A Lady Most Wayward: The brand new enemies to lovers historical romance with a spy thriller twist from Darcy McGuire for 2025

A breathtaking historical romance featuring espionage, scandal, and forbidden love in the Queen’s service 👑⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘If Sherlock Holmes met the Bridgerton universe’⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 'Drama, intrigue and chapters that would make Jane Austin blush' 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.

Praise for Darcy McGuire:

'I couldn’t get enough of the deliciously steamy way this story developed' Emma Orchard

'A wonderfully entertaining Regency romp!' Eliza Austin

'A fantastic blend of historical romance and spy thriller!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'A Lady's Lesson in Scandal is bar far the best historical romance we’ve seen this year and an absolute must-read for fans of the genre, especially those who are also partial to a crime thriller plotline that keeps you on your toes throughout. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

It’s simply an amazing read you won’t want to miss. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

This is an exciting new chapter in McGuire’s Deadly Damsels series, blending romance and mystery in equal measure. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'A fantastic blend of historical romance and spy thriller!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'Masterfully blends intrigue, romance, and historical richness in a story that kept me glued to the pages late into the night.' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'What a fantastic blend of historical romance and spy thriller!' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

© 2025 Boldwood Books (Ebook): 9781836035732

Release date

Ebook: 13 October 2025