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Marriage by Deceit #1
The Earl's Secret Bargain
Lord Davenport and Lord Pennella have just made a bet for the hand of Miss Regina Giles. The gentleman she chooses wins the loser’s estate. It’s the most daring wager at White’s, and quite possibly the most foolish. Toby York, the Earl of Davenport, knew it was a mistake to make the wager when Lord Pennella stormed into White’s bragging that he could get any lady he wished. Toby really should have kept his mouth shut. But he didn’t. And now there are only three things he can do to protect Miss Giles. One, he must get her to choose him instead of Pennella. Two, he must make sure she never finds out about the wager. And three, he must quietly break off the engagement so that she is free to marry a gentleman worthy of her. As long as he doesn’t fall in love with her, there should be no problems. Too bad things never work out the way they’re planned.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2014
547 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
172 books715 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 9, 2016
++Spoilers+++ Apologizing in advance for sloppy review (I'm sneaking it at work!)
3.5 stars
This is hard for me to review because I am a fan of this author and am familiar with her writing style having read almost all of her historical westerns and a few of her contemporary works.
I pride myself on always giving an honest review, and I plan to continue that, but I think it's necessary to announce my familiarity with this authors books so you can determine for yourself if my review seems slanted. I am not related to this author nor a personal friend. I am a fan only.
I believe this is the authors first Regency novel and as such I think she did pretty well considering.
I have read many books by authors who are well noted in this genre (Hoyt, Klepas etc.) and I will not compare her to them, since this is not Nordin's usual arena.
I will admit that the beginning starts off a little far fetched, but I stayed with it, and I was glad I did because I found myself falling into the story.
I loved the hero and the heroine. The pace was steady and I did not skim. There was some decent conflict although a bit too easliy resolved.
Nordin's style of writing is very unique in a fresh and wholesome way and I am glad to see she has stayed true to her signature style.
If you're looking for high conflict and a rollercoaster ride of emotions, this is not the book for you. If you're looking for alpha bad boy rakes .. this is also not for you
BUT!
If you love sweet and honorable beta heros... (Which I do) You must read this!!!
Be warned.. the loving scenes don't come until about 85%.. but fear not! she makes up for it by giving us quite a few in a row thereafter! Yeay.
So I lowered some stars because it really needed stronger conflict, the romance needed more build up, and I think a little more details of the clothing, furniture, and lanscape etc.. would have added to the the feel of the time.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin
Heroine-Virgin
Cheating-No
OM/OM-No
Violence, Abuse, Rape- No
HEA/ILY-Yes
Adultery-No
Cursing-No
Marriage/Baby-Yes
3.5 stars
This is hard for me to review because I am a fan of this author and am familiar with her writing style having read almost all of her historical westerns and a few of her contemporary works.
I pride myself on always giving an honest review, and I plan to continue that, but I think it's necessary to announce my familiarity with this authors books so you can determine for yourself if my review seems slanted. I am not related to this author nor a personal friend. I am a fan only.
I believe this is the authors first Regency novel and as such I think she did pretty well considering.
I have read many books by authors who are well noted in this genre (Hoyt, Klepas etc.) and I will not compare her to them, since this is not Nordin's usual arena.
I will admit that the beginning starts off a little far fetched, but I stayed with it, and I was glad I did because I found myself falling into the story.
I loved the hero and the heroine. The pace was steady and I did not skim. There was some decent conflict although a bit too easliy resolved.
Nordin's style of writing is very unique in a fresh and wholesome way and I am glad to see she has stayed true to her signature style.
If you're looking for high conflict and a rollercoaster ride of emotions, this is not the book for you. If you're looking for alpha bad boy rakes .. this is also not for you
BUT!
If you love sweet and honorable beta heros... (Which I do) You must read this!!!
Be warned.. the loving scenes don't come until about 85%.. but fear not! she makes up for it by giving us quite a few in a row thereafter! Yeay.
So I lowered some stars because it really needed stronger conflict, the romance needed more build up, and I think a little more details of the clothing, furniture, and lanscape etc.. would have added to the the feel of the time.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin
Heroine-Virgin
Cheating-No
OM/OM-No
Violence, Abuse, Rape- No
HEA/ILY-Yes
Adultery-No
Cursing-No
Marriage/Baby-Yes
September 21, 2017
The grovelling was throughout the course of marriage.
He was just smitten.
Even the wager was on because he was smitten and wanted to save her from the other douchebag!
Hero was extremely honest from the moment he had to come clean.
When his friend told him not to be too honest, he just plain told him he's either honest or he's not. Given the heroine has married him and not dumped him on the alter, he will be completely honest with her, and he hasn't deterred from it.
Heroine was not just strong, she was also extremely smart. She figured out straight away that the OM was trying to create a rift between her and her husband when a questionable woman knocked and claimed she was there for her husband and confronted him head on. But not by herself, she brought reinforcement! she brought the innkeeper with her, so that no harm will come her way. See? Smart woman!
He was just smitten.
Even the wager was on because he was smitten and wanted to save her from the other douchebag!
Hero was extremely honest from the moment he had to come clean.
When his friend told him not to be too honest, he just plain told him he's either honest or he's not. Given the heroine has married him and not dumped him on the alter, he will be completely honest with her, and he hasn't deterred from it.
Heroine was not just strong, she was also extremely smart. She figured out straight away that the OM was trying to create a rift between her and her husband when a questionable woman knocked and claimed she was there for her husband and confronted him head on. But not by herself, she brought reinforcement! she brought the innkeeper with her, so that no harm will come her way. See? Smart woman!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2025
Rating: 2.8 / 5
Definitely not the best Ruth Ann Nordin book out there; and in no ways the strongest.
Taking place in Regency England and bringing back some characters that we've already been introduced to, this romance centres around Toby, Lord Davenport, who's fed up with the pompous Lord Penella basically bragging to all and sundry about...well, himself. Penella takes offense to not being able to bait Toby properly though, and proposes a wager: that he can get any woman of Toby's choosing to accept his marriage proposal. The stakes: the estate of the other.
Since Toby's as poor as a church mouse anyway and he figures his estate isn't worth nil, he agrees to Penella's bet with the condition that he himself pick out the woman. The unlikely/unlucky candidate: Regina Giles, a young woman out for her first season who's got tons of wealth but no title, and whose mother is pushing her towards...well, basically making an exhibition of herself.
______________
So...there were a few things I didn't like about this one, but I think the main thing is that I felt that the plot was written backwards in terms of how it should've gone. Regina and Toby fall in love way too quickly for my liking, and it literally feels like on one page they're not in love, but literally on the next one they suddenly are, and for Toby the bet's no longer important, just as for Regina, it suddenly becomes acceptable to even consider a scandal so as to force a marriage.
It just...doesn't give us enough time with these characters to really buy into their romance, y'know?
What makes it even worse is that the meddlesome Penella sticks around for longer after that to make a nuisance of himself, at which point it didn't feel necessary to have him as a point of conflict, as Toby and Regina have already had a falling out once she discovers the bet. It's just...unnecessary to have him there, and Regina and Toby's relationship makes even less sense to me at that point. So...on the one hand, Regina still feels herself to be in love with Toby; but, on the other hand, she doesn't feel that she can trust him, and basically he has to work his way up to winning her trust, which feels in itself like it should've been the buildup to their marriage, but instead happens in the second half of the book after they've already been married.
See what I mean by saying that it feels backwards?
Ahem, but anyway, all in all, it definitely isn't the best book by a long shot by this author, and so I don't recommend it to anyone who's trying her out for the first time, as it really isn't this author's best work. Instead, go for one of the Nebraska historicals or, my favourite series, the Chance at Love series by this author. Or, if insisting upon regency, check out some of her other works instead--i.e. the one centering around Lord Eton, who's mentioned repeatedly in this book as already being married and whatnot--now THERE'S an entertaining romance!
(P.S. Just as a writing note, this story could've used more edits and look-throughs, as there are quite a few instances in which modern-day speech makes its way into the text, and that takes you out of the story considering that this is...well, Regency England.
Definitely not the best Ruth Ann Nordin book out there; and in no ways the strongest.
Taking place in Regency England and bringing back some characters that we've already been introduced to, this romance centres around Toby, Lord Davenport, who's fed up with the pompous Lord Penella basically bragging to all and sundry about...well, himself. Penella takes offense to not being able to bait Toby properly though, and proposes a wager: that he can get any woman of Toby's choosing to accept his marriage proposal. The stakes: the estate of the other.
Since Toby's as poor as a church mouse anyway and he figures his estate isn't worth nil, he agrees to Penella's bet with the condition that he himself pick out the woman. The unlikely/unlucky candidate: Regina Giles, a young woman out for her first season who's got tons of wealth but no title, and whose mother is pushing her towards...well, basically making an exhibition of herself.
______________
So...there were a few things I didn't like about this one, but I think the main thing is that I felt that the plot was written backwards in terms of how it should've gone. Regina and Toby fall in love way too quickly for my liking, and it literally feels like on one page they're not in love, but literally on the next one they suddenly are, and for Toby the bet's no longer important, just as for Regina, it suddenly becomes acceptable to even consider a scandal so as to force a marriage.
It just...doesn't give us enough time with these characters to really buy into their romance, y'know?
What makes it even worse is that the meddlesome Penella sticks around for longer after that to make a nuisance of himself, at which point it didn't feel necessary to have him as a point of conflict, as Toby and Regina have already had a falling out once she discovers the bet. It's just...unnecessary to have him there, and Regina and Toby's relationship makes even less sense to me at that point. So...on the one hand, Regina still feels herself to be in love with Toby; but, on the other hand, she doesn't feel that she can trust him, and basically he has to work his way up to winning her trust, which feels in itself like it should've been the buildup to their marriage, but instead happens in the second half of the book after they've already been married.
See what I mean by saying that it feels backwards?
Ahem, but anyway, all in all, it definitely isn't the best book by a long shot by this author, and so I don't recommend it to anyone who's trying her out for the first time, as it really isn't this author's best work. Instead, go for one of the Nebraska historicals or, my favourite series, the Chance at Love series by this author. Or, if insisting upon regency, check out some of her other works instead--i.e. the one centering around Lord Eton, who's mentioned repeatedly in this book as already being married and whatnot--now THERE'S an entertaining romance!
(P.S. Just as a writing note, this story could've used more edits and look-throughs, as there are quite a few instances in which modern-day speech makes its way into the text, and that takes you out of the story considering that this is...well, Regency England.
December 20, 2016
Ms. Giles is the shining jewel.
I love me a feisty, blunt heroine in a Regency novel, and for the most part the attractive- but by no means stunning- Ms. Giles did not disappoint. Unfortunately, with the exception of her father, the surrounding characters were banal or typical for the genre. Toby, Earl of Davenport, was understated and kind, and a little too beta for what the story needed. Even his name held my expectations low. No surprises at all in the plotting.
I love me a feisty, blunt heroine in a Regency novel, and for the most part the attractive- but by no means stunning- Ms. Giles did not disappoint. Unfortunately, with the exception of her father, the surrounding characters were banal or typical for the genre. Toby, Earl of Davenport, was understated and kind, and a little too beta for what the story needed. Even his name held my expectations low. No surprises at all in the plotting.
July 12, 2024
This had good potential, but the reveal was a little anticlimactic. We never even found out who blabbed about the wager to the paper. I also wish that the heroine's confrontation with Penella had more closure. She was great with what she said, but the way he rode away with his tail between his legs and not saying anything was very unlike him. There wasn't any closure between Penella and the Hero, either, and the Hero never found out about Penella following them or about the heroine confronting him.
Overall, entertaining but unsatisfying. I may or may not read this again.
Overall, entertaining but unsatisfying. I may or may not read this again.
March 11, 2021
This wasn't a bad story at all, it just felt very... weak. I did not completely finish the story, but what I did read was enough to satisfy me that I just wan't going to connect with either characters.
The hero was definitely not a strong alpha, he was a super nice guy but came across as having no backbone at all (as seen in the first chapter and getting bullied into a ridiculous wager). I guess I connect more with heroes that are a bit more vocal and in-charge. And he suffered from a dose of super quick-love. It wasn't instant, but it sure happened rather quickly.
The heroine was ok. Not bitchy, yet not a sweetheart. She was described as cynical and I would agree with that.
Besides that, knowing that the heroine would eventually find out about the wager and seeing how the two main characters personalities are, I didn't look forward to how that would play out.
The hero was definitely not a strong alpha, he was a super nice guy but came across as having no backbone at all (as seen in the first chapter and getting bullied into a ridiculous wager). I guess I connect more with heroes that are a bit more vocal and in-charge. And he suffered from a dose of super quick-love. It wasn't instant, but it sure happened rather quickly.
The heroine was ok. Not bitchy, yet not a sweetheart. She was described as cynical and I would agree with that.
Besides that, knowing that the heroine would eventually find out about the wager and seeing how the two main characters personalities are, I didn't look forward to how that would play out.
November 15, 2015
Cheesy and juvenile
The story was okay but could have gone into much more detail. I felt like I was reading a book written by a pre-teen.
The story was okay but could have gone into much more detail. I felt like I was reading a book written by a pre-teen.
March 17, 2021
I typically like Ruth Ann Nordin's books but this one fell a bit short for me. I agree with another reviewer, this story wasn't bad at all but it was very weak. I did finish but it just did not keep me itching to know the outcome. No strong hero but was way too nice. The heroine was just average for me. The trope was also weak...i.e., everone is afraid of one of their peers and the hero gets bullied by him into making a wager to win over a woman or lose their estates. I thought this was cliche and not much to keep me interest although I did finish the story. 2.5 Stars (rounded 3 Stars).
Reading this series by Ms. Nordin and hope the second in this series is a bit better.
Reading this series by Ms. Nordin and hope the second in this series is a bit better.
Want to read
December 7, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (12/7/2020)! 🎁
September 6, 2015
This book fell solidly in the middle of the road for me. There were some good points, and there were some not-so-good points. To begin with, I enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. I felt that the opening of the story (where Pennella and Davenport originally make the wager) was a true statement to the life of the ton at that time. They have always been presented as a society who felt they were not only better than everyone else, but were also entitled to certain things that others were not, and the fact that these two lord were willing to wager their estates over the hand of a woman who was being used as nothing more than a pawn was a prime example of that.
The story started off strong, the chemistry between Lord Davenport and Miss Giles was evident, and even Lord Pannella was interesting in the beginning (I felt he was the polar opposite of Lord Danveport in that he was the complete epitome of a ton member where Lord Davenport was more sincere).
Unfortunately, near the middle of the story, things began to slowly unravel. I felt that the story became repetitive, and in some areas, downright boring. I think what sealed the deal for me lowering the star rating started when Lord Panella seemingly scampered off with his tail between his legs after being confronted by Miss Giles, and ended when Lord Danveport because jealous and cold towards Miss Giles when she tried to form a friendship with his best friend Orlando.
After the way Lord Panella's character was set up throughout the entire story, his sudden departure seemed completely out of character for him. In fact I spent the rest of the story wondering when he was going to reappear with his next "evil scheme". And as far as Lord Davenport is concerned, after all he had been through with Miss Giles, his behavior seemed overly juvenile.
Lastly, word of caution to those of you who only read "clean" romances, there are instances of "after-marriage" sexual relations.
The story started off strong, the chemistry between Lord Davenport and Miss Giles was evident, and even Lord Pannella was interesting in the beginning (I felt he was the polar opposite of Lord Danveport in that he was the complete epitome of a ton member where Lord Davenport was more sincere).
Unfortunately, near the middle of the story, things began to slowly unravel. I felt that the story became repetitive, and in some areas, downright boring. I think what sealed the deal for me lowering the star rating started when Lord Panella seemingly scampered off with his tail between his legs after being confronted by Miss Giles, and ended when Lord Danveport because jealous and cold towards Miss Giles when she tried to form a friendship with his best friend Orlando.
After the way Lord Panella's character was set up throughout the entire story, his sudden departure seemed completely out of character for him. In fact I spent the rest of the story wondering when he was going to reappear with his next "evil scheme". And as far as Lord Davenport is concerned, after all he had been through with Miss Giles, his behavior seemed overly juvenile.
Lastly, word of caution to those of you who only read "clean" romances, there are instances of "after-marriage" sexual relations.
August 14, 2021
This was another example of the classic RAN formula. She's my go-to read for when I need something easy to enjoy that features likable characters. There have been a couple of misses, especially the ones where the heroines are total shrews, but for the most part her leads are lovely people. This book also had some very cute banter between the characters. I enjoyed it and will be back for more.
Safety
Safety
January 16, 2016
The Earl’s Secret Bargain by Ruth Ann Nordin
Marriage by Deceit Series Book One
Toby York, Earl of Davenport is sick and tired of the braggart Lord Pennella and gets caught up in a wager with him at White’s. Who can win the heart of the woman Toby’s chooses, Pennella or him? Who knew such a foolish wager can lead him to the best thing in his life? Or that the same wager can cause him to lose so much?
Miss Regina Giles is being pushed into marriage by her well-meaning mother. They had wealth without a title and thanks to Lady Seyton’s lessons, she could supposedly catch a titled man’s eye and get a proposal within the month. This being her mother’s wishes not her own. Yet when two men both start vying for her attentions, she finds having the title that comes along with Lord Davenport wouldn’t be such a bad thing. A good honest, humble man...or not.
Secrets always seem to come to light and expose the truth, they usually never choose a good time to do so. Toby is determined to regain Regina’s trust and prove that he is the man she thought he was, only trust lost is very difficult to recover. Several characters from previous books have cameos in this story, Lord Edon, Clement and Roderick and of course Mister Robinson whose book this story begins in. Looking forward to book two when Lady Seyton is asked to help a duke find a wife.
**Sexual content within marriage
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Marriage by Deceit Series Book One
Toby York, Earl of Davenport is sick and tired of the braggart Lord Pennella and gets caught up in a wager with him at White’s. Who can win the heart of the woman Toby’s chooses, Pennella or him? Who knew such a foolish wager can lead him to the best thing in his life? Or that the same wager can cause him to lose so much?
Miss Regina Giles is being pushed into marriage by her well-meaning mother. They had wealth without a title and thanks to Lady Seyton’s lessons, she could supposedly catch a titled man’s eye and get a proposal within the month. This being her mother’s wishes not her own. Yet when two men both start vying for her attentions, she finds having the title that comes along with Lord Davenport wouldn’t be such a bad thing. A good honest, humble man...or not.
Secrets always seem to come to light and expose the truth, they usually never choose a good time to do so. Toby is determined to regain Regina’s trust and prove that he is the man she thought he was, only trust lost is very difficult to recover. Several characters from previous books have cameos in this story, Lord Edon, Clement and Roderick and of course Mister Robinson whose book this story begins in. Looking forward to book two when Lady Seyton is asked to help a duke find a wife.
**Sexual content within marriage
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
July 25, 2014
Another winner from Ruth Ann Nordin
Although this is the first book in a new series (Marriage by Deceit), we get a behind-the-scenes look at the wager that Mr. Robinson spoke about in his story, which is the last book in the Marriage by Scandal series. This is a delightful story that brings that horrid wager to a happy resolution. We also see much more of Lord Pennella, who proves to be even worse than we realized. I'd love to see his story, find out what happened to make him behave the way he does, and how hard he has to work to woo the woman of his dreams once he finds her.
Although this is the first book in a new series (Marriage by Deceit), we get a behind-the-scenes look at the wager that Mr. Robinson spoke about in his story, which is the last book in the Marriage by Scandal series. This is a delightful story that brings that horrid wager to a happy resolution. We also see much more of Lord Pennella, who proves to be even worse than we realized. I'd love to see his story, find out what happened to make him behave the way he does, and how hard he has to work to woo the woman of his dreams once he finds her.
September 27, 2015
Loved it
The story starts when a a very arrogant man named Pennella begins bragging about how he can get any lady he wants, during a card game. Toby agrees with him only to stop him from bragging, but it backfires on him and soon he finds himself taking a wager and risking his estate. Pennella challenges him to a wager. The price their estates, the wager for them to compete in getting a lady's hand in marriage. But Toby has one up on him as he is the one who will chose the lady they will fight for.
I love historical romance and this author did a fantastic job of engaging me into the story and keeping me interested till the end.
The story starts when a a very arrogant man named Pennella begins bragging about how he can get any lady he wants, during a card game. Toby agrees with him only to stop him from bragging, but it backfires on him and soon he finds himself taking a wager and risking his estate. Pennella challenges him to a wager. The price their estates, the wager for them to compete in getting a lady's hand in marriage. But Toby has one up on him as he is the one who will chose the lady they will fight for.
I love historical romance and this author did a fantastic job of engaging me into the story and keeping me interested till the end.
September 1, 2019
2,5
A quick read with a straightforward juvenile-like plot and characters. Sweet and light book with unrealistic dialogues and reactions for the formal situations our characters were in during that time period.
A quick read with a straightforward juvenile-like plot and characters. Sweet and light book with unrealistic dialogues and reactions for the formal situations our characters were in during that time period.
November 27, 2023
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was definitely insta-love, so if you’re looking for a slow burn, well developed romance, this will not be for you. That being said, I mostly really enjoyed reading this.
Regina (h) meets Toby (H) when Toby is cornered into making a wager over who can win the hand of a lady first. The lady he picks, of course, is Regina. They fall very fast for each other and Toby, fearing her reaction, keeps the wager a secret. As the plot ensues, we come to see that the two of them are very well suited to each other, and to me their love came across genuine.
However, I did find Regina to be quite unfeeling at times, particularly after revelations about the wager are made. Whilst I couldn’t fault her for wanting to protect herself, I think perhaps Toby was just more endearing to me as a character, and her coldness towards him didn’t sit right for this reason.
So I’m no expert, but to be honest, there didn’t seem to be much consideration for historical accuracy in this book. There are a number of examples where social etiquette at the time is paid no attention. For example, the lack of introductions made before the two main characters dance and talk for the first time. Despite this, I personally still enjoyed the read. If you can get past these factors, I think the romance is worth it.
Toby was a lovely hero, and he always had such good intentions. He truly made the story for me. I will definitely be reading more of this authors work if her other heroes are as delightful as Toby was.
Safety:
Super safe, both virgins.
No ow drama.
Sort of om drama from the other man taking part in the wager, but h is never interested in him.
This was definitely insta-love, so if you’re looking for a slow burn, well developed romance, this will not be for you. That being said, I mostly really enjoyed reading this.
Regina (h) meets Toby (H) when Toby is cornered into making a wager over who can win the hand of a lady first. The lady he picks, of course, is Regina. They fall very fast for each other and Toby, fearing her reaction, keeps the wager a secret. As the plot ensues, we come to see that the two of them are very well suited to each other, and to me their love came across genuine.
However, I did find Regina to be quite unfeeling at times, particularly after revelations about the wager are made. Whilst I couldn’t fault her for wanting to protect herself, I think perhaps Toby was just more endearing to me as a character, and her coldness towards him didn’t sit right for this reason.
So I’m no expert, but to be honest, there didn’t seem to be much consideration for historical accuracy in this book. There are a number of examples where social etiquette at the time is paid no attention. For example, the lack of introductions made before the two main characters dance and talk for the first time. Despite this, I personally still enjoyed the read. If you can get past these factors, I think the romance is worth it.
Toby was a lovely hero, and he always had such good intentions. He truly made the story for me. I will definitely be reading more of this authors work if her other heroes are as delightful as Toby was.
Safety:
Super safe, both virgins.
No ow drama.
Sort of om drama from the other man taking part in the wager, but h is never interested in him.
June 30, 2019
It is always pure pleasure to read one of Ruth Ann Nordin's books and this one was pure joyful entertainment.
The more I read about what could have happened in the mens' clubs of that era, the more convinced I am that they should have been banned. In them men seem to turn into little boys with grown up bodies and they don't seem to be able to contain nor behave themselves. I say this with tongue in cheek for I really don't know how much of what one reads in a fiction book really could have happened, or how much is written from the creative minds of authors, nevertheless, it all goes into the making of some very clever scenarios and situations and I just love it all.
The rest of the story is a clever, well written, captivating and extremely enjoyable one.
I loved that Toby's wager backfired and the way in which he addresses the situation.
Regina is a beautiful young lady whose mother just wants to see her married - regardless of to whom - and I also loved Regina's level-headedness and composure.
The other character that is really worth mentioning is Mrs Giles, Regina's interfering mother. This character is embarrassment personified and whenever she is mentioned, you can be sure that there will be a few good laughs.
This is a book that looks at the seriousness of the marriage-market and pokes fun at it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want some good laughs while you read a delightful book, then please read this one!
The more I read about what could have happened in the mens' clubs of that era, the more convinced I am that they should have been banned. In them men seem to turn into little boys with grown up bodies and they don't seem to be able to contain nor behave themselves. I say this with tongue in cheek for I really don't know how much of what one reads in a fiction book really could have happened, or how much is written from the creative minds of authors, nevertheless, it all goes into the making of some very clever scenarios and situations and I just love it all.
The rest of the story is a clever, well written, captivating and extremely enjoyable one.
I loved that Toby's wager backfired and the way in which he addresses the situation.
Regina is a beautiful young lady whose mother just wants to see her married - regardless of to whom - and I also loved Regina's level-headedness and composure.
The other character that is really worth mentioning is Mrs Giles, Regina's interfering mother. This character is embarrassment personified and whenever she is mentioned, you can be sure that there will be a few good laughs.
This is a book that looks at the seriousness of the marriage-market and pokes fun at it and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want some good laughs while you read a delightful book, then please read this one!
April 22, 2019
This was a one day read that spilled over into the second day because started it late in an evening and went to sleep rather than continuing the book.
Not because I was bored but rather tired and could not concentrate anymore.
With the best of intentions our hero Toby York, the Earl of Davenport, approaches and falls for Miss Regina Giles. However being that he and another man, Lord Pennella, had made a wager on which one the lady in question would marry caused all kinds of drama when found out.
For me this was an easy read but not one that really stands out in the historical genre lineup.
As the story progresses both Toby and Regina make mistakes but they find a way past them so all is well that ends well.
Not because I was bored but rather tired and could not concentrate anymore.
With the best of intentions our hero Toby York, the Earl of Davenport, approaches and falls for Miss Regina Giles. However being that he and another man, Lord Pennella, had made a wager on which one the lady in question would marry caused all kinds of drama when found out.
For me this was an easy read but not one that really stands out in the historical genre lineup.
As the story progresses both Toby and Regina make mistakes but they find a way past them so all is well that ends well.
October 26, 2015
I'm giving this book 3 stars because, well, I really DID enjoy it. The thing is, I'm not sure why I liked it because it had what seemed to be a lot of flaws to me.
I guess I liked it because there was a sweetness about it. The H and h both just seemed sweet and I wanted them to get together. It was also a light, pretty quick read. And the writing flowed well enough.
But what I didn't like about it:
Incredibly unrealistic from the very beginning. The dialog that set up the premise just did not seem realistic to me at all.
And then it was unrealistic the whole way through. Their is this "villian" in the book who is a first class jerk, but he doesn't make any sense to me. I can't imagine what motivates his idiocy. Then, part way through
Anyhow, there were several things I found unbelievable in the dialogue and plot, including the romance part. About half way through the book started to drag a bit, but it was a quick enough read that it never got too tedious. I never considered quitting the book which I am not shy to do with all the reading options available today.
So - I enjoyed it overall. I probably won't buy anything from this author but if I was stuck with a long wait somewhere and only a book by this author to read, I'd definitely pick the book up to entertain myself.
ETA: One other thing that bugged me was that the H was broke, but didn't do anything for a living. He was titled and maybe that's normal for the times? But to me it's not at all masculine or attractive for a man to do nothing more with his life than exist.
I guess I liked it because there was a sweetness about it. The H and h both just seemed sweet and I wanted them to get together. It was also a light, pretty quick read. And the writing flowed well enough.
But what I didn't like about it:
Incredibly unrealistic from the very beginning. The dialog that set up the premise just did not seem realistic to me at all.
And then it was unrealistic the whole way through. Their is this "villian" in the book who is a first class jerk, but he doesn't make any sense to me. I can't imagine what motivates his idiocy. Then, part way through
Anyhow, there were several things I found unbelievable in the dialogue and plot, including the romance part. About half way through the book started to drag a bit, but it was a quick enough read that it never got too tedious. I never considered quitting the book which I am not shy to do with all the reading options available today.
So - I enjoyed it overall. I probably won't buy anything from this author but if I was stuck with a long wait somewhere and only a book by this author to read, I'd definitely pick the book up to entertain myself.
ETA: One other thing that bugged me was that the H was broke, but didn't do anything for a living. He was titled and maybe that's normal for the times? But to me it's not at all masculine or attractive for a man to do nothing more with his life than exist.
November 24, 2016
While mildly entertaining, the lack of historical accuracy was glaring. There was a lack of politeness, common courtesy, that is shown in other regencies. There were also inconsistencies that bothered me.
If you can suspend disbelief, you will enjoy this more than me.
--I just finished reading a Mary Balogh so the comparison in my mind was so wide that I didn't enjoy this story.
Open-door scenes
If you can suspend disbelief, you will enjoy this more than me.
--I just finished reading a Mary Balogh so the comparison in my mind was so wide that I didn't enjoy this story.
Open-door scenes
July 22, 2016
How this book got 4 stars is beyond me. The writing style is very elementary and the characters don't have any depth. The hero is spineless and certainly not manly in the least. What makes a regency romance is the standards and dictates on the time period. Either the author doesn't know very much about the regency period or she ignored most of the conventions of the time when she wrote this book. Not impressed at all. Had to force myself to finish reading this book every time I picked it up.
December 11, 2015
Easy read
Easy quick read, predictable. The main character was a little tiresome. Not a lot of development of the characters or historical information. I like a story where you learn something new about the culture.
Easy quick read, predictable. The main character was a little tiresome. Not a lot of development of the characters or historical information. I like a story where you learn something new about the culture.
November 19, 2016
A Wager Gone right.
She is in London four her first season. He is at Whites with friends and arrogant Lord is driving poor Lord Davenport crazy. The bet each others estates that a certain lady would fall for either or. There are many twist and turns but the right man wins.
She is in London four her first season. He is at Whites with friends and arrogant Lord is driving poor Lord Davenport crazy. The bet each others estates that a certain lady would fall for either or. There are many twist and turns but the right man wins.
August 13, 2015
2.5 stars. I have enjoyed a number of Nordin's western historicals but this was disappointing IMO. It is trite and oddly prurient.
July 7, 2019
Clunky, Awkward, Mediocre
As far as romance goes, this book was at the very least clunky, awkward, and mediocre. The scenes of intimacy leave much to be desired. Their primary focus is from the male perspective and his pleasure and desires. The language seemed like the topic was uncomfortable to the author and any intimate scenes were added as an effort to qualify the novel as a romance. The story itself was also awkward. There were questions that were raised that never received a resolution. And, apparently, a stern word from the female protagonist is enough to correct all the wrong doings and vile personalities of the men in the book.
If you are looking for a good romance novel, pick something else. If you are looking for a novel with a well fleshed out story line, look somewhere else. If you are just looking for a way to pass some time, I guess this book might work out for you.
As far as romance goes, this book was at the very least clunky, awkward, and mediocre. The scenes of intimacy leave much to be desired. Their primary focus is from the male perspective and his pleasure and desires. The language seemed like the topic was uncomfortable to the author and any intimate scenes were added as an effort to qualify the novel as a romance. The story itself was also awkward. There were questions that were raised that never received a resolution. And, apparently, a stern word from the female protagonist is enough to correct all the wrong doings and vile personalities of the men in the book.
If you are looking for a good romance novel, pick something else. If you are looking for a novel with a well fleshed out story line, look somewhere else. If you are just looking for a way to pass some time, I guess this book might work out for you.
July 18, 2019
The author's blub/the story description tells it well. Tony, Lord Davenport, doesn't keep his mouth shut when Lord Pennella brags about being able to get any woman he wants. You know where this is leading. The bet is on...estates on the line. Tony gets to choose which lady they are gambling for.
This is written in modern language with simple prose. It doesn't really get into anything complicated, even the thought processes are fairly uncomplicated. The action moves quickly both before and after the wedding. Anger is not kept long and the couple, of course, work out their differences quickly.
Regina's mother is a hoot, hiring Lady Seaton to prepare her daughter as to "how to capture the appropriate man". Even at the end she is all about preparing ahead of time.
This story didn't really have any angst for me. There were no surprises. Ho, hum. There is more than one scene of a graphic nature so it has a MA rating.
This is written in modern language with simple prose. It doesn't really get into anything complicated, even the thought processes are fairly uncomplicated. The action moves quickly both before and after the wedding. Anger is not kept long and the couple, of course, work out their differences quickly.
Regina's mother is a hoot, hiring Lady Seaton to prepare her daughter as to "how to capture the appropriate man". Even at the end she is all about preparing ahead of time.
This story didn't really have any angst for me. There were no surprises. Ho, hum. There is more than one scene of a graphic nature so it has a MA rating.
June 1, 2022
ending was a let down
Everything was going well with this story—there weren’t tooooo many outlandish anachronisms or crazy plot contrivances to take me out of the story and the hero and heroine were both likable, both virgins and there was enough steam to make things swoony. Unfortunately the ending was so damn abrupt! Heroine is discussing baby names with her mother and her mother’s desire for a girl—and we never get to know what she ends up having! It just ends with no answer given. Arghhhhh!!!!!!!
Safe. Double virgins. There’s OM drama (obviously since it’s a bet between which man can gain her hand.) but heroine is never interested in the OM and is only physically and emotionally intimate with the hero. no cheating or abuse. HEA but ending was abrupt, unresolved with the baby’s gender and a let down
Everything was going well with this story—there weren’t tooooo many outlandish anachronisms or crazy plot contrivances to take me out of the story and the hero and heroine were both likable, both virgins and there was enough steam to make things swoony. Unfortunately the ending was so damn abrupt! Heroine is discussing baby names with her mother and her mother’s desire for a girl—and we never get to know what she ends up having! It just ends with no answer given. Arghhhhh!!!!!!!
Safe. Double virgins. There’s OM drama (obviously since it’s a bet between which man can gain her hand.) but heroine is never interested in the OM and is only physically and emotionally intimate with the hero. no cheating or abuse. HEA but ending was abrupt, unresolved with the baby’s gender and a let down
March 26, 2021
Has potential
Great underlining story. I enjoyed it but I was waiting for that climax of engagement that never happened. After the “villain” left I kept waiting for some sort of danger or problem but there never was anything to keep the reader engaged in the story. Also there were inconsistencies and errors that would do well to have a editor look at. Other than that it was a nice simple read.
Great underlining story. I enjoyed it but I was waiting for that climax of engagement that never happened. After the “villain” left I kept waiting for some sort of danger or problem but there never was anything to keep the reader engaged in the story. Also there were inconsistencies and errors that would do well to have a editor look at. Other than that it was a nice simple read.
August 9, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed because the h is a smart lady and her wit is appreciated and ALSO because the H is so freaking sweet. Some may say he’s groveling or he’s a beta hero but truly he’s in love with her and is trying to do everything to win her back. That quality is greatly appreciated after reading a bunch of Regency heroes who do nothing but brood until some servant/relative/friend reminds them of how undeserving he is of h. A nice change.
Also can’t wait to read Orlando’s story!
Also can’t wait to read Orlando’s story!
January 7, 2017
Slow, Repetitive, Lugubrious
This book was interesting because it captured the relationship between a semi-shy young man and a strong, isolated woman. This book was not interesting because after the initial setback in their relationship, it took another 80 pages to surmount it. The characters were not exceptionally interesting and the sex was lackluster.
This book was interesting because it captured the relationship between a semi-shy young man and a strong, isolated woman. This book was not interesting because after the initial setback in their relationship, it took another 80 pages to surmount it. The characters were not exceptionally interesting and the sex was lackluster.
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