Wager with a Siren

All's Fair in Love and Racing #3

by Sofie Darling

It was supposed to be one night with the marquess…

Everyone loves Lord Julian Batchelor, Marquess of Ormonde. The golden boy of the ton, he knows everyone, and they think they know him, too. But Julian harbors dark secrets, and he’s determined not to let anyone discover them—until he meets the one woman immune to him…

But when he meets a lady who’s his perfect match…

Lady Tessa Calthorp is everything unexpected in an aristocratic woman. Co-owner of a gaming hell, she sees Julian as simply another rich lord handed everything in life—but Julian surprises Tessa. First with a daring wager, then as a man—a very sensual man with a scandalous hobby that shocks…and delights.

One night could lead to happily ever after…

Their wager becomes more than friendly as desire burns through all their scruples. When reality pierces through their passion, everything changes for Tessa—but Julian knows he can’t break free from his past. Until Tessa reveals a secret of her own...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction

430 pages, ebook

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Sofie Darling’s passion for historical romance began in middle school the moment she cracked open Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. An instant and enduring love affair was born.

Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every romance she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply must write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and set pencil to paper. (Ticonderoga #2 is her quill of choice.)

When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, Sofie enjoys a nice weekend hike, a visit to a crumbling medieval castle whenever she gets the chance, and a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.

You can keep up with her latest and future releases by joining her newsletter here:

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only my 10th book by Sofie Darling. I just started reading her in December, 2024. I read her Shadows and Silks series and it was so good. I read all 7 books back to back. Now I have been reading this series back to back. I am so glad I asked about her in my steamy FB group because she is definitely steamy and has such great depth with her characters and her storylines. Plus I love a good book cover and she has such pretty book covers. 😊

As I was reading this and before any questions were answered, I started getting 50 shades vibes. Not the S&M but more of how Christian was towards Anastaia. Very stand offish, almost cold to hide any feelings whatsoever. I loved how these two characters, Julian and Tessa. I loved their personalities and their story. Their chemistry was hot. Again with the sex all the time. 😊 😊 😊

Overall a really good read.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian Batchelor, Marquess of Ormonde, is invested in his stables and horse racing. So when a popular gambling club is setting terrible odds on his prize stallion, he needs to have a word with the Oddsmaker. Tessa Calthorp, co-owner of her brother's gambling club and newly elevated Lady, is not at all what he expects. An unlikely wager emerges, and desire burns bright between the pair.

This is the third book in the All's Fair in Love and Racing series. While I recommend reading in order, I actually started this series with the third book and now I'm even more excited to go back and read the previous stories which feature Julian's best friend (book one) and Tessa's brother (book two).

Sofie Darling is an author that I've been meaning to read for a while now, and I'm only sorry I didn't start sooner. I loved her writing style and her characters were extremely relatable and easy to root for. Tessa is her own woman; she dresses and behaves the way she likes. She speaks her mind and she's a great pair with Julian who is considered a "golden boy" of the ton but has his own demons to face. The story was completely interesting, engaging, and sexy!

Tropes: Wager, Working Heroine

Steam: 5

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Nessa]

Lovely cover, but I failed to be engaged after 8 chapters in.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely book! Tessa and Julian both know that neither of them will marry, until their worlds intersect and the magic and magnetism of love happens to them. At first, it is just a scandalous wager, but the wager is just the beginning of their story. I really enjoyed this couple’s story, as well as catching up on a few friends from earlier in the series!

I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wager with a Siren, the third book in Sofie Darling's All's Fair in Love and Racing historical romance series, is a fantastic read, beautifully written and filled with tender moments and searing steamy goodness. It occurs in parallel with the events of Book 2, The Duchess Gamble, which is Gabriel and Celia's love story, so I would recommend reading that book first. Book 3 follows the romance of Gabriel's older sister, the former Tessa Siren, now Lady Tessa Calthorp, and Julian Batchelor, the handsome and affable Marquess of Ormonde - hailed by all as the Golden Boy of the Ton. The two form an almost immediate connection when Julian makes a Derby Day wager with Tessa: one night in his bed if his horse, Filthy Habit, wins the race. Tessa soon comes to realize that Julian is a different man behind the amiable facade of his aristocrat title, and Julian realizes that Tessa - an unconventional, intelligent, independent, attractive woman - may see him for who he truly is beneath the golden lord persona.

Theirs is a complicated love story, as both are complex characters, adeptly drawn with shadow and light, and Sofie Darling does an excellent job revealing their strengths and weaknesses as Tessa and Julian peel away each other's layers, down to their souls. In some ways, it reads like a Beauty and the Beast retelling - Julian is described as massive, a great hulk of a man who is protective of Tessa, but who is emotionally scarred and broken as a hero due to tragic events in his past. Tessa, very much a nurturer, helps Julian to see that he is indeed worthy of love and happiness despite the dark secrets of his past. Since this is one of my very favorite tropes, I happily followed them on their hard-won journey to love and contentment.

I thoroughly enjoyed Tessa and Julian's love story and could not put down the book until the last page was turned. I highly recommend it if you like a strong heroine who doesn't let the hero off the hook easily when it comes to embracing love and banishing loneliness.

My thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of Wager with a Siren. I am leaving my honest review of the book voluntarily, and all thoughts expressed herein are my own.

[Julie ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wager with a siren

This book is certainly more steamier than previous stories by this author and what a fabulous story it is with great characters .
Lady Tessa an independent owner of a gambling hell ,and lord ormarond (Julian )owner of thoroughbred stables begins with an uncomfortable introduction where he soon becomes intrigued and places a wild gambling bet and wins …..what he wins is one night of pleasure with the lady herself.
An this where it all begins a lovely story of past heartaches ,and misstrust with sizzling hot sexual and erotic scenes that are written so well loved it

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Oliver Heber Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked how unique the heroine was and being in the world of horse racing.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wager with a Siren is the third book in the All’s Fair In Love and Racing Series by Sofie Darling. What makes this series stand out is that the majority of the story revolves around horse racing and the track, as well as visiting with friends and family, balls, and other social events.

Julian Batchelor, Marquess of Ormonde, is liked by everyone, he is the ton’s golden boy. He breeds racehorses and is very unhappy when The Archangel, a local and popular gaming club is projecting terrible odds on his price stallion, he needs to talk to the Oddsmaker.

When her meets the Oddsmaker he is pleasantly surprised and equally intrigued to find that Tessa Calthorp, co-owner of her brother's gambling club is behind the bad odds being set on his horse. I adored their back and forth when discussing the reason for the odds Tessa set and loved that she didn’t back down, but neither of them was willing to compromise leading to Tessa making an enormous wager on the outcome of the race.

Julian has demons from his childhood and has vowed to never court a lady or have children. Until he meets Tessa and starts feeling things he has avoided for years. I loved Julian, he had a persona that he shared with society, but it was very superficial, he had secrets, and painful memories that he hides until Tessa broke through. But is he willing to let go of his secrets and fears to take a chance on happiness?

I adored Tessa because she wasn’t afraid to present herself in society, as she choose, to please herself, and didn’t care what people thought. She dresses for comfort and very unconventional but it uniquely is her style and fits her perfectly. She is a compelling character whose strength and determination shine as she attempts to solve the puzzle that is Julian.

This story was about so much more than romance, it was about acceptance, and facing fears and insecurities, to move forward from the past, and to once again, feel emotions instead of suppressing them. Such an unlikely pairing and romance between these two but the desire and passion was like a smoldering fire slowly burning between them. I also liked that they actually talked to each other, their connection to each other genuine. Tessa wasn’t afraid to push Julian to face his past to become the man she needs him to be.

Sofie Darling has given us another utterly delightful well written story. Tessa and Julian are wonderful characters with tons of depth and substance, their romance was captivating, passionate and heartfelt. I was drawn into their world and I didn't want the story to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

She presided over the well-known, somewhat sophisticated gaming hell known as the Archangel. He was the fifth Marquees of Ormonde and bred racehorses. She dressed as she chose in plain sensible clothing, more for comfort than style and had a mind as sharp as a razor. He was liked by everyone he met, young and old, titled or otherwise.
Her brother and the part owner of The Archangel, came up with the idea of ‘The Race of the Century’ for the prize of Ten thousand pounds, which was to be run at Epsom Downs with only five competitors; each horse being the winner of one of the major races of the season.
This Race is causing conflict, as betting is already being a carried out on the winners, with terrible odds on Lord Julian’s horse. He wants to know what is going on and so to The Archangel he goes, to try and get to the bottom of the issue.
Lady Tessa Calthorp nee Tessa Siren, sister of the recently elevated Seventh Duke of Aster, is in her element checking the tables, but is irritated by the horse racing. Ormonde introduces himself and they go to talk, immediately discovering neither one will move an inch on what they consider is right, which leads, inadvertently, to Tessa placing an astronomical wager on the outcome of the race. Winner take all!
Wager with a Siren is written for the modern audience of Regency Romance readers and Sofie Darling gets into the heart of the matter right from the beginning, with Julian and Tessa discovering they have an undeniable attraction; she an insatiable curiosity that needs to be sated, something in which he is happy to assist.
A threat has become all too real, when Tessa’s townhouse is ransacked by men sent by Blaze Jagger, an up and coming East End gangster, leaving Tessa bound and dumped in the cellar and Julian knocked out cold! The gloves are now off, as far as Julian is concerned, even though at this stage he has no idea what he wants or why he finds Tessa so irresistible. Jagger considers Tessa and her brother are poaching on his ‘turf’ and is not happy!
As they romp their way towards the day of The Race of the Century, they both discover that their past keeps getting in the way of what seems to be burgeoning love and if there is to be any sort of future, they both need find a way through their issues. Julian, stuck fast in his depression and misery of many years standing, eventually begins to realise life really is all about living.
Wager with a Siren is the perfect companion for a quiet day on the couch, a long glass of something delectable by your side.

[Visionary Druid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian Batchelor, Marquess of Ormonde, is the ton’s golden boy. His affable demeanor is but a façade to hide his true nature. When his racehorse receives poor odds, Julian confronts the oddsmaker at a certain gaming establishment. The oddsmaker turns out to be Lady Tessa. Julian finds himself making a brazen wager with the woman. Will Julian want more than just one night? Or will Tessa awaken more than what he bargained for?
Lady Tessa Calthorp is the eldest sister to a newly elevated duke. She also co-owns a popular gaming establishment that caters only to aristocrats. Tessa is accustomed to dealing with spoiled and pompous noblemen. However, Julian proves to be different. Tessa finds herself locked in a daring wager with him. Can Tessa change Julian’s flawed views on love? Or will he bring her heartache?
Julian tugged at my heart. I never could resist the wounded/tortured types. Julian is haunted by his family tragedy. However, he never shows his peers or the world that wounded, dark side. Instead, Julian presents a façade of an approachable and genial man. What I love the most about Julian is his acceptance of Tessa’s individuality. He likes that she does not behave or dress like other noblewomen.
Tessa is a woman after my own heart! She does not conform to what men and the public view as a woman’s place. Tessa does what she wants when she wants. She also dresses the way she wants without any concern on what others think. What I admire the most about Tessa is how she deals with noblemen. She does not tolerate their temper tantrums. Tessa does not hold back her opinions and thoughts.
WAGER WITH A SIREN is the third book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. This is my first foray into this author’s works.I remember eyeing ODDS ON THE RAKE (the first book) last year. However, at the time, my review queue was full. Now I wish I slid it in.
I found myself absorbed in the plot and characters. I made extra time (by not watching my Chinese dramas) just so I could read more. I did NOT want to put this book down. I cannot wait for future installments. Also, I plan to look for the previous two books, so I can read at my leisure.

[Marion Löw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this touching story! The author’s storytelling is engaging, humorous and almost therapeutic at times.
The characters are wonderful, their interactions and chemistry are enjoyable and very steamy. They are the perfect match. Tessa is a strong heroine, a brilliant businesswoman, intelligent and caring, who supports and encourages Julian to let go of his past and fears by challenging him and giving him a different perspective. Julian is too afraid to live freely and leave his comfort zone. He sticks to his rigid rules for himself and doesn't allow any real intimacy.
Their story is supported by a great cast of sympathetic secondary characters, most of whom are familiar from previous books.

The book can be read as standalone but I recommend to start at the beginning of the series.

Lord Julian Batchelor, Marquess of Ormonde is universally loved and known for his sunny disposition, but this is only a mask he wears on the outside. Inside, he feels dark and depraved, like his father before him. A long time ago he decided not to let anyone get close to him, not to marry and above all not to sire any offspring who might inherit his bad blood. He is disciplined and does not allow the slightest vice for fear of losing control. His only interest lies in his horses and his racing stable. His goal is to win the Race of the Century. But the bad betting odds at „The Archangel“ gambling den annoy him. When he goes to the club to get better odds, he meets Lady Tessa Calthorp (née Siren), the co-owner and sister of the new Duke of Acaster.

Tessa and her siblings grew up in poverty after the death of their parents. She and her brother founded „The Archangel“ gambling den for nobs and became successful. Unexpectedly, her brother inherits a dukedom and Tess continues to run the club on her own. She is fascinated by Julian and immediately realises that behind his sunny façade there are secrets that intrigue her. When Julian offers her a daring wager, she agrees: if his horse wins, she will spend a night with him…

If you like emotional and steamy historical romances with strong character development, you are sure to enjoy this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series; it is different than most regencies as it takes place in stables, horse tracks and some balls and social events too. Julian, the Marquess of Ormonde was the tons golden boy. With his height, strong build, long hair and striking blue eyes, women swooned before him where every he went. He has never lacked for female company. His life is just as he likes it structured, he has a routine he follows every day. Then he finds out that Archangel, a gaming hell, has set the betting odds on his horse for the Derby very low. When he goes to speak with the odds maker he is shocked to find it is a woman. Not just any woman but a Lady too. Lady Tessa Calthorp is part owner of the Archangel! She is tall for a woman and every with her unconventional dress, she wears a man styled shirt, cravat and waistcoat over her skirts very beautiful. Her brother just become the wealthy, seventh Duke of Acaster to both their surprise. Julian has finally met a woman who stands her ground with him, and he doesn’t like it. Tessa is a lover of tea, the one thing she lets herself indulges in. Knowing she should not she follows Julian into a jewelry shop after their meeting she is intrigued by him. Oh, my what this misstep will lead her too. After being caught Julian makes a wager with her on the up-and-coming horse race! Let the games begin, with the wager comes discovery on both sides and desire. As they learn more about each other, secrets, danger and a mystery of the past come to light. Of course, there is a villain out to case trouble for our couple. Both will have much to overcome and hard decisions to be made. Will their passion and feeling be strong enough for them to change their lives or will the past win. This is a fast-paced story with many ups and downs. Such a great read. The characters are wonderful, especially her sisters, Saskia and Viveca. I can’t wait for their stories. You don’t want to miss this series or this book. The books can be read standalone but much better read in order. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wager with a Siren is the third book in the All’s Fair in Love and Racing series. Each one has focused on a different horse race with the winner from each getting to compete in the Race of the Century. This one doesn’t focus on the specific horse race (Derby) and the days leading up to it but more on what happens after the race. The first two books’ central focus was more on the races and their outcomes-so it was a nice change of pace. Also, the timeline is concurrent with the second book but only occasionally do they intersect and neither affects the plot of either book.

This was such an enjoyable book and I loved the storyline, the characters and their development. Julian and Tessa were both introduced previously but their character arcs were developed in this book. A complex hero who has restricted himself in how he conducts his life (line ends with me) because of generational vices. And a strong heroine who eschews convention and resolves her problems by thinking of them like an equation.

I loved that the hero respected the heroine from the beginning and allowed her space to solve her problems. Even as he grew to care for her, he was protective without be overbearing. Even though he says “I’ll burn London to the ground” for her - it worked for me. Tessa walked the line of confident businesswoman and innocent with men and felt the author wrote her perfectly. They had great chemistry and loved the tension between them. It does have a twist (spoiler) towards the end that some don’t like but again it worked for me and I liked how it all played out.

Overall, this book was enjoyable from start to finish and I didn’t want to put it down.

There are five encounters that were all steamy with two scenes before 50% and some toys.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Spoiler: surprise baby

[Amberreads.alot · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wager with a Siren" is the third entry in Sofie Darling's All's Fair in Love and Racing series, and I think it is the best so far. You do not need to have read the previous books to understand/enjoy this one, though those books are also enjoyable. Tessa is my favorite kind of FMC, smart and independent. She is a recent addition to the ton with her brother unexpectedly becoming a duke. She refuses to give in to the strictures of the ton, dressing as she likes and refusing to let go of her ownership interest in a gambling hell. Julian, the MMC, plays the role of a charming aristocrat in public while expressing what he thinks of as debauched desires in private. Tessa sees beneath the charm, and Julian becomes something of a puzzle she very much wants to solve. Julian, meanwhile, knows he should steer clear of Tessa but just cannot seem to do so.

Tessa and Julian have fantastic chemistry and Darling's writing is lovely - touching and amusing as needed. There is the dreaded third-act break-up, but based not on miscommunication but on Julian's utter foolishness. Tessa is unwilling to compromise who she is for Julian and shows again and again that she is extremely capable. Her interactions with maybe villain Blaze Jagger show her determination (and help Julian realize his love for her) and I would frankly love to see Blaze end up with one of Tessa's hilariously irrepressible and inappropriate younger sisters. There is a decent amount of steam in this book, and I am not complaining about it.

5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imprisoned by Grief

Lovers of thoroughbreds explicitly binds the MC’s in the first of the two books in this series. Not so in this one. Their introduction is through betting on horses, in which Tessa Siren, now Lady Tessa Calthorp is the oddsmakers at the gaming hell, where she is half owner with her brother Gabriel, the Duke of Acaster. Julian Batchelor, the Marquess of Ormonde, is dissatisfied with the odds Tessa imposed on his “winner”. This novel focuses on how grief adversely affects the lives of those left behind…sometimes the damage is irreparable, especially in the case of Julian’s family. Read how the independent and keenly observant Tessa is drawn to Julian’s brokenness and how she manages to do what others have failed to do for him. And read how Julian needs to be brought to the brink of lost love again before he realizes that he’s in control of his own happiness. He just needs to get out of his own way. I relish this author’s writing style. It’s sophisticated and eloquent…a talent that only a few indie authors have.
One relationship that I particularly enjoyed reading about was Blaze Jagger and Tessa, as they shared impoverished childhoods. He has a surprising relationship to another of my favorite characters from “Odds on the Rake”, Lady Beatrix St. Vincent. She is the subject of the next in the series. Ugh 😩! We have to wait. I hope the author has a spinoff series dedicated to Artemis, Rakesley’s sister, and Tessa’s sisters, Saskia and Viveca. They cannot be overlooked.
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Marcy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Won The Bet ! She Taught Him To Love !
Wager With A Siren Book 3: Alls Fair In Love And Racing Sofie Darling Adds Another Saga To The Lords And Laddies Of The Racing Circuit ! It All Starts With A Wager On The Race ! The Marquess Is A Nobleman Everyone Likes ! The Lady Was A Commoner Till Her Brother Became The Duke ! She Dressed Strangely And Ran The Gaming Hell ! Something Happens When The Bet Is Lost ! Someone Has To Pay Up ! It Is Not Money ! It Is Not What You Would Think ! This Starts A Unique , Exciting , Relationship ! Feelings and Pasts To Be Dealt With !
Lady Tessa Calthorp was the Brother to The Duke Of Acaster . They had two youger Sisters Saskia and Viveca that they cared for. Their Parents died when they were children themselves . Being Commoners Learning to survive on their own ! Running a Gaming Hell . Then out of Know Where He Becomes The Duke .
Julian The Marquess of Ormonde had a Very Dark Past ! He hid those feelings . Everyone thought him Pleasant and Liked Him . Taking A Vow ! Never Court , Marry , or Cross That Line !
Tessa and Julian became acquainted when his Horse was in The Big Race ! She was involved with odds set for the race ! They make A Wager If He Would Win The Race ! Only It was More Than A Wager ! Let Your Imagination Go From There !
There is So Much To Love About This Story ! The Dynamics of Tessa and Julian ! How Their Relationship Starts, Escalades , and Handles The Obstacles ! The Warmth, Incite, Patience , and The Opening Of One’s Heart is Extremely Touching ! Loved Everything About This Story !

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A daring wager - one race and one night or twenty thousand pounds - between a gaming hell owner recently turned a Lady, and a marquess determined the family line ends with him.

Everybody loves him, or at least the impression of him. He believes himself no better than his debauched dead father, so he keeps a tight leash on his life and his emotions. He’s in control of everything, except… her!
She’s her own woman, runs her own house, raised her sisters and is not impressed by spoiled nobs, least of all him. But… this man has hidden depts, and there’s nothing she loves more than solving impossible equations…
Pearls, jade and feathers… and suddenly neither of them is ready for the night to be over. Not yet.

This series just gets better and better with each new book, and I’m an absolute sucker for a fixer-upper like Julian!
He and Tessa are evenly matched in character, wits and determination, but where she had to fight to survive, he allowed fear and grief to rule his destiny. Julian is completely stuck in his past and what that might make him, so he puts on a charming smile and hides his true self behind a suave veneer. Honestly, he needs a swift kick in the butt, and Tessa is the right woman to deliver.

It's the third book in this series, and it helps if you’ve read the previous ones, but this story certainly holds its own. The style, the pace, the out-of-the-box MCs and the endless supply of curveballs make it absolutely impossible to put this one down! It’s sizzling steamy delight and simply exquisite!

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the All's Fair in Love and Racing series. Although it's great to catch up on characters from the previous books, you can read this as a standalone book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The main characters, Tessa and Julian, had every reason not to want to fall in love and watching them fight their devils kept me captivated from the first. The premise of a bet between the couple where Julian would win a night with Tessa in his bed if he won and the fact that Tessa accepted the bet, shows that if nothing else there was lust between them. The author brought in a little erotic play between the couple too. It was done gently and tastefully, and the worry I had about it was unfounded.

Along with their budding romance, there was the usual horse racing featuring in the story. Included in that side of the story was the worry about a disgruntled bookie who wasn't happy about being cut out of running a book for the upcoming horse race of the century. He brought danger to the story and I had no idea how Tessa would resolve the issue.

I certainly won't give any spoilers but suffice to say the whole story and how problems were resolved was exciting and believable! I have had the pleasure of reading all 3 books in this series and have loved them all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julian and Tessa aka Marquess of Ormonde and Lady Tessa Calthorp sister of Gabriel Duke of Acaster! Co-owner of the Archangel Gaming hell! Tessa wore masculine waist coat and cravat and a skirt to hide her figure and her charms! She is also Gabriel older sister who clawed their way from the gutter definitely a force to be reckoned with!
I love the chemistry between these two who have had their share of pain! They both were a mask Julian’s is a mask of perfection and amiability and Tessa is sharp with cut angles so no one gets too close! Both are heavily guarded until Tessa sees something she shouldn’t and it exposes Julian in a way she doesn’t understand!
Julian looks past the obvious and sees the nurturer Tessa hides from the world in her treatment of her sisters!
She is sensitive thought provoking beautiful and brave all those things are necessary to peel the layers back from a man lonely and in pain!
But what if Julian is so used to the pain that it is more familiar and comfortable? Julian wants to cling to the past and embrace the pain of loss!
Tessa wants to challenge him to be the man she knows he is! Danger so also comes for Tessa from a street thug born on the wrong side of the blanket!
Julian has to protect Tessa and his heart it’s too much! Or is it just enough to shake him to embrace a future with the only woman he can ever love? Bravo well done!!

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

James' rating: 5 out of 5 endlessly beguiling stars! ✨

It was refreshing to start our journey from Julian's POV and we get an accounting of his life which built up the intrigue and we slowly transitioned to Tessa's POV (yes it's a dual POV) which I loved! We start off with a semi heated banter which effortlessly portrayed the chemistry our main characters had.

Julian, on the surface, was your classic golden retriever hero...but appearances can be deceptive. He had deeper darker side and that influenced his personality a lot. Julian was a tortured hero was intense with sharp and an astute mind. Tessa was savvy, caring and had quite the unique and passionate personality.

I loved how their relationship developed and I was in for an emotional ride which was intense. Tessa and Gabriel had an interesting dynamic with their siblings. Their interactions were full of love, respect and support. We also had our fair share of angst as well a teensy bit of mystery. I would love to read about Blaze, Viveca and Saskia and their journey to a HEA.

The spice was blazing hot and I loved it. I loved Tessa's strength and tenacity. She had immense courage and went after what she wanted. I loved the ending and we got a sweet epilogue into the future which tied up everything together.

Definitely a book you shouldn't miss!

Happy Reading!

[JenReviews4U · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden boy Julian meets gambling hell co-owner Tessa. Tessa is a smart woman who knows what she wants but while tending to her brother's affairs meets Julian who throws her off her game. She intrigues him so he makes a wager with her that has them both sharing and keeping secrets.

This book takes you on such a thrill ride. This story has many layers and secrets to reveal while building this epic romance for both characters. After the wager is made the story really takes off and is about so much more than just horse racing. Tessa is such a strong, no-nonsense woman who doesn't take any crap from anyone. But she does have a softer side that Julian eventually brings out from her. It is a slow-burn romance but the pace of the story will have you turning pages fast to see the outcome. They do talk a lot in the dialogue but it is all part of the charm of the story as they both push each other to let go of past demons, feel emotions, and face fears. A good amount of steam that fits well, expertly written by a great author, a villain that pushes our hero to be the hero, can be read as a stand-alone but having read book 2 does help for names of mentioned characters.
Highly recommended
received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Julian Batchelor, Fifth Marquess of Ormonde, is an affiable friendly, smiling sort who everyone likes. He has hard rules for himself, no indulgence of drink, women or gambling. He has a horse racing farm that he takes pride in with a stock of first rate horse flesh at his estate in Suffolk— Nonsuch Castle.

Gabriel Siren the lost Seventh Duke of Acaster, along with his older sister Lady Tessa Calthorp-Siren Owen a gaming he'll called The Archangel. Gabriel has added the betting for The Race of the Century. Now Tessa has to contend with that add responsibility.

Gabriel is dealing with the Dukedom, Tease handles the running of the gaming hell. Her mannerisms are felmale, her dress is more masculine. She likes it that way and knows it is somewhat of a shield for her. Their sisters, Saskia , and Viveca are unique in that they have been sheltered by Gabriel and Tessa. Tessa is analytical and loves to solve puzzles.

Join in the dance of wills, A bet gone awry, and meeting your match. In this fun, witty, and a battle of desires that will keep you on your toes. Add in an up and coming betting black leg, as they were called, who wants a piece of the pie.

Can everyone get what they want or does it all go wrong, find out!!!

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent

Julian is a good looking, well liked charmer with dark secrets. He only gives pleasure and he's excellent at it but he has so many fears and also knows he's got bad blood and he's addament he will never get married, have children or get married. He's very much into horse racing and has a knack of raising winners. But a very respectable gaming establishment sees it otherwise and he's angry 😡 because he knows the odds should be better for his own horse. So he goes there and is going to straighten out the Duke who owns it but has a surprise waiting for him. Tessa is the majority owner and she is not someone too be underestimated. Julian is shocked by seeing Tessa! She's beautiful but is wearing particular clothes and her hair is in a severe bun? But Julien isn't going to let this matter, so she commences to tell him why his horse 🐎 isn't going to win. Julian is not going down without a fight so he tosses out a wager that gets up too 20,000 pounds! Tessa knows her business and isn't sure, but then Julian ups the ante a says if he wins she'll pay up and he also gets one night of her in his bed! Believe it or not Tessa agrees! This is the starting of a whirlwind up and down relationship! Excellent read

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the part of the All's Fair in Love and Racing series and was quite an entertaining read. The story is unique, filled with suspense, intrigue, drama, and of course romance. Julian is well-liked by all, but he has some dark secrets he keeps well hidden. He breeds racehorses and when he finds out a local gaming club is betting against his prize horse he is not happy about it. When he goes to the gaming looking for the person responsible for the bet, he is surprised to say the least but also intrigued. Tessa is no ordinary Lady of the ton. She is the co-owner of her brother's gaming club and while Julian is not too happy with her at first, he is also captivated by her and ends up making an interesting wager with her. Their back and forth banter kept me reading and I enjoyed the witty dialogue. Tessa was a wonderful character, marching to the beat of her own drum and not afraid to speak her mind.
The book was well-written and kept my interest from start to finish. I enjoyed seeing Julian and Tessa together, they made quite a compelling couple. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Carolina CHC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally love Sofie Darling’s books but the Wager with a Siren is the perfect well balanced regency book. Full of historical moments, great love story, funny scenes, great secondary characters, steamy and sensual charged moments. Just perfect! In my humble opinion.

This time is Tessa and Julian’s story. Tessa is this independent woman who experienced from a very young age the value of hard work and family bonds. She is now the co-owner of the most exclusive gaming hell in London along with her brother, Gabriel, the new Duke of Acaster. Since the new responsibilities of her brother, she now has to deal with the job by herself and confront the consequences of her business decisions.

Julian is the Marquess of Ormonde, a man intensely affected by family tragedies and the lasting effect of hereditary bad blood for him and the next generations.

Tessa and Julian will have to be willing to be strong and work on themselves and each other in order to be able to have a future together and be happy at the same time.

It was a delightful reading with a great epilogue at the end.

I just reviewed Wager with a Siren by Sofie Darling. #WagerwithaSiren #NetGalley

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the series and yet completely stood on its own. Though it's my first read of the series, the characters from the first two were worked well into this and their story was not spoiled for me. In fact, I am anxious to turn to those next. This story has some very hot and spicy bits, so if that is an issue be aware. I found them to be so well written and the rest of the story development to be fascinating. Tessa and Julian are complex and very interesting characters. There was true joy for me in following them, their thoughts and the building of their relationship. Tessa is an analytical thinker, caring, and independent woman who shakes the faulty foundation of Julian's world. I kept hearing RuPaul's quote, "If you can't love yourself, how the H are you gonna love somebody else" as Julian's story evolved. The secondary characters, especially Tessa's sisters, captured my interest and I sincerely hope their stories are coming soon. I was captured by the author's prose, and insight into the complexity and difficulties of being human. I had a tough time putting it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the last book in the series, I was dying to know what the no-nonsense Lady Tessa & the charming golden-haired Lord Ormonde were up to. Luckily, I was able to dive into an advance copy of Wager With A Siren to find out.
These two have instant chemistry, & are both as stubborn as they come. Neither wants to back down when they disagree on his racehorse’s odds, & they end up placing a secret off track wager of a very personal nature. It’s so fun getting to know Tessa & Julian as they navigate their relationship & find love. Plenty of banter, & steamy scenes. Just enough angst, grief, & family secrets to keep things interesting. There’s even a gambling turf war to prevent.
Tessa’s younger sisters are likable & unique, & I hope they will get more time in future stories. As a matter of fact, there are many interesting characters who seem to hold potential to get their own stories told. I’m definitely enjoying the world the author is building. I like that the books in the series overlap each other a bit, & we get to look @ some events from a different perspective. The epilogue is perfect. Horse-mad indeed.

[Andreea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I wish I liked this book more because there is a nice balance of plot to spice to fun in this book and the heroine is amazing - she is a bit unconventional, very independent and she knows what she wants. But for some reason I could not really get into this book because I did not care much for the hero... I was more into the bad boy Blaze (please tell me there is a book with him) than our big people pleasing marquess with the sad past.

There were too many paragraphs about horses and horse racing that were not really doing anything for the plot and there was a bit of repetition in the writing that annoyed me a bit, but other than that Darling's writing is really good and engaging. I also loved how there are a lot of steamy scenes, but they are very emotional, while I don't mind an explicit scene, the way Darling wrote these scenes made a lot more sense for our characters.

I am definitely looking forward to reading more books from Sofie Darling.

[Martha B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their wager had two winners

Julian has vowed to never, ever court a lady, marry a lady or have children.
Julian never met Tessa.
Tessa is a self-made lady who likes to unravel troublesome equations like Julian.

'Delightful from start to finish.' is what best sums up Wager with a Siren.

Sofie Darling has penned an absorbing character-driven tale that touches all of the facets of a wonderful read; perfectly match H/h, interesting supporting characters, a plot with the right amount of drama and angst, a slight bit of danger, some perfectly timed humor and (last but not least) a terrific ending and epilogue.

All in all this is an entertaining read for mature romance readers. (see my reasons in the Content 411 below)

Content 411: This book does not contain any swearing, but it does feature several explicit (though well written) sexually intimate scenes, as well as terms that pertain to sexual activities and devices.

Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Julian Batchelor, the Marquess of Ormonde is loved by everyone but Julian harbors dark secrets. He holds himself separate from all feelings until he meets Lady Tessa Calthorp who is everything unexpected in an aristocratic woman. Tessa is co-owner of a gaming hell and her recent entry into the ton, means that she sees Julian as simply another rich lord handed everything in life. However, Julian surprises Tessa when he makes a water with her. Spend one night together if she loses the bet.
An intense romance between two headstrong characters. Whilst there is plenty of spice, what keeps them apart is Julian’s history. Whilst I loved both characters, Julian did frustrate me particularly when all common sense seemed to be lost. Thank goodness that Tessa was a patient woman and knew what she needed to do. I did enjoy the last two chapters of this book and look forward to more books in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.