Gambling on Love

by Patti Shenberger

Dressed as a boy, Felicity Beaumont devises a plan to move her fathers illegally owned slaves north to safety using the gambling river boat known as the River Maiden. Unbeknownst to its charismatic captain, Jake McCade, of course. Jake doesnt trust women, and when he discovers Felicitys subterfuge, he remembers exactly why. While they find themselves in agreement about helping the slaves, they are at odds over everything else, including their quickly escalating feelings for one another. Will gambling on love be a bust or reap a happily ever after?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2013

Reviews

[Susan Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short summary: Gambling On Love is the story of a young woman who sees the injustice in her father retaining his slaves even after President Lincoln’s proclamation to free them. She hires riverboat owner, Jake McCade, to help her move her friends north. Because she doesn’t have all the money she needs to pay the passage, she disguises herself as a young boy and convinces Jake to take her along to St. Louis. When Felicity’s plan unravels, poor Jake lands in jail and the two are forced into marriage to save her family’s good name. Felicity grows steadily from a naive young girl to a compassionate and loving woman. Just when everything seems perfect, a person from Jake’s past threatens their Happily-Ever-After and Felicity must steel herself against the possibility of losing the man she loves forever.

My review: First of all, let me say, Gambling On Love was one of the best historical romances I’ve read in ages, and definitely the best in the past few years. It had a wonderful and believable plot, a number of steamy love scenes (which the authors do extremely well) and probably the most tender, loving deflowering of a virgin I’ve ever read! I fell totally in love with the hero after that scene alone (ok, maybe I was already smitten).

The dreaded ‘black moment’ at the end was extremely well done with just the right amount of angst for the heroine and a smidgen of doubt for the reader.

According to the cover, this book is part of a series and I can’t wait for the next installment. I know the publisher (Entangled) hasn’t been doing historical romance for that long. However, if they keep putting out books of this quality, I’ve no doubt they’ll be challenging the big houses in no time!

[Blossom · Rating 2 out of 5]

First let me say I read the prequel to this (McCade’s Miracle) and really enjoyed it. So I couldn't wait to read the first book of the McCade’s Legacy.

I got really excited when I saw the description for this story:

Mississippi after the Civil War isn't easy when you're a willful young lady nor if you're a slave, and Felicity is determined to make their lives better. She devises a plan to move her father's illegally indentured workers North. After conning Jake McCade, the owner of the gambling river boat known as the River Maiden, into helping her, she, disguised as a boy, accompanies her slaves. Everything is going according to plan until Jake gets a little too close and discovers her subterfuge.

While Jake and Felicity find themselves in agreement about helping the slaves, they are at odds over everything else, including their quickly escalating feelings for one another.

So I was really disappointed when I realized about 20% of the way into the book that the story had nothing to do with the description of rescuing the former slaves from the bad guy.

Everything that the descriptions says does happen very briefly in the first 6 chapters but it’s over so quickly without any real explanation or details of the historical proclamation that President Lincoln gave or even why it was necessary. In other words there is very little history in this historical. It could have been a contemporary romance. The Indenture Servants who are former slaves appear and disappear so quickly so if you want to read the story for this reason then you will be severely disappointed.

Once you reach chapter six they are handed over to the hero’s cousin to take to St Louis while the Hero is arrested with questionable charges of kidnapping this is where the story starts to lose steam. There is a strange trial that takes place that is not very well written. Right after the opening remarks the judge leaves the room and then comes back and finds the defendant guilty. I read that part over and over and I’m still scratching my head on how the author wrote it. I really don’t think the court could order the hero to marry the heroine. The inaccuracies in the book are really what killed the story for me.

So after the hero and heroine are in a shotgun wedding the next few chapters are pretty much filled with a short everyday scene and then long uninteresting sex scenes that I found boring and really wanted to skim through. Also please stop using the word teat! It’s needs to be banned from your vocabulary unless you are talking about an animal. It’s so unsexy! It’s called a breast or nipple. I think it’s the first time I have read a sex scene with that word in it! I hope I never read another one again.

The book then jumps ahead about four months and we find they have settled into married life and now are too busy for each other. The heroine is busy with her charity work and the hero is busy running his riverboat.

What happened to the plot? Sad to say there really is none. The next chapters deals with the heroine convincing herself the hero did not cheat on her when he is found naked and hurt in one of the riverboat’s cabins with his former fiancée. The truth of what happened is revealed and the hero and heroine finally tell each other their feelings. The End.

I find the first six chapters are the most exciting part after that there just isn’t anything to keep my interest because the remainder of the story jumps from place to place with no real destination in mind.

I really wanted to like this book but I need a good plot and the relationship needs time to build specially with marriages of convenience to be believable. The romance part was just not convincing and there was no real chemistry between the two like there was with the couple from the first book. Although It was nice reading up on the couple from the previous book and I’m still hoping that Elizabeth’s story will be told.

Because I think the writing style and editing was much improved from the previous book I’m giving it an extra star so two stars due to no real plot and just too many inconsistencies to overlook.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start with my praise for Gambling on Love? How about with giving Nancy and Patti 5 well-deserved stars for this wonderful work! I don’t normally read historical fiction, but Jake McCade and Felicity Beaumont instantly captured my attention and heart right from the first page. As their partnership for transporting Miss Beaumont’s father’s slaves (no longer slaves in her eyes, but free thanks to Mr. Lincoln) turns things horrible for Mr. McCade, the story takes an unexpected turn. Felicity and Jake must remain in each others company for an agreed upon amount of time.
I found myself inching closer and closer to my book while reading, maybe in hopes of submerging myself in their story and their journey. Felicity is an amazingly strong woman who cares for everyone she comes in contact while Jake doesn’t believe in love and is content to running his gambling riverboat. It would be wonderful to have these two in your life in real life.
Nancy and Patti do a wonderful job of keeping to the time period in which Gambling on Love takes place, and I can only imagine how much extra time and effort was placed into their story to be extremely accurate.
Adding this book to my “Must Read Again!” pile as well as my recommended list!!
Thank you ladies for this wonderful story of two amazing people.


(I received an ARC for my honest review and this is my honest to goodness, straight from the heart review!)



www.caretocommentanne.blogspot.com

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Civil War is over and the 13th amendment has been passed. Now Felicity Beaumont is trying to get her father's illegally indentured workers north to St. Louis. To do this she has sold off some of her deceased mothers silver and fripperies. She chopped off her hair and dressed to look like a boy of 15 or 16. She has arranged with Jake McCade, the owner of the gambling river boat to take them. Unfortunately a storm tears up the boat and Felicity is knocked out. This is when Jake finally realizes that the young man is indeed a rather striking young woman. When Felicity’s father finds his daughter and his “property” missing he goes looking for them. He catches up to them and has Jake arrested for theft and kidnapping. He and Felicity are forced to marry or he will go to jail. Can a marriage between a southern lady and a man who prefers the sights, sounds, and smells of a gambling boat work? It will take Gambling on Love.
This is a smart, sexy historical novel. Well told with a good feel for the times. The chemistry between Jake and Felicity is fun romance at its best. I stayed up late reading this because I just couldn't put it down.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book goes on sale May 20th .

[Rosemary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The McCades are a family I really want to know. Felicity Beaumont is a strong, enlightened and intelligent woman. She is not afraid to take action when she sees an injustice. Her plan to free her father's slaves results in her meeting Jake McCade, the Captain of the River Maiden. His riverboat will transport "the cargo" to freedom. Initially he does not see through her disguise as Frank, but Jake is a man of honor and once he finds out he treats her with respect. He is jailed and charge with Felicity's kidnapping. The couple are forced to marry by Felicity's vengeful father. I found their love sweet, touching and very romantic. The picture of life on the Mississippi after the Civil War is a beautiful and interesting background. These authors have a wonderful way with words. Their characters even the minor ones charm and enchant. I can't wait for the next book in the series! I hope I don't have to wait too long.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice easy read, that I was able to complete in one sitting in the evening just after my children went to bed. It was great to have a story that was fast paced, easy to read, and could finish in a short time frame. It is the perfect book for someone with a busy schedule, or trying to fit in reading around children and a busy household.

The book moves along at a good pace and keeps the reader interested. The story starts with a betrayal which grows into a relationship of love as the story continues on. The interaction between Felicity and Jake grows from the beginning of the story to the end.

This story was full of excitement, and the not knowing what was going to happen or what situations Felicity would find herself in.

On a scale of 1-5, I would rate this book at 4 out of 5

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick-reading and highly entertaining story that is perfect for an afternoon retreat. Felicity is a very modern woman in a not so modern package: determined, intelligent and a bit headstrong, she disguises herself to deliver her father’s slaves to freedom. Using every possible advantage from being the daughter of a wealthy businessman, she books passage for herself and the runaways on a steamboat.

Unfortunately this part of the story falls to the wayside when a storm reveals Felicity’s true identity to the steamship captain Jake. Here is where we lose track of the slaves, as they continue upriver with Jake’s cousin, while Jake languishes in a jail cell, accused of kidnapping by Felicity’s overbearing father. At this point, the two have an attraction, as yet unfulfilled, when Felicity is able to convince her father to drop charges against Jake. He agrees, with one caveat – the two are to marry, as he is concerned for his daughter’s reputation. While much of the setting and background was very late 1860’s, their conversation and connection feel very contemporary. The two agree, to a ‘trial’ marriage, believing that their differences will keep them apart.

While plans are never something one should make about emotion, we see their connection start to deepen, though this is mostly accomplished with interior moments as they think of one another. Despite their being focused on their own interests, each time they meet up their connection feels more real and solid. As they fall from attracted to in love on that path to the happy ever after, their sexy scenes increase and display the deeper connection and enjoyment of one another.

With characters to appreciate and charm, a clever and fast paced story and the aforementioned happy ending, there is little that goes wrong in this story. Fans of historical romance, and those who aren’t sure they could like the genre should give this one a try – it’s got a touch of something for both.

I received an eBook copy from the publisher for purpose of honest review for the book tour. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicity Beaumont is determined to help her father’s illegally owned slaves find freedom and she has put into motion a plan to accomplish this – one that includes securing passage on a gambling river boat and has her tagging along with them, dressed as a boy named “Frank”.

Jake McCade is the captain of the “River Maiden” and has agreed to transport the slaves north. He is less than happy to discover that the “boy” that he has allowed to accompany the freed slaves is actually Felicity Beaumont, daughter to prominent businessman Franklin Beaumont.

When Felicity’s father finally catches up to her, he accuses Jake of kidnapping his daughter as well as theft of his property. When the only way to secure Jake’s freedom is for Jake and Felicity to wed, the attraction that has been simmering between the two sparks to life, but will this ever be more than just a marriage of convenience?

This was such a wonderful story! I loved Felicity and her willingness to stand up for what was right – whether that was helping her father’s illegally owned slaves escape, or standing up for Jake when he was wrongly accused of kidnapping her. Jake was just awesome – totally sexy and, even though he has been forced into a marriage, he is so romantic and considerate of Felicity. The way Jake supported Felicity in all her charitable endeavors was so touching, as was Felicity’s ability to bring about changes to Jake’s town and the people that lived there.

There was just the right balance of suspense and romance, which made this a real quick, satisfying read. We are introduced to additional characters in the McCade family and I look forward to reading more about them too! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy read with a HEA!

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked up this book and read the description, I thought, “A book about the end of slavery and getting freed slaves north, with a love story mixed in…sounds good.” When halfway through the book that part of the story seemed to end. I thought, “Okay, now what’s the story going to be about?” A lot! Southern Charm, a mad, rich, powerful daddy, an ex-lover, and sweet love scenes, just to name a few!

Felicity is so passionate and determined, anything she sets her mind to she does. She helps anyone who needs it, even if that means marrying Jake to keep him out of jail. After all, she is the one who got him there. As she and Jake learn how to be married, she also learns that with Jake at her side, there’s not a lot that can’t be done. As she makes the town she’s living in a better place, she gains the respect of Jake. But he knows that one day, he’ll have to let her go. After all, they aren’t in love…or are they? Will they let love slip through their fingers just because they are afraid of being hurt?

This book is quick, easy read. Great for a lazy afternoon of resting, relaxing and reading! While it is a historical, it really doesn’t read like one, so even if you’re not quite a fan of historical romance, pick up a copy anyway! I’ll bet you’ll find you like it! I’m looking forward to reading more books from The McCade Legacy Series. This book was received for an honest review from the publisher.

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Mild

Reviewed by: AprilP

Review Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felicity Beaumont is the opposite if what one would expect a young privileged daughter of a wealthy businessman to be. When her father cheats his slaves in keeping them in bondage she goes behind his back to free them, buying fare on Jake McCade's riverboat to transport them to freedom.Disguising herself as a boy - the story opens with her cutting off her hair - she accompanies her father's slaves on their journey on Jake's boat. Her disguise is uncovered when she's injured in a storm and Jake decides to drop her off with his aunt but agrees to continue to transport the slaves to their freedom in St Louis. When Felicity's father discovers her ruse and catches up with them, he forces them to marry under the treat of having Jake charged with kidnapping her otherwise.

Felicity was quite an admirable character; she has a wonderful relationship with her father's slaves who all adore her. She's feisty, and has a strong belief in doing what is right. There's an interesting cast of secondary characters: Jake's cousins, his aunt, a lady doctor among others.

While this was an interesting story, for some reason the intimate scenes (there were several long ones) between Jake & Felicity felt flat and somehow too wordy & I ended up skipping thought them. Otherwise a good enough read.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake McCade has been duped! Not only did the young man arranging transport north for a family of slaves trick him in to accepting half the money now and half upon arrival, when the young man is injured, it turns out he’s no man at all but a young woman.
Felicity Beaumont only wants to do what is right. Her father tricked the family into signing papers keeping them indentured even after slavery was abolished. Only her father caught up with her before they reached their destination and she and Jake must wed or he faces jail.
What a refreshing historical romance. Felicity is a smart woman who knows how to take care of herself, her man and others along with making her place in the town. Jake was not a jerk of a man, rather one that despite his reluctance to give his heart again, finds himself caring deeply for his woman and he supports her in all that she does.
The sex scenes are hot and believable because you can feel the growing affection between the couple. I’m looking forward to the next book by these two authors.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Callie Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Felicity Beaumont’s privileged upbringing and Jake McCade being a gambling riverboat owner, it wouldn’t seem these two people could make it as a couple. But Felicity’s feistiness, sense of honor, and doing the right thing fit well with Jake’s strong character. Their clashes kept me turning the pages.

Gambling on Love is an enjoyable read, and it was so easy to fall in love with Jake and Felicity. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written Historical Romance.

[Kelly_Instalove · Rating 2 out of 5]

Grade: C-

Very middle-of-the-road - nothing too objectionable (except overuse of the word "teats") but nothing memorable. The middle sagged with no real conflict, and the heroine was Little Miss Perfect throughout the story. I am interested in reading the previous book about the cousin, though....

[Adria's Musings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews


Felicity Beaumont has defied her father in a big way. She has taken her father's slave Jeremiah and his family, who were tricked into forfeiting their freedom by Felicity's father, and secured them passage on a boat heading north, where slaves are free men and women. To ensure they arrive safely, Felicity disguises herself as a boy named Frank and accompanies them on their journey. When her secret is discovered by Jake McCade, the owner of the boat, Felicity is forced to confess all. When her father finally catches up to her, Felicity is forced to wed Jake to save not only her reputation, but his life.

As Jake and Felicity try to make the best of their new circumstances, they discover that they might have gotten more than they bargained for.

Gambling on Love is the first historical romance that I've read, that didn't take place in Regency England, and while it took some getting used to, in the end I enjoyed the book and its characters.

Felicity's actions at the beginning of the story were courageous and admirable. Here was a female character raised in the lap of luxury yet she wasn't blind to the plight of the less fortunate. She had a strong sense of right and wrong that pushed her outside of her comfort and safety zone. She never whined about what had to be done to help free her father's slaves, and when she was masquerading as a boy, she did so convincingly, even when she was put to work on the River Maiden during a storm.

The owner of the boat, Jake McCade begins as a mystery and pretty much remains that way through the whole book. Readers never really get inside his mind like they do with Felicity, but his character is that of a decent man who, like Felicity, has a strong sense of right and wrong.

The pacing of the story was quite fast but not to the point where a reader could get lost. I'm so glad that Felicity's disguise was discovered early in the story, rather than drag on and on throughout the book. It would have worked against the romantic aspect of the story if too much time was spent keeping her identity a secret. The relationship between Jake and Felicity seemed to happen over night and somewhat glossed over potential conflicts that should occur when two total strangers are forced to get married.

While a romance novel, Gambling on Love didn't overdo it with the love scenes or go into too much detail over what went on in the bedroom between Jake and Felicity. There were no "Fade to black" scenes and there was enough there to get the point across.

Secondary characters provided entertainment and kept me from getting tired of Jake and Felicity. The most interesting character was Suzanne Martindale, a female doctor who definitely has the potential to be a strong, independent heroine.

Felicity caught my attention when she shed her female vanity (cut her hair, dressed as a boy) and courageously defied her father to liberate his slaves. Unfortunately, she failed to keep it after she married Jake. She became a boring, demure housewife, and her brave feat didn't change her at all. She didn't grow from that experience and throughout the story she was still so naive about life. She didn't have any more adventures and any projects she undertook were nothing truly remarkable for a woman of that time. At times she irritated me with how "perfect" she appeared to be. A few flaws, or a show of temper would have made her more real and likable. I would have loved to have seen the fire and passion Felicity had when freeing her father's slaves cross over into her marriage with Jake.

Gambling on Love is and enjoyable read, especially for those looking to take a break from Regency Romance but who still want to stay in the historical romance genre. I loved the time period this book took place in, right between the past and the future. A good read for romance fans old and new.