After years of living as London’s brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom…and no one realizes those trysts are not what they seem.
No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend’s beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he’s been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him…and the way she talks to him…and the way she’d felt in his arms during their one ill-advised kiss.
Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into trouble during her dangerous late-night escapades, and maybe close proximity is exactly what Caleb needs to get this infuriating, outrageous woman out of his system. But now Caleb is the one in trouble, because he’s fast realizing that Sesily isn’t for forgetting…she’s forever. And forever isn’t something he can risk.
Release Date: Aug 24, 2021
Series: Hell’s Belles
Book: 1
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon Books
Price: $6.99
I have been so excited to finally read Caleb and Sesily’s story, and Sarah MacLean did not disappoint! Sarah MacLean is one of my favourite historical romance authors and each book I read by her is better and better than the last. I love the way that the characters from the other novels pop in and out of the stories in subtle nods.
Bombshell is the story of Sesily Talbot, one of the “soiled S” sisters, who found themselves thrust into the world of London’s ton with little to no training. All of the sisters were often shunned and gossiped about, but none more than Sesily who is extremely beautiful and alluring and refused to settle down and get married like a proper lady. I love a strong female lead, and Sesily is one of the best that I have every read. She understands her privilege and works with it to help others in need and does not ever shy away from a challenge. She is also extremely relatable as a female, in that she professed her love once for a man she adored and was rejected, but she never let that get her down for long and kept doing her best to live her life. I really admire that her journey was not an easy one, and that no matter how many times she faced rejection she found the inner resolve to keep going – makes me want to be more like her!
The man in question here is Caleb Calhoun, an American in England who is close friends with Sesily’s sister and owns a tavern with her. Therefore, there is no escaping Caleb and Sesily seeing each other when he is in town. As much as he tries to avoid her, he cannot deny the attraction they have which keeps pulling them together. Caleb also promised Sesily’s sister that he would watch out for her and keep her out of trouble, so he finds himself closer and closer to her as the days go on.
As a reader, you can actually physically feel the chemistry between Caleb and Sesily, it is that palpable. I really enjoyed seeing how both of these strong leads developed throughout the book and how they eventually came together after many trials and tribulations. The banter between the two of them was hilarious and I actually found myself laughing out loud at some of the thoughts and conversations they were having. The secondary characters were also amazing and I am excited to read the stories of the others in Sesily’s girl gang. Highly recommend this novel for those who are fans of modern historical romances.
~ Harshita
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