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The Wayward Yorks #1

A Wager with a Duke

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Nothing is more reckless—and potentially ruinous—than a wager on true love…

Miss Sophie York is more than ready to enjoy a London Season sponsored by her cousin. What better way to overcome her painful past than to secure a happy future for herself? And if she’s lucky, perhaps that future will include her handsome new friend…

Finding a bride should be easy for Henry James, Duke of Holland. But rumors of his romantic…prowess are highly exaggerated. So, he’s at a loss when it comes to wooing the lovely Sophie. Especially when she finds out the only reason he approached her in the first place was because of a ridiculous bet…

Discovering his secret could be devastating to their love. But then again, so could her secret. Anyone care to wager on their odds of overcoming it all and making it to happily ever after?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

619 people are currently reading
351 people want to read

About the author

Tamara Gill

140 books1,012 followers
Tamara is an Australian author who grew up in an old mining town in country South Australia, where her love of history was founded. She loves to write romance novels in an array of genres, including regency, medieval, and time travel.

https://linktr.ee/tamaragillauthor

Buy direct from my store - now open!
https://www.tamaragill.com

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5 stars
402 (42%)
4 stars
288 (30%)
3 stars
171 (17%)
2 stars
69 (7%)
1 star
22 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Katie.
388 reviews8 followers
October 12, 2023
Once upon a time, a woman decided to read a palate cleanser. So she went to her trusty regency romance for the cozy, fluffy vibes. When all of a sudden, BAM 🐔cocks🐔everywhere! (with a bok bok here and a bok bok there)

They kiss before 30%, ON DAY TWO of knowing each other. DAY TWO. I let the first cock mention slide, thinking it was a random mention. No. It was not. I decided, you know, it’s fast, I prefer slow, but it’s fine, it’s not a big deal. The deal breaker?

The reason to throw in the figurative towel- it was day three of meeting, they are at the opera, they start making out, hands are wandering, AND HE CALLS IT A NUBBIN. A FREAKING NUBBIN. He’s a virgin…which is fine, it’s not a big deal- BUT HES CONSTANTLY mentioning how he could have slept will all these people but he hasn’t, he’s decides he’s going to plow her, good for you farmer McDonald. Cock a doodle do to you sir. He’s talking about forever and I’m over here, still laughing at the nubbin, wondering where on earth he’s decided to be in love in the span of three days.

It’s not often that I DNF a regency book, I read for the fluff, for the palate cleansing effect…. it’s not even 30% of the way through and I just can’t…no thank you
375 reviews9 followers
November 9, 2024
It seemed that the fmc wasn't the only one sleeping with the virgin mmc 😴😴 Nothing new, a bit tedious sometimes..
Profile Image for Arfeya  Black .
74 reviews39 followers
May 3, 2023
I can't believe I finished this book. It was a hassle to finish this book. It was so dull. I honestly tried to like it. The idea of this book was good, yet the execution is subpar at best. The characters were shells, and they honestly had no depth and no chemistry, literally nothing. Just echoes of words. The pacing in this book is terrible. The sad part is this is my favorite author's book, and I love this genre. I felt the whole thing was unnecessary drama. The couple just had to sit and have an honest conversation then everything would have been fine. However, I hope other books in the series will be better.
Profile Image for Melinda Greathouse.
372 reviews
April 23, 2023
Sophie and Henry were a fun couple. They gave me insta-love vibes, but it worked for the story. Both had secrets, and Sophie outright lied to Henry, and both those things came back to bite them. I got frustrated with them both because most of their big conflict could have been resolved with a conversation. I also wanted the villain to have more consequences for his actions as well.

This book really should have a CW for off page sexual assault. It played a significant role in the story, so just be aware of it.

This was book one of a new series, and I will be reading future installments. I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,187 reviews64 followers
April 23, 2023
4.5 Stars
Thanks to a fortunate turn of events, Miss Sophie York will enjoy a London Season sponsored by her cousin. Henry James, the Duke of Holland, has decided that this season he will marry. A task that ought to be easy for one of London’s most sought-after rogues. But rumours are not always factual; in Henry’s case, they could not be further from the truth.
The first book in a new series & another wonderful read from the author. The pace is good & the characters have depth. I loved both Henry & Sophie their attraction was immediate & grew with each meeting & they fell hard & fast for each other but they both had secrets, which of course come to bite them. Henry did fall in my estimation & I did want to slap him but in the end the couple talked & he actually listened. I would have made him grovel & I also wanted the villain to have suffered more after all Henry was a duke, that said I did find the book very hard to put down & read it in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,822 reviews135 followers
April 26, 2023
Since 2015, I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but I only have 31 authors that I consider my favorites and have read all their books (in my genre). Tamara Gill is one of those authors. I forget how good she writes until a new release comes out. She is one of my top favorite authors. This is my 50th book by her. I read one book back in 2014 but really started picking her back up faithfully in late 2018.

I loved Sophie and Henry. I loved their story. I have a love hate relationship with antagonistic characters. I love that they're there to make the story interesting but they usually just piss me off. A really good read. I'm going to love this series. Wish book 2 was coming out sooner though. 😣


Profile Image for Elaine.
4,468 reviews92 followers
March 4, 2024
Although I found some of this hard going, I did enjoy three quarters of this story. 3☆
2,355 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2024
„Eine Wette mit dem Duke“ von Tamara Gill ist der erste Band ihrer The Wayward Yorks Reihe.
Miss Sophie York stammt aus bescheidenen Verhältnissen und ist überglücklich, dass ihr durch ihre Cousine eine Saison in London ermöglicht wird. Schnell wird die hübsche Sophie zum begehrten Stern der Saison und langsam beginnt auch sie davon zu träumen, tatsächlich einen liebevollen Ehemann zu finden. Niemand weiß von ihrer tragischen Vergangenheit, die Sophie unbedingt hinter sich lassen möchte. Henry James, der Duke of Holland, hat einen skandalösen Ruf, doch in Wahrheit könnte er nicht weiter von den Gerüchten um ihn entfernt sein. Henry sucht eine Ehefrau und stolpert per Zufall über eine Wette unter Gentlemen, deren Mittelpunkt Miss Sophie ist. Obwohl er gar nicht um sie werben wollte, kann er sich ab ihrer ersten Begegnung nicht mehr von Sophie fernhalten. Doch wie wird sie reagieren, wenn sie die von der Wette erfährt?

Der Schreibstil von Tamara Gill liest sich leicht und flüssig und man kann schnell in die Geschichte abtauchen. Erzählt wird aus den Perspektiven von Sophie und Henry, wobei mich vor allem Henry anfangs sehr überrascht hat.
Sophie ist keine Erbin und auch keine junge Debütantin. Trotzdem wird sie zur heißbegehrten Heiratskandidatin, obwohl sie außer sich selbst nichts zu bieten hat. Ich mag ihre realistische und bodenständige Art, mit der sie Henry von Anfang an beeindruckt. Dass sie ihr dunkles Geheimnis nicht sofort preisgibt, ist absolut nachvollziehbar und macht sie nicht weniger sympathisch.
Henry hat sich bisher hinter seinem Ruf versteckt, aber eigentlich ist er total schüchtern und zurückhaltend. Ich mochte ihn anfangs sehr gern, bis er in meinen Augen völlig überreagiert und seine Objektivität komplett verliert.
So ganz glaubwürdig ist die Wandlung der Charaktere von der Unschuld vom Lande zu heißblütigen Lovern nicht ganz gelungen. Es gab einige Dinge, die nicht ganz schlüssig waren, aber trotzdem ist diese Regency Romance durchaus unterhaltsam.

Mein Fazit:
Von mir gibt es gern eine Leseempfehlung!
44 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2023
Not My Favorife

This is my first time reading a novel by this author. It felt shallow, immature, disappointing. The characters were inconsistent and not true to the various traits originally assigned them. The dialogue and even the predictable plot became repetitive and shallow. What could have been a compelling plot fell to the wayside.
I normally don’t take time to write a review unless I love a book. And I love many books. But this one began so well and held such promise that I was sorely disappointed. I am hoping the author may read this review and it may improve her writing. Or maybe this book was an oddity and her other books are better?
242 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2023
High 4/4.5 stars

We first got introduced to Sophie at the end of Harlow and Wes’s story My Reckless Earl and they appear throughout Sophie and Henry’s romance. There is an instant attraction and quick courtship and wedding for Sophie and Henry, but both have a secret that could threaten their future happiness. The steam between them is very sexy 🔥 🔥🔥🔥. Sophie’s secret stems from a past trauma (needs a CW?) and when the perpetrator of that trauma reappears in her life, it is distressing to her and us as the readers. Frustratingly if Henry and Sophie had just talked to each other the villain’s interference and awful actions would have done less damage. Henry’s initial reaction to learning Sophie’s secret also confirms her fears about telling him of that secret and that saddened me. The villain’s comeuppance was also not bad enough for the things he did. Ultimately though I love that we are staying in the world started with the wayward Woodvilles and am looking forward to the next story in the series.
Profile Image for Kat Tolle.
639 reviews13 followers
April 29, 2023
WHAT A WAY TO START A NEW SERIES!!! A Wager with a Duke by Tamara Gill is the first in the new series The Wayward Yorks and what an incredible read. No one can write good evil like Tamara does. The hair in my arms actually stood on end at parts of this book and the romance was to die for. I found this book easy to read, had wonderful characters both good and evil, vivid descriptions, had the real feel of the regency era, so very well written and at times I was holding my breath.I am a huge fan of Tamara and she never disappoints. This story has a commoner who’s cousin married well and is giving her a season, a duke who makes a bet in White’s book before he met the young lady, a secret pass, rumor that are not true, being a virgin, being raped, blackmail, just pure evil, thinking they are better than others, a wife who is just like him and love at first sight. I am so very highly recommending you read this book. It will not disappoint you.


***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,460 reviews28 followers
May 25, 2023
Secrets not kept

Sophie and Henry whew what a ride! Sophie is from a tiny village of Highclere!
Terrible things happened to Sophie there so she kept her secrets close to her heart. She wants to marry as she and her mother live in poverty.
Her cousin the Countess of Kemsley is sponsoring her for the season! She is older and as beautiful in her opinion but hopes to attract a suitable alliance!
Sophie and Henry Duke of Holland are fire and gasoline!
Henry is also keeping a few secrets close one of which involves a bet.
Well secrets have a way of coming to life! Lord Carr is a black mailing little weasel and I do not like how he suffered no real repercussions! But there was a fight at the ball! You have to read the book to get the back story!
When the truth tears this beautiful couple apart Sophie is brave enough to face the Ton! Henry wallows in his feelings for far to long! When he decides to listen is it too little too late?
Can they come back from this!? Read on…Bravo
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
827 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2023
Sophie is a sweet little country girl whose cousin is a Countess who invites her to come to London to partake in the season. An opportunity of a lifetime, to be sure, with fancy gowns and balls, musicals and plays. There she meets a handsome Duke, who is the whole package; gorgeous, rich, and so very kind. It doesn’t take long for them to both become smitten with one another and a sweet romance ensues. But both of them have secrets they’re hiding. Secrets that could destroy the new found love they are nurturing. And of course, there is a villain who’d like nothing better than to destroy them both. Not an easy path to get to their HEA. But I loved how the meek little country miss turned into Duchess and found her strength and her power to take control of her life and no longer be a victim! A most enjoyable read!
2,426 reviews22 followers
April 22, 2023
Secrets will come back to bite you every single time. I really liked both characters in this story. Henry and Sophie we so perfectly portrayed by Tamara. I will not give away their secrets but they are doozies, I’m just saying. Tamara does not go down the seedy road. Instead, these two must come to terms with their lives and try to move forward. It really warmed my heart that they took a chance and finally talked about it, but…I was about to slap Henry upside the head. Dude, stop moping. I think he needed to grovel a little more but that is just me. I also wanted the villain to get more than he got but don’t worry he does get what is coming to him. A wonderful, emotional and uplifting story.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.
65 reviews
April 25, 2023
When the world goes crazy and my head feels about to explode, Tamara Gill saves me. She creates a safe, warm, comfortable place where my mind can escape, relax and just re-locate to 1800’s London. This tale had all my favourite genres as it was a virgin man with a bad reputation, an impoverished lady with a past, a mean horrid baddie that gets put in his place, catching up with past HEA’s and steam to rival an over-boiled kettle. I am a huge fan of Ms. Gill and have read 42 of her books and loved every single one. She writes well, tells a good story and has fantastic characters that I want to read about. I think I just may love the York’s as much as the Woodville’s. Just wish I did not have to wait all the way until June for the next book.
1,084 reviews12 followers
April 25, 2023
Loved reading Henry and Sophie's story, to the Ton Sophie is beautiful, innocent and unassuming and the subject of a wager in Whites. A wager that Henry has signed his name too. When Henry meets Sophie he is completely taken by her beauty and innocence and starts to court her in earnest, Sophie responds to his attentions and soon starts a journey of discovery, love and deceit. Both have secrets that could tear them apart, but Sophie's secret would lead to her complete ruination in the eyes of everyone. Can they overcome this when the only other person who knows Sophie's secret threatens to expose her.
767 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2023
This is the first book in a new series, and it was very enjoyable. Sophie is poor, but she has good friends/relatives which give her a season in London. Henry the Duke of Holland has a reputation, but is it real? As soon as Sophie and Henry meet there is immediate attraction, which turns to love. I enjoyed their chemistry. There is an evil man which I wanted to punch because he just wanted to cause trouble. Sophie and Henry both have secrets, which can tear them apart. I enjoyed this book as much as I have always enjoyed all Tamara Gill’s other books.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
589 reviews6 followers
April 29, 2023
Good but Flawed

The book started off strong. Both of the main characters were good people with a sweet love story, but the secrets just didn’t make sense if their love was so strong. He could have definitely told her of the bet. It wasn’t that serious. She could have revealed her secret when he told her of his true nature explaining that the rumors about him weren’t true. Even once they were both blackmailed, they didn’t tell each other right away. It just made it seem like there was a lack of trust that took away from their initial love story so I could only give 3.5 stars for a rating, but I am glad that the worked it out!
Profile Image for Bev Bridges.
342 reviews
April 23, 2023
Absolutely loved Henry's and Sophie story, Sophie god bless her was such a strong woman and she really suffered at a young age .
This book as always Tamara Gill did a fantastic job as author with such powerful subjects she got this one right. You can feel the pain for Sophie.
I listened to this book via epub for sight impaired people.
I would recommend this book, looking forward to hearing more in the series.
Profile Image for AIDA A LORENZANA.
83 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2023
Amazing story between Sophie and Holland. Sophie a strong woman who dares fine love even with her secret of being hurt as a child. Holland a handsome pure hero who gave her the chance of a love life they both deserved. The characters were amazing in this book. I love the parties and get togethers in love stories and this book was full of it. I could not put this book down. a page turner. Great book.
Profile Image for Ghazal.
433 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2023
There is nothing that Tamara Gill writes that I don't thoroughly enjoy. I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of A Wager with a Duke and all thoughts and opinions are my own. Miss Sophie York and Henry Jqmes, Duk of Holland have an instant attraction. This is a story of two people, learning how to love another whilst carrying a burden of truth that could hurt their budding relationship. It's also a story about learning to listen, as not everything that we hear is always the truth.
Profile Image for Nicole.
925 reviews15 followers
June 27, 2023
Perfect

A great way to start a new series.

I'm only sorry I waited so long to read it but it was so worth it. This book was sooo good and I definitely enjoyed seeing characters from the Woodville series.

The dynamic charisma between Sophie and Henry is outstanding and it makes the story hard to stop reading once you start.

I definitely look forward to the next one in this series
466 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2024
Great story

This is the first story in the series. Sophie is a poor relation who comes to London for a season. Henry is in town looking for wife. They meet and are immediately taken with each other. Both have secrets that could ruin their love. Sophies secret is from her past and still haunts her. Henry's secret is from the present but he is worried about it getting backbto Sophie. There is a bit of steam. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Anne.
835 reviews9 followers
May 10, 2024
An enjoyable read

Tamara Gill’s A Wager with a Duke is a hot historical romance between a Duke, Henry, and a country Miss, Sophie. Both the hero and heroine have secrets that could seriously upset their relationship. The villain of the story is well developed and his presence turns up the heat on the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the romance that developed but be prepared for spicy scenes. I did think that the denouement of the book was rushed and that the sensitive nature of Sophie’s secret could have been handled differently while giving it more prominence in the story line. I am, however, really looking forward to reading the second book in the Wayward Yorks series.
2,471 reviews18 followers
July 22, 2024
Veracity.
It is always interesting how deliberately undisclosed details can come back to cause trouble. Watching love blossom from both Sophie and Henry’s perspectives really framed the ultimate conflict well. It did seem a bit usual for the reversal of sexual experience roles though-especially given the history Sophie had and her current situation. Being truthful, listening to what is being said and practicing genuine forgiveness were themes that emerged-timeless and applicable even today.
Profile Image for Mandy Morris.
11 reviews
January 19, 2025
Profanity galore

I've previously read over 20 books by this author, but this one took me by surprise by the sheer amount of swearing and dirty talk. Totally unnecessary for the story - it almost felt like the author had set herself a challenge as to how much she could fit in!

Don't get me wrong, I like a spicy story but do not enjoy the swearing. As my mother would have said "wash your mouth out with soap".
206 reviews
April 9, 2025
It's overall a sweet and simple story. Although it's not really shown what attracts Henry and Sophie to each other, I can accept insta-love and be happy witnessing their passion. The make-out sessions come fast and seem weird given the Regency background, but I don't hate them. I really dislike the third-act breakup. It's abrupt and forced, and everything afterwards is rushed. The characters don't have consistent personalities, and I hate reading about misunderstandings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,643 reviews17 followers
April 25, 2023
Henry and Sophie have secrets and both lie to cover them up. Instead of revealing them to each other a dastardly character from her past tries to blackmail them which pushes them apart. Their relationship is so passionate it’s hard to believe they are both inexperienced and what happened to her didn’t affect her in that way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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