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The Wicked Women of Whitechapel #2
The Dueling Duchess
Regency-era England may be a man’s world, but a lady boss is about to show them how it’s done . . .
In the newest of her witty, Regency-set, feminist romances exploring the roles of women in a rigidly patriarchal society, acclaimed author Minerva Spencer hits the mark with expert sharpshooter, London circus attraction, and French expat Cecile Tremblay. A new generation of readers and Bridgerton fans will delight in the rapier sharp wit, sexual fireworks, and thought-provoking entertainment of The Dueling Duchess.
When Cecile Tremblay lost everyone and everything in the French Revolution, she never imagined that she'd earn her living as a markswoman in a London circus. But Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre has become her home, her family, and her future. Another thing Cecile never imagined was becoming entangled with the man gossip columns call The Darling of the Ton. But mere weeks after her rejection of his insulting carte blanche—and his infuriating engagement to an heiress—Darlington is back, this time to beg Cecile for help. And help him she will, by teaching him about honest work—and the right way to treat a woman.
Gaius Darlington has always led a charmed life. Until now. Suddenly, a long-lost heir has appeared to claim his title, possessions, and property, Not only that, but Guy's fiancée has jilted him to marry the usurper! Yet there is a silver lining: it's no longer Guy’s duty to marry an heiress to save the dukedom. He’s free to wed the woman he loves—if only he can earn her forgiveness.
They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But fury is just a step away from passion, and Guy knows just how to arouse Cecile’s. . .
In the newest of her witty, Regency-set, feminist romances exploring the roles of women in a rigidly patriarchal society, acclaimed author Minerva Spencer hits the mark with expert sharpshooter, London circus attraction, and French expat Cecile Tremblay. A new generation of readers and Bridgerton fans will delight in the rapier sharp wit, sexual fireworks, and thought-provoking entertainment of The Dueling Duchess.
When Cecile Tremblay lost everyone and everything in the French Revolution, she never imagined that she'd earn her living as a markswoman in a London circus. But Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre has become her home, her family, and her future. Another thing Cecile never imagined was becoming entangled with the man gossip columns call The Darling of the Ton. But mere weeks after her rejection of his insulting carte blanche—and his infuriating engagement to an heiress—Darlington is back, this time to beg Cecile for help. And help him she will, by teaching him about honest work—and the right way to treat a woman.
Gaius Darlington has always led a charmed life. Until now. Suddenly, a long-lost heir has appeared to claim his title, possessions, and property, Not only that, but Guy's fiancée has jilted him to marry the usurper! Yet there is a silver lining: it's no longer Guy’s duty to marry an heiress to save the dukedom. He’s free to wed the woman he loves—if only he can earn her forgiveness.
They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. But fury is just a step away from passion, and Guy knows just how to arouse Cecile’s. . .
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2023
195 people are currently reading
7454 people want to read
About the author
Minerva Spencer
65 books1,754 followers**I ONLY RATE BOOKS I REALLY ENJOYED**.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
Before I began writing I spent time as a dock worker, a reader for the blind, a criminal prosecutor, and I taught American History on the college level for five years. My last job was running an 8-bedroom bed and breakfast, a subject I will never write about...
I like historical fiction because I enjoy escaping into the past when I relax. And I write romance because I love a happy ending and everything that happens along the way.
I came to writing late in life and I feel like I have to write fast to catch up! I work every day at a desk looking out over the Sangre de Cristo mountains, my free range birds, and my three flock protecting hounds Earl, Spot, and Rover.
When I'm not writing I'm playing with my animals, knitting, DIYing, crocheting, sewing, or watching old movies.
I also write historical romance and erotic romance under the name S.M. LaViolette and historical mystery under the name S.M. Goodwin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
May 25, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded up because the writing was good.
This is my first time reading this author under her Spencer pen name. I’ve gotta say, I’m not entirely sure I understand the difference between Minerva Spencer and L.M. LaViolette. I’ve heard the latter is supposed to be more sex heavy or kinky, but I found this one fairly sex heavy for HR so I don’t think the difference is enough to warrant having two names, I mean, if there is a difference, it’s in the nanometers.
For the book itself, this was kind of a messy read. The first part of the book almost lost me with its time jumps and backtracking. I think some of the details here may have been revealed in the last book, but since I didn’t read that one, this book seemed sparse on the particulars.
After I drudged through the first part, the book jumped back to present time and stayed there and I found it to be more engaging…for awhile. Then I got to the 70% mark it really dragged. There wasn’t really a lot of action in the plot other than the heroine making the hero pay for his atrocious actions and the hero working to earn her forgiveness. Though I love a grovel, this was a long drawn out, boring one. I skimmed a lot of this book and ultimately I didn’t really enjoy it. I have broken down in bullet points what I liked and didn’t like below, however you will note the didn’t like column is particularly weighty. I won’t be continuing this series and I have no desire to pick up the previous book either.
Things I liked:
🔫 She made him suffer after he wronged her.
🔫 She wasn’t celibate during their separation.
🔫 He was kind of a himbo, pretty but dumb.
🔫 He was prepared to grovel and work to win her back.
🔫 The writing style and language were rich and fluid.
🔫 Age of the heroine, she was 36 and she was a bit older than him.
🔫 Heroine was a business woman and of the working class.
Things I didn’t like:
🔫 All the time jumps in the first 30% of the book.
🔫 Pretty much the first 30%, it was unnecessary to partially revisit their time together from the previous book.
🔫 His betrayal, with all the time jumps and back and forth, the author didn’t even write the scene of his big insult; offering her Carte Blanche, it was only eluded to, but it was the main conflict between the couple. Why not write it? We had scenes of them eating dinner together but not this?
🔫 His manwhore ways rubbed in the reader’s face - this author does this in every book I’ve read of hers. The hero’s past with women is always prolifically and unnecessarily described. I know readers who specifically avoid this author for this reason, change it up a bit at least, does it need to be in every book?
🔫 The heroine’s character felt very anachronistic and in the author’s notes she actually admits to it. I liked that she was a strong heroine but I didn’t feel like society would have been as accepting of her and needed the author to explore the costs to her behaving this way, because they would have been significant; including censure, unwanted pregnancy or disease. How did she avoid all this?
🔫 The hero realizes he’s in love with the heroine while in bed with another woman because his sexual performance was abysmal. Wow, so romantic. 🙄
🔫 The story really dragged in the middle with her punishing him and him working for her. 🥱 that went on too long without any other action in the plot.
🔫 I feel like a lot of action for the characters took place off page -probably in the last book, which I didn’t read- and it was eluded to here, but this book has very little action.
🔫 Too long. When I’m skimming and only reading dialogue, you need to tighten up your story. This book did not have enough plot to support over 350 pages. Edit.
🔫 The ending(s) kept going and got more and more convoluted
So this story had a lot of plot strings and side stories going on, yet at the same time didn’t focus well enough on any of them and wrapped them up too quickly and almost as afterthoughts. This ended up being boring rather than satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is my first time reading this author under her Spencer pen name. I’ve gotta say, I’m not entirely sure I understand the difference between Minerva Spencer and L.M. LaViolette. I’ve heard the latter is supposed to be more sex heavy or kinky, but I found this one fairly sex heavy for HR so I don’t think the difference is enough to warrant having two names, I mean, if there is a difference, it’s in the nanometers.
For the book itself, this was kind of a messy read. The first part of the book almost lost me with its time jumps and backtracking. I think some of the details here may have been revealed in the last book, but since I didn’t read that one, this book seemed sparse on the particulars.
After I drudged through the first part, the book jumped back to present time and stayed there and I found it to be more engaging…for awhile. Then I got to the 70% mark it really dragged. There wasn’t really a lot of action in the plot other than the heroine making the hero pay for his atrocious actions and the hero working to earn her forgiveness. Though I love a grovel, this was a long drawn out, boring one. I skimmed a lot of this book and ultimately I didn’t really enjoy it. I have broken down in bullet points what I liked and didn’t like below, however you will note the didn’t like column is particularly weighty. I won’t be continuing this series and I have no desire to pick up the previous book either.
Things I liked:
🔫 She made him suffer after he wronged her.
🔫 She wasn’t celibate during their separation.
🔫 He was kind of a himbo, pretty but dumb.
🔫 He was prepared to grovel and work to win her back.
🔫 The writing style and language were rich and fluid.
🔫 Age of the heroine, she was 36 and she was a bit older than him.
🔫 Heroine was a business woman and of the working class.
Things I didn’t like:
🔫 All the time jumps in the first 30% of the book.
🔫 Pretty much the first 30%, it was unnecessary to partially revisit their time together from the previous book.
🔫 His betrayal, with all the time jumps and back and forth, the author didn’t even write the scene of his big insult; offering her Carte Blanche, it was only eluded to, but it was the main conflict between the couple. Why not write it? We had scenes of them eating dinner together but not this?
🔫 His manwhore ways rubbed in the reader’s face - this author does this in every book I’ve read of hers. The hero’s past with women is always prolifically and unnecessarily described. I know readers who specifically avoid this author for this reason, change it up a bit at least, does it need to be in every book?
🔫 The heroine’s character felt very anachronistic and in the author’s notes she actually admits to it. I liked that she was a strong heroine but I didn’t feel like society would have been as accepting of her and needed the author to explore the costs to her behaving this way, because they would have been significant; including censure, unwanted pregnancy or disease. How did she avoid all this?
🔫 The hero realizes he’s in love with the heroine while in bed with another woman because his sexual performance was abysmal. Wow, so romantic. 🙄
🔫 The story really dragged in the middle with her punishing him and him working for her. 🥱 that went on too long without any other action in the plot.
🔫 I feel like a lot of action for the characters took place off page -probably in the last book, which I didn’t read- and it was eluded to here, but this book has very little action.
🔫 Too long. When I’m skimming and only reading dialogue, you need to tighten up your story. This book did not have enough plot to support over 350 pages. Edit.
🔫 The ending(s) kept going and got more and more convoluted
So this story had a lot of plot strings and side stories going on, yet at the same time didn’t focus well enough on any of them and wrapped them up too quickly and almost as afterthoughts. This ended up being boring rather than satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
dont-want-to-read
April 17, 2023He realizes he’s in love with the heroine because his mistress tells him while in bed together. Gross.
September 3, 2023
I really like Minerva Spencer, but I'm on the fence about this series. The plotlines are unlike anything I've ever read (the books take place in a travelling circus! with hidden royalty!), but they also feel sort of meandering and convoluted.
I'm not sure how I feel about The Dueling Duchess, if I'm being honest. It took me a long time to get through this one, and at nearly 400 pages it isn't much of a surprise as to why. However, I think that the complicated storyline just got in the author's way. The characters were lovely, mostly because Minerva Spencer always creates such complex, interesting characters (that she loves to torture!). Still, the excellent character development wasn't enough to hold my attention all of the time.
I think if you are a fan of this author and you enjoyed the first book in the series, you should give this one a try. Just know you are in for a journey.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram
I'm not sure how I feel about The Dueling Duchess, if I'm being honest. It took me a long time to get through this one, and at nearly 400 pages it isn't much of a surprise as to why. However, I think that the complicated storyline just got in the author's way. The characters were lovely, mostly because Minerva Spencer always creates such complex, interesting characters (that she loves to torture!). Still, the excellent character development wasn't enough to hold my attention all of the time.
I think if you are a fan of this author and you enjoyed the first book in the series, you should give this one a try. Just know you are in for a journey.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram
June 7, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from the hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes, 3 weeks later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through Netgalley
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
I picked his one up alone and thought it was fine, BUT the first book (The Boxing Baroness) does establish the girls friendships and the circus (I have heard)
Basic plot:
Cecile runs a successful circus, and when Guy loses everything, he tries to make amends with his lost love, even if that means working for her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1816)
- London setting
- second chance romance
- circus performer and sharp shooter heroine
- found family
- child in the story
- LGBT positive
- Duke turned commoner hero
- You don’t mind some time jumps to get the full story (it’s not overwhelmingly back and forth – more of a prologue, present day, past, then present day again)
- work place romance- ish??
- touch of other man jealousy
- experienced heroine – she’s had affairs and knows what she likes
- mains in their 30s
- medium steam – 3 full scenes (I might be off?) with some very light praise kink
Ages:
- Heroine is around 36, hero is 32
First line:
”Manon Cecile Tremblay Blanchet!” Michael Blanchet hissed.
My thoughts:
So I thought this book was really unique! I liked a lot of the plot line and the characters.
Cecile is very independent, spunky, strong and brave and I enjoyed her quite a bit. She runs an all female circus which I thought was a different career for a Regency woman. She does have a bit of emotional constipation when it comes to Guy but I liked the way they worked it out by the end.
Guy is a duke but finds out who likes him and who likes his title when he loses and becomes a plain mister. He can’t get Cecile out of his mind and when he returns to her, they have some explosive interactions.
I do struggle with second chance. Many times the tension is all fizzled by the time the reader arrives and I’m left with the relationship turmoil that I didn’t get the build up to it. I did like how this one played out in that we were given the past towards the beginning of the story and I wasn’t left wondering. But still….I felt like I was missing all my favorite parts of romance.
There is quite a bit of enemies to lovers feel from Cecile towards Guy. Guy ended the affair badly and Cecile makes him pay for it by being the butt of her jokes in the circus and cleaning all the poop. I haven’t been in love with enemies to lovers lately either because the animosity doesn’t give me feels like it does for some others.
There are also a ton of side characters in this one, which did enhance the story – they really were delightful – but combined with the other things, I just wanted more for their relationship on page. All that is just what I prefer in romance and I don’t think it will bother most others.
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from the hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Yes, 3 weeks later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through Netgalley
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
I picked his one up alone and thought it was fine, BUT the first book (The Boxing Baroness) does establish the girls friendships and the circus (I have heard)
Basic plot:
Cecile runs a successful circus, and when Guy loses everything, he tries to make amends with his lost love, even if that means working for her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1816)
- London setting
- second chance romance
- circus performer and sharp shooter heroine
- found family
- child in the story
- LGBT positive
- Duke turned commoner hero
- You don’t mind some time jumps to get the full story (it’s not overwhelmingly back and forth – more of a prologue, present day, past, then present day again)
- work place romance- ish??
- touch of other man jealousy
- experienced heroine – she’s had affairs and knows what she likes
- mains in their 30s
- medium steam – 3 full scenes (I might be off?) with some very light praise kink
Ages:
- Heroine is around 36, hero is 32
First line:
”Manon Cecile Tremblay Blanchet!” Michael Blanchet hissed.
My thoughts:
So I thought this book was really unique! I liked a lot of the plot line and the characters.
Cecile is very independent, spunky, strong and brave and I enjoyed her quite a bit. She runs an all female circus which I thought was a different career for a Regency woman. She does have a bit of emotional constipation when it comes to Guy but I liked the way they worked it out by the end.
Guy is a duke but finds out who likes him and who likes his title when he loses and becomes a plain mister. He can’t get Cecile out of his mind and when he returns to her, they have some explosive interactions.
I do struggle with second chance. Many times the tension is all fizzled by the time the reader arrives and I’m left with the relationship turmoil that I didn’t get the build up to it. I did like how this one played out in that we were given the past towards the beginning of the story and I wasn’t left wondering. But still….I felt like I was missing all my favorite parts of romance.
There is quite a bit of enemies to lovers feel from Cecile towards Guy. Guy ended the affair badly and Cecile makes him pay for it by being the butt of her jokes in the circus and cleaning all the poop. I haven’t been in love with enemies to lovers lately either because the animosity doesn’t give me feels like it does for some others.
There are also a ton of side characters in this one, which did enhance the story – they really were delightful – but combined with the other things, I just wanted more for their relationship on page. All that is just what I prefer in romance and I don’t think it will bother most others.
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
January 2, 2023
The Dueling Duchess, by Minerva Spencer. I don’t know if I should cry after reading this book or be over joyed after reading this book. Minerva did a brilliant job with this story. I couldn’t help but notice how the two main characters had similar stories, but at opposite times during the story. I thought that that was clever.
You will understand once you read the book. Did I mention that Blade is a Bad Ass? Watch out Elliott! And that’s just one of the intriguing written characters in this stakes are high, scandalous book. Minerva did a fantastic job with bringing a love story about duty, sacrifice, love and honor.
Her writing ability pulled me into the characters world and there I was ( my mind that is), getting familiarized with Cecile, Guy, Blade, Eliot, Marianne and Sin. It was important for me to understand the two main characters, Guy and Cecile first. From how their story was told gave me a understanding of how they’ve come to cross these heroine life changing experiences. Have you ever read a book and it easily takes control of your imagination and from there you instantly visualize playing out in your mind? My friends when you can do that, you know that you are reading a exceptionally written book. I have to say this though, there was so much attitude in this book.
I mean the characters did not hold back on what they were thinking. If it wasn’t Cecile giving someone a dress down (Mostly Guy), there was Blade with her cold hard stare followed up by one word a day comments. Certainly you have to wonder how these woman were able to wrangle these men into their private affairs. And speaking of private affairs. I was yelling for Guy to bust some heads as the money grubbing Neanderthals came out of the dark, disrupting honest hardworking peoples lives.
While there in the thick of it, Cecile has Guys back while holding her pistols at the ready. Say what? I told you the women in this story where bad ass. Readers here me out. The background story is truly amazing. It’s exciting and entertaining.
Picture this, Cecile and her father are lead to the dark dingy, disgusting galos. I was in shock at How her father was speaking to her. I was curious as to know how this dark mysterious father daughter walk was going to end. Needless to say Cecile was too. Then son of a biscuit eater!
What wedding?! Im like, what in the sam tarnation is going on here?! I then said, I must investigate. Continue reading girl. I had to know and so, my raging curiosity activated my spidey senses as a self appointed investigator.
Let me say this, I am so glad that I did guys. What I uncovered in the book was capital. Back to the good stuff. A young woman gets lost at sea. A Duke is then introduced to a woman who has the capability to shoot a card right of your hand.
I recall a certain strong, masculine Duke yelped a few times during some performances, as he was the card holder. Cecile was wonderfully written. I loved the fact that her character was written as a strong woman who obviously can hold her own. Everywhere she went, she had her guns and knives attached to her. When Guy comes to help Cecile that is where the fun really begins.
I thought that the writer didn’t hold back with his character. Guy is funny and very charming to all the women. He has enormous passion and seductive qualities only stands to attention when he sees or is near Cecile. Most importantly his heart is as big as the sea when it comes to a certain Cat. And ladies from Ceciles lips to our ears, “Michelangelo’s David had nothing on Lord Carlisle”.
The way Guy’s body is described in the book had me so hot, I was melting. (Melting for an image of him in the book). You guys remember how the old historical romance novels would have at least one picture of the couple in between the book? What happened to that? Bring them back please!
Well anyway, as I was saying, you will love how Cecile can’t help but enjoy her fill of this darling Duke. Yes you lovely readers you, I had a exciting time reading this romance story. It warmed my heart very much, I patiently await the next saga in this series. I give this book two snaps and a, “Now get over here and strip before me my darling Duke”. “Your wish is my command mistress”.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
You will understand once you read the book. Did I mention that Blade is a Bad Ass? Watch out Elliott! And that’s just one of the intriguing written characters in this stakes are high, scandalous book. Minerva did a fantastic job with bringing a love story about duty, sacrifice, love and honor.
Her writing ability pulled me into the characters world and there I was ( my mind that is), getting familiarized with Cecile, Guy, Blade, Eliot, Marianne and Sin. It was important for me to understand the two main characters, Guy and Cecile first. From how their story was told gave me a understanding of how they’ve come to cross these heroine life changing experiences. Have you ever read a book and it easily takes control of your imagination and from there you instantly visualize playing out in your mind? My friends when you can do that, you know that you are reading a exceptionally written book. I have to say this though, there was so much attitude in this book.
I mean the characters did not hold back on what they were thinking. If it wasn’t Cecile giving someone a dress down (Mostly Guy), there was Blade with her cold hard stare followed up by one word a day comments. Certainly you have to wonder how these woman were able to wrangle these men into their private affairs. And speaking of private affairs. I was yelling for Guy to bust some heads as the money grubbing Neanderthals came out of the dark, disrupting honest hardworking peoples lives.
While there in the thick of it, Cecile has Guys back while holding her pistols at the ready. Say what? I told you the women in this story where bad ass. Readers here me out. The background story is truly amazing. It’s exciting and entertaining.
Picture this, Cecile and her father are lead to the dark dingy, disgusting galos. I was in shock at How her father was speaking to her. I was curious as to know how this dark mysterious father daughter walk was going to end. Needless to say Cecile was too. Then son of a biscuit eater!
What wedding?! Im like, what in the sam tarnation is going on here?! I then said, I must investigate. Continue reading girl. I had to know and so, my raging curiosity activated my spidey senses as a self appointed investigator.
Let me say this, I am so glad that I did guys. What I uncovered in the book was capital. Back to the good stuff. A young woman gets lost at sea. A Duke is then introduced to a woman who has the capability to shoot a card right of your hand.
I recall a certain strong, masculine Duke yelped a few times during some performances, as he was the card holder. Cecile was wonderfully written. I loved the fact that her character was written as a strong woman who obviously can hold her own. Everywhere she went, she had her guns and knives attached to her. When Guy comes to help Cecile that is where the fun really begins.
I thought that the writer didn’t hold back with his character. Guy is funny and very charming to all the women. He has enormous passion and seductive qualities only stands to attention when he sees or is near Cecile. Most importantly his heart is as big as the sea when it comes to a certain Cat. And ladies from Ceciles lips to our ears, “Michelangelo’s David had nothing on Lord Carlisle”.
The way Guy’s body is described in the book had me so hot, I was melting. (Melting for an image of him in the book). You guys remember how the old historical romance novels would have at least one picture of the couple in between the book? What happened to that? Bring them back please!
Well anyway, as I was saying, you will love how Cecile can’t help but enjoy her fill of this darling Duke. Yes you lovely readers you, I had a exciting time reading this romance story. It warmed my heart very much, I patiently await the next saga in this series. I give this book two snaps and a, “Now get over here and strip before me my darling Duke”. “Your wish is my command mistress”.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
May 15, 2023
Cecile and Guy had a torrid affair that ended badly. It is universally acknowledged (by everyone who knows about the affair) that it ended badly because of Guy and only Guy. You see, they made an agreement setting a boundary for the end of their relationship. Why? Well, Guy is the heir to a dukedom and Cecile is a circus performer, so they both knew that there was no future. Besides, Guy has to marry an heiress to keep his estates afloat.
But Guy is such a guy that he couldn't help himself: he was so in love with Cecile that he offered her carte blanche instead of allowing the relationship to peter off. Bye, Guy.
Now it's a year later and a long-lost cousin appears. He presents himself as the new heir to the dukedom, and Guy sees his opportunity: he can abandon his unwanted engagement and pursue Cecile. The issue? She's not sure she wants someone who's only with her because his life circumstances have changed.
She does realize that she has the perfect excuse to humiliate him, and makes him work in her circus as the butt of her jokes. It also turns a major profit because all of his old "friends" come to see him on stage. Will she eventually soften towards him?
This is a romance, so you can bet your bottom dollar that there's an HEA. The fun is how they get there - and it really is fun! We had a great time following Cecile and Guy to France and back. While we were on Guy's side, we also understood Cecile's perspective. Add in some steamy scenes (both Guy and Cecile like it on the rough side), a cute kid named Cat with a dog named George, and some last-minute inheritance shenanigans, and it equals a fun HR!
CW to note: adolescent SA, not described in great detail; blackmail and coercion.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
But Guy is such a guy that he couldn't help himself: he was so in love with Cecile that he offered her carte blanche instead of allowing the relationship to peter off. Bye, Guy.
Now it's a year later and a long-lost cousin appears. He presents himself as the new heir to the dukedom, and Guy sees his opportunity: he can abandon his unwanted engagement and pursue Cecile. The issue? She's not sure she wants someone who's only with her because his life circumstances have changed.
She does realize that she has the perfect excuse to humiliate him, and makes him work in her circus as the butt of her jokes. It also turns a major profit because all of his old "friends" come to see him on stage. Will she eventually soften towards him?
This is a romance, so you can bet your bottom dollar that there's an HEA. The fun is how they get there - and it really is fun! We had a great time following Cecile and Guy to France and back. While we were on Guy's side, we also understood Cecile's perspective. Add in some steamy scenes (both Guy and Cecile like it on the rough side), a cute kid named Cat with a dog named George, and some last-minute inheritance shenanigans, and it equals a fun HR!
CW to note: adolescent SA, not described in great detail; blackmail and coercion.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
May 2, 2023
The Dueling Duchess is the second book in The Wicked Women of Whitechapel series, though it can be read as a standalone. The story switches between the past and the present and provides ample context for those who haven’t read the first story. The flashbacks delve into Cecile and Guy’s affair when they first met, and the present focuses on the pair a year later. Initially, the pair can’t be together because Guy must marry a titled and wealthy woman, but in the year they’ve been apart, his situation has changed. Now free to pursue Cecile, Guy has to work pretty hard to earn her trust and love.
The characters drew me in, especially Cecile. She has such an intriguing and tragic backstory that very much defines her. I love that she is strong and independent, and she lives life on her terms. She’s in her mid-30s, which is a bit older than the typical historical romance FMC, and she runs a circus. While this seems improbable for the time, it makes for a unique and interesting backdrop for the story.
The secondary characters are great too, and I love the humorous dialogue. However, I didn’t love the romance as much as I’d hoped. I think it’s because Guy wasn’t my favorite. I hated that, in the flashback, he basically implied Cecile wasn’t of high enough standing to marry, but he wanted her to be his mistress. What a slap in the face! I do like that Guy realizes he made a huge mistake, and he works hard to win her back. Cecile certainly doesn’t make it easy for him, and there is a good amount of groveling. They have a lot of chemistry, and the romance is pretty steamy, but I didn’t feel a deep, emotional connection between them.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. It has a really unique premise, and the characters are well-developed. The plot is also quite layered with many plots and subplots happening concurrently.
The characters drew me in, especially Cecile. She has such an intriguing and tragic backstory that very much defines her. I love that she is strong and independent, and she lives life on her terms. She’s in her mid-30s, which is a bit older than the typical historical romance FMC, and she runs a circus. While this seems improbable for the time, it makes for a unique and interesting backdrop for the story.
The secondary characters are great too, and I love the humorous dialogue. However, I didn’t love the romance as much as I’d hoped. I think it’s because Guy wasn’t my favorite. I hated that, in the flashback, he basically implied Cecile wasn’t of high enough standing to marry, but he wanted her to be his mistress. What a slap in the face! I do like that Guy realizes he made a huge mistake, and he works hard to win her back. Cecile certainly doesn’t make it easy for him, and there is a good amount of groveling. They have a lot of chemistry, and the romance is pretty steamy, but I didn’t feel a deep, emotional connection between them.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. It has a really unique premise, and the characters are well-developed. The plot is also quite layered with many plots and subplots happening concurrently.
May 24, 2023
4.5 Stars!! I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book in ‘The Wicked Women of Whitechapel’ series and can be read as a standalone. I never read book one and still understood this book. The main characters, Cecile & Guy, were lovable and slapable at times. There are a few hot & heavy ‘sexy times’, lots of pay back and groveling, scenes that had me sad & scenes that made me laugh, and all wrapped up with an HEA ending. Loved the twists at the end, didn’t see them coming. All in all, an enjoyable and entertaining read that I’d highly recommend!
Can’t wait for Blade & Elliot’s story next! And hopefully Helen gets a book also!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
Can’t wait for Blade & Elliot’s story next! And hopefully Helen gets a book also!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
March 4, 2023
I received an arc from NetGalley for an honest review.
Honestly, I don’t know how to review this book. I have read and enjoyed many Minerva Spencer books in the past but if I didn’t know better I would assume someone else wrote this one. I can’t even begin to describe what a mess this book was. There were too many characters, too many plot threads, too many of those threads tied up neatly with pretty little bows and just not enough decent romance. And it was missing Ms Spencer’s signature steam. I had to skim most of the book because it also had too many pages with nothing happening.
Honestly, I don’t know how to review this book. I have read and enjoyed many Minerva Spencer books in the past but if I didn’t know better I would assume someone else wrote this one. I can’t even begin to describe what a mess this book was. There were too many characters, too many plot threads, too many of those threads tied up neatly with pretty little bows and just not enough decent romance. And it was missing Ms Spencer’s signature steam. I had to skim most of the book because it also had too many pages with nothing happening.
May 10, 2023
Dreams and fortunes, lost and found!
Manon Cecile Tremblay Blanchet and Gaius Darlington, the Marquess of Carlisle, the Darling of the Ton. Their story is essentially a second chance romance with heaps of moving parts.
Cecile is a French duchess by a sorry set of circumstances. Married at fourteen, in 1794, to the aged Duc de La Fontaine as he lay dying in the notorious French prison, La Force.
Cecile is a sharp shooter extraordinaire and a feisty woman who has had to make her way in the world from the time she and her father left Paris just after the marriage. Her father was personal gunmaker to Lewis XVI. He taught Cecile everything. He perished in the attempt to reach England. Her cousin was supposed to help Cecile, instead he stole her father’s designs then kicked her out.
Now, twenty-two years after Cecile left Paris she is a member of the Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre, as a sharp shooter.
The Fayre is going to Paris. Sin, the Duke of Staunton, needs to find out if his brother Ben is still alive. Guy is going with him. They are going incognito as circus roustabouts and assistants.
In this period Cecile and Guy become lovers, no strings attached. To keep the Dukedom financially viable he however has to marry an heiress. Cecile was insulted when Guy wanted to take a wife and keep Cecile as his mistress. She despised him for trying to have his cake and eat it. Exit Guy from her life.
Later Guy finds out that he’s not the heir to the Dukedom and it’s responsibilities, because a cousin who's turned up appears to have all the requisite papers. So Guy breaks off his engagement to the heiress, settles his mother and his two sisters who are unmarried, and gets himself rehired by Cecile again as a general dogsbody in the Fayre. More adventures!
Things begin to happen. The new duke is removing family treasures in the middle of the night. No-one wants to know including the family solicitors. Cecile is being pressed to marry by an old foe of Guy’s.
Blade and Eliot are still around proving remarkably elusive and yet adapt at sussing out information.
Just when things are settling down, Cecile’s title comes into play.
An enjoyable read, although somewhat confusing when I found myself looking back to see what happened when. The plot wanders between the past and the present quite readily, I not so much.
I often lost my place between the times. Ah well!
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Manon Cecile Tremblay Blanchet and Gaius Darlington, the Marquess of Carlisle, the Darling of the Ton. Their story is essentially a second chance romance with heaps of moving parts.
Cecile is a French duchess by a sorry set of circumstances. Married at fourteen, in 1794, to the aged Duc de La Fontaine as he lay dying in the notorious French prison, La Force.
Cecile is a sharp shooter extraordinaire and a feisty woman who has had to make her way in the world from the time she and her father left Paris just after the marriage. Her father was personal gunmaker to Lewis XVI. He taught Cecile everything. He perished in the attempt to reach England. Her cousin was supposed to help Cecile, instead he stole her father’s designs then kicked her out.
Now, twenty-two years after Cecile left Paris she is a member of the Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre, as a sharp shooter.
The Fayre is going to Paris. Sin, the Duke of Staunton, needs to find out if his brother Ben is still alive. Guy is going with him. They are going incognito as circus roustabouts and assistants.
In this period Cecile and Guy become lovers, no strings attached. To keep the Dukedom financially viable he however has to marry an heiress. Cecile was insulted when Guy wanted to take a wife and keep Cecile as his mistress. She despised him for trying to have his cake and eat it. Exit Guy from her life.
Later Guy finds out that he’s not the heir to the Dukedom and it’s responsibilities, because a cousin who's turned up appears to have all the requisite papers. So Guy breaks off his engagement to the heiress, settles his mother and his two sisters who are unmarried, and gets himself rehired by Cecile again as a general dogsbody in the Fayre. More adventures!
Things begin to happen. The new duke is removing family treasures in the middle of the night. No-one wants to know including the family solicitors. Cecile is being pressed to marry by an old foe of Guy’s.
Blade and Eliot are still around proving remarkably elusive and yet adapt at sussing out information.
Just when things are settling down, Cecile’s title comes into play.
An enjoyable read, although somewhat confusing when I found myself looking back to see what happened when. The plot wanders between the past and the present quite readily, I not so much.
I often lost my place between the times. Ah well!
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
May 5, 2023
I received this book as an ARC giveaway for an honest review.
I have not read the first book, so was intrigued to see how the storyline held up without any previous context. Overall I was able to follow it well.
The main relationship between Cecile and Guy was a little messy and underwhelming. There was a lot of information about their first meeting and then when they slept together the first time and then bam! We are back in the present and suddenly he’s betrothed but wait…he’s not…and someone else had his title? But then she might have a secret title too? But then someone is robbing his house?
While I think the overall storyline was interesting, it felt like the author was trying to cram every idea and backstory of each character into a slim book, leaving out a lot of details and pieces of the story that I would have liked to read about, like when Cecile and Guy split. It just seemed not quite finished.
The ending was a little confusing to me because of all the new characters suddenly thrown into the mix as well. The explanation of how everything just happened to work out was too neatly tied up and we didn’t get to experience any of those tiny yet monuments moments.
I’m glad I read the book, but would not pick up for a reread probably. May read the third book.
I have not read the first book, so was intrigued to see how the storyline held up without any previous context. Overall I was able to follow it well.
The main relationship between Cecile and Guy was a little messy and underwhelming. There was a lot of information about their first meeting and then when they slept together the first time and then bam! We are back in the present and suddenly he’s betrothed but wait…he’s not…and someone else had his title? But then she might have a secret title too? But then someone is robbing his house?
While I think the overall storyline was interesting, it felt like the author was trying to cram every idea and backstory of each character into a slim book, leaving out a lot of details and pieces of the story that I would have liked to read about, like when Cecile and Guy split. It just seemed not quite finished.
The ending was a little confusing to me because of all the new characters suddenly thrown into the mix as well. The explanation of how everything just happened to work out was too neatly tied up and we didn’t get to experience any of those tiny yet monuments moments.
I’m glad I read the book, but would not pick up for a reread probably. May read the third book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
You never know where a book by Spencer is going to go. Escaping from France during the revolution to England. Years later a mission to France during Napoleon's escape from Elba, and back to England. As part owner of the Farmham's Fantastical Female Fayre in White Chapel, it's Cecile's job as the front woman in charge. She's not afraid of going head to head with any man, especially Gaius Darlington, the Duke of Staunton. Wanting a second chance with Cecile, he's willing to work a lowly job to be close to her, even after losing his title. Believe it or not it makes him happy. No backing out when she shoots a hat off his head. I don't know if oddball characters is the right description, but they are very different and unexpected. Add some humor and it's a great read for an afternoon or an all nighter. Even though counted as a standalone, I recommend reading The Boxing Baroness first.
Explicit open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Explicit open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
May 25, 2023
THE DUELING DUCHESS, book 2 in Minerva Spencer’s Wicked Women of Whitechapel series, is her best yet. I loved the wit, the steamy yet thorny road to amour, and especially, the feisty Cecile and her unlikely guy, Gaius.
The beloved author writes swoony intelligent romance set in Regency England, and her loyal fan base will definitely grow with this delicious unputdownable latest.
Highly recommended for hist fic kissing fans who adore strong women characters who meet their "he-couldn't-be-more-wrong-for-me" match and find forever love. Swoon!
The beloved author writes swoony intelligent romance set in Regency England, and her loyal fan base will definitely grow with this delicious unputdownable latest.
Highly recommended for hist fic kissing fans who adore strong women characters who meet their "he-couldn't-be-more-wrong-for-me" match and find forever love. Swoon!
May 23, 2023
When Cecile Tremblay lost everyone and everything in the French Revolution, she never imagined that she'd earn her living as a markswoman in a London circus. But Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre has become her home, her family, and her future. Another thing Cecile never imagined was becoming entangled with the man gossip columns call The Darling of the Ton. But mere weeks after her rejection of his insulting carte blanche—and his infuriating engagement to an heiress—Darlington is back, this time to beg Cecile for help. Gaius Darlington has always led a charmed life. Suddenly, a long-lost heir has appeared to claim his title, possessions, and property, Not only that, but Guy's fiancée has jilted him to marry the usurper! Yet there is a silver lining: He’s free to wed the woman he loves.
The second book in the series & could be read on its own, however I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate it. Another well written, engrossing read from the author. The characters are different, the pace does lag a little at times. I really liked both Guy & Cecile who knew each other before when Guy royally put his foot in it, now he wants to make amends & even takes a lowly job in the Fayre, which he enjoys. I wanted to knock their heads together quite a few times. I enjoyed the chemistry between them & the banter. I loved their journey to a HEA & now look forward to Blade’s story
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second book in the series & could be read on its own, however I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate it. Another well written, engrossing read from the author. The characters are different, the pace does lag a little at times. I really liked both Guy & Cecile who knew each other before when Guy royally put his foot in it, now he wants to make amends & even takes a lowly job in the Fayre, which he enjoys. I wanted to knock their heads together quite a few times. I enjoyed the chemistry between them & the banter. I loved their journey to a HEA & now look forward to Blade’s story
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 17, 2023
Cecile is a French Duchess. She fled France after being married at 14 to a dying Duke. She is now 36 and is fantastic sharp shooter and performs in the Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. She meets and becomes lovers with Guy (33) who believes he is heir to a dukedom. When he asks her to be his mistress saying he needs to marry an heiress she says no and they separate. A cousin shows up with the paperwork claiming the Dukedom so Guy returns to Cecile and works in the Fayre. Of course things aren’t really settled with his title or her but I won’t spoil the story.
I found some of the going back and forth in time at the beginning confusing trying to get the back story. I did like the idea that she is a skilled markswoman and is independent. Also I like that they are in their 30’s and more mature. I’m not fond of other lovers once a couple meets but technically this is a second chance romance for them so I can’t object to what they do when they are apart. And clearly Guy is an active rake. But I wasn’t engaged by the story as much as I wanted to be. Parts were entertaining and it is plenty steamy. I’m new to the author and I may have needed to read the first in the series to be more prepared for this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Book for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)
I found some of the going back and forth in time at the beginning confusing trying to get the back story. I did like the idea that she is a skilled markswoman and is independent. Also I like that they are in their 30’s and more mature. I’m not fond of other lovers once a couple meets but technically this is a second chance romance for them so I can’t object to what they do when they are apart. And clearly Guy is an active rake. But I wasn’t engaged by the story as much as I wanted to be. Parts were entertaining and it is plenty steamy. I’m new to the author and I may have needed to read the first in the series to be more prepared for this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Book for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)
May 6, 2023
Original plot both for the story itself and for the main characters.
Boring first part of the book, as well as dense with events.The book becomes much more interesting starting from the "III part-present"
Boring first part of the book, as well as dense with events.The book becomes much more interesting starting from the "III part-present"
February 19, 2023
What an enjoyable read! I would highly recommend reading the first book (The Boxing Baroness), as even though this one can be read without reading the first in the trilogy, it would definitely have made a few things easier to follow if I had read the first book before the second.
The book begins in France, when Cecile is only fourteen years old and fleeing France with her father after the start of the French Revolution. We soon jump forward to 1815, when Cecile is a member of the Farnham Female Fayre. The storyline then jumps around a little between 1815, when Gaius Darlington, Lord of Carlisle (Guy) and Cecile first meet, and 1816, when Guy comes back to Cecile in need of a job after losing his estate and title.
The book is well written, although there were several old-fashioned terms I actually had to look up. Kindle’s dictionary really earned its keep with this one!
The series reminds me of Bridgerton, but with distinctly more boxing, shooting, knife throwing, and talking ravens. And yes, it’s exactly as enjoyable as it sounds.
A solid four stars, with one taken off as I struggled with the mixed timelines at the beginning of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
The book begins in France, when Cecile is only fourteen years old and fleeing France with her father after the start of the French Revolution. We soon jump forward to 1815, when Cecile is a member of the Farnham Female Fayre. The storyline then jumps around a little between 1815, when Gaius Darlington, Lord of Carlisle (Guy) and Cecile first meet, and 1816, when Guy comes back to Cecile in need of a job after losing his estate and title.
The book is well written, although there were several old-fashioned terms I actually had to look up. Kindle’s dictionary really earned its keep with this one!
The series reminds me of Bridgerton, but with distinctly more boxing, shooting, knife throwing, and talking ravens. And yes, it’s exactly as enjoyable as it sounds.
A solid four stars, with one taken off as I struggled with the mixed timelines at the beginning of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an ARC of this novel in return for an honest review, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
December 27, 2022
First I want to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I absolutely loved this book just as much as I loved the first - The boxing Baroness.
The Dueling Duchess is the second book about the women in Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. Cecile is an excellent sharpshooter that escaped from France and Guy is a soon-to-be duke who loses his dukedom that falls for this Annie Oakley, loses her, and then works tirelessly to win her back.
The book bounces between timeframes a little which I really liked because it filled in holes and gave more depth to Guy and Cecile's relationship in the first book. I did find Cecile's anger with Guy to be a little extreme in some parts and then it resolved almost too quickly for how angry she was, but otherwise, these two had so much tension and chemistry I felt the pages were burning up as I read, that's why I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.
I absolutely loved this book just as much as I loved the first - The boxing Baroness.
The Dueling Duchess is the second book about the women in Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. Cecile is an excellent sharpshooter that escaped from France and Guy is a soon-to-be duke who loses his dukedom that falls for this Annie Oakley, loses her, and then works tirelessly to win her back.
The book bounces between timeframes a little which I really liked because it filled in holes and gave more depth to Guy and Cecile's relationship in the first book. I did find Cecile's anger with Guy to be a little extreme in some parts and then it resolved almost too quickly for how angry she was, but otherwise, these two had so much tension and chemistry I felt the pages were burning up as I read, that's why I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.
January 16, 2023
The first book in this series was not my favorite. It was convoluted and clunky, but had some silver linings. One of the things I enjoyed was the character of Cecile. She was witty and sparks flew between her and her love, Guy. So I thought maybe her book would be different from the first and that I would enjoy it.
I was wrong.
Although this is a mostly well-written book, it just wasn't for me. I absolutely hate a long separation between the main couple. It was made even worse by the strange formatting of the book, which is divided into sections for the past and the "present." The plot was again unbelievable without foundation and the book dragged in places.
Star Rating: 2/5
Tropes: Unconventional profession for the heroine, class differences
CW:
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was wrong.
Although this is a mostly well-written book, it just wasn't for me. I absolutely hate a long separation between the main couple. It was made even worse by the strange formatting of the book, which is divided into sections for the past and the "present." The plot was again unbelievable without foundation and the book dragged in places.
Star Rating: 2/5
Tropes: Unconventional profession for the heroine, class differences
CW:
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2023
I typically like books that show off strong women. This book is no exception since Cecile is crazy strong for everything that she went through and is an awesome sharpshooter that means business. I'm glad she was good at her craft and only was verbally tough on her handsome assistant Guy.
Both main characters were definitely down on their luck and had changes in circumstances, but man was their romance a bit frustrating. I wanted to be like, let the poor guy in already.
A couple details left me going ewww (marrying the old Duke underage cousin Curtis) I think those details could have been modified a bit and still gotten the point across without being creepy.
With a bit of fun Circus flair, my favorite non human character was Blade's talking bling stealing raven. I hope they are featured more in future books.
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
Both main characters were definitely down on their luck and had changes in circumstances, but man was their romance a bit frustrating. I wanted to be like, let the poor guy in already.
A couple details left me going ewww (marrying the old Duke underage cousin Curtis) I think those details could have been modified a bit and still gotten the point across without being creepy.
With a bit of fun Circus flair, my favorite non human character was Blade's talking bling stealing raven. I hope they are featured more in future books.
Thank you to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
July 10, 2023
What woman wouldn’t fall for the Darling of the Ton? Darlington was always the prize of the ton, then he was a Duke, then simply Darlington… but nothing could change his appeal. This story held all of his appeal. Cecile and Guy are the perfect match. They give each other a merry chase in this story, from past to present. Add in the delightful street urchin, Cat to bring in the surprising Parent Trap twist and you get all the found family joy. This was a sweet touch! I have been enjoying the circus shenanigans in this fun series and can’t wait to see the twists and turns I expect in the next story.
July 19, 2023
This series has been such a joy to read. I love the characters and the all female circus.
The Dueling Duchess follows Cecile and Guy Darlington. It starts off a year after the events of the first book and flashes back to their affair at that time.
Guy and Cecile have amazing chemistry, and the steamy parts are fantastic. I love that he has to humble himself and grovel for her forgiveness. This book is really so very good.
I can't wait for the next one. I'm so intrigued by Josephine and Elliott.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Dueling Duchess follows Cecile and Guy Darlington. It starts off a year after the events of the first book and flashes back to their affair at that time.
Guy and Cecile have amazing chemistry, and the steamy parts are fantastic. I love that he has to humble himself and grovel for her forgiveness. This book is really so very good.
I can't wait for the next one. I'm so intrigued by Josephine and Elliott.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 23, 2023
Cecile Tremblay lost everything in the French Revolution and is living as a sharpshooter in a female-run London circus. She rejected someone’s insulting carte blanche offer and now he’s back. Gaius Darlington has led a charmed life but a long-lost heir has appeared to claim his title and property. Guy’s fiancée jilted him to marry the usurper but now he can wed Cecile—if he can earn her forgiveness.
The flashback was clunky and the past storyline couldn’t keep me invested. The first third was especially repetitive since I had read book 1. Points for a heroine who asserts herself and a hero who knows he has to grovel, but the whole thing drags. And wow does Guy suck, right down to realizing he loves the heroine while having sex with someone else. Hard pass. Probably not going to stick around for Blade’s story.
I received and arc from NetGalley
The flashback was clunky and the past storyline couldn’t keep me invested. The first third was especially repetitive since I had read book 1. Points for a heroine who asserts herself and a hero who knows he has to grovel, but the whole thing drags. And wow does Guy suck, right down to realizing he loves the heroine while having sex with someone else. Hard pass. Probably not going to stick around for Blade’s story.
I received and arc from NetGalley
September 12, 2023
WHAT A JOY!
The gifted and artistic master, Minerva Spencer, has done it again! This is the unique, absorbing, heartwarming, humorous second book in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series. Cecile and Guy are an absolute delight - as are all the other well rounded characters. As always, Ms Spencer’s book is extremely well written and her characters are skilfully depicted.
Guy is captivating, he is charming, extremely good looking ‘The Darling of the Ton’ and females just fall at his feet - he can and does have any woman he wants. We see his growth from someone who blindly accepts the world around him and his place in it, not questioning how much other people do to make his life comfortable until he loses everything, it then becomes clear to him that even something as simple as taking a bath requires the hard work of the industrious people around him. It also takes losing Cecile for him to realise how very much he loves her and to regret the way he had treated her.
Cecile is a strong, independent woman who has made her own way in the world since being cheated out of her birthright when she was very young. She doesn’t need a man for anything but sex, indeed she has had several lovers in her past. She part owns and runs Farnhams Fantastical Female Fayre, employing several people as well as being one of the main attractions as a markswoman. Although Cecile feels profound pain and anger towards Guy, who offers her a carte blanche and becomes engaged to an heiress, she is still deeply in love with him but finds it difficult to forgive him.
This is their story, with lots of wonderfully diverting intersections, plots and people - including many (both engaging and unpleasant) adults, an appealing child, a protective dog and an intelligent raven. The book takes the reader on an entertaining journey into both the past and the present until Cecile and Guy’s satisfying HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to Josephine (Blade) and Elliott’s story.
The gifted and artistic master, Minerva Spencer, has done it again! This is the unique, absorbing, heartwarming, humorous second book in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series. Cecile and Guy are an absolute delight - as are all the other well rounded characters. As always, Ms Spencer’s book is extremely well written and her characters are skilfully depicted.
Guy is captivating, he is charming, extremely good looking ‘The Darling of the Ton’ and females just fall at his feet - he can and does have any woman he wants. We see his growth from someone who blindly accepts the world around him and his place in it, not questioning how much other people do to make his life comfortable until he loses everything, it then becomes clear to him that even something as simple as taking a bath requires the hard work of the industrious people around him. It also takes losing Cecile for him to realise how very much he loves her and to regret the way he had treated her.
Cecile is a strong, independent woman who has made her own way in the world since being cheated out of her birthright when she was very young. She doesn’t need a man for anything but sex, indeed she has had several lovers in her past. She part owns and runs Farnhams Fantastical Female Fayre, employing several people as well as being one of the main attractions as a markswoman. Although Cecile feels profound pain and anger towards Guy, who offers her a carte blanche and becomes engaged to an heiress, she is still deeply in love with him but finds it difficult to forgive him.
This is their story, with lots of wonderfully diverting intersections, plots and people - including many (both engaging and unpleasant) adults, an appealing child, a protective dog and an intelligent raven. The book takes the reader on an entertaining journey into both the past and the present until Cecile and Guy’s satisfying HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to Josephine (Blade) and Elliott’s story.
May 28, 2023
The Dueling Duchess by Minerva Spencer is the second book of her The Wicked Women of Whitechapel Series and...
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
I loved the mood of book 1 and this one totally continues with it! ❤️
Cecile Tremblay is part of Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre and then there's Gaius Darlington. The charismatic Duke who's part of every gossiping section in the newspapers.
There's chemistry and mistakes and then he needs her help.
But will she really help him?
Awwwww! I love this series and the women of the Fayre! Such a fabulous group of strong and independent and badass women!
YEAH! I LOVE THIS!
After the story about Marianne and Sin there's now the story of Cecile and Guy!
Their story is split into 3 parts and you'll learn a lot about their past. How Cecile and Guy met, why Gaius Darlington suddenly is called Guy and what went on between them. 😉
And then they meet again...
Oh boy!
I won't spoil you too much because there's a lot going on! Between them and their past and so on!
And let me swoon about Cecile and Guy some more! She's wooooonderful!
And Guy??? He's charming and handsome! ❤️
Well all in all it was so enjoyable to be back with this group!
I love all the characters and can't wait for the next book!
Thanks a lot to Kensington Books and Minerva Spencer for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.
Sorry for the delay.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
I loved the mood of book 1 and this one totally continues with it! ❤️
Cecile Tremblay is part of Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre and then there's Gaius Darlington. The charismatic Duke who's part of every gossiping section in the newspapers.
There's chemistry and mistakes and then he needs her help.
But will she really help him?
Awwwww! I love this series and the women of the Fayre! Such a fabulous group of strong and independent and badass women!
YEAH! I LOVE THIS!
After the story about Marianne and Sin there's now the story of Cecile and Guy!
Their story is split into 3 parts and you'll learn a lot about their past. How Cecile and Guy met, why Gaius Darlington suddenly is called Guy and what went on between them. 😉
And then they meet again...
Oh boy!
I won't spoil you too much because there's a lot going on! Between them and their past and so on!
And let me swoon about Cecile and Guy some more! She's wooooonderful!
And Guy??? He's charming and handsome! ❤️
Well all in all it was so enjoyable to be back with this group!
I love all the characters and can't wait for the next book!
Thanks a lot to Kensington Books and Minerva Spencer for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.
Sorry for the delay.
July 6, 2023
Sometimes in my reviews you will see, this is a favorite author. Well, since 2015 and over 2600 reads, I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but I only have 25 “favorite” authors and another dozen or so that I have read pretty much all their books, at least in my genre. Minerva Spencer is one of those authors.
So this is my 16th book by Minerva Spencer and I've read 12 books of hers written as S.M. LaViolette. I really love her writing. She gets great depth of characters and storylines. So to be honest I was not going to continue this series. I thought book 1 was well written but very different; plus it was expensive. When you read almost 350 books a year, $10 is very expensive. I was able to get this 1/2 price. I think because I waited over a month from the release date to get it.
I am glad I came back and ordered this book. I loved Cecile and Guy. I loved their story and their personalities. Surprising twists and turns. Really an overall great read.
So this is my 16th book by Minerva Spencer and I've read 12 books of hers written as S.M. LaViolette. I really love her writing. She gets great depth of characters and storylines. So to be honest I was not going to continue this series. I thought book 1 was well written but very different; plus it was expensive. When you read almost 350 books a year, $10 is very expensive. I was able to get this 1/2 price. I think because I waited over a month from the release date to get it.
I am glad I came back and ordered this book. I loved Cecile and Guy. I loved their story and their personalities. Surprising twists and turns. Really an overall great read.
May 31, 2023
*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review *
While I'm usually a big fan of the characters in Spencer's books, somehow this one fell a little flat for me. While it was witty as usual, I didn't find myself relating much to our heroine, and the plot seemed to drag on a bit overall.
The time jumps in the book felt a bit disorienting and unnecessary, and the overall pacing was unfortunately quite off with this one.
Also, in relation to the plot, I just didn't find myself relating to or rooting for either of our main characters unfortunately, and that did detract quite a bit from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Also, this contained plenty of my least favourite trope (miscommunication).
While I'm usually a big fan of the characters in Spencer's books, somehow this one fell a little flat for me. While it was witty as usual, I didn't find myself relating much to our heroine, and the plot seemed to drag on a bit overall.
The time jumps in the book felt a bit disorienting and unnecessary, and the overall pacing was unfortunately quite off with this one.
Also, in relation to the plot, I just didn't find myself relating to or rooting for either of our main characters unfortunately, and that did detract quite a bit from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Also, this contained plenty of my least favourite trope (miscommunication).
July 9, 2023
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did but in the end I ended up loving this story and want to see what will happen next.
The story did start off slightly slow for me and took me a second to to get into it but once I was in I was invested in Cecile and Guys story and wanted to know what was going to happen next. With family and life drama on both sides there were so many plots to get sorted and I appreciated how they were all resolved in the end. I am excited for Jo and Elliot’s story next cause those backstories sound so intriguing
The story did start off slightly slow for me and took me a second to to get into it but once I was in I was invested in Cecile and Guys story and wanted to know what was going to happen next. With family and life drama on both sides there were so many plots to get sorted and I appreciated how they were all resolved in the end. I am excited for Jo and Elliot’s story next cause those backstories sound so intriguing
August 16, 2023
Minerva Spencer's The Wicked Women of Whitechapel has been such a fun and unique series. Spencer has a boldness to her plotting that gives each of her historical romances a feeling of newness and sensuality that is not always found in the mainstream. Spencer's writing is bold, engaging and sexy. Her character are intriguing, well rounded and perfectly imperfect. The Dueling Duchess is the second installment in this series which gives tale to a group of strong and independent women who make their own way in the world and do it with grace, cunning and strength.
This novel is a second chance romance between our hero and heroine, who have a sensual past, but they are torn apart by some miscommunication. I really enjoyed the way in which Spencer weaves this tale, the time line of their romance is told in parts which brings a really lovely clarity to the novel and keeps the storytelling out of flashbacks, which are not always my favorite. This plotting also helps to really show the audience the deep rooted feelings these two have for each other. Spencer is also a historical must read if you like your novels on the more sensual side, her characters are sexuality liberated, do not judge each other for this, and really embrace the physicality of their relationships.
If you are in the mood for not your typically historical romance, you will not be disappointed with Minerva Spencer and The Dueling Duchess is a delightfully delicious addition to her works.
Thank you so much to Macmillan and NetGalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This novel is a second chance romance between our hero and heroine, who have a sensual past, but they are torn apart by some miscommunication. I really enjoyed the way in which Spencer weaves this tale, the time line of their romance is told in parts which brings a really lovely clarity to the novel and keeps the storytelling out of flashbacks, which are not always my favorite. This plotting also helps to really show the audience the deep rooted feelings these two have for each other. Spencer is also a historical must read if you like your novels on the more sensual side, her characters are sexuality liberated, do not judge each other for this, and really embrace the physicality of their relationships.
If you are in the mood for not your typically historical romance, you will not be disappointed with Minerva Spencer and The Dueling Duchess is a delightfully delicious addition to her works.
Thank you so much to Macmillan and NetGalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 21, 2022
I loved reading this Regency set Annie Oakley like story. Cecile finds herself supporting herself as markswoman. And I have to say I loved this one. But then I’m a sucker for sharpshooting women. And I tend to not like Regency setting. But If you give me a kick ass female who breaks the mode then I’m hooked.
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