I really enjoyed Marianne and St. John's story. It was fun getting to know these two away from the eyes of the ton and watching their story unfold.

I've been a Minerva Spencer fan since I read her first book and remain steadfast after this newest addition to her books! I love that she handles nobles, lords and ladies with as much skill as she does those not so noble. Her style is lush and her stories always keep me reading on!

I do love this new series with its quirky heroines - a focus on a different part of 'society'. Well done!

The Boxing Baroness sounded an interesting book as it appeared to contain many unique and interesting elements involving the historical romance genre. There is an all female circus with a female athlete/boxer (Boxing Baroness because she was married to a Baron for a while). Whilst the writing was solid, the plot required a rather large leap of faith (and that was not involving the boxing element as one might first suspect).

“I know that you sent me to school hoping that I could find respectable work, but if nobody would hire me as a governess before I started boxing, they’re hardly likely to do so now that I’m the Boxing Baroness, are they?”

This book was one of those quick flick reads that gave flashbacks to the ol’ Mills & Boon bodice ripping tales. As mentioned, the plot is rather crazy even though it appeared straightforward. I ventured into the read thinking the boxing aspect would be the element ‘outside the box’. Not so. It was secret identities - both strange and surreal - of characters including Napoleon Bonaparte and the exiled King of Sweden that left me perplexed. There is no doubt that the writer is talented with a good cast of characters and whipping dialogue inclusive of many steamy romantic moments.

“Perhaps being raised in a circus, by Barnabas, was more of a blessing than I thought.”

I commended Minerva for writing a unique historical romance. There is a large portion of the story that is factual and will have you racing to Google to learn more. This book though will not be to everyone's tastes due to its less than conventional storyline and stepping outside the usual genre. Still, sampling this author may prove entertaining and worth your while.





This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

This book begins during a lull in the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon actually appears as a character in the book, when two of the main characters meet with him while he is imprisoned on the island of Elba. Elba was cold and windy and his health was affected by the island and the terms of his imprisonment.

There are several romances brewing, but in this book, the main romance is between an uptight, upright Duke and Marianne Simpson, who is a boxer in her uncle's travelling circus. I liked Marianne, whose life has been a series of misfortunes. She was raised as a lady, attended finishing school, married a titled man, and is now boxing in a circus. The marriage turned out to be fake along with so much else she had taken for granted. She is doing real boxing - the kind where she receives blows to the head, bruises and the occasional cracked rib. Another favorite character of mine is Blade, a woman who is deadly with a knife. I expect to see her and other characters later in this series. The Duke needs Marianne's help in rescuing a relative - but he has nothing that she needs. Or so she thinks.

Other than the romance and the unusual characters, I also recommend it for the historical background. It takes place in the time periods before and after Napoleon's escape from the island of Elba. I received a copy of this book from the publisher Kensington Books via NetGalley. It was a pleasure to voluntarily read and review this book.

Wickedly cool premise centering on a female boxer and the duke who (it's a long, slow burn) falls in love with her.

If a unique premise for a slow burn, road trip, enemies to lovers, secrets galore romance is your catnip, I highly recommend The Boxing Baroness (and I'll be definitely checking out the other Wild Women of Whitechapel books).

A fun read, a little long winded in places though. Took me a while to get through.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts are my own and are freely given.

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.

I love watching Regency era TV shows, so I thought I would try this out.

Sadly, it just wasn't for me. I enjoyed the writing style, but it was just too weird for me.
Don't get me wrong, I love women in this era bucking the system, but the whole boxing thing didn't work for me. I also felt like it was too long even though it was a relatively short book. It might have been ok as a novella.

Minerva Spencer is a wonderful author, but her books are a bit hit-or-miss with me. After reading this book, I’ve realized that it comes down to how likeable the characters are because her writing is always on point. Fortunately, both MCs in this book (as well as the secondary characters introduced) were all endearing and easy to cheer for. I’m looking forward to book two, but especially eager for book three (assuming the MCs are who I think they will be)!

St John Powell (Sin to his close friends, “Lord Flawless” to the gossip-loving ton) is a typical adorably uptight hero who falls hard for the not-at-all-appropriate-duchess-material heroine. He wants to do the right thing no matter the situation, which gets tricky when he’s not able to control everything around him in the way he’s used to. Oh, and he blushes. A LOT.

The heroine, Marianne is… awesome. She’s basically my unicorn historical heroine: experienced and sex-positive in a believable way for the time period. Also, she’s badass. Did I mention she has abs?

The story takes place during the small Regency window where Napoleon has been exiled to Elba and everyone thinks the fighting is over. Unfortunately, us readers know that is not true! At the start of the book, the fair/circus that Marianne boxes in is preparing to tour the continent now that travel is possible again… Eep. Luckily, St John and two of his sequel-bait friends are along for the ride disguised as scruffy circus employees (...and Sin has ginger-scruff. Oh my.)

The Boxing Baroness is quite a romp with a bit of everything including-but-not-limited-to danger, intrigue, amazing chemistry, sexy sexy-times, feminism, road trips, fish-out-of-water heroes, mysterious letters, dastardly bad guy plots, and talking ravens.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Minerva Spencer knows how to take an interesting factual tid-bit and breathe new and fresh life. The whole concept for this series was definitely a huge drawing point for me. Who does not want to read about a female boxer (especially because this is inspired by a real person)? Spencer's writing is well executed, I felt like the pacing to be moderate and what to be expected from a straight forward historical. I think this novel shines with interesting characters and situations that are not often explored in a historical romance (which is something that Spencer does really nicely). I would definitely say if this plot intrigues you then you should for sure give this novel a chance, I think you will find it interesting and fun.

This novel is sold as an opposites attract, forced proximity romance with banter and heat and I think Minerva Spencer delivers on all fronts. Marianne is a magnetic and educated young woman who has a career as a boxer in her uncle's circus. She starts to find herself distracted by a Duke who keeps on showing up for her performances. St. John-Sin, needs her help in order to rescue his brother from a treasonous baron, who is an ex-lover of Marianne's.

This is a unique and interesting looking into another aspect of the regency-English world. I really enjoyed Spencer's feminist characters and a world in which these women have a different agency for themselves and how they survive in the world. Spencer has a way of bringing to life bold heroine's who stand up for themselves and are not ashamed of the choices they have made. I really enjoyed Marianne as the heroine, she is unashamed, takes matters into her own hand, is quick witted and can think quickly on her toes. The banter between her and Sin is an absolute delight and really elevates their relationship nicely. It is definitely fun watching Marianne and Sin go toe to toe with each other, as well as learn to work together. Spencer also does a really beautiful job with the physical relationship between these two. They enter into it mutually and with understanding and through their physical explorations they are able to gain more openness and trust between each other. Spencer knows how to ramp up the sensuality and keep the flame of chemistry burning throughout. I love that both Marianne and Sin learn to be honest with each other, as well as give each other the proper space they might need when coming to decisions about their futures, they never feel like they are getting in the others way or enforcing their desires upon the other, which I found to be refreshing.

I would say to definitely check this out if you are looking for a more unique historical romance with delightful characters and interesting plot lines. Minerva Spencer is definitely a author you should check out and explore! I am so looking forward to the continuation of this series with the next installment-The Dueling Duchess.

There's plenty to love in this book: an unusual heroine, a mix of fact and fictions, a well plotted story, an interesting romance, and an arch-villain.
I loved these elements but I would have preferred a faster pace as it is very slow at times.
The author is talented and, with a faster pace, this would have been a five star.
Even if I struggled a bit at times it was an enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

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......

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.

DNF at 44%

Listen, does this book have an absolutely fantastic concept? Yes. Do I enjoy both halves of the couple being introduced in this book? Also yes. Can I deal with how absolutely glacial the pace of this book is? No.

There is a lot that I really like about The Boxing Baroness - an unconventional heroine, a spy narrative, good banter, and steamy encounters. However, the pace is just absolutely killing me with how slow, drawn out, and repetitive it is. Once I realized that I was skimming just to move ahead a little faster, I realized that it was time to stop reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Thanks to Kensington Books, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

I am a little late with this review due to illness, but I am so glad I finished it. Marianne is just the sort of unconventional heroine I love, and St John is so delightfully uptight in the beginning and unwillingly falls so besottedly in love with his Boxing Baroness that I loved this book from the beginning,

All the characters are interesting (I can't wait for the next book) and the storyline is elaborate and compelling. I loved everything about it.

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.

This book has a unique plot and I loved that idea of it. I love the fact that this book features an enemies-to-lovers romance between a female boxer and a duke. They had such great chemistry and I loved that they were in forced proximity. This story had so many layers to the story and so much going on that it felt overwhelming at times and it felt like the romance wasn't the most prominent part of the novel.

Thank you to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to review THE BOXING BARONESS by Minerva Spencer.

Loved the title, which was perfect. The baroness worked for her Uncle as a pugilist and would box in the ring for money.

This is a historical fiction set in 1815 England during the Regency era.

The Baroness is asked by Staunton for help after she refuses to see him. She is recovering from the betrayal of the Rake of Rakes when Staunton approaches her. Staunton needs help in finding his brother and believes that the baroness can help.

This novel is by a new to me author.

I was thrilled to receive Minerva Spencer’s last novel ‘The Boxing Baroness’ and I loved it. It reminded me of her first book ‘Dangerous’ in The Outcast series, for its attention to detail and two strong willed characters. Marianne Simpson is a boxer in her uncle’s circus, Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. When Sin, the Duke of Staunton known also as St. John Powell begins turning up at her shows, she finds herself dangerously distracted by the powerful peer’s mysterious presence. The man known as Lord Flawless wants her to help him rescue his brother, who is being held ransom, by her ex-husband. She is drawn into assisting him, in part because of her ex-husband but more so, because of her attraction to him. As they begin the journey to the location demanded by the Baron, their attraction turns into so much more.
The story is well delivered and paced, exploring the mystery behind Marianne’s background as the couple. The dialogue between Marianne and Sin was very witty and entertaining and did not abate, despite their relationship going from one of distrust to love. Their friends added another dimension to the story, and I am looking forward to the next addition in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Boxing Baroness definitely packed a punch for me. I loved Marianne’s spunk. I was never a historical romance person and then I read Notorious from then on hooked. I love the story with mystery and romance and trying to figure out who was a spy( not who I thought!!) i can’t wait for the next installment about Cecile . I did really like that fact there’s a small bit of truth to this story as well

That was some crazy ride! I really enjoyed this one but it was the most wtf book I've read and that counts the "Gorilla Twins" book as well... (IYNYN)

Marianne, that's our heroine, she's a female boxer, working at the family circus, owned by her uncle Barnabas (the name... yeah...) where one day our Duke Hero, appears.. (And he's hot, no surprise there). He asks her to join him, scratch that, demands it, so he could rescue his supposedly dead brother from the clutches of her ex-lover/fake husband.
After a long series of hotness and extortions, she finally accepts to join him, with the cover of the circus but with the condition he'll make himself and his 2 (also single and hot) friends, useful. So a Duke, a Marquess and a son of an Earl/Spy of some kind, join the circus.

Like I said this book is completely bananas! The one twist was even more WTF from the previous one, especially concerning out heroine. But at the same time it was romantic and funny. There were 2 secondary love stories cooking, a talking raven, and the writer set up the next books. There was also a very "did they really do that" love scene (underwater bj who?). It was a very enjoyable reading. I'm looking forward for the next one (there was an excerpt in my ARC, it's gonna be bananas as well) and especially for the 3rd one, Elliot and Blade all the way

I received eARC copies from Edelweiss and NetGalley, these are my honest opinions.