I’m a huge Minerva Spencer fan so when I had to opportunity to read an arc of the Dueling Duchess which is the second in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel book. And this book didn’t disappoint. This was a great story with several mysteries interwoven together. What was particularly wonderful about the mysteries was that the author didn’t give anything away about the mysteries that are the focus in the other books in the series.

Cecile Tremblay was the markswoman in the Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre, a London Circus. Cecile has escaped the French Revolution and had several adventures before landing at the circus. She has had to be tough to survive things that would have broken a lesser woman. Gaius Darlington, Guy or Darling had everything as the heir to a dukedom, until he didn’t. Cecile and Guy met while on a secret mission and fought their attraction until they didn’t. They agreed that their liaison was just for the duration of the mission, until Guy ruined it at the end and wanted to set Cecile up as his mistress.

I enjoyed the flow of the story as we saw the past and the present, which gave us an insight into the characters. A year later we see Cecile, a part owner of the circus and Guy having lost his dukedom and his betrothed. Guy ends up working for an irritated Cecile with a thought for revenge. Add a little girl and her dog into the equation and watch this group become a family. We also see Guy righting a wrong that was done to Cecile in the past that cost her both money and her craft, she was not only a marksperson, but a gun maker. We also see the cast of characters that stand up and with their friends.

I loved Cecile and Guys growth individually and together. And I adored how they became parents. Minerva’s characters bring angst and foibles, but they aways make me fall in love with them and root for them. While this is part of a series you can read this as a standalone, but I say read the series as the story and the characters are intriguing, interesting and the love story is delicious.

I received an ARC of the Dueling Duchess by Minerva Spencer from NetGalley and voluntarily read the book.

The Dueling Duchess by Minerva Spencer is the second book of her The Wicked Women of Whitechapel Series and...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!

I loved the mood of book 1 and this one totally continues with it! ❤️

Cecile Tremblay is part of Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre and then there's Gaius Darlington. The charismatic Duke who's part of every gossiping section in the newspapers.
There's chemistry and mistakes and then he needs her help.
But will she really help him?

Awwwww! I love this series and the women of the Fayre! Such a fabulous group of strong and independent and badass women!
YEAH! I LOVE THIS!
After the story about Marianne and Sin there's now the story of Cecile and Guy!

Their story is split into 3 parts and you'll learn a lot about their past. How Cecile and Guy met, why Gaius Darlington suddenly is called Guy and what went on between them. 😉
And then they meet again...
Oh boy!
I won't spoil you too much because there's a lot going on! Between them and their past and so on!
And let me swoon about Cecile and Guy some more! She's wooooonderful!
And Guy??? He's charming and handsome! ❤️

Well all in all it was so enjoyable to be back with this group!
I love all the characters and can't wait for the next book!

Thanks a lot to Kensington Books and Minerva Spencer for this ARC via NetGalley.

This is my honest review in my own words.
Sorry for the delay.

Having loved the first book in this series ‘The Wicked women of Whitechapel’, I was thrilled to be able to review ‘The Dueling Duchess’. Whilst cleverly interwoven into the events of book 1, Minerva Spencer, manages to explain the connection without labouring over common ground. In doing so, both new readers and those who have read the first book in the series, are entertained.
Cecile Tremblay, is an expert sharpshooter who lost everyone and everything in the French Revolution. Finding herself earning a living as a markswoman in a London circus, Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre, she begins a torrid affair with Gaius (Guy) Darlington, as they travel through France. When the circus returns to England, Cecile ends their romance, after Guy insultingly offers to set her up as his mistress. Yet when a long-lost heir appears to claim Guy’s title, he turns to Cecile for work, in the hope that he can convince her of his love. Yet, Cecile is determined to teach Guy a lesson or two, but soon her plans soon falter.
It was difficult not to love Guy, as he easily captivates with his charm and self-depreciating manner. However, his determination to win over Cecile is so endearing. She is a strong-minded woman with such a great sense of self-worth that I understood her need to punish Guy, but I did so worry that it would push him just a bit too far.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Cecile thought that she would never see Guy Darlington again and had his life not imploded she might have been right, When a long lost relative steps forward and claims the Guy's title he isn't sure what to do with his new life, except maybe see if he could grovel enough for the woman he loves to possible give him a job working for her circus and letting her shoot at him on a constant basis. And maybe in the process is able to prove how much he loves her and how much he regrets what took place when they were last together.

Cecile isn't sure what has possessed her to let Guy work for the circus again, but she is determined to give him every horrible job that can be found as well as using him for target practice in her shows. But every time she turns around he's trying to apologize, and really trying to be a better person and take care of her, and oh my god if only she wasn't wildly attracted to him.

I had so much fun reading this story! I loved the humor and the banter and chemistry between them is top-notch. I loved that Cecile didn't just take him back and jump into bed with him, he really had to prove that he was sorry and that he cared about and loved her and isn't scared off by her sometimes prickly nature. I loved how they both took care of Cat, Cecile and Guy make a great couple, you can feel the chemistry and how they want to be together.

I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.. fingers crossed it will be Blade and Elliot..

The title character, Cecile Tremblay, runs a circus that features women as the main entertainers including boxing (see The Boxing Baroness), knife throwing, and Cecile’s act – sharpshooting. She has a mysterious past, but has found her home with her circus family in London.

Gaius Darlington’s previous adventure with the circus endeared him to Cecile but when it was over, Guy made a terrible mistake, offending Cecile to the point where she wished never to see him again. But Guy has had a gigantic reversal of fortune. He needs a job and he really wants Cecile back in his life.

It is clear Cecile and Guy have a thing for each other. They also have an unfortunate history. Their friends help/hinder where they can. A young street girl and her dog join the family which really serves as the needed buffer between the two. But, they have a lot to work through.

Part of this story overlaps The Boxing Baroness. Good news for anyone who has not read that story – you get the background. I did read that book and while new viewpoints were presented, I always find rehashing a scene a bit tedious.

Once the story catches up to a new timeline, it takes off and at that point, I found The Dueling Duchess to be bundles of fun! Witty conversations and humor can be found on every page. There is chemistry between Cecile and Guy whether they are arguing or kissing. The original take on feminism in a male-dominated society will appeal to many readers. The historical setting, post Napoleonic wars, is enhanced with gossip papers, the London ton, imposters, ex-patriots, a raven, and plenty of romance!

Through NetGalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

This is the second in the series and although it can be read as a stand-alone, I think you would get more from it, if the first book was read. Cecile is very independent and quite fierce at times. Although she is guarding herself from disappointment. Gaius (Guy) Darlington knows he has let her down and intends to redeem himself. But oh! how Cecile does make him pay. This became an entertaining read with one or two surprises and the continued good friendship between Guy and his two best friends. I’m looking to reading the story concerning Blade. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

THE DUELING DUCHESS, book 2 in Minerva Spencer’s Wicked Women of Whitechapel series, is her best yet. I loved the wit, the steamy yet thorny road to amour, and especially, the feisty Cecile and her unlikely guy, Gaius.

The beloved author writes swoony intelligent romance set in Regency England, and her loyal fan base will definitely grow with this delicious unputdownable latest.

Highly recommended for hist fic kissing fans who adore strong women characters
who meet their "he-couldn't-be-more-wrong-for-me" match and find forever love. Swoon!

I have to confess that this book was truly entertaining, wicked and very twisted. Past and present entwined with lust and falling in love, shooting guns and throwing knives.
From dukedom to circus and wealth to almost nothing but entlightning of what it means to love someone.
I truly loved the whole story and could only recommend someone loving steamy regency tales.

Title: The Dueling Duchess
Author: Minerva Spencer
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out 5

When Cecile Tremblay lost everyone and everything in the French Revolution, she never imagined that she'd earn her living as a markswoman in a London circus. But Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre has become her home, her family, and her future. Another thing Cecile never imagined was becoming entangled with the man gossip columns call The Darling of the Ton . But mere weeks after her rejection of his insulting carte blanche—and his infuriating engagement to an heiress—Darlington is back, this time to beg Cecile for help. And help him she will, by teaching him about honest work—and the right way to treat a woman.

Gaius Darlington has always led a charmed life. Until now. Suddenly, a long-lost heir has appeared to claim his title, possessions, and property, Not only that, but Guy's fiancée has jilted him to marry the usurper! Yet there is a silver it's no longer Guy’s duty to marry an heiress to save the dukedom. He’s free to wed the woman he loves—if only he can earn her forgiveness.

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But fury is just a step away from passion, and Guy knows just how to arouse Cecile’s. . .

This was a cute read. Nothing unexpected, although I found Cecile’s secret fascination with the ton gossip rags kind of funny. She’s very sure and capable, but when a guy grabs her out of a dark alley, she immediately becomes a helpless female, and that didn’t quite add up for me. Guy’s over-the-top swagger was entertaining, but I bet it’d be infuriating in person.

Minerva Spencer lives in New Mexico. The Dueling Duchess is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.)

Another unique and interesting historical romance from one of my favorite authors.

I loved the heroine and her talents were something I had never seen before.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

When Cecile Tremblay lost everyone and everything in the French Revolution, she never imagined that she'd earn her living as a markswoman in a London circus. But Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre has become her home, her family, and her future. Another thing Cecile never imagined was becoming entangled with the man gossip columns call The Darling of the Ton. But mere weeks after her rejection of his insulting carte blanche—and his infuriating engagement to an heiress—Darlington is back, this time to beg Cecile for help. Gaius Darlington has always led a charmed life. Suddenly, a long-lost heir has appeared to claim his title, possessions, and property, Not only that, but Guy's fiancée has jilted him to marry the usurper! Yet there is a silver lining: He’s free to wed the woman he loves.
The second book in the series & could be read on its own, however I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate it. Another well written, engrossing read from the author. The characters are different, the pace does lag a little at times. I really liked both Guy & Cecile who knew each other before when Guy royally put his foot in it, now he wants to make amends & even takes a lowly job in the Fayre, which he enjoys. I wanted to knock their heads together quite a few times. I enjoyed the chemistry between them & the banter. I loved their journey to a HEA & now look forward to Blade’s story
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is the second book in the series, I have read, and enjoyed the first. Cecile is a sharpshooter with quite the history. Guy is a former Duke who lost his title to a long lost cousin. Their romance is only part of the story, we also have to resolve all of their past as well. I also enjoyed all of the secondary characters, especially Cat, the orphan. 4 stars.

4.5 stars!

Cecile is heartbroken and on the attack when her former lover returns for a job in her women's circus. Guy, said former lover, is actually trying to win her back after royally screwing up, but he knows that the ferociously strong Cecile will only take him back if she can torture him first. Guy does some first class groveling and Cecile's walls begin to crumble. But that is only one part of the picture. Cecile has a hidden past, one that threatens their ability to ever be together.

WHAT A BOOK! I was really impressed by the writing. I have to admit, I can't remember having to look up as many words as I did while reading this book. It's a whole other level! This made me even more surprised when we got to a love scene and it was SOOO steamy, practically raunchy, that it made my jaw hit the floor. Smart AND sexy?!? What a combination!

I love how this book unfolded. We get the heartbroken Cecile at the beginning, but are also treated to the development of Guy and Cecile's relationship, as well as Cecile's harrowing childhood. The author moves from timeline to timeline with ease. She also peppers the story with actual history, and rather than bog the story down with facts, it elevates the plot and makes it more exciting. The pacing of the story was terrific. There were a couple of plot twists, as well as several mysterious characters, that kept me guessing.

This is the second book in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series, and it has achieved something that a book in a series I picked up in the middle has never done before: made me want to go back and read the first book! Often I'm left thinking, "Oh, these references are muddling the story. They're boring and two-dimensional." This author is so good, the reflections on events in the past book are a fabulous tease, sounding terribly exciting and making me want to read more! I'm thrilled that the first book, The Boxing Baroness, is on Anyplay, so I can listen to that one soon! Can't wait for the third book, of which we are given the first chapter in The Dueling Duchess: The Cutthroat Countess!

trigger warning: death of a newborn (off page), guns/shooting

I'd like to thank Kensington Books, Kensington, and Netgalley for the e-ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A dueling duchess, yep. Minerva inserts her books with interesting people and fantastic plots. This is a smartly-written book by Minerva. Even though this is a standalone book, it might make more sense during parts of the story to read the first book which I also found to be smartly-written and very good. I liked both characters in this book – they were not the typical main characters. But, I felt that Guy was a bit of an air-head which really surprised me since most of Minerva’s characters are so strong. I also felt that Cecile went way too far in her actions – read the book and see if you feel the same way. Minerva is a fantastic writer and tells stories so well that I did overlook these two issues.

I really like this steamy series, and this installment did not disappoint. Cannot wait for the next installment with Blade!

The second novel in Spencer's Wicked Women of Whitechapel series, The Dueling Duchess features Cecile Tremblay, expert sharpshooter and French ex-pat. Her romance with the ton's "Darling", Gaius Darlington, wasn't quite finished. What I sincerely love about Spencer's books are the major plot points. It's very lovely to have all that angsty romantic tension, but you do need a good story to support all that lust! And a good happily ever after as well. Anyway, the third book will feature Jo "Blade" Brown, the expert knifet-hrower at Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre and the Honorable Elliott Wingate. Should be interesting!

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this e-arc.*

Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #TheDuelingDuchess by Minerva Spencer in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first book by Minerva Spencer and it definitely won't be my last. What a story! This story was exciting from prologue to epilogue and everywhere in between. I loved so much about this book that I'm having a hard time knowing where to start. The heroine is everything you expect from a book called The Dueling Duchess - she is fierce but has a vulnerable side and you get to see both throughout the book. The hero is the quintessential handsome guy that just wants to have fun and avoid his responsibilities because he knows all too soon, he's going to have to embrace those responsibilities and start taking care of business. The romance between them is messy and sweet, it's believable but also so consuming there's a level of unbelievable-ness to it. The overall story is exciting and action packed with lots of moments of sweetness and spiciness too.

Overall, I can't recommend this book enough! I say, run, don't walk to get this book and get to reading it!

This is a story about Guy Darlington-heir to a dukedom-and Cecile Tremblay-a sharpshooter who happens to also be a French duchess- and a love affair between the two that went terribly awry; but now the duke wants her back and he’ll do whatever it takes to win her over.

My favorite aspect of this series is “Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre”, which serves as a home away from home, as well as a respite, for a variety of women. In this story we get to know more about Cecile’s past and how she came to be a sharpshooter in the circus. Cecile went through a lot in her almost forty years of life and knowing her back story made her actions towards Guy all the more believable.

Guy Darlington is known as a bit of a rake and he made some big errors in his initial relationship with Cecile. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a story where the hero is wholly dedicated to groveling and winning the heroine over for the majority of the book. If it weren't for his point of view and actions in the present, I might not have been very fond of his character, but Spencer balanced him out pretty well when all was said and done.

My least favorite aspect of this story was how the happily ever after was wrapped up. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so I will just say that it was all too convenient and insinuates that happiness can be had merely through the gaining of two main devices in society. Spencer is not singular in this kind of ending, I just figure that when the alternative would work as well….why not give it a try for something different and more interesting in my opinion.

3.5✨’s

I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Kensington Books via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.

The Dueling Duchess by Minerva Spencer
Wicked Women of White Chapel #2

This is the second book in the series, and I wonder if I might have enjoyed it a bit more if I had read the first book before this one. Why? Well, there were references to scenes that I am pretty sure happened in France in book one that would have been nice to have read that might have given more information about the relationship between Guy and Cecile. That said, I wasn’t really lost reading this but did wonder what I might have missed.

What I liked:
* The idea of a female sharpshooter in Europe – the ones I had heard of were in the USA living on the Western frontier – did make me wonder what circus acts were truly in vogue at the time
* Cecile reminded me a bit of Annie Oakley
* The idea of a group of women working together as they did in Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre
* That Cecile had a rough time of it but was a survivor, stood up for herself, and was strong. She was rather volatile and could hold onto a grudge for quite a while, but when she loved completely
* The growth Guy showed in the story although I wondered at times why he would have been willing to do some of the things that he did.
* Cat the young homeless girl and her dog George
* The ballroom scene with Guy the instructor
* Helen – the governess and also more – wonder if she wills how up in a book later in the series
* Blade – good with knives, rather spy-like, has Angus a Raven…or perhaps he has her, and the book coming up with her and Elliott starring

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how difficult the French Revolution…and any war is
* What Cecile, Cat and others must have gone through

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? I think so

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

Maybe 3.5 stars.

Manon Cecile Blanchet, known to all as Cecile Tremblay, has not had an easy life, at 14 she was forced to flee her home in France during the Reign of Terror. She loses everything, but builds a new life for herself, now at 36 she lives life on her own terms as the co-owner of Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre, as well as one of the circus’ star attractions, thanks to her sharpshooting abilities. She meets Gaius “Guy” Darlington, the Marquess of Carlisle when he joins the troupe while on a mission with his best friend to rescue his best friend’s brother. They become lovers, but end things when Guy inherits a dukedom and must marry an heiress, they began the affair knowing this, but when it is time for them to part ways, Guy crosses a line and insults Cecile. A slight she will not forget…

Fast-forward a year, Guy is no longer the Duke of Fairhurst, and his heiress fiancee, Helena will have to jilt him and marry the long-lost cousin who has assumed the title. But in his mind, this change does have a silver lining since he is now free to pursue Cecile – he just needs to earn her forgiveness for his previous insult, but that is going to be easier said than done.

I have mixed feelings about this book as there were a lot of things I liked, but also a lot of things that I didn’t care for. Primarily, Celine, because despite her tragic past, which should have softened her to me, I found her difficult to like, I also thought Guy was a bit dim, with more hair than wit. In addition to that, I found the past/present/past/present timeline confusing and I thought that a good portion of this story dragged yet it wrapped up quickly and perhaps a bit too perfectly. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I read the first book, but I really don’t know if that would have made a difference or not. Overall, it was an interesting read, definitely not your typical historical romance, with strong women determined to live their lives in a way that doesn’t leave them at the mercy of a husband/man. I am not sorry I read this book, but I am not sure if I will read the next book or not, and I think I would recommend reading the first book before diving into this story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*