The Boxing Baroness: A Witty Regency Historical Romance

Minerva Spencer

Oct 2022 · Wicked Women of Whitechapel Book 1 · Kensington Books

About this ebook

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.

“Swooningly romantic, sizzling sensual…superbly realized.” – Booklist STARRED REVIEW
 
A Library Journal Best Book of 2022
A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books Romance Selection
A Booklist Top 10 Romance of the Year

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 . . .
 
“An outstanding romance based in part on a real historical figure… This is sure to wow.” – Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

Ratings and reviews

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.

After her duplicitous ex-lover ruined her, Marianne joined a circus as the Boxing Baroness. St. John Powell, Duke of Staunton, convinces her she's the only one who can bring a kidnapper to justice. During a dangerous flight across France, can Marianne and St. John stay alive long enough to fall in love? I enjoyed the complex storyline, the well-constructed characters, and the unexpected plot twists. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.

About the author

Minerva Spencer was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She has lived in Canada, the US, Europe, Africa, and Mexico. After receiving her M.A. in Latin American History from The University of Houston she taught American History for five years before going to law school. She was a prosecutor and labor lawyer before purchasing a bed and breakfast in Taos, NM, where she lives with her husband and dozens of rescue animals.