disappointed. Julia and Gus (Augusta) are so entertaining, I love them! Gus is my favourite, so cheeky, brave and witty. Always standing up for what she believes in. Her banter and spark with Evan is also so delightful.

It was interesting reading about the regency era, the Bon Ton, the ranks in society, how women were treated and the restrictions placed on them. It was very well researched.

It was also so fun, the sisters and their escapades, sarcasm, wit, and humor! As well as their daring natures and their fight to help others and to do what is right, was incredibly entertaining.

They are a wonderful pair, I look forward to seeing them in book 3 soon, I hope! Highly recommend this fabulous book.

Thank you so much @harpercollinsaustralia for the early copy!

This book was more focused on Gus and Julia's rescue Lady Hester, and also took a deeper dive into the romantic relationship blooming between Gus and Lord Evan, and Julia’s swooning over Mr Kent, the Bow Street Runner looking to haul Lord Evan into jail for a crime he did not commit. tasked with bringing Evan to justice. Pursuing these relationships for both of these older women during this time in history was always going to be difficult especially with their overbearing brother breathing down their necks and the rest of society and the ton who would lift their noses to them if they weren't so cunning and clever. Gus and Julia’s scheming ramped up in this story, which helped to protect them from villains, uncover juicy clues and protect their hearts. There is also tension between Gus and Julia, as they frequently disagree on how to proceed in their investigations
Cat and mouse survival games and antiques that were at play in this story. This book really demonstrated the prowess of the author in this second book by intertwining several plot lines. Lord Evan was on the run from thief takers he wanted him in gaol if not dead. Gas and Evan had to work fast to work out how to clear his name and also collect evidence about some sordid and torturous behaviour going on including a debaucherous gentleman’s club. Secrets of the past emerged, horse riding skills on display and jeopardising the reputations of Gus and Julia was at risk in every scheme they planned. Their forwardness and independence shone through more in this book, and had more substance.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would! (Secretly rates 100/5 sassy spinsters)!

Last year I read the first book in the Ill-Mannered Ladies series after I saw a Good Reads friend review it. It ended up being my top read of 2024.

Fast forward to March of 2025, I’m on NetGalley looking for a new ARC to request and I spy this sequel! I have never been more excited in my life!
Once I was accepted I realised it was only available for me to read via the app on my phone and I was seriously disheartened, I struggle immensely reading on my phone!

But I should never have doubted the power of Goodman’s prose, phone be damned! Instantly the reader is whisked away on another adventure with Gus, Julia, Evan, Weatherly and Mr Kent, in addition to the cavalcade hilarious and nefarious secondary characters.
There will be sneaking into dens of iniquity, dastardly disguises, rumbles with the world’s worst brothers (both Evan’s and Gus’) and of course much needed banter and flirting between our leads and their loves!

Regency England is bought to life through Goodman’s skill of cleverly weaving historical research with masterful narrative. It’s easy to imagine yourself wandering through the stately homes of society one minute and visiting a morgue in the depths of St Bartholomew’s the next.

While I loved every second with this book I don’t know how I’ll ever stand waiting until Goodman writes the next!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I’d give more if I could!)

A fiercely feminist, utterly swoony, Regency romp that I adored from start to finish.

This second instalment in Alison Goodman’s Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies series is everything I wanted and more. It picks up where the first left off, with the twin sisters, Lady Augusta (Gus) and Lady Julia, once again flouting society’s rules—and their insufferably obtuse brother Duffy’s attempts to control them.

Their latest adventure sees them hiding Hester—Lord Evan’s sister and the woman Gus and Julia saved in the last book —from her dangerously deluded brother, Lord Deele, who is obsessed with societal norms and determined to force Hester back into the asylum that has already damaged her so deeply. All Hester wants is to live her life in peace with her lover Miss Grant, but safety doesn’t come easy when men like Lord Deele hold power over the entirety of women's lives and care more about reputation than family.

At the same time, Gus and Julia are fighting to clear Lord Evan’s name. Gus’s love for him is unwavering, but their happiness is impossible while he remains a wanted man. Someone powerful wants him dead and they need to discover who it is before it's too late. Thankfully, this time they’re joined by Mr Kent—Julia’s paramour and Bow Street Runner—who, having previously been at odds with the sisters, is now firmly on their side. His dry sense of humour and devotion to Julia is so beautiful to read. And of course, we get more of the wonderfully loyal Weatherly and Tully, who always add a little 'found family factor'.

Rich, Romantic, and Relentlessly Relevant

What I love most about this series is that it’s so much more than dashing rescues and dangerous escapades (though it has plenty of that too). Goodman delves into real, weighty topics—women’s autonomy, the policing of women’s bodies and choices, how society dismisses older women, and the deep bonds of sisterhood.

Julia’s struggle with her health is very real and at the heart of it all is the evolving relationship between Gus and Julia. Gus must confront the fine line one must walk with her sister in order not to smother her with protectiveness and good intentions.

The Verdict: More, Please!

The Lady’s Road Guide to Utter Ruin is smart, swoony, daring, and deeply heartfelt. The ending teases yet another adventure, and I honestly cannot wait to see where these indomitable sisters go next.

ARC provided by NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.

Oh, where do I begin with The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin? Alison Goodman has once again whisked us away to Regency England, where the delightful Colebrook sisters, Lady Augusta (Gus) and Julia, redefine what it means to be "old maids." These two aren't just sitting around sipping tea—they're out there championing the underdogs and making mischief in the most ladylike fashion.

Having had the absolute pleasure of meeting Alison in person, I can attest that her warmth and wit shine through in her writing. Her previous works have always been immersive and a wonderful experience (if you havent read her catalogue I definitely recommend Lady Helen!!), and this one is no exception.

In this installment, the sisters team up with the ever-charming Lord Evan to tackle mysteries, dodge danger, and, of course, sip some tea (because priorities). The blend of historical intrigue and feminist flair makes for a read that's as enlightening as it is entertaining.

So, if you're in the mood for a romp through history with two unapologetically audacious ladies, this book is your perfect carriage ride. Just be prepared to chuckle and cheer as Gus and Julia navigate the road to "utter ruin" with style and sass.

After a long wait it is finaly here. With a cover that is just wonderful. So much fun, with an amazing slow burn "inappropriate" romance that you will just devour. The time period is well reasurched and you will clop along in your horse drwn carriage with these amazing characters. This will read much better if you have read the fist book Ill-mannered Ladies.

I loved the first book in this series, and had hoped for a second. Yes, I admit to scouring Netgalley once a month to see!

So, was thrilled, not only when it appeared, but I was given approval to read an ARC. I was not disappointed.

This is a fun Regency mystery thriller and frolic reminiscent of Marion Chesney’s (aka MC Beaton’s) work. There is the gorgeous attention to detail of the era, the ways of the Bon Ton, and the frustrations of women constricted by them. There is some light hearted sarcastic banter, trust, friendships, the darker side of humanity, and mystery all mixed together to create this wonderful historical crime fiction novel.

Thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommend. Definitely a series to buy, read, enjoy, and tell your friends about.