"A breathtaking historical romance featuring espionage, scandal, and forbidden love in the Queen's service.

Her enemy. Her ally. Her temptation...

Phillipa, Duchess of Dorsett is not your average demure lady in society. For behind her charming smile, she hides a secret and a wicked reputation. Tasked by Queen Victoria to protect the innocent, she's recruited the most formidable women of the ton - The Queen's Deadly Damsels. And now they have one final mission…but this time it's anything but simple...It's personal.

Lady Olivia Smithwick sold her soul to save her daughter, and in return has made an enemy of the Duchess. But when she's faced with an offer of Phillipa's protection and a promise to bring down The Devil's Sons, she can't refuse.

As they attempt their mission, together and alone, their simple deal becomes dangerously complicated. Because when their tension makes way for an unexpected desire, the heat between them becomes impossible to ignore. To reveal their true selves is a risk, especially when even one touch is strictly forbidden. But who said it was a good idea to follow the rules?

Perfect for fans of Cat Sebastian, Emma Orchard and Beverley Watts."

Love will, hopefully, find a way.

I like the idea of this society, after all, once ladies met for a book club, or an embroidery club, only those in the meeting knew what was really discussed.or happened. And why not a spy network? Or PI group?
That said, I did feel that the author over indulged in the characters' internal musings. They were rather repetitive and over long. And did they always speak in their thoughts in correct grammar? I'm sure I don't.
And by the time we got back from Cornwall, the whole ' will she won't she' had got boring for me and even the ballroom and later scenes were not high drama and lacked some sizzle I thought.
A bit of judicial editing was needed I thought, hence 3 stars only.

Darcy McGuire’s latest book in the Deadly Damsels series, A Lady Most Wayward, is a fun mix of historical romance and spy thriller. Phillipa, Duchess of Dorsett, is sharp, daring, and on a secret mission for the crown. She teams up with Lady Olivia Smithwick, a woman with a complicated past and a lot of regret. Their partnership is filled with tension, and the chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, even if they don’t fully trust each other at first.

The writing keeps you hooked with its blend of intrigue and emotion. The story is full of twists, passion, and plenty of secrets. If you love Bridgerton but with a little more mystery and danger, this one’s for you. A Lady Most Wayward is all about breaking the rules and letting the heart do its own thing.

Even though I hadn't read the other books in the series, I still enjoyed it and I soon caught up with what was going on. I liked the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. plus I liked the great mix of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💜 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Boldwook Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book because, let’s be real, there’s no way I could have waited until October!!!

This series has been one of my favourites to date and I’ve been desperate for The Duchess of Dorsett’s story.

Philippa’s chemistry with Olivia is just delightful. I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers and this story hit me with all the best tropes.

Pacing was excellent, the plot conclusion well written. Trying to incorporate the eight main characters from the previous books in places felt messy and a little overkill on the explanations, but aside from that, which really was a personal preference, this was an excellent read.

I’m sad it’s over.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for this ARC.

I haved loved the whole series but I was waiting for Phillipa's book as soon as we found out that she was a lesbian but I love a Sapphic love story.

Phillipa and Olivia were giving ENEMIES - Yes! This was delicious and I love the high stakes of finally taking down the Devil's.

There were so many levels and I loved learning more about Olivias and Phillipas backstories.

It fully warmed my heart when the whole gang had a heart-to-heart with Phillipa.

I will say that Darcy absolutely smashed this Sapphic enemies-to-lovers, Regency love story.

I am super excited for Darcy new series but I hope we see more of Callum and Hyanicth as they were so cute!

I was so exciting to get this advance copy and read the final part of this series, as sad as that is that it is over. I have really liked this series. I was happy to learn more about the duchess and finally have the crow revealed, as well as learn more about Olivia. The crow reveal was pretty good, as well as the general pacing and story.

Darcy McGuire’s latest instalment in the Deadly Damsels series is a deliciously daring blend of historical romance and spy thriller, where corsets conceal daggers and every glance carries the weight of secrets.

Phillipa, Duchess of Dorsett, is no stranger to danger—or desire. Her reputation is as wicked as her wit, and her mission for the crown is anything but ordinary. Enter Lady Olivia Smithwick, a woman bound by sacrifice and shadowed by regret, whose reluctant alliance with Phillipa sparks more than just strategic tension.

Their chemistry simmers beneath layers of mistrust and longing, unfolding in stolen moments and sharp dialogue that feels both modern and timeless. McGuire’s prose dances between intrigue and intimacy, crafting scenes that are as emotionally resonant as they are thrilling. The Queen’s Deadly Damsels are a force to be reckoned with, and this final mission is as personal as it is perilous.

Perfect for readers who crave Bridgerton elegance with a Sherlockian twist, A Lady Most Wayward is a heady cocktail of scandal, seduction, and subterfuge. It’s a story that asks: what happens when the rules are made to be broken—and the heart refuses to play safe?

Thank you to Darcy McGuire, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Finishing a beloved series is always bittersweet, and A Lady Most Wayward delivers a satisfying conclusion. Darcy McGuire keeps the momentum of the previous books, blending romance, action, and a resolution to the overarching mystery. Returning couples make appearances, giving a cozy sense of closure to the Queen’s Deadly Damsels. At its heart, this is a fierce enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance. Philippa and Olivia’s journey through grief, self-discovery, and learning to fight for what they deserve is emotional and transformative. The witty banter and humor balance the deeper moments, making their story both heart-wrenching and fun. Saying goodbye to this world stings, especially because Philippa shines so brightly. Her strong voice, growth, and vulnerability make her unforgettable. She’s the real queen of the series, and I highlighted nearly every line she spoke.

This series was an absolute joy, and I’m already eager for whatever Darcy McGuire writes next.

It’s a strange thing when you finish one of your beloved series.

First, there is a sigh of relief when the author delivers an ending that does justice to the story, characters, and style of the series as a whole. Darcy McGuire did just that. A Lady Most Wayward kept the momentum of the previous books, providing the expected romance and action, as well as a satisfying conclusion to the overarching mystery and mission. Previous couples were given page time to remind us of the earlier adventures of the Queen’s Deadly Damsels and cemented each of their happily ever afters.

Then you get to enjoy the book for what it is, in this case, a beautiful enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance that examines processing grief, recognizing your own strengths (and weaknesses), letting go, and fighting for what you deserve, even if you aren’t sure you actually deserve it. Philippa and Olivia both have tragic backstories that made their romance hard fought and transformative. There couldn’t be a better match for the two characters, especially when you consider where they are in their personal stories. While the covers might be fun and colorful, the emotional hardships and growth the characters go through cut deep. The witty banter and comedic inner dialogues provide breathing room to reflect on the feelings the characters’ journeys elicit.

Lastly, you feel the emptiness that comes from saying goodbye to the world and cast of characters you’ve spent hours with. I’m in a post series funk, but I cannot wait to talk about this series with fellow readers and remember the highlights. I also know that Darcy McGuire’s next series will be amazing. I’m curious if the little crumbs she dropped for us at the end of this book are for future bonus content or tie-ins to Consultants to the Crown.

I can’t finish this review without saying how much I LOVE Lady Philippa. I cannot get enough of her strong voice and fierce persona. I highlighted almost every word that came out of her mouth and every thought in her head. It was an absolute pleasure to see her become less of a caricature of a snarky, fearless leader as the series progressed. She became real with cracks, insecurities, and pain. I know the series is called the Queen’s Deadly Damsels, but Philippa deserves the crown. It’s always been about her.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.