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Mayhem in Mayfair #2
Her Wanton Wager
An Heiress on a Mission…
After two failed Seasons, Persephone Fines has vowed to reform her hoydenish ways. But when her beloved brother falls into the clutches of wicked gamester Gavin Hunt, she must take action. Hunt offers her a shocking proposition: he will release her brother… if she can resist six nights of seduction. Can she withstand the passion of her deepest fantasies in order to save her family?
A Rogue Trapped in the Past…
A product of London’s violent stews, Gavin Hunt has clawed his way to success and power. Now he will stop at nothing to achieve his life-long goal: revenge upon the man who betrayed him. He plans to seduce his enemy’s sister… but never counts on losing his heart. Will he give up his need for vengeance—or lose the only woman he’s ever loved?
From Six Nights to Forever…
As seduction flares into uncontrollable desire, Gavin and Percy must also battle a hidden enemy. Only by trusting one another can they defeat the threats of past and present. In this high-stakes game of love versus sin, what will be the outcome of… Her Wanton Wager?
After two failed Seasons, Persephone Fines has vowed to reform her hoydenish ways. But when her beloved brother falls into the clutches of wicked gamester Gavin Hunt, she must take action. Hunt offers her a shocking proposition: he will release her brother… if she can resist six nights of seduction. Can she withstand the passion of her deepest fantasies in order to save her family?
A Rogue Trapped in the Past…
A product of London’s violent stews, Gavin Hunt has clawed his way to success and power. Now he will stop at nothing to achieve his life-long goal: revenge upon the man who betrayed him. He plans to seduce his enemy’s sister… but never counts on losing his heart. Will he give up his need for vengeance—or lose the only woman he’s ever loved?
From Six Nights to Forever…
As seduction flares into uncontrollable desire, Gavin and Percy must also battle a hidden enemy. Only by trusting one another can they defeat the threats of past and present. In this high-stakes game of love versus sin, what will be the outcome of… Her Wanton Wager?
Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2012
236 people are currently reading
1341 people want to read
About the author
Grace Callaway
51 books1,084 followers
Preorder GLORY AND THE MASTER OF SHADOWS (Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels #4) for March 28th!
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Don't miss this thrilling new historical romance by USA Today Bestseller Grace Callaway! Set during the Opium Wars, this steamy and spellbinding Charlie’s Angels meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon romance will leave you breathless...
Their love is forbidden…and irresistible.
The daughter of a half-Chinese duke and a lady fossil hunter, Lady Glory Cavendish is a free-spirited campaigner for justice. She belongs to a secret society of lady detectives whose goal is to help women in need. During her latest case involving a dastardly dognapping, Glory crosses paths with the handsome and mysterious Wei Chen, a master of healing and martial arts. Fascinated by the noble shifu, Glory convinces him to take her on as a pupil; the more time she spends with him, however, the more she longs for lessons of a more intimate nature.
Master Wei Chen has led a life of discipline focused on a single goal: avenging his murdered kin. His journey takes him to London where, by day, he treats opium users in his East End clinic and, by night, he secretly hunts the villain who destroyed his family. Yet for the first time, temptation distracts Wei: his spirited and lovely new pupil stirs dangerous needs in him. Desires that are forbidden between a shifu and his student…and between a commoner and a duke’s daughter.
As Wei and Glory’s slow-burn romance ignites into fiery passion, they are drawn into a web of betrayal and deceit. Torn between honor and desire, revenge and love, the pair must decide if they will let the past determine their future…or if they will fight the shadows for their chance at happily ever after.
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About Grace
USA Today & International Bestselling Author Grace Callaway writes hot and heart-melting historical romance filled with mystery and adventure. Her debut novel was a Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® Finalist and a #1 National Regency Bestseller, and her subsequent novels have topped national and international bestselling lists. She is the winner of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, the Maggie Award for Excellence in Historical Romance, the Golden Leaf, and the Passionate Plume Award for Historical Novel. She holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and lives with her family in a valley close to the sea. When she’s not writing, she enjoys dancing, exploring the great outdoors with her rescue pup, and cheering on her favorite basketball team.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
November 24, 2024
Overall: 4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit and lots of banter
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
Yes! Callaway’s series and books are intertwined with character arcs. Though it wouldn’t be terrible if you picked this one up alone. You’ll notice the hero and heroine from book 1 living their HEA.
Basic plot
Persephone knows she must protect her brother from his downward spiral. To do so, she makes a bargain with Gavin Hunt – all she has to do is resist his seduction and he will release her brother’s debt.
Give this a try if you want:
- Bargain! Hero will release the heroine’s brother’s debt if she can resist 6 nights of him trying to seduce her
- Revenge – hero wants revenge for his childhood pain and trauma and is determined to take down the heroine’s family
- Vauxhall plays a small part in the plot
- Regency? (I have book 1 at 1817 and this follows on the heels of that story)
- High steam – 5 full scenes
- Bit of a dark, aggressive hero feel – he’s willing to do whatever he needs to for revenge and is a bit pushy with Percy and is jealous and possessive
- Myth retelling – Hades and Persephone
- Secret writer heroine
My thoughts:
I really, really enjoyed this novel! It has like allll my romance catnip rolled up together in one book.
Gavin Hunt is a hero I gravitate towards. He is perceived as being hard and cruel and willing to hurt others to complete his revenge. But he of course has a soft spot for his heroine. I loved being in his head so much in the story and feeling his riot of emotions, especially as he falls more and more for Persephone and realizes he will be devastated without her. He doesn’t mind playing a bit dirty to get her to want him. He’s also a dirty talker BIG PLUS!
Persephone was a joy to me. I really enjoyed her happy and sweet yet strong personality. I loved her fierce love and protection of her family and watching her push and pull with Gavin as she tries to combat her feelings.
Lots of great banter together and steamy scenes and I was just so wrapped up in this couple. I did find the beginning a bit slow and hard to get into, which I did with book 1 as well. But once I got into it I was just eating up all of their interactions and scheduled seduction meetings! And there’s a scene towards the end that gutted me just a bit which is what I adore in romance relationships, feeling that turmoil and angst. Definitely planning on continuing with the series.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit and lots of banter
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
Yes! Callaway’s series and books are intertwined with character arcs. Though it wouldn’t be terrible if you picked this one up alone. You’ll notice the hero and heroine from book 1 living their HEA.
Basic plot
Persephone knows she must protect her brother from his downward spiral. To do so, she makes a bargain with Gavin Hunt – all she has to do is resist his seduction and he will release her brother’s debt.
Give this a try if you want:
- Bargain! Hero will release the heroine’s brother’s debt if she can resist 6 nights of him trying to seduce her
- Revenge – hero wants revenge for his childhood pain and trauma and is determined to take down the heroine’s family
- Vauxhall plays a small part in the plot
- Regency? (I have book 1 at 1817 and this follows on the heels of that story)
- High steam – 5 full scenes
- Bit of a dark, aggressive hero feel – he’s willing to do whatever he needs to for revenge and is a bit pushy with Percy and is jealous and possessive
- Myth retelling – Hades and Persephone
- Secret writer heroine
My thoughts:
I really, really enjoyed this novel! It has like allll my romance catnip rolled up together in one book.
Gavin Hunt is a hero I gravitate towards. He is perceived as being hard and cruel and willing to hurt others to complete his revenge. But he of course has a soft spot for his heroine. I loved being in his head so much in the story and feeling his riot of emotions, especially as he falls more and more for Persephone and realizes he will be devastated without her. He doesn’t mind playing a bit dirty to get her to want him. He’s also a dirty talker BIG PLUS!
Persephone was a joy to me. I really enjoyed her happy and sweet yet strong personality. I loved her fierce love and protection of her family and watching her push and pull with Gavin as she tries to combat her feelings.
Lots of great banter together and steamy scenes and I was just so wrapped up in this couple. I did find the beginning a bit slow and hard to get into, which I did with book 1 as well. But once I got into it I was just eating up all of their interactions and scheduled seduction meetings! And there’s a scene towards the end that gutted me just a bit which is what I adore in romance relationships, feeling that turmoil and angst. Definitely planning on continuing with the series.
Here’s a few random parts that I wanted to note from the book
Content Warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
February 13, 2013
Percy is the heroine I have been waiting for! There were no "miscommunications" no "misunderstandings" and no yelling "would you just talk to each other for goodness sakes!". If Percy wants to know the truth, she asks. If she is thinking something, she says it. Not only can see communicate she can also listen, she things from the other person's perspective and not automatically jump to conclusions.
Basically,Percy is as close to a real person as I have ever come across in a novel and it was so refreshing!
I also loved Gavin. He makes no apologies for who he is and does not try to be something he isn't for Percy. He wants her to see the real him and he wants the same from her.
I loved this couple.
Basically,Percy is as close to a real person as I have ever come across in a novel and it was so refreshing!
I also loved Gavin. He makes no apologies for who he is and does not try to be something he isn't for Percy. He wants her to see the real him and he wants the same from her.
I loved this couple.
June 10, 2020
4 1/2 scandalous stars
The second book in this series focuses on Percy Fines, the precocious daughter of the man who established a large shipping empire and made a fortune in the process, and Gavin Hunt, notorious scoundrel and owner of the most successful gaming hell in London.
Gavin has been driven most of his life by the fires of revenge: he was abandoned by his mother (who wasn't sure who his father was), sold by his aunt into work camps, and framed for a crime he did not commit at age 10 for which he spent a decade in a horrific London prison. He was "saved" by a man(Stewart) he met in the hole who became a father figure to him --- to ensure the handsome young boy wasn't molested, Stewart slashed his face from temple to chin to lessen his appeal, and the scar that he bears reminds Gavin of his mission: payback to Nicholas Morgan (the H of the first book in this series), the boy who left him and who he believes framed him for the crime that landed him in prison. Gavin found the weakest link (Paul Fines, Percy's brother and de facto brother to Nicholas) and has his revenge in sight as Paul managed to gamble away the 51% share of his father's shipping business that was passed to him after his father's death. Now Gavin can reveal himself to Nicholas and destroy the man who once left him for dead. But he didn't count on one little complication: Percy Fines.
Percy learns of her brother's situation and does everything she can to help him once she locates him (as he was hiding from Gavin's men to avoid being called on his debt to buy himself time). Nicholas, the older brother figure they depend upon in dire situations, is on the continent enjoying a second honeymoon with his wife and not immediately available to assist, so Percy takes things into her own hands. Disguised as a man, she approaches Gavin Hunt in his club and tries to negotiate with him to save her brother from total ruin. Gavin always does his homework and knows full well that Paul Fines does not have a younger brother... but he does have a little sister. While he is amused by Percy's attempt to present herself as a man, he also admires her boldness. And when he unmasks her, he realizes she is also a stunning woman to whom he is immediately attracted. Thus, he offers her a deal: resist his attempts at seduction for 6 nights (once per week), and he will release Paul from his debt. But should she succumb to his charms, he will get his due. And the girl.
What I liked:
--- The H and h were very well developed so there was an attachment to both of them pretty quickly
--- Percy's character had a lot of pluck - the manuscript she was working on throughout the book provided some comic relief
--- Great plot with lots of twists and turns
What I didn't like as much:
--- While the chemistry was definitely there, this was not an erotic romance as most of her books are, so that bummed me out a little; it was still steamy in parts, though
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5 (even the "love to hate" ones!)
Steam Level* --- 2.5/5
Language --- not egregious but there is a gaming hell involved
Violence --- some but nothing graphic
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
The second book in this series focuses on Percy Fines, the precocious daughter of the man who established a large shipping empire and made a fortune in the process, and Gavin Hunt, notorious scoundrel and owner of the most successful gaming hell in London.
Gavin has been driven most of his life by the fires of revenge: he was abandoned by his mother (who wasn't sure who his father was), sold by his aunt into work camps, and framed for a crime he did not commit at age 10 for which he spent a decade in a horrific London prison. He was "saved" by a man(Stewart) he met in the hole who became a father figure to him --- to ensure the handsome young boy wasn't molested, Stewart slashed his face from temple to chin to lessen his appeal, and the scar that he bears reminds Gavin of his mission: payback to Nicholas Morgan (the H of the first book in this series), the boy who left him and who he believes framed him for the crime that landed him in prison. Gavin found the weakest link (Paul Fines, Percy's brother and de facto brother to Nicholas) and has his revenge in sight as Paul managed to gamble away the 51% share of his father's shipping business that was passed to him after his father's death. Now Gavin can reveal himself to Nicholas and destroy the man who once left him for dead. But he didn't count on one little complication: Percy Fines.
Percy learns of her brother's situation and does everything she can to help him once she locates him (as he was hiding from Gavin's men to avoid being called on his debt to buy himself time). Nicholas, the older brother figure they depend upon in dire situations, is on the continent enjoying a second honeymoon with his wife and not immediately available to assist, so Percy takes things into her own hands. Disguised as a man, she approaches Gavin Hunt in his club and tries to negotiate with him to save her brother from total ruin. Gavin always does his homework and knows full well that Paul Fines does not have a younger brother... but he does have a little sister. While he is amused by Percy's attempt to present herself as a man, he also admires her boldness. And when he unmasks her, he realizes she is also a stunning woman to whom he is immediately attracted. Thus, he offers her a deal: resist his attempts at seduction for 6 nights (once per week), and he will release Paul from his debt. But should she succumb to his charms, he will get his due. And the girl.
What I liked:
--- The H and h were very well developed so there was an attachment to both of them pretty quickly
--- Percy's character had a lot of pluck - the manuscript she was working on throughout the book provided some comic relief
--- Great plot with lots of twists and turns
What I didn't like as much:
--- While the chemistry was definitely there, this was not an erotic romance as most of her books are, so that bummed me out a little; it was still steamy in parts, though
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5 (even the "love to hate" ones!)
Steam Level* --- 2.5/5
Language --- not egregious but there is a gaming hell involved
Violence --- some but nothing graphic
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
February 19, 2024
*fans self* Hotter than my perimenopause hot flashes. First time to read this author and I will definitely read more.
May 24, 2021
My first book by Grace Callaway and let's just say that I am so happy that I've decided to try her out. She is becoming one of my favorite authors.
The romance is great, the H/H are extremely likeable, the side characters are pretty well developed as well, the plot and the pacing are good (the pages just flew by!) and the writing is exquisite. The element of mystery is really well done here.
A word of caution - the sex scenes are pretty explicit though. However, I like the fact that Ms. Callaway uses the sex scenes to advance the story. I hate it when the author uses sex scenes as filler.
I've read the rest of the series and I'd say that this is my 2nd favourite book of the series. A solid 4.5 star.
The romance is great, the H/H are extremely likeable, the side characters are pretty well developed as well, the plot and the pacing are good (the pages just flew by!) and the writing is exquisite. The element of mystery is really well done here.
A word of caution - the sex scenes are pretty explicit though. However, I like the fact that Ms. Callaway uses the sex scenes to advance the story. I hate it when the author uses sex scenes as filler.
I've read the rest of the series and I'd say that this is my 2nd favourite book of the series. A solid 4.5 star.
September 5, 2023
This one had been on my TBR for quite some time and I finally got to it. I was super excited for this historical romance, it sounded so good and I’ve loved a book from this author in the past. But this one just didn’t really work for me and I never felt pulled in or invested sadly.
This is basically a Hades and Persephone retelling but make it historical romance. The heroine’s name is even Persephone and the hero is Gavin Hunt, a wicked gamester. He plans to get revenge against the man who betrayed him by seducing his enemy’s sister… Persephone ends up going to him for help with her brother, and Hunt decides this is the perfect time for a wager: he will help her brother, if she can resist six nights of seduction with him.
These characters just felt bland and never grabbed my attention. I didn’t even want to get back to this book, but I had the audio out from hoopla which honestly helped me finish. I’ve read a book I’ve loved from this author before, so maybe it was just this book that didn’t do it for me.
This is basically a Hades and Persephone retelling but make it historical romance. The heroine’s name is even Persephone and the hero is Gavin Hunt, a wicked gamester. He plans to get revenge against the man who betrayed him by seducing his enemy’s sister… Persephone ends up going to him for help with her brother, and Hunt decides this is the perfect time for a wager: he will help her brother, if she can resist six nights of seduction with him.
These characters just felt bland and never grabbed my attention. I didn’t even want to get back to this book, but I had the audio out from hoopla which honestly helped me finish. I’ve read a book I’ve loved from this author before, so maybe it was just this book that didn’t do it for me.
November 24, 2021
I really struggled to get through this. I guess I’m a bit tired of the bad boy gambling club owner and the debutant trying to save a family member plot.
It picked up a bit 2/3 into for me, but I still wasn’t very compelling.
But I do want to continue with the series so a pushed my way through
It picked up a bit 2/3 into for me, but I still wasn’t very compelling.
But I do want to continue with the series so a pushed my way through
April 9, 2022
Another sexy, angsty Historical Romance. This one with a Hades and Persephone bent. I mean, her name is really Persephone. And she makes a deal to save her family business.
He offers a sexy deal. Resist his ravishment for 6 weeks and he will spare it, lose... and he takes his revenge.
But of course... love has something to say about it.
4 stars
3 on my spice scale
He offers a sexy deal. Resist his ravishment for 6 weeks and he will spare it, lose... and he takes his revenge.
But of course... love has something to say about it.
4 stars
3 on my spice scale
August 26, 2021
Another awesome story, my second Grace Callaway book. Now I know why she was recommended so often in my FB book group. Nothing better than the match of a brooding & seductive hero hell-bent on revenge and a feisty independent heroine standing her ground. A steamy and suspenseful ride at just the right pace with imperfect characters who evolve throughout...getting to know their true humanity. Descriptive, passionate, and enthralling; I adore her writing style.
June 12, 2025
3.75 stars
First Grace Callaway book and I liked it but it was kinda up and down for me. There were parts I enjoyed and other parts had me rolling my eyes a bit. I loved the concept of Hades and Persephone, just wish it was pushed a bit more on the hero's side. I loved how ruthless and lusty the hero Gavin Hunt was about his lifestyle and running his gaming hell aptly named "The Underworld" and getting revenge on the man who wrongly framed him for murder when he was a child. That carried serious weight but at times I felt he fell a bit flat and I think that had to do more with the writing. For example, I like my guys a little more reactive even while fighting their feelings for their lady love. Rule #1 in RomanceLand: when somebody looks at the heroine wrong or even implies something disrespectful, the hero should be 10 seconds away from throttling the person and telling them to STFU before they even finish their sentence, not sitting around casually asking why their mentor doesn't like the heroine. It doesn't even have to be a verbal reaction, it could be a small tell like clenching jaw or a glare....something that shows he's fighting his reaction. Or else it just loses something for this reader and makes me question the hero's feelings. Gavin is definitely growly when the heroine is in peril but other times his non-reaction to stuff just felt inconsistent and had my interest waning. The emotional thread is definitely there when it comes to his dark heartbreaking backstory but other times it's surprisingly missing and replaced with glib jokes and eyerolls instead that didn't land right. I mean the book opens up with the vivid picture of an orphaned terrified hero at 10 years old being sent to a Prison hulk for a crime he didn't commit and has to face the horrors trying to survive. So you already go in feeling and understanding the grit of this character and why he is the way he is. His anger and obsession with revenge carried weight. But all this dude seemed to think and talk about is how much he wants to fuck the heroine. And much to my surprise and...disappointment? the actual fucking part . For a notorious scoundrel and rake who screwed prostitutes and has a wonderfully filthy mouth the holding off felt a bit underwhelming. We do get some naughty fun times but the actual act doesn't happen till the very end so it really felt like a bunch of teasing and "talk" and I hate when authors do that with their rake heroes.
As for the heroine Percy, I liked her for the most part. Her fearlessness and spirit was great even though she sometimes came off a bit like a ninny. The "I'm not like other girls" energy was kinda obvious especially when she finds out the hero has sexual proclivities that include bondage and dominance (handcuffs and ropes oh my!) but our virgin sheltered heroine isn't intimidated a bit. Pfft! No siree. That's not gonna scare her off one bit. Spoiler Alert: Said sex toys aren't even used during intimate scenes and clearly only brought out to show the heroine's reaction to it and her "hoyden" streak that the author kept telling us about. And I'm not even mad about that (considering who he used them on before meeting the heroine) but again, stop talking big talk if you aren't gonna do anything with it is all I'm saying. If it wasn't for that opening scene of the hero fucking a prostitute on his desk I would think he's a fake rake who is all talk and no show. 🤷🏻♀️ Also Ms. Callaway tends to lean a bit on the anachronistic side in some parts. It felt inconsistent as we have characters with Cockney accents and the posh ton and correct slang during intimacy yet you have your hero also saying words like "sex" "ass" and "pussy" out of nowhere that took me out of moments. It just felt like a mix of things that didn't really fit the era. The heroin's internal commentary also felt a bit modern, saying things like "hold up" and "um what?" a lot. It almost felt like the author forgot herself and the time setting and had her characters saying ridiculous words like "octogenarian" "buggered" "gamahauched" to awkwardly make up for the fumbles. lol Like I said, very up and down. But overall, this couple had some sweet vulnerable moments that pulled me in enough. Just wish it was stronger more consistent throughout. I may try her again.
First Grace Callaway book and I liked it but it was kinda up and down for me. There were parts I enjoyed and other parts had me rolling my eyes a bit. I loved the concept of Hades and Persephone, just wish it was pushed a bit more on the hero's side. I loved how ruthless and lusty the hero Gavin Hunt was about his lifestyle and running his gaming hell aptly named "The Underworld" and getting revenge on the man who wrongly framed him for murder when he was a child. That carried serious weight but at times I felt he fell a bit flat and I think that had to do more with the writing. For example, I like my guys a little more reactive even while fighting their feelings for their lady love. Rule #1 in RomanceLand: when somebody looks at the heroine wrong or even implies something disrespectful, the hero should be 10 seconds away from throttling the person and telling them to STFU before they even finish their sentence, not sitting around casually asking why their mentor doesn't like the heroine. It doesn't even have to be a verbal reaction, it could be a small tell like clenching jaw or a glare....something that shows he's fighting his reaction. Or else it just loses something for this reader and makes me question the hero's feelings. Gavin is definitely growly when the heroine is in peril but other times his non-reaction to stuff just felt inconsistent and had my interest waning. The emotional thread is definitely there when it comes to his dark heartbreaking backstory but other times it's surprisingly missing and replaced with glib jokes and eyerolls instead that didn't land right. I mean the book opens up with the vivid picture of an orphaned terrified hero at 10 years old being sent to a Prison hulk for a crime he didn't commit and has to face the horrors trying to survive. So you already go in feeling and understanding the grit of this character and why he is the way he is. His anger and obsession with revenge carried weight. But all this dude seemed to think and talk about is how much he wants to fuck the heroine. And much to my surprise and...disappointment? the actual fucking part . For a notorious scoundrel and rake who screwed prostitutes and has a wonderfully filthy mouth the holding off felt a bit underwhelming. We do get some naughty fun times but the actual act doesn't happen till the very end so it really felt like a bunch of teasing and "talk" and I hate when authors do that with their rake heroes.
As for the heroine Percy, I liked her for the most part. Her fearlessness and spirit was great even though she sometimes came off a bit like a ninny. The "I'm not like other girls" energy was kinda obvious especially when she finds out the hero has sexual proclivities that include bondage and dominance (handcuffs and ropes oh my!) but our virgin sheltered heroine isn't intimidated a bit. Pfft! No siree. That's not gonna scare her off one bit. Spoiler Alert: Said sex toys aren't even used during intimate scenes and clearly only brought out to show the heroine's reaction to it and her "hoyden" streak that the author kept telling us about. And I'm not even mad about that (considering who he used them on before meeting the heroine) but again, stop talking big talk if you aren't gonna do anything with it is all I'm saying. If it wasn't for that opening scene of the hero fucking a prostitute on his desk I would think he's a fake rake who is all talk and no show. 🤷🏻♀️ Also Ms. Callaway tends to lean a bit on the anachronistic side in some parts. It felt inconsistent as we have characters with Cockney accents and the posh ton and correct slang during intimacy yet you have your hero also saying words like "sex" "ass" and "pussy" out of nowhere that took me out of moments. It just felt like a mix of things that didn't really fit the era. The heroin's internal commentary also felt a bit modern, saying things like "hold up" and "um what?" a lot. It almost felt like the author forgot herself and the time setting and had her characters saying ridiculous words like "octogenarian" "buggered" "gamahauched" to awkwardly make up for the fumbles. lol Like I said, very up and down. But overall, this couple had some sweet vulnerable moments that pulled me in enough. Just wish it was stronger more consistent throughout. I may try her again.
June 5, 2021
I liked this one a lot better than the first one!
August 3, 2022
A ‘Wicked Bargain’ book between a gaming hell owner and a self-sacrificing hoyden. In some ways this was a fun version. Our hero Gavin fell first and their agreement to fudge the rules of their wager to do ~Everything But~ turned this into a very steamy book.
That said, Gavin definitely went to the Elizabeth Hoyt School of Sex Scene Description 😆 These scenes were… something. Maybe you haven’t lived until you’ve read about a person gamahauching someone while frigging themselves? 🤷🏻♀️
But I don’t love unsubtle retellings—her name was literally Persephone. Don’t love “bad boy” heroes who secretly save orphans and therefore don’t need to grovel. And I disliked how, instead of delving deeply into the story’s drama, even more superficial drama was added until I didn’t care anymore. There was revenge, Percy’s love triangle, Gavin’s other woman, Percy’s brother was spiraling, Gavin was fighting so many would-be assassins you’d think he needed the XP, there was business drama, family drama, traumatic backstories.. But the tone still wanted to be fun? It was too messy and too conveniently resolved.
And I HATED the way BDSM was portrayed. Don’t love that Gavin’s sadism and Dom-iness was attributed to childhood trauma (no pathologizing kink, okay?). But I was willing to forgive it until one scene in particular 😤 Gavin followed his business rival into a brothel where that guy was a male sub and masochist. The scene was so cartoonish and kink shaming! The book was trying to interpallate me into thinking that guy’s masochism was evidence of his bad character. No, I refuse. But also, Gavin was disgusted by the male subs paying to act out their fantasies when he pays a woman so he can act out his sadistic fantasies?? And his mind goes from disgust to thinking about doing this stuff to Percy, and we’re supposed to believe he wouldn’t think less of her if she became his sub?? No. Sorry Percy, but girls don’t let girls be the subs of Doms who think derogatory crap about other subs.
That said, Gavin definitely went to the Elizabeth Hoyt School of Sex Scene Description 😆 These scenes were… something. Maybe you haven’t lived until you’ve read about a person gamahauching someone while frigging themselves? 🤷🏻♀️
But I don’t love unsubtle retellings—her name was literally Persephone. Don’t love “bad boy” heroes who secretly save orphans and therefore don’t need to grovel. And I disliked how, instead of delving deeply into the story’s drama, even more superficial drama was added until I didn’t care anymore. There was revenge, Percy’s love triangle, Gavin’s other woman, Percy’s brother was spiraling, Gavin was fighting so many would-be assassins you’d think he needed the XP, there was business drama, family drama, traumatic backstories.. But the tone still wanted to be fun? It was too messy and too conveniently resolved.
And I HATED the way BDSM was portrayed. Don’t love that Gavin’s sadism and Dom-iness was attributed to childhood trauma (no pathologizing kink, okay?). But I was willing to forgive it until one scene in particular 😤 Gavin followed his business rival into a brothel where that guy was a male sub and masochist. The scene was so cartoonish and kink shaming! The book was trying to interpallate me into thinking that guy’s masochism was evidence of his bad character. No, I refuse. But also, Gavin was disgusted by the male subs paying to act out their fantasies when he pays a woman so he can act out his sadistic fantasies?? And his mind goes from disgust to thinking about doing this stuff to Percy, and we’re supposed to believe he wouldn’t think less of her if she became his sub?? No. Sorry Percy, but girls don’t let girls be the subs of Doms who think derogatory crap about other subs.
May 18, 2022
4 stars just because towards the end the story felt draggy.
August 5, 2023
Her Wanton Wager
4 Stars
After spending 10 years on a prison hulk for a crime he did not commit, Gavin Hunt has the perfect means for avenging himself on the man he believes responsible - ruin his company and seduce his adopted sister. Unfortunately for Gavin, the "seductee", Miss Persephone Fines has other plans. Percy is determined to protect her brother and save her father's company, but will she be able to withstand her attraction to the notorious gaming hell owner? As Percy and Gavin's clash of wills progresses, a dangerous foe from the past threatens to destroy their future.
Series note: This is book #2 in the series. Percy plays a minor role in book #1, and certain details of Gavin's past are also therein. Therefore, it is recommended that the books be read in order.
The revenge trope involving the deflowering of an innocent young woman is not at all appealing. Yet, somehow, Callaway manages not only to use this premise as a basis for Percy and Gavin's delightful romance, but also manages to make Gavin a sympathetic and engaging hero.
Although their interactions are not as intense or steamy as Nicholas and Helena in book one, they are a sweet couple, and their slow-burn relationship works well. The allusions to the Greek myth of Hades and Persophone are an added bonus, and it is entertaining to find the hidden references within the storyline.
The mystery of involving the attacks on the various gamin-hell owners is interesting and the showdown at the end is intense and exciting. The identity of the villain came as somewhat of a surprise although in retrospect the clues are all there.
All in all, an enjoyable read and I look forward to Marianne and Ambrose's book next.
4 Stars
After spending 10 years on a prison hulk for a crime he did not commit, Gavin Hunt has the perfect means for avenging himself on the man he believes responsible - ruin his company and seduce his adopted sister. Unfortunately for Gavin, the "seductee", Miss Persephone Fines has other plans. Percy is determined to protect her brother and save her father's company, but will she be able to withstand her attraction to the notorious gaming hell owner? As Percy and Gavin's clash of wills progresses, a dangerous foe from the past threatens to destroy their future.
Series note: This is book #2 in the series. Percy plays a minor role in book #1, and certain details of Gavin's past are also therein. Therefore, it is recommended that the books be read in order.
The revenge trope involving the deflowering of an innocent young woman is not at all appealing. Yet, somehow, Callaway manages not only to use this premise as a basis for Percy and Gavin's delightful romance, but also manages to make Gavin a sympathetic and engaging hero.
Although their interactions are not as intense or steamy as Nicholas and Helena in book one, they are a sweet couple, and their slow-burn relationship works well. The allusions to the Greek myth of Hades and Persophone are an added bonus, and it is entertaining to find the hidden references within the storyline.
The mystery of involving the attacks on the various gamin-hell owners is interesting and the showdown at the end is intense and exciting. The identity of the villain came as somewhat of a surprise although in retrospect the clues are all there.
All in all, an enjoyable read and I look forward to Marianne and Ambrose's book next.
November 17, 2021
Loved this! Need to think about my rating.
December 28, 2015
This is a plot not I would normally read but as I love Grace Callaways writing I decided to read this series als well and with that this Book. And I was not disappointed.
I really liked Nicholas, the Hero from the First book , so it was a bit difficult to get to like someone who is totally apposed to him but Gavin managed it quite fine
I liked how These two were together and how their relationship developed. This is something Mrs. Gallaway excells at and I love it
although this book is not as good as the books from her "Heart of Enquiry" series, I really enjoyed it and it Shows that Mrs. Callaway is improving with each book
So glad that I started this series as well
I really liked Nicholas, the Hero from the First book , so it was a bit difficult to get to like someone who is totally apposed to him but Gavin managed it quite fine
I liked how These two were together and how their relationship developed. This is something Mrs. Gallaway excells at and I love it
although this book is not as good as the books from her "Heart of Enquiry" series, I really enjoyed it and it Shows that Mrs. Callaway is improving with each book
So glad that I started this series as well
August 1, 2015
This was another excellent book by Ms Callaway.
I really enjoy her style of writing...historical with heat. This series is very good and I am hoping she will be writing more about the wonderful characters she has introduced us to.
I am hoping the tension between Lady Draven and Mr Kent will be explained and a certain brother of the h will grow up and get a life.
My only fault with this book is that sometimes she did drag out the plot a little.
Great story...can't wait for more.
I really enjoy her style of writing...historical with heat. This series is very good and I am hoping she will be writing more about the wonderful characters she has introduced us to.
I am hoping the tension between Lady Draven and Mr Kent will be explained and a certain brother of the h will grow up and get a life.
My only fault with this book is that sometimes she did drag out the plot a little.
Great story...can't wait for more.
July 26, 2024
⭐
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 55%.
Underwhelming and kind of stilted.
Anachronistic.
Too dramatic and too much going on.
(Revenge, “love” triangle, OW, Issues with heroines brother etc.)
Bland and flat main characters.
Way too predictable.
Thin/flat plot.
Way too many believability/plausibility issues.
Repetitive.
Formulaic.
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 55%.
Underwhelming and kind of stilted.
Anachronistic.
Too dramatic and too much going on.
(Revenge, “love” triangle, OW, Issues with heroines brother etc.)
Bland and flat main characters.
Way too predictable.
Thin/flat plot.
Way too many believability/plausibility issues.
Repetitive.
Formulaic.
Read
November 19, 2021I am enjoying this series.
Percy and Gavin were so much fun.
Unlike the first book, I didn't feel the need to skim any of this because it was so entertaining.
I liked how the books are all fitting together and can't wait to get the next book.
Kent and Lady Marianne seem to have already begun something by the looks and barbs traded in this one.
Percy and Gavin were so much fun.
Unlike the first book, I didn't feel the need to skim any of this because it was so entertaining.
I liked how the books are all fitting together and can't wait to get the next book.
Kent and Lady Marianne seem to have already begun something by the looks and barbs traded in this one.
June 1, 2021
It was okay. I liked the fact that the h actually stood up for herself.
April 30, 2014
You know when you pick up a book with zero expectations and get blown away when you read it? This is one of those books for me. I had not read anything from this author and knew nothing of the series and now the series and the author is on my "favorite" list.
The main characters bring on the tension and angst, but they also bring the funny banter, charm, and sweet romance. Percy is adorable- headstrong and loyal, so much so, that she would risk facing the devil himself to try to save her brother from ruin. She is a genuinely good person with inclinations to adventure and mystique which, in her opinion, make for titillating writing inspiration. Gavin is a historical bad boy with enough brains to have propelled himself into building a fortune. He has a sordid past and holds a fierce grudge. So, when he realizes that Percy can be a pawn in his scheme for revenge, and a tempting little minx to boot, he feels like he'll finally have his cake and eat it too.
This book has all the components I enjoy in a romance novel: well developed characters, witty banter, smoking hot love scenes, and a tight over-arching plot to move the story along.
This was the first book I read in the series and I did not find myself lost or wondering. I have since devoured the rest of the books in the series that are available in audio form and I can say that they can be stand alone books.
Narration:
Narrator Erin Mallon
Performance 5/5
Speed 1.25X
Excellent narration. Great tone, pace, and distinction. I enjoyed listening to this through headphones and through the speakers in my car.
The main characters bring on the tension and angst, but they also bring the funny banter, charm, and sweet romance. Percy is adorable- headstrong and loyal, so much so, that she would risk facing the devil himself to try to save her brother from ruin. She is a genuinely good person with inclinations to adventure and mystique which, in her opinion, make for titillating writing inspiration. Gavin is a historical bad boy with enough brains to have propelled himself into building a fortune. He has a sordid past and holds a fierce grudge. So, when he realizes that Percy can be a pawn in his scheme for revenge, and a tempting little minx to boot, he feels like he'll finally have his cake and eat it too.
This book has all the components I enjoy in a romance novel: well developed characters, witty banter, smoking hot love scenes, and a tight over-arching plot to move the story along.
This was the first book I read in the series and I did not find myself lost or wondering. I have since devoured the rest of the books in the series that are available in audio form and I can say that they can be stand alone books.
Narration:
Narrator Erin Mallon
Performance 5/5
Speed 1.25X
Excellent narration. Great tone, pace, and distinction. I enjoyed listening to this through headphones and through the speakers in my car.
April 12, 2025
Kobo+ Mad About Series Challenge 2025. HRBC. Tropes:Enemies to Lovers, Regency Romance, Romance/Mystery, Heiress, Family/Friends, Erotica,
MC's h. Percy (Persephone) Fines, Cit, 20, brother Paul, Mother Anna, father passed away, Nicolas Morgan like a brother (runs company her father built), best friend Charity,(father owns jewellery store). H. Gavin Hunt, 25, owns the Netherworld, gaming hell, wants revenge on Nick Morgan, Marquess Hartcourte ( Book #1 Mayhem in Mayfair).
Comment: This book is a definite page turner. There is a plot for revenge against Nick's "wrongs" to Gavin, the wager between Percy and Gavin to get her brother's neck out of the noose and save the family business. The plot to take over the Gaming Hell's in Covent Garden and the hit on Gavin. The instant attraction between Percy and Gavin and their growing attraction, lust and then love. I loved this story. I gave it 4.5 stars.
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MC's h. Percy (Persephone) Fines, Cit, 20, brother Paul, Mother Anna, father passed away, Nicolas Morgan like a brother (runs company her father built), best friend Charity,(father owns jewellery store). H. Gavin Hunt, 25, owns the Netherworld, gaming hell, wants revenge on Nick Morgan, Marquess Hartcourte ( Book #1 Mayhem in Mayfair).
Comment: This book is a definite page turner. There is a plot for revenge against Nick's "wrongs" to Gavin, the wager between Percy and Gavin to get her brother's neck out of the noose and save the family business. The plot to take over the Gaming Hell's in Covent Garden and the hit on Gavin. The instant attraction between Percy and Gavin and their growing attraction, lust and then love. I loved this story. I gave it 4.5 stars.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2016
The story was good...Percy's character was very colorful and well written. Gavin's unrefined ways was also what made his personality interesting; although his intentions in the beginning left much to be desired...he became sure of Percy very quickly. Callaway's heroes are so manly and very decisive...two qualities I really like in them. The plot was nothing new but Callaway makes it a page turner in the simple and effective prose and fast moving story. I liked this book much better than the first book. The intimate scenes are a lot more tame than the first book too and infused with romance despite its erotic qualities. I really enjoyed this book. I really did not like Percy's brother though.
October 25, 2022
There were loads of things I liked about this story! Gavin and Percy were a very funny and entertaining pair. They always had a push and pull nature to one another. I also really loved how they didn’t want or try to diminish the strengths and traits of the other.
.
I love when certain characters got together to formulate the rescue mission. I don’t know what it is about unexpected allies working together for a great purpose, but I love it when it happens in Historical Romances ❤️
.
Gavin also went through some horrific things and it was so endearing to see things work out for him. Percy could have actually been an annoying character, but I actually really really liked her.
.
My biggest actual issue with the book is that I found it too long. I really feel it could have been cut down by 50 or so pages. Especially in the first 1/3. It just felt really dragged out. Then from about 70% it was brilliant. I measure things out, by wether I am able to put a book down/able to be distracted. And there are a chunk in this book that just wasn’t drawing me in, at times even bored me slightly. But if it hadn’t been for those bits, this book would have been absolutely perfect!
.
I love when certain characters got together to formulate the rescue mission. I don’t know what it is about unexpected allies working together for a great purpose, but I love it when it happens in Historical Romances ❤️
.
Gavin also went through some horrific things and it was so endearing to see things work out for him. Percy could have actually been an annoying character, but I actually really really liked her.
.
My biggest actual issue with the book is that I found it too long. I really feel it could have been cut down by 50 or so pages. Especially in the first 1/3. It just felt really dragged out. Then from about 70% it was brilliant. I measure things out, by wether I am able to put a book down/able to be distracted. And there are a chunk in this book that just wasn’t drawing me in, at times even bored me slightly. But if it hadn’t been for those bits, this book would have been absolutely perfect!
January 10, 2024
I love this book. I love the heroine, especially. I also love how these characters resembled Persephone and Hades (in a way). I just love this book and I don't have anything bad to say about it.
November 8, 2016
Dari tadi siang gw mo bikin review ni novel, tp gw lupa judulnya dan kindle nya ga bawa ke kantor, ada si di hp.. gw sync kan, tp hp nya jauh ahahahaha... #pentingbangetmentiondisini #gwpengenpulang #biarafdol buahahahahah
Okay... serius deh, bahasanya agak sedikit tidak enak si, tidak seenak penulis laen yg gw baca, tapi jalan ceritanya bagus dan hot si pasti XD
Ceritanya tu si mbaknya Heiress, Percy Fines one day dapet surat dari kakaknya Paul Fines bilang kalau die kalah judi dan menggandaikan Fines and Co ke rumah judi milik Gavin Hunt. Paul menyesal banget dan lagi sembunyi buat menghindari Hunt, Percy yang tau kek apa bapaknya banting tulang buat mendirikan Fines and Co, di tambah Fines and Co itu bukan milik keluarga Fines doang tapi separonya milik Nicholast Morgan (hero buku 1 yg gw skip kr blm mood baca). Percy si yakin, kl Nick ada di London bakalan diberesin deh semuanya.. Nick ude kek kakak mereka b2 dan emang kek ude di adopsi sama bapaknya si, Nick jg Marquest kan.. setidaknya punya andil besar di dunia para ton. Masalahnya, Nick sama emaknya Fines lagi jj keliling continent (eropah) dan satu-satunya yang bisa nolongin Paul ya cuma Percy. Maka, Menyamarlah Percy jadi sodaranya Paul buat nemuin dark lord di Underwood (rumah judinya Gavin).
Gavin Hunt, melewati 1001 kemalangan dari lahir, emaknya bangsawan si tp die cuma anak haram dan tiap hari disalahin mamanya karena milih ngeralhirin die sampe dibuang keluarganya, 10th die dibuang mamanya dan sampai di rumah penampungan anak-anak, disitu die ketemu Nick, bukanya ditolongin die dipukuli dan ditinggalkan begitu saja sama Nick yg sebelum pergi bunuh pemilik rumah dan bakar rumahnya. Gavin selamat malah dijatuhi hukuman kr bunuh dan bakar rumah, dipenjara 10th untuk kesalahan yg tidak pernah dia lakukan. Di penjara anak-anak hampir di rape sama sesama tahanan sampai ditolongin sama (jreng jreng gw lupa) pokoknya si mas yg nolongin akhirnya jd tangan kanan die sekaligus bikin luka irisan dimuka, katanya kl tll ganteng Gavin akan jadi mangsa predator anak laki-laki di penjara. Sekarang Gavin kaya raya, dan punya rumah judi beken di London dgn nama Underwood dan tujuan hidupnya cuma satu, balas dendam ke Nicholast Morgan.
One day, ketika Paul kalah judi dan kasih Fines and Co sbg jaminan, Gavin seneng bukan maen.. die punya langkah pertama buat menghancurkan kerajaan bisnis Nick, setelah itu die akan merayu istri Nick, tp siapa sangka.. dateng bocah laki-laki yang mengaku sodaranya Paul Fines buat mohon penangguhan utang. Gavin tau, Paul ga punya sodara laki-laki, jadi otomatis die jg tau kalau Percy ini wanita dan dia punya rencana, kalau ngancurin RT nya Nick kemungkinan rada susah, mereka merit karena cinta jadi die mo ruined Percy saja, toh dimata Nick Percy ini adeknya dan sakitnya akan tetap sama. Gavin bilang ke Percy "6x pertemuan buat rayu Percy, kalau dlm pertemuan itu die bisa ajak Percy bobo bareng (ga pake bobo si) Gavin menang, kalau Percy tdk terpengaruh maka Percy menang dan utang Paul akan dilupakan"
Percy mau? awalnya si enggak.. gila aja, kenal aja enggak.. mana si masnya serem gitu kan, tp pas setelah dikissu-kissu paksa, si Percy malah penasaran (ampun deh mbak) dan meng iyakan taruhan Gavin. Pertemuan pertama masih saling musuh-musuhan, tp lama2 sering ngobrol dan Percy bisa liat sisi Gavin yg tdk pernah ditunjukkan ke orang laen, Gavin jg bisa cerita masa lalu nya dgn plong ke Percy (minus part Nick tentu saja), mungkin karena si Percynya ini kepoan kali ya ehehehe... awalnya bargain bisa dapetin v nya Percy dan Gavin menang jadi bisa dapetin v nya Percy dan Percy musti meritin Gavin hohohohoho..
Trs gimana pas Nick tau? dan buru-buru pulang dari Continent? siapa yg bakalan di pilih Percy? keluarganya atau Gavin yang sudah mencuri hatinya?
**masa ya gw mewek2 pas part Percy ngobrol sama mamanya.. dih baper sekali sayah, padahal penting banget aja enggak hhohohoho
Okay... serius deh, bahasanya agak sedikit tidak enak si, tidak seenak penulis laen yg gw baca, tapi jalan ceritanya bagus dan hot si pasti XD
Ceritanya tu si mbaknya Heiress, Percy Fines one day dapet surat dari kakaknya Paul Fines bilang kalau die kalah judi dan menggandaikan Fines and Co ke rumah judi milik Gavin Hunt. Paul menyesal banget dan lagi sembunyi buat menghindari Hunt, Percy yang tau kek apa bapaknya banting tulang buat mendirikan Fines and Co, di tambah Fines and Co itu bukan milik keluarga Fines doang tapi separonya milik Nicholast Morgan (hero buku 1 yg gw skip kr blm mood baca). Percy si yakin, kl Nick ada di London bakalan diberesin deh semuanya.. Nick ude kek kakak mereka b2 dan emang kek ude di adopsi sama bapaknya si, Nick jg Marquest kan.. setidaknya punya andil besar di dunia para ton. Masalahnya, Nick sama emaknya Fines lagi jj keliling continent (eropah) dan satu-satunya yang bisa nolongin Paul ya cuma Percy. Maka, Menyamarlah Percy jadi sodaranya Paul buat nemuin dark lord di Underwood (rumah judinya Gavin).
Gavin Hunt, melewati 1001 kemalangan dari lahir, emaknya bangsawan si tp die cuma anak haram dan tiap hari disalahin mamanya karena milih ngeralhirin die sampe dibuang keluarganya, 10th die dibuang mamanya dan sampai di rumah penampungan anak-anak, disitu die ketemu Nick, bukanya ditolongin die dipukuli dan ditinggalkan begitu saja sama Nick yg sebelum pergi bunuh pemilik rumah dan bakar rumahnya. Gavin selamat malah dijatuhi hukuman kr bunuh dan bakar rumah, dipenjara 10th untuk kesalahan yg tidak pernah dia lakukan. Di penjara anak-anak hampir di rape sama sesama tahanan sampai ditolongin sama (jreng jreng gw lupa) pokoknya si mas yg nolongin akhirnya jd tangan kanan die sekaligus bikin luka irisan dimuka, katanya kl tll ganteng Gavin akan jadi mangsa predator anak laki-laki di penjara. Sekarang Gavin kaya raya, dan punya rumah judi beken di London dgn nama Underwood dan tujuan hidupnya cuma satu, balas dendam ke Nicholast Morgan.
One day, ketika Paul kalah judi dan kasih Fines and Co sbg jaminan, Gavin seneng bukan maen.. die punya langkah pertama buat menghancurkan kerajaan bisnis Nick, setelah itu die akan merayu istri Nick, tp siapa sangka.. dateng bocah laki-laki yang mengaku sodaranya Paul Fines buat mohon penangguhan utang. Gavin tau, Paul ga punya sodara laki-laki, jadi otomatis die jg tau kalau Percy ini wanita dan dia punya rencana, kalau ngancurin RT nya Nick kemungkinan rada susah, mereka merit karena cinta jadi die mo ruined Percy saja, toh dimata Nick Percy ini adeknya dan sakitnya akan tetap sama. Gavin bilang ke Percy "6x pertemuan buat rayu Percy, kalau dlm pertemuan itu die bisa ajak Percy bobo bareng (ga pake bobo si) Gavin menang, kalau Percy tdk terpengaruh maka Percy menang dan utang Paul akan dilupakan"
Percy mau? awalnya si enggak.. gila aja, kenal aja enggak.. mana si masnya serem gitu kan, tp pas setelah dikissu-kissu paksa, si Percy malah penasaran (ampun deh mbak) dan meng iyakan taruhan Gavin. Pertemuan pertama masih saling musuh-musuhan, tp lama2 sering ngobrol dan Percy bisa liat sisi Gavin yg tdk pernah ditunjukkan ke orang laen, Gavin jg bisa cerita masa lalu nya dgn plong ke Percy (minus part Nick tentu saja), mungkin karena si Percynya ini kepoan kali ya ehehehe... awalnya bargain bisa dapetin v nya Percy dan Gavin menang jadi bisa dapetin v nya Percy dan Percy musti meritin Gavin hohohohoho..
Trs gimana pas Nick tau? dan buru-buru pulang dari Continent? siapa yg bakalan di pilih Percy? keluarganya atau Gavin yang sudah mencuri hatinya?
**masa ya gw mewek2 pas part Percy ngobrol sama mamanya.. dih baper sekali sayah, padahal penting banget aja enggak hhohohoho
August 1, 2013
Oh how I LOVED this book! It was ever better than Her Husband’s Harlot (HHH).
I knew in HHH that Paul, Percy’s brother, was headed for disaster and in Her Wanton Wager he finally hits rock bottom and it’s up to Percy to bail him out. Gavin never have a chance! Percy had been looking for adventure her entire life and she wasn’t afraid to chase it find her happy ending.
I enjoyed Percy and her wild ways in book 1 and in this book, she is even more wild and adventurous. In the early 1800’s women were to supposed to be all prim and proper but Percy wanted to be an author which was looked down upon back then. With that being said Percy never fit in with the stuffed shirts of the Ton. Nothing ever exciting happens there and the days were always boring. After her and Gavin’s first “date” you know that she is hooked and that she will never look back.
Gavin, the leader of The Underworld, a gaming hell and Persephone’s Hades so to speak. He’s determined to win the bet that will help him seek revenge on Nick, Percy’s adopted brother, who he blames for him being thrown in jail when he was a boy for a crime that he didn’t commit and one that he believes that Nick did. I’ll be honest and say that Gavin surprised me in this book. He was loyal and true to his word when he made promises and was the perfect match for Percy.
This book is a must read but I do advise reading Her Husband’s Harlot first so that you can get to know all of the characters. 5 stars!
I knew in HHH that Paul, Percy’s brother, was headed for disaster and in Her Wanton Wager he finally hits rock bottom and it’s up to Percy to bail him out. Gavin never have a chance! Percy had been looking for adventure her entire life and she wasn’t afraid to chase it find her happy ending.
I enjoyed Percy and her wild ways in book 1 and in this book, she is even more wild and adventurous. In the early 1800’s women were to supposed to be all prim and proper but Percy wanted to be an author which was looked down upon back then. With that being said Percy never fit in with the stuffed shirts of the Ton. Nothing ever exciting happens there and the days were always boring. After her and Gavin’s first “date” you know that she is hooked and that she will never look back.
Gavin, the leader of The Underworld, a gaming hell and Persephone’s Hades so to speak. He’s determined to win the bet that will help him seek revenge on Nick, Percy’s adopted brother, who he blames for him being thrown in jail when he was a boy for a crime that he didn’t commit and one that he believes that Nick did. I’ll be honest and say that Gavin surprised me in this book. He was loyal and true to his word when he made promises and was the perfect match for Percy.
This book is a must read but I do advise reading Her Husband’s Harlot first so that you can get to know all of the characters. 5 stars!
January 16, 2013
A promising story premise, but language used - while probably accurately reflecting the social class of the character - was just too vulgar/base for me. It was jarring and made me cringe on the inside right when I'd just started liking the H again.
I was also distracted when I reached the kidnap scene. As soon as that started, I was sent flashing back to another kidnap scene in another story and the similarity between setting, events and escape were so uncanny, I was more preoccuppied with trying to remember where I'd read the scenes before, rather than trying to stay with the characters.
Overall, I liked the story enough to finish it, but can't say I felt much affection for the h's sibling, and while I liked the h at the outset, there were times when I sort of lost patience with her.
Mixed feelings about this one. I think I would have preferred a clearner story, because while the H was obviously trying to be more noble towards the h than his original intent would have suggested, the coarseness still overshadowed the 'romance'.
Yhis story doesn't possess the same finesse as His Husband's Harlot.
I was also distracted when I reached the kidnap scene. As soon as that started, I was sent flashing back to another kidnap scene in another story and the similarity between setting, events and escape were so uncanny, I was more preoccuppied with trying to remember where I'd read the scenes before, rather than trying to stay with the characters.
Overall, I liked the story enough to finish it, but can't say I felt much affection for the h's sibling, and while I liked the h at the outset, there were times when I sort of lost patience with her.
Mixed feelings about this one. I think I would have preferred a clearner story, because while the H was obviously trying to be more noble towards the h than his original intent would have suggested, the coarseness still overshadowed the 'romance'.
Yhis story doesn't possess the same finesse as His Husband's Harlot.
March 14, 2013
Once again, Callaway does not disappoint. She creates a sexy scenario set up in an unexpected way by a loose end in the first book (once that I didn't think would pay off for ages). The characters behave like real people, which means that they sometimes do dumb things for emotional reasons - but unlike other novels, the characters are also capable of having conversations and getting past their issues. Callaway also does a great job of setting up what would be a reason for conflict between the two main characters in a normal romance novel, but the characters behave like reasonable adults and therefore it is not a point of conflict. I like that!
Loved the feisty Percy and the rough Gavin, loved how they balanced each other and how he doesn't always have to be the alpha. Enjoyed getting some real, serious scenes with characters from past books and learning more about them, as well as meeting new characters.
As long as she keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them!
Loved the feisty Percy and the rough Gavin, loved how they balanced each other and how he doesn't always have to be the alpha. Enjoyed getting some real, serious scenes with characters from past books and learning more about them, as well as meeting new characters.
As long as she keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them!
February 1, 2016
I'm really enjoying this series so far. I love the characters, the writing, the twists and turns and the romance is something I didn't think I would love as much as I do. I love Percy and Gavin separately but I really love how passion turned into something much more. I like how so many questions were answered in this one because the previous book left me hanging a little bit. I think the book could have been a little bit shorter and moved a little faster in certain places, but overall it was a great romance novel I thoroughly enjoyed.
Overall: 4.5 stars
Overall: 4.5 stars
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