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3.21 AVERAGE
3.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Firstly, I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a free e-arc copy of The Lady Loves Danger in exchange of an honest review.
A kid who went missing while under Lady Delilah Ashbrook's care is being relentlessly sought after on the streets of London. Delilah hopes the Maidens can assist in locating the youngster before it's too late since she believes he was kidnapped to be sold. However, Delilah's quest puts her in the sights of an enigmatic guy who is also hunting for the youngster. Without a doubt, Sebastian St. Allen has a dashing image. But does he intend to hurt or save the child?
Sebastian's motivations for guarding the less fortunate are his own. He has the ability to move effortlessly between London's most affluent and seediest neighborhoods. Delilah's delicate beauty hides her independence and sensuality, which he finds attractive. However, nothing could have prepared him for this. If she will only let her guard down, Sebastian is confident they can assist one another. They also become aware of how close their relationships have gotten and how much they depend on one another as they are drawn deeper into danger.
Recent historical fiction releases have a tendency to contain uninspiring conflicts that are based on ridiculous events. It's expected that this book will be really fascinating. Who wouldn't want to read a book with the provided premise of "saving London against Child Abuse"? This novel is marketed as a mystery, but how did it become a romance? In terms of historical fiction, I prefer reading mysteries than romances. So I wasn’t a huge fan of this book.
The Maidens of Mayhem have one mission: to protect London's most vulnerable from abuse. This is what has Lady Delilah Ashwood searching for a boy she was meant to care for. Suspecting that the child was kidnapped, Delilah runs into a stranger, Sebastian St. Allen, who is also looking for the boy--though she's not entirely sure she trusts Sebastian's motives.
As Sebastian and Delilah look for the child, unsure of whether or not they can trust one another, they brush up against London's seedier side--and become increasingly intrigued by one another in the process.
I find the girl gangs fighting crime trend in historical romance charming, to be sure. I'm not a pearl clutcher who's going to say that it's perfectly believable that 1800s-era debutantes fell in love with rich, handsome men and had amazingly orgasmic sex all the time without getting pregnant... But them fighting crime is a bridge too far. I just don't know that I believed this story as much as I believed it when it came from another author, to be honest.
(And I don't mean this exact story--would never suggest that Annabelle Bryant was copying anyone! I just have seen this basic spin written by others, and it's worked better for me there.)
I think it's because Delilah just never worked for me as a heroine with gumption. She was charming and sweet, and I liked her. I like a girly girl fighting crime. But--I don't know. There was a level of removal I felt from her and Sebastian. If you've read other books in this series, or by Bryant (which I haven't) perhaps you would feel more of that connection. For me, it never quite came through.
I also was a bit frustrated by something I've been seeing a lot lately from historical romance authors--where the conflict between the couple is pretty low, but they insist that there is something (usually an objection from another party) keeping them apart. Rather than there being any grand gesture or exposure or forced moves, they just kind of... decide to confront the issue. And then it turns out that they were wrong, it's not actually a problem. The end!
I feel like this is kind of in line with the current "lighter, softer romance" vibe in the genre. But it's just not very satisfying to me. I want drama. I want people in a secret relationship to be forced to tell the truth, or to make a grand "running after you at the airport" type gesture. It's just a little too easily resolved here.
But don't get me wrong--this is a pleasant book, and it was nice to read. I think it would be a good option for those who like a bit of a cozy mystery, as well as a romance (though I would say--there are some serious issues touched upon. Delilah fully believes this child is in danger of being sold, and I feel like this cover doesn't quite match the intensity of that concept). I'm not sure if I'm that target audience, but I appreciate the story!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As Sebastian and Delilah look for the child, unsure of whether or not they can trust one another, they brush up against London's seedier side--and become increasingly intrigued by one another in the process.
I find the girl gangs fighting crime trend in historical romance charming, to be sure. I'm not a pearl clutcher who's going to say that it's perfectly believable that 1800s-era debutantes fell in love with rich, handsome men and had amazingly orgasmic sex all the time without getting pregnant... But them fighting crime is a bridge too far. I just don't know that I believed this story as much as I believed it when it came from another author, to be honest.
(And I don't mean this exact story--would never suggest that Annabelle Bryant was copying anyone! I just have seen this basic spin written by others, and it's worked better for me there.)
I think it's because Delilah just never worked for me as a heroine with gumption. She was charming and sweet, and I liked her. I like a girly girl fighting crime. But--I don't know. There was a level of removal I felt from her and Sebastian. If you've read other books in this series, or by Bryant (which I haven't) perhaps you would feel more of that connection. For me, it never quite came through.
I also was a bit frustrated by something I've been seeing a lot lately from historical romance authors--where the conflict between the couple is pretty low, but they insist that there is something (usually an objection from another party) keeping them apart. Rather than there being any grand gesture or exposure or forced moves, they just kind of... decide to confront the issue. And then it turns out that they were wrong, it's not actually a problem. The end!
I feel like this is kind of in line with the current "lighter, softer romance" vibe in the genre. But it's just not very satisfying to me. I want drama. I want people in a secret relationship to be forced to tell the truth, or to make a grand "running after you at the airport" type gesture. It's just a little too easily resolved here.
But don't get me wrong--this is a pleasant book, and it was nice to read. I think it would be a good option for those who like a bit of a cozy mystery, as well as a romance (though I would say--there are some serious issues touched upon. Delilah fully believes this child is in danger of being sold, and I feel like this cover doesn't quite match the intensity of that concept). I'm not sure if I'm that target audience, but I appreciate the story!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Much like the first book in this series, I didn't think there was enough on the mystery part that they're supposed to be solving. I would have liked more about the Maidens and developing that overall story.
Delilah is only tangentially related to the Maidens of Mayhem and somehow is quickly accepted into the group, but doesn't really spend time getting to know them at all. I figured out that Oliver had the diamonds as soon as someone showed up asking about them, so it was a painful wait to have that revealed and then they're just handed over at the end is unrealistic for the emphasis placed on getting them returned. Sebastian comes from a tough background growing up on the street after being abandoned as a bastard, but you don't learn very much about how he gets to be working for the government and making enough to be considered '"respectable" to be able to move in those circles.
These two stories haven't been interesting enough for me to continue with this series if more are released.
These two stories haven't been interesting enough for me to continue with this series if more are released.
This is the second book in the Maidens of Mayhem series and I didn’t read the first. Sebastian St Allen and Delilah Ashbrook cross paths in Seven Dials both trying to interrupt a child selling scheme. He trying to right society’s wrongs and she’s looking for her maid’s missing son.
In the first few pages we’re telling not showing, complaining about tight corsets, and jumping point of view in the middle of a scene, so great start. I know this is the second in a series, but it took too long to loosely tie Delilah to the Maidens of Mayhem. Unfortunately, there was little explanation as to who the Maidens of Mayhem are and what their goals are. In a series, I’d expect some introduction to the group at large. Delilah isn’t even in their group until the end and she doesn’t seem to fit. She doesn’t act like she likes danger at all.
This was a slog to finish. The regency era wasn’t set well, there was way too much telling, the characters are one-dimensional, and nothing they said or did made me care about them. Neither the mystery nor the romance captured my attention. And there was no mayhem.
I received an arc from NetGalley
In the first few pages we’re telling not showing, complaining about tight corsets, and jumping point of view in the middle of a scene, so great start. I know this is the second in a series, but it took too long to loosely tie Delilah to the Maidens of Mayhem. Unfortunately, there was little explanation as to who the Maidens of Mayhem are and what their goals are. In a series, I’d expect some introduction to the group at large. Delilah isn’t even in their group until the end and she doesn’t seem to fit. She doesn’t act like she likes danger at all.
This was a slog to finish. The regency era wasn’t set well, there was way too much telling, the characters are one-dimensional, and nothing they said or did made me care about them. Neither the mystery nor the romance captured my attention. And there was no mayhem.
I received an arc from NetGalley
Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the arc!
Duchess If You Dare was one of the first books I read on NetGalley. And it’s one of my fav historical romances. This book was just as good!
I’d recommend this to people who like Manda Collin’s series. This reminded me a lot of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem. It wasn’t just a romance, but also a mystery.
Delilah was a great lead. We see her grow and mature. And Sebastian and her had such good chemistry.
I liked seeing the Maidens of Mayhem again. And I thought it was cool that this book wasn’t about one of the characters we’ve already met but someone new who decides to join the group.
Sebastian was a dream boat. He didn’t hold Delilah back once he knew fighting crime and being in the Maidens was what she wanted. He even taught her to fight!
This comes out at the end of May! Check it out!
Duchess If You Dare was one of the first books I read on NetGalley. And it’s one of my fav historical romances. This book was just as good!
I’d recommend this to people who like Manda Collin’s series. This reminded me a lot of A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem. It wasn’t just a romance, but also a mystery.
Delilah was a great lead. We see her grow and mature. And Sebastian and her had such good chemistry.
I liked seeing the Maidens of Mayhem again. And I thought it was cool that this book wasn’t about one of the characters we’ve already met but someone new who decides to join the group.
Sebastian was a dream boat. He didn’t hold Delilah back once he knew fighting crime and being in the Maidens was what she wanted. He even taught her to fight!
This comes out at the end of May! Check it out!
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! This book was a pleasant surprise. I had read the first book in this series, Duchess If You Dare, and reviewed it with three stars. I saw much potential and promise in the series. I felt that there were some character believability/plot pace issues. I am happy to report that The Lady Loves Danger was everything I expected in an intriguing, eye-catching romance!
Both Sebastian and Delilah are solid, vibrant, relatable characters. Sebastian conceals his tragic past and present occupation yet one kiss from Delilah upturns his entire world. Delilah is new to the bustling, intimidating city. She suffers a traumatic loss and is determined to right the wrong. Delilah’s reserved strength and loving nature endeared her to me, yet it was her fierce determination and bravery that stole every scene.
Sebastian and Delilah’s connection was instantaneous. The couple’s attraction was off-the-charts yet still felt warmly romantic. The sweetly sensual scenes are a highlight. The couple’s fragile, burgeoning feelings grow in tandem with their growing respect. Although Sebastian battles with fear, he allows Delilah the freedom to be herself. At times the “I want her, but I am not good enough for her” theme was redundant; however, the couple’s beautiful, passionate journey made up for the angsty moments.
The plot had intent and purpose. The secondary characters supported and encouraged the story. There was a mystery that had me guessing at times. There were some loose ends. For example, what happened to Eva? I loved Sebastian’s back story. He was tough and strong yet held this uncertainty of his value when it came to Delilah. Once Delilah’s mind is made up, she goes full throttle for what she wants. I loved that aspect of her character.
The Lady Loves Danger is the second book in The Maidens Of Mayhem. This book fulfilled its promises of an exciting, page-turning romance. I am delighted to give this fantastic book a well-earned glowing review. I look forward to the next book in the series. Anabelle Bryant has outdone herself in writing a page-turning, fast-paced, passionate romance. This book promises even more excellence to come!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow! This book was a pleasant surprise. I had read the first book in this series, Duchess If You Dare, and reviewed it with three stars. I saw much potential and promise in the series. I felt that there were some character believability/plot pace issues. I am happy to report that The Lady Loves Danger was everything I expected in an intriguing, eye-catching romance!
Both Sebastian and Delilah are solid, vibrant, relatable characters. Sebastian conceals his tragic past and present occupation yet one kiss from Delilah upturns his entire world. Delilah is new to the bustling, intimidating city. She suffers a traumatic loss and is determined to right the wrong. Delilah’s reserved strength and loving nature endeared her to me, yet it was her fierce determination and bravery that stole every scene.
Sebastian and Delilah’s connection was instantaneous. The couple’s attraction was off-the-charts yet still felt warmly romantic. The sweetly sensual scenes are a highlight. The couple’s fragile, burgeoning feelings grow in tandem with their growing respect. Although Sebastian battles with fear, he allows Delilah the freedom to be herself. At times the “I want her, but I am not good enough for her” theme was redundant; however, the couple’s beautiful, passionate journey made up for the angsty moments.
The plot had intent and purpose. The secondary characters supported and encouraged the story. There was a mystery that had me guessing at times. There were some loose ends. For example, what happened to Eva? I loved Sebastian’s back story. He was tough and strong yet held this uncertainty of his value when it came to Delilah. Once Delilah’s mind is made up, she goes full throttle for what she wants. I loved that aspect of her character.
The Lady Loves Danger is the second book in The Maidens Of Mayhem. This book fulfilled its promises of an exciting, page-turning romance. I am delighted to give this fantastic book a well-earned glowing review. I look forward to the next book in the series. Anabelle Bryant has outdone herself in writing a page-turning, fast-paced, passionate romance. This book promises even more excellence to come!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Book two was a great companion to book one. I really enjoyed Delilah and St Allen as a couple. The author did a great job of building their relationship both personally and professionally. I thought the transition St Allen made from seeing Delilah as a run of the meal weak gentle woman to capable and daring was well done and believable.
The mystery itself felt a bit trite. The reader can guess pretty quickly what has happened and the outcome of our lasting mystery at 50%. I see what the author's intent was as we couldn't do missing child the entire book, but the second mystery could have been more veiled. The adventures were fun to explore, but it didn't seem necessary when it is immediately apparent to the reader what has happened. I suspended my belief for the sake of the story and do not regret doing so. Just was a fairly hard feat.
The steam was steamy. Just the right amount of pear clutching for this historical piece. I also love when a female lead knows what she wants and goes for it. Ten points for Delilah. Will be reading the next one.
The mystery itself felt a bit trite. The reader can guess pretty quickly what has happened and the outcome of our lasting mystery at 50%. I see what the author's intent was as we couldn't do missing child the entire book, but the second mystery could have been more veiled. The adventures were fun to explore, but it didn't seem necessary when it is immediately apparent to the reader what has happened. I suspended my belief for the sake of the story and do not regret doing so. Just was a fairly hard feat.
The steam was steamy. Just the right amount of pear clutching for this historical piece. I also love when a female lead knows what she wants and goes for it. Ten points for Delilah. Will be reading the next one.
The Lady Loves Danger follows Lady Delilah Ashbrook, a woman trying to find a young boy who was kidnapped while in her care. When Delilah crosses paths with Sebastian St. Allen, an agent for the crown, they team up and work together to find the missing boy. Suspecting the boy was abducted to be sold, Delilah unfolds an child trafficking operation that is bigger and more sinister than she imagined.
Sebastian dedicates his life to helping people in dangerous and precarious situations, so when Delilah tells him of her maid’s missing son, Sebastian readily offers his assistance. As the two become entrenched in the mystery, they must face their ever-growing feelings for each other.
Delilah and Sebastian are well-developed characters, and their opposites-attract romance is filled with witty banter and sexual tension. Both are selfless and brave, and they make a really good team. Their romantic relationship builds gradually as they work together, yet their connection is strong from their first meeting. I love that Sebastian doesn’t dissuade Delilah from doing what she wants. Instead, he encourages her and even teaches her self-defense, which is one of my favorite scenes in the book. They definitely bring out the best in each other, and their romance is the highlight of the story.
The Maidens of Mayhem are a secret society of women who protect those in need and fight injustice. They are fierce, intelligent, and skilled women, and their actions are similar to Sebastian’s. They all have similar goals in righting the wrongs of those less fortunate. The story just touches on the surface of this intriguing group, and I wish there were more of them in the story. I thought they would have more of a role in exposing and capturing the child traffickers. Hopefully, their skills and actions will be highlighted more in the next book.
An intriguing story with action, adventure, mystery, and romance, The Lady Loves Danger is a fun addition to the series. I do wish some of the characters were fleshed out a bit more, especially The Maidens of Mayhem, but overall I enjoyed the book. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Sebastian dedicates his life to helping people in dangerous and precarious situations, so when Delilah tells him of her maid’s missing son, Sebastian readily offers his assistance. As the two become entrenched in the mystery, they must face their ever-growing feelings for each other.
Delilah and Sebastian are well-developed characters, and their opposites-attract romance is filled with witty banter and sexual tension. Both are selfless and brave, and they make a really good team. Their romantic relationship builds gradually as they work together, yet their connection is strong from their first meeting. I love that Sebastian doesn’t dissuade Delilah from doing what she wants. Instead, he encourages her and even teaches her self-defense, which is one of my favorite scenes in the book. They definitely bring out the best in each other, and their romance is the highlight of the story.
The Maidens of Mayhem are a secret society of women who protect those in need and fight injustice. They are fierce, intelligent, and skilled women, and their actions are similar to Sebastian’s. They all have similar goals in righting the wrongs of those less fortunate. The story just touches on the surface of this intriguing group, and I wish there were more of them in the story. I thought they would have more of a role in exposing and capturing the child traffickers. Hopefully, their skills and actions will be highlighted more in the next book.
An intriguing story with action, adventure, mystery, and romance, The Lady Loves Danger is a fun addition to the series. I do wish some of the characters were fleshed out a bit more, especially The Maidens of Mayhem, but overall I enjoyed the book. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.