The Devil of Fleet Street

by Adele Clee

When Emma Vane breaks into The Sentinel’s offices at midnight, pistol in hand, she has one force Mr Stanton to print a retraction. It sounded simple enough at home. It doesn’t help that the man is like brandy, sharp at first, then smooth enough to make her forget he’s dangerous. No wonder he’s called the Devil of Fleet Street.

Hugh built The Sentinel on one print the truth. He did not build it to be held at gunpoint by a bluestocking with a signed confession and an impossible demand. But her evidence is compelling. Almost as compelling as she is.

He’s a man she should avoid. She’s a woman he cannot dismiss. As they chase a killer through the gaslit streets of London, there’s no room for pretence. The greatest danger isn’t the villain they’re hunting. It’s wanting each other.

For readers who enjoy intrigue, danger, and a romance that does not fade to black.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2026

About the author

Adele Clee writes historical romance mysteries set in the early nineteenth century. Her stories blend romance with intrigue, gothic atmosphere, and a touch of scandal, often unfolding in Regency and early Victorian London. Readers praise her daring heroines, brooding heroes, and the way love and mystery intertwine across each series.

Amazon - http://author.to/AdeleClee

Download the complete Adele Clee reading list here: https://www.adeleclee.com/booklist.html

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

In search of truth
THE DEVIL OF FLEET STREET was a delight of thrills, emotional spills and titilating reveals, I couldn't turn away.
A mystery steeped in a race to search for the truth, the lurking danger that dogs their steps and the burning flirtatious wit and banter that reels them in and forces them to reveal the rising passions, that so deliciously simmer between them, and refuse point blank to be denied.
Never doubt Clee will sweep you up, embroil you in a perilous journey through hurdles of past hurt, vulnerability and inner turmoil and have you so tangled up in scrumptious knots you don't know where their joy and heart pounding insecurities end and yours begin. Hugh and Emma as a result were a pure delight of sizzling chemistry, heated looks, sharp wit and tingling breathes of honesty in this compelling forced partnership they became bound by to unroot the villainy snapping at their tails.
To become another absorbing passion fueled romance, steeped in a dark twisted mystery and set in a backdrop that so vividly sparked to life through the cleverness of Clee's pen. That will have you whittling at clues and guessing at the who done it right until its smile inducing end.
Can't wait for the next book as the loyalty embedded in the deep brotherhood of these four irresistibly intruging, will 'throw my life on the line' men at the heart of this series. Slowly gets ever closer to unpicking the life or death wrong against one them, that tantalises and so irredeemably binds them together. Beneath the standalone romances that spark to life so thrillingly in each individual book so far. Fabulously engaging escapism!

~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele Clee has done it again - because of course she has. The woman writes two books a year like she’s hand‑crafting Regency diamonds, not churning out mass‑market fluff. The Devil of Fleet Street? It’s her latest masterpiece.

Hugh Stanton arrives on the page like a man determined to be hated — broody, bristly, and wearing trauma like a bespoke waistcoat. But peel back one layer and suddenly you’re thinking, “Oh no.......he’s broken and honorable? I’m doomed.” His childhood scars explain the armor, but Emma Vane is the one who proves he’s not the devil - just a man who desperately needs someone to call him out and call him home.

Emma, bless her stubborn, truth‑hunting heart, isn’t here to be reckless...... except she absolutely is once murder, mining corruption, and one dangerously compelling man get involved. She wants justice. He wants distance. Naturally, they end up with danger, banter, emotional revelations, and a romance that sneaks up like a thief in the night and steals every last shred of your composure. Together they chase the truth, dodge killers, dismantle lies, and accidentally fall in love, the classic Clee cocktail of mystery, laughter, and longing chemistry.

Adele Clee delivers again; tight plotting, lovable characters, twisty whodunit threads, and a slow‑burn emotional payoff that makes you sigh like you’ve just finished a perfect cup of tea/coffee......spiked with something stronger.

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐬. 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐬. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sounds like a wonderfully thrilling historical romance filled with danger, mystery, and sizzling chemistry. Emma Vane is not your typical heroine—breaking into a newspaper office at midnight with a pistol certainly makes for an unforgettable introduction! Determined, intelligent, and willing to take matters into her own hands, Emma finds herself face-to-face with Hugh Stanton, the notorious Devil of Fleet Street.

Hugh is equally compelling. A man devoted to uncovering and printing the truth, he isn’t easily intimidated, even by a bluestocking with a pistol and a signed confession. Their first encounter immediately promises plenty of tension, especially as two strong-willed people with opposing goals are forced to work together.

I especially enjoyed the combination of mystery and romance. The gaslit streets of London, a killer on the loose, and the danger surrounding their investigation create the perfect backdrop for a relationship neither of them expects. The growing attraction between Emma and Hugh only adds to the tension, particularly when both of them know they should probably stay far away from each other.

With a bold heroine, a dangerous and intriguing hero, high-stakes suspense, and a romance that promises plenty of heat, this sounds like an exciting read for anyone who enjoys historical romance with a darker edge. The chemistry between Emma and Hugh, along with the mystery at the heart of the story, makes this one I would definitely pick up.

Perfect for readers who enjoy intelligent heroines, brooding heroes, murder mysteries, danger, and a romance that doesn’t fade to black.

Received complimentary copy from the author, all opinions are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up all night just to finish this book and it was worth missing sleep over.

Hugh Stanton is someone who wants you to despise him but he has hidden qualities that you can't help but fall in love with him and when it comes to understanding what he went through as a child it's understandable why he doesn't want anyone to get close to him and why he thinks he doesn't deserve love or anything else until a clever yet brave woman shows him that everything that he believed about himself isn't true.

Emma Vane is easy to understand why she doesn't want to be reckless or be wild but it's also understandable why she wants the truth surrounding a murder to come out one way or the other when you learn how she lost her parents.. however the truth isn't always safe it's dangerous too. Especially when the devil of fleet Street is involved except he really isn't the devil.. he makes her feel safe and loved for the first time since her parents died.

These two characters maybe from two different worlds and they may meet under crazy circumstances however they both want the truth no matter how dangerous it is or how uncomfortable it is and they will discover the truth about a mining company and murders but they also discover truths about each other and they discover love along the way..

This story is filled with love laughter banter and who done mystery!

I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the author. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a read, I have read a lot of Adele’s books, and all draw you in fast with amazing characters. So did this one, Miss. Emma Vane is on a mission when after several letters to Hugh Stanton at the Sentinel go unanswered. She acts on her own wearing a disguise she steals into the office of Hugh Stanton at midnight. When Hugh shows up, he can’t believe what she is wearing, trousers! She has no idea what they do to her outline. When he doesn’t take her seriously, she points a pistol at him and demands that he made a mistake and printed the wrong information. Hugh prides himself on only printing honesty and truth in this paper; no miss is going to ruin his name. So begins a battle to prove who is right and who is wrong. With her sister, controlling her every move and pushing her to wed one Lord Howden who is not all he seems to be. When Hugh and Emma set out to find answers, they had no idea how much danger, trouble, secrets, murder and they would end up finding. Along the way, they also find what is missing in both their lives. I loved the play acting, and the puddle scene was priceless, perfect to break the tension. With their attractions to each other, her perfume seems to drive him nuts at the most inappropriate times. Alone with their flirtatious banter, this is a suspenseful, intriguing, passionate story. I can’t stop reading and read late to see how it ended. You don’t have to read the books in order, but both are great. I can’t wait for the next one. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Martha B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars – Her challenges had him questioning his sanity

“He was losing his mind. Slowly. Willingly.” is my favorite quote from The Devil of Fleet Street by Adele Clee. For me, it sums up the adversarial lust to love relationship between a hardened Hugh and a uniquely honest Emma.

Hugh's demeanor begs you not to like him. Except he just can't help himself. His true white knight light shines through his tarnished armor.

Emma is beautiful, brash, brave and reckless, but her bravado is holding her together as her loss and grief lay in wait to trip her up.

I liked Emma from the start of this engrossing read, but I really wasn't sure if I would like Hugh. However, Ms. Clee's deft hand at character development shaped Hugh into a sigh-worthy leading man, and even polished Emma's issues. I shouldn't have been surprised.

The well woven murder mystery in the plot added depth to this steamy love story, but the unexpected plot twists kept me reading to the last page. By the way, when I'm sorry to get to the end of a stellar read, I know it's worthy of five stars.

All in all, this is a book I heartily recommend.

Content 411: This book contains mild swearing and hot intimate scenes, which are detailed.

Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Tiffany P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. While the tropes were common - a hero who felt undeserving of love and swore off marriage and children after a tortured childhood and a heroine that was trying to escape and controlling sister and a forced potential betrothal, the plot was original with lots of twists and turns. I loved the banter between the main couple, Hugh and Emma. The chemistry between them was obvious from the beginning and their flirtatious nature was entertaining. I always enjoy the interactions between the friends. They have a special brotherhood and bond that comes through the pages. I really enjoy the way Adele Clee writes. She makes you relate to the characters and their outcomes so strongly that you can’t put the book down. This story had murder, mystery, danger, investigations, friendship bonds, great characters, meddling family, secrets, love, steam, adventures, and a HEA.

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Fun read by Clee

I adored both Staton and Miss Vane as they hunted down the killer of a peer to clear doubt from name of the peer who is courting her. Problem is Miss Vane, is an adventuresses and her gentleman caller is safe and boring. She wants safe, as she lost everything in her life because of her parents reckless passions.
Staton isn’t safe. He’s a confirmed bachelor and has been vexed at several turns by Emma Vane. The two clash and banter, as they hunt up clues of murder and a mine collapse. The ending was a surprise, and a tad bitter sweet.



Tropes
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Life at risk
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Trust no one..

Cons if I hadn’t read book one I might have been confused about the about of writing the anonymous perfumed penned
had sent to Hugh Stanton. I do suggest reading book one for the over all series arc.
Highly recommend and can’t wait for the next book.
Everyone should be reading Clee.

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when two smart, curious, seekers of the truth collide? An explosion that might just blow up both their lives. The chemistry between these two is crazy. Emma’s perfume has such an effect on Hugh, I found myself imagining a cartoon mist floating towards him every time he noticed it. They are now right up there w/my favorites of the author’s characters. Some of their banter had me laughing out loud. Both have been through a lot, & it was really easy for me to root for them.
Like is usual for the author’s work, there’s an interesting mystery to investigate, w/a fun love story intertwined.
Thanks to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy. The questions surrounding Saint-Clare, & now Charlotte, have me wanting the next book in my hands right away.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tropes: MMC with emotional baggage and a vow to himself never to marry/have children. FMC being pressured to wed where she's not really inclined.
The truth Miss Emma Vane's questions reveal is unexpected. But before she gets her answer, and some further unlooked for truths are revealed, she and Hugh Stanton search in bare-knuckle fighting dens and seedy taverns and do some traveling. The trustworthiness and goals of acquaintances and her family are questioned.
The scene involving a puddle I could have done without. It seemed too out of character for both Emma and Hugh.
I read an ARC; the thoughts expressed are my own.

[NelleRenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very engaging story with murders and an unexpected villain. The FMC is very opinionated and wants the truth about the man her sister is forcing her to become engaged to. The MMC is all about honesty and doesn’t feel he deserves love due to his abusive upbringing. Together they try to solve some unanswered questions. I enjoyed their banter and the instant chemistry. I also liked that the author didn’t dwell on the sex scenes. There were many twists and turns. The central romance and murders were completed in this book, but there still is another murder that hasn’t been solved which may continue as a glue for the series.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting book by Adele Clee. This book is part love and part mystery. I will not give it away, but I did not see the end coming. Hugh owns the newspaper Sentinel. Emma read an article in which she believes Hugh did not get all the facts correct. She tries to write to him, then she goes to see him at the newspaper office with a gun. Once they meet Hugh agrees to letting her help him investigate the article about the accident at a mining shaft. During their investigation, there is more and more mystery.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!
Sometimes I can't help but be glued to a book, reading eagerly to find out what will happen next and this was one such a book!
At their very first meeting, Emma Vane and Hugh Stanton lock horns (not real ones, Lol!) and they take us on an exciting adventure where they unravel a mystery, chase a killer and fall headlong into love. This is a fast paced, well written and very entertaining story filled with all I could wish for and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I read an early copy of this book and my review is given voluntarily.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex tale of a man striving to only print the truth and maintain his integrity and a woman convinced his truth is wrong in one key story. There were quite a few players in the drama surrounding the mine accident and its ramifications coupled with disappearances and murders and many interlocking threads. A great story that moved at a perfect pace. Hugh the frustrated newspaper owner seeking facts and Emma the free spirited woman determined to be a partner in seeking the truth. A perfect match. Totally enjoying this series.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this author. Her writing flows. Her characters live. Easy to read, with involved and interesting plots weaving historical times and a plausible back story. Hugh Stanton, the Devil of Fleet Street supposedly a man with no scruples but aspiring only to print the truth, is accosted by Miss Emma Vane who believes he has printed a lie and so is demanding a retraction. This starts a chain of events with increasingly perplexing clues and gets more dangerous by the minute. Great yarn!

I received an ARC copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adele’s writing is superb. She writes stories that will keep you engaged and intrigued. I don’t know what it is about her writing but it is different from others. Yes, the romantic formula is there but there is also something different and special. Humor and banter are the keys to my heart and this story has that in spades. Intrigue, girl, Adele likes to play with red herrings and you have to pay attention or you might miss integral clues to the mystery. Absolutely fantastic story.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do like a mystery with a romance and this had it all. Hugh Stanton is the editor/owner of a newspaper. Printing the truth is his aim. Emma Vane, believes he hasn’t done this, in regard to a mining disaster. They have a number of feisty encounters and amusing banter. Together they try to find out what really happened. There is also danger with people being killed and trying to work out who was behind it all, had me flummoxed. As they work together, so their feelings for each other increase. However, Emma’s older sister, wants her to marry a Lord. Hugh’s friends also make an appearance, which I enjoyed. I look for to reading the rest of their stories.

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT book! Unputdownable! I so love this mix of romance and mystery and the way Clee develops her characters. In this book I really adored the heroine, who's brave and sweet and willful and so capable of destroying the walls the hero built around his heart. And the mystery was really intriguing and unpredictable.
I also recommend the audiobook because the narrator is really good!