I had no idea going in that it was part of a series and I am sorry I missed the other ones. It was an interesting book but definitely felt in the middle of a story, but the author does a good job of explaining some of the events in previous books and the villain. I would say this book leans very heavily into spicy romance more than mystery and I think i would have preferred that to be flip flopped.

A Most Unlikely Lady is the latest installment in the Queen's Deadly Damsels series, and just like its predecessors, I wholeheartedly enjoyed it.
Ivy is a fantastic character, and her chemistry with Edward is amazing. We also get one step closer to solving the mystery of the Devil's Sons.
If you're a fan of romance with a dash of mystery, this series is definitely for you. As for me, I'm off to book five. Happy reading!

A Most Unlikely Lady is book four in the Queen’s Deadly Damsels series, and yes, it technically works as a standalone—though if you’ve read earlier books, you’ll catch more of the backstory (and a few spoilers).


This one leans heavily into the romance (something I prefer) , with a dash of danger thrown in via a gang called The Devil’s Sons, who sound far scarier than they actually are.

The mystery? Let’s just say you’ll probably spot the villains the moment they stroll in.

Ivy, our FMC, is a mix of refreshing and frustrating. Her trauma adds depth, and it’s great to see that handled with care, but her constant inner monologue about being weak? It starts to wear thin, especially when her actions say otherwise. A little more backstory early on might’ve helped connect the dots.

Edward, our dashing commissioner, is fine. He fills the role of supportive male lead without reinventing the wheel, but we do get some good bits about the Duchess’s past through him.

There’s spice (about a 4/5), some sweet moments, and a couple of orphaned kids who steal the scene despite limited page time. The epilogue? Kinda there, kinda pointless.

Overall, it’s a quick read with heart, a few eye rolls, and enough charm to keep you turning pages, even if you're not in it for the mystery.

ARC from Net Galley and Boldwood Books. Review is my own.

Darcy McGuire's A Most Unlikely Lady is one of those Regency romances that keeps you smiling while also tugging at your heart. What stood out to me most was how refreshing and lively the writing felt—full of humour, clever dialogue, and characters who leap off the page.

I loved Ivy from the start. She’s spirited, sharp, and determined in a way that makes her instantly engaging. Watching her navigate the restrictions of her world with resilience was pure joy. She isn’t your standard, simpering society lady, and that’s exactly what made her so compelling. The hero, too, has a subtle charm that grows as the story unfolds; I enjoyed the way their interactions built slowly and believably, with a wonderful balance of banter and tenderness.

Beyond the romance, what really makes this book shine is how grounded it feels emotionally. The themes of self-discovery, courage, and stepping outside of expectations gave the story depth, while the humour kept it light and entertaining. I found myself laughing at some of the sharper exchanges, then moments later caught up in the sincerity of the emotions. My absolute favourite exchanges were between Phillipa and her butler and of course Reading and Edward.

This novel reminded me why I love Darcy McGuire's work: it has the sparkle of a classic Regency romp but isn’t afraid to add nuance and substance. By the end, I felt uplifted, satisfied, and already eager for the next in the series.

If you enjoy historical romance with wit, warmth, and a heroine who breaks the mold, A Most Unlikely Lady is not to be missed.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for giving me an ARC to read and review.

This is another instalment in the highly enjoyable Queen Victoria's Deadly Damsels series.

This was a really fun read with great characters.

Recommended to those who like their historical reads a little saucy and tongue in cheek!

4.5*

Thanks must go to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

In A Most Unlikely Lady, Darcy McGuire delivers another thrilling installment of the Queen Victoria’s Deadly Damsels series, blending espionage, romance, and female empowerment into a compelling tale. Miss Ivy Cavendale, orphanage headmistress and survivor of deep personal trauma, has built a quiet life of duty and protection. But when danger intrudes, Ivy’s resilience collides with Commissioner Edward Worthington’s unyielding determination, drawing the two into a world of secrets, peril, and unexpected passion.

McGuire strikes an impressive balance between heart-pounding suspense and tender intimacy. Ivy’s journey from guarded self-preservation to rediscovered strength is poignant and believable, while Edward’s protective nature is matched by his respect for her independence. Their chemistry simmers with witty banter, emotional depth, and a satisfying dash of spice.

This novel excels not only in its romance but also in its portrayal of solidarity among women, highlighting the strength found in friendship and shared defiance of societal expectations. With its clever mix of danger, mystery, and steamy Regency romance, A Most Unlikely Lady cements McGuire’s place alongside the best in the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this book is both a rewarding standalone and a tantalizing continuation.

I just finished book three in this series and couldn't wait to start on this one, book 4 in the series. And I am so glad I did as I enjoyed it immensely.
In this episode we see Miss Ivy Cavendale who takes on the role of headmistress in an orphanage but the Devil's Sons (and we know them from past books) are there and the story of Ivy is not as it might seem.

I loved the way the story flowed, the return of the Devil's Sons, the way Ivy emerged with strength and determination. Of course there must be some romance in this series as it is an historical romance and so we meet Police Commissioner, Edward Worthington and so we get some spice and passion laced through the pages as well.

Another great read and now.... Is there a 5th book in this series? I certainly hope so!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

After reading a decent portion of this book, I decided to not finish it.
The pace and dialogues didn't catch me. The setting in the orphanage didn't feel realistic and it kept pulling me out.

I think this is a great book for many people, but unfortunately not for me.

I thought this one was going to be the last one in the series, but not all the heads of the Devil's Sons are captured, so that means we are still getting a Philippa book.

This book was so fun, seeing Ivy evolve from a wallflower into a fierce woman. Especially with her past beeing so cruel.

Edward was such a gentlemanly character. He was so caught up in his past, and he was so scared to love.

In "A Most Unlikely Lady," the latest installment in Darcy McGuire's captivating Queen Victoria's Deadly Damsels series, Miss Ivy Cavendale takes on the role of headmistress at an orphanage, seeking anonymity and safety. However, her world turns upside down when an intruder threatens her and her charges, forcing her to confront her fears and defend herself. Enter Commissioner Edward Worthington, a secret spy for Queen Victoria, who becomes intrigued by Ivy's hidden strength. As they work together to uncover the nefarious activities of the Devil's Sons, both Ivy and Edward must confront their past traumas and vulnerabilities. Their chemistry ignites amidst danger, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and love. This fourth book can be enjoyed as a standalone, offering a mix of romance, mystery, and empowerment.
Readers of historical romance will be drawn to "A Most Unlikely Lady" for its rich character development and the captivating backdrop of Regency-era London. Ivy’s struggle for independence and strength in a male-dominated society resonates with themes of empowerment. The dynamic between Ivy and Edward is both steamy and heartfelt, filled with witty banter and genuine moments of connection. McGuire masterfully blends romance with danger, creating an engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in the characters’ journeys. The exploration of societal norms, along with the thrilling mystery of the Devil's Sons, makes this book a must-read. I've really been enjoying this series. It's fun, it's spicy and I like the element of mystery. I also enjoy the theme of friendship and loyalty. The story has parts that show the importance of solidarity and support among women in challenging circumstances.

In the latest book in the brilliant Queen Victoria’s Deadly Damsels series from Darcy McGuire, readers follow Miss Ivy Cavendale, the seemingly fragile headmistress at a London orphanage, as she attempts to stay anonymous until a break-in forces her to defend herself and her charges against the Devil’s Sons. Commissioner Edward Worthington is shocked when he discovers how much trouble Ivy can cause despite being overlooked by everyone else, and Ivy herself is shocked that Edward sees her and ignites curiosity within her. As they join forces to discover the invader at the Widow’s Ball, both Edward and Ivy will discover their own hidden strengths and perhaps find more than their suspect at the end of the investigation. Packed with detail, drama, and great chemistry, readers will love Ivy’s quiet strength and fierceness, and her dynamic and chemistry with Edward is particularly well-written as it evolves over the course of the book. A great addition to this spicy Regency romance and historical mystery series, McGuire continues to bring fascinating characters and entertaining mysteries to life in brilliant detail. Entertaining, deeply enjoyable, and spicy, this high-stakes Regency romance is a fun and detailed novel that fans of the series and the genre will absolutely love.

This is one of the best books in the series so far! From the very first page, the plot pulled me in with gripping tension, layers of secrets, and a delicious undercurrent of mystery. The chemistry between the characters crackles with energy, and the romance? Absolute chef’s kiss — the perfect blend of instant attraction and a deeper, meaningful connection as they get to know each other. I especially adored the forced proximity trope and the playful “please teach me” moment (you know the one 👀). We also make serious progress on the Devil’s Sons storyline and get some juicy glimpses into Philipa’s arc — I’m beyond excited for her book!

Lady Ivy Cavendale, daughter of an evil dead duke, prefers to stay out of being the center of attention. Taking the job as Head Mistress at the All Souls Orphanage, leaves her in position to prove she's stronger than she looks. A member of the Queen's Deadly Damsels, she's learned to take care of herself. Commissioner of Metropolitan Police, Edward Worthington, Duke of Landbourne, secret spy to Queen Victoria, noticed Ivy at a ball. Intrigued, he has the opportunity to work with her to expose members of the Devil's Sons. Attraction between Ivy and Edward will lead to nothing, unless they can overcome fear and guilt.
The fourth book in the series.
I recommend reading them in order with an overlap of characters
Explicit sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I didn’t like this one as much as some of the others in the series. I felt like Ivy had a little bit too much immediate longing for Edward that didn’t quite fit with her personality. I did find the children to be a cute addition to the story.

It was a fun, Regency romance, but in my opinion, it could have used a few adjustments.

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC.

A Most Unlikely Lady is the fourth book in The Queen’s Deadly Damsels series and like the stories which have gone before this is another cross between steamy romance and thrilling suspense. Lady Ivy Cavendale takes on the lowly position of headmistress at a London orphanage but with the worry that the Devil’s Sons are targeting vulnerable children, Ivy enlists the help of the other deadly damsels to catch the men behind this group of monstrous individuals. However, it is Ivy’s burgeoning relationship with Police Commissioner, Edward Worthington where the passion of the story lies as they both learn to share the secrets of their troubled past.

Hugely entertaining, the passion sizzles on the page whilst at the same time the mystery surrounding the Devil’s Sons continues to be a real challenge for the Damsels who are determined to bring these terrible individuals to justice. With plenty twists and turns and a spicy romance at its core, this latest story kept my interest from start to finish. And whilst it is possible to read this as a standalone story it does make sense to read the series from the beginning as that way you get to know the other damsels and the role they each play in fighting for justice.

A Most Unlikely Lady is a worthy continuation of this successful series and I look forward to reading the fifth, and probably the final book in the series, when it is published later in 2025.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book. All views and opinions are my own.

“A Most Unlikely Lady” was a worthy follow-up novel to the author’s ongoing “Queen’s Deadly Damsels” series. I really enjoyed the previous book in the series (“Confessions of a Lady”) and I’m glad that “A Most Unlikely Lady” did not disappoint.

Ivy and Edward are both well-rounded, headstrong characters, both with past traumas and heartaches that they both struggle to recover from, while having to pursue the nefarious Devils Sons whose members are deeply entrenched within high society.

The novel had a good balance of romance, sexy chemistry and thrilling capers, while not shying away from topics like childhood trauma and abuse. I look forward to reading the next books in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review!

After reading the previous book in the series, this is a fun follow-up! Ivy and Edward are slightly less of complete horndogs than Penny and Liam, but they're still very forward and very into each other very quickly. You can get past is quite easily though, as again the drama is very heightened and fun.

There is a lot of slapping in this book though. For not a lot of reason, and I'm not sure why, but it happened. Speaking of upsetting things, there is a massive trigger warning for this book in Ivy's relationship with her father. If you stuggle with depictions of SA or implied/intended SA, I think you'd be best skipping this. It's done respectfully, but obviously could still be triggering.

Ivy and Edward are a nice couple and the mystery makes a lot more sense in this book than the previous. I will say, Philippa and Edward's relationship was very odd. She offers him friendship but later when he ask for her friendship, she rebuffs it? And she has a massive change of heart about him with very little explanation why. It's a bit odd. Also, her reasoning for disliking Olivia and vice versa is non-existent, beyond being a set up for the next book.

I also don't totally understand why <spoiler> Ivy has to leave the orphanage to join Edward's task force? It's never explained what the task force is or is actually doing that would require all of her time. Could she not just get a deputy and delegate while helping out the task force? I am unconvinced. </spoiler>.

Overall, this is an enjoyable romp with some minor flaws that don't cloud that it's just a good time book. Three stars.

🧸Book Review🧸

4⭐ 3🌶️

I have been definitely enjoying this series and this book was another great instalment as we work up towards the finale. I read this book super quickly because I was so sucked into the way these two characters had a constant push and pull between them.
The emotions of the MMC and allowing himself to love was glorious to read. He really went through a roller coaster of emotions before he could forgive himself and love the FMC. The FMC was what filled the cracks in his heart and it was just wonderful. I look forward to the next instalment and solving the riddle of who are the leaders of the devil's club.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Darcy McGuire for a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

A Most Unlikely Lady is part of The Queen’s Deadly Damsels series, but the good news is — you can totally read it as a standalone! If Sherlock Holmes met the Bridgerton universe, this book would be their beautiful, sassy lovechild.

The story follows Ivy, the headmistress of an orphanage, a brave and fiercely independent woman who doesn’t back down from danger. Edward, the chief of police, is everything you’d want in a historical romance hero — protective, determined, and absolutely swoon-worthy. The two of them join forces to catch a ring of criminals involved in the kidnapping of children… and, of course, fall in love along the way.

I didn’t realize how much I could love historical romance until I read this book. It made me smile constantly! The tension, the banter, the stolen moments — it was all so perfectly written. Their romance is surprisingly spicy (yes please!), and Edward… what a man you are!! 😍

I also appreciated how the author tackled the societal expectations of the time. Ivy fights for her independence in a world where even being alone with a man was considered scandalous — and Edward doesn’t try to tame her, he helps her discover who she is and what she truly wants. That dynamic? Chef’s kiss.

This book gave me mystery, passion, witty dialogue, and a heroine I could truly root for. I’m already adding the rest of the series to my TBR. If you love historical romance with a twist of danger and a whole lot of heart, this one’s a must-read.

This is the four book in the series and another great read. It not just a Victorian romance but is also full of action, suspense, drama, intensity and adventure. Another great addition to the series and I can't wait for more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.