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The Wicked Women of Whitechapel #1
The Boxing Baroness
Inspired by true history and perfect for fans of Bridgerton, the acclaimed author sparkles with this brilliantly imagined story of romance between an undercover spy and an educated and strong woman in the first of a witty, Regency-set, feminist series exploring the role of women in a rigidly patriarchal society. Readers will delight in the rapier sharp wit, sexual fireworks, and thought-provoking entertainment of The Boxing Baroness.
A Library Journal Best Book of 2022
A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books Romance Selection
Of questionable birth, but made for greatness, the Regency-era heroines in Minerva Spencer’s thrilling new historical romance series possess both clever minds and unusual skills that enable them to go head-to-head—and heart to heart—with the best of men, including those of the ton . . .
Magnetic and educated, Marianne Simpson has the manner of a lady and the looks of a lover, not a fighter. Neither of which explains her occupation as a boxer in her uncle’s circus, Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. Nonetheless, when St. John Powell, the exquisitely handsome Duke of Staunton, begins turning up at her shows, she finds herself dangerously distracted by the powerful peer’s mysterious presence. With her safety at stake, Marianne’s days in the ring are numbered. But how long can she fight her attraction to the man the ton calls Lord Flawless?
St. John Powell doesn’t just want Marianne Simpson, he needs her … to rescue his brother, who is being held for ransom by a treasonous English baron—the man all of Britain knows as the Rake of Rakes. No matter how little Marianne wants to see her duplicitous ex-lover, the man responsible for the humiliating nickname the Boxing Baroness, St. John must convince her. Even if it means climbing into the ring with the beautiful boxer and taking everything she’s got . . .
A Library Journal Best Book of 2022
A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books Romance Selection
Of questionable birth, but made for greatness, the Regency-era heroines in Minerva Spencer’s thrilling new historical romance series possess both clever minds and unusual skills that enable them to go head-to-head—and heart to heart—with the best of men, including those of the ton . . .
Magnetic and educated, Marianne Simpson has the manner of a lady and the looks of a lover, not a fighter. Neither of which explains her occupation as a boxer in her uncle’s circus, Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. Nonetheless, when St. John Powell, the exquisitely handsome Duke of Staunton, begins turning up at her shows, she finds herself dangerously distracted by the powerful peer’s mysterious presence. With her safety at stake, Marianne’s days in the ring are numbered. But how long can she fight her attraction to the man the ton calls Lord Flawless?
St. John Powell doesn’t just want Marianne Simpson, he needs her … to rescue his brother, who is being held for ransom by a treasonous English baron—the man all of Britain knows as the Rake of Rakes. No matter how little Marianne wants to see her duplicitous ex-lover, the man responsible for the humiliating nickname the Boxing Baroness, St. John must convince her. Even if it means climbing into the ring with the beautiful boxer and taking everything she’s got . . .
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2022
About the author
Minerva Spencer
53 books1,672 followers**I ONLY RATE BOOKS I REALLY ENJOYED**.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
October 5, 2022
I really love Minerva Spencer so I was thrilled to try The Boxing Baroness. I had high expectations, especially because the blub sounded so cool, but while the book was enjoyable, I think it was a little too long and a little too convoluted.
The MCs of the story, Marianne Simpson and the Duke of Staunton, had SUCH good chemistry. And, honestly, what a cool plot. A female boxer and a duke getting together? It was actually a very unique set up, especially for a jaded romance reader like myself. Unfortunately, you need to fully suspend reality in order to read this story. It's like one crazy storyline layered on top of another. I went with it for a little while, but then even I had a hard time with the OTT plot by the end. Coupled with the fact that the story felt LONG, made it a 3-star read for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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The MCs of the story, Marianne Simpson and the Duke of Staunton, had SUCH good chemistry. And, honestly, what a cool plot. A female boxer and a duke getting together? It was actually a very unique set up, especially for a jaded romance reader like myself. Unfortunately, you need to fully suspend reality in order to read this story. It's like one crazy storyline layered on top of another. I went with it for a little while, but then even I had a hard time with the OTT plot by the end. Coupled with the fact that the story felt LONG, made it a 3-star read for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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December 31, 2022
*Mild Spoilers*
This wasn’t bad and clearly well researched…but man she was put through too much to make this truly enjoyable. The breakup was frustrating. The ending revolves all around Napoleon Bonaparte and I sure don’t care about him??? The duke was a dick at the beginning and I really didn’t like how he coerced her, even though it was understandable I guess.
Their chemistry was hot and the fact that he trained her for a while was great. I didn’t know the boxers had to sit on the knees of their trainers during matches and let me tell you HOT.
I wish the plot would’ve been more about her boxing and training and set in one location with a duke maybe pretending to be a trainer? There’s something interesting in the story…but I hate blackmail and it overshadowed everything else.
And then to make the Duke’s reasons for coercing her irrelevant…disappointing.
The audiobook was good and the book was hot but overall it was rather lackluster and long. I wanted Marianne to punch more people, mainly her duke. By the end I did like their relationship, and did like the side romances, although neither of those were closed up so I assume they’re the next books?
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
This wasn’t bad and clearly well researched…but man she was put through too much to make this truly enjoyable. The breakup was frustrating. The ending revolves all around Napoleon Bonaparte and I sure don’t care about him??? The duke was a dick at the beginning and I really didn’t like how he coerced her, even though it was understandable I guess.
Their chemistry was hot and the fact that he trained her for a while was great. I didn’t know the boxers had to sit on the knees of their trainers during matches and let me tell you HOT.
I wish the plot would’ve been more about her boxing and training and set in one location with a duke maybe pretending to be a trainer? There’s something interesting in the story…but I hate blackmail and it overshadowed everything else.
And then to make the Duke’s reasons for coercing her irrelevant…disappointing.
The audiobook was good and the book was hot but overall it was rather lackluster and long. I wanted Marianne to punch more people, mainly her duke. By the end I did like their relationship, and did like the side romances, although neither of those were closed up so I assume they’re the next books?
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
Thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy. All opinions are honest and my own.
December 4, 2022
Minerva Spencer is a great writer. I couldn't put this book down. The Boxing Baroness is an incredibly well written book that had me completely captivated from beginning to end. Marianne, 20 years of age, is a boxer in England around 1800. Spencer has masterfully created a romance with a pro-female spin that is both thought provoking and wildly entertaining. The romance is hot, the character arcs are satisfying, the intrigue is mystifying, and the settings and descriptions vivid and enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.
November 7, 2022
A kooky historical romance with a side of crazy sauce ... This book has a very unusual premise. The heroine, Marianne, is part of a travelling circus where she is one of the female boxers. She got the moniker' The Boxing Baroness' because she was married to a Baron for a while. The marriage wasn't legit because the Baron was already, well, married. However, the moniker holds. The Baron was once a friend to Sinjin, the Duke of Staunton. The Baron asked Sinijin to bring Marianne to France in return for the Duke's brother, who was missing from the war and presumed dead. So, that's how the story started.
This book is more of a road trip romance. It reminds me of old bodice-ripper books (sans the non-consensual sex prevalent in this type of book), with the crazy plotlines and sort of exotic locations (it's outside of England, so I'd consider it exotic). On the surface, the plot seems straightforward enough, but as you read further, more secrets are being revealed; that's where everything feels kind of strange and surreal (trust me, the female boxing part is the most plausible part). You have a secret identity, the actual Napoleon, the exiled King of Sweden. Need I say more?
The final 30% was very dense, plot-wise. Is it a bad book? It depends on how you look at it. I'm a fan of Ms Spencer, and I know that some of her books have dense plots, so I'm used to it. The book is memorable and not your run-of-the-mill historical romance; I'd give you that.
Ms Spencer included the characters for her following books in the series ( two of Sinjin's friends and two of the female performers from Marianne's circus troupe). We already know who's with who, and I suppose it is to whet your appetite. I don't find these side characters compelling enough, but I'm sure I'll read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book and commended Ms Spencer for daring to make it different. However, it will not be to everyone's tastes, so I recommend trying some of her other works first. She also goes by the pseudonym S.M. LaViolette. Her book that I gave five stars is Dangerous. This one is worth checking out.
This book is more of a road trip romance. It reminds me of old bodice-ripper books (sans the non-consensual sex prevalent in this type of book), with the crazy plotlines and sort of exotic locations (it's outside of England, so I'd consider it exotic). On the surface, the plot seems straightforward enough, but as you read further, more secrets are being revealed; that's where everything feels kind of strange and surreal (trust me, the female boxing part is the most plausible part). You have a secret identity, the actual Napoleon, the exiled King of Sweden. Need I say more?
The final 30% was very dense, plot-wise. Is it a bad book? It depends on how you look at it. I'm a fan of Ms Spencer, and I know that some of her books have dense plots, so I'm used to it. The book is memorable and not your run-of-the-mill historical romance; I'd give you that.
Ms Spencer included the characters for her following books in the series ( two of Sinjin's friends and two of the female performers from Marianne's circus troupe). We already know who's with who, and I suppose it is to whet your appetite. I don't find these side characters compelling enough, but I'm sure I'll read the rest of the series.
I enjoyed this book and commended Ms Spencer for daring to make it different. However, it will not be to everyone's tastes, so I recommend trying some of her other works first. She also goes by the pseudonym S.M. LaViolette. Her book that I gave five stars is Dangerous. This one is worth checking out.
October 13, 2022
This is a delightfully bonkers historical romance featuring:
A woman boxer who fights with an all-female carnival for her living paired with a starchy duke love interest whose ton nickname is "Lord Flawless" but whose childhood nickname is "Sin" (it's complicated).
But wait, there's more! Sin's two BFFs also fall in love with carnival performers during a road trip through rural France. And let's be honest, how could there be a Regency romance with a portion set in France /without/ Napoleon making an appearance? PLUS secret royalty, inheritance hijinks, a truly villainous villain, and more.
If you're into bananapants romance, we definitely recommend this one.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
A woman boxer who fights with an all-female carnival for her living paired with a starchy duke love interest whose ton nickname is "Lord Flawless" but whose childhood nickname is "Sin" (it's complicated).
But wait, there's more! Sin's two BFFs also fall in love with carnival performers during a road trip through rural France. And let's be honest, how could there be a Regency romance with a portion set in France /without/ Napoleon making an appearance? PLUS secret royalty, inheritance hijinks, a truly villainous villain, and more.
If you're into bananapants romance, we definitely recommend this one.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
October 16, 2023
Enemies to lovers trope fits like a glove for this tale.
Marianne Simpson works as a pugilist in an all female circus troupe. There’s Marianne, Cecile a sharpshooter, and the strange woman Josephine Brown, who throws knives and has a familiar, a huge Raven who appears to speak in French.
Marianne’s uncle, Barnabas Farnham operates the Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre.
Marianne is known as the boxing baroness due to a very ruthless rake, Baron Dominic Strickland, staging a fake wedding service and seducing her into believing they were married, then revealing the truth once his wife appeared on the scene.
Now Marianne has a visitor. St. John Powell (Sin), the seventh Duke of Staunton. He’s been requested to bring Marianne to France with him. He needs to sort out the truth of whether his brother is alive or not. There’s no question that he’ll countenance failure in this endeavor. And the person requesting Marianne to go? Non other than her hated and despised husband who never was, Dominic.
Marianne of course refused, but the Duke held some dismaying evidence against her uncle, so she acquiesced. France at the time of Bonaparte’s return is no place to be.
Secrets, deadly secrets are uncovered. But in the end, Marianne knew she and the Duke were destined to part.
Adroitly written, I couldn’t put this down. Loved it!
A Kensington Bks ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Marianne Simpson works as a pugilist in an all female circus troupe. There’s Marianne, Cecile a sharpshooter, and the strange woman Josephine Brown, who throws knives and has a familiar, a huge Raven who appears to speak in French.
Marianne’s uncle, Barnabas Farnham operates the Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre.
Marianne is known as the boxing baroness due to a very ruthless rake, Baron Dominic Strickland, staging a fake wedding service and seducing her into believing they were married, then revealing the truth once his wife appeared on the scene.
Now Marianne has a visitor. St. John Powell (Sin), the seventh Duke of Staunton. He’s been requested to bring Marianne to France with him. He needs to sort out the truth of whether his brother is alive or not. There’s no question that he’ll countenance failure in this endeavor. And the person requesting Marianne to go? Non other than her hated and despised husband who never was, Dominic.
Marianne of course refused, but the Duke held some dismaying evidence against her uncle, so she acquiesced. France at the time of Bonaparte’s return is no place to be.
Secrets, deadly secrets are uncovered. But in the end, Marianne knew she and the Duke were destined to part.
Adroitly written, I couldn’t put this down. Loved it!
A Kensington Bks ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
October 24, 2022
I was very interested in the premise of this series and this book in particular has so many unique elements to Historical Romance. An all female circus, a female athlete, a female BOXER... just so cool. I was really glad to try something so outside the norm. I do stand by that this is outside the 'ring', pardon the pun, and there was so much going on that was fun and new.
However, for me I feel like there was so much new going on that I didn't fully connect with the characters. I liked the set up and the forced proximity we got into... but I ended up just being confused and overwhelmed by all the story lines and history mixed into this one. It may not be that way for someone else, but it was just too much for me. Sin and Marianne were fun at times but I just didn't get enough of them. I am very interested in trying another from this series though.
I will always be a stan for Minerva Spencer though, and her continued pushing of the envelope and finding unique times in history to put into her romances.
*Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy of this book.*
3 stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
However, for me I feel like there was so much new going on that I didn't fully connect with the characters. I liked the set up and the forced proximity we got into... but I ended up just being confused and overwhelmed by all the story lines and history mixed into this one. It may not be that way for someone else, but it was just too much for me. Sin and Marianne were fun at times but I just didn't get enough of them. I am very interested in trying another from this series though.
I will always be a stan for Minerva Spencer though, and her continued pushing of the envelope and finding unique times in history to put into her romances.
*Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy of this book.*
3 stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
November 12, 2022
A woman boxer working in an all female carnival and an oh so perfect Duke, known as "Lord Flawless" fall in love in this wonderfully crazy historical romance.
This fantastical tale is a rode trip romance at it's heart. A wild ride with a lot going on. I loved every single minute of this adventure. As usual Minerva Spencer does not disappoint!
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This fantastical tale is a rode trip romance at it's heart. A wild ride with a lot going on. I loved every single minute of this adventure. As usual Minerva Spencer does not disappoint!
Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2022
Such a fun fine Regency romance, pitting in the ring and in love Boxing Baroness Marianne Simpson (educated as a lady but a pugilist in her uncle's circus) and the to-swoon-for Duke of Staunton.
The enemies-to-lovers trope works beautifully in this gorgeously written and brilliantly imagined historical romance. First in a series, one I've marked "must read" now and for the future. Highly recommended!
The enemies-to-lovers trope works beautifully in this gorgeously written and brilliantly imagined historical romance. First in a series, one I've marked "must read" now and for the future. Highly recommended!
October 28, 2022
Three and a half stars.
Marianne Simpson was educated at an exclusive ladies college, but when it came to getting a job she found that her uncle's circus closed all doors to her, so now she is one of the boxing belles in Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. She is no stranger to gentlemen of the ton gawping at her in her immodest boxing attire (which her uncle isn't averse to dampening down to show off her curves), but she refuses to speak to St. John Powell, the Duke of Staunton, particularly when he mentions her ex, Baron Dominic Strickland who lied to her and staged a fake wedding just so that he could bed her.
But when Staunton buys up thousands of pounds of her uncle Barnabas's debt and offers her a choice between helping him and the circus facing ruin, Marianne has no choice.
Staunton has received word from Strickland, a former school friend, that his younger brother is not dead as previously believed, but is a prisoner in France and can be ransomed for £10,000 and a meeting with Marianne - he'll do anything to rescue his brother even if it means blackmailing a young woman.
Staunton and his two best friends go undercover with the circus as they trek through France on the way to the rendezvous, but as Napoleon escapes his prison on Elba passage becomes fraught with danger.
Romance, war, international intrigue, disguises, spies, and explosive secrets make this a captivating story, even if I did feel that Staunton became a bit of a pussycat at the end.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Marianne Simpson was educated at an exclusive ladies college, but when it came to getting a job she found that her uncle's circus closed all doors to her, so now she is one of the boxing belles in Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. She is no stranger to gentlemen of the ton gawping at her in her immodest boxing attire (which her uncle isn't averse to dampening down to show off her curves), but she refuses to speak to St. John Powell, the Duke of Staunton, particularly when he mentions her ex, Baron Dominic Strickland who lied to her and staged a fake wedding just so that he could bed her.
But when Staunton buys up thousands of pounds of her uncle Barnabas's debt and offers her a choice between helping him and the circus facing ruin, Marianne has no choice.
Staunton has received word from Strickland, a former school friend, that his younger brother is not dead as previously believed, but is a prisoner in France and can be ransomed for £10,000 and a meeting with Marianne - he'll do anything to rescue his brother even if it means blackmailing a young woman.
Staunton and his two best friends go undercover with the circus as they trek through France on the way to the rendezvous, but as Napoleon escapes his prison on Elba passage becomes fraught with danger.
Romance, war, international intrigue, disguises, spies, and explosive secrets make this a captivating story, even if I did feel that Staunton became a bit of a pussycat at the end.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
November 3, 2022
What I thought would be the story of a badass boxer and a duke-turned-boxing-coach teaming up to find his long-lost brother and perhaps winning some boxing matches along the way ended up being a strange blend of historical fact and fiction that included a foray across France, an over-the-top villain, the deposed king of Sweden, and, yes, Napoleon Bonaparte.
Despite my disappointment, which I think comes down to a case of expectation vs. reality, Minerva Spencer is a talented writer. I enjoyed the cast of characters and the banter between Marianne and St. John, especially the development of their romance and its steamier moments. I liked Cecile and Guy enough to consider reading book #2 (and I'm hoping for a book #3 about Elliot and Jo), however I hope the plot is less contrived with fewer moving parts that allow us to focus more on the characters.
While this wasn't a win for me, readers looking for a less conventional story in a Historical Romance might enjoy this. And I think we can all agree that the cover is gorgeous!
Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Despite my disappointment, which I think comes down to a case of expectation vs. reality, Minerva Spencer is a talented writer. I enjoyed the cast of characters and the banter between Marianne and St. John, especially the development of their romance and its steamier moments. I liked Cecile and Guy enough to consider reading book #2 (and I'm hoping for a book #3 about Elliot and Jo), however I hope the plot is less contrived with fewer moving parts that allow us to focus more on the characters.
While this wasn't a win for me, readers looking for a less conventional story in a Historical Romance might enjoy this. And I think we can all agree that the cover is gorgeous!
Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 7, 2022
“He was attracted to her despite her mannish figure” oh FUCK ALL THE WAY OFF WITH THIS BULLSHIT
Edited to add that you should read Edie Cay’s When the Blood is Up series instead if you’re intrigued by boxing female leads in 2022 ok bye :)
Edited to add that you should read Edie Cay’s When the Blood is Up series instead if you’re intrigued by boxing female leads in 2022 ok bye :)
October 24, 2022
4.5 Stars
Magnetic and educated, Marianne Simpson has the manner of a lady and the looks of a lover, not a fighter. Neither of which explains her occupation as a boxer in her uncle’s circus, Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. Nonetheless, when St. John Powell, the exquisitely handsome Duke of Staunton aka Lord Flawless, begins turning up at her shows, she finds herself dangerously distracted by the powerful peer’s mysterious presence. St. John Powell doesn’t just want Marianne Simpson, he needs her - to rescue his brother Ben, who is being held for ransom by a treasonous English baron—the man all of Britain knows as the Rake of Rakes. No matter how little Marianne wants to see her duplicitous ex-lover, the man responsible for the humiliating nickname the Boxing Baroness, St. John must convince her.
The first in a new series & it was well written with strong characters & a well paced story that took us on a journey from London, through France to an epilogue which saw the couple on an island. I loved that the author took some facts & wove them together in an improbable story. I loved both Marianne & Sin, their chemistry sizzled & their verbal banter a delight. I also loved how their preconceived ideas about each other were knocked on the head a they got to know each other. I loved their obstacle strewn journey to a HEA. The villain was horrid but did get his comeuppance. I also really liked both Sin’s & Marianne's friends & the relationships they developed, more to come on them I'm sure.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Magnetic and educated, Marianne Simpson has the manner of a lady and the looks of a lover, not a fighter. Neither of which explains her occupation as a boxer in her uncle’s circus, Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. Nonetheless, when St. John Powell, the exquisitely handsome Duke of Staunton aka Lord Flawless, begins turning up at her shows, she finds herself dangerously distracted by the powerful peer’s mysterious presence. St. John Powell doesn’t just want Marianne Simpson, he needs her - to rescue his brother Ben, who is being held for ransom by a treasonous English baron—the man all of Britain knows as the Rake of Rakes. No matter how little Marianne wants to see her duplicitous ex-lover, the man responsible for the humiliating nickname the Boxing Baroness, St. John must convince her.
The first in a new series & it was well written with strong characters & a well paced story that took us on a journey from London, through France to an epilogue which saw the couple on an island. I loved that the author took some facts & wove them together in an improbable story. I loved both Marianne & Sin, their chemistry sizzled & their verbal banter a delight. I also loved how their preconceived ideas about each other were knocked on the head a they got to know each other. I loved their obstacle strewn journey to a HEA. The villain was horrid but did get his comeuppance. I also really liked both Sin’s & Marianne's friends & the relationships they developed, more to come on them I'm sure.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 31, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
Marianne Simpson has the looks and mannerisms of the educated lady she is, characteristics that don’t quite fit with her profession as a boxer in her uncle’s all female circus. When the flawlessly attractive St. John Powell, Duke of Staunton, becomes a presence in the front row of her fights, Marianne finds herself dangerously distracted by him. She knows she can’t work much longer in her dangerous profession, but it’s even more imperative that she keep up her fight against her attraction to the duke.
St. John Powell is intrigued by Marianne, but more than that he needs her help to rescue his younger brother, currently being held captive by a treasonous English baron known to be the worst of rakes. Marianne has no intention of ever crossing paths with her deceitful ex-lover again, especially since he’s the man who earned her the embarrassing nickname the Boxing Baroness, but St. John must convince her, even if it means employing less than gentlemanly tactics.
This book surprised me with how much I wound up enjoying it in the end. I found Marianne to be very off-putting at first and overly judgmental and petty, tarring every aristocrat with the same brush after a terrible experience with one despicable, titled man. Her nearly ceaseless sniping and constant expectation of the worst of him was uncalled for and got old fast, but fortunately, she did come to realize this flaw and take steps to correct it as she comes to know St. John and his friends. I’m still not sure I exactly found her likable, but I did like her character development. St. John also exhibited some lovely growth as his adventure with Marianne took him outside the bounds of his usual world. I loved that he wanted to be with her so badly and didn’t care about the scandal and I loved how things came together for these two and their friends when they faced and defeated the story’s villain, even though it wasn’t quite what I expected. What I didn’t like here was the long third act separation. Though thankfully it didn’t span very many pages, it was a year of the characters’ lives, and I am just never a fan of that in a love story, especially as the reasons for their separation were feeble and mostly made up in Marianne’s head. It made her seem a bit snobbish after all the disparaging remarks she’d previously made about the aristocracy. Otherwise, I loved the fact that St. John showed Marianne what a real, honorable man is like, because she’d had poor examples up to that point and they were a nice example of a relationship with compromise.
Other than those couple of features of which I was not a great fan, I enjoyed this story for how very different it was from the usual Regency romance. The author obviously put a great deal of research and effort into the work, and it shows. This is a series I will continue reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Marianne Simpson has the looks and mannerisms of the educated lady she is, characteristics that don’t quite fit with her profession as a boxer in her uncle’s all female circus. When the flawlessly attractive St. John Powell, Duke of Staunton, becomes a presence in the front row of her fights, Marianne finds herself dangerously distracted by him. She knows she can’t work much longer in her dangerous profession, but it’s even more imperative that she keep up her fight against her attraction to the duke.
St. John Powell is intrigued by Marianne, but more than that he needs her help to rescue his younger brother, currently being held captive by a treasonous English baron known to be the worst of rakes. Marianne has no intention of ever crossing paths with her deceitful ex-lover again, especially since he’s the man who earned her the embarrassing nickname the Boxing Baroness, but St. John must convince her, even if it means employing less than gentlemanly tactics.
This book surprised me with how much I wound up enjoying it in the end. I found Marianne to be very off-putting at first and overly judgmental and petty, tarring every aristocrat with the same brush after a terrible experience with one despicable, titled man. Her nearly ceaseless sniping and constant expectation of the worst of him was uncalled for and got old fast, but fortunately, she did come to realize this flaw and take steps to correct it as she comes to know St. John and his friends. I’m still not sure I exactly found her likable, but I did like her character development. St. John also exhibited some lovely growth as his adventure with Marianne took him outside the bounds of his usual world. I loved that he wanted to be with her so badly and didn’t care about the scandal and I loved how things came together for these two and their friends when they faced and defeated the story’s villain, even though it wasn’t quite what I expected. What I didn’t like here was the long third act separation. Though thankfully it didn’t span very many pages, it was a year of the characters’ lives, and I am just never a fan of that in a love story, especially as the reasons for their separation were feeble and mostly made up in Marianne’s head. It made her seem a bit snobbish after all the disparaging remarks she’d previously made about the aristocracy. Otherwise, I loved the fact that St. John showed Marianne what a real, honorable man is like, because she’d had poor examples up to that point and they were a nice example of a relationship with compromise.
Other than those couple of features of which I was not a great fan, I enjoyed this story for how very different it was from the usual Regency romance. The author obviously put a great deal of research and effort into the work, and it shows. This is a series I will continue reading.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
July 1, 2022
In 1815, Marianne Simpson is a boxer in her uncle’s women’s circus. St. John Powell, the Duke of Staunton, bribes Marianne for her help to rescue his missing brother, a soldier being held for ransom. Baron Strickland claims to need Staunton to bring Marianne to him before he helps to recover Staunton’s brother. Marianne and Strickland have a tumultuous history. Strickland created a scandal around her, and also gave her the humiliating nickname the Boxing Baroness.
Sin is critical of improper behavior and he’s especially critical of Marianne’s directness and comabtiveness. Sin resents having to rely on Strickland’s former whore to save his brother, especially because he and his government connections believe she and her uncle might be involved in something sinister just like Strickland was. She has a hatred of all aristocratic men after the lies the selfish and scheming baron told her.
This isn’t a straightforward romance. Strickland snuck a spy with secrets out of France that led to the death of British soldiers and the imprisonment of Sin’s brother. There are political intrigue, smuggling, treason, and spying elements to this story. It’s well written but a lot of conflicts on top of the intrigue and enemies to lovers: Napoleon’s return, Marianne’s parentage, romances for side characters etc. It grew more implausible as the story progressed all the way to the final rescue and reconciliation. Marianne and Sin are well developed characters with good chemistry, but it got lost in the last third of the story where one thing after another was thrown in that made it hard to suspend disbelief.
3.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley
Sin is critical of improper behavior and he’s especially critical of Marianne’s directness and comabtiveness. Sin resents having to rely on Strickland’s former whore to save his brother, especially because he and his government connections believe she and her uncle might be involved in something sinister just like Strickland was. She has a hatred of all aristocratic men after the lies the selfish and scheming baron told her.
This isn’t a straightforward romance. Strickland snuck a spy with secrets out of France that led to the death of British soldiers and the imprisonment of Sin’s brother. There are political intrigue, smuggling, treason, and spying elements to this story. It’s well written but a lot of conflicts on top of the intrigue and enemies to lovers: Napoleon’s return, Marianne’s parentage, romances for side characters etc. It grew more implausible as the story progressed all the way to the final rescue and reconciliation. Marianne and Sin are well developed characters with good chemistry, but it got lost in the last third of the story where one thing after another was thrown in that made it hard to suspend disbelief.
3.5 stars I received an arc from NetGalley
July 15, 2022
I would give this book somewhere between a 3.5 and 4 star rating. Marianne Simpson and the Duke of Staunton had wonderful dialogue throughout this book. The parts with the training sessions and boxing matches were written very well. The slow growing love between the Duke and Marianne was done so nicely. My only issue was that the story strayed so far away from the boxing part towards the end. There's also an unexpected twist in the end that was borderline unbelievable and for me took away a bit from the romance part of the story.
Apart from the ending, I did enjoy the rest of the book. There are a few side characters and two other romances going on in the background, which I think will be the books next in this series. Definitely a different book than the usual ton romances and worth reading for that experience!
Apart from the ending, I did enjoy the rest of the book. There are a few side characters and two other romances going on in the background, which I think will be the books next in this series. Definitely a different book than the usual ton romances and worth reading for that experience!
June 10, 2022
Required a liiiiiiiiiittle more suspension of disbelief than I was able to summon this week. (And not the boxing part! That was very believable.)
February 17, 2024
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via Edelweiss. This in no way impacted on my view.
Marianne Simpson has a racking right hook, but her reputation is through the floor. Known as the "Boxing Baroness" following her publicised affair with a disreputable baron. However, she uses her notoriety for her own gain, so when the handsome St. John Powell, Duke of Staunton, arrives at her uncle's circus, demanding to see her. Marianne is not about to let herself be drawn into another aristocrat, but when Sin reveals her former lover, Strickland, is still alive, and claims to know where Sin's missing brother is, but only if Marianne helps, she struggles to say no. Their journey isn't easy however, as war re-erupts in France, and Marianne and Sin grow closer against all the odds. Will they find the truth, before it's too late?
I've been putting off this book for so long. I read another of this author's books, Notorious, during the Covid lockdown, and had to DNF it as I hated the writing and characters. Even so, I decided to give the author another try, and am glad I did. Marianne was a wonderful main character, who was raised by her uncle following her mother's death. All she knew about her birth was that she had been born in France, and brought to England as a baby. As a spectacle in her uncle's circus, she was one of the first most female pugilists in the country, and her reputation as the Boxing Baroness helped to bring Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre into the public sphere. She had been hurt by Strickland, who convinced her to marry him, but it was all a lie, and he abandoned her to her notoriety. Because of this, she wanted to push away the saintly Lord Flawless, but being around him on a daily basis, she learnt just why his nickname was Sin. I felt like they weren't the perfect couple on paper, but they worked with each other so well, and it didn't matter their history or backgrounds. They supported each other, and were more than willing to tell the other when they were wrong. I'll definitely be continuing the series, as the other couples all had starring roles in this book, and I just know they have cracking stories to tell.
Marianne Simpson has a racking right hook, but her reputation is through the floor. Known as the "Boxing Baroness" following her publicised affair with a disreputable baron. However, she uses her notoriety for her own gain, so when the handsome St. John Powell, Duke of Staunton, arrives at her uncle's circus, demanding to see her. Marianne is not about to let herself be drawn into another aristocrat, but when Sin reveals her former lover, Strickland, is still alive, and claims to know where Sin's missing brother is, but only if Marianne helps, she struggles to say no. Their journey isn't easy however, as war re-erupts in France, and Marianne and Sin grow closer against all the odds. Will they find the truth, before it's too late?
I've been putting off this book for so long. I read another of this author's books, Notorious, during the Covid lockdown, and had to DNF it as I hated the writing and characters. Even so, I decided to give the author another try, and am glad I did. Marianne was a wonderful main character, who was raised by her uncle following her mother's death. All she knew about her birth was that she had been born in France, and brought to England as a baby. As a spectacle in her uncle's circus, she was one of the first most female pugilists in the country, and her reputation as the Boxing Baroness helped to bring Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre into the public sphere. She had been hurt by Strickland, who convinced her to marry him, but it was all a lie, and he abandoned her to her notoriety. Because of this, she wanted to push away the saintly Lord Flawless, but being around him on a daily basis, she learnt just why his nickname was Sin. I felt like they weren't the perfect couple on paper, but they worked with each other so well, and it didn't matter their history or backgrounds. They supported each other, and were more than willing to tell the other when they were wrong. I'll definitely be continuing the series, as the other couples all had starring roles in this book, and I just know they have cracking stories to tell.
April 7, 2023
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.
The Boxing Baroness by Minerva Spencer is the first book of the Wicked Women of Whitechapel. Marianne Simpson is a pugilist at her uncle’s circus, Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. When St. John Powell, the Duke of Staunton, begins to show up for all her performances and repeatedly requests to talk to her, she is reluctant to do so. St. John needs Marianne to help rescue his brother, who is being held for ransom by the man who wronged Marianne. Her former lover. Marianne and St. John do not get along at first, but soon the two find chemistry between them that is undeniable.
This is a super bonkers and fun historical romance that is inspired by real-life events. It was full of surprise mentions of real-life figures such as Napoleon! The whole cast of characters is so cool and likeable. I’m looking forward to continuing this series!
The Boxing Baroness by Minerva Spencer is the first book of the Wicked Women of Whitechapel. Marianne Simpson is a pugilist at her uncle’s circus, Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. When St. John Powell, the Duke of Staunton, begins to show up for all her performances and repeatedly requests to talk to her, she is reluctant to do so. St. John needs Marianne to help rescue his brother, who is being held for ransom by the man who wronged Marianne. Her former lover. Marianne and St. John do not get along at first, but soon the two find chemistry between them that is undeniable.
This is a super bonkers and fun historical romance that is inspired by real-life events. It was full of surprise mentions of real-life figures such as Napoleon! The whole cast of characters is so cool and likeable. I’m looking forward to continuing this series!
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August 12, 2022I really don’t know how to express my feelings about this book by rating it, and this is a good example of how the rating system can be tricky and not reflect the real feelings accurately enough. This was an enjoyable read, I had fun reading this book, but while there are quiet a few things I loved about it, some parts of the plot, mainly the romance, didn’t really work for me. There is so much going on in the story - spying, betrayals, hidden identities, traveling across Europe… that I felt the main characters went from disliking and distrust to lust and deeper feelings far too quickly, without much to truly bind them together, and because of that their romance wasn’t convincing.
It’s early 1815 and Marianne Simpson is working in her uncle’s circus, where all acts are done by women. Marianne’s a pugilist, she fights every week in brutal fights in front of the all-male audience, made mostly of aristocrats and other members of the higher society. St. John Powell, the powerful duke of Staunton begins to visit her fights and requests to meet with Marianne. Since her last bad experience with an aristocratic male, after which she got the nickname Boxing Baroness, Marianne doesn’t want anything to do with peers, and especially with the one all England calls lord Flawless, and who publicly stated his disapproval of generally all indecency, which definitely includes circuses that employ women pugilists. The duke wants Marianne’s help with a matter of great importance for him, and he’s ready to do anything to get the Boxing Baroness to help him, even join the circus on its tour on the Continent…
It took some time for me to get into the story, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. It’s well written ( this was my first read by this author, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style ), and touches very interesting subjects and parts of society unusual for historical romance. I definitely think that the strongest part of the story is in its middle part, after the troupe leaves for the Continent and Marianne and Sin start to warm up to one another.
I struggled with both main characters at different parts - Marianne frustrated me at the beginning, as I found her attitude a little bit too hostile and juvenile, but hey she is actually very young - not yet 21, so I accepted her behaviour as part of her character. She started to change soon, and I started to like her much more from then on. Sin, the nickname derived from his full name, St. John, which I thought was an awful nickname btw, was very inconsistent with how his character was presented at the beginning, that by the end it didn’t feel like he’s the same character - not in a way that he evolved, but that his personality was completely at odds with how he was first described.
I have to say that the way this book is advertised to the public - with the cover that screams Jane Austen’s Emma ( 2020 movie ), with the title and synopsis that promise a lot of boxing and performing in circus etc., was a bit misleading and confusing. At first it felt like this story is gonna read like Sarah MacLean meets Lorraine Heath, and I was really excited for it, but by last third of the story it all became too messy with a lot of new plots and discoveries thrown in suddenly. I’m really not a fan of using real historical figures as important characters in historical romances, so I disliked that part here too. I get that some of it was used as a device for the MC’s to get together later, which also felt unconvincing - it wasn’t elaborated and was definitely historically impossible.
However, all that said, I would recommend reading this book, as it really was fun and I was entertained by the story and the characters. Also, how other characters were set up as potential couples for future books definitely made me interested in reading them and I will stay tuned for any future books in this series!
I received a free copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review!
It’s early 1815 and Marianne Simpson is working in her uncle’s circus, where all acts are done by women. Marianne’s a pugilist, she fights every week in brutal fights in front of the all-male audience, made mostly of aristocrats and other members of the higher society. St. John Powell, the powerful duke of Staunton begins to visit her fights and requests to meet with Marianne. Since her last bad experience with an aristocratic male, after which she got the nickname Boxing Baroness, Marianne doesn’t want anything to do with peers, and especially with the one all England calls lord Flawless, and who publicly stated his disapproval of generally all indecency, which definitely includes circuses that employ women pugilists. The duke wants Marianne’s help with a matter of great importance for him, and he’s ready to do anything to get the Boxing Baroness to help him, even join the circus on its tour on the Continent…
It took some time for me to get into the story, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. It’s well written ( this was my first read by this author, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the writing style ), and touches very interesting subjects and parts of society unusual for historical romance. I definitely think that the strongest part of the story is in its middle part, after the troupe leaves for the Continent and Marianne and Sin start to warm up to one another.
I struggled with both main characters at different parts - Marianne frustrated me at the beginning, as I found her attitude a little bit too hostile and juvenile, but hey she is actually very young - not yet 21, so I accepted her behaviour as part of her character. She started to change soon, and I started to like her much more from then on. Sin, the nickname derived from his full name, St. John, which I thought was an awful nickname btw, was very inconsistent with how his character was presented at the beginning, that by the end it didn’t feel like he’s the same character - not in a way that he evolved, but that his personality was completely at odds with how he was first described.
I have to say that the way this book is advertised to the public - with the cover that screams Jane Austen’s Emma ( 2020 movie ), with the title and synopsis that promise a lot of boxing and performing in circus etc., was a bit misleading and confusing. At first it felt like this story is gonna read like Sarah MacLean meets Lorraine Heath, and I was really excited for it, but by last third of the story it all became too messy with a lot of new plots and discoveries thrown in suddenly. I’m really not a fan of using real historical figures as important characters in historical romances, so I disliked that part here too. I get that some of it was used as a device for the MC’s to get together later, which also felt unconvincing - it wasn’t elaborated and was definitely historically impossible.
However, all that said, I would recommend reading this book, as it really was fun and I was entertained by the story and the characters. Also, how other characters were set up as potential couples for future books definitely made me interested in reading them and I will stay tuned for any future books in this series!
I received a free copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review!
July 7, 2022
5 stars
A great story a bit improbable in places but not impossible. The descriptions of Marianne's fitness schedule and fights were very visceral. St John's original dislike morphs into respect and then love. As it's the first in the series we meet some of the other heros and heroines, Blade & Eliot sound delightful.
I'm in for the series and I would recommend you check it out as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A great story a bit improbable in places but not impossible. The descriptions of Marianne's fitness schedule and fights were very visceral. St John's original dislike morphs into respect and then love. As it's the first in the series we meet some of the other heros and heroines, Blade & Eliot sound delightful.
I'm in for the series and I would recommend you check it out as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 15, 2022
2.5 stars - Historical Romance
November 4, 2022
I read a sample of this book which initially caught my attention and piqued my interest and made me want to read more.
There are two central characters in the book, first of all theres Marianne Simpson, 'generously' taken in by her Uncle Baranabus when she was very young. Despite being a performer and showman of little means and wealth her Uncle sent her to a posh finishing school Miss Nolans Academy for young ladies in an attempt to give her a good start in life. Sadly when Marianne becomes emotionally involved with Baron Dominic Strickland and marries him he does the dirty on her when it turns out he is already married! Marianne returns to her Uncle and his show. He runs a group of female acts collectively called Farnhams Fantastical Female Fayre. Marianne ends up training to be a female boxer or pugilist as it is called in the book.
Marianne is really good at boxing too though her notoriety thanks to Baron Strickland is a constant shadow over her, people don't forget quickly, and when she can't shake it off Marianne works with her nickname of the Boxing Baroness. Marianne is kick butt, straight forward, honest and isn't afraid to voice her opinion. She doesn't take well to the unwanted and persistent attention she is getting from Lord Flawless the other central character. His correct title the Duke of Staunton, but whose nicknames are Flawless, Lord of Flawless and Duke of Flawless. The Duke starts showing an interest in Marianne, turning up to watch her box, sending notes to Marianne. Determined to ignore the Duke's notes she just throws away without even opening them. What on earth could he want with her that she is willing to go along with? She doesn't want to be his Mistress, she wants to be left alone.
Things change when they get together to deal with their common enemy Baron Dominic Strickland. Strickland has sent word he knows where the Duke's missing brother Benjamin is but he will only meet to discuss/divulge this information to the Duke is if Marianne is present.
This ends up with the Duke and two of his friends going undercover at Farnhams Fayre. Initially making these posh men do manual labour amuses Marianne, then she starts having feelings for the Duke, whom she cannot avoid as he is masquerading as her trainer.
Theres lots of detail, mystery and intrigue in this book. The plot certainly keeps you on your toes. Theres the mystery of why Baron Strickland wants to see Marianne, then theres the conundrum of who Mariannes biological parents are. Of course theres some romance between the undercover toffs and some of the women of Farnhams Fayre. The most sizzling moments being between Marianne and the Duke of Staunton, or Sin as his inner circle call him. He certainly turns into a sin that Marianne has great difficulty resisting even when she knows when they inevitably part ways she will be the one with the shattered heart.
Theres lots of preconceptions in the book, Sin, and his friends Guy and Elliot think they can easily do the manual labour required of them whilst they are undercover, it turns out to be harder than they think. They may begin looking down and pitying these women but as they work alongside them they come to respect how hard these women trade and work.
Theres quite a few surprises for Marianne to discover about her heritage. I did kind of guess her mother's identity just before it was revealed and then the grand surprise/shock/reveal of her biological father. Theres plenty of action, plot intrigue, mystery, and some betrayal to be revealed along the way too.
Although some things are wrapped up in this book I have discovered it is just the first book in a series called The Wild Women of Whitechapel. The Boxing Baroness is described as a 'witty Regency historical romance' and to be totally honest no where in the region of my usual genre book style but i really did enjoy it and it honestly made me want to read more by Minerva Spencer especially this series. I already feel intrigued by the sample excerpt I read at the end of this book about the Duelling Duchess Cecile Tremblays story......
There are two central characters in the book, first of all theres Marianne Simpson, 'generously' taken in by her Uncle Baranabus when she was very young. Despite being a performer and showman of little means and wealth her Uncle sent her to a posh finishing school Miss Nolans Academy for young ladies in an attempt to give her a good start in life. Sadly when Marianne becomes emotionally involved with Baron Dominic Strickland and marries him he does the dirty on her when it turns out he is already married! Marianne returns to her Uncle and his show. He runs a group of female acts collectively called Farnhams Fantastical Female Fayre. Marianne ends up training to be a female boxer or pugilist as it is called in the book.
Marianne is really good at boxing too though her notoriety thanks to Baron Strickland is a constant shadow over her, people don't forget quickly, and when she can't shake it off Marianne works with her nickname of the Boxing Baroness. Marianne is kick butt, straight forward, honest and isn't afraid to voice her opinion. She doesn't take well to the unwanted and persistent attention she is getting from Lord Flawless the other central character. His correct title the Duke of Staunton, but whose nicknames are Flawless, Lord of Flawless and Duke of Flawless. The Duke starts showing an interest in Marianne, turning up to watch her box, sending notes to Marianne. Determined to ignore the Duke's notes she just throws away without even opening them. What on earth could he want with her that she is willing to go along with? She doesn't want to be his Mistress, she wants to be left alone.
Things change when they get together to deal with their common enemy Baron Dominic Strickland. Strickland has sent word he knows where the Duke's missing brother Benjamin is but he will only meet to discuss/divulge this information to the Duke is if Marianne is present.
This ends up with the Duke and two of his friends going undercover at Farnhams Fayre. Initially making these posh men do manual labour amuses Marianne, then she starts having feelings for the Duke, whom she cannot avoid as he is masquerading as her trainer.
Theres lots of detail, mystery and intrigue in this book. The plot certainly keeps you on your toes. Theres the mystery of why Baron Strickland wants to see Marianne, then theres the conundrum of who Mariannes biological parents are. Of course theres some romance between the undercover toffs and some of the women of Farnhams Fayre. The most sizzling moments being between Marianne and the Duke of Staunton, or Sin as his inner circle call him. He certainly turns into a sin that Marianne has great difficulty resisting even when she knows when they inevitably part ways she will be the one with the shattered heart.
Theres lots of preconceptions in the book, Sin, and his friends Guy and Elliot think they can easily do the manual labour required of them whilst they are undercover, it turns out to be harder than they think. They may begin looking down and pitying these women but as they work alongside them they come to respect how hard these women trade and work.
Theres quite a few surprises for Marianne to discover about her heritage. I did kind of guess her mother's identity just before it was revealed and then the grand surprise/shock/reveal of her biological father. Theres plenty of action, plot intrigue, mystery, and some betrayal to be revealed along the way too.
Although some things are wrapped up in this book I have discovered it is just the first book in a series called The Wild Women of Whitechapel. The Boxing Baroness is described as a 'witty Regency historical romance' and to be totally honest no where in the region of my usual genre book style but i really did enjoy it and it honestly made me want to read more by Minerva Spencer especially this series. I already feel intrigued by the sample excerpt I read at the end of this book about the Duelling Duchess Cecile Tremblays story......
June 15, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC!
There are no specific spoilers in this review, but if you want a recommendation with no context: if you like Spencer’s style, Evie Dunmore’s feminist novels, and/or regency romances - give this a try!!!
Moving on…
First, Minerva Spencer can write a love scene.
Second, this was interesting, but maybe a little too involved. It was more historical than I expected - which isn’t bad! - but the ending felt rushed and out of place due to allllllll of the things that happened.
Third, the beginning was a little rough on representation of gender and body type - “women always X” and/or “women never look like Y.” I liked that the protagonist was muscular (she had my body type I think, based on the descriptions!) but the early descriptions feel very “Oh wow okay I guess I AM into muscular women. Who knew I could like such a gross, not womanly body type?” which felt… not great. She was also consistently called “mannish” and misgendered by random people which… felt very binaristic.
And it could have gone unsaid - the Duke could have just been like, “wow I love her” and not been so… surprised. Like yeah, muscles can be hot? There’s nothing wrong with being “mannish” and that sort of wins, so I ended up okay with it, but I was sketched out for a minute - if the point was to disrupt the beauty standard, I think we can go without extreme gender essentialism. At first (though it does improve!) it reads like the Duke overcomes her “mannish” appearance, but that this is still overall a negative look because man=man and woman=woman.
(and yes, I know this is a period novel but… it’s fiction and many of the things they say/do aren’t real. my dude could have just been into muscles without constant gender negotiation)
HOWEVER. After that slight irritant, I had a great time with this: hence the 4 star review. I also am reading early, so maybe it’ll come out of the final book.
I will definitely keep reading this series!!
There are no specific spoilers in this review, but if you want a recommendation with no context: if you like Spencer’s style, Evie Dunmore’s feminist novels, and/or regency romances - give this a try!!!
Moving on…
First, Minerva Spencer can write a love scene.
Second, this was interesting, but maybe a little too involved. It was more historical than I expected - which isn’t bad! - but the ending felt rushed and out of place due to allllllll of the things that happened.
Third, the beginning was a little rough on representation of gender and body type - “women always X” and/or “women never look like Y.” I liked that the protagonist was muscular (she had my body type I think, based on the descriptions!) but the early descriptions feel very “Oh wow okay I guess I AM into muscular women. Who knew I could like such a gross, not womanly body type?” which felt… not great. She was also consistently called “mannish” and misgendered by random people which… felt very binaristic.
And it could have gone unsaid - the Duke could have just been like, “wow I love her” and not been so… surprised. Like yeah, muscles can be hot? There’s nothing wrong with being “mannish” and that sort of wins, so I ended up okay with it, but I was sketched out for a minute - if the point was to disrupt the beauty standard, I think we can go without extreme gender essentialism. At first (though it does improve!) it reads like the Duke overcomes her “mannish” appearance, but that this is still overall a negative look because man=man and woman=woman.
(and yes, I know this is a period novel but… it’s fiction and many of the things they say/do aren’t real. my dude could have just been into muscles without constant gender negotiation)
HOWEVER. After that slight irritant, I had a great time with this: hence the 4 star review. I also am reading early, so maybe it’ll come out of the final book.
I will definitely keep reading this series!!
December 30, 2022
(rounded up from 2.75)
Somehow this story never really caught my interest. Much of it was quite predictable (although I certainly hadn’t anticipated the whole “return of Napoleon” situation because I don’t know my French history in that much detail).
I did like the main character, Marianne, and also enjoyed the various side characters, but the plot was both lacking and a bit convoluted. The most interesting parts were those that took place in the “circus”, especially Marianne’s preparations for and recovery from her boxing bouts. The trek across parts of France brought home the difficulties of travel in those days. We take for granted how quickly and easily we can get from one place to another now (when the weather and the airlines aren’t messing things up, at any rate).
The author supposedly based this on a real-life “Boxing Baroness” but the author’s note made it clear that this was simply a nickname for a real person who wound up as a drunk who fought with the local police (or something to that effect). This was profoundly disappointing, giving lie to the publisher’s blurb.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, although I was rather late to it. I bounced between the ARC and the published audiobook, courtesy of my public library. The narrator, Clare Staniforth, did a good job with the various voices and accents.
Somehow this story never really caught my interest. Much of it was quite predictable (although I certainly hadn’t anticipated the whole “return of Napoleon” situation because I don’t know my French history in that much detail).
I did like the main character, Marianne, and also enjoyed the various side characters, but the plot was both lacking and a bit convoluted. The most interesting parts were those that took place in the “circus”, especially Marianne’s preparations for and recovery from her boxing bouts. The trek across parts of France brought home the difficulties of travel in those days. We take for granted how quickly and easily we can get from one place to another now (when the weather and the airlines aren’t messing things up, at any rate).
The author supposedly based this on a real-life “Boxing Baroness” but the author’s note made it clear that this was simply a nickname for a real person who wound up as a drunk who fought with the local police (or something to that effect). This was profoundly disappointing, giving lie to the publisher’s blurb.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book, although I was rather late to it. I bounced between the ARC and the published audiobook, courtesy of my public library. The narrator, Clare Staniforth, did a good job with the various voices and accents.
September 23, 2022
I won this book from the publisher. I enjoyed it but there was a lot going on. Not your typical historical romance. There is a female boxer named Marianne and her uncle owns the circus that she travels with. A handsome Duke is expressing interest in her and I love that she just throws away his letters. She wants nothing to do with him expecting that he just wants a mistress or something. Well, she is the key to maybe getting his brother back and she doesn't know it. Now he has to convince her to come with him to save his family. And of course love blossoms as they make the journey and the longer they are together. When it is all over though she knows they cannot be together because of his status in society. I am looking forward to the next book.
"...was there anything more intimate than laughing with one's lover after making love?"
"...was there anything more intimate than laughing with one's lover after making love?"
October 4, 2024
This is the 1st book in the Wild Women of Whitechapel series but it was the last one I read in the series. After finishing the series, I have to say that I wish I had read them in order as the 3 books have some overlapping moments. However, that is a me problem and not a problem with the book at all.
The Boxing Baroness is a female pugilist who is working with Lord Flawless (a duke who speaks out against immorality). Lord Flawless and his 2 best friends have to go under cover and travel with an all female circus (the acts are female, they have men working behind the scenes). Overall, this was an interesting read and it had some very steamy moments.
Now that I've finished this series, any Minerva Spencer fans want to tell me what series of hers I need to read next?
The Boxing Baroness is a female pugilist who is working with Lord Flawless (a duke who speaks out against immorality). Lord Flawless and his 2 best friends have to go under cover and travel with an all female circus (the acts are female, they have men working behind the scenes). Overall, this was an interesting read and it had some very steamy moments.
Now that I've finished this series, any Minerva Spencer fans want to tell me what series of hers I need to read next?
October 26, 2022
Marianne Simpson is a lady boxer performing with Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre. St. John Powell, Duke of Staunton, Duke of Flawless, His Grace of Flawless and Flawless, is fascinated by Marianne. Marianne feels the same about the duke. Their lives will intertwine in blackmail with a letter and a locket and a world torn apart by the man who escapes from Elba. A slow burn, passionate affair between a lady boxer with a mysterious past and a duke willing to let go of his flawless. This book was a journey that lead in a totally unexpected direction.
Heat level 5
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Heat level 5
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
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