Victorian Prizefighters Series by Alice Coldbreath

Mina’s well-ordered life is thrown into disarray when her father drops a bombshell on his deathbed: she has a brother she never knew of. Not only that, he is on his way to rescue her from the collapse of their school under a mountain of debts.A wild journey across country later, Mina finds herself thrown at the feet of the brutish William Nye, prize-fighter and owner of a disreputable inn, The Merry Harlot... moreMina’s well-ordered life is thrown into disarray when her father drops a bombshell on his deathbed: she has a brother she never knew of. Not only that, he is on his way to rescue her from the collapse of their school under a mountain of debts.A wild journey across country later, Mina finds herself thrown at the feet of the brutish William Nye, prize-fighter and owner of a disreputable inn, The Merry Harlot. Respectable Mina is appalled to find herself obliged to wed this surly stranger!Forced to draw on reserves of inner strength she never knew she possessed, Mina uncovers perilous secrets and bravely carves herself a new life at the side of this man, as she proves herself a more than worthy partner for the prize-fighter. less

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, the other half of their act leaves to get married, Thora 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... moreTheodora 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, the other half of their act leaves to get married, Thora 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 Thora appears before him with her outrageous proposition, he sees his chance and devil take the consequences.Their marriage is purely a business arrangement, so Thora is not worried about Clem’s reputation and Clem is not concerned about Thora’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 Thora finds herself among a throng of new admirers? less