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The Boxer and the Blacksmith

Book 2 in the series:When The Blood Is Up

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The Boxer and the Blacksmith by Edie Cay is a historical romance novel set in 1818 London, Manchester, and Barbados. The story follows the lives of Bess, a female boxer, and Os, a blacksmith, as they navigate challenges related to gender, class, race, and family. The chemistry between Bess and Os is natural and compelling, drawing readers into their world of love and struggle. Cay's meticulous attention to detail and thorough research transport readers to a vividly depicted Regency England, where themes of gender, class, and race are skillfully interwoven with the romance and sports elements of the plot.

Characters:

Characters are richly developed, with Bess and Os exemplifying strength and vulnerability, creating an emotional and compelling narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and poetic, enriched by meticulous historical accuracy and vivid character portrayals.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features an interracial romance deeply rooted in historical themes, with complex issues such as abuse and societal challenges.

Setting:

The setting transports readers to early 19th-century London, underscoring a gritty and well-researched backdrop.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and keeps readers engaged, blending action with deeper emotional moments.

Notes:

Bess, the female lead, is a boxer based on a real historical figure named Elizabeth Wilkinson.
The story takes place in early 19th century London, incorporating well-researched historical details.
Os, the male lead, is a blacksmith and of African descent, addressing racism and classism in Regency England.
The book features a strong female character who empowers young girls in the slums to defend themselves.
It deals with dark themes such as abduction, child abuse, and forced abortion, providing a gritty narrative.
The chemistry between Bess and Os is highlighted as natural and compelling, with Bess's physical scars seen as symbols of strength.
The story presents a unique perspective on gender roles, showcasing a female boxer in a male-dominated sport.
Edie Cay skillfully combines historical context with modern issues like sexism and transphobia in the plot.
The title references the professions of the main characters, emphasizing their unique backgrounds in the romance genre.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains content warnings for themes such as forced abortion, abuse, and neglect.

Has Romance?

There is a high level of romance in the book, centered around the relationship between the boxer and the blacksmith.

From The Publisher:

Can London's lady champion fight for love?

As London's undefeated women's boxer, Bess Abbott has the scars-both inside and out-to prove it. But when one of her boxing students, Violet, needs protection, Bess Abbott's rock hard heart cracks open. And when a handsome blacksmith comes along, giving her compliments and treating her, well, like a woman, Bess doesn't know what to do. She's on the ropes in the face of love.

Os Worley was a child when he became an accidental stow-away. He grew up not knowing the family or the island that inflected his accent. His only memory of his mother is a head bent, hands working a stitch, a voice humming a melody. Now that he has his own foundry, and his own apprentice, he's come to London to find the woman attached to this memory. His heart is already tempered and quenched, focused on his goal-but a lady boxer threatens to recast his love in her own image.

As Os and Bess face off, will they toe the line or retreat to their corners?

The second installment of Edie Cay's When the Blood Is Up, The Boxer and the Blacksmith is a standalone historical romance focusing on the less glamorous portion of London's Regency population. The Boxer and the Blacksmith won the 2019 Hearts Through History Legend Award: A Man for All Reasons.

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