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Blackwater Brides #2
A Wedding Wager
New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather delights with her second book in this entrancing Georgian trilogy featuring three noble brothers who are offered a preposterous opportunity - a lavish inheritance, but only if they each marry a fallen woman. Perfect for fans of Eloisa James, Liz Carlyle and Stephanie Laurens.
Lady Serena Grantley was born to the nobility, but fortune's whim placed her under the control of her gamester stepfather, who uses her beauty to lure young men to his gambling tables. Serena even dismissed her first love, the Honorable Sebastian Sullivan, at her stepfather's command. But when he attempts to force her into a liaison with a dissolute earl, Serena resolves to do his bidding no more. Sebastian is the only man who ever captured her heart, and it is to him she turns...
Torn between family loyalty and the woman he loves, Sebastian faces a devilish dilemma. His uncle is ailing, and time is running short. Desperate to find a solution, Sebastian conceives a dangerous plan - a wager that could bring him and Serena happiness at last...or separate them forever.
Follow the captivating tales of the brothers as they each find their most unusual brides in Rushed to the Altar and An Unsuitable Bride.
Lady Serena Grantley was born to the nobility, but fortune's whim placed her under the control of her gamester stepfather, who uses her beauty to lure young men to his gambling tables. Serena even dismissed her first love, the Honorable Sebastian Sullivan, at her stepfather's command. But when he attempts to force her into a liaison with a dissolute earl, Serena resolves to do his bidding no more. Sebastian is the only man who ever captured her heart, and it is to him she turns...
Torn between family loyalty and the woman he loves, Sebastian faces a devilish dilemma. His uncle is ailing, and time is running short. Desperate to find a solution, Sebastian conceives a dangerous plan - a wager that could bring him and Serena happiness at last...or separate them forever.
Follow the captivating tales of the brothers as they each find their most unusual brides in Rushed to the Altar and An Unsuitable Bride.
447 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 21, 2011
91 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Jane Feather
170 books628 followersJane Feather (born Jane Robotham) is a popular British–American writer of historical romance novels. In 1984 she wrote five contemporary romances under the pseudonym Claudia Bishop. She is a New York Times-bestselling, award–winning writer, and has more than ten million romance novels in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 25, 2018
İlk defa okudum Jane Feather'i. Serinin ilk kitabını okumamistim. Ancak eksikliğini pek de hissetmedim..Fena değil okunabilir bir historical..Keyifli vakit geçirdi bana..
July 26, 2012
WARNING: SPOILERS AND GIFs AHEAD!
So, that was it? I swear, I read this entire book, and not once did I see a "wedding wager" mentioned. Not once. I'm still waiting.
It's possible that the "wager" referred to in the title and on the back cover is actually the whackadoodle premise that made this book happen in the first place. A Wedding Wager is the second book in a series about three brothers who are set to get a tremendous inheritance from their crazy and perverted old uncle. However, because this uncle is both crazy and perverted, the brothers have to meet his terms before he kicks the bucket. They must each find and marry a "fallen woman," thus "redeeming" her in they eyes of - I don't know - God? Society? King George? I'm assuming that explaining the situation any more would have further highlighted how wackadoodle the premise is, and Jane Feather wouldn't want that. So perhaps the "find a whore and marry her" plot is the wager? Or maybe there was some secret wager about whether or not I could finish this book?
Well, it was tough, but I totally finished it! HA!
SUMMARY:
Basically, this is the story of two people who are meant for each other easily realizing that they are, in fact, meant for each other and finding their happily-ever-after. From the very first page, there's no question that the Honorable Sebastian Sullivan is a totes hot, totes good guy who loves his soul mate, Lady Serena. But Serena has a few problems. She's maneuvered by her asshat of a step-daddy who forces her to work in his gambling hells and flirt with gentlemen. In the prologue, Serena breaks Sebastian's heart because Evulz Step-Daddyz said so, and this results in 3 years of sadness and woe for the main couple. But look at that second chance at love on the horizon! Serena and her demonic (step)dad return to London, and Sebastian finds that he is still very much in love with his very own daughter of caro. Unfortunately, Dr. Evil the Step-Daddy has plans to sell Serena's feminine wiles to an icky earl, and this could get in the way of true love! Hmmm. Will Sebastian go ahead and marry the exact kind of woman the convenient plot device - er, crazy uncle - tells him to, or will the characters run circles around the easy resolution in order to coddle a group of secondary characters that I don't give a damn about?
Well. Since the "wedding wager" is so elusive, we have to get a plot out of something. And once that plot was gained, no man was going to tear that plot away until at least several hundred pages were squeezed out of it.
An Illustration of the Plot in This Book
I'll never let go!
The Characters:
Sebastian and Serena are okay people in this book. Neither of them are particularly interesting, but Serena's tortured past involving her Evil Step-Daddy was enough to keep me interested. The secondary characters are tedious, to say the least. A huge portion of the plot is dedicated to Serena protecting some vapid little social-climber from falling into Evil Step-Daddy's clutches. And sure, I suppose that's a noble story. Still, if I wanted to read about some dumb girl's struggles to marry the boy from home she truly loves over some lecherous cretin, I would have read a book about her.
The Romance:
The chemistry isn't all there, in my opinion. I get that Sebastian and Serena had all of their "firsts" before the book started, but that doesn't mean it was OK to skip out on all the simmering tension between them. Hell, they've been separated for three years! Where's the passion? The yearning? It doesn't help that the sex is kind of weird. Like, not weird in the characters doing weird things sense. There's just very little emotional connection. The scenes are shockingly short for a book published in 2011, and everything feels rushed. The sex scenes are frequent, but they're so passionless that Sebastian and Serena could have been talking about their grocery lists and I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.
The Writing:
The writing isn't bad, but the plot movement isn't particularly inspiring. I probably would have DNF'd this one, but finishing it became a matter of pride for me. The book isn't awful. I'm just kind of "meh" about it.
"A Wedding Wager" is a part of my Care-Package-Ageddon series of book reviews in gratitude to my GR friend Karla for sending me a GIANT BOX O'BOOKS. She said I "might" like some of them. o_O
So, that was it? I swear, I read this entire book, and not once did I see a "wedding wager" mentioned. Not once. I'm still waiting.
It's possible that the "wager" referred to in the title and on the back cover is actually the whackadoodle premise that made this book happen in the first place. A Wedding Wager is the second book in a series about three brothers who are set to get a tremendous inheritance from their crazy and perverted old uncle. However, because this uncle is both crazy and perverted, the brothers have to meet his terms before he kicks the bucket. They must each find and marry a "fallen woman," thus "redeeming" her in they eyes of - I don't know - God? Society? King George? I'm assuming that explaining the situation any more would have further highlighted how wackadoodle the premise is, and Jane Feather wouldn't want that. So perhaps the "find a whore and marry her" plot is the wager? Or maybe there was some secret wager about whether or not I could finish this book?
Well, it was tough, but I totally finished it! HA!
SUMMARY:
Basically, this is the story of two people who are meant for each other easily realizing that they are, in fact, meant for each other and finding their happily-ever-after. From the very first page, there's no question that the Honorable Sebastian Sullivan is a totes hot, totes good guy who loves his soul mate, Lady Serena. But Serena has a few problems. She's maneuvered by her asshat of a step-daddy who forces her to work in his gambling hells and flirt with gentlemen. In the prologue, Serena breaks Sebastian's heart because Evulz Step-Daddyz said so, and this results in 3 years of sadness and woe for the main couple. But look at that second chance at love on the horizon! Serena and her demonic (step)dad return to London, and Sebastian finds that he is still very much in love with his very own daughter of caro. Unfortunately, Dr. Evil the Step-Daddy has plans to sell Serena's feminine wiles to an icky earl, and this could get in the way of true love! Hmmm. Will Sebastian go ahead and marry the exact kind of woman the convenient plot device - er, crazy uncle - tells him to, or will the characters run circles around the easy resolution in order to coddle a group of secondary characters that I don't give a damn about?
Well. Since the "wedding wager" is so elusive, we have to get a plot out of something. And once that plot was gained, no man was going to tear that plot away until at least several hundred pages were squeezed out of it.
An Illustration of the Plot in This Book
I'll never let go!
The Characters:
Sebastian and Serena are okay people in this book. Neither of them are particularly interesting, but Serena's tortured past involving her Evil Step-Daddy was enough to keep me interested. The secondary characters are tedious, to say the least. A huge portion of the plot is dedicated to Serena protecting some vapid little social-climber from falling into Evil Step-Daddy's clutches. And sure, I suppose that's a noble story. Still, if I wanted to read about some dumb girl's struggles to marry the boy from home she truly loves over some lecherous cretin, I would have read a book about her.
The Romance:
The chemistry isn't all there, in my opinion. I get that Sebastian and Serena had all of their "firsts" before the book started, but that doesn't mean it was OK to skip out on all the simmering tension between them. Hell, they've been separated for three years! Where's the passion? The yearning? It doesn't help that the sex is kind of weird. Like, not weird in the characters doing weird things sense. There's just very little emotional connection. The scenes are shockingly short for a book published in 2011, and everything feels rushed. The sex scenes are frequent, but they're so passionless that Sebastian and Serena could have been talking about their grocery lists and I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.
The Writing:
The writing isn't bad, but the plot movement isn't particularly inspiring. I probably would have DNF'd this one, but finishing it became a matter of pride for me. The book isn't awful. I'm just kind of "meh" about it.
"A Wedding Wager" is a part of my Care-Package-Ageddon series of book reviews in gratitude to my GR friend Karla for sending me a GIANT BOX O'BOOKS. She said I "might" like some of them. o_O
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2011
Set in 1762 London, nothing is predictable about this second novel in Feather's Blackwater Brides historical romance series. Serena and Sebastian find themselves mixed up with a will containing stipulations which must be fulfilled
before
the death, a wicked greedy stepfather full of nefarious plots, a love denied, two loves found and a sword fight.
Three years ago, Serena's stepfather forced her to break the heart of her true love, 24 year old Sebastian, by telling him she didn't love him, that he had just been a dalliance. Her stepfather promptly whisked her off to Brussels that very afternoon. Today, Serena is not happy to see Sebastian because she still loves him. But she is now an independent, strong woman and she will deal with the situation as best she can.
When 27 year old Sebastian visits the new gaming house, he is stunned to see Serena, to realize that he is not only still furious at her treatment of him, but he is also still deeply in love with her after all this time. His twin and older brother are disturbed to learn she is back; they remember what he was like when she left him.
Neither has any idea what meeting 16 year old Abigail will have on their lost relationship.
I don't typically read this genre because the story seems to get lost in all the historical aspects - descriptions of scenery, buildings, political atmosphere, etc. This was pleasantly devoid of those. The historical clothing, mode of transportation and slang are used as the background of the story and don't take it over; well done, Ms. Feather.
This is a good sexy romance with another romance between young friends thrown in for good measure. Had I not known before reading that this was part of a series, I wouldn't have suspected it. It is a stand-alone story with minor mentions of things that occurred in the past and a little bit of foreshadowing of something that may happen in the future with Perry, Sebastian's twin.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This does have a HEA ending
Three years ago, Serena's stepfather forced her to break the heart of her true love, 24 year old Sebastian, by telling him she didn't love him, that he had just been a dalliance. Her stepfather promptly whisked her off to Brussels that very afternoon. Today, Serena is not happy to see Sebastian because she still loves him. But she is now an independent, strong woman and she will deal with the situation as best she can.
When 27 year old Sebastian visits the new gaming house, he is stunned to see Serena, to realize that he is not only still furious at her treatment of him, but he is also still deeply in love with her after all this time. His twin and older brother are disturbed to learn she is back; they remember what he was like when she left him.
Neither has any idea what meeting 16 year old Abigail will have on their lost relationship.
I don't typically read this genre because the story seems to get lost in all the historical aspects - descriptions of scenery, buildings, political atmosphere, etc. This was pleasantly devoid of those. The historical clothing, mode of transportation and slang are used as the background of the story and don't take it over; well done, Ms. Feather.
This is a good sexy romance with another romance between young friends thrown in for good measure. Had I not known before reading that this was part of a series, I wouldn't have suspected it. It is a stand-alone story with minor mentions of things that occurred in the past and a little bit of foreshadowing of something that may happen in the future with Perry, Sebastian's twin.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This does have a HEA ending
March 1, 2021
Audiobook Review: A Wedding Wager, the second in this series was a bit better than the first. Although I still quite do not enjoy the narration, it was a bit better.
November 7, 2012
Lady Serena Grantley, although born to the nobility, has found her life far from the balls and dinner tables of the respectable ton, at least, from the female company of that elite circle. The masculine side of that circle, however, seek her out for the very special services and skills she employs. A set of skills and services that she has been forced into a partnership with her stepfather to provide. Lady Serena is the esteemed hostess of a very upscale gambling salon and a well-known "daughter" of the Faro table. Although Lady Serena is quite a talented gambler in her own right, she is also known for a far greater asset to the customers of her stepfather's establishment, her great beauty. If her skills as a hostess and the challenge of her Faro dealing don't entice her competitors, her beauty certainly does. Her stepfather has depended on these special talents for quite some time now. He has been able to hold control of Serena by threats, and although their little endeavors have been successful for the most part, the General has tended to live above his means. Serena has become his only asset left in which to bargain with to keep himself out of debtors prison. He's left to transact one final future-ensuring contract. The last thing he needs is Serena mooning over her first love, Sebastian Sullivan. For Sebastian, he never expected to see Serena again after so many years. He has carried his bitter memories for so long, he's sure she will have no pull on him any longer. So, when his friends decide to take a trip one night to the new, high stakes, gambling salon in town run by General George Hayward and his stepdaughter, Sebastian takes it in stride. His first reaction upon seeing his deceitful, old lover is anything but one of bland emotion. The old feelings of hurt and betrayal resurface with a vengeance, but hidden deep are still the hunger, lust, and attraction. For how long can he stay away? Is revenge stronger than long forgotten love?
This second book in Jane Feather's Blackwater Brides Trilogy is tragic love story with a happy ending. Of course, could it be any other way? In comparison to her first book in the trilogy, I must admit to a slight disappointment. I always hope to escalating entertainment in a trilogy or series, or at least, each successive book to be just as good as the first. I can't really say that here. The story was not bad, by any means, but in the end it didn't standout to me in any way. The hero and heroine, of course, were typically good-looking and smart, but then this is expected in any romance. Something about Sebastian just didn't work. Maybe it is the fact that he is a twin, and I remember him more for this than anything else. The heroine has the typical tragic downfall with the Cinderella rescue. I find that I am not so easily entertained anymore. The more I read, the more particular my tastes. An averagely good read that didn't woo me.
This second book in Jane Feather's Blackwater Brides Trilogy is tragic love story with a happy ending. Of course, could it be any other way? In comparison to her first book in the trilogy, I must admit to a slight disappointment. I always hope to escalating entertainment in a trilogy or series, or at least, each successive book to be just as good as the first. I can't really say that here. The story was not bad, by any means, but in the end it didn't standout to me in any way. The hero and heroine, of course, were typically good-looking and smart, but then this is expected in any romance. Something about Sebastian just didn't work. Maybe it is the fact that he is a twin, and I remember him more for this than anything else. The heroine has the typical tragic downfall with the Cinderella rescue. I find that I am not so easily entertained anymore. The more I read, the more particular my tastes. An averagely good read that didn't woo me.
June 29, 2011
http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance....
wild about bones
Set in 1762 London, nothing is predictable about this second novel in Feather's Blackwater Brides historical romance series. Serena and Sebastian find themselves mixed up with a will containing stipulations which must be fulfilled before the death, a wicked greedy stepfather full of nefarious plots, a love denied, two loves found and a sword fight.
Three years ago, Serena's stepfather forced her to break the heart of her true love, 24 year old Sebastian, by telling him she didn't love him, that he had just been a dalliance. Her stepfather promptly whisked her off to Brussels that very afternoon. Today, Serena is not happy to see Sebastian because she still loves him. But she is now an independent, strong woman and she will deal with the situation as best she can.
When 27 year old Sebastian visits the new gaming house, he is stunned to see Serena, to realize that he is not only still furious at her treatment of him, but he is also still deeply in love with her after all this time. His twin and older brother are disturbed to learn she is back; they remember what he was like when she left him.
Neither has any idea what meeting 16 year old Abigail will have on their lost relationship.
I don't typically read this genre because the story seems to get lost in all the historical aspects - descriptions of scenery, buildings, political atmosphere, etc. This was pleasantly devoid of those. The historical clothing, mode of transportation and slang are used as the background of the story and don't take it over; well done, Ms. Feather.
This is a good sexy romance with another romance between young friends thrown in for good measure. Had I not known before reading that this was part of a series, I wouldn't have suspected it. It is a stand-alone story with minor mentions of things that occurred in the past and a little bit of foreshadowing of something that may happen in the future with Perry, Sebastian's twin.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This does have a HEA ending
wild about bones
Set in 1762 London, nothing is predictable about this second novel in Feather's Blackwater Brides historical romance series. Serena and Sebastian find themselves mixed up with a will containing stipulations which must be fulfilled before the death, a wicked greedy stepfather full of nefarious plots, a love denied, two loves found and a sword fight.
Three years ago, Serena's stepfather forced her to break the heart of her true love, 24 year old Sebastian, by telling him she didn't love him, that he had just been a dalliance. Her stepfather promptly whisked her off to Brussels that very afternoon. Today, Serena is not happy to see Sebastian because she still loves him. But she is now an independent, strong woman and she will deal with the situation as best she can.
When 27 year old Sebastian visits the new gaming house, he is stunned to see Serena, to realize that he is not only still furious at her treatment of him, but he is also still deeply in love with her after all this time. His twin and older brother are disturbed to learn she is back; they remember what he was like when she left him.
Neither has any idea what meeting 16 year old Abigail will have on their lost relationship.
I don't typically read this genre because the story seems to get lost in all the historical aspects - descriptions of scenery, buildings, political atmosphere, etc. This was pleasantly devoid of those. The historical clothing, mode of transportation and slang are used as the background of the story and don't take it over; well done, Ms. Feather.
This is a good sexy romance with another romance between young friends thrown in for good measure. Had I not known before reading that this was part of a series, I wouldn't have suspected it. It is a stand-alone story with minor mentions of things that occurred in the past and a little bit of foreshadowing of something that may happen in the future with Perry, Sebastian's twin.
Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This does have a HEA ending
September 15, 2011
Another run-of-the-mill historical romance set in London. Two sets of star-crossed lovers overcome obstacles and end up with their true love. Along the way we encounter manipulative momma, doting papa, evil step-father, naive ingenue, determined demimondain, concerned twin brother, and ailing yet wealthy uncle who calls the shots.
While this author tries her best to guide the reader through all of the twists and turns, much of the story is predictable. Nothing new to grab the reader's attention. Okay as a beach read or if you're stuck home in a blizzard.
While this author tries her best to guide the reader through all of the twists and turns, much of the story is predictable. Nothing new to grab the reader's attention. Okay as a beach read or if you're stuck home in a blizzard.
December 21, 2015
I can't do it. I don't care. I don't care about anyone in this book or anything. It's not badly written. There's nothing horribly offensive about the language or the characters or any of it. But life is too short to continue reading this book tomorrow on my lunch break.
gave-it-a-shot
July 22, 2016After the third POV shift on one section and the heroine referring to her own eyes as 'violet pools', I'm throwing in the towel and escaping out the bathroom window.
October 14, 2018
https://birumuthayal.blogspot.com/201...
Kitabı okurken biraz tereddüte düştüm, serinin ilk kitabını beğenmediğim ve diğer beğendiğim historicallerin tadını alamadığım için.
Kitabı okurken biraz tereddüte düştüm, serinin ilk kitabını beğenmediğim ve diğer beğendiğim historicallerin tadını alamadığım için.
June 24, 2011
A despicable uncle set on revenge challenges the three Blackwater brothers to find wives who are fallen women to marry in order to inherit his vast fortune. Penniless and facing debtor’s prison the brothers have no other choice but to each find a disreputable bride that fits their uncle’s standards.
A Wedding Wager is the second novel in the Blackwater Bride’s trilogy and focuses on the middle brother, and twin, Sebastian.
Sebastian thought he was in love with the darkly beautiful Lady Serena and that his feelings were returned until the day that she abruptly turned him away and left the country. He fell into deep despair for quite some time and has avoided a relationship since. Now, three years later, Sebastian encounters Serena at one of her stepfather’s Gaming Hells and despite his anger; he cannot deny that he still loves her. Devising a plan to win Serena’s heart, he is determined to find out the truth of that long ago day, but will Serena ever trust him enough to give it to him? And even if she does, can Sebastian convince her to leave her stepfather’s control?
This was a great stand-alone, the second in a trilogy, I jumped right in without reading the first book. I didn’t feel lost or confused at all and the crux of the trilogy was well laid out. It was my first read from author Jane Feather and I can now understand her popularity in historical romances, her writing easily immerses the reader into the time period.
However, this is a hard one to review. The plot itself was slow moving and the characters lacked dimension. I wanted to like the hero, Sebastian, but he had little depth. The heroine, Serena outshined him on every page, though he was honorable, courageous and charming. The tiffs him and Serena got into just seemed childish and out of place.
Serena was a very strong character and easily admirable but I was turned off by the fact that she was never completely upfront with Sebastian, her supposed love. Even in the end. She would also constantly blame him for his opinions or look down on him for his emotions in situations where she was less then truthful, which I did not find fair and led me to view her decision making as questionable. Their loves scenes together were also luke warm and I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the two.
The subplots did add an interesting element though, and the dialogue with Miss Abigail was entertaining, however, I did not care for her mother one whit but I think that was the point.
Jasper, the Earl of Blackwater, seems rather interesting and I would read the first novel in this trilogy if I ever had the free time. I found Sebastian’s twin, Perry, as rather a dry character though and uninteresting.
I would say that if you enjoy light historical romances that are heavily descriptive you will like this one, or if you are already a fan of Ms. Feather. But if you prefer more action, suspense and steamy romance you may want to skip A Wedding Wager.
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
A Wedding Wager is the second novel in the Blackwater Bride’s trilogy and focuses on the middle brother, and twin, Sebastian.
Sebastian thought he was in love with the darkly beautiful Lady Serena and that his feelings were returned until the day that she abruptly turned him away and left the country. He fell into deep despair for quite some time and has avoided a relationship since. Now, three years later, Sebastian encounters Serena at one of her stepfather’s Gaming Hells and despite his anger; he cannot deny that he still loves her. Devising a plan to win Serena’s heart, he is determined to find out the truth of that long ago day, but will Serena ever trust him enough to give it to him? And even if she does, can Sebastian convince her to leave her stepfather’s control?
This was a great stand-alone, the second in a trilogy, I jumped right in without reading the first book. I didn’t feel lost or confused at all and the crux of the trilogy was well laid out. It was my first read from author Jane Feather and I can now understand her popularity in historical romances, her writing easily immerses the reader into the time period.
However, this is a hard one to review. The plot itself was slow moving and the characters lacked dimension. I wanted to like the hero, Sebastian, but he had little depth. The heroine, Serena outshined him on every page, though he was honorable, courageous and charming. The tiffs him and Serena got into just seemed childish and out of place.
Serena was a very strong character and easily admirable but I was turned off by the fact that she was never completely upfront with Sebastian, her supposed love. Even in the end. She would also constantly blame him for his opinions or look down on him for his emotions in situations where she was less then truthful, which I did not find fair and led me to view her decision making as questionable. Their loves scenes together were also luke warm and I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the two.
The subplots did add an interesting element though, and the dialogue with Miss Abigail was entertaining, however, I did not care for her mother one whit but I think that was the point.
Jasper, the Earl of Blackwater, seems rather interesting and I would read the first novel in this trilogy if I ever had the free time. I found Sebastian’s twin, Perry, as rather a dry character though and uninteresting.
I would say that if you enjoy light historical romances that are heavily descriptive you will like this one, or if you are already a fan of Ms. Feather. But if you prefer more action, suspense and steamy romance you may want to skip A Wedding Wager.
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
March 7, 2012
Like the previous book in the Blackwater Brides trilogy, I enjoyed this book more than I expected to. I used to love all of Jane Feather's historical romances, but her last several novels have seemed somehow off to me. I am thinking especially of her Cavendish Square trilogy (which, truth be told, I have yet to finish; the first two books were okay, but not so compelling that I wanted to immediately read the third one). I'm not sure if the problem is that Feather's writing has changed or if it's just that I'm getting burned out on regencies. It may be a little of both. In any event, that's probably one of the reasons why I'm enjoying this trilogy so much; a Georgian setting is a nice change of pace from the typical regencies and Victorians.
That being said, there were some things that really bothered me about this book. First of all, why did it take Sebastian so long to figure out that marrying Serena would be the perfect way to fulfill the terms of his uncle's will? It seemed like such an obvious solution to me, and it was really frustrating that Sebastian took so long to recognize it for himself. Second, how is it that the Suttons didn't know of the gaming hell run by Serena and her stepfather? Mrs. Sutton complains that Serena and General Heyward never invite them to their evening entertainments, which I doubt she would have done if she had realized the nature of those entertainments. Sure, the Suttons likely moved in a different social circle than Serena and the general, but they must have had some common acquaintances or they wouldn't have met in the first place. It seems like something that would have been gossiped about in society, so it was pretty hard for me to believe that Mrs. Sutton wouldn't have heard about it and put a stop to Serena's friendship with Abigail as a result.
Perhaps the most bothersome part of this book was Serena's rape and the fact that she never told Sebastian about it. Yes, it happened while they were apart and there is nothing Sebastian could have done to remedy the situation, but it still seems like an important secret for Serena to have shared with her husband. I don't like being left with the feeling that there could be trouble ahead for Sebastian and Serena if he ever finds out about the rape and wants to know why she didn't tell him about it. Also, I think Sebastian would have handled things with the general differently if he had known the true extent of Serena's abuse. The general may not have been the rapist, but he is the one who arranged for her to be drugged so it could take place, and as such he deserved a much harsher punishment than he received.
That being said, there were some things that really bothered me about this book. First of all, why did it take Sebastian so long to figure out that marrying Serena would be the perfect way to fulfill the terms of his uncle's will? It seemed like such an obvious solution to me, and it was really frustrating that Sebastian took so long to recognize it for himself. Second, how is it that the Suttons didn't know of the gaming hell run by Serena and her stepfather? Mrs. Sutton complains that Serena and General Heyward never invite them to their evening entertainments, which I doubt she would have done if she had realized the nature of those entertainments. Sure, the Suttons likely moved in a different social circle than Serena and the general, but they must have had some common acquaintances or they wouldn't have met in the first place. It seems like something that would have been gossiped about in society, so it was pretty hard for me to believe that Mrs. Sutton wouldn't have heard about it and put a stop to Serena's friendship with Abigail as a result.
Perhaps the most bothersome part of this book was Serena's rape and the fact that she never told Sebastian about it. Yes, it happened while they were apart and there is nothing Sebastian could have done to remedy the situation, but it still seems like an important secret for Serena to have shared with her husband. I don't like being left with the feeling that there could be trouble ahead for Sebastian and Serena if he ever finds out about the rape and wants to know why she didn't tell him about it. Also, I think Sebastian would have handled things with the general differently if he had known the true extent of Serena's abuse. The general may not have been the rapist, but he is the one who arranged for her to be drugged so it could take place, and as such he deserved a much harsher punishment than he received.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2011
(Originally Posted @ CSI:Librarian.)
3.75 Stars - This is a difficult book to review because my thoughts are sort of all over the place.
In terms of positives, I was throughily engaged the entire time I was reading. I found the writing in terms of establishing a historical feel to be absolutely excellent and the book was hard to put down. I also really liked the characters and the interactions although mainly I enjoyed the platonic ones. I definitely loved Sebastian and his twin brother Perry. I also liked the subplot about Serena’s young friend Abigail and her trying to find a way to be happy in spite of her mother’s desire to see her daughter become well-to-do and influential. Obviously these aspects of the book were fairly typical of historical fiction and romances, but they were very entertaining.
In terms of negatives, well, I definitely liked this book a lot… But the main romance relied a bit too much on illogical misunderstandings and decisions that seemed more likely to keep the two lovers apart than unite them. I also hated Serena’s hot and cold, yes and no attitude as well as her backward approach to resolving issues. Honestly, this is not rocket science. If someone wants to pimp you out for mortgages and someone else wants to marry you because he has always loved you and vice versa even after you bit a chunk out of his heart and stomped on it for no good reason… I’m pretty sure you eventually stop putting up with the horrible person and get together with the one you love. You definitely stop treating the one you love like he is the source of all your problems at the very least. I’m also pretty sure that no one in their right mind would stay within the sphere of control and influence of someone they need to routinely aim a pistol at, but I digress.
In conclusion, despite suffering a bit due to the illogical wavering and decisions on the part of its main female character, A Wedding Wager definitely managed to be more enjoyable and entertaining than a lot of other Historical Romances I’ve read lately.
3.75 Stars - This is a difficult book to review because my thoughts are sort of all over the place.
In terms of positives, I was throughily engaged the entire time I was reading. I found the writing in terms of establishing a historical feel to be absolutely excellent and the book was hard to put down. I also really liked the characters and the interactions although mainly I enjoyed the platonic ones. I definitely loved Sebastian and his twin brother Perry. I also liked the subplot about Serena’s young friend Abigail and her trying to find a way to be happy in spite of her mother’s desire to see her daughter become well-to-do and influential. Obviously these aspects of the book were fairly typical of historical fiction and romances, but they were very entertaining.
In terms of negatives, well, I definitely liked this book a lot… But the main romance relied a bit too much on illogical misunderstandings and decisions that seemed more likely to keep the two lovers apart than unite them. I also hated Serena’s hot and cold, yes and no attitude as well as her backward approach to resolving issues. Honestly, this is not rocket science. If someone wants to pimp you out for mortgages and someone else wants to marry you because he has always loved you and vice versa even after you bit a chunk out of his heart and stomped on it for no good reason… I’m pretty sure you eventually stop putting up with the horrible person and get together with the one you love. You definitely stop treating the one you love like he is the source of all your problems at the very least. I’m also pretty sure that no one in their right mind would stay within the sphere of control and influence of someone they need to routinely aim a pistol at, but I digress.
In conclusion, despite suffering a bit due to the illogical wavering and decisions on the part of its main female character, A Wedding Wager definitely managed to be more enjoyable and entertaining than a lot of other Historical Romances I’ve read lately.
November 4, 2025
While I am admittedly a fan of crazed, over the top romance plots, I actually bought into this one more than some, or at least the points people most seem to question.
I did question why the hero didn't see the solution to his problem staring him in the face, until he finally clued in. And the reason why he clued in sort of explained to me that he hadn't realized the heroine fit the qualifications of his uncle's will because he had never seen her on the job, and apparently wasn't enough of a gambler to have really thought about what her career really meant. Is that realistic? Probably not, and yet when it comes to the heroine he does still sort of live in the idealized haze of his youthful crush in a lot of ways, so I was willing to go with it. He never saw her as a fallen woman and never really recognized other people did.
Presumably his brothers didn't bring up that solution because they were not at all sure they wanted him to get any more involved with the lady.
I'm more forgiving of the heroine for not having fled her abusive stepfather than a lot of readers. Abuse does strange things to people, particularly when the abuser is likely to pursue the abused if they try to escape. In that situation the abused person wants to be very, very sure they can get away far enough to be safe. Everyone I know who has been involved with an abuser, some people complain, "Why didn't you leave them when X? Why didn't you leave them when Y?" Successful abusers create an environment where escape feels very uncertain is why.
Not that Feather does a good job of getting the reader into her character's heads. But it worked for me.
I did question why the hero didn't see the solution to his problem staring him in the face, until he finally clued in. And the reason why he clued in sort of explained to me that he hadn't realized the heroine fit the qualifications of his uncle's will because he had never seen her on the job, and apparently wasn't enough of a gambler to have really thought about what her career really meant. Is that realistic? Probably not, and yet when it comes to the heroine he does still sort of live in the idealized haze of his youthful crush in a lot of ways, so I was willing to go with it. He never saw her as a fallen woman and never really recognized other people did.
Presumably his brothers didn't bring up that solution because they were not at all sure they wanted him to get any more involved with the lady.
I'm more forgiving of the heroine for not having fled her abusive stepfather than a lot of readers. Abuse does strange things to people, particularly when the abuser is likely to pursue the abused if they try to escape. In that situation the abused person wants to be very, very sure they can get away far enough to be safe. Everyone I know who has been involved with an abuser, some people complain, "Why didn't you leave them when X? Why didn't you leave them when Y?" Successful abusers create an environment where escape feels very uncertain is why.
Not that Feather does a good job of getting the reader into her character's heads. But it worked for me.
August 27, 2018
Evlilik Bahsi
Jane Feather
Kitabı beğenip beğenmediğime karar veremedim yine. Duygusal yönden sadece ilk aşk olması beni sevindirdi.
Ve sonrasında ikilinin yan yana gelmesi tutkusu ve farklı bir aşkın içine itilmesi yan karekterler onların aşkı aile durumu çöküş ve beklenen diğer şeyler
Anlamadığım çok sıradan ama kendini yine okutturuyor kitap. Bazı yerlerde şu amca olcak adamı boğmak istedim o ayrı. İğrenç 😒
Neyse Sebastian için okunabilir bir kitap diyeyim yine haksızlık olmasın.
Şimdi ikizin hikayesi var bakalım ne zamana çıkarsa 😅
Jane Feather
Kitabı beğenip beğenmediğime karar veremedim yine. Duygusal yönden sadece ilk aşk olması beni sevindirdi.
Ve sonrasında ikilinin yan yana gelmesi tutkusu ve farklı bir aşkın içine itilmesi yan karekterler onların aşkı aile durumu çöküş ve beklenen diğer şeyler
Anlamadığım çok sıradan ama kendini yine okutturuyor kitap. Bazı yerlerde şu amca olcak adamı boğmak istedim o ayrı. İğrenç 😒
Neyse Sebastian için okunabilir bir kitap diyeyim yine haksızlık olmasın.
Şimdi ikizin hikayesi var bakalım ne zamana çıkarsa 😅
January 7, 2020
I have been reading historical romance book for, maybe, 10 years and till now it may be the most boring one. Each historical romance book generally has something in common. However, I don't know what was missing about the book but I need to ship some parts and the intimacy scenes was just little bit cold for me. After 200th page, you will start to understand issues and back stories but still... Not a fan right now.
July 17, 2017
Only my opinion
I am really enjoying this series.xxx xXxX. Xxxxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xXxX. Xxx xXxX xxxxxxxxxxx c xxxxxxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxcxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxcx xxx
I am really enjoying this series.xxx xXxX. Xxxxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xXxX. Xxx xXxX xxxxxxxxxxx c xxxxxxxxxxxx. Xxxxxxcxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxcx xxx
July 25, 2017
The story was fine just not for me.
February 16, 2020
Not too bad but I didn’t really like it either.
August 18, 2021
After reading the first book in the series, I'm now hooked on the characters. I like all three brothers and their potential romantic interests. Nice bit of dashing action at the end.
May 9, 2025
Really, really bad…
July 22, 2025
took me so long … don’t piss me off
January 25, 2018
this is the second book that I have read in the series and it was every bit as good a read as the first one was. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next one coming up. Good reading.
March 16, 2017
An interesting book. It was certainly not you most stereotypical romance novel as far as characters, especially with two romances. a good read.
February 5, 2017
DNF @45%
I usually love second chance romances, and after the prologue, that is definitely what this is. However, on their 3rd meeting together, they already hop in bed together! What?! Also, Sebastian's Uncle also wants Serena, which weirds me out. And then, there is the big thing that happened between Serena and her step father. Gross, and WTF.
Simply put, this was not the book for me.
I usually love second chance romances, and after the prologue, that is definitely what this is. However, on their 3rd meeting together, they already hop in bed together! What?! Also, Sebastian's Uncle also wants Serena, which weirds me out. And then, there is the big thing that happened between Serena and her step father. Gross, and WTF.
Simply put, this was not the book for me.
June 23, 2011
Yes, I did it again. I read the second and not the first in a trilogy. *snicker* In this trilogy an uncle in charge of a vast fortune decided to make things horrid for three brothers by requiring each to wed a woman deemed "fallen", someone not worthy of an earl's station before he dies. However, as you might suspect, this actually opens up the field for the brothers to find their true love and not have to be held by tradition to marry someone they don't even care about. So, as you see... even though I haven't read the first book, it still reads enough as a stand-alone as each brother's tale is in each book.
In the beginning, I admit I had a bit of trouble getting into the book, it was just too descriptive. However, after a couple of chapters things started to flow a bit easier until we meet some of the dirty old man characters after Serena as a mistress. It took me most of the book to finally sort out the boy's uncle with another character who held the mortgages. They were often placed side by side and both were disgusting in their vision of Serena. I also did not take to Sebastian, Serena's intended. It seemed that he was dense and could not completely grasp the horror Serena had endured with her step-father. He acknowledged it and yet, his actions spoke differently. He would understand why she couldn't abide by a man commanding her but he would still try to force her compliance. So, no... I didn't care for Sebastian.
Serena, on the other hand, I did like immensely. She was strong despite all her step-father had done. He had tried to break her often. Even to the point of selling her body without her knowledge and drugging her. Still she persevered. She had a plan of escape but it had to take time. And even though she could have been selfish, she was not. She tried to help any woman she found caught in her step-father's web and was often successful.
In the end, I give this book 3 stars. I have to say the stars were elevated because of Serena. I enjoyed her character more than any other. Despite it's flaws, if you enjoy historical romance or even the period costumes, you will enjoy the book. The costumes had very detailed descriptions which was fun to read.
In the beginning, I admit I had a bit of trouble getting into the book, it was just too descriptive. However, after a couple of chapters things started to flow a bit easier until we meet some of the dirty old man characters after Serena as a mistress. It took me most of the book to finally sort out the boy's uncle with another character who held the mortgages. They were often placed side by side and both were disgusting in their vision of Serena. I also did not take to Sebastian, Serena's intended. It seemed that he was dense and could not completely grasp the horror Serena had endured with her step-father. He acknowledged it and yet, his actions spoke differently. He would understand why she couldn't abide by a man commanding her but he would still try to force her compliance. So, no... I didn't care for Sebastian.
Serena, on the other hand, I did like immensely. She was strong despite all her step-father had done. He had tried to break her often. Even to the point of selling her body without her knowledge and drugging her. Still she persevered. She had a plan of escape but it had to take time. And even though she could have been selfish, she was not. She tried to help any woman she found caught in her step-father's web and was often successful.
In the end, I give this book 3 stars. I have to say the stars were elevated because of Serena. I enjoyed her character more than any other. Despite it's flaws, if you enjoy historical romance or even the period costumes, you will enjoy the book. The costumes had very detailed descriptions which was fun to read.
October 16, 2011
My full 3.5 JEWEL review can be found at One Book shy of a Full Shelf
This second installment of the Blackwater Brides Trilogy is an enjoyable, stand alone read. The premise of the series is that three noble, almost impoverished brothers are directed to find and marry three "unacceptable" women. They are told to find fallen women who have taken the wrong path and try to redeem them and bring them into society. This directive is from their dying uncle who promises to bequeath each of them a small fortune if they can accomplish their task.
The first book, Rushed to the Altar is the story of the oldest brother Jasper. He does his part finding his beloved Clarissa. The catch is that ALL three of them must accomplish this before the old man dies. This part of the story begins with Sebastian reminiscing about his lost love Serena. Things start turning upside down for him when he runs into her in person after three long years apart. Some things have changed while others are still the same.
I enjoyed this story, quickly finishing it in an afternoon while I was hiding inside under the air conditioner. Even though it is part of a series, there was plenty of background information provided to become fully immersed in the story. While the main plot of the story/series is the three brothers in a race against time to find "suitable" women to marry, there are several other subplots occurring as well. It makes for a fun read as you try to figure out exactly what some of the characters are really up to.
The characters were likable and easy to get to know. It was refreshing that they were also all different. Jane Feather doesn't create cookie-cutter characters. She writes stories about individuals who all have their own agendas and concerns. Besides Sebastian and Serena, I got a kick out of young Abigail. She was another girl with a mind of her own.
This second installment of the Blackwater Brides Trilogy is an enjoyable, stand alone read. The premise of the series is that three noble, almost impoverished brothers are directed to find and marry three "unacceptable" women. They are told to find fallen women who have taken the wrong path and try to redeem them and bring them into society. This directive is from their dying uncle who promises to bequeath each of them a small fortune if they can accomplish their task.
The first book, Rushed to the Altar is the story of the oldest brother Jasper. He does his part finding his beloved Clarissa. The catch is that ALL three of them must accomplish this before the old man dies. This part of the story begins with Sebastian reminiscing about his lost love Serena. Things start turning upside down for him when he runs into her in person after three long years apart. Some things have changed while others are still the same.
I enjoyed this story, quickly finishing it in an afternoon while I was hiding inside under the air conditioner. Even though it is part of a series, there was plenty of background information provided to become fully immersed in the story. While the main plot of the story/series is the three brothers in a race against time to find "suitable" women to marry, there are several other subplots occurring as well. It makes for a fun read as you try to figure out exactly what some of the characters are really up to.
The characters were likable and easy to get to know. It was refreshing that they were also all different. Jane Feather doesn't create cookie-cutter characters. She writes stories about individuals who all have their own agendas and concerns. Besides Sebastian and Serena, I got a kick out of young Abigail. She was another girl with a mind of her own.
June 23, 2011
Lady Serena Grantley has fallen on tough times. Her mother's fatal choice of a spouse tied Serena to General George Hayward. In the years after her mother's death, Serena has been under her stepfather's control and has worked as a faro dealer in his numerous gaming hells. Her beauty has drawn many wealthy young men to his gambling tables. While in her own way Serena has tried to offset the damage her stepfather has done to the fortunes of young innocents, she has suffered her own loss. At her stepfather's command, Serena broke things off with her first love, the Honorable Sebastian Sullivan.
Years later, when Serena and Sebastian meet in London, the two find that they have a chance at happiness. But Serena's escape will require careful planning and courage - will the two young lovers be able to buy their happiness? Or will the cost be too great?
A Wedding Wager gives us a strong, determined and likable heroine in Lady Serena Grantley. While her accommodations to her stepfather's unreasonable demands had me quite angry and frustrated, Jane Feather shows that Serena's failure to fight back comes from her desire to subvert her stepfather's plans. While the love story between Serena and Sebastian progresses, Jane Feather supplements the plot with the budding romance of Abigail and Jonas. Light, romantic and satisfying, A Wedding Wager is a fun escape!
ISBN-10: 1439145253 - Mass Market Paperback $7.99
Publisher: Pocket; Original edition (June 21, 2011), 464 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
June 22, 2011
RATING:4.5)A WEDDING WAGER hy Jane Feather is an exciting historical romance set in 1762 London. It is the second in the "Blackwater Brides" series,a Georgian trilogy,but can be read as a stand alone. #1 "Rushed To The Altar". It has romance,sweet sensuality, family loyalty,redemptation,forgiveness,love,and a wedding wager.Lady Serena Grandley was born to be nobility but was placed in the control of her gamester stepfather.She is beautiful,intelligent,and dismissed her first love,Sebastian,at her stepfather's command.Sebastian Sullivan,had Serena's heart captured from the start,but when she dismissed his love,he was heart broken.Three years later Serena and her stepfather reappear with a new gambling hell. While Sebastian is torn between family loyalty and his first love,Serena,he will make the right decision. Serena needs Sebastian's help to save another young woman from her stepfather's evil clutches. Sebastian needs Serena to complete his ailing uncle's demand that each Blackwater brother must marry a fallen woman,thus redeeming her in order for them to inherit is lavish fortune at his death. This is a fast paced,story of love and redemption. This is a fun and exciting trilogy that will leave you breathless. A must read. This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Pocket Books,a division of Simon & Schuster,Inc. and My Book Addiction and More.
July 24, 2012
I read Bk2 first and really really enjoyed it. In my humble view this was a great stand-alone, the second in a trilogy of the Sullivan brothers. I I jumped right in without reading the first book, as this was recommended by a friend. I was not disappointed. The background was laid out very well and it was my first time reading Jane Feather. I can see why she is popular as she strives to immerse the reader in the story and the time period. I just wish I could have said the same about Bk1 which was not up to par.
Interms of the hero I found he lacked depth, but way better written than Jasper the older one in Bk1. The shimmering chemistry and unfinished business between him and Serena just danced off the pages, and it was obvious they had deep feelings for one another. Serena was enchanting, witty, clever and so so brave. I love heroines like that. All in all a great story.
Interms of the hero I found he lacked depth, but way better written than Jasper the older one in Bk1. The shimmering chemistry and unfinished business between him and Serena just danced off the pages, and it was obvious they had deep feelings for one another. Serena was enchanting, witty, clever and so so brave. I love heroines like that. All in all a great story.
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