Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Discussion thread for the for August 2024. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)


A Contracted Spouse for the Prizefighter by Alice Coldbreath

Join us in reading this HR that features the theme Working Class. Happy reading!



Synopsis:

Theodora knows in her heart that she has star quality but sadly, no-one else in her theatrical family feels the same way. When her sister, leaves to get married, Theo is promptly axed from the bill and expected to take a back seat in the family business.
Clem Dabney, aspiring theatre owner and ex-prizefighter has built up his supper and song business as far as he can take it. In order to expand he now needs a theatre. When Theodora appears before him with her outrageous proposition, he sees his chance and devil take the consequences.

Their marriage is purely a business arrangement, so Theo is not worried about Clem’s reputation and Clem is not concerned about Theo’s distinct lack of feminine charm. Now that’s all settled and out of the way, both agree things should be straightforward enough… Why then, is Clem acting the jealous husband when Theo finds herself among a throng of new admirers?

I am definitely going to read this one this month. I read it before when it first came out, and really liked it. IMO Alice Coldbreath's best book so far. It can easily stand alone if you haven't read the others in the series. It's a fresh and original HR, and well worth reading.

I have this on my tbr list (I read the first 2 books of the series and really enjoyed them) but I need to request the library to purchase it so will pass on it this month.

I've started my reread and I'm hooked in from the get-go. I like the way the author is so neatly able to set up her characters and the setup so quickly. I really enjoyed Clem and Theo's first meeting. Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[Clem so big and brash and appealing in his loud-check suit with the blingy horseshoe tie pin. The way he doesn't really notice Theo at first, but checks out her pretty sister. The way he has a good long look at Theo's legs in her male costume, when he is forced to finally notice her. LOL. Their banter. (hide spoiler)] I feel like I'm really going to enjoy this read again.

Up to Chapter 13 now. I had forgotten that there are some pretty saucy scenes in this book. Chapter 12 (view spoiler)[ The wedding night. (hide spoiler)] Phew!

I really like the characters and descriptions of both Clem and Theo/Dora. I also like the very different setting of this book. So interesting. Also, the book lives up well to this month's theme of Working Class. Hardly a mention of titles or the aristocracy. It's a very different side of London being depicted from the usual HR fare.

It is a fabulous series - I only read them last year, so will not read again - but I highly recommend all three books for anyone considering joining this group read. You do not need to read them in order.

I really enjoyed this book, it was lovely. I thought that the development of the characters Theo and Clem was well done, their banter was clever and the unfolding of their relationship was beautiful. The intimate scenes were steamy and I found myself giggling several times. The surrounding relationships with other characters were all well done and intertwined into the story. I agree, this is true to the working class theme, I haven't read many with this setting and I really liked it. I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't about all the pomp and ceremony. This is the first novel I have read from Alice Coldbreath and I will definitely read the others in this series.

Clarissa wrote: "I really enjoyed this book, it was lovely. I thought that the development of the characters Theo and Clem was well done, their banter was clever and the unfolding of their relationship was beautifu..."

Glad you enjoyed, Clarissa. I finished my reread and found it very enjoyable this time too. I liked the whole thing - characters both main and secondary, storyline, pacing, setting. Such an interesting setting. IMO it's Coldbreath's best book. I liked the others in the series too, but this is the best one. I look forward to her next book whenever it comes out.

I wish there were a few more books like this around, well written HRs about working class characters. I love HRs, but sometimes get a bit tired of dukes etc all the time. This one was fresh and original.

I’m rereading it and have to say it is highly engaging even on the second read. I am paying more attention to the working class aspects like when they talk about the size of the bed and going to the fancy hotel.
I was glued to the whole section where Clem was preparing for Theo’s failure at his theater. He was so stressed about it and at the same time he cared deeply.

I’m only on chapter 23 so looking forward to what will happen next.

I am definitely planning to read this, but it will be after the other BOTM. I read and enjoyed the first two books in this series so looking forward to this one.

Starting this one tonight.

I couldn't hardly put this down last night. I read chapters 1 through 11 - about a third of the way through. I am really enjoying it and ready to pick it back up, but I have less time to read this evening.

Picking up at chapter 18 tonight.