This was fun but I think I am not a huge fan of historical romances these days. It was a bit over the top for me.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Minerva Spencer

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Cecile Tremblay, once a markswoman in a London circus, finds herself entangled with Gaius Darlington, the Darling of the Ton, after rejecting his advances and discovering his engagement to another woman, a year prior to the start of this story.

When circumstances bring them together again in London, Cecile agrees to help Gaius learn the value of honest work and proper treatment of women. As they navigate misunderstandings and societal expectations, Gaius is faced with losing his title and property to a long-lost heir, while trying to win back Cecile's trust and love.

"The Dueling Duchess" is the second in this series by Minerva Spencer.

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

The Dueling Duchess was a fun, feminist Regency romance novel. I enjoyed the original characters and setting (sharpshooters! A circus!) as well as the dialogue and quickly-moving plot. I look forward to reading other entries in this series. Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the advance copy.

The Dueling Duchess is the second in Minerva Spencer’s Regency-era romance series The Wicked Women of Whitechapel. The book tells the story of Cecile Tremblay, who lost everything in the French Revolution and now works as a markswoman in an all-female circus. Spencer’s series features strong women triumphing over difficult circumstances, eschewing the aid of a handsome lover. The love scenes are suitable for those who prefer their romance more smutty than chaste, and the historical details are compelling. Readers who missed the first in the series may enjoy this one even more than returnees, since there’s an awful lot of recapping of The Boxing Baroness. Read this if you enjoy Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas or Megan Hampton.

This is not your usual historical romance. The heroine, Cecile, is an expert with a pistol, and owns a circus where women are most of the performers. Cecily and Guy are both older, in their 30's. They had met in the first book, and Guy let her down when he decided to try to find a rich woman to marry. He had a title but no money to support the estate. Cecily had been an employee at the circus at the time.

Now the tables have turned. Cecile is now the owner of the circus. Guy is no longer a duke, and is looking for a job. Cecile really tests him with the jobs that she gives him, but he persists. The part of the book I most enjoyed was when Cecile revealed some of the secrets she had been hiding.

This is the second book in the series. I recommend reading the first book before reading this one, or re-reading it if it has been a while. I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed it.

🎪So the Circus Gals with their Aristocratic Hot Guys are back for another crazy ride (there are rides there I assure you)

🎪After being a complete asshole and going off to get engaged with a heiress, Guy the Darling of the Ton, loses his title and once again joins the circus. Except this time, he's not incognito, everybody knows who he is with all that comes with it..
Some interesting things about this one:

🎠His cock perks up when she's about to shoot him (blindfolded). What kind of kink is that? He also gets bitten at the ass by our favourite talking raven, Angus.

🎪The superior version of "Who did this to you?" which is he knows and threatens the attacker to rip him piece by piece. (She actually shot the attacker a few seconds later 🤭)

🎄Pinning.. So much pinning...Oh the pines 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲These two were that deep into one other that they could lit up the pines. So....🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

🎪Overall was a pleasant read, but like the previous one had many things going on at the same time and I wanted to know what happened and how. I've read the next one as well (review to come) and they did not get resolved. For example what happend to Cecil's lover? Did Guy's hooked up with the guy that bought their property? Who knows?

Minerva Spencer writes feminist and witty heroines. A well written dialogue with a strong heroine. These characters frustrated me a little more that I would have liked.

I love Minerva Spencer's book because there is always a deeper story behind each of these women. Cecile and Gaius' story was fun, gravelling and an excellent mystery.

I can't wait to hear about Blade's love story next.

I was highly entertained while reading this story. Imagine a duke who is no longer a duke because he is not officially the next in line.

Cecile, who was burned by Gaius when he thought he had to marry for his family, insults her and leaves her behind.

This is a second-chance romance with some razzle-dazzle. I loved it

I adored Gaius and Cecile's story! So many ups and down between the two of them. But they got their HEA!!

I lost myself in this book as it was a great escape read. I loved the characters and their banter as well as the storyline.
Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really like Minerva Spencer, but I'm on the fence about this series. The plotlines are unlike anything I've ever read (the books take place in a travelling circus! with hidden royalty!), but they also feel sort of meandering and convoluted.

I'm not sure how I feel about The Dueling Duchess, if I'm being honest. It took me a long time to get through this one, and at nearly 400 pages it isn't much of a surprise as to why. However, I think that the complicated storyline just got in the author's way. The characters were lovely, mostly because Minerva Spencer always creates such complex, interesting characters (that she loves to torture!). Still, the excellent character development wasn't enough to hold my attention all of the time.

I think if you are a fan of this author and you enjoyed the first book in the series, you should give this one a try. Just know you are in for a journey.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

The concept instantly had me interested, however I think this one was far too dragged out for me. Parts about the circus had me reading nonstop, some parts were boring and I had to force myself to skim even. I loved the all female circus with awesome women, the romance just didn’t interest me really. The hero was boring to me and I just opulent get into him. The story overall is okay and some parts are great but there are times when I just didn’t care about the story or characters.

Cecile and Guy were lovers in book one. Now a year has passed since Cecile left him after he asked her to be his mistress instead of his wife. At the time, Guy needed a rich and titled wife to save his estate and care for his family. Now, an unknown cousin has appeared claiming his title so he feels free to marry Cecile. Start the groveling! After some back and forth in time setting up the plot, sharpshooter Cecile is now the owner of the all female circus in book one. Guy asks for a job and Cecile takes the opportunity to give him the worst jobs she can think of. Including be shot at, having knives thrown at him, and some disgusting cleaning. A little different from the usual romance is they've each had lovers since their last meeting. Even so, this is a closed door romance. A little slow at times, it's all about Guy seeking forgiveness from a hurt Cecile. Throw in the French Revolution, family secrets and a little orphan girl. Overall I enjoyed it and am looking forward to Blade's (the knife thrower's) story.

Minerva Spencer's The Wicked Women of Whitechapel has been such a fun and unique series. Spencer has a boldness to her plotting that gives each of her historical romances a feeling of newness and sensuality that is not always found in the mainstream. Spencer's writing is bold, engaging and sexy. Her character are intriguing, well rounded and perfectly imperfect. The Dueling Duchess is the second installment in this series which gives tale to a group of strong and independent women who make their own way in the world and do it with grace, cunning and strength.

This novel is a second chance romance between our hero and heroine, who have a sensual past, but they are torn apart by some miscommunication. I really enjoyed the way in which Spencer weaves this tale, the time line of their romance is told in parts which brings a really lovely clarity to the novel and keeps the storytelling out of flashbacks, which are not always my favorite. This plotting also helps to really show the audience the deep rooted feelings these two have for each other. Spencer is also a historical must read if you like your novels on the more sensual side, her characters are sexuality liberated, do not judge each other for this, and really embrace the physicality of their relationships.

If you are in the mood for not your typically historical romance, you will not be disappointed with Minerva Spencer and The Dueling Duchess is a delightfully delicious addition to her works.

I had a hard time connecting with the characters and the time jumps. Someone would love this but alas, I am not the one.

This series has been such a joy to read. I love the characters and the all female circus.

The Dueling Duchess follows Cecile and Guy Darlington. It starts off a year after the events of the first book and flashes back to their affair at that time.

Guy and Cecile have amazing chemistry, and the steamy parts are fantastic. I love that he has to humble himself and grovel for her forgiveness. This book is really so very good.

I can't wait for the next one. I'm so intrigued by Josephine and Elliott.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

What woman wouldn’t fall for the Darling of the Ton? Darlington was always the prize of the ton, then he was a Duke, then simply Darlington… but nothing could change his appeal. This story held all of his appeal. Cecile and Guy are the perfect match. They give each other a merry chase in this story, from past to present. Add in the delightful street urchin, Cat to bring in the surprising Parent Trap twist and you get all the found family joy. This was a sweet touch! I have been enjoying the circus shenanigans in this fun series and can’t wait to see the twists and turns I expect in the next story.

I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did but in the end I ended up loving this story and want to see what will happen next.
The story did start off slightly slow for me and took me a second to to get into it but once I was in I was invested in Cecile and Guys story and wanted to know what was going to happen next. With family and life drama on both sides there were so many plots to get sorted and I appreciated how they were all resolved in the end. I am excited for Jo and Elliot’s story next cause those backstories sound so intriguing

I have been a huge fan of the author's author historical romance series so I was excited to dive into this new one. And I wasn't disappointed. As usual, the writing style and igniting romance plot were seamless.