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A Lady's Dangerous Secret
Lady Charlotte Tipton has a dangerous secret.
After the Incident, she finds herself in London, a reluctant debutante vying for a titled husband as if her life depends on it…because it does. Luckily, her aunt knows just the an older duke in need of an heir. Unluckily, no matter what Charlotte does, her thoughts are consumed by the dashing stranger she met at a ball without a title to his name—Captain James Hughes.
James detests the ton, but he is stuck in London seeking the widow who murdered his man of business. The only way his sole aristocratic friend will aid him is if he attends the events of the Season. Much to his dismay, one woman continues to catch his eye—Lady Charlotte Tipton.
Danger follows Charlotte, and James always seems to be there at just the right time. Plus, an undeniable attraction has blossomed between them. Given the choice between practicality and her heart, one matter How will Charlotte save herself?
After the Incident, she finds herself in London, a reluctant debutante vying for a titled husband as if her life depends on it…because it does. Luckily, her aunt knows just the an older duke in need of an heir. Unluckily, no matter what Charlotte does, her thoughts are consumed by the dashing stranger she met at a ball without a title to his name—Captain James Hughes.
James detests the ton, but he is stuck in London seeking the widow who murdered his man of business. The only way his sole aristocratic friend will aid him is if he attends the events of the Season. Much to his dismay, one woman continues to catch his eye—Lady Charlotte Tipton.
Danger follows Charlotte, and James always seems to be there at just the right time. Plus, an undeniable attraction has blossomed between them. Given the choice between practicality and her heart, one matter How will Charlotte save herself?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
6 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Haas
1 book3 followersHazel Haas did not grow up wanting to be an author despite being a voracious reader and creating stories in her mind. Once she had a successful career, she realized something was missing. Hazel decided to write down the stories that danced in her imagination, and her creativity was unleashed. Tales of historical romance and intrigue followed, and the result was pure joy. Hazel had found the missing piece to the puzzle.
When Hazel is not meandering through the woods and envisioning her stories, she loves to read, hike, garden, go to the beach, and travel. She always prefers the unmarked paths. Hazel has a soft spot for exploring castles and country houses, where you will find her gazing adoringly at their plasterwork ceilings. She lives on the East Coast of the United States with her husband and son.
Hazel loves hearing from readers. You can connect with her and subscribe to her newsletter at: www.hazelhaas.com
Hazel is also on social media: Instagram @hazehaasauthor, TikTok @hazel.haas.author, Blue Sky @hazelhaasauthor.bsky.social, or Facebook.
When Hazel is not meandering through the woods and envisioning her stories, she loves to read, hike, garden, go to the beach, and travel. She always prefers the unmarked paths. Hazel has a soft spot for exploring castles and country houses, where you will find her gazing adoringly at their plasterwork ceilings. She lives on the East Coast of the United States with her husband and son.
Hazel loves hearing from readers. You can connect with her and subscribe to her newsletter at: www.hazelhaas.com
Hazel is also on social media: Instagram @hazehaasauthor, TikTok @hazel.haas.author, Blue Sky @hazelhaasauthor.bsky.social, or Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 21, 2025
After reading a few historical mysteries lately that lacked the heat I enjoy, this one nailed the balance between mystery and romance.
I loved the forbidden romance plot where the MC objectives didn’t align with their feelings. The twists and turns along the way that helped them find a way to their HEA was entertaining.
Charlotte refers to herself as the Forgotten fifth, as the youngest child and a daughter by being neglected by her father and three of her brothers. The vulnerability from this affects how she sees herself and the confidence of hers and James’ burgeoning relationship. She also suffers PTSD flashbacks from the Incident and thought these were written with thought and care. I’ve seen these mostly from the MMC POV and thought it interesting to see this from her perspective.
James is a naval captain that helps with his friend’s shipping trade now that the Napoleonic War is over. He’s not looking for love and isn’t afraid to show his dislike for the ton.
A series overarching plot and several side characters were introduced for the series. The epilogue has me intrigued and looking forward to reading book two.
A Lady’s Dangerous Secret is the author’s debut novel and first in the Scandalous Secrets series.
There are four open door explicit encounters.
I received an advance reader copy from Booksprout. All opinions are my own.
I loved the forbidden romance plot where the MC objectives didn’t align with their feelings. The twists and turns along the way that helped them find a way to their HEA was entertaining.
Charlotte refers to herself as the Forgotten fifth, as the youngest child and a daughter by being neglected by her father and three of her brothers. The vulnerability from this affects how she sees herself and the confidence of hers and James’ burgeoning relationship. She also suffers PTSD flashbacks from the Incident and thought these were written with thought and care. I’ve seen these mostly from the MMC POV and thought it interesting to see this from her perspective.
James is a naval captain that helps with his friend’s shipping trade now that the Napoleonic War is over. He’s not looking for love and isn’t afraid to show his dislike for the ton.
A series overarching plot and several side characters were introduced for the series. The epilogue has me intrigued and looking forward to reading book two.
A Lady’s Dangerous Secret is the author’s debut novel and first in the Scandalous Secrets series.
There are four open door explicit encounters.
I received an advance reader copy from Booksprout. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2025
This book was a lot of fun to read. I loved Charlotte and her independent spirit, bravery and intelligence. She’s found herself in an unimaginable and dangerous position and yet unlike most women of her station she doesn’t faint away she finds a way to thrive. Captain James Hughes is a Navy man and not a fan of the nobility. However he needs the help of his friend the Earl and so he finds himself at a series of society events where he crosses paths with Charlotte. She unsettles his usual manner and yet calms him as well. Watching the two navigate society, danger and an overprotective and title minded aunt is incredibly entertaining. There is some spice a few open door scenes but they fit well within the story. This is a delightful story with a wonderful twist and a hea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2025
There was a lot going on in this book, definitely no shortage of action or mystery. From the very first chapter, we’re left with just enough missing pieces to keep us guessing, and with every page the plot only thickens. I was hooked and intrigued right through to the end.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and think it’s an incredibly strong debut. I’m already excited to see what else this author has in store.
If I had to pick a weaker element, it would be the romance, for me, it felt a little rushed and could have used more build-up. But even so, this was a compelling read, and I’ll definitely be picking up the author’s next work.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and think it’s an incredibly strong debut. I’m already excited to see what else this author has in store.
If I had to pick a weaker element, it would be the romance, for me, it felt a little rushed and could have used more build-up. But even so, this was a compelling read, and I’ll definitely be picking up the author’s next work.
August 24, 2025
This first book in the Scandalous Secrets series was a captivating and exciting regency historical romance. It was full of drama ,action, intrigue, deaths, mystery, attempted murder, troubled childhoods, past wrongs that changed lives, and so many other emotional issues and entertaining twists that kept me entertained. I enjoyed how a strong, passionate chemistry with delicious steamy romance leads to a beautiful love, and a brand new life begins after surviving so many intense ordeals.
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August 18, 2025Exciting debut regency romance, with many plot twists and sexy chapters. Good pace, interesting characters and a good level of tension. Hoping for Book 2!.
August 19, 2025
Lady Charlotte Tipton is in London and looking for a titled husband. However, her search isn’t driven by the usual social-climbing motivations of the ton, but rather by the need for protection from a mysterious incident she’s escaping.
When she meets the broody Captain James Hughes there’s an instant chemistry, but he doesn’t have the kind of titled clout that she desperately needs in a husband.
Charlotte is the ‘forgotten’ fifth child of a neglectful Earl, so she was left to be brought up alongside her brother, Arthur, joining in his lessons and running wild on the estate. This has led to her being a rather unconventional debutante - she’s intelligent, and has an unusual poise and confidence, but she’s also deeply insecure after a childhood of being unwanted.
James had a rough childhood with a cruel Uncle after his mother was abandoned shortly after her marriage. James is only in London whilst he tracks down the mystery woman who murdered his man of business. He disdains the ton and their idle, dissolute ways - so he’s surprised to find himself drawn to a fiery debutante with haunted eyes.
The heat between James and Charlotte rises quickly after a couple of encounters and it’s not long before she’s torn between a practical betrothal to a powerful, but much older, Duke and her connection with James. I found the pacing of the romance a bit uneven, they burn hot and fast and it’s not long before they’re arranging secret assignations…before a confusing bit of miscommunication between the characters brings them down to earth. However, they were so well matched and I was rooting for them to find a way to be together.
I enjoyed the way the plot lines with Charlotte’s mysterious Incident and James’s murderess developed before the various threads of the story came together. Charlotte’s burgeoning friendships with other young women she meets were sweet and there’s definitely loose threads for these characters that would make promising follow up stories.
Overall, this was a great historical romance from a debut author, with mysterious plot lines and intriguing side characters.
*I received a review copy - this is my honest opinion.
When she meets the broody Captain James Hughes there’s an instant chemistry, but he doesn’t have the kind of titled clout that she desperately needs in a husband.
Charlotte is the ‘forgotten’ fifth child of a neglectful Earl, so she was left to be brought up alongside her brother, Arthur, joining in his lessons and running wild on the estate. This has led to her being a rather unconventional debutante - she’s intelligent, and has an unusual poise and confidence, but she’s also deeply insecure after a childhood of being unwanted.
James had a rough childhood with a cruel Uncle after his mother was abandoned shortly after her marriage. James is only in London whilst he tracks down the mystery woman who murdered his man of business. He disdains the ton and their idle, dissolute ways - so he’s surprised to find himself drawn to a fiery debutante with haunted eyes.
The heat between James and Charlotte rises quickly after a couple of encounters and it’s not long before she’s torn between a practical betrothal to a powerful, but much older, Duke and her connection with James. I found the pacing of the romance a bit uneven, they burn hot and fast and it’s not long before they’re arranging secret assignations…before a confusing bit of miscommunication between the characters brings them down to earth. However, they were so well matched and I was rooting for them to find a way to be together.
I enjoyed the way the plot lines with Charlotte’s mysterious Incident and James’s murderess developed before the various threads of the story came together. Charlotte’s burgeoning friendships with other young women she meets were sweet and there’s definitely loose threads for these characters that would make promising follow up stories.
Overall, this was a great historical romance from a debut author, with mysterious plot lines and intriguing side characters.
*I received a review copy - this is my honest opinion.
August 16, 2025
This author is new to me and definitely added to one of my favorites! When you think you understand this story it takes a left turn that brings all of the characters together! There are so many ironies in this story but they are poignant and brings everything to a full circle! We have Lady Charlotte Tipton who considers herself a forgotten fifth! She is the only daughter of the Earl of Pulverbatch who almost forgets she exists! Since the “incident” she has left her beloved countryside to find a titled husband who can protect her from the gallows! Pieces of the secret is revealed and is every bit as horrifying as you would think!
There are attempts on her life but she is rescued by a very handsome Captain James Hughes who has led a very tragic life and has literally pulled himself up by his boot straps!
James believes he is a bastard and certainly not good enough for Charlotte but their chemistry is undeniable! Someone wants her dead and when she seriously injured all bets are off! Charlotte is his and he will protect her! When James pursues the results of a dishonest man of business whose mysterious death is holding up his insurance claim! It would not seem any of this is related to Charlotte’s woes, that would be wrong!
This is nonstop adventure that leads right into the next phase of this mystery! There is a HEA this two are most deserving of ! Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
There are attempts on her life but she is rescued by a very handsome Captain James Hughes who has led a very tragic life and has literally pulled himself up by his boot straps!
James believes he is a bastard and certainly not good enough for Charlotte but their chemistry is undeniable! Someone wants her dead and when she seriously injured all bets are off! Charlotte is his and he will protect her! When James pursues the results of a dishonest man of business whose mysterious death is holding up his insurance claim! It would not seem any of this is related to Charlotte’s woes, that would be wrong!
This is nonstop adventure that leads right into the next phase of this mystery! There is a HEA this two are most deserving of ! Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
December 14, 2025
James is a scarred sea captain, Charlotte is a “forgotten fifth” child of an earl. Due to an Incident, she must urgenly find a titled husband, ideally a duke. And no, the Incident is not pregnancy. This book is anything but stereotypical.
Charlotte is desperate to marry quickly before someone realises what she’s done. James is looking for a mysterious murderess… Could Charlotte’s dangerous secret be connected to James’s man of business who was murdered?
Well-developed characters, complex plot, high quality writing - I enjoyed this book very much. In fact, this book has likely one of the most shocking plots I’ve ever encountered in HistRom - I would’ve never guessed the connection between James and the Duke.
The quality of writing was the first thing that stood out to me about this book - for a debut novel, this is REALLY good! I also really enjoyed the side characters and look forward to seeing more of them in the following books.
Charlotte is desperate to marry quickly before someone realises what she’s done. James is looking for a mysterious murderess… Could Charlotte’s dangerous secret be connected to James’s man of business who was murdered?
Well-developed characters, complex plot, high quality writing - I enjoyed this book very much. In fact, this book has likely one of the most shocking plots I’ve ever encountered in HistRom - I would’ve never guessed the connection between James and the Duke.
The quality of writing was the first thing that stood out to me about this book - for a debut novel, this is REALLY good! I also really enjoyed the side characters and look forward to seeing more of them in the following books.
August 17, 2025
How refreshing that there are still some things that don't work out like you think they will! A wonderful story that takes you one way, then turns you around to go in a completely different direction!
Charlotte is being presented to society because of 'The Incident'. We don't get brought up to speed about what The Incident is until later in the book, but suffice it to say that Charlotte needs to find a Duke to marry to keep her out of prison.
When she meets the Duke, he is nice enough, but her eye is on a dashing seaman, Captain James Hughes. As her secret becomes known, should she continue to see James, or should she go with the sure thing and accept the Duke's marriage proposition?
This is where the whole book gets turned upside down! What a great twist. I enjoyed this book so much!
Charlotte is being presented to society because of 'The Incident'. We don't get brought up to speed about what The Incident is until later in the book, but suffice it to say that Charlotte needs to find a Duke to marry to keep her out of prison.
When she meets the Duke, he is nice enough, but her eye is on a dashing seaman, Captain James Hughes. As her secret becomes known, should she continue to see James, or should she go with the sure thing and accept the Duke's marriage proposition?
This is where the whole book gets turned upside down! What a great twist. I enjoyed this book so much!
August 21, 2025
Suspense runs through this novel from the very beginning, although it does take a while before the reason for Lady Charlotte being on edge is revealed. Introduced to Captain James Hughes at her first ball, there is an immediate attraction between them, however, James does not have time for games, let alone courting the young misses of the ton. He has to catch a killer before he can proceed to claim the insurance money for the ship he lost. It becomes clear that Charlotte and James are on two sides of the same debacle, and when danger encroaches on Charlotte, James leaves no stone unturned to find the truth. In so doing, he discovers more than he anticipates, which brings this romance to a lovely conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Oliver Heber Books and Booksprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 9, 2025
As far as I can tell, this is the author’s debut novel and it IS GOOD! Her style of writing has the reader right in the room and the characters are very real. Charlotte loves James and he loves her, but she MUST marry a Duke. The roller coaster ride that this story is will keep you on the edge of your seat. One such surprise really caught me off guard and it was so very delicious! I did notch the rating down because I so HATE the use of the f-bomb. The older generation of romance authors never used it and I wish this newer generation would not as well. There is a tiny cliff hanger, but not one that will ruin the story for you. A very satisfying and adventurous tale. Enjoyed it immensely .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2025
This book gets better toward the end. The FMC had an incident that is compelling her to try to marry a titled noble, but she is taken with a a non-noble. The MMC is trying to pursue a murderer but to get his friend’s help he must attend some ton events. There he meets the FMC and can’t get her out of his mind. There are a lot of twists and turns to the story. I did sort of feel sorry for the duke. It was and interesting storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2025
Hazel Haas's debut, A Lady's Dangerous Secret, is a read with a lot of potential. I'm rounding up to 4 stars because while I had some issues, the last 30% of the book gives me high hopes for the rest of the series.
This book is filled with plot twists that are, for lack of a better word, bonkers. It's a wild ride, and just when you think you know what's happening, another secret is revealed.
My main struggle was with the central romance. The connection between the main couple felt abrupt and underdeveloped in the beginning. This was especially jarring with the love triangle involving the Duke. I felt so bad for him! They seemed to have a genuine connection, and the heroine's actions toward him felt disrespectful, especially with her impending marriage. I found it hard to empathize with her, particularly when her own secrets were so dire. It would have been helpful to get more insight into her feelings or some justification for her choices that would have made her more sympathetic.
That being said, the last third of the book really picks up. The bonkers plot twists start to come together, and the resolution of "the Incident" was well done. This is what gives me hope for the future of the series.
On a brighter note, I adored the female friendships. I'm so glad Charlotte found her supportive friends, and I'm excited to see more of them in future books. Her relationship with her brother, Arthur, was another highlight. I'm officially starting the campaign for him to get his own book with someone who can unravel his logical mind.
Overall, a promising debut that I'd recommend with the caveat that you have to embrace the wilder plot points and be patient with the MCs.
Steam: 🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is filled with plot twists that are, for lack of a better word, bonkers. It's a wild ride, and just when you think you know what's happening, another secret is revealed.
My main struggle was with the central romance. The connection between the main couple felt abrupt and underdeveloped in the beginning. This was especially jarring with the love triangle involving the Duke. I felt so bad for him! They seemed to have a genuine connection, and the heroine's actions toward him felt disrespectful, especially with her impending marriage. I found it hard to empathize with her, particularly when her own secrets were so dire. It would have been helpful to get more insight into her feelings or some justification for her choices that would have made her more sympathetic.
That being said, the last third of the book really picks up. The bonkers plot twists start to come together, and the resolution of "the Incident" was well done. This is what gives me hope for the future of the series.
On a brighter note, I adored the female friendships. I'm so glad Charlotte found her supportive friends, and I'm excited to see more of them in future books. Her relationship with her brother, Arthur, was another highlight. I'm officially starting the campaign for him to get his own book with someone who can unravel his logical mind.
Overall, a promising debut that I'd recommend with the caveat that you have to embrace the wilder plot points and be patient with the MCs.
Steam: 🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2025
This is a really wonderful debut in the historical romance genre. There's an overarching mystery, but the romance takes center stage, as it should. It is clear that Hazel is a lover of the genre, but she still delivers a book with a unique plot. By the end of the book, I had my fingers crossed that it would be just the first of a series, because I was intrigued by several of the side characters. (It is!)
I expected the book to go a particular way based on how the tropes typically play out, but I was shocked and in such a good way. I would have been pleased with the predictable ending, but this ending was so much more satisfying. I was tearing up.
I usually say that books could have been shorter, but I almost wish that this book was just a tiny bit longer with more scenes of the MCs by themselves in the beginning. However, if you get impatient waiting for the MCs to cross paths again after their first meet cute, then you will love this!
I will definitely look out for more from this author. She hit the perfect spot of meeting my expectations when reading historical romance, while still offering an original experience.
I expected the book to go a particular way based on how the tropes typically play out, but I was shocked and in such a good way. I would have been pleased with the predictable ending, but this ending was so much more satisfying. I was tearing up.
I usually say that books could have been shorter, but I almost wish that this book was just a tiny bit longer with more scenes of the MCs by themselves in the beginning. However, if you get impatient waiting for the MCs to cross paths again after their first meet cute, then you will love this!
I will definitely look out for more from this author. She hit the perfect spot of meeting my expectations when reading historical romance, while still offering an original experience.
August 17, 2025
This book starts the series well, with her having a secret which could mean her death. Looking for a Duke to marry so she can escape this penalty, she meets someone else who is not suitable at all. He doesn't like the society she lives in, but is deeply attracted to her. They meet and learn a little more about each other every time, but the clock is running out for her to find someone to marry.
August 20, 2025
Twists, turns, action, suspense and more pack this first debut story. Charlotte finds herself in a bind and exhibits her strength and intelligence as she works through the issues. James is out of his element when he encounters Charlotte. The two blend well together. Well written and fully entertaining.
August 18, 2025
Intriguing, sexy, and plot twists galore! Well-rounded main characters and interesting supporting characters. I'm interested in the other story and couple pairing possibilities, and look forward to book 2!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2025
I loved the mystery aspect but the romance side of the story could be better developed. Overall, a great read for me!
August 8, 2025
This is a really wonderful debut in the historical romance genre. There's an overarching mystery, but the romance takes center stage, as it should. It is clear that Hazel is a lover of the genre, but she still delivers a book with a unique plot. By the end of the book, I had my fingers crossed that it would be just the first of a series, because I was intrigued by several of the side characters. (It is!)
I expected the book to go a particular way based on how the tropes typically play out, but I was shocked and in such a good way. I would have been pleased with the predictable ending, but this ending was so much more satisfying. I was tearing up.
I usually say that books could have been shorter, but I almost wish that this book was just a tiny bit longer with more scenes of the MCs by themselves in the beginning. However, if you get impatient waiting for the MCs to cross paths again after their first meet cute, then you will love this!
I will definitely look out for more from this author. She hit the perfect spot of meeting my expectations when reading historical romance, while still offering an original experience.
I expected the book to go a particular way based on how the tropes typically play out, but I was shocked and in such a good way. I would have been pleased with the predictable ending, but this ending was so much more satisfying. I was tearing up.
I usually say that books could have been shorter, but I almost wish that this book was just a tiny bit longer with more scenes of the MCs by themselves in the beginning. However, if you get impatient waiting for the MCs to cross paths again after their first meet cute, then you will love this!
I will definitely look out for more from this author. She hit the perfect spot of meeting my expectations when reading historical romance, while still offering an original experience.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews