I really gave this one a go, but I just didn't care for it. I felt like whole time period needed more extensive research to read true. I know that people really love this series, so I'm going to accept that maybe it's just not for me. I just felt like there wasn't much chemistry, that the plot didn't move quickly enough. I will say that I didn't read the previous novels in this series and I do think anyone interested in this installment should.

A delight and heartwarming romance. A great escape read.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.

So it's time for the review of the last installment of the "The Wicked Women of the Whitechapel" Series or as I call it the "Circus Gals with their Aristocratic Hot Guys That Joined the Circus". So finally it's time for Elliot and Blade! So we start the book 2 years before, when in France where poor Elliot was tortured and ready to die, when Jo and her blades saved his ass. And Angus... Cannot forget Angus! 🐦‍⬛
So our girl is a spy and our boy is also a spy, so we get a story with:
1)Oh, the stalking pines. Those two were very quiet as characters, so it was great being at their mind and know what they were thinking..
2)Stalking
3)More Stalking
4)Big bird (please don't kill Angus off). Our favorite raven was there and was talking..
5) Knifes. It's Jo.. Her nickname is Blade, so lots of knives!
6) The class difference in the book was really solved because of Jo's secret identity. It's on the title to be honest 🤭
7)He writes letters to her bird. Her actual bird. The Raven!
So the book was fast paced, I loved the relationship, there was banter, amazing read. Sad the series ended, and there are many loose ends that didn't get resolved.
This book was my top 2023 read..

I received a free eARC and these are my honest opinions. Have you read it?

This is book three in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series. Although, I had read first two books at the start of this one , I did thoroughly enjoyed this one, I did a bit of research about Jo and Elliott's story in the first two books and it seemed to be very intense and their romance did was wild. . The Cutthroat Countess is super hot and steamy, and the love between Jo and Elliott is extremely passionate. I from what I understand this series is written with books 2 and 3 somewhat overlapping which was a bit hard for me at first but then I went and read the first two and it made much more sense to me. Jo and Elliot are great characters.



I've enjoyed this series very much. It's full of intrigue and adventure and is a little different than your typical Regency

This is the third installment of The Wicked Women of Whitechapel. Each book in the series focuses on the one of the members of an all-women circus, Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre. This book features Josephine's story. Josephine is a bit of a drifter, never really staying in one place for too long. As such, she never had any real friends and never fell in love. But now, working as a blade expert for the circus, and being part owner of it, it seems she is settling down roots and forming some close friendships. Not to mention she is falling for Elliot, who is a spy for the British government. Elliot's job is to expose secrets on behalf of the Crown, and Jo needs to make sure her past secrets remain hidden. Elliot is falling hard for Jo, but every time he tries to get close, she manages to slip away. As the story unfolds, we learn more of Jo's past and then some information comes to light that throws her for a loop.
The story was suspenseful and intriguing and well-paced. Both characters were well-developed and interesting. Although you can read this as a standalone romance, I would recommend starting from the beginning of the series as the there is some overlap between the storylines. A very entertaining and enjoyable read!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

In book three of the series we learn more about Jo "Blade" Brown. A mercenary and knife thrower in the all-female circus featured in the books with a pet Raven named Angus. We go back in time to the plot of the previous books as Jo saves Elliott from captivity in France. And here's where the problems lie for me. A huge percentage of this book takes place in the plot of the first book, now from Jo's view. The other two women are brought up along with their love interests and stories. So much so that even having read the books, I was confused. I don't encourage anyone to read this without reading the others or you'll be completely lost. There is some intrigue regarding Jo's deceased father being a traitor and secrets in her family. Such an obvious culprit to these events was a let down. Jo's unusual character is a plus but overall this is not my favorite book in the series.

Although I have read a number of Minerva Spencer's books, I missed the first two books in this series. Nonetheless, I was able to follow this one easily.

The two main characters meet as employees of Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre, but both are really spies. The honorable Elliot Wingate works for Britain'sHome Office, in one of the more secretive department. Jo (Josephine) Brown works freelance, following in the career of her father. They are both working do protect Marianne, a. character from an earlier book. Elliot is in France, to help his friend, the Duke of Staunton, to rescue his brother, being held in France by an old classmate, Dominic with another friend, the Marquess of Carlisle.

The book starts with Jo rescuing Elliot from a gang of mercenaries, hired by Dominic. As the book continues there are many dangerous adventures and Jo proves that she has very useful skills, taught to her by her father. But she has her own secret mission, find a traitor who framed her father. Elliot and Jo are drawn to each other, but there is a class divide between them. There are several villains that need to be defeated.

It took me a while to warm up to Jo, but Elliot was likable from the beginning. And Angus, Jo's raven is a trip. To wrap up, a very entertaining book, with interesting characters, adventure, intrigue, betrayal, a big surprise to Jo and that HEA, we all want. I read an ARC provided by the publisher from NetGalley.com. This is my voluntary and unbiased review.

The Cutthroat Countess by Minerva Spencer
The Wicked Women of Whitechapel #3

A delightful addition to the series ~ Kept reading till nearly 3am to see how it would all end ~ Love this author and this series.

What I liked:
* Jo “Blade” Brown: focused, skilled, lethal, bodyguard, works for her living, investigator, skilled with blades, has secrets, feels chemistry for and with Elliott Wingate, learns something surprising that will change her life
* Honorable Elliott Wingate: fourth son of an early, spy for England, high moral standards, good friend, fits in like a chameleon, drawn to Jo, caring, protective, a good man
* That Jo is, in some ways, stronger and more capable than Elliott
* The two parts to the story – the first in France and the second in England
* The information that come out about Jo’s past and heritage
* That though there is disparity in the upbringing and social status of the two main characters, they find a way to be together by the end of the book
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* That the women in this series are more than window dressing – fierce, fiery, capable, forthright, and equal to any man
* Getting to catch up with the characters in the previous two books of the series
* Wondering if Helen will have a book of her own

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

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

5 Stars

I can't say enough good about this excellent story! This story is about spies and figuring out who is a traitor in the Home Office. I love historical spy stories. It felt like two books with the first part in France and the second in London. I take notes to remember the story, as I read so many series and I filled both sides of my 4x6 index card with characters and clues. It's one of the best books I have ever read! This was a fantastic series about three very unconventional independent women who end up in very surprising happily ever after's given where they were at the start of the series.

Josephine Brown known as Blade, is one of the acts in Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre. She's a knife thrower with deadly accuracy. Turns out it was a talent she learned while roaming the continent with her uncle Mungo Brown while growing up. They did security work for whomever paid for their services, sometimes secretly for England. Mungo was the aide-de-camp for Major John Townshend who was found guilty of treason against England during the Revolutionary War. John and her family died in America so Mungo took her in. Mungo was always on the move to stay ahead of being arrested while raising Jo. Mungo returned to London after collecting evidence of their innocence and contacted the Home Office. Then he died in a freak accident before he could turn over what he'd learned. Jo ended up working at the Fayre and taking odd jobs. She meets Elliot Wingate when he and his two friends become involved with the Fayre.

Elliot Wingate is the third son of the Earl of Norriton. When his father passed his elder brother Charles took the title. He works for the Home Office. His two best friends are Sin, the Duke of Staunton and Guy, the Marquess of Carlisle. Their stories are in the first two books that I highly recommend. While accompanying his friends to France following leads about Sin's brother who disappeared in the war, they travel with the Fayre. He gets captured while in France by Red Caps, a mercenary band of thugs used by their former friend Baron Dominic Strickland. Jo rescues him from his torture. This begins a close relationship as they work their way back to meeting up with their friends. As they work together they find many things they like in each other and that they work well as a team. They find love that neither was looking for along the way.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I always enjoy the intrigue in this series. I love the concept of female empowerment within the Wicked Women of Whitechapel. These ladies don’t need a man to come to their rescue (though it’s always appreciated when they try), they are strong on their own merit with the brains to get the job done. Jo is understandably standoffish with Elliot, but it was difficult to watch her continually turn him away. His determination and unwavering affection made him a fabulous hero, making the inevitable success all the sweeter. I enjoyed this story as it left you guessing often and the constant action kept your attention rapt.

The Cutthroat Countess by Minerva Spencer is the third book of her new Wicked Women of Whitechapel Series and...

It really didn't disappoint!

This one's the story of Jo and Elliot.
She's the mysterious woman who knows how to throw blades and alike. Her best friend is Angus, a huge raven who supports her all the time.
Elliot is fascinated of her since the very first time her saw her... and when both spend an intense time in France together... everything could be so good, but this isn't a normal historical love story...

Finally, it's time for Jo's story! Since I read book 1, I was curious about this mysterious and strong woman!
Awwwww!
I absolutely loved this book.
Jo and Elliot.
Both are kinda different... more like grumpy and sunshine (but he's the sunshine), but they've a lot in common too and are peeeeerfect for each other!
Awwwww! Be still my beating heart!

Well, the 3rd book is like the previous 2 books just full of chemistry, romance, drama and suspense!
There's a lot going on that I won't tell you.
Well, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! 😉

It's definitely much better when you read the books in order - trust me!
If you're in the mood for some special kind of historical romance?
Read this series! ❤️

Thank you so much to Minerva Spencer and Kensington Books for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.
My apologies for the delay.

This is book three in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series, and it was a wonderful addition. The build-up for Jo and Elliott's story throughout the first two books was intense, and their romance did not disappoint. The Cutthroat Countess is super hot and steamy, and the love between Jo and Elliott is extremely passionate.

I love the way this series is written with the second and third books having an overlapping storyline and timeline with parts of book one. However, due to this, I think these books should be read in order.

I've enjoyed this series very much. It's full of intrigue and adventure and is a little different than your typical Regency romance.

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

This is book 3 of the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series and I just was wanting more! I've been waiting for Jo's story and this one just left me...dissatisfied. It had the makings of excellent--her raven Angus could carry it alone. LOL. It felt like...okay we need to wrap this up the subplot has gone on long enough.

I did like Elliot and have since he first made an appearance in book #1. But the book itself just didn't do it for me. And like the others, sexy bits thrown in here and there. This book could be read as a stand alone---but you'd feel like you were missing whole chapters. The book does run simultaneously with the other two, but then jumps to after book 2 timewise.

The book starts off with a bang and Jo rescuing Elliot...but about halfway it just loses steam. No other way to describe it.

3 stars

*I was given an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are 100% my own. :)

I didn't see this coming. The end was a twist that surprised me. I saw the title and read the first 2 books and was still surprised. That's pretty darn good. There's one lady left in the circus who needs her own HEA & it looks like she's next. Jo is a complicated and yet simple character, must have been hard to get a grip on her personality. As a kid she must have been hog wild but age has mellowed her. Admitting she's tired of her crazy lifestyle comes slowly but she comes to realize there's something more out there and she'd like to experience it. Her attraction to Elliot is a huge part of her transformation. Elliot is a pretty straightforward guy. He's a 3rd son, went to work for the Home Office instead of becoming a vicar and is happy with that choice. He's willing to give Jo time to work things out herself and doesn't push too much. They turn out to be good together and their HEA is unconventional but good nonetheless.

I voluntarily read and reviewed and advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#TheCutthroatCountess #Wicked Women of Whitechapel #minrtvaSpencer #Kensingtonbooks #netgalley #historicalromance #romance

This series was so good and I am sad that it is now over, I loved reading Elliot and Jo’s story, especially Jo’s backstory and reading more about her special skills. While I didn’t trust the “villian” of the story from the second they were introduced, I did like how the story unfolded. I also loved seeing the other characters throughout the story as well,

Vivienne Tremeer and her brother are in London, trying to make a go of things and hide from their stepfather while living on the suffrage of their aunt. Too bad Vivian’s brother gets in with the wrong crowd, precipitating her need to go to the gambling then her brother is in debt to an ask for leniency… obviously that doesn’t go as planned.

Gabriel Cadieux has become wealthy and successful by not backing down, so when the delectable spinster sister of one of his clients shows up, he is not swayed.

Lucky for Vivienne, Gabriel soon finds out that he is the legitimate heir to a dukedom that just so happens to have sex feisty, unmarried half sisters included with it!

Time to strike a deal! He calls Vivienne, the most proper lady he knows, and strikes a bargain to absolve her brothers death if she becomes his sisters governess and get them ready for society!

Are full of lots of a family drama on the side for both Vivienne and Gabriel, the story had a lot going on, and made it hard to focus on the growing attraction in relationship between these two.

I was also surprised with so many side characters, like the brother and the sisters and the dowager duchess, that I didn’t really get a good well rounded feeling any of these characters to help add personal touch to the story.

In the end, I was happy and contented with the HEA presented, but it was a long and sometimes arduous path to get there.

Thank you do you forever Romance for my arc review copy. Opinions are my own.

I have not read this series in order, but I do not think that detracts from my ability to understand/grasp the plot of this book.

To start, I must commend the author for having such a refreshing and original take on heroines in historical romance. It was wonderful to read about heroines that do not act the way we, romance readers, have begun to expect them to behave. That is something to celebrate!

With that being said, I did struggle to find the full chemistry between the main characters. I just felt that they were too different. I didn't want them to stifle the individuality in each other. However, I liked that they were similar but had different perspectives of their moral responsibilities in the world/for their country. I wish I felt more for the romance aspect within this one though.

ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.

This has been a great series and we finally get to know about Jo Brown, the mysterious badass knife thrower and Elliot Wingate, our favourite spy. Elliott is less of a mystery but he is such a great supportive character. I love how the book timeline is interwoven with the other two and fills in the gaps within the first story. There is a sense of freedom that the women in this series get to do what they want and how they really work their men and their craft, but to also see their vulnerability despite being strong, resilient women. Elliott and Jo have a very physical relationship, which is not common in historical romance and this was a nice twist, given Jo isn't really prone to emotional declarations. As with the other two books, there is an mystery subplot which doesn't play much into their relationship but does help to move the plotline. It was a bit predictable vs the first book but satisfying nonetheless in getting confirmation. I can't wait to see what Minerva Spencer has next ..
Maybe a novella for Helen?

Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️
Knives as a love language: 🔪🔪🔪🔪

Thanks Net Galley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

"The Cutthroat Countess" is a thrilling historical romance novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It introduces Josephine Brown, a skilled blade expert, and Honorable Elliot Wingate, a man on a covert mission. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and intrigue, delivering a compelling and heart-pounding read.

Josephine Brown's transformation from a guarded wanderer to a circus co-owner who learns to embrace love and friendship is a central and beautifully executed aspect of the story. Her strength, independence, and eventual vulnerability make her a character worth cheering for.

Elliot Wingate, equally captivating, is determined to win Josephine's heart and uncover the mysteries surrounding her. Their chemistry sizzles, adding emotional depth and tension to the narrative.

The blend of romance and espionage within the circus setting is a unique and engaging feature of the book. Josephine's lethal skills and Elliot's commitment to King and Country create an electrifying atmosphere of intrigue.

While the story occasionally shows some predictability in its espionage subplot, the characters' magnetism and the emotional depth of their journey more than compensate.

In "The Cutthroat Countess," suspense and buried secrets drive the narrative to an emotionally charged conclusion, making it a must-read for fans of historical romance with a hint of mystery and suspense.