3.7 Stars
One Liner: Not bad! Time-pass read

Miss Ivy Cavendale becomes a headmistress at an orphanage. One night, she deals with an intruder, relieved that the fear that had gripped her for years hasn’t stopped her from saving her charges. Soon, it’s clear that she and her charges are the next target of The Devil’s Sons.
Commissioner Edward Worthington owes the head of The Queen’s Deadly Damsels. So, he agrees to watch her latest ward, Ivy. It doesn’t take long to realize that he is attracted to her. But Ivy has childhood trauma, and danger surrounds them.
Can they identify the criminal and make their happy ever after?
The story comes in the third-person POVs of Ivy and Edward.

My Thoughts:
This is the fourth book in the series and works as a standalone with possible minor spoilers for the previous ones. I read the first and second, so I have an idea about the mystery/ overarching plot.
This is predominantly a romance despite the threat of an intruder and a dangerous gang lurking about. The gang hasn’t been dismantled yet, safe to say there will be more books in the series.
We met Ivy in the previous books, though I’m not sure about the Commissioner. The events related to her family occur in book #1. In book #2, there are hints about her trauma. Here, we get more information.
Though the romance is made to seem like it is not insta-love, it actually is. Still, I appreciate the attempt and the conversations that take place as Ivy learns to overcome her fears. That said, it is a spicy (4) book with open-door scenes.
The first chapter can be a hit or a miss. That’s because it clearly shows the FMC’s character – someone who has always thought of herself as weak. Her inner monologue can be a bit grating, but she proves herself with her actions.
The MMC is okay, kinda stereotypical, but he does the job. We get more than a glimpse into the Duchess’s past through him, so that’s good.
A couple of kids shine despite the limited page space. I'd be happy to meet them in the subsequent books.
The mystery is lackluster, TBH. The villains were too apparent the moment they were introduced. But then, this is not a mystery read but a romance with a touch of danger.
There is an epilogue that doesn’t really give us much except a wee bit of info about the side characters.
To summarize, A Most Unlikely Lady is a quick and easy read despite the triggers and the hints of danger. Let’s see what happens in the next book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

“Because I do want him. Most ardently.
But even more than wanting, she missed him.”

✨ The Vibe:
Trauma, trust, and undercover missions - this is not your average duke-meets-lady romance.
A story about healing, justice, and discovering that not all men are monsters… even if some definitely are.

📖 The Plot:
After her father’s and brother’s scandals left her with little more than a tarnished name and no financial security, Ivy Cavendale - daughter of a duke - vowed never to marry. Fueled by her father’s bitter lies about men, she’s carved out a new path as the headmistress of All Souls Orphanage, devoting her life to something meaningful.
That is, until she finds an intruder at the orphanage - an encounter that spirals into an unexpected investigation linked to a much bigger case… and to Edward Worthington, Duke of Landbourne and Queen Victoria’s undercover operative.
He’s carrying his own emotional baggage - haunted by guilt and the trauma of loss - but together, Ivy and Edward slowly untangle not just the case - but each other’s wounds.

✔️ What I Loved:
No slow start - this story dives in right away and keeps the pace.
Ivy’s independence is refreshing and realistic - her strength feels earned.
Edward is more than the brooding duke stereotype - haunted, determined, and quietly vulnerable.
Their emotional connection grows naturally, with great chemistry and some heat, but never overshadows the plot.
The criminal subplot adds just enough tension without dragging the romance down.
The balance of trauma recovery and romance is handled with care.
The cover? Gorgeous. The kind that makes you click “Buy Now” before reading the blurb.

➖ What Could’ve Been Stronger:
The mystery wasn’t much of a mystery - I saw the villain coming early on. A twistier resolution would’ve elevated the final act.
The ending felt a little rushed; I wanted just a bit more space for emotional payoff.

💭 Final Thoughts:
A Most Unlikely Lady is a heartfelt, slightly steamy, emotionally satisfying historical romance with a sharp heroine, a complicated hero, and just enough criminal intrigue to keep things moving. I read it in under 12 hours - and I’d happily pick up books about the other characters in this world.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ More, please!

Book 4 in ‘The Queen’s Most Deadly Damsel’ series, this was a delightful and unique Regency romp. This can definitely be read as a standalone, though the whole series is great! A fun mystery, and the romance was slow burn and super cute.

Filled with romance, mystery, and humor, this follows Ivy, who has taken on a new position as an orphanage headmistress. On her first night, she stops an intruder from kidnapping one of the children. As the mystery unfolds, she teams up with Police Commissioner Edward Worthington to solve the case.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

Sometimes, you're just in the mood for a little historical romance.

Our FMC is the new headmistress at an orphanage where someone has tried to abduct a girl. Our MMC is the commissioner who is tasked with watching out for her. And of course, they have the hots for each other.

I did find these characters to be quite insta-love and insta-lust...and I really don't like that. This book tried to make it seem like they weren't insta-anything, but they really were. It made it quite a bit more annoying with the character saying things that implied they weren't insta, when they really were (and it didn't feel like the characters were being like that purposeful, it just felt like weird writing). Sorry, I am very picky about that sort of thing. I just do not like insta-love or insta-lust or insta-anything.

There's also a little bit of a gang-type of situation going on in this story as well, and that was kind of fun!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

I love, love, loved this book!!! Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
. Nothing like a forced proximity romance to make me absolutely inhale a story in one sitting! The characters were great, I loved their chemistry and the plot was excellent.

Darcy McGuire kicks off another tale from her 'Deadly damsels' series, following the proteges of Lady Phillippa, Lady Winterbourne, under the aegis of Queen Victoria, herself - a sort of Queen's Lady, if you please. Think Bridgerton meets Charlies Angels - these sparkling, intelligent unconventional heroines, stifled by rigid patriarchal rules, train in hand to hand combat, weaponry and self defense - and why you ask... Why, all in an attempt to bring justice to the scoundrels' in the House of Lords, who are often let off with by the peerage with slaps on their wrists.

They are often abetted by their counterparts - the dashing heroes, of course, under the Prime Minister, hunting the same villains! How these two factums clash, sizzle and burn forms the basis of the novel. Add in dimensions of equality, crimes against voiceless victims and a brace of adventure, horse riding and a lot of interspersed spicy moments make this a fascinating read.

This book in particular deals with Ivy, a lady who has suffered under the whims of a callous parent and a hapless sibling - our elf-like, petite wallflower, who captures the heart and soul of the Commisioner and Duke, Edward Worthington. Both Ivy and Edward have broken spirits, and are often held back by their own cages from living to their fullest. Ivy is currently embracing her role as a protector for the children in an orphamage, where a nightly intruder invites inspection from the commissioner. Add in some human trafficking, beauty and the beast vibes, this makes an excellent read for any Victorian fan, albeit some of the swearing may be more modern, considering the period in question. This gripe aside, this is a fast paced, easy adventure mystery with oodles of spice!

A Most Unlikely Lady is book 4 in Darcy McGuire’s The Queen’s Most Deadly Damsels series. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in this series, but this one is my favorite!

The Ivy finds herself as headmistress of an orphanage. Police Commissioner Edward, has sworn to protect her while also working to bring down a band of villains, the common mystery throughout the series.

I loved this couple! Both main characters have their own traumatic pasts. The author does a great job in creating a friendship between the two while at the same time building up the romantic tension. I found Edward to be especially swoon-worthy. The patience and care he gives to her is perfection!

I’m someone who can’t read a series out of order, so of course I’d recommend starting with book one (the whole series has been great). But if you don’t mind jumping in mid-series, this is a great place to start. The romance, mystery, emotion, and humor are all spot on!

This is an absolutely packed tale of romance, crime, guilt and lost love. The book opens strongly with blood and guns and sideways glances and then keeps on going. The villains are nefarious and underpin the book with coded letters, miserable seals and intruders and shots fired. The cruelty is ever present and makes the friendships and relationships thwt Ivy has and looks to build all the sweeter. There is a moral undertone the comes through in the reading which takes over the violent edge and makes this quite a hopeful book in the end.

Really liked the book, it lived up to my expectations. I have been waiting for Ivy’s book since the second book when she defended Millie with a hair brush. I feel Darcy has handled very complex topics thoughtfully and well. The growth of the characters doesn’t feel rushed and the story is paced well. I couldn’t this book down. Looking forward to the final instalment of the series.

Fourth part of the Deadly Damsels series (but could read as a standalone as the author catches you up).

Ivy Cavendale has taken a job as the headmistress at an orphanage; on her first night she stops someone trying to abduct one of the children. It turns out to be linked to the Devil's Sons organisation, which she and her friends have been working to take down. She ends up working with Edward Worthington, commissioner of the police - and, gradually, they fall in love. As well as fighting the baddies, they're fighting the heartbreak in their pasts, and fighting their attraction to each other.

Fast-paced, raunchy, lovely characterisation, and a fun read - nice to be reacquainted with other recurring characters, too.

Solid. Good characters, fun romance with MaGuire's usual mix of humour, regency romp and more serious subject matters.

Thank you to Boldwood Intern for this ARC.

This is book 4 in the Queen's Deadly Damsel series and finally, we get to know more about Miss Ivy Cavendale.

After we meet her horrible Father and Son in the previous books, Ivy reputation has been damaged by her family's actions and has taken a new job as the headmistress of an orphanage run by the Lady Society.

The first night on the job, she stops and shoots a man breaking into the girls' dorms and attempting to abduct her. The man manages to get away, but not before being injured.

The Commissioner Edward Worthington , has been asked by Duchess to look out for Ivy in her new role. Edward has been drawn to Ivy at every ball they have both attended together and is eager to make sure no harm comes to her.

After she was attacked, he decided to move into the orphanage to protect her and the kids under a disguise. As they both believe this man might be a member of the dreaded 'The Devils Sons'.

Both Edward and Ivy have haunted pasts, but together they slowly overcome their demons, while protecting the children, and take down the Devils Son Organisation. I loved Edwards' slow approach to Ivy, I loved their partnership and marriage.

I am so intrigued where this story is going - will we get to know the Duchess more?

I'm really enjoying this series about a group of women working to bring down a trafficking gang. This is the romance between Ivy, who is taking on the role of running an orphanage, and Worthington, who is head of the Police. Both are working towards identifying those in the trafficking gang and falling for one another while doing so. Its a fast paced read and really enjoyable.

"Preorder the Brand New installment in Darcy McGuire's gorgeously funny, spicy romance series, featuring Queen Victoria's Deadly Damsels!

She may be innocent...but she's also deadly!

When seemingly fragile Miss Ivy Cavendale takes the headmistress position in an orphanage, it is her chance to stay anonymous in society. But not all is what it seems with Miss Ivy. When an intruder breaks in one night, she's quick to draw her weapon, and while fear - her constant companion - has mysteriously disappeared, one thing is very clear: she and her charges are the next target of The Devil’s Sons.

Commissioner Edward Worthington owes the head of The Queen's Deadly Damsels a debt. So, he must keep an eye on the Duchess's new protégé. How much trouble can the shy Miss Cavendale be? Rather a lot, actually. The diminutive wallflower has been overlooked and forgotten by society's elite, but Edward sees a woman full of fascinating contradictions he's compelled to unravel.

Burdened by secrets and childhood trauma, Ivy is stunned as Edward ignites a breathless curiosity within her. And when he asks her to join forces to identify the dangerous intruder at The Widow's Ball, she cannot refuse. She may not trust many, but something tells her she should trust Edward...with more than just this mission."

Diminutive wallflowers are always more fascinating than the average person thinks!