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Victorian Prizefighters #3
A Contracted Spouse for the Prizefighter
Listening Length 15 hours and 43 minutes
Theodora knows in her heart that she has star quality but sadly, no-one else in her theatrical family feels the same way. When her sister, the other half of their act leaves to get married, Thora is promptly axed from the bill and expected to take a back seat in the family business.
Clem Dabney, aspiring theatre owner and ex-prizefighter has built up his supper and song business as far as he can take it. In order to expand he now needs a theatre. When Thora appears before him with her outrageous proposition, he sees his chance and devil take the consequences.
Their marriage is purely a business arrangement, so Thora is not worried about Clem’s reputation and Clem is not concerned about Thora’s distinct lack of feminine charm. Now that’s all settled and out of the way, both agree things should be straightforward enough… Why then, is Clem acting the jealous husband when Thora finds herself among a throng of new admirers?
Theodora knows in her heart that she has star quality but sadly, no-one else in her theatrical family feels the same way. When her sister, the other half of their act leaves to get married, Thora is promptly axed from the bill and expected to take a back seat in the family business.
Clem Dabney, aspiring theatre owner and ex-prizefighter has built up his supper and song business as far as he can take it. In order to expand he now needs a theatre. When Thora appears before him with her outrageous proposition, he sees his chance and devil take the consequences.
Their marriage is purely a business arrangement, so Thora is not worried about Clem’s reputation and Clem is not concerned about Thora’s distinct lack of feminine charm. Now that’s all settled and out of the way, both agree things should be straightforward enough… Why then, is Clem acting the jealous husband when Thora finds herself among a throng of new admirers?
16 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 25, 2022
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March 26, 2023
“Dora,” he breathed.
“Yes, my love?”
“I don’t think I ever dreamed before I met you. Not my entire life.”
“And now?”
He nodded. “I want a place in your dream,” he said softly. “At your side.”
I don’t know about you guys, but most of my highly anticipated books of 2022 have so far been huge let-downs, so although I was super excited for this book, I was also very anxious. Although I think this book pales in comparison to the first two books in the series, A Contracted Spouse for the Prizefighter was a pleasant read. And if you’re familiar with Alice Coldbreath’s writing style and her favourite tropes (plain jane and marriage of convenience), you probably won’t be disappointed with this one.
♡ Plot: ♡
Clem Dabney, an ex-Prizefighter, is in need of a music theatre, and Theodora Fields (aka Theo, aka Dora) is a performer who has been blindsided out of her family business by her siblings.
When Theo goes to Clem with a marriage proposal, Clem, who has his own ulterior motives, accepts and thus a marriage of convenience is born.
♡ Main Characters ♡
Theo is an optimistic and eccentric plain jane heroine, who wants nothing more than to follow her dreams of performing on stage. She’s tall and dresses in a quirky manner, and is not a stickler for proper Victorian etiquette. Theo was an easy heroine to root for. I loved her passion and her exuberance and I couldn’t help but be swept up in her dedication. I found her to be a bit too forward thinking for a historical romance heroine but this didn’t deter my enjoyment.
Clem was an interesting hero. I can’t quite decide if I like him or not. He’s your quintessential Coldbreath hero – jealous and possessive, feels deeply but is largely emotionally constipated... But he just didn’t have the same presence as Nye and Ben, the heroes from the previous books. I don’t think he was necessarily a weak character, perhaps he was just overshadowed by Theo?
There was also a great cast of secondary characters. Theo’s siblings and friends added some drama to the story. I also enjoyed meeting the characters in Clem’s music hall.
♡ The Romance ♡
For me, the marriage of convenience trope will never get old, especially when the hero falls first! Seeing Clem get all jealous and possessive of Theo whenever she talked to other men, had me grinning from ear to ear.
“I need you to introduce me as your husband to your friend Vincent, Dora,” he said silkily. “Is that going to be a problem?”
And when Clem really started seeing Theo despite her lack of physical appeal and helping her reach her dreams, I couldn’t help but get a bit emotional. It was super endearing! And as always, Coldbreath always writes realistic yet steamy scenes.
However, I can’t help but think that the romance was ultimately hindered by Clem’s secrecy, which took him way too long to confess. It really weighed down the story and turned Clem into an asshole. And the lack of grovelling on his part was a huge disappointment for me.
♡ Other Thoughts ♡
What I really enjoyed about the first two books was the lack of drama, unfortunately I can’t really say the same for this book. There is a lot going on, and because there are so many characters with their own storylines, the story felt bogged down despite its humour. I also felt like some characters needed less forgiveness...
This book mentions the use of contraceptives because Theo wanted more time to establish her career and hone in on her craft before starting a family. I thought this was a brilliant touch to the story and I love that it was brought up.
Although I had mixed feelings about this book, I really liked its originality and found most parts of the book to be quite refreshing. I really enjoyed seeing Mina and Nye, as well as Lizzie and Ben again, their cameo was too cute! I do want to point out, despite what the title says, no prizefighting actually occurs in this book. If you're a fan of Alice Coldbreath, definitely pick this one up but be prepared as it is quite different from books 1 and 2.
Rating: 3.75/5
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Victorian Prizefighters Series
#1 A Bride for the Prizefighter: 5/5
#2 A Substitute Wife for the Prizefighter: 4.25/5
#3 A Contracted Spouse for the Prizefighter: 3.75/5
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I. CAN'T. WAIT 💖💖💖
April 10, 2023
4.5 stars
This series is the best, most original group of books I’ve read in forever. So well done. So far each book has explored a completely original and different part of Victorian society through the eyes of two compelling and complete characters who marry for convenience and ultimately find love. This book was set in the theatres and music halls of Victorian London. A young woman with big dreams of being a male impersonator and acting in male stage roles is stifled by her family. She seeks freedom by marrying a somewhat retired, brutish but charming, prizefighter who owns a music hall. This book gives us glimpses into the rougher side of Victorian life juxtaposed by the staunchly strict middle class mores of the time. i found it extremely interesting. Clem, the hero, is a known charmer and a bit of a flash gentry - a flashy lower class person who has made something of himself - and yet doesn’t attempt to comport himself as a respectable man. He is a complicated hero, in earlier books shown as a ladies man, but his still waters run deep. He is NOT a man-whore in this book, he seems to have out grown that side of himself, so this is not a rake redemption story. He is, however, a man who has not known much love in his life and has to learn how to be honest, supportive and vulnerable with his Dora - with that being said it does take him awhile to get there. He keeps a secret from his wife in this book for a long time, and it eats away at him. So I did like Clem, but maybe not so much as I liked Ben from the last book.
In this story it was Theodora who stole the show - literally on stage as a male impersonator and in the story - with her strength, optimism, vulnerability, determination and loyalty. This loyalty bites her in the ass a few times, but she is always so resilient. She was a great character.
And as usual with this series, there is a lot of hot/awkward/polite Victorian sex, this book erred on the side of awkward more often than not, but I loved it. It was authentic. Not all sex is this perfectly choreographed gymnastics we see too often in romance. This was still swoon worthy, but also funny and sweet.
So I highly recommend this series to anyone into HR or historical fiction, romance, or just wants to try something new and original.
This series is the best, most original group of books I’ve read in forever. So well done. So far each book has explored a completely original and different part of Victorian society through the eyes of two compelling and complete characters who marry for convenience and ultimately find love. This book was set in the theatres and music halls of Victorian London. A young woman with big dreams of being a male impersonator and acting in male stage roles is stifled by her family. She seeks freedom by marrying a somewhat retired, brutish but charming, prizefighter who owns a music hall. This book gives us glimpses into the rougher side of Victorian life juxtaposed by the staunchly strict middle class mores of the time. i found it extremely interesting. Clem, the hero, is a known charmer and a bit of a flash gentry - a flashy lower class person who has made something of himself - and yet doesn’t attempt to comport himself as a respectable man. He is a complicated hero, in earlier books shown as a ladies man, but his still waters run deep. He is NOT a man-whore in this book, he seems to have out grown that side of himself, so this is not a rake redemption story. He is, however, a man who has not known much love in his life and has to learn how to be honest, supportive and vulnerable with his Dora - with that being said it does take him awhile to get there. He keeps a secret from his wife in this book for a long time, and it eats away at him. So I did like Clem, but maybe not so much as I liked Ben from the last book.
In this story it was Theodora who stole the show - literally on stage as a male impersonator and in the story - with her strength, optimism, vulnerability, determination and loyalty. This loyalty bites her in the ass a few times, but she is always so resilient. She was a great character.
And as usual with this series, there is a lot of hot/awkward/polite Victorian sex, this book erred on the side of awkward more often than not, but I loved it. It was authentic. Not all sex is this perfectly choreographed gymnastics we see too often in romance. This was still swoon worthy, but also funny and sweet.
So I highly recommend this series to anyone into HR or historical fiction, romance, or just wants to try something new and original.
April 11, 2023
This was a little unexpected and way more conventional than the previous books. It is again a marriage of convenience with a bit of enemies to lovers vibe but in a completely different setting.
Theodora knows that she was born to be an actress but her siblings don’t believe in her. When her brother takes her off the stage in their family theater and forces her to run their house she is desperate to find a way out. So much so that she is willing to trade her shares of the theater for a chance at a career. The price is she would have to marry a former prizefighter and a businessman Clem Dabney…
I didn’t think a quirky heroine could work for me but Theodora was wonderful; she knew what she wanted from life and was unstoppable. This is especially astonishing for a Victorian woman who was expected to want only a husband and children. Well, Theodora wanted a career and contraception. You go girl!
This book was very smutty with a Victorian twist which was truly a hilarious combo:
“How do you feel about trying a nice, fast fuck to take the edge off?” “I’d like to try it, certainly.”
All in all if it wasn’t for Clem, his deceitful actions and the following drama it would have been a five star. Unfortunately he kept too many secrets and he didn’t believe in her when I wanted him to.
So 3,5 stars rounded up because I still enjoyed the book very much!
Theodora knows that she was born to be an actress but her siblings don’t believe in her. When her brother takes her off the stage in their family theater and forces her to run their house she is desperate to find a way out. So much so that she is willing to trade her shares of the theater for a chance at a career. The price is she would have to marry a former prizefighter and a businessman Clem Dabney…
I didn’t think a quirky heroine could work for me but Theodora was wonderful; she knew what she wanted from life and was unstoppable. This is especially astonishing for a Victorian woman who was expected to want only a husband and children. Well, Theodora wanted a career and contraception. You go girl!
This book was very smutty with a Victorian twist which was truly a hilarious combo:
“How do you feel about trying a nice, fast fuck to take the edge off?” “I’d like to try it, certainly.”
All in all if it wasn’t for Clem, his deceitful actions and the following drama it would have been a five star. Unfortunately he kept too many secrets and he didn’t believe in her when I wanted him to.
So 3,5 stars rounded up because I still enjoyed the book very much!
August 31, 2022
I had actually intended to stop writing reviews since I usually only tax my brain to talk about romances and reading romances is no longer any fun for me. But I had read the first two in this Alice Coldbreath Prizefighters series and thought to give this one a try, even though I had found #2 significantly less entertaining than #1.
Yeah, well, #3 was no better for me than #2. So, you know, it's probably me. The characters were pleasant and the romance believable, but, dear god, this was such a slow and repetitive and predictable story. Even had to have bunches of misunderstandings interspersed throughout, although they were not drawn out to the limit of my patience.
This story is getting good reviews, so I'm fairly certain it's my general life attitude that's affecting my view of it. After all, I live in Florida, 'nuff said, where we live free from things I don't want to be free from. And I have a shattered fifth metatarsal, which will be taking forever to heal because, ya know, old bones and all that. Ignore me, I just needed to vent.
Yeah, well, #3 was no better for me than #2. So, you know, it's probably me. The characters were pleasant and the romance believable, but, dear god, this was such a slow and repetitive and predictable story. Even had to have bunches of misunderstandings interspersed throughout, although they were not drawn out to the limit of my patience.
This story is getting good reviews, so I'm fairly certain it's my general life attitude that's affecting my view of it. After all, I live in Florida, 'nuff said, where we live free from things I don't want to be free from. And I have a shattered fifth metatarsal, which will be taking forever to heal because, ya know, old bones and all that. Ignore me, I just needed to vent.
December 11, 2025
Reread: 4.5 stars. Why was this so much better the second time around? I feel like several of AC’s books have been like this, and I’m glad I gave it a second try. There were still some parts that I didn’t love, but the story is very unique and interesting overall, and the things that bothered me the first time just really didn’t make a big difference to my enjoyment this time.
3.5 stars. So many mixed feelings about this book. I really wasn’t a fan of the storyline right from the start - I also felt like both of the MCs were underwhelming. However, both of these did improve quite a bit as the story progressed. I’m just not completely sure that I actually enjoyed reading this story.
Warning… there will be spoilers… but I’ll try to keep them minimal. Still, you may want to skip this review so my feelings don’t influence your read.
So going into this book, I already had an idea of Clem in my head as being a rake/manwhore/womanizer… whatever you want to call him. However, besides other people commenting to the heroine about his “ways” we never really saw that side of him. Y’all know I am mostly just thankful for this turn of events, but why did AC even make him that way in the past? It felt like she set up the hero one way in previous books, only to make him totally different here. For nearly the entire book I was waiting for OW drama, which thankfully didn’t come.
The heroine, Theo, is also a bit of a mystery to me. She’s definitely unique and interesting - being a male impersonator made her one of the most unique HR heroines I’ve ever read. And I liked that side of her character. However, while she initially is introduced as being strong and determined… her strength and determination seemed to fade into nothing very quickly. I hated how unsure of herself she was, how timid at times, how she just went along with her brother’s whims before Clem “rescued” her from them. I also hated how quickly she changed her opinion from disliking the hero to wanting to jump into bed with him. They spent 4 weeks “courting” while the bans were being read, but there was more telling than showing during this part of the book. This is not even remotely a slowburn, and I felt the story moved too quickly for believability.
As the story progressed, both of the MCs made more sense to me overall, but I could never quite reconcile how they acted in the beginning with the whole picture. I think this all could have been avoided with a slower relationship progression. Considering they both initially intended for the marriage to be in name only, there was plenty of opportunity for a slower burn.
The other thing that didn’t work for me in this story was that Clem kept a secret from Theo for way too long, and I wasn’t totally sure why he didn’t just confess earlier. This part felt fairly contrived and unrealistic to me. Also, he becomes self-sacrificing at the end, which just NEVER works for me in any story. I won’t elaborate further on these issues because I don’t want to include too many spoilers.
There were also many more typos, skipped words, and other errors than I ever caught in her previous books.
Overall though, I did think this was an interesting read. I definitely enjoyed some parts more than others. I liked the change of pace from a traditional heroine. The side characters were extremely well developed and really gave the story a lot of depth. I am a huge fan of the AC brand of hero who acts jealous/possessive but isn’t sure why. The epilogue was excellent and I love that AC wraps up everyone’s story, not just that of the MCs.
I also think that I will enjoy this book more the second time around because expectations are everything. And since I knew practically nothing going into this book, I expected something different than what I got. Especially with the MCs.
Now I’m looking forward to seeing what my GR friends think of this book too!
Safe; virgin heroine, hero was a manwhore but has been celibate for ~8 months iirc, no ow drama, some om drama but mostly just irrational jealousy, no cheating, no scenes with om/ow.
3.5 stars. So many mixed feelings about this book. I really wasn’t a fan of the storyline right from the start - I also felt like both of the MCs were underwhelming. However, both of these did improve quite a bit as the story progressed. I’m just not completely sure that I actually enjoyed reading this story.
Warning… there will be spoilers… but I’ll try to keep them minimal. Still, you may want to skip this review so my feelings don’t influence your read.
So going into this book, I already had an idea of Clem in my head as being a rake/manwhore/womanizer… whatever you want to call him. However, besides other people commenting to the heroine about his “ways” we never really saw that side of him. Y’all know I am mostly just thankful for this turn of events, but why did AC even make him that way in the past? It felt like she set up the hero one way in previous books, only to make him totally different here. For nearly the entire book I was waiting for OW drama, which thankfully didn’t come.
The heroine, Theo, is also a bit of a mystery to me. She’s definitely unique and interesting - being a male impersonator made her one of the most unique HR heroines I’ve ever read. And I liked that side of her character. However, while she initially is introduced as being strong and determined… her strength and determination seemed to fade into nothing very quickly. I hated how unsure of herself she was, how timid at times, how she just went along with her brother’s whims before Clem “rescued” her from them. I also hated how quickly she changed her opinion from disliking the hero to wanting to jump into bed with him. They spent 4 weeks “courting” while the bans were being read, but there was more telling than showing during this part of the book. This is not even remotely a slowburn, and I felt the story moved too quickly for believability.
As the story progressed, both of the MCs made more sense to me overall, but I could never quite reconcile how they acted in the beginning with the whole picture. I think this all could have been avoided with a slower relationship progression. Considering they both initially intended for the marriage to be in name only, there was plenty of opportunity for a slower burn.
The other thing that didn’t work for me in this story was that Clem kept a secret from Theo for way too long, and I wasn’t totally sure why he didn’t just confess earlier. This part felt fairly contrived and unrealistic to me. Also, he becomes self-sacrificing at the end, which just NEVER works for me in any story. I won’t elaborate further on these issues because I don’t want to include too many spoilers.
There were also many more typos, skipped words, and other errors than I ever caught in her previous books.
Overall though, I did think this was an interesting read. I definitely enjoyed some parts more than others. I liked the change of pace from a traditional heroine. The side characters were extremely well developed and really gave the story a lot of depth. I am a huge fan of the AC brand of hero who acts jealous/possessive but isn’t sure why. The epilogue was excellent and I love that AC wraps up everyone’s story, not just that of the MCs.
I also think that I will enjoy this book more the second time around because expectations are everything. And since I knew practically nothing going into this book, I expected something different than what I got. Especially with the MCs.
Now I’m looking forward to seeing what my GR friends think of this book too!
Safe; virgin heroine, hero was a manwhore but has been celibate for ~8 months iirc, no ow drama, some om drama but mostly just irrational jealousy, no cheating, no scenes with om/ow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
4.5 stars ⭐️
I think, this Prizefighter series is my favourite series of Alice’s ❤️
She always give us unusual stories and characters which I hadn’t read in other historical romance books yet.
This one too, I really loves it to the end, eventhought there were few obvious typos 😬, or I wanted to skillet Clem’s head sometimes and told Theo to stop being so nice all the time! 🙄😂.
So, don’t waiting too long, if you love Alice’s books, this is a new treats for you to enjoy 😘.
Let’s hope, she will writes more for this series 😘.
❤️❤️❤️
I think, this Prizefighter series is my favourite series of Alice’s ❤️
She always give us unusual stories and characters which I hadn’t read in other historical romance books yet.
This one too, I really loves it to the end, eventhought there were few obvious typos 😬, or I wanted to skillet Clem’s head sometimes and told Theo to stop being so nice all the time! 🙄😂.
So, don’t waiting too long, if you love Alice’s books, this is a new treats for you to enjoy 😘.
Let’s hope, she will writes more for this series 😘.
❤️❤️❤️
March 25, 2023
Hmmm, love the author and her Prizefighter series but sorry, this one disappoints...
I just could not buy the h/H connection.
And then some other irritants that nag throughout.
I just could not buy the h/H connection.
And then some other irritants that nag throughout.
June 22, 2023
The hero is the most lovable and loving idiot and I am HERE FOR HIM! Seriously, I loves him so much. One of my favorite heroes, ever.
I've been saving this book. It's been a long time since I read books 1 and 2 in this series. While I know I adored them, I wasn't sure if I would be in the mood for this one. I haven't been reading many historical romances these days. Plus, the audiobook is only available on Audible, and I HATE buying books unless I KNOW I'll like it. But, I decided to take the risk and I purchased the audiobook. And I have NO regrets!
This man doesn't know his own worth. He's busy thinking he's total crap while treating the heroine like she is the most important person in the world. He is consumed with figuring out what will make her happy and protecting her, not from experiences, but from ever thinking she's not special and desirable. He is for HER. Even when he doubts her in his mind, he lets her do what she wants and just stands by to catch her and comfort her when she fails. And when she succeeds, he pumps her up and celebrates her completely.
This is seriously so lovely.
The heroine proposes a marriage of convenience and says he can sleep with others. But, he pretty much devotes himself to her immediately.
He IS an idiot, so the last 30% of the book includes him being dumb and pushing her away a bit for her own good... but he cannot stay away from her for long (only two nights, non-consecutively). Thankfully, SHE is not an idiot and helps him get over himself fairly quickly.
Their dirty talk and spicy times are on point!
Safety Deets
- No OW. It's been 9 months since his last lover.
- No OM... tho there are several that are interested in the heroine and she uses them to make the hero jealous (helps him break out of his idiocy).
- They use birth control because she wants a career.
- Lots of modern ideals but done where it feels historically accurate.
- Great epilogues that show they are together.
I've been saving this book. It's been a long time since I read books 1 and 2 in this series. While I know I adored them, I wasn't sure if I would be in the mood for this one. I haven't been reading many historical romances these days. Plus, the audiobook is only available on Audible, and I HATE buying books unless I KNOW I'll like it. But, I decided to take the risk and I purchased the audiobook. And I have NO regrets!
This man doesn't know his own worth. He's busy thinking he's total crap while treating the heroine like she is the most important person in the world. He is consumed with figuring out what will make her happy and protecting her, not from experiences, but from ever thinking she's not special and desirable. He is for HER. Even when he doubts her in his mind, he lets her do what she wants and just stands by to catch her and comfort her when she fails. And when she succeeds, he pumps her up and celebrates her completely.
This is seriously so lovely.
The heroine proposes a marriage of convenience and says he can sleep with others. But, he pretty much devotes himself to her immediately.
He IS an idiot, so the last 30% of the book includes him being dumb and pushing her away a bit for her own good... but he cannot stay away from her for long (only two nights, non-consecutively). Thankfully, SHE is not an idiot and helps him get over himself fairly quickly.
Their dirty talk and spicy times are on point!
Safety Deets
- No OW. It's been 9 months since his last lover.
- No OM... tho there are several that are interested in the heroine and she uses them to make the hero jealous (helps him break out of his idiocy).
- They use birth control because she wants a career.
- Lots of modern ideals but done where it feels historically accurate.
- Great epilogues that show they are together.
September 5, 2022
DNF@67% I can't believe I'm giving up because I love this author, but I can't spend another day with this book. I have been trying to read this book for 7 days and unfortunately, it's time to move on. I found the beginning entertaining, but I feel the overall story is boring and I'm tired of Theodora. Her entire persona is to mimic men and while I enjoyed it in the beginning at this point it's tedious. I have no idea who the woman Theodora is. Clem was fine and typical of this author's males. While this one didn't work, I look forward another book.
September 6, 2022
4.5 stars
This series has turned into a huge comfort read. It continues to be refreshing to get stories from historical characters that we don't see as much of, those of the lower and middle classes. I loved Theodora (h) and how she was loyal, adaptable, willing to be vulnerable, and how frank and surprising she could be. The fact that her dream is to be a male impersonator was also unique. Clem (H) was less rounded of a character for me and while I enjoyed flashes of him, he wasn't on equal footing for me with Dora (what he calls her). I did understand that his character was slow to open up and I also appreciated that while he was shown to be a ladies man earlier in the series, he's not in this book. The story is written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (except the H has plenty of j/p moments esp once the h starts getting attention for her act), h is a virgin and H is not but has been celibate for several months, bc is discussed and used (I really liked that there's a mention of how difficult it was for women to have knowledge and access to this).
Theo comes from an artistic family and Clem has mostly left the prizefighting world and is building his business in entertainment more. His business was fascinating. Our main characters don't feel instant attraction/like at their first meeting and their second meeting, where Theo proposes a marriage of convenience and tries to sell a possible act to Clem goes even worse. But once these two start interacting more, their romance starts blooming in a surprising way (surprising to the reader and themselves). Even if Clem is keeping secrets and has difficulties opening up, Theo is wiggling under his skin and showing him sides to himself that leave him baffled. For example, he has an obsession with her neck and feels compelled to draw it and then he loves when she grips him at his nape, which leads to a reaction that staggers him. As other reviews have stated, the secret he keeps does goes on too long and there's another scene later in the book that I didn't think fit his character as well and gave me a bit of whiplash. However, I enjoyed their romance a lot and many of the at home scenes and development of intimacy between them. The steam is typical of this author's books with some hot scenes that also doesn't always go smoothly and have some awkwardness. This isn't a slow burn steam-wise.
The side characters also added a great deal to the story and as important pieces to the main relationship. Dora's family hasn't supported her dreams and they have their own dramas as side plots throughout. Dora's partner in her act and other friends of hers also add pop to scenes. We do get to see some of the prizefighters and it made me wonder who would be next in the series!
The story ends with a wonderful epilogue that not only lets us peek at Dora and Clem but also gives us info on several side characters. It left me smiling and happy and hoping that Ms. Coldbreath continues this series forever.
This series has turned into a huge comfort read. It continues to be refreshing to get stories from historical characters that we don't see as much of, those of the lower and middle classes. I loved Theodora (h) and how she was loyal, adaptable, willing to be vulnerable, and how frank and surprising she could be. The fact that her dream is to be a male impersonator was also unique. Clem (H) was less rounded of a character for me and while I enjoyed flashes of him, he wasn't on equal footing for me with Dora (what he calls her). I did understand that his character was slow to open up and I also appreciated that while he was shown to be a ladies man earlier in the series, he's not in this book. The story is written in third person, dual POV. No ow/om drama (except the H has plenty of j/p moments esp once the h starts getting attention for her act), h is a virgin and H is not but has been celibate for several months, bc is discussed and used (I really liked that there's a mention of how difficult it was for women to have knowledge and access to this).
Theo comes from an artistic family and Clem has mostly left the prizefighting world and is building his business in entertainment more. His business was fascinating. Our main characters don't feel instant attraction/like at their first meeting and their second meeting, where Theo proposes a marriage of convenience and tries to sell a possible act to Clem goes even worse. But once these two start interacting more, their romance starts blooming in a surprising way (surprising to the reader and themselves). Even if Clem is keeping secrets and has difficulties opening up, Theo is wiggling under his skin and showing him sides to himself that leave him baffled. For example, he has an obsession with her neck and feels compelled to draw it and then he loves when she grips him at his nape, which leads to a reaction that staggers him. As other reviews have stated, the secret he keeps does goes on too long and there's another scene later in the book that I didn't think fit his character as well and gave me a bit of whiplash. However, I enjoyed their romance a lot and many of the at home scenes and development of intimacy between them. The steam is typical of this author's books with some hot scenes that also doesn't always go smoothly and have some awkwardness. This isn't a slow burn steam-wise.
The side characters also added a great deal to the story and as important pieces to the main relationship. Dora's family hasn't supported her dreams and they have their own dramas as side plots throughout. Dora's partner in her act and other friends of hers also add pop to scenes. We do get to see some of the prizefighters and it made me wonder who would be next in the series!
The story ends with a wonderful epilogue that not only lets us peek at Dora and Clem but also gives us info on several side characters. It left me smiling and happy and hoping that Ms. Coldbreath continues this series forever.
September 19, 2024
i feel like alice coldbreath reached into my brain and extracted my most furtive hopes and dreams for sexy m/f couples, because the fmc and mmc in this were SOOOOOOOOOOOO up my alley oh my god. an ambitious, go-getter fmc who is sexually and romantically inexperienced but eager to take charge and apply herself to pleasure 😍😍😍😍😍 a pathetic LOSER fail son mmc who at first scorns the fmc because she’s not traditionally beautiful or feminine only to realize he is deeply attracted to her “masculine” traits (read: ambition and stubbornness) and love for androgyny/cross-dressing 😍😍😍😍😍 OOOOOHHHHH ALICE COLDBREATH, YOU HAVE CREATED A MASTERPIECE WITH THESE TWO.
like fmc in historical england secretly cutting her hair off in service of her male acting roles and her loser husband of convenience going on internal monologues about how much he dislikes short-haired women only to realize he’s LYING TO HIMSELF and LOVES IT and turns into a whimpering mess if she shows her nape to him OFIWKLXJFNSKANCKFKAALNF no like that’s everything……….i love them both omg i am so enthralled by their love story and how beautifully it unfolds. i will forgive this book for so much because of the main couple.
hit the ‘she’s everything x he’s just some guy (but he’s hopelessly in love)’ trope ON THE HEAD and added some delusional jealousy and possessiveness on top of it. 500/5. WILL BE REREADING. INSTANT ROMANCE CLASSIC.
like fmc in historical england secretly cutting her hair off in service of her male acting roles and her loser husband of convenience going on internal monologues about how much he dislikes short-haired women only to realize he’s LYING TO HIMSELF and LOVES IT and turns into a whimpering mess if she shows her nape to him OFIWKLXJFNSKANCKFKAALNF no like that’s everything……….i love them both omg i am so enthralled by their love story and how beautifully it unfolds. i will forgive this book for so much because of the main couple.
hit the ‘she’s everything x he’s just some guy (but he’s hopelessly in love)’ trope ON THE HEAD and added some delusional jealousy and possessiveness on top of it. 500/5. WILL BE REREADING. INSTANT ROMANCE CLASSIC.
August 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. The book title is a little misleading, as the hero, Clem, was formerly a prizefighter and still has a few friends in that business. But he is now a theatre owner/manager, and there is no prizefighting in this book at all. Not that I minded, mind you, but I don't think the title of the book is very accurate. Oh well.
The storyline is actually all about a talented female actor who is a male impersonator and comedienne, and her marriage of convenience to Clem. Theo and Clem fall in love, and Theo's star rises as her popularity with audiences grows. The story mostly takes place in the world of the theatre, particularly the boisterous world of saucy and popular Victorian music hall with its double entendres and somewhat vulgar humour.
From a description of all this, I might not have picked the book up, but I've read and liked other books in this series so I hoped it would be a good one. And it is! Unexpected but somehow so interesting. I was fascinated particularly by Theo's character and the techniques she used for developing her stage roles.
Clem is likeable too, as he struggles with his first real love, and his self-doubts about his relationship with Theo. The HEA is quite satisfying.
There are some quite explicit steamy scenes in this book, and also, Clem makes free use of the 'f' word, so if these are offensive to you, don't read it. Otherwise, I recommend this book as an entertaining, original and fresh HR.
Reread for August 2024 BOTM with Historical Romance Book Club; 'Working Class' theme.
The storyline is actually all about a talented female actor who is a male impersonator and comedienne, and her marriage of convenience to Clem. Theo and Clem fall in love, and Theo's star rises as her popularity with audiences grows. The story mostly takes place in the world of the theatre, particularly the boisterous world of saucy and popular Victorian music hall with its double entendres and somewhat vulgar humour.
From a description of all this, I might not have picked the book up, but I've read and liked other books in this series so I hoped it would be a good one. And it is! Unexpected but somehow so interesting. I was fascinated particularly by Theo's character and the techniques she used for developing her stage roles.
Clem is likeable too, as he struggles with his first real love, and his self-doubts about his relationship with Theo. The HEA is quite satisfying.
There are some quite explicit steamy scenes in this book, and also, Clem makes free use of the 'f' word, so if these are offensive to you, don't read it. Otherwise, I recommend this book as an entertaining, original and fresh HR.
Reread for August 2024 BOTM with Historical Romance Book Club; 'Working Class' theme.
September 9, 2022
5 easy stars.
This is my favorite book from prizefighter series.
Clem immediately clicked with me. I imagine him as Pisces with deep feelings that run his life while he tries to be cold and business oriented.
And Dora is such a unique character (not sure of her Astro sign) I have never read about anyone like her. I wasn’t sure at first if I could like her but she turned out to be so awesome.
I loved their wedding night - it was so hot. Plus there as a lot of other hot scenes. They are hot mainly because our MC are so open with each other.
I loved everything through to “I love you resolution” which didn’t come without its challenges because Clem as his name maybe, sort of, suggests, clams up on his emotions even though he feels them deeply.
Great fun.
This is my favorite book from prizefighter series.
Clem immediately clicked with me. I imagine him as Pisces with deep feelings that run his life while he tries to be cold and business oriented.
And Dora is such a unique character (not sure of her Astro sign) I have never read about anyone like her. I wasn’t sure at first if I could like her but she turned out to be so awesome.
I loved their wedding night - it was so hot. Plus there as a lot of other hot scenes. They are hot mainly because our MC are so open with each other.
I loved everything through to “I love you resolution” which didn’t come without its challenges because Clem as his name maybe, sort of, suggests, clams up on his emotions even though he feels them deeply.
Great fun.
September 10, 2022
4.5 STARS
Another gem from Alice Coldbreath. Such a unique storyline. Definitely unexpected and delightful. Once again the characters were fantastic. And that ending, so incredibly sweet. I have to admit, I expected something totally different out of Clem Dabney.
Ira, I have to agree with you, this Prizefighter series may also end up being my favorite. I cannot wait for the next one.
'...the bawdy hand of the dial is now upon the prick of noon.'
Another gem from Alice Coldbreath. Such a unique storyline. Definitely unexpected and delightful. Once again the characters were fantastic. And that ending, so incredibly sweet. I have to admit, I expected something totally different out of Clem Dabney.
Ira, I have to agree with you, this Prizefighter series may also end up being my favorite. I cannot wait for the next one.
August 31, 2022
I wanna say this series is getting better with every new installment. But, then it will mean I didn't love Will and Meena(A bride for Prizefighter) as much as I liked the new couple. But, that's not true. I think the series is improving because of the quality of writing and certainly good editing. Yeah, look at me talking like a true critic and trying to find grammatical mistakes when I have the habit of writing two different spellings for the same word in a single paragraph.😂😂😂
Anyhow, I think at this point everyone knows it's a Marriage of convenience story and you think after 12-13 books there would be nothing new to offer but Miss Coldbreath just kept surprising by improving on her trope-y craft.
So, just like typical AC heroes, Clem is a self-centered bastard till he meets the h and discovers his possessive, jealous side. But, Clem is a better version. He is possessive but never tries to stop Thora from reaching her dreams. Actually, he even tries to help her out even when he was not sure of her potential. I think he is one of the best heroes ever written by AC.
But, Thora(h) is a curveball. Yes, just like other female leads of AC she is sensible and resourceful. But, unlike others, she is an aspiring stage artist, a full-time career woman. She is tomboyish, eccentric, and prefers practicality over fashion. She spends her days planning how to mimic male characters' on stage and preparing for the roles.
The romance between the couple is lovely but the smut is *chef kiss*. And, as expected, we have well-drawn side characters. It is like every side character could be developed into a full-fledged lead.
But, the star of the book is the atmospheric details.. It's like being transported to another side of the Victorian era filled with plays, and different tricks and treats of entertainment. It's lovely to see the life of commoners during that time. Its such a neglected area in HR. So, I genuinely think this is the best-written book in the series.
P.S- It could be read as a complete standalone because other than the hero no one else has ever appeared in any previous books. And, Clem too has got 1-2 mentions, so you are definitely not missing anything.
Anyhow, I think at this point everyone knows it's a Marriage of convenience story and you think after 12-13 books there would be nothing new to offer but Miss Coldbreath just kept surprising by improving on her trope-y craft.
So, just like typical AC heroes, Clem is a self-centered bastard till he meets the h and discovers his possessive, jealous side. But, Clem is a better version. He is possessive but never tries to stop Thora from reaching her dreams. Actually, he even tries to help her out even when he was not sure of her potential. I think he is one of the best heroes ever written by AC.
But, Thora(h) is a curveball. Yes, just like other female leads of AC she is sensible and resourceful. But, unlike others, she is an aspiring stage artist, a full-time career woman. She is tomboyish, eccentric, and prefers practicality over fashion. She spends her days planning how to mimic male characters' on stage and preparing for the roles.
The romance between the couple is lovely but the smut is *chef kiss*. And, as expected, we have well-drawn side characters. It is like every side character could be developed into a full-fledged lead.
But, the star of the book is the atmospheric details.. It's like being transported to another side of the Victorian era filled with plays, and different tricks and treats of entertainment. It's lovely to see the life of commoners during that time. Its such a neglected area in HR. So, I genuinely think this is the best-written book in the series.
P.S- It could be read as a complete standalone because other than the hero no one else has ever appeared in any previous books. And, Clem too has got 1-2 mentions, so you are definitely not missing anything.
March 14, 2023
4, 0✨✨✨
Theo/Dora and Clem are so cute together!
Loved this series.😍
Theo/Dora and Clem are so cute together!
Loved this series.😍
September 20, 2022
This is my favourite prizefighter story. I always forget how wonderful this series is because there are more stories in the Brides of Karadok series, and I love it.
Thank you Alice Coldbreath!!
This deserves a longer review. RTC soon.
***9/19/2022 UPDATE***
I need more books like this in my life.
Theo, or Dora/Dorabelle as Clem calls her, is the star of A Contracted Spouse for the Prizefighter. She is passionate about The Theatre without ever being pretentious like her brother. She is herself on the stage but she hasn't had the opportunity to shine, put into plays where her beautiful sister draws in the crowds with her looks, in a theatre run by her brother, although the theatre is owned by the siblings, after their uncle passed away.
The theatre is not doing well and the siblings are at an impasse. Theo's sister wants to make a respectable marriage. Theo, meanwhile, wants to act as a male impersonator. Theo meets the acquaintance of Clem Dancy. I read the books out of order so had no idea Clem was a big Ladies Man. After two bombshells from her siblings (sister to Theo: you can't act, brother to Theo: you have to stop acting and be a housekeeper for me), she decides to propose a marriage of convenience to Clem.
Clem promptly laughs in her face.
Two Weeks Later...
Clem accepts her offer and they begin married life. Clem decides to give her a spot in his music hall. He expects her to fail at her male impersonator act. Meanwhile, he falls for her...
The story is so much more lively than what I am describing, and it's easily my favourite Prizefigher story. It hits the notes I love: a spunky heroine who is confident about her thing, and is just fun to read about. And, of course, the AC hero who is initially dismissive of the heroine but quickly becomes infatuated by her.
One of the most hilarious scenes AC writes is how Clem is literally going to keel over from the guilt about being a majority shareholder in the theatre but no one in the family really bats a lash, as they are busy dealing with revenge for their sister.
Loved this!
Thank you Alice Coldbreath!!
This deserves a longer review. RTC soon.
***9/19/2022 UPDATE***
I need more books like this in my life.
Theo, or Dora/Dorabelle as Clem calls her, is the star of A Contracted Spouse for the Prizefighter. She is passionate about The Theatre without ever being pretentious like her brother. She is herself on the stage but she hasn't had the opportunity to shine, put into plays where her beautiful sister draws in the crowds with her looks, in a theatre run by her brother, although the theatre is owned by the siblings, after their uncle passed away.
The theatre is not doing well and the siblings are at an impasse. Theo's sister wants to make a respectable marriage. Theo, meanwhile, wants to act as a male impersonator. Theo meets the acquaintance of Clem Dancy. I read the books out of order so had no idea Clem was a big Ladies Man. After two bombshells from her siblings (sister to Theo: you can't act, brother to Theo: you have to stop acting and be a housekeeper for me), she decides to propose a marriage of convenience to Clem.
Clem promptly laughs in her face.
Two Weeks Later...
Clem accepts her offer and they begin married life. Clem decides to give her a spot in his music hall. He expects her to fail at her male impersonator act. Meanwhile, he falls for her...
The story is so much more lively than what I am describing, and it's easily my favourite Prizefigher story. It hits the notes I love: a spunky heroine who is confident about her thing, and is just fun to read about. And, of course, the AC hero who is initially dismissive of the heroine but quickly becomes infatuated by her.
One of the most hilarious scenes AC writes is how Clem is literally going to keel over from the guilt about being a majority shareholder in the theatre but no one in the family really bats a lash, as they are busy dealing with revenge for their sister.
Loved this!
February 15, 2026
October 2022
March 2025
February 2026
I liked Theo, the setting, and the story, but the romance didn't always work for me. My big problem was Clem, who I liked during the first half of the book, but who acted like a fool for most of the second half. The epilogue was pretty sweet though.
*********************
Second review:
I love the setting and the emphasis on the lower classes, which is so rarely shown in historical romance. And I really like the characters, even though some of Clem's thoughts and decisions are frustrating to read about.
********************
Original review:
Theo wants to be an actress. She and her siblings were raised by their uncle, who owned a theater. When their uncle died, he gave Theo and her siblings each partial ownership of the theater, but since Theo is an unmarried woman, her brother controls all of it. Now her brother wants her to give up acting to work as an unpaid housekeeper in their family home.
Clem is a former prize fighter who now runs a music hall. He wants to expand his business and he has his eye on Theo's family theater.
Theo propositions Clem with a convenient marriage so they can both get what they want. He will have partial ownership of the theater, and she can work as an actress at the music hall.
I really like Theo and I love that she figured out a way to follow her dreams. She's a unique character and has many qualities that seem almost contradictory, but somehow it works and makes sense. She's confident and perceptive, but insecure and naive.
Clem has always thought of himself as ruthless. He was alone from a young age, became a prizefighter, then, when his fighting career slowed, he opened a music hall. He is enamored with Theo pretty much from the get-go, but tries to keep her at arm's length. It takes a while for him to figure out his feelings.
This book has some cameos from the first two Victorian prizefighter books.
March 2025
February 2026
I liked Theo, the setting, and the story, but the romance didn't always work for me. My big problem was Clem, who I liked during the first half of the book, but who acted like a fool for most of the second half. The epilogue was pretty sweet though.
*********************
Second review:
I love the setting and the emphasis on the lower classes, which is so rarely shown in historical romance. And I really like the characters, even though some of Clem's thoughts and decisions are frustrating to read about.
********************
Original review:
Theo wants to be an actress. She and her siblings were raised by their uncle, who owned a theater. When their uncle died, he gave Theo and her siblings each partial ownership of the theater, but since Theo is an unmarried woman, her brother controls all of it. Now her brother wants her to give up acting to work as an unpaid housekeeper in their family home.
Clem is a former prize fighter who now runs a music hall. He wants to expand his business and he has his eye on Theo's family theater.
Theo propositions Clem with a convenient marriage so they can both get what they want. He will have partial ownership of the theater, and she can work as an actress at the music hall.
I really like Theo and I love that she figured out a way to follow her dreams. She's a unique character and has many qualities that seem almost contradictory, but somehow it works and makes sense. She's confident and perceptive, but insecure and naive.
Clem has always thought of himself as ruthless. He was alone from a young age, became a prizefighter, then, when his fighting career slowed, he opened a music hall. He is enamored with Theo pretty much from the get-go, but tries to keep her at arm's length. It takes a while for him to figure out his feelings.
This book has some cameos from the first two Victorian prizefighter books.
April 21, 2024
More thoughts to come, still love this series but this one dragged out the ending a bit too long for me. But love the Victorian middle class setting and the different industry’s explored by Coldbreath
(Days later lmao….)
Okay so as I said, I still adore this series, love the middle class Victorian life (those these dudes seem to have zero issues paying for stuff like all the dukes and earls and counts that I am constantly reading about) but this one dragged a lot for me, especially at the end. I am of the opinion that this could’ve been 100 pages shorter. But this books are the ultimate cozy comfort reads, I adore her set-up she has going, and am excited for where she goes next with this universe.
But this one switched up a bit from the previous books - these two actually get time to get to know each other before they get married, which is a first for me in Coldbreath’s books. My favorite part of her books is the hero slowly realizing with horror that they’ve fallen in love with their bride of convenience, they act like they’ve been shot, it’s hilarious to me to read. She does not do insta love which I like (maybe insta lust but idk that’s more believable for me).
Also Victorian era birth control does not sound fun.
Theo is fun but is also annoyingly ernest (this isn’t really an insult, this is more of a reflection on me and my cold dead cynical heart) who can be great, she just needs someone to give her a chance. Which Clem does, even though he’s an anxious mess leading up to her first performance, which I also loved - I was anxious too, even I knew Theo would be able to pull it off. Theo never doubts herself for a second and steamrolls her way into stardom, and it’s very admirable.
I did a number of operatic “breeches” roles throughout college and grad school, so I loved reading about her studying of men and mimicking them, I would do the same thing. Try it sometimes, watch your partner, sons, fathers, uncles, friends - how the walk, eat, go about their daily lives. It’s very funny. Especially teen boys who aren’t used their new height (in a not creepy way of course). It’s like watching a baby animal learn to walk.
Anyway this is now a ramble - overall enjoyed it, but I thought the ending could’ve been sped up - we are aware for almost the entire book what the third act conflict is going to be, and waiting for it to happen was bit tiring.
(Days later lmao….)
Okay so as I said, I still adore this series, love the middle class Victorian life (those these dudes seem to have zero issues paying for stuff like all the dukes and earls and counts that I am constantly reading about) but this one dragged a lot for me, especially at the end. I am of the opinion that this could’ve been 100 pages shorter. But this books are the ultimate cozy comfort reads, I adore her set-up she has going, and am excited for where she goes next with this universe.
But this one switched up a bit from the previous books - these two actually get time to get to know each other before they get married, which is a first for me in Coldbreath’s books. My favorite part of her books is the hero slowly realizing with horror that they’ve fallen in love with their bride of convenience, they act like they’ve been shot, it’s hilarious to me to read. She does not do insta love which I like (maybe insta lust but idk that’s more believable for me).
Also Victorian era birth control does not sound fun.
Theo is fun but is also annoyingly ernest (this isn’t really an insult, this is more of a reflection on me and my cold dead cynical heart) who can be great, she just needs someone to give her a chance. Which Clem does, even though he’s an anxious mess leading up to her first performance, which I also loved - I was anxious too, even I knew Theo would be able to pull it off. Theo never doubts herself for a second and steamrolls her way into stardom, and it’s very admirable.
I did a number of operatic “breeches” roles throughout college and grad school, so I loved reading about her studying of men and mimicking them, I would do the same thing. Try it sometimes, watch your partner, sons, fathers, uncles, friends - how the walk, eat, go about their daily lives. It’s very funny. Especially teen boys who aren’t used their new height (in a not creepy way of course). It’s like watching a baby animal learn to walk.
Anyway this is now a ramble - overall enjoyed it, but I thought the ending could’ve been sped up - we are aware for almost the entire book what the third act conflict is going to be, and waiting for it to happen was bit tiring.
August 28, 2022
Alice Coldbreath books are swiftly becoming my comfort reads. She has a formula (specifically for the Prizefighters series) and it just works for me. A middle class/ working class heroine who is generally overlooked meets a prizefigher (or ex prizefigher) that initially discounts her but quickly becomes obsessed. The books are long! A lot of it is just hanging out! I honestly can't get enough.
In this one, Clem Dabney is a former prizefigher who now owns a music hall. He wants to get his hands on The Parthenon, a classy venue that is flailing with dull plays and empty seats. Theodora fields is part-owner of The Parthenon along with her brother and sister, but because she's not a man (her brother's gift) or a great beauty (her sister's), she's regarded a bit as a pest. An oddity. She's incensed when Clem writes her off as a nonentity, but when things go south with her family she offers him a proposition: a marriage of convenience. Clem will get part ownership of The Parthenon, and Thora gets her shot at stardom in Clem's musical hall. Having previously been regulated to bit parts, she wants to try her hand at being a male impersonator.
What makes this so fun is that we know Thora is going to succeed (how could she not?) but everyone else, Clem included, is bracing for her downfall. Even though he thinks her aspirations are out of her reach, Clem quickly becomes fascinated with the eccentric actress he married. 'Spinster' has a connotation for 'boring', but even before he marries her he discovers that she's anything but.
It was so fun! I inhaled it in a day, which is how I typically read Coldbreath books now. There's a fourth act conflict that is slightly atypical for her books here, and it would have annoyed me a bit more if it actually lasted more than a few pages. Most of the book is dedicated to courtship, camaraderie, and smutty scenes, so it's still I win in my book.
In this one, Clem Dabney is a former prizefigher who now owns a music hall. He wants to get his hands on The Parthenon, a classy venue that is flailing with dull plays and empty seats. Theodora fields is part-owner of The Parthenon along with her brother and sister, but because she's not a man (her brother's gift) or a great beauty (her sister's), she's regarded a bit as a pest. An oddity. She's incensed when Clem writes her off as a nonentity, but when things go south with her family she offers him a proposition: a marriage of convenience. Clem will get part ownership of The Parthenon, and Thora gets her shot at stardom in Clem's musical hall. Having previously been regulated to bit parts, she wants to try her hand at being a male impersonator.
What makes this so fun is that we know Thora is going to succeed (how could she not?) but everyone else, Clem included, is bracing for her downfall. Even though he thinks her aspirations are out of her reach, Clem quickly becomes fascinated with the eccentric actress he married. 'Spinster' has a connotation for 'boring', but even before he marries her he discovers that she's anything but.
It was so fun! I inhaled it in a day, which is how I typically read Coldbreath books now. There's a fourth act conflict that is slightly atypical for her books here, and it would have annoyed me a bit more if it actually lasted more than a few pages. Most of the book is dedicated to courtship, camaraderie, and smutty scenes, so it's still I win in my book.
August 29, 2022
3.5 stars ✿
❛He swayed her in his arms as though they were dancing, even though there was no music to be had.❜
the dancing in the kitchen scene has a special place in my heart.
❛He swayed her in his arms as though they were dancing, even though there was no music to be had.❜
the dancing in the kitchen scene has a special place in my heart.
Want to read
March 25, 2023It's been a hot minute since I've looked forward to a new historical romance release.
August 7, 2024
In a strange way I believe Alice Coldbreath is my literary soulmate. Something about her books just appeals in a way no others do. From the tropes to the characters to the settings, it’s all what I love wrapped between two covers. “A Contracted Spouse for the Prizefighter” was no different.
Theo and Clem’s marriage of convenience was a lovely spectacle to watch. I loved Theo’s creativity, the way she is perfectly balanced between innocent and intelligent. The way her optimism fitted so well to Clem’s pessimism was chef’s kiss. Sometimes I wished we had a little more backstory to Clem, but nonetheless he is the cutest cutiepie of a prizefighter one can find. Even while in denial about his feelings for his wife, he treated her like a princess, doing everything in his power to make her life as comfortable as possible, to make sure she did not get harmed physically and mentally. He even was ready to let her go, so she can live what he considered her dream. When he asked to be part of her dream my little cold heart melted. I can sense some hidden golden retriever energy in this one.
Additionally, I feel like this has been the steamiest book by Coldbreath I have read. I mean the wedding night made me blush…don’t we all love a man who gets completely lost in pleasing his wife? I sure do.
My biggest criticism with this book was that one, it was a tad too long. The entire set-up of their marriage took almost a third of the book. And though I enjoyed watching those two get to know each other, I think this part of the story could have been much more condensed. And secondly, as mentioned before, I think Clem was slightly underdeveloped as a main character. The story focussed very much on Theo, but left out much of Clem. What motives him, why the theatre business, what’s going on with his family? All these questions were left pretty much unanswered. Book boyfriend material he sure is, but there is still much mystery about him…
Overall, another Coldbreath masterpiece I can only recommend if you love marriage of convenience, Victorian working class, and complicated families, this is the novel for you!
Theo and Clem’s marriage of convenience was a lovely spectacle to watch. I loved Theo’s creativity, the way she is perfectly balanced between innocent and intelligent. The way her optimism fitted so well to Clem’s pessimism was chef’s kiss. Sometimes I wished we had a little more backstory to Clem, but nonetheless he is the cutest cutiepie of a prizefighter one can find. Even while in denial about his feelings for his wife, he treated her like a princess, doing everything in his power to make her life as comfortable as possible, to make sure she did not get harmed physically and mentally. He even was ready to let her go, so she can live what he considered her dream. When he asked to be part of her dream my little cold heart melted. I can sense some hidden golden retriever energy in this one.
Additionally, I feel like this has been the steamiest book by Coldbreath I have read. I mean the wedding night made me blush…don’t we all love a man who gets completely lost in pleasing his wife? I sure do.
My biggest criticism with this book was that one, it was a tad too long. The entire set-up of their marriage took almost a third of the book. And though I enjoyed watching those two get to know each other, I think this part of the story could have been much more condensed. And secondly, as mentioned before, I think Clem was slightly underdeveloped as a main character. The story focussed very much on Theo, but left out much of Clem. What motives him, why the theatre business, what’s going on with his family? All these questions were left pretty much unanswered. Book boyfriend material he sure is, but there is still much mystery about him…
Overall, another Coldbreath masterpiece I can only recommend if you love marriage of convenience, Victorian working class, and complicated families, this is the novel for you!
December 5, 2023
Another great book by AC. I really love this series. The MCs are regular people living interesting lives.
In this book, Theo (also called Dora) is part owner of a theater with her siblings. They decide to retire her and she gets stuck being the new housekeeper. Theo is appalled because she loves the stage and everything that comes with it. Smart and clever, she proposes marriage to the one person she knows will accept so that he can become a part owner of the theater through their marriage. Clem is a retired prizefighter. He was never much good but he could draw a crowd. He takes her up on her offer and away we go!
Theo was so amazing. She is the plain sister of the two and was stuck in the background, never able to shine. Clem gives her the chance to perform her specialty--male impersonation--and she knocks their socks off! She is funny, witty, clever, and has great instincts on stage. I loved that Theo was stuck in a rut and she needed her world to be shaken up a bit to realize her potential. Meanwhile, Clem is determined to not fall in love with his wife and just can't understand where all these feelings keep coming from. Oh, poor stupid Clem. He never saw it coming.
The book was equal parts romance, equal parts life in a musical theater. There are secondary characters with their own smaller plotlines that add to the story. I really loved the H/h and thought they were great together. The H of course does something stupid and has to grovel, but what a beautiful grovel it was. A+
Safety
In this book, Theo (also called Dora) is part owner of a theater with her siblings. They decide to retire her and she gets stuck being the new housekeeper. Theo is appalled because she loves the stage and everything that comes with it. Smart and clever, she proposes marriage to the one person she knows will accept so that he can become a part owner of the theater through their marriage. Clem is a retired prizefighter. He was never much good but he could draw a crowd. He takes her up on her offer and away we go!
Theo was so amazing. She is the plain sister of the two and was stuck in the background, never able to shine. Clem gives her the chance to perform her specialty--male impersonation--and she knocks their socks off! She is funny, witty, clever, and has great instincts on stage. I loved that Theo was stuck in a rut and she needed her world to be shaken up a bit to realize her potential. Meanwhile, Clem is determined to not fall in love with his wife and just can't understand where all these feelings keep coming from. Oh, poor stupid Clem. He never saw it coming.
The book was equal parts romance, equal parts life in a musical theater. There are secondary characters with their own smaller plotlines that add to the story. I really loved the H/h and thought they were great together. The H of course does something stupid and has to grovel, but what a beautiful grovel it was. A+
Safety
August 2, 2023
If you haven’t read an AC book then this is the one! I love anything Alice writes, but this one was particularly sweet. There were many instances where I would be laughing, but yet be teary eyed at the same time with a frog in my throat from the feels. Both Dora and Clem were naïve about relationships, so it made it sweeter as they worked through their issues and in the end Clem couldn’t do anything but let Dorabell take flight. What I loved most about Dora, is she created and wore what was comfortable to her, regardless of how strange it might appear to other people. She had early English Boho flair who was determined to be the best male impersonator in the country. Awesome read and can’t recommend it enough. Now having said all that, the Vawdrey brothers are still my faves. Also even though this is book 3, the series connection is that the men are bare-knuckle prize fighters, either currently or in the past. So this story stands alone just fine. If you are looking for something off the beaten path, this may be for you!
October 5, 2023
4.5 stars
I was absolutely *giddy* while listening to this audiobook.
Theo(dora) was the star of the show — sweet, enthusiastic, and incredibly driven. She wants to be a stage actor, and her response to being told to get in the kitchen is to proposition marriage to Clem Dabney, the showy, new money type who clearly wants a piece of her theatre, in return for a place on the stage. Possibly one of my favourite FMCs ever!
Meanwhile Clem keeps telling himself “I’m just being a considerate husband as a pretense” while doing the whole “why do keep thinking of Dora and how to make her happy…?” thing. He basically spent the whole time figuratively rubbing his chest in confusion, and breathing all heavy whenever he thought another man was sniffing around. 😂
The wedding night explorations managed to kind of awkward, hilarious, but also 🥵🥵🥵.
I do think the story could have been a bit shorter (the last 20% or so could have been tighter), but I was also kind of happy to just stay in the universe.
I was absolutely *giddy* while listening to this audiobook.
Theo(dora) was the star of the show — sweet, enthusiastic, and incredibly driven. She wants to be a stage actor, and her response to being told to get in the kitchen is to proposition marriage to Clem Dabney, the showy, new money type who clearly wants a piece of her theatre, in return for a place on the stage. Possibly one of my favourite FMCs ever!
Meanwhile Clem keeps telling himself “I’m just being a considerate husband as a pretense” while doing the whole “why do keep thinking of Dora and how to make her happy…?” thing. He basically spent the whole time figuratively rubbing his chest in confusion, and breathing all heavy whenever he thought another man was sniffing around. 😂
The wedding night explorations managed to kind of awkward, hilarious, but also 🥵🥵🥵.
I do think the story could have been a bit shorter (the last 20% or so could have been tighter), but I was also kind of happy to just stay in the universe.
August 29, 2022
Not as good as the second Prizefighter book but loved Dora even if she was too forgiving!
June 10, 2024
4.75/5!!! Le voy a subir al 4.75 porque he regresado continuamente a releer algunas escenasss y siguen haciéndome sonreír. <3
Típico Alice Coldbreath, la peculiaridad, primeros encuentros y evolución de su romance fue tan genial como siempre, aparte HAY CONFESIÓN DE AMOR ENOJADA KAHSHAJAHS me encantó como él no dejaba de decir que la amaba, hay un montón de celos como siempre en estos libros (por parte de él, claro) y solo ellos dos siendo lindos y tontos. ☝️💖
no owd a pesar de lo que pensaba, gracias a dios 🙏
Típico Alice Coldbreath, la peculiaridad, primeros encuentros y evolución de su romance fue tan genial como siempre, aparte HAY CONFESIÓN DE AMOR ENOJADA KAHSHAJAHS me encantó como él no dejaba de decir que la amaba, hay un montón de celos como siempre en estos libros (por parte de él, claro) y solo ellos dos siendo lindos y tontos. ☝️💖
no owd a pesar de lo que pensaba, gracias a dios 🙏
January 14, 2025
I have really like this series. This couple was adorable and I loved this so much!
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
4.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
November 10, 2024
I enjoyed this one as much as the first but not as much as the second book.
At first it was so stressful watching Dora get shafted by everyone close to her. It was so unfair!
But after 26 years of towing the line she's had it and takes steps to make sure she doesn't get sidelined like her family wants.
She's grown up in the theater business with her older brother and sister and has a passion for acting that her family has done it's best to suppress. Now she plans to show them all what she can really do. And unfortunately she and her friend Lil are the only ones who think she can.
So we have a woman who is constantly undervalued by those she knows but who is full of passion. I felt like she was going to explode if she didn't get to express herself. And she does express herself with her outlandish way of dressing (more like the 1930's than the 1800's) as a woman and.... as a man.
Clem is an ex boxer. He retired a year ago and has since been doing quite well running a music hall. He would like to get into the more respectable theater business and so shows up at Dora's families theater to see if they are interested. Things happen and Dora ends up proposing a marriage of convenience. He would get her 25% of the business and she would get to put on her show at the music hall.
I just loved watching Dora always get the better of everyone. They all would underestimate her interests and her talents. Even Clem, and it was kinda painful for the first 20% of the story. But once she and Clem have their agreement, the story starts to become more fun. He is constantly surprised by her because she would never do what he expected. And some of the surprises he would have difficulty accepting. But he would pretend otherwise because he didn't want to hurt her feelings.
SO at the start of the book they seem worlds apart and there's no respect or interest BUT they also seem to get each other's backs up. So maybe there was interest from the start but neither was prepared to admit it. And after they get together you start to realize that they have more in common than they knew.
They are both adults and although he gets jealous and won't admit he's jealous, he would never hurt Dora on purpose.
It was hard leading up to her first performance. You know she is going to be a smash hit, but he is so sure she will flop on her face. I quite enjoyed him being proved wrong.
Clem was a hard character to like because of his prejudices against Dora, but he does grow and he does grovel quite nicely in the end. And her siblings grovel too (well more Hetty than Felix, who will always be a bit of prig).
There's also a nice side romance for Lil and her estranged husband.
My biggest complaint was there was too much sex for the first half. It was how Clem and Dora got to know each other. But I coulda done with one or two less scenes.
Safety is surprisingly good considering what a lady's man Clem is shown to be in the previous books.
At first it was so stressful watching Dora get shafted by everyone close to her. It was so unfair!
But after 26 years of towing the line she's had it and takes steps to make sure she doesn't get sidelined like her family wants.
She's grown up in the theater business with her older brother and sister and has a passion for acting that her family has done it's best to suppress. Now she plans to show them all what she can really do. And unfortunately she and her friend Lil are the only ones who think she can.
So we have a woman who is constantly undervalued by those she knows but who is full of passion. I felt like she was going to explode if she didn't get to express herself. And she does express herself with her outlandish way of dressing (more like the 1930's than the 1800's) as a woman and.... as a man.
Clem is an ex boxer. He retired a year ago and has since been doing quite well running a music hall. He would like to get into the more respectable theater business and so shows up at Dora's families theater to see if they are interested. Things happen and Dora ends up proposing a marriage of convenience. He would get her 25% of the business and she would get to put on her show at the music hall.
I just loved watching Dora always get the better of everyone. They all would underestimate her interests and her talents. Even Clem, and it was kinda painful for the first 20% of the story. But once she and Clem have their agreement, the story starts to become more fun. He is constantly surprised by her because she would never do what he expected. And some of the surprises he would have difficulty accepting. But he would pretend otherwise because he didn't want to hurt her feelings.
SO at the start of the book they seem worlds apart and there's no respect or interest BUT they also seem to get each other's backs up. So maybe there was interest from the start but neither was prepared to admit it. And after they get together you start to realize that they have more in common than they knew.
They are both adults and although he gets jealous and won't admit he's jealous, he would never hurt Dora on purpose.
It was hard leading up to her first performance. You know she is going to be a smash hit, but he is so sure she will flop on her face. I quite enjoyed him being proved wrong.
Clem was a hard character to like because of his prejudices against Dora, but he does grow and he does grovel quite nicely in the end. And her siblings grovel too (well more Hetty than Felix, who will always be a bit of prig).
There's also a nice side romance for Lil and her estranged husband.
My biggest complaint was there was too much sex for the first half. It was how Clem and Dora got to know each other. But I coulda done with one or two less scenes.
Safety is surprisingly good considering what a lady's man Clem is shown to be in the previous books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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