This was my first Darcy McGuire book and I absolutely loved it! I always love a good historical romance and this did not disappoint. The writing style is phenomenal and I honestly did not see the twist coming at the end. I will be adding her other book to my TBR list and can’t wait to see what she writes next.

The Confessions of a Lady was a great read. it is also a great addition to the series. Could not finish it fast enough! :) Free ARC for review.

As a housemaid, spy Penny Smith has access to her employer’s home that will enable her to learn secrets better than most. Penny’s mother has been imprisoned and if she is successful in helping the Prime Minister bring down the evil group known as the Devil’s Sons. A group that has ties to the nobility and the Prime Minister believes that William Renquist, the Marquess of Stoneway is a member. Penny is placed in his home to find evidence of his participation, but the more she gets to know the marquess, the more she wonders if he is actually a member of the Devil’s Sons.

William “Liam” Renquist, the Marquess of Stoneway is not the degenerate that society believes him to be, he is actually a spy for Queen Victoria and is currently working to bring down the Devil’s Sons from within and in the process hopes to prove that he is an honorable man and has overcome the taint of his ancestors. He is making progress, but notices that his maid seems to keep turning up where she doesn’t belong. Once they realize they are on the same side, they will have to work together to bring down their shared enemy. As the attraction between them intensifies, it is clear that they belong together, but their class difference could make a HEA impossible.

This book was a bit more intense than the previous books, but sadly it lacked the chemistry and charm of those books. As much as I liked the idea of the story and enjoyed the intrigue, I was never sold on the romance between Penny and Liam, it just didn’t work for me. If you have been following the series, I was recommend reading this title, but it is not a book I would re-read. This is the third book in the series but could be read as a standalone title. Overall, I enjoyed parts of this book, but I didn’t like it as much as the previous titles in this series.

2.5 stars, rounded up

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this Arc of The Confessions of a Lady.

Penny isn't just a servant, she is an undercover spy trying to uncover the group The Devil's Sons who are stealing young women. She is placed into the home of Lord William Renquist, believing he is guilty, she starts to realise things are not as they seem. Finding themselves attracted to each other and not being able to stay away, they don't realise that they are fighting for the same cause.

I really love historical romance and was excited to step into this world. However I almost DNF'd so many time throughout the first 30% of the book. I found that the beginning was too much telling rather than showing and just a heap of information that I felt wasn't necessary. I skipped quite a few paragraphs to try and get to the point of the story.

Around the 50% I started to enjoy the story more and was a bit more gripped into the characters. At this point there was less random information dumping and I felt I could sink into the story more.

It was a fast read, and I did enjoy the ending. I am giving it 2 stars as I was so close to not finishing it.

This was a cute historical romance with mystery! I love a good historical romance that defies the social status and has a strong female lead. Working from two different sides of the justice system, these MCs have their sites set on taking out a criminal organization called the Devils Sons. The MCs are focused in seeking justification for their own personal reasons but when they meet are very clearly drawn to one another. It made for a quick, fun read but not sure if I will revisit the series

In the world of upstairs/downstairs, Housemaid Penny Smith anticipates her employer’s needs and blends into the background making her the perfect spy for the prime minister against a suspected member of the Devil’s Sons. There’s only one problem. When she meets the guilty marquess, his actions don’t match the evidence against him. Lord William Renquist defies her every expectation and sets her traitorous heart racing.

Lord William Renquist, Marquess of Stoneway and secret spy to Queen Victoria, must infiltrate the Devil’s Sons, tearing the brotherhood apart from the inside. His mission – to bring evil men to justice while atoning for the sins of his family, proving honour is stronger than tainted blood. There’s only one problem. A canny maid who is always in the right place at the wrong time and who deliciously challenges his every order. Liam and Penny are unknowingly playing a dangerous game from opposite sides of justice. And at a masked ball, forbidden attraction burns into something far more complex as their secrets spin into daring confessions. This battle against their enemy will only be won if Penny and Liam can work together

I totally loved this book. What a different take on historical romance! This was so much fun to see another time from a different perspective. Entertaining! I highly recommend this if you enjoy historical romances and are looking for something new! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I am enthralled with this series and the third book is fantastic! When so many historical romances focus on main characters that are part of the aristocracy, I appreciated that the author wrote a FMC that not only is not in the aristocracy, but is a housemaid - an illiterate one at that who has a mother in prison because of debts.. It really helps readers to understand the implications of laws that contributed to the oppression of poor people and women in the UK. It also created a lot of natural tension between the housemaid, Penny, and her love interest and MMC, Lord William Rehnquist, Marquess of Stoneway, who is also her boss.

The relationship between William and Penny is done well - it tackles the issue of an aristrocratic male engaging in a relationship with a servant - romantic or otherwise, but also just two people who are attracted to one another. While also not fully trusting each other.

I am enjoying the ongoing mystery aspect of this series that began in the first book and with each book, we get closer to finding all the answers. In this book, we see more of the dynamics between the men who are working for the Prime Minister, and those who are working for the Queen, and how they are really all on the same side.

This was a quick read, fun, and had me excited for book four!

Thanks to Boldwood Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

A historical romance with social commentary was not what I was expecting, but sign me right up! From the very beginning though, it was evident that this story would blend in social commentary pointing to the gender and socioeconomic inequities of Victorian England. The story follows Penny Smith, a maid spying on her employer, Lord Williams “Liam” Renquist, for information on a criminal secret organization. Both are attempting to bring down this organization but from different angles. Throughout the novel Penny finds it difficult to reconcile her suspicions with the kindness and gentleness that Lord Renquist displays to those in his employ.

The dialogue and inner monologues in this novel are just delightful. The humor sounds very British, which makes sense for the novel, and it’s also a little bit silly, but in a way that makes for an enjoyable read. You get to see both Penny and Liam’s thoughts as they’re verbally sparring. One thing I did find a bit off was the pacing with their romance. It required a little bit more suspension of belief than I am used to with romance novels, but given how fun the story was, it’s an issue I quickly glossed over.

So far this series is 3/3! Guaranteed great read -- as with the first two books I stayed up far too late to finish because I simply could not put it down!

Book 3 brings us the maid/spy, Penny Smith, who has left her role as Millie's lady's maid to go undercover at Lord William Renquist's household to see if he is also part of the nefarious group the Devil's Sons. If Penny can provide her police contact with evidence with of his involvement, she will be able to use the reward money to free her mother from debtor's prison.

But Liam continues to surprise her with his kindness and generosity. She challenges the way he views the world and he responds quickly -- providing his staff with free tutoring and new clothing. Surely this man cannot also be part of a sex trafficking ring -- right? Penny is torn between wanting to be right to save her mother and wanting to be wrong because of her growing attraction to the master of the house.

Featuring great banter and wit and cameos of our other favorite characters from the rest of the series, this has everything you could need in a regency romance -- some mild but very well written spice, intrigue, a fast-paced plot, and of course -- a masque ball.

If this series isn't on your radar yet, it should be!

"A brand new spicy upstairs/downstairs historical romance featuring the Queen's Deadly Damsels!

Dare she risk revealing her secrets?

In the world of upstairs and downstairs, Lady's maid Penny Smith is able to work anonymously, quietly hiding in the shadows of of Lord William Renquist's household. She's seeking out perpetrators of the Devils Sons and she suspects the man she works for to be a member. But when she meets the infamous Liam, she's taken aback by his disarming eyes and feels her resolve begin to waiver.

Liam's intrigued by his newest maid. But as much as she invites a deep desire within, he knows he must keep his distance. Not only because society says so, but because he is the son of a wicked man and the sins of his family need to be repaid. He has made a vow to the Queen to avoid distraction and assist in her mission."

Could they share a mission and perhaps more?

If Bridgerton and Nancy Drew had a book baby it would be this book. I love this series so much! The books are quick, fun reads and a great palate cleanser. I love a good upstairs/downstairs spicy Cinderella story and that happens in each book of this series.
The only thing I wish there would have been was a little more at the end of the story that showed how the couple navigated society accepting the relationship since it was a main pain point during the "courting phase".

I loved this first two books in this series but honestly this one just didn’t work for me . Penny and Liam just didn’t make sense to me ; plus there seemed to be so much repetition in the book which seemed to make it longer than it needed to be .

My rating 2.5 ⭐️

I was lucky to read this as an arc and I am very grateful and it was similar to the housemaid but much better!! Penny Smith anticipates her employer’s needs and blends into the background making her the perfect spy for the prime minister against a suspected member of the Devil’s Sons. There’s only one problem. When she meets the guilty marquess, his actions don’t match the evidence against him. Lord William Renquist defies her every expectation and sets her traitorous heart racing.

Lord William Renquist, Marquess of Stoneway and secret spy to Queen Victoria, must infiltrate the Devil’s Sons, tearing the brotherhood apart from the inside. His mission – to bring evil men to justice while atoning for the sins of his family, proving honour is stronger than tainted blood. There’s only one problem. A canny maid who is always in the right place at the wrong time and who deliciously challenges his every order.

Liam and Penny are unknowingly playing a dangerous game from opposite sides of justice. And at a masked ball, forbidden attraction burns into something far more complex as their secrets spin into daring confessions. This battle against their enemy will only be won if Penny and Liam can work together.

Warning: this review might contain slight spoilers!

Wow, this book was definitely one of my favourite reads so far in 2025 - I was not aware this was part of an interlocked series but, for me, it could easily be read as a standalone.

This thrilling, passionate and whirlwind of a historical romance brought me so much enjoyment and joy whilst reading. There was so much within the pages of this book to enjoy so let's unpack it!

Our female protagonist Penny, a strong willed and loyal-to-a-fault maid, is such a likable character. As a reader, you could completely understand and sympathize with her pain, her inner struggles and her unwillingness to allow anyone to control her fate. And the fact that she could defend herself in a battle? Icing on the cake!

Liam, short for William, is our male protagonist and, for a character to have such a dark past with inner demons to control, I love his hidden softness and compassion for others. His relationship with his father is a stark contrast to the relationship Penny has with her mother and this is something I thoroughly enjoyed and something that many readers of both genders can relate to.

Their romance is undoubtedly the main focus of this book, which is not a problem since it's a historical romance novel. However, if I had to be picky; there were just a few moments where I wished we could step away from the romance and focus on the plot that brings these two together and add some more conflict and drama besides the sexual tension. There were also some consistency errors, one scene in particular has the characters all leaving but somehow all back in the room just a few sentences later so some more clarity on this could benefit the reader. And, again, this is just me being picky, I would have loved to have seen more between Penny and her mother to drive home Penny's need to succeed in her mission. Perhaps seeing her mother decline might have increased the suspense and the drama for Penny?

Overall, I thoroughly loved this book and I am excited to see what else Darcey McGuire brings to the historical romance table!

📖: The Confessions of a Lady (The Queen's Deadly Damsels Book #3)

✍🏾By: Darcy McGuire-Read A Lady's Lesson in Scandal, gave it 4 ⭐

✨Rating: 4/5

Format: eBook 320 pgs.

🌍Setting: London 1848

📅 Publication 2/9/25, Read 1/24/25

👆🏾POV: dual, 3rd person

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Darcy McGuire for this ARC💙! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Genre: Historical Romance, Adult Fic

Tropes:
-espionage
-wealthy vs poor
-illiterate h
-mutual attraction/pining
-opposites attract
-forbidden romance

⚠️ TW: sex trafficking, feminism, physical/mental abuse, attempted SA, grief, death of siblings, virgin h, kidnapping

💭Summary: Penny is spying for the constable and working for the Marquess of Stonewall-Liam- as a maid who will rid the world of The Devil's Sons. The Sons are wealthy male rogues who trick young women promising them jobs as maids, but when they come, they are drugged and sent to Europe into prostitution. Liam has his own mission from Queen Victoria to infiltrate The Devil's Sons and take down the secret organization.

🎭The characters

🚺 Heroine: Penny Smith-a housemaid/spy for Prime Minister Russell/Commissioner Worthington

🚹 Hero: Lord William Renquist "Liam"- Marquess of Stoneway, a spy for Queen Victoria

- Harriet Smith-Penny's mother in prison for vagrancy for 10 years

-Constable Sweet-works for Commissioner Worthington who will pay for evidence against The Devil's Sons. He helps Penny get a job working for Liam

-Lieutenant Robert Killian-Liam's close friend, married to Hannah

-General Reynard Renquist- Liam's younger brother, was a member of The Devil's Sons -deceased

-Theodore-Liam's half-brother-deceased

-Major General Beauforte "Beau" Drake- Liam's close friend, married to Millicent

-Lord Charles Barrington-Liam's connect into the Devil's Sons, knew Reynard


🤔My Thoughts: I didn't read The Secret Life of a Lady (The Queen's Deadly Damsels #1), but this was fine as a standalone. I loved how powerful Penny was in doing the work to free her mother. She had a mission but interacting with Liam had her struggling with helping Harriet and pursuing love.

I devoured The Confessions of a Lady in one sitting—it's that captivating! This spicy historical romance is set in the world of upstairs/downstairs drama, where Penny Smith, a seemingly unremarkable housemaid, secretly serves as a spy for the Prime Minister. Her mission is to keep an eye on Lord William Renquist, the Marquess of Stoneway, who is suspected of being involved with the Devil’s Sons. But as Penny gets closer to Lord Renquist, she finds herself questioning everything she’s been told. His actions don't match the evidence, and instead of a villain, she encounters a man who challenges her heart and her loyalties.

The chemistry between Penny and William is electric from the start. Their slow-burn attraction is masterfully built, culminating in a deliciously intense forbidden romance. The setting of a masked ball adds a layer of tension and mystery, and the contrast between their social statuses—maid and marquess—heightens the stakes for their relationship. What I loved most about the book was the way it balanced the intrigue of espionage with the heat of their connection, all while exploring themes of trust, duty, and redemption.

McGuire’s writing is engaging and vivid, and I couldn’t get enough of the well-developed characters. Penny is clever and resourceful, and William is both honorable and flawed—an irresistible combination. The plot twists kept me on my toes, and though I would have liked a bit more depth in the final resolution, The Confessions of a Lady is a thrilling, steamy read. If you enjoy historical romance with a strong dose of suspense, this book is a must-read!

This was a book about Penny, a maid in the household of William, a marquis. There’s espionage, intrigue and love. The initial description sounded entertaining, which is why I requested to read it. I always love a good upstairs/downstairs story. However, the plot ended up being quite far ferched and ridiculous. The characters fell in love way too quickly (even for a romance novel), and it just felt so forced. It was mostly enjoyable to read, but not one that I’d re-read.

This is an historical mystery and love story that makes an important point about status where your class should not matter but often does. It is great to see a strong female lead as well. However, I found the premise behind the love story unrealistic. A decorated marquis and war hero who had been tortured and endured much privation in conflict falls for a lowly maid. In fact, and against his better judgement while being an agent for the Queen seeking to uncover and punish an awful sex trade he becomes obsessed with the maid. Surely a man of that character and experience would be able to show more self control and wisdom. This love story became the main bill of fair, relegating the more important issue, taking down the sex trafficking ring to one side. Shame, I would have liked a different emphasis.

An Upstairs/Downstairs themed Historical Romance combined with spies & spice.
Penny is the housemaid to Liam Renquist. Penny is illiterate, yet sharp. Liam is an unfulfilled Marquess. Both have individually been recruited as spies to defeat the menace of the Devil’s Sons society. Intrigue, adventure and seduction ensue.

It’s an interesting plot and enjoyable read, yet at times seems implausible. I reminded myself that it is a Victorian era romance, not an historical tome.

Unbeknownst to me, this was the third in a series, but can definitely be read and enjoyed on its own without confusion.

Thank you to NetGalley for this complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book offers a unique blend of historical fiction and espionage, with an intriguing premise centered on taking down the criminal organization known as the Devil's Sons. The plot is engaging, and the themes of social justice provide depth to the narrative. Both main characters, Penny and Liam, are driven by noble motivations, which make their goals admirable and the stakes high.

However, Penny's character development feels inconsistent and detracts from the story's impact. Her belief that Liam is responsible for her mother's imprisonment and involved in sex trafficking creates a foundation for conflict. Yet, her intense and inexplicable sexual attraction to him feels out of place and undermines her motivations. It creates a dissonance that made it difficult to relate to her or become fully invested in the story.

While the book has strong thematic underpinnings and a promising premise, the characters' actions and relationships didn't resonate for me. As a result, the story failed to fully deliver on its potential. That's why I'm giving it 1.5 ⭐.