The Cutthroat Countess

The Wicked Women of Whitechapel #3

by Minerva Spencer

Perfect for fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books, this fresh and unique Regency-set romance series features heroines who aren’t afraid to compete in a man’s world. A new generation of readers will delight in this witty, thought provoking, always entertaining novel by the critically acclaimed author.

Before Josephine Brown began working as a blade expert for Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre, she'd never stayed put for long. She'd never had friends, either. Nor had she allowed herself to open her heart to a man. Yet now, as part owner of the circus, she's suddenly forming real friendships. And then there is her attraction to clever, handsome Honorable Elliot Wingate—whose life she happened to save. After forever fleeing her past, the last man she should choose is one who ferrets out secrets on behalf of King and Country . . .

Elliot was fascinated by Jo “Blade” Brown even before he witnessed her lethal gifts, firsthand. He's never met a woman who is such an intoxicating combination of self-sufficiency, beauty, and mystery. He's never been in love before, but there is no denying he's fallen hard. Yet each time Elliot tries to get closer to Jo, she slips farther away. If he reveals what’s in his heart, will he risk driving her away for good?

As their investigation—and her feelings for Elliot—stir up Jo’s deeply buried, extremely dangerous secrets, she'll have to decide whether to run once again, or trust somebody at last . . .

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Regency, Fiction, Regency Romance

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

**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.

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sigh....I love Spencer, just not this book. I am being a total wet blanket as I fell in love with the first chapter and stayed up reading late into the night. Then it just bogged down into boring for me with a few spicy bits. I have not read the previous 2 books as the book blubs did not capture my interest. The previous characters are liberally woven through this book but it could be read as a stand-alone but you know you are missing previous characters plots. The mystery just felt so obvious that it almost had a neon light flashing saying "bad guy" over his head (if neon lights were invented back then). Sexy bits sprinkled throughout the book. Rating 3.5*

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[PlotTrysts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wicked Women of Whitechapel is an unconventional series from Minerva Spencer. Each installment has focused on one of the members of "Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre," an all-women circus. In the first book, three women - Marianne, Cecile, and Jo - accompany three men on a mission to war-torn France. All three of them begin a liaison there that, for one reason or another, doesn't survive their return to England. ⁠
⁠
This book features Jo and Elliot, the most elusive of the three couples. They're both spies, but Elliot is paid by the British government, while Jo is an ethical free agent. What makes them similar is also what drives them apart, as Jo needs to keep her past a secret, but Elliot has a duty to his employer to disclose everything he learns. ⁠In addition, Elliot is under pressure from his family to marry an "acceptable" woman. Jo's been on her own for so long she's wary of making any commitment she might not be able to keep. And while they're trying to figure out what they mean to each other, something from Jo's past takes center stage.
⁠
We really liked the relationship: Elliot and Jo are both as honest as they can be with each other, meaning that miscommunication is kept to a minimum. They might not be on the same side, but they make each other a priority. Elliot falls fast and hard, but always makes sure that Jo's comfort is paramount. She's clear with what she wants and what she has the capacity to give. It was a real pleasure to watch them come together!
⁠
Spencer has structured the series in such a way that the second and third books give the reader a look at what was happening behind the scenes in the first book. That said, if you jump into the series with book 3, the two sections of the book might feel disjointed. We've really enjoyed the series and getting the additional background on the first book, but keep this in mind if you're thinking of picking this one up first!⁠

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trust no-one!

A mantra Blade (Josephine Brown) has lived with for years. Not for her the usual upbringing! Death and violence, hiding, travelling great distances in dangerous places, have all been her way of life. This is the final in the ‘Wicked Women of Whitechapel’ series.
I find Blade the most fascinating of Spencer’s Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre ladies. She’s always been distant and mysterious, accompanied by her Raven Angus, disappearing from time to time, then turning up unexpectedly.
As for Elliot Wingate, he’s equally as admirable, intelligent and solid. Fourth son of an earl he’s been an effective English, able to blend in perfectly no matter the situation, as Blade attests.
Jo (Blade) is lethal with the various knives she always has about her person.
Her tame raven Angus is wonderfully eccentric (if birds can be that), and appears to be quite fond of Elliot.
Jo, with her father Mungo (now deceased) had been working for various clients across Europe, during the Napoleonic Wars on highly confidential matters.
Just after the war the Fayre travels to Prussia, acting as a front for the Duke of Stanton and his friends, who are following a lead about the Duke’s brother. He’d gone missing whilst an intelligence officer with Wellington.
Jo is there with the Fayre, working as a knife thrower, but also on other business. When Elliot is captured by the Red Caps, ex militia who now, in the war torn aftermath, terrorised the locals. Fortunately she’s able to rescue him from these vicious rebels.
As the story unfolds we learn more about Blade and her past life. Then information comes to light that smacks her right in the face, leaving her reeling.
Wow! Will Elliot rise to the occasion or will he revert to being the typical idiotic Englishman?
Intrigue, suspense and humor dog the pages for a startling, yet not surprising reveal.

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

[linda hole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. And did I.enjoy it as.much as the other books. No., i did not. For me a book lacks something , when I cannot connect with the Main characters
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Carey’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars! Interesting and entertaining book! This is the 3rd book in ‘The Wicked Women of Whitechapel’ series and can be read as a standalone for the most part. The beginning might be a bit of a head scratcher if you haven’t read the previous books. I read book 2 and this book and I was still a bit confused at times but the romance between the main characters is standalone. The main character are Josephine/Jo/Blade and Elliot Wingate. I liked both of them and loved Jo’s pet raven Angus. So many things happen in this book. Surprise after surprise, mystery, suspense, bad guys, with hot & heavy ‘sexy times’, and watching the characters grow… it really was a fabulous book. I love a good mystery and this did NOT disappoint. Would have loved a longer epilogue to explain things with the main & secondary characters & what happens to the bad guy. Great series that I’d definitely recommend. I was entertained and couldn’t wait for my free time so I could grab my kindle & see what happens next! Gasp inducing revelations!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story with a lot of loose threads, “loose” as in close to unraveling. I understood what was happening in France, but not why. The whole “Paris” episode from 1814 seemed to be significant to Jo but all that was ever said was that it would be disavowed by some admiral or another. Why did Gray want to stir up trouble for himself that had lain dormant for 30 years and would likely remain dormant for 30 more? Jo would certainly have been happy to never discover she was a countess. So many unanswered questions at the end of a book tell me that the author just didn’t want to be troubled with sticky plot points.

Interesting characters not fully developed or explored. I really liked the easy, teasing, comfortable vibe between Jo and Elliott and enjoyed their easy communication, but I felt like the author offered sex in place of emotional depth. The peripheral characters were quickly drawn and quickly forgotten.

This author does throwaway better than most, with a lively, engaging writing style that reminds me of cotton candy: light and tasty but non-filling.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4,5 ⭐️
Spice: 3,5 🌶️

Book 3 in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series
Can be read standalone, but with the big amount of characters it’s easier to read when you read the first two in the series. I haven’t read the first book, and I noticed that I missed some context in the beginning even though it is explained well.
This happens simultaneously with The Boxing Baroness and The Dueling Duchess, but continues after the end of The Dueling Duchess.

Tropes:

- Spies
- Murder/Mystery
- Forced Proximity
- Instalust
- Badass FMC
- He knows he wants her
- MC has a secret
- Pet Raven
- Secret Identity
- Fake Engagement
- Class Difference
- My fair lady vibes
- Outside tryst against a tree
- FMC is not a virgin
- Light Femdom
- Tryst in a barn

If you were a fan of the show Homeland and you like reading historical romances this is for you. I was having such a great time reading this and you jump right into the action with Jo saving Elliot in a particular tough spot.

There were a lot of things I really liked about this one. Especially the jumping right into action part, and we all know what usually happens in these types of situations when the characters need to blow off some steam! What really pleasantly surprised me was the light femdom that comes into play with the spice, especially nearing the end of the book. I needed to fan myself for a bit there!

I really liked that Elliot just knows he wants to be with Jo, even though he feels she is a complete mystery to him. You just know while reading that these two belong together (I mean even Angus knows it pretty much from the start and he is a freaking raven). Talking about Angus, he is the absolute star of the book (okay the series) and I loved the originality of him.

At times this book didn’t feel like a romance per se, but more of a finding one’s identity. Jo really struggles to come to terms with the fact she has friends and that they want to spend time with her. She is so used to living on her own and not trusting anyone that it is very difficult for her to actually open up. I loved that Marianne wanted to include her in important moments of her life.

I had some difficulty with the pacing in the middle part and sometimes it felt like I was reading 2 books. It really slowed down when the book goes forward in time towards London and then from the 80% the pace picks up again in a classic mystery/wodunnit way. I do need to mention that if you like reading crime novels and especially Scandinavian crime novels, the ‘plot twists’ really won’t come as a surprise to you (I know some who read it did not see it coming). But with that said everything that happens makes sense, and I really liked that about it. You sometimes come across these mystery types of books where in the end the ‘villain’ surprises you in a bad way.

Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing an ARC.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minerva Spencer - aka S.M. LaViolette is one of the authors on my "favorite authors" list. This is my 17th book and I started reading her in 2021. I've read 13 books of hers as S.M. LaViolette. I love her writing equally between her two different personas. Such great depth in her stories and her characters. She has a few books on my all time favorites read list.

I enjoyed Jo and Elliott's story. Tons of depth. Sex was good. It got a bit too political for me though. I don't mind spies, suspense and intrigue but this tended to be a bit much. Still an overall good read.

[Karen Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just ok for me.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knife wielding, romance stirring, suspense laced good fun!
I've jumped straight into this series in the middle of a rescue op where previous books have led to this moment, with a colourful spectrum of characters connected of old standing, desperation, deepset friendships and linked pasts. Yet, despite a desire to go backwards to see where this all started, I was sucked instantly into Jo and Elliot's highstakes mission and enjoyed their turbulent path to love immensely.
As it so seductively unravelled and revealed an intense passion between our hero and heroine that escalated into a very statisfying heady intimacy that has clearly been building and swirling into a yearnful craving since first meet. Where her father's alleged treasonous past, a life lived on the run, political secrets, inheritance dictates, clandestine agendas, hidden truths and devious plots come to a head and draw hurdles with the potential to forever pull them apart.
Making this a thrilling action infused clandestine adventure with some mean knife throwing skills, clever deception, devoted friendships and a sensually intimate, sexy tension fueled irresistibly ensnaring romance so statisfying in the unravelling they have seduced me into wanting to see where it all began by being drawn into the passions, whims and daring do of the other deadly circus performers at the Fantastical Female Fayre and the men they have tempted beyond all resistance.

Ultimately, I just loved Jo, a conundrum of closed off, guarded, emotions, ruthless strength, fortitude and heady strategic intelligence with this sweet kindhearted loyalty buried deep that grips you and has you cheering her ability to protect herself and suffer no fools. Not to mention, her amazing pet raven, Angus that can't help but raise a smile with his cheeky smarts and devoted love.
Then when you find her so well matched by keen intellect with Elliot, an exceptual agent for the Home Office, with his strong convictions and desperate need for Jo to trust him...a woman so much of a puzzle he can't resist his desire to peel back her layers and crumble her walls. Added so compellingly to the drama as Spencer sucks you straight in with torture, the certainty of encroaching death, a daring rescue and a magnetic connection that encompasses it all, grows beyond the phyiscal to an all consuming hard to admit love which causes such a delicious vulnerability to resonant beneath the electric sparking tempest of yearning to the steamy entangling kind that makes you want with the ache for them to open up and commit as they struggle with the intensity of the dizzying and heady desire to be with the other.
A fabulous read, that I can only assume, if the previous books are as ensnaring as THE CUTTHROAT COUNTESS, comes at the end of an emotionally impacting, clever array of wit, humour, steamy passion and original characters so entertaining in the realisation and daring in action. Though I am rather hoping Helen and Daniel get the happiness they deserve too!

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

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Wicked Women of Whitehall series, TheCutthroatCountess, tells the story of Jo “Blade” Brown, the mysterious knife-thrower, who is another one of the star performers in Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre; and Elliot Wingate, an agent for the Home Office.

Also back in supporting roles in this story are several characters from #TheBoxingBaroness and #TheDuelingDuches, including the former Marianne Simpson, now the Duchess of Staunton; St. John Powell, the Duke of Staunton; expert markswoman and French émigré Cecile Tremblay; and Guy Darlington, Staunton and Ellliot’s friend, and formerly the Duke of Fairhurst.

The story has two parts. The first takes place in France, where the Fayre has traveled at the “request” of the Duke of Staunton, hoping to find his brother, who was lost in the Napoleonic War. Jo ends up saving Elliott’s life when he is captured by a gang of thugs who are connected with Duke’s former friend, Dominick Strickland, who supposedly has information about the duke’s brother.

The second part of the story takes place in England, once Jo, Elliot and the rest of the group return home after foiling Strickland’s plans. There’s plenty of adventure but the real heart of the book is seeing Elliott and Jo--two people who have spent much of their lives keeping secrets--peel back the layers and learn to trust and care for each other.

As in the earlier books in the series, Jo and Elliot’s story has great dialogue, a wonderful H and h, and an interesting, well-paced story. This book can be read as a stand-alone but readers who have read all three will get the most out of the series.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for the ARC!

[Susan D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm! 🤔

This is the third book in The Wicked Women of Whitechapel series, and it is the first time I’ve been somewhat disappointed in a Minerva Spencer story.

As always, the book is well written, the characters fully developed and the story is engaging; however, I find the two main protagonists lacking in intensity and quite annoying.

They are both free, single and are supposedly ‘in love’. Elliot asks Jo to marry him and she refuses marriage because he is a minor son of aristocracy and she feels she is beneath his touch; however, even though she won’t marry him or become his kept mistress she is quite happy to have sex with him frequently in her single bed in a garret! When it is discovered that she is really a Countess, would be suitable marriage material and they are both, supposedly, still deeply in love, Elliot is reluctant to marry her for some nebulous reason I fail to grasp.

This is certainly portrayed as a passionate and sensual relationship and Elliot and Jo are both physically appealing; however, for me their attraction is somehow lacking emotion - they are both too introspective until the last quarter of the book when they develop and grow; however, IMHO, it is too little too late.

Nonetheless, because of the story’s originality, the ongoing mystery around Jo’s father and Mungo, and because Angus was such an entertaining part of this book I feel it is deserving of four stars, and I am still a great fan of Ms Spencer’s writing.

[Lissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed. Jo is my favorite of the Wicked Women but her plot is simpler than the others and not as fun.

[Brita Clarkson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Running concurrently with one of the previous novels in the series, Elliot is rescued by Jo before he is killed by his captors.
When he is well enough, Elliot joins her group of mercenaries to go after a former friend of Elliot's, Strickland, who happens to be holding both Jo's and Elliot's friends hostage. Along the way, Elliot befriends her raven named Angus, who is normally aloof with others. He is the star in all of his scenes.
It is obvious they met earlier in the series, since they do not act like complete strangers with one another. They also give in to their deep attraction to one another before a quarter way into the novel. It is not a judgement. It's as if they finally gave into it, instead of a surprise since they didn't know each other.
Jo is very different from most heroines in hslostorial novels. Like many, she has secrets. Her father, Mungo, passed months ago, but he still gives her advice in her thoughts, like many parents. However, in her inner thoughts, she reveals to the reader that she has had "more than a few lovers." She is also quite deadly with knives. Very early in the story, she has disposed of at least a handful of (very bad) men.
Elliot, is a spy for the Crown, knows some of Jo's past, but most is either incorrect and missing from the files the government has on her. While he is a spy, he is portrayed as a very nice and honorable one, and a spy who never killed anyone. He is definitely the opposite of Jo. Their intent to fight for the Crown is obvious, they definitely have different styles.
The rescue (not a spoiler,) includes some funny instances, from the bickering of the friends in the midst of the rescue, and Jo telling Elliot to wait for her signal, but he has no idea what the signal is.
When they arrive in London, they part, and remain separated for a year, though they spied on each other.
I felt the beginning of the story was more of a closure to the combined stories of the couple, and then Jo and Elliot's story actually began. Intrigue, mystery, treason, secrets, and love abounds in this story.
How in the world, with their careers and the lives they led, did they not have a clue about the dangers?????? I had an issue with that. It was also a tad James Bond type of good and evil....even to the "this is my plan for you."
There is violence described in detail as well as many sexual scenes just as graphic. Also, how doea she see him as a reserved lover?
This left me with questions. How, how, and how in the world? As well as "Really?"
I love Minerva Spencer's work. I've read quite a few. Strong heroines are fantastic. However, I do like the heroes to act less than puppies who follow them around hoping for attention.
This is definitely for adults.
I did read this in one sitting. The story was interesting once the rescue portion...first third of the book...was finished. The couple who had already had their own novel, was too intertwined in this one. I didn't read their story, and wasn't quite sure why they were so prominent in this. They should have been like first couple.
I enjoyed it, but will probably not read the first two in the series.
This can be read as a stand alone, but a good bit would be less confusing if the other two were read first. I was able to ignore their stories for the most part.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series, this one centers on the mysterious Josephine “Blade” Brown, the expert handler for the Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre.

Blade rescues Elliot Wingate, an undercover agent, and a man she is fascinated with (the feeling is mutual). While they work together to uncover secret plots, lies, plot twists, etc., Blade must come to terms with her trust issues (she’s always been on the run from a family scandal), and she also has a class-issue to resolve between her and Elliot.
The intimate moments in this one are very spicy as neither are inexperienced.

I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the previous two. Somehow the Blade character from the beginning book just didn’t translate into the Blade in this book for me…hard to explain that. But I did enjoy two aspects of the book very much…the strength and confidence of Blade as a woman and as a fearless combatant in a man’s world and Elliot’s stepping up and fighting for her love as she struggled with her trust issues.

My sincere thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing the free early arc of The Cutthroat Countess for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

[Carey’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars! Interesting and entertaining book! This is the 3rd book in ‘The Wicked Women of Whitechapel’ series and can be read as a standalone for the most part. The beginning might be a bit of a head scratcher if you haven’t read the previous books. I read book 2 and this book and I was still a bit confused at times but the romance between the main characters is standalone. The main character are Josephine/Jo/Blade and Elliot Wingate. I liked both of them and loved Jo’s pet raven Angus. So many things happen in this book. Surprise after surprise, mystery, suspense, bad guys, with hot & heavy ‘sexy times’, and watching the characters grow… it really was a fabulous book. I love a good mystery and this did NOT disappoint. Would have loved a longer epilogue to explain things with the main & secondary characters & what happens to the bad guy. Great series that I’d definitely recommend. I was entertained and couldn’t wait for my free time so I could grab my kindle & see what happens next! Gasp inducing revelations!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love when an author goes back in time and tells a story from the viewpoint of side characters. And although I’ve read the previous book in the series, The Dueling Duchess (May 2023) I still found the beginning confusing. This is the story of Josephine Brown who does blade-work for Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre (a performing circus). She also occasionally spies on the side for the best price. Elliot Wingate, an agent with the home office, is intrigued and more by Jo. This is a mystery complete with twists and turns and a romance with plenty of heat. But overall I didn’t connect with the characters. If you’ve enjoyed the series you will want to read this book. I think it is harder to read as a stand alone. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Hijinx Abound · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this series. I’ve been waiting to find out who Jo really is. And I was not disappointed. She is a badass in her own right. Learning her backstory was fascinating.
Elliot is such a good character. He’s that guy who can fit in anywhere and that makes him really good at his job.
The two of them are fire. The only issue I had was the rehashing of the other two books since they run concurrently. I’d be curious to see if you can read them in tandem for a smoother story.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4,5/5 stars
Spice: 3,5/5

Book 3 in the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series
Can be read standalone, but with the big amount of characters it’s easier to read when you read the first two in the series. I haven’t read the first book, and I noticed that I missed some context in the beginning even though it is explained well.
This happens simultaneously with The Boxing Baroness and The Dueling Duchess, but continues after the end of The Dueling Duchess.

Tropes:
- Spies
- Murder/Mystery
- Forced Proximity
- Instalust
- Badass FMC
- He knows he wants her
- MC has a secret
- Pet Raven
- Secret Identity
- Fake Engagement
- Class Difference
- My fair lady vibes
- Outside tryst against a tree
- FMC is not a virgin
- Light Femdom
- Tryst in a barn


If you were a fan of the show Homeland and you like reading historical romances this is for you. I was having such a great reading this and you jump right into the action with Jo saving Elliot in a particular tough spot.

There were a lot of things I really liked about this one. Especially the jumping right into action part, and we all know what usually happens in these types of situations when the characters need to blow off some steam! What really pleasantly surprised me was the light femdom that comes into play with the spice, especially nearing the end of the book. I needed to fan myself for a bit there!

I really liked that Elliot just knows he wants to be with Jo, even though he feels she is a complete mystery to him. You just know while reading that these two belong together (I mean even Angus knows it pretty much from the start and he is a freaking raven). Talking about Angus, he is the absolute star of the book (okay the series) and I loved the originality of him.

At times this book didn’t feel like a romance per se, but more of a finding one’s identity. Jo really struggles to come to terms with the fact she has friends and that they want to spend time with her. She is so used to living on her own and not trusting anyone that it is very difficult for her to actually open up. I loved that Marianne wanted to include her in important moments of her life.

I had some difficulty with the pacing in the middle part and sometimes it felt like I was reading 2 books. It really slowed down when the book goes forward in time towards London and then from the 80% the pace picks up again in a classic mystery/wodunnit way. I do need to mention that if you like reading crime novels and especially Scandinavian crime novels, the ‘plot twists’ really won’t come as a surprise to you (I know some who read it did not see it coming). But with that said everything that happens makes sense, and I really liked that about it. You sometimes come across these mystery types of books where in the end the ‘villain’ surprises you in a bad way.

Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing an ARC.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrator: good job, she narrated the other books in the series. I was a bit disappointed that the narrator changed Jo's voice to a high voice rather than the low gravelly voice from the previous books.

This was my favorite book of the series. I've been looking forward to Jo's story. I listened to most of it. Jo had a mysterious past, and like the other books, it turns out she has a title and a fortune- which she really doesn’t want. But during the book, she keeps her secret as it makes in appear that her father was a traitor against England during the American Revolutionary War. Of course there is a spy in the bushes, Elliot’s boss, and the question is more of how will be revealed rather than who is the villain.

Elliot is the third of the men whose stories are paired with the women of the titles. He is an elusive spy, and Jo saves him from torture (and death) at the beginning of the book.

Angus, the crow, again steals scenes throughout the book.

I also liked how the author shows different prospectives of the same story with the different books. Marianne’s overlaps with Jo’s story and so forth. The common thread with all three is that the men have to win over the strong women of these books.

[Dolly Dagger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre final chapter puts Jo and Elliot, a.k.a. Blade and Smithy front and center.

According to the author’s own “Steam Level” The Wicked Women of White Chapel series is 3/5 peppers. The author writes under at least three different pen names. This year I have binged most of the books she has written. The “Minerva Spencer” byline is typically a steamy historical romance with a 3/5 pepper rating. She also writes under SM LaViolette, and those books are usually a little MORE steamy, but I digress.

Like the previous books in the series, the stories and timelines of each book overlap a little bit. The first book The Boxing Baroness takes place largely in the spring of 1815 just before Napoleon escapes Elba and marches to Paris. The Cutthroat Countess ends a year or two later.

We learn more about Elliot‘s background, as well as Jo of course. It was pretty clear from the first time he appears on the page who the villain is, but there were still plenty of twists, and turns to keep the resolution satisfying and the suspense engaging. Plus, I appreciated learning more about the ripples of the American Revolutionary War just a generation later. I love that Angus has such a big supporting role in this book I knew I would love him from his first appearance in The Boxing Baroness.

None of the “wicked” women are virgins, however, they’re not that wicked either. Their compassion and humanity is evident in the way that they support each other and remain loyal to this family of sorts. Since they all start out as commoners, they have more freedom than gently born women of the time. It’s a refreshing change from the innocent bluestocking/reformed rake trope – don’t get me wrong, I can certainly appreciate a formulaic bodice ripper. Fortunately Minerva Spencer has yet to publish anything formulaic, and I love her all the more for it.

Jo and Elliot‘s story had me swooning and often laughing out loud. Not to mention kept me on the edge of my seat as I feared for my favorite raven Angus’s plight.

Our heroine and hero do get their HEA, there’s no cliffhanger, although I am wondering if Helen will have her HEA in the future.

If the saucy scenes make you uncomfortable, you may be able to just skim them and you won’t lose any of the plot, but you’re missing out 😉.

I read a lot of steamy historical fiction, sometimes it feels like the author just copied and pasted the sex scenes from one story to the other. Luckily, that’s not the case here. The sex scenes are descriptive and explicit so don’t say you weren’t warned.

Of the three books, I enjoyed this one the most, but that could simply be due to the fact that I have spent more than 1,000 pages getting to know all the characters, so hanging out with Farnham's Females and their highborn beaux was like visiting with old friends.

[Cat Champney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC! There are no spoilers below for content, but I do mention tropes used (so avoid if you want them to be a surprise).

I was really excited for this book because Jo was really enigmatic in the first two. Unfortunately, it didn't quite do it for me. There are a few errors that I think the publisher will fix before publication, but those didn't impact my rating.

There was too much happening here - the book starts with basically a behind the scenes POV of what Jo and Elliott were doing during the other two books. Things don't really center on the plot of this book until the second half (or around there) and then it feels pretty rushed. I think I would have preferred if we know Jo and Elliott worked together, but if nothing had happened until this third book (they could have been thrown together again because of their shared professions). Instead it was a pretty cut-and-dry instant love story... which is not my thing.

Additionally, Jo's character development disappointed me. She seems like such a badass, but then she was kind of weak and whiny for most of this book. There are some cool moments and she is still a good spy, but then she would do something that (to me) really kind of made me question her strength and personality.

That said, the book is readable (I read it in basically one sitting) and it follows the general formula of the first two books, which makes it a nicely rounded out series. Curious if Helen will get a book next (she plants the seed).

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the other two books earlier last year, and had to wait a while to read about my favorite character in the series. I had such high hopes for Jo. I wanted to read about her adventures before she got to England. I wanted in-depth insight into how she learned her skills. I wanted internal dialogue that gave us insight into her wonderful brain that spoke to her past that helped shape the woman she was present time. This book didn’t deliver any of that. I feel like we didn’t get to “know” Jo or Elliott on a deeper level, like you got with the first two books and their protagonists. I’m left wanting more, yet bored and over it. Her character really felt like it was going to be the most exciting book. Pretty disappointed. Honestly, I could’ve gone lower with my review but overall I enjoyed the series. The writing is well done, I just think maybe Spencer was rushed to get this done. There wasn’t even any kind of resolution around her having conversations with a dead man in her head. I definitely felt like that could’ve been left out or expanded upon.

Would still recommend the series for some light reading. I dig the women empowerment theme, even though it’s doused in patriarchal bullshit.

[Grace Akkad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uhmmm this book was so confusing. For me the magic of a HR is the tension and slow burn and this book didn't have it. I was so confused with the plot I felt like I needed a mind map to keep up.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5. Releases 10/24/2023.

Vibes: romance with a side of espionage, a totally in love hero, "a motley crew of oddballs" sensibilities, and light assassin feels

Blade expert Josephine Brown never stays in one place long, and doesn't form deep relationships. But now that she's a partial owner of Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre (think a traveling circus full of dangerous ladies) connections are becoming difficult to avoid. Particularly her connection with Elliot, an agent for the Crown who quickly falls head over heels for her. As the two work together on a dangerous assignment, Jo finds Elliot increasingly hard to resist--while he's determined to know her secrets.

With a good dose of plot (often having to do with Napoleonic shenanigans), the Wicked Women of Whitechapel series is entertaining and always sexy, with a spin on historical romance you don't see often. I really enjoyed the chemistry and interactions between Jo and Elliot--but I do feel like you might want to read the first two books ahead of this one.

Quick Takes:

--One thing I like about this series is that the heroines tend to be a bit on the jaded side, regardless of age. They've been around the block, they've been emotionally (and usually physically, thanks to their dangerous lifestyles) wounded in the past. This makes it totally believable when they began physical relationships with their heroes without being able to emotionally commit. These are women who seize pleasure when they can get it, and find it difficult to resist indulging their desires.

Similarly, the heroes might be snarky, might be a bit dangerous themselves, might be frustrated with their heroines at points--but they also tend to be heroes that fall first and fall hard. You get that with Jo and Elliot. No matter how much she wants to resist falling for him, it's hard for her to do when he's just so smitten and so charming.

--Jo has a pet raven. His name is Angus and he is excellent. I love it when heroines have random weird pets; it's a quirk that I find particularly satisfying. Maybe the raven watched them have sex? Only God knows.

--There is an interclass conflict, and I do love an interclass conflict. However, at points it did feel like a bit of a rehash of the previous book's personal relationship conflict (separate from the larger suspense plot) which is "I shall not be your mistress, sir". The thing that makes it a little more baffling here is that Elliot is so clearly gone for Jo early on. So it's like--girl, I don't think he really cares if he comes from a wealthier family (and he's not even a firstborn son). He wants you.

--Additionally, I will say that while I enjoyed the relationship between Jo and Elliot and the larger mystery plot... Where I think this book suffered was in the overlapping with the two previous novels. Don't get me wrong, this works as a standalone, but considering how much this entwines with the previous installments... I don't know, I feel like you'd get more out of reading the series in order.

This kind of overlapping plot element can work, especially in romance. But when I compare this to say, The Duke Gets Even, a book that was the culmination of a four-novel buildup to the final couple--this book just feels a little two connected to its companions. It slowed the plot at points, because you'd have to get a catchup on what was happening. By no means did it hurt the story too much, but it was noticeable.

The Sex:

The sex scenes begin pretty early here, and they're great, and they really don't let up throughout the novel. Spencer has a real talent for writing a sex scene that's both quite carnal and quite emotionally satisfying. I really loved the way Jo and Elliot interacted with each other; from the beginning, you felt that she was technically giving him a lot, while emotionally remaining closed off. Over time, you feel that emotional connection strengthen, and that's reflected in the way they have sex. It's a smart writing choice.

While I think I preferred the previous books in the series a little more, The Cutthroat Countess is still a fun, satisfying read. Would recommend to anyone who wants to explore a more action-packed historical romance with a heroine whose skill set extends beyond the ballroom.

Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reads like a regency James Bond movie and it’s utterly thrilling!!

Both MCs are over thirty (no virgins, no awkwardness, no promises “one night and never again” yeah, right), excellent at their job (they pine undercover) and have never been at ease enough to open their hearts - not so unusual if you’re always looking over your shoulder. And even though he falls first (and really hard), they grow together. Amidst all the ugliness their relationship is truly a tender thing of beauty!

Dry humour, witty banter, vivid imagery and a colourful cast of side characters - including Jo’s uniquely talented raven Angus - make this a thoroughly entertaining tale against a backdrop of loss, loyalty and love. The villains are conniving and nasty, and the reckonings are bloody. Mystery, suspense and a slow unravelling of her history. Secret admiration, steamy passion and a good deal of stubbornness.
An action-packed and enthralling love story I would recommend to one and all!

PS - this is book 3 in the series and they fit nicely together as the stories overlap a little. However, this book works perfectly well as a standalone!

My blurb:
She’s Josephine Brown - private spy, blade expert and one of Farnham's Fantastical Female Fayre’s favourite acts. Never staying long in place over the past decades, she’s never had stability or true friends until now.
He’s Elliot Wingate - youngest son to an earl, one of His Majesty’s most valued spies and he’s joined the fayre with his two best friends Sin and Guy so they can secretly travel to France to rescue Sin’s brother.

Jo and Elliot’s attraction is instant, but their admiration for each other grows along their treacherous journey through a country on the verge of war… until they finally give in to temptation. He falls for the tough mysterious beauty willing to risk her own life to save him from the mercenaries who captured him. She falls for the quiet clever man who accepts her for who she is and what she does. The man who stays loyally by her side even after she discloses her murky past.

Theirs is a love that can never be, yet can’t be denied. A year goes by and they’re both still pining for those fleeting days of passion in France. An encounter at a ball lands them once again in the same bed, but each time he tries to get close, she slips away.
And then Elliot’s new superior stirs up Jo’s deeply buried, extremely dangerous secrets. Her future changes in the blink of an eye. Elliot says he loves her no matter what, but is his heart true? Or should she run once again?

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

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

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

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

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

I feel like I have been waiting for Jo's story from book 1. She was always such a mysterious, intriguing character, with no one knowing what she is thinking, where she came from, what her motives are, etc. She was so oddly isolated from the other characters from the other book, interacting on the periphery, developing no close relationships with anyone except her raven, and flitting in and out like a ghost. She really caught my imagination and curiosity. This book gives us the story of Jo, her history, her family, etc, as well as insight as to her thoughts, feelings and her relationships with others, including her growing passion and feelings for Elliot Wingate, the third male member of their fayre caravan in the previous books, and an agent for the Home Office.

Despite embarking on a passionate affair and letting Elliot closer than others, Jo has some deep long held secrets that she still keeps from from him involving her family and past, because they still pose a risk to her. Which is why, after the death of her only known parent, she kept to herself so much, because she knew the past was still a threat to her. But there are things about her past that even she does not know.

This story is about their passionate affair, and her relationships with the other members of their caravan in the past, but also about unraveling the mystery of her past, a spy story, and betrayal.

A steamy, passionate love story and intrigue.

Throw in a fabulous animal with a great personality on it's own and Minerva Spencer again owns my heart and imagination with this great story. I admit to being a bit biased though - I do love so many of her previous works.

Side note - I love the raven, Angus, seriously love him. He reminds me of the crow character, Kaw, from Lloyd Alexander's Chronicle of Prydain series, both are able to talk, mischievous, and a boon companion.

5 out of 5 for me.

Just to add - I hope this is not the last story because I need to know what happens in Helen's future.

[Slwd · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Cutthroat Countess” by Minerva Spencer is the third in the series entitled The Wicked Women of Whitechapel.. This story begins in France before ending up in England. This story centers around Jo (Josephine) Brown and Elliot Wingate. Elliot works for the Home Office of England, spying and gathering information for the Crown. Jo is a blade thrower in a female centric circus which provides cover for both Jo and Elliot, as Jo is an independent contractor gathering information, protecting people, etc for those who pay her fees. Her father was accused of spying against England during the American Revolutionary War so he took Jo and fled to the Continent always keen on clearing his name and that of another soldier. They led a life on the run. Currently, Jo is mourning his loss and is working alone. Elliot and Jo meet in France, each with their own agenda. I enjoyed this plot centering around a strong female lead with awesome skills, smart, and brave. She knew how to take care of herself and others in a very dangerous time. I liked the fact that Elliot admired her for who she was and didn’t need her to change. He deferred to her when the situation was warranted. Jo and Elliot together were a steamy couple. Characters from the first two stories in the series had a smaller role in this one. I especially enjoyed Angus. He was a great addition to the story. All the while, a traitorous spy is lurking in the background to ensure that his secrets about his actions don’t come to light. Overall, well done between the plot and the characters, The pace in the middle of the story didn’t reach the level of the beginning and the end. I wanted a little more action where it lagged a bit in the middle. The circus was an important part of the story and could have been showcased after they returned to England. Jo’s skillful blade act would have worked well during this time frame in the story. Also, I must say I didn’t want to see them drink another cup of tea, which they were constantly doing. I do recommend this story, it’s a good fit within the genre and there is a lot to like about it. I was given this book by NetGallery, my thoughts and opinions are my own.