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Clearbrook Regency #2
The Wagered Bride
When Lord Stephen Clearbrook finds himself indebted to a wealthy businessman, he sets out to marry his creditor's daughter and settle his accounts, but first he will have to work to win over his prize. Original.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 7, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 2, 2012
This was just as good the second time around. I enjoyed it just as much as the first book. It had a fun plot and I really liked Stephen and Elizabeth. From the description I thought they would be married, but they never actually marry during the story.
I liked Stephen’s character in The Rejected Suitor, and was excited to find that this book would be his story. I liked him a lot in this one as well. Elizabeth is also very likable and their relationship was endearing. I liked that it progressed naturally and felt believable. There are some great moments between the two. The side characters were nice as well, I liked that we got to see past characters from Rejected Suitor in this one (I don't think you have to read them in order to enjoy them). I also loved Elizabeth’s younger sister, Millie. While at times I thought she acted much younger than 15, I thought she was a riot. I was getting a tad frustrated that Stephen didn't just tell Elizabeth how he felt, but he does a great job redeeming himself in the end. So cute!
Overall, a very fun read!
Content: Clean!
I liked Stephen’s character in The Rejected Suitor, and was excited to find that this book would be his story. I liked him a lot in this one as well. Elizabeth is also very likable and their relationship was endearing. I liked that it progressed naturally and felt believable. There are some great moments between the two. The side characters were nice as well, I liked that we got to see past characters from Rejected Suitor in this one (I don't think you have to read them in order to enjoy them). I also loved Elizabeth’s younger sister, Millie. While at times I thought she acted much younger than 15, I thought she was a riot. I was getting a tad frustrated that Stephen didn't just tell Elizabeth how he felt, but he does a great job redeeming himself in the end. So cute!
Overall, a very fun read!
Content: Clean!
February 26, 2015
NO ROMANCE TO MUCH ANGST!!
The Wagered Bride is the 2nd book in the Clearbrook series.
Lord Stephen Clearbrook the 4th son of a Duke, has wagered his future and lost. Mr. William Shelby a very rich merchant and social climber has beaten Stephen at cards. Stephen doesn't have the money to pay Shelby, so Shelby offers Stephen to pay off his debts and return his mother childhood home that was wagered in return for him to offer marriage to his eldest daughter Elizabeth/Lizzie.
This type of story has been told many time in this genre, but I don't think Teresa McCarthy did a good job. This author's writing is very funny at times. But thats about it. There is nothing new or different going on, matter of fact I think its missing on romance and sensual lovemaking. There is not love between Stephen and Lizzie. Stephen and Lizzie have way to many misunderstanding about the most ridiculous things. The whole book is always about something tearing them apart instead of building a relationship. Lizzie is one of those heroines that gets on your nerves and she comes across as immature and whiny. She is a spoiled rich girl. I think T. McCarthy was going for the funny madcap satyr like her first book in the series The Rejected Suitor, which I gave 5 stars. But The Wagered Bride is not over the top funny, but stupid silly with under developed scenarios!! I like a little more sexual tension and romance in the Historical Romance stories I read. It doesn't have to have lots of love making scenes, but one or two would be nice, this story has none. The couple just all of a sudden understand each other on the last few pages and get engaged. The Wagered Bride didn't work for me as a romance, but maybe book 3 will, when ever I get around to reading it.
The Wagered Bride is the 2nd book in the Clearbrook series.
Lord Stephen Clearbrook the 4th son of a Duke, has wagered his future and lost. Mr. William Shelby a very rich merchant and social climber has beaten Stephen at cards. Stephen doesn't have the money to pay Shelby, so Shelby offers Stephen to pay off his debts and return his mother childhood home that was wagered in return for him to offer marriage to his eldest daughter Elizabeth/Lizzie.
This type of story has been told many time in this genre, but I don't think Teresa McCarthy did a good job. This author's writing is very funny at times. But thats about it. There is nothing new or different going on, matter of fact I think its missing on romance and sensual lovemaking. There is not love between Stephen and Lizzie. Stephen and Lizzie have way to many misunderstanding about the most ridiculous things. The whole book is always about something tearing them apart instead of building a relationship. Lizzie is one of those heroines that gets on your nerves and she comes across as immature and whiny. She is a spoiled rich girl. I think T. McCarthy was going for the funny madcap satyr like her first book in the series The Rejected Suitor, which I gave 5 stars. But The Wagered Bride is not over the top funny, but stupid silly with under developed scenarios!! I like a little more sexual tension and romance in the Historical Romance stories I read. It doesn't have to have lots of love making scenes, but one or two would be nice, this story has none. The couple just all of a sudden understand each other on the last few pages and get engaged. The Wagered Bride didn't work for me as a romance, but maybe book 3 will, when ever I get around to reading it.
May 4, 2012
I loved this! It was cute and sweet with enough great banter, jealousy, and misunderstandings to keep it interesting! This reminded me a bit of Marcia Lynn McClure's "Shackles of Honor". I loved the hero and his quick temper. His brothers are also a lot of fun to read about. One thing I really liked was that the heroine wasn't drop-dead gorgeous. And I LOVED how when someone said something about her not being much to look at, the hero got upset and "called them out"(he's always calling people out to fight-the quick temper thing!):) I just really liked how everything played out. I loved to see it go from him detesting the idea of marying her, to not being able to live without her. Loved everything in between that leads up to that change. Very fun read!
August 1, 2014
Since this is a genre I like to read, I enjoyed this book. I plan to read more of Teresa McCarthy's books.
Read
December 12, 2022DNF
Shallow main characters
Silly side characters
Lack of care for servants
Non stop threats to meet people at dawn rather than conversate [toxic masculinity 🎶]
Heroine was plain one moment and next - beautiful, gorgeous, tempting every man around her
Shallow main characters
Silly side characters
Lack of care for servants
Non stop threats to meet people at dawn rather than conversate [toxic masculinity 🎶]
Heroine was plain one moment and next - beautiful, gorgeous, tempting every man around her
February 10, 2023
It’s as terrible and try hard as I knew it would be; just what I needed to cleanse the palette.
May 3, 2025
Loved Stephen. Hope his brothers have their own stories.
January 13, 2015
GAH! I love this family! Don’t get me wrong, many of the characters in the Clearbrook family (and their new and/or soon-to-be extended families) can be absolutely infuriating sometimes. But the story is so funny, and so much fun!
This time, it’s Stephen’s turn in the hot seat, along with one Miss Elizabeth Shelby. Their story is one of mis- (or total lack of) communication. And a lack of trust between each other. But since they’re total and complete strangers at the beginning of the story, this is kind of understandable.
The villain from the first Clearbrook story is back, and more ridiculous and gross than ever. However, Elizabeth doesn’t know his true nature, and believes he loves her. Which made me want to slap her and tell her to wake up and smell the roses. :)
I think my favorite secondary character in this story is Elizabeth’s little sister, Millie. She is a riot! And I am secretly hoping that a few years down the line, she will be marrying another of the Clearbrook brothers. (But who knows!) Elizabeth’s aunt Polly, as well as the mother of the Clearbrook clan come in a close second behind Millie. They had surprising reactions to these two characters’ situation, and they had me laughing out loud multiple times.
I found myself constantly yelling at my phone while listening to this story, like I do when I yell at the television during a football game. I enjoyed telling the characters when they were being stupid, and cheering and clapping when they were being brilliant.
All in all, this was another fun historical, and I can’t wait to read (listen) to the next one!
This time, it’s Stephen’s turn in the hot seat, along with one Miss Elizabeth Shelby. Their story is one of mis- (or total lack of) communication. And a lack of trust between each other. But since they’re total and complete strangers at the beginning of the story, this is kind of understandable.
The villain from the first Clearbrook story is back, and more ridiculous and gross than ever. However, Elizabeth doesn’t know his true nature, and believes he loves her. Which made me want to slap her and tell her to wake up and smell the roses. :)
I think my favorite secondary character in this story is Elizabeth’s little sister, Millie. She is a riot! And I am secretly hoping that a few years down the line, she will be marrying another of the Clearbrook brothers. (But who knows!) Elizabeth’s aunt Polly, as well as the mother of the Clearbrook clan come in a close second behind Millie. They had surprising reactions to these two characters’ situation, and they had me laughing out loud multiple times.
I found myself constantly yelling at my phone while listening to this story, like I do when I yell at the television during a football game. I enjoyed telling the characters when they were being stupid, and cheering and clapping when they were being brilliant.
All in all, this was another fun historical, and I can’t wait to read (listen) to the next one!
May 5, 2012
Reviewed on Clean Adult Fiction
Don't you just love these covers?! Gorgeous. It was so relaxing and entertaining to read a beautiful and clean historical romance. I'm a sucker for historical romance! I dream of going to a ball with my husband where I can dress in a gorgeous ball gown and we can learn the old dances.
The first book told the story of Emily, the sister to four big brothers. This one was the story of the youngest brother Stephen, 24 years old. Stephen had a bit of a gambling problem. When a wealthy businessman had him cornered he was forced to become engaged to the man's daughter. The story had some funny parts and some really frustrating parts! It was great! It was told from both Stephen and Elizabeth's point of view. Elizabeth's younger sister was so funny. She reminded me of the youngest sister in Little Women, so dramatic.
Another very entertaining book in the Clearbrooks series. If you love historical romances you'll really enjoy this book!
Content Ratings:
sexual: mild
language: mild
violence: very mild
Don't you just love these covers?! Gorgeous. It was so relaxing and entertaining to read a beautiful and clean historical romance. I'm a sucker for historical romance! I dream of going to a ball with my husband where I can dress in a gorgeous ball gown and we can learn the old dances.
The first book told the story of Emily, the sister to four big brothers. This one was the story of the youngest brother Stephen, 24 years old. Stephen had a bit of a gambling problem. When a wealthy businessman had him cornered he was forced to become engaged to the man's daughter. The story had some funny parts and some really frustrating parts! It was great! It was told from both Stephen and Elizabeth's point of view. Elizabeth's younger sister was so funny. She reminded me of the youngest sister in Little Women, so dramatic.
Another very entertaining book in the Clearbrooks series. If you love historical romances you'll really enjoy this book!
Content Ratings:
sexual: mild
language: mild
violence: very mild
July 14, 2014
This is a very sweet romance that flows nicely. Totally clean, no smexy stuff going on here.
I generally liked the story but found Stephen to be arrogant most of the time. Had I been Elizabeth, I might have slapped him a time of two. Fortunately things work out nicely in the end.
Really great cast and I expect to see some of the supporting characters as leads in other books in the series.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Pearl Hewitt, who does a great job. She has a really lovely voice that makes the read more enjoyable. Her pace is swift and really moves along keeping the pace steady. Her voices were fabulous and really consistent. I will definitely look for more of her work.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
I generally liked the story but found Stephen to be arrogant most of the time. Had I been Elizabeth, I might have slapped him a time of two. Fortunately things work out nicely in the end.
Really great cast and I expect to see some of the supporting characters as leads in other books in the series.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Pearl Hewitt, who does a great job. She has a really lovely voice that makes the read more enjoyable. Her pace is swift and really moves along keeping the pace steady. Her voices were fabulous and really consistent. I will definitely look for more of her work.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
January 11, 2016
I loved this book! This series will be one that I follow and I'm a sucker for Regency Romances. The Clearbrook family is one built firmly on honor. A father takes advantage of this and sets about to capture Lord Stephen Clearbrook as a husband for his eldest daughter, Miss Elizabeth Selby. Loosing his mother's childhood home while gambling is despicable and Stephen cannot leave the deed in the hands of Mr. Selby. Entering another game of cards with the intent to get it back, Stephen loses and acquires a fiance. Miss Elizabeth Selby is planning to elope with another man and quite literally lands on Lord Stephen Clearbrook. From that moment, something attracts as much as pushes them apart. It becomes a battle of wills and the real cost of the wager...is their hearts.
June 9, 2013
Not bad, although the lack of a simple clear-the-decks conversation, especially towards the end, got old. But I liked the protagonists, the dramatic younger sister Milli was a hoot and Lord Stephen's ducal brothers were delightful.
The cit father was arranges for the aristocratic sprig to marry his daughter, to settle a gambling debt, a bit yawn, but I still liked The Wagered Bride. It mostly was set at a country estate so the London scenes that are so common to these sorts of books were missing.
The cit father was arranges for the aristocratic sprig to marry his daughter, to settle a gambling debt, a bit yawn, but I still liked The Wagered Bride. It mostly was set at a country estate so the London scenes that are so common to these sorts of books were missing.
April 6, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Light entertainment, good humour and an intriguing plot based around Steven who loses everything in a game of cards. He wins some of his prized possessions back but they come with a condition. A bride! This is the second in the Clearbooks series. I narrated the audiobook which is now available at Audible.com. If anybody would like a free download code in return for an honest review, it would be gratefully appreciated. Please email me at pearl@pearlhewitt.com and I'll send one to you.
January 19, 2014
Cute! I really enjoyed the first book of this series as well and I will be honest, I am not to excited about book three but am looking forward to book 4.
My only issue with this book was the fact that for pages on end the main man(sorry blanked on names) kept insisting that the leading lady express her love and yet he never did. I felt like I was reading on a treadmill at times.
It was just cute over-all.
My only issue with this book was the fact that for pages on end the main man(sorry blanked on names) kept insisting that the leading lady express her love and yet he never did. I felt like I was reading on a treadmill at times.
It was just cute over-all.
August 27, 2016
This author is most definitely the Queen of the 'cat and mouse' type story. The story yoyo's from loving to total doubt and back to loving and so on, all the while keeping the reader totally engrossed and ensnared in the story.
It's full of very amusing episodes as well as sad ones too and the antics and standing together of all the siblings is remarkable.
Having thoroughly enjoyed this story, I'm quite happy to recommend the book.
It's full of very amusing episodes as well as sad ones too and the antics and standing together of all the siblings is remarkable.
Having thoroughly enjoyed this story, I'm quite happy to recommend the book.
Read
February 6, 2014Good
The characters were great. I particularly liken the little sister she brings life and h unmor to the story. I loved Aunt Polly very strong and independent pcharacter. Elizabeth was a little weepy but level headed which is a chAnge from that era of females roles. Stephen I love strong and arrogant. overall a good book.
The characters were great. I particularly liken the little sister she brings life and h unmor to the story. I loved Aunt Polly very strong and independent pcharacter. Elizabeth was a little weepy but level headed which is a chAnge from that era of females roles. Stephen I love strong and arrogant. overall a good book.
September 23, 2012
This was a fun read but it seemed like there was too much "misunderstanding." I just wanted them to sit down and talk to each other. But I did like that it was clean and romantic.
December 31, 2012
A good book, but I got tired of the misunderstaning between the main characters. they need dialogue. But it is clean.
May 7, 2014
This series is quite clean and the family is fun. I liked the characters but sometimes the I feel this way but won't say it outloud scenario can get a bit old!
June 21, 2011
First read: 3 stars
Second read: 3 stars
Second read: 3 stars
June 20, 2013
Amazing, really connected to the characters
February 2, 2015
A sweet Regency romance. Good story. An enjoyable read.
February 8, 2016
More promising at the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews