Minerva Spencer: The Boxing Baroness

Inspired by true history and perfect for fans of Bridgerton, the acclaimed author sparkles with this brilliantly imagined story of romance between an undercover spy and an educated and strong woman in the first of a witty, Regency-set, feminist series exploring the role of women in a rigidly patriarchal society. Readers will delight in the rapier sharp wit, sexual fireworks, and thought-provoking entertainment of The Boxing Baroness.

“Swooningly romantic, sizzling sensual…superbly realized.” – Booklist STARRED REVIEW

A Library Journal Best Book of 2022
A Publishers Marketplace Buzz Books Romance Selection

Of questionable birth, but made for greatness, the Regency-era heroines in Minerva Spencer’s thrilling new historical romance series possess both clever minds and unusual skills that enable them to go head-to-head—and heart to heart—with the best of men, including those of the ton . . .

Magnetic and educated, Marianne Simpson has the manner of a lady and the looks of a lover, not a fighter. Neither of which explains her occupation as a boxer in her uncle’s circus, Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre. Nonetheless, when St. John Powell, the exquisitely handsome Duke of Staunton, begins turning up at her shows, she finds herself dangerously distracted by the powerful peer’s mysterious presence. With her safety at stake, Marianne’s days in the ring are numbered. But how long can she fight her attraction to the man the ton calls Lord Flawless?

St. John Powell doesn’t just want Marianne Simpson, he needs her … to rescue his brother, who is being held for ransom by a treasonous English baron—the man all of Britain knows as the Rake of Rakes. No matter how little Marianne wants to see her duplicitous ex-lover, the man responsible for the humiliating nickname the Boxing Baroness, St. John must convince her. Even if it means climbing into the ring with the beautiful boxer and taking everything she’s got . . .

“An outstanding romance based in part on a real historical figure… This is sure to wow.” – Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW

CW: Assault, murder, fighting, grooming behavior from villain, family lies, adoption

I have been reading a lot about female pugilists lately, and so of course wanted to find the perfect FMC prizefighter to read about.

This one was an adventure!  The first in a series (and I do intend to read them all from start to finish), Spencer brings us the femmes of Farnham’s Fantastical Female Fayre and how they end up going on a very dangerous road trip with two peers and a Home Office hottie.

Marianne, one of the pugilists for the Fayre and niece to Farnham, is trying to capitalise on her reputation after her ex (a Baron) faked a marriage with her and fled to the continent. And she keeps getting notes sent backstage by Lord Flawless himself, who although smoking hot is the last thing Marianne wants to deal with.

What unfolds is a situation where this unlikely pair need each other to find answers, and it involves a harrowing trek across the ocean to France.  And, of course, the Duke has to disguise himself so there is some amusing play with that.

There are amusing parts, but this is a pretty serious book with lots of mature themes, intimacy on page (pretty steamy stuff), and some violence.  Marianne is an interesting deviation from the more standard Regency FMC, because while she is stubborn and spunky, she is also athletic, no nonsense, and can literally pack a punch.  I found the MCs a really interesting match, both grumpy without sunshine (well, they have their moments) and the kind of love the burns hot and fiesty.  I should also mention, this book features elements of a reader favorite trope, where Marianne sometimes masquerades as a man (she has short hair and wears male clothes when out and about).

The boxing is part of the plot, but the book doesn’t feature more than about three or four short scenes (and of course, the book version of a training montage).  There is also a lot of history with respect to Napoleon, which may be of interest to some readers and others might find far-fetched or unnecessary.  Spencer admits to some anachronisms in her author note, which I appreciate, because some of the language took me out of the story, but unless you are a stickler type of Reg Reader, you will probably be like me and move past it pretty quickly.  Spencer obviously did her research, so I think this was an absolute case of a writer playing with history for the benefit of the story (and if you read my Regency Reader Questions, you know as much as I love history, I believe in creative license).

I finished this one pretty quickly, and look forward to reading the rest of the series because the other FMCs who you meet in this book really piqued my interest.

I am working on a revisitation of my research on Dukes and historical romance for a future post/social media video, and so it has been on my mind that the fact the MMC is a Duke is one of the least likable things about this book for me.  While I understand a lot of the romantic tension was around the class difference, I thought it could’ve been done with an untitled gentleman or even a Cit and been new territory for readers.  Nonetheless, I would recommend this for readers on the hunt for a different style of FMC who like road trips, class differences, and that perfect yet grumpy MMC who ultimately cannot resist the FMC.