Daring and the Duke (The Bareknuckle Bastards #3)(111)

Of course, Grace and Ewan—and all the Bastards—fought these changes every step of the way.

When I proposed this story of historical romance featuring criminals and fighters and bordello owners who existed far beyond the ballrooms of Mayfair, Avon Books did not blink. I am keenly aware of how lucky I am to have Carrie Feron, who always knows the path I’m on, even when I don’t, and the entire team there. Thank you to Liate Stehlik, Asanté Simons, Angela Craft, Pam Jaffee, and Kayleigh Webb, to Eleanor Mikucki for bravely suffering my absolutely abhorrent misuse of lay and lie, and to Brittani DiMare, who makes me look better with every book.

It’s surreal to be writing the ending to the Bareknuckle Bastards—these four have kept me company for years, long before I started writing them. I’m so grateful to the Kiawah group over the years, from Sophie Jordan, Carrie Ryan, and Ally Carter, who helped develop the seed of the idea, to Tessa Gratton and Sierra Simone who cheered it on, to Louisa Edwards, who answered every call and text and late-night question I had. Thank you for helping to make my Covent Garden criminals real boys (and girl).

So many of my favorite women are a part of Grace. If you look closely, you’ll see glimpses of my mom, my sister, Chiara, Meghan Tierney, Jen Prokop, Kate Clayborn, Adriana Herrera, Joanna Shupe, Megan Frampton, LaQuette, Nisha Sharma, Andie Christopher, Alexis Daria, Tracey Livesay, Nora Zelevansky, Julia Quinn, Kristin Dwyer, Holly Root, Eva Moore, Cheryl Tapper, and so many more.

As always, to my loves—V, my rebel girl, and Eric, who would absolutely give up a dukedom for me—thank you for always letting me come home.

And finally, to you, dear reader: Thank you for believing in my bastards, for taking this journey with me, and for trusting me to bring Ewan around. I know a leap of faith when I see one. I hope you’ll stay with me for what comes next—I cannot wait for you to meet my Hell’s Belles in 2021.





Hell’s Belles


The Scandal, The Spinster, The Bluestocking & The Duchess

The edge of the ballroom has the best view . . . and the best stories.



HELL’S BELLES



A new series from Sarah MacLean

Coming 2021