Book excerpt: The society of daring women known as the Maidens of Mayhem dedicate their lives to protecting London’s most vulnerable citizens from injustice. Daring and discreet, their missions lead them to people and places they least expect, often putting their lives—and their hearts—in peril . . . Lady Delilah Ashbrook is tirelessly searching the streets of London for a boy who vanished while under her care. Suspecting the child was abducted to be sold, Delilah hopes the Maidens can help find him before it’s too late. But Delilah’s mission brings her into the crosshairs of a mysterious man who is also looking for the boy. Sebastian St. Allen certainly cuts a dashing figure. But is he hoping to save the child—or harm him? Sebastian has his own reasons for protecting the less fortunate. He has a gift for seamlessly navigating both London’s darkest corners and its most elite circles. But nothing prepared him for Delilah, whose delicate beauty belies an independence and sensuality he finds irresistible. Sebastian knows they can help each other if only she’ll let her guard down. And as they become entrenched in danger, they realize how strong their ties have grown—and how much they need one another . . . Praise for Duchess if You Dare “A delightful historical romance with a liberal dash of adventure, plenty of sizzling heat, and a heart of pure gold.” —Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author “Duchess if You Dare is a fantastic read that kept me up late and has me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.” —USA Today Bestselling Author Renee Ann Miller “Excellent pacing, crisp dialogue, and a 5‐alarm smoldering attraction make this one of my favorite romantic mysteries of the year!” —Minerva Spencer