Fortune's Son

Georgian Gamesters #2

by Emery Lee

Love is the ultimate gamble...

Seasoned gambler Philip Drake knows every trick and uses most of them. After years of infamy, he's ready to accept the mantle of respectability with his earldom-until a devastating racing loss and the threat of debtors' prison force Philip right back into his gaming ways...

Susannah, Lady Messingham, is a woman with a past who refuses to belong to any man again. But Philip's skill catches her eye and she persuades him to teach her how to win at the tables. Their new partnership turns into an exhilarating high-stakes game that entangles them in terrifying risk and unimaginable rewards...Immerse yourself in the risky side of Georgian England with a pair of lovers who aren't afraid to risk it all on a toss of the dice...

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Romance, 18th Century, Fiction, Ebooks

450 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Whether historical fiction or historical romance, self-professed Georgian junkie Emery Lee loves nothing more than crafting emotionally compelling stories that bring the past vividly to life.

"Lee brings the atmosphere of the Georgian era to life with lush descriptions that beg the reader to see, hear, feel and touch it all....with a lively cast of characters and surprising twists and turns that are reminiscent of Fielding’s Tom Jones or Defoe’s Moll Flanders."-RT BOOK REVIEWS

Her debut novel THE HIGHEST STAKES, is an epic tale of star-cross lovers set in the high stakes world of 18th century horse racing. In FORTUNE'S SON, Emery spins a web of drama, passion, and deceit, deep in the world of high stakes gaming.

She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, Romance Writers of America, RWA , Georgia Romance Writers, and the group moderator for Goodreads Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers.
http://authoremerylee.com

She also writes hot historical romance as VICTORIA VANE
http://authorvictoriavane.com

Email: authoremerylee@yahoo.com
Blog: http://georgianjunkie.wordpress.com
Twitter: authoremerylee
FACEBOOK: Author Emery Lee
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Emery Lee slammed this one - aced it, won it, wrapped it up and gifted it!!

As an editor over the historical dept. of a women's literary magazine, I read an average 8-12 HRs every month. Seldom do I see one so rich, intelligent and intensely absorbing as "Fortune's Son". Ms. Lee has crafted a story that is so beautiful and so emotionally powerful, it is sometimes hard to read. It is romance that rises far above the average, with history that is so well researched and written that one is totally unaware they are being taught as well as being entertained. So much so, it almost seems odd that it is not being published in hard copy or at least in the larger trade paperback.

Phillip Drake and Susannah Messingham are both terribly human, realistically flawed characters. Each can be selfish, both strive for fortune, both have tempers that cause trouble and each acts rashly at times. All human foibles the reader readily relates to yet aches for when those choices threaten to ruin their lives and undoubtedly their love. There are moments when I wanted to throttle both characters but even as I stormed, I understood.

Although this story can be read as a stand alone book, I would highly encourage reading Ms. Lee's first book, "The Highest Stakes" before, as much of the depth and understanding of these characters revolve around the background formed in her previous book - especially concerning Phillip's unfortunate marriage. Not only are both well worth reading, the few flaws found in the first were meticulously corrected and improved upon in this second book. The only downside is having to wait another year to find out the destiny of the children of these two incredible couples!

*For clean readers* Although this story definitely deals with adult subject matter ( attempted rape, mistresses etc.) It is done with extreme care and is strictly pg-13

[Emery Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOP PICK by THE ROMANCE REVIEWS:
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AUTHOR'S COMMENTARY:
Passion, drama and excitement fill the pages of my follow-up to THE HIGHEST STAKES. Set deep in the world of 18th century gaming, FORTUNE'S SON immerses the reader in a time and place where nothing is sacred and virtually anything might be wagered on the turn of a card, or a roll of the dice.

Beginning with their first chance meeting over a Hazard table, and with motives known only to themselves, FORTUNE'S SON chronicles the tumultuous romantic journey between a young but seasoned gamester and a widowed courtier, who refuses to be the next Royal Mistress regardless of the cost.

Experiencing the agonies and ecstasies of the gaming tables, Philip Drake and Lady Susannah Messingham precariously navigate their way in the high-stakes world of card sharps, courtesans, and the intriguers of Georgian England. As their tale of passion and drama plays out, they are led through hardship, heartbreak and loss before final culmination in redemption and enduring love.

With romance, a bit of adventure, and the excitement of gaming coupled with a supporting cast of the wits, gamesters, sporting men, and roués of Georgian England, I promise great fun and a riveting read!

REVIEWER ACCOLADES:

"FORTUNE'S SON by Emery Lee is a brilliantly written story about a tumultuous love worth fighting for..This engrossing and thoroughly developed tale tosses you into a classic era ...the dialogue was rich, eloquent and added so many dimensions to the characters...another factor which Emery Lee excels at is historical detail. The novel is just overflowing with different aspects of 18th century England and you become immersed in all of it. Whether it be gambling, duels or every day life in historical England...Ms Lee will bring it all to you. Such carefully crafted characters and setting engage readers in a novel of breathtaking beauty. This novel will have everything you want and then some." - THE ROMANCE REVIEWS

"Fortune's Son is an excellent historical romance you won't want to put down! Ms. Lee will pique your interest immediately and keep it right to the very end. The story is realistic and the characters are totally entertaining. A high-stakes game in life and most importantly, love. I absolutely loved the interaction between Susannah and Philip when she takes his boots off Ooh la la! I'll be anxiously awaiting more from Ms. Lee. She's my new favorite author and I highly recommend Fortune's Son!" - NIGHT OWL REVIEWS

4 STARS From RT BOOK REVIEWS:
"Lee brings the atmosphere of the Georgian era to life with lush descriptions that beg the reader to see, hear, feel and touch it all. She sweeps through a decade, bringing together an older heroine and younger hero in an atypical story...with a lively cast of characters and surprising twists and turns that are reminiscent of Fielding’s Tom Jones or Defoe’s Moll Flanders..."

From Historical Novels Review:
"Set in mid-18th century London, Fortune’s Son is a page-turning account of the lives of two people brought together by fate who attempt, sometimes feebly, to cling to each other through love. The use of minor characters to assist the plot and the details of setting are used very effectively. This is a very enjoyable read with a multi-dimensional (and, surprisingly, male) protagonist." - Michael DiSchiavi

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emery Lee is one of the few authors who can write historical fiction and make it come to life, sweeping us away to another time and place! Through her authentic period dialog and beautiful, vivid descriptions of Georgian era clothing, customs, and the day to day life of both those who have and those who have not, Ms. Lee pulls us into the story and makes us believe we’re right there, living it all, and not just reading about it.

Fortune’s Son, the sequel to The Highest Stakes, had my emotions jumping all over the place and I never knew where they’d end up next. I went from loving our hero, Philip, one moment, then despising him the next, only to find myself in love with him once again. And our heroine, Lady Messingham… la! If she had any idea of the creative ways I had planned out her slow, painful demise, she’d roll over in her grave! To say she spent a good portion of the book as not my favorite heroine ever, is putting it mildly. But what truly matters is that, in the end, I loved them both and wanted them to find their happily ever after, one that they had spent years working toward and truly deserved.

In case you’re wondering, Fortune’s Son works well as a standalone novel but, honestly, it works much better when read after The Highest Stakes where we are first introduced to Philip, a major player in that book. To really appreciate Philip and the personal demons he needed to slay, you need to know the man he was, the man he became, and the man he had the potential to be.

The bottom line – Once again Emery Lee gives us a powerful story of friendship, love, ruin and redemption, and takes us on an emotional journey, a journey you won’t want to miss.

[Misfit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fortune's Son is a follow-up to Lee's first novel, The Highest Stakes. The prologue begins with the ramifications to Philip Drake after his high stakes wager with you-know-who at the end of the first book, and then back tracks to Philip at age twenty, a wastrel second son of the Earl of Hastings. His luck with the dice fail him one night and facing exposure for...umm...improving his odds he's saved in the nick of time by Susannah, Lady Messingham. Susannah (Sukey) is recently widowed and short of funds and needs a man like Philip to teach her the ins and outs of gambling - a match made in heaven especially since she can lead Philip by the nose.

Or can she?

Philip and Sukey partner up to spin the wheel of fortune and the sexual sparks are flying fast and furious. There are plenty of ups and downs, great gains along with devastating losses, a duel and more until the story switches back to 1751 where we find Philip's back to the wall and he's forced to pay the piper for the errant deeds of his youth.

This was really a lot of fun, the story picks up from the get go and never lets up. Those of you who have read The Highest Stakes probably hated Philip as much as I did, but hats off to Emery Lee for fleshing him out and letting us see the bounder behind the mask, as well as a huge thanks for giving us more than just another romance - a whole lot more. This story should suit lovers of romance, as well as those who need a healthy dose of history along with the romance - and attention Publishers there are a lot of readers who expect more than just another wall-paper historical. Kudos to Emery Lee for writing them. I want more!

**Review copy provided by publisher, thank you.

[Linda Banche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emery Lee's Georgian romance, FORTUNE'S SON, is a fascinating, fast-paced tale of power used and abused, opulence and desperation set in the London world of high-stakes gaming.

Life among the rich, powerful and famous in Georgian London is not as wonderful as you might think. Ask young Philip, estranged second son of an earl, who lives hand-to-mouth by gaming. And ask Susannah, knight's widow, left a small jointure and quickly running out of money. When these two impulsive people, both determined never again to bow to another's command, meet, their chemistry is immediate and explosive. Philip, smitten by the older woman, agrees to teach her how to win at cards. Thus starts the tale of two flawed, wildly impetuous lovers and the disasters they suffer, both of their own making and those brought about by others who wish their downfall.

Highly researched, FORTUNE'S SON gives us a fascinating glimpse of both the grit and the glamour of Georgian society. I love lots of descriptions and Ms. Lee's descriptions of people, places, manners and customs are detailed, accurate and vivid. I also love the Georgian language. I'm not a fan of the current trend to expunge all trace of period speech. Language is part of the story and enhances the feel of the era.

Gaming plays a major role in this novel, and although I love detail, I don't much care for descriptions of card games. Most are too long and boring, and the author's explanation is usually insufficient to explain the action. Ms. Lee has succeeded where others failed. She weaves in enough of the mechanics of the era's card games to propel the story along without confusing us with the esoteric points.

While Ms. Lee's attention to accurate detail makes the era come alive, her main emphasis always remains, as it should, upon Philip's and Susannah's passion, zest for life, frequent mistakes, and their long and tortuous path to love.

Ms. Lee introduced Philip and Susannah in her previous novel, THE HIGHEST STAKES. If you haven't read that book, I suggest you read it first. While Fortune's Son stands alone, reading the previous book first will enhance the power of its sequel.

ARC provided by Sourcebooks

[Maggi Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Drake, an impoverished but titled gentleman, is forced to liquidate his assets and go back to his past gaming habits in an effort to right himself. Lady Susannah Messingham is a woman with a past and nearly ten years Philip's senior. After watching him at the tables, she propositions him to teach her to win at gaming. This fascinating and original look at an uncharted aspect of English life explores a gentleman snared by gambling, the threat of debtor's prison, and the wayward lady who redeems him.


Fortune's Son is superbly researched and extremely well written. Emery Lee has researched the Georgian period so thoroughly I was completely immersed in it from the first page. I learned a lot I didn't know about the gaming world of that era, with all it's glamor, danger, greed and despair and it was fascinating. What did it for me though, were the two main characters. Risk takers with a love of excitement and a passion for each other, they are a great match. A wonderful love story. We are taken through many years of their relationship and the troughs and heights of the very charismatic hero, Philip Drake. So low did Lee take him I despaired he'd ever rise again. One of my favorite historicals this year!

[Beanbag Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emery Lee is a very good writer and, while this is most definitely a romance, it's not your typical historical romance. Don't look for Kleypas or McNaught or even Beverley in this story. IMO, Lee's writing is a cross between Georgette Heyer and Diana Gabaldon. At once unique and recognizable, and a nice change of pace from the typical.

I did have some issues with the actual story, although I never wanted to stop reading it. I always wanted to get back to it when life got in the way of my reading.

There were a couple of things that were brought up that clearly had a huge impact on the life of the hero and I don't think they were sufficiently described if at all. It made for some confusion and "what's going on?" during the last third of the book and that was unfortunate.

I also had a slight issue with the way it ended. It left me vaguely unsatisfied, although it might just be me, to tell the truth.

This is not an Agency 6 title so the price is reasonable and the story is well worth it.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the immense pleasure of receiving an advance, unedited copy of this book. This is truly a wonderful story. It has everything, upper class wealth vs. lower class, romance, debauchery, gambling, duels and revenge........ throughout the story, the love between Phillip and Susannah (Sukey) is evident to everyone but, themselves. They are utterly besotted with one another. Though torn apart time and again, they always find their way back to one another.

Very well written book. The characters seemed real and had dimension. You cried and seethed along with them. This will remain on my shelf to be read again. I can't wait for the books actual release. I'll purchase a copy and see what edits were made.

Well done, Mrs. Lee! you are on my fave authors list! I love your way with words and eye for detail.

[Seriously Reviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROCK ON!!!! WOW. Okay, so I am having a bit of trouble finding the right words to tell you how much I enjoyed this one :)

Amazing story and charaters all tied up in a breathtaking story that knocked my socks off. Fast paced and entertaining, this story will be with me for a long time to come :) Stand back ladies....I think I just found a new must read author :)

[Christy English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emery Lee tells an engaging story of the rogueish Philip Drake and his beloved, Susannah. Set in Georgian spelendor, FORTUNE'S SON is a novel of love and lust, wealth and penury, a tale of true love lost, and of true loved redeemed. A wonderful trip into the lost world of Georgian England.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If more historical fiction were written like this, I'd be reading more of it!


Intelligent, elegant, and intimate in characterization, Emery Lee has delivered yet another exhilarating book in her historical fiction series, making a name for herself in the ranks of those who write the best historical novels in the business. Gambling, horse racing, poverty, prison and passion~ want more?


"Fortune’s Son" is rich in authentic Georgian detail that brings the settings and circumstances alive for a reader. Emery’s story focuses on the gambling life of ne’er-do-well and overreaching Philip, Earl of Hastings, and its secondary epic love story between Philip and Susannah, Lady Messingham is just as absorbing. Don’t assume either of these storylines is told in the ordinary "fluffy" manner of some other historical fiction novels.


Ms Lee has a gift for writing, absolutely, and she is scholarly. This sets her a notch above. Her characters are complex. I wonder if they are skeletons drawn from actual figures of Georgian England. Significantly, one thing I loved about her writing is that I forgot to care so much about the gowns and surroundings because I was so swept up in the richness of her characters and the action of her novel; and I can tell you that’s highly unusual for me! I’m nearly always engrossed in the interiors and fashions described in historical fiction; that's not to say Emery didn't salt her novel with them, just the same. It's just that she didn't need them to carry her book.



Main Characters

Philip Drake, Earl of Hastings ~ I loved his impetuous nature balanced by his passion for true friendship, love and humanity. A gorgeous man, earthy, but with a conscience. His gambling in all areas of his life was his downfall, but not always his ruin.

Susannah, Lady Messingham ~ my favorite character. A strong woman who was widowed, abandoned by lovers, husband and fate. She was independent, determined and strong, but not cold and emotionless.Generous in spirit, she opened her home and heart to others. Saw the best side of Philip against all odds.

Wicked Lords, Moneylenders, Bishops, Jailers, Whore-mongers, Tricksters and Card-thieves... these various characters were colorful in description and disguise! So interesting that I hope we see many of them in this series by Ms Lee.



Why I recommend this book?

Emery Lee is an emerging author/storyteller of intelligence and depth. She has character-building skills that engender a close relationship and emotional connection with her characters. That alone guarantees a fabulous read! She also has a strong plot to keep readers tied to those characters.

I live for a well-written, well-researched book that draws me into the characters’ psychology and emotions. That’s great reading to me. In a historical novel, that’s all we can ask for, along with period detail, which this book has in abundance.

Recommended for those who love historical fiction with intelligence and a realistic love story.


5 race you to the moon stars

Deborah/TheBookishDame

[Angelc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a nice change of pace from the typical historical romance. It definitely didn't follow the same formula as most romances. For that reason, it was a refreshing read.

On the same note, I was a little frustrated that so much of the story revolved around the gambling instead of the romance. This was especially true at the beginning. I found myself a little bored of all the explanations of how to win at cards and other games. But once the romance finally kicked off, I was definitely drawn in and really wanted these two to find their way to each other.

The older woman-younger man romance isn't one that we see a lot, but it's a storyline that I like a lot when I can find it. It really works here and it's well thought out and meaningful, not just a gimmick.

I must admit that I didn't read the first book in this series, "The Highest Stakes", because it wasn't packaged as historical romance, but as historical fiction. After reading "Fortune's Son", I feel like the series is a nice mix of both genres, it's not too romance-y but at the same time, it's not as gritty and dark as most historical fiction. I also think that I was probably missing a little by not having read the first book, so I will probably go back and read it now.

I recommend this one to readers who want a little something different from their historical romance.


ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philip Drake is a man who lives by the skin of his teeth. A handsome devil he is a second son of an earl who cares not a whit for his family, the title or his father's money. Not if it means kowtowing to a man he despises. Young, brash and quick witted he makes his way in the world as a gamester. While out at the tables one night he meets the oh so beautiful Lady Messingham, a widow with many a secret she cares not to share. She sees a potential partner in young Drake; not a lover but rather a man she could bend to her will. A man she could use to help her learn how to gamble to help her maintain her lifestyle.


Philip, while young, is having nothing of this. He is indeed, enthralled with the Lady Messingham but he is his own man. Yet, he cannot get her out of his thoughts. She is like a drug...a very dangerous drug.


These two are, of course, just meant to be together, but as they dance their way towards, away from and back to each other the reader is part of a very entertaining oh, let's say pasodoble. But fortunately in the end no one important dies. But there is drama, passion, revenge and redemption.


I truly enjoyed immersing myself in the lives of these two and had a hard time putting the book down. My only complaint was that towards the end it seemed to condense time too quickly and I wanted it to be longer. The period details are a delight and the descriptions made me feel as if I were there in a beautiful dress and sparkling diamonds.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fortune's Son ended up being quite different from the first novel, Highest Stakes. It had really been too long since I'd read the first book, and at first I thought it didn't matter. But the last third of the book takes place after the events of the previous one - and there are no recaps or reminders of what happened then, so I was really struggling to make all the connections. It didn't give the alternate point of view, which is what you'd normally expect, but just skipped over that time period as if it was too redundant to repeat any of it.

If I'd read it immediately after the first book, this might have worked ok, although it would have been interesting to see the same events from a different angle. As it was, I felt like I was missing a huge piece of the story.

Aside from plot amnesia, Fortune's Son is also much more adult than the previous book, in which the romance was very sweet and mild. Not so with this one, so beware if that is something that you try to avoid.

This really felt more like a romance novel than historical fiction, with the focus on a gambler and a widow and the edges of society rather than on horses and racing. I found the plot to be less complex, even if it was appropriate to the subject matter. I suppose it just really wasn't my cuppa tea. The cover should have tipped me off. I'm starting to think I need to be less OCD about finishing series if I'm not totally in love with them.

[Lucinda Brant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Emery Lee and it won't be my last. FORTUNE'S SON has strong likeable characters in Philip and Susannah, and secondary characters add depth and interest, more so because many actually lived. It is a skilled historical writer who can breathe life back into real people, and Lee does so effortlessly. The story is steeped in Georgian detail and history and Lee's scholarship shines through on every page; yet it does not overwhelm the love story, which is complex and believable, with its ups and downs, twists and turns and finally a HEA. If you want to immerse yourself in Georgian England and read a complex love story that is above the ordinary, then look no further than FORTUNE’S SON. Highly recommended.

[Suzan Tisdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story! Emery has a gentle yet commanding way of writing that makes me green with envy (but in a really good way!)
This story is filled with intrigue, excitement, pain, love, perseverance and refined grace. The story of Sukey and Phillip is face paced and brilliant and I do look forward to reading many, many more stories by Emery.

With grace and elegance that is sometimes lacking in historical fiction or romance, Emery brings that and so much more to this story. It isn't about the 'ton' and fancy coming out balls. Fortune's son is a true romance in that it is about two people who struggle for many years and I won't give anything more than that away. Suffice it to say that this is a wonderful written story that is an absolute joy to read.

[BookwormWithGoggles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this didn't cut it with me. I didn't like either of the characters (H/h). The story spanned over 12years and we were cut from one period to the next with unexplained gaps in between of events that would have been central in the character's lives.
This didn't come across as a romance really. It was more a story of addiction I feel...gambling and the dark spiral that comes with losing control and being driven to desperation. Its hard to read about such personalities if you do not have have that streak in you. Probably you are less sympathetic and the characters seem weak although they found themselves in dire straits and were forced to turn to such a lifestyle to come about. Depressing!

[Carol Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just purchased Fortune's Son for my kindle....can't wait to start reading!!!!!!


This book was just too good to just breeze thru... You know the type ladies.

I absolutely fell in love with the characters! Good, better, best, bad worse evil... it's got it all. Including the involved gaming that takes place...how our Emery Lee did it, she surpassed any other author that I have read. You come away with almost being able to play the games!

...and what games there are *wink*.
All I can say is Bravo Emery Lee. You did outstanding. Thank you so much for this!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok.....this book was good. It was well written. But for my personal preference there was no steam in it. They sincerly loved each other, but she just brushed off the romance part I think. And then it is 75% thru the book and it skips 12 years!! WHAT??
Overall a good book, but not steamy enough for me.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was a little overwhelmed with the detailed description of the games of chance played by the characters. I later realized that this attention to detail was what made the novel so enjoyable. I thought it was fairly well crafted and, despite a little confusion over a few of the events and the need some rereading of certain parts, it was quite enjoyable.

[Adam Gutschenritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not normally my type of book, but I found myself attached to the characters. Well worth the read.

[MK · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the worst historical romances I have ever read.

I'm not a fan of the older woman younger guy thing so that was weird.

Outside of that, the constant pitfalls the characters trapped themselves in were ridiculous.

Their need for lavish lifestyles while not being able to afford them grated on me. The 'oh I'll just win!!! the money at the gaming tables' attitude was so irresponsible & it made the characters completely un relatable.

I also didn't like the chronological order of events after she leaves him, they speed up to 10 years later. He's got a military career, a wife & a mistress. As the reader you're like 'what the fuck?' And then they go back to the night he brought his wife to Sukey & rekindled their romance.

Honestly the book was just a free for all of the characters crappy mistakes. I was not a fan.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly fantastic. The perfect blend of meticulous history and gripping intrigue; I was hooked by the first page and read it in pretty much one sitting. Don’t be deterred by the somewhat sensational, ‘bodice-ripping’ cover: this is a brilliant and intoxicating read that will transport you to the seamy, glittering, and mercurial world of the Georgian beau monde. The descriptions are elegant, the characters are astute and well-developed, the historical references are convincing, and the plot is riveting. Stacked against a genre filled with formulaic and sometimes downright ridiculous plots, ‘Fortune’s Son’ stands out for its originality and intelligence. It’s my first book written by this author, but will certainly not be the last!

[Hovelites · Rating 1 out of 5]

An unfinished manuscript. I was about to rate this ***** five stars when the plot jumped a decade without explanation. Jumping back and forth the reader is then offered spasmodic snippets with many crucial points left until the final pages and even epilogue.

Conclusion: In need of strong editing and a publisher not prepared to accept a product so clearly lacking.

The initial five star rating resulted from abundant historical details, sparkling dialogue, flawed protagonists and an excellent cast of secondary characters, some drawn from key figures of Georgian history. But this made my disappointment all the more acute when it all fell to custard.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A complex plot with some great period details. The author worked hard to give the writing a nice feel. I stuck with this one even though I could only read it on my *&^% phone, but it had some annoying plot holes and characters that grated at times.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Don't bother.

[Ellyn (Mrs. Darcy in my Dreams) · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Boring start!

[Evelyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not good - didn't finish

[Victoria Vane · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOP PICK by THE ROMANCE REVIEWS:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
TOP PICK by NIGHT OWL REVIEWS:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Re...

AUTHOR'S COMMENTARY:
Passion, drama and excitement fill the pages of my follow-up to THE HIGHEST STAKES. Set deep in the world of 18th century gaming, FORTUNE'S SON immerses the reader in a time and place where nothing is sacred and virtually anything might be wagered on the turn of a card, or a roll of the dice.

Beginning with their first chance meeting over a Hazard table, and with motives known only to themselves, FORTUNE'S SON chronicles the tumultuous romantic journey between a young but seasoned gamester and a widowed courtier, who refuses to be the next Royal Mistress regardless of the cost.

Experiencing the agonies and ecstasies of the gaming tables, Philip Drake and Lady Susannah Messingham precariously navigate their way in the high-stakes world of card sharps, courtesans, and the intriguers of Georgian England. As their tale of passion and drama plays out, they are led through hardship, heartbreak and loss before final culmination in redemption and enduring love.

With romance, a bit of adventure, and the excitement of gaming coupled with a supporting cast of the wits, gamesters, sporting men, and rou��s of Georgian England, I promise great fun and a riveting read!

REVIEWER ACCOLADES:

"FORTUNE'S SON by Emery Lee is a brilliantly written story about a tumultuous love worth fighting for..This engrossing and thoroughly developed tale tosses you into a classic era ...the dialogue was rich, eloquent and added so many dimensions to the characters...another factor which Emery Lee excels at is historical detail. The novel is just overflowing with different aspects of 18th century England and you become immersed in all of it. Whether it be gambling, duels or every day life in historical England...Ms Lee will bring it all to you. Such carefully crafted characters and setting engage readers in a novel of breathtaking beauty. This novel will have everything you want and then some." - THE ROMANCE REVIEWS

"Fortune's Son is an excellent historical romance you won't want to put down! Ms. Lee will pique your interest immediately and keep it right to the very end. The story is realistic and the characters are totally entertaining. A high-stakes game in life and most importantly, love. I absolutely loved the interaction between Susannah and Philip when she takes his boots off Ooh la la! I'll be anxiously awaiting more from Ms. Lee. She's my new favorite author and I highly recommend Fortune's Son!" - NIGHT OWL REVIEWS

4 STARS From RT BOOK REVIEWS:
"Lee brings the atmosphere of the Georgian era to life with lush descriptions that beg the reader to see, hear, feel and touch it all. She sweeps through a decade, bringing together an older heroine and younger hero in an atypical story...with a lively cast of characters and surprising twists and turns that are reminiscent of Fielding���s Tom Jones or Defoe���s Moll Flanders..."

From Historical Novels Review:
"Set in mid-18th century London, Fortune���s Son is a page-turning account of the lives of two people brought together by fate who attempt, sometimes feebly, to cling to each other through love. The use of minor characters to assist the plot and the details of setting are used very effectively. This is a very enjoyable read with a multi-dimensional (and, surprisingly, male) protagonist." - Michael DiSchiavi

[Lisa Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

FORTUNE'S SON by Emery Lee is a brilliantly written story about a tumultuous love worth fighting for. Prepare yourself to be swept away by this hauntingly tragic yet uplifting tale of how love conquers all.

Philip Drake knows an unfavorable gamble when he sees it, and Susannah, Lady Messingham, equals nothing less than trouble. When the dazzling widow seeks Philip's help to become an experienced gambler, his instincts tell him to walk away. He is on the cusp of reaching his majority and seeking a more respectable future than one spent at the gambling dens. Yet he takes the risk to assist Susannah despite his reservations because there is something about her that he cannot resist. What he does not know is that Susannah needs to make a fortune at the tables, and quickly, because her debts are pulling her under far too quickly. What begins as an easy alliance ends up consuming this pair in a long and treacherous journey that changes them both forever.

It is not everyday fortune shines down on you and you have the opportunity to read a novel such as FORTUNE'S SON. This engrossing and thoroughly developed tale tosses you into a classic era where you have no choice but to quickly absorb everything and every detail. One charming detail would have to be the dialogue. It was rich, eloquent and added so many dimensions to the characters. It also helped another factor which Emery Lee excels at, and that is historical detail. The novel is just overflowing with different aspects of 18th century England and you become immersed in all of it. Whether it be gambling, duels or every day life in historical England...Ms Lee will bring it all to you.

FORTUNE'S SON has a unique dynamic between the characters. Philip is the young gambler, seeking his independence, but far too mature for his age. Susannah is the older, independent widow holding on to her independence by a thin thread. What is charming about these characters in the manner in which they perceive one another. It not only leads to misguided notions about their true character, but also makes their romance all the more complicated. As with all characters, they have flaws. Yet in this case, I could not help but love these characters more because of them. Their journey took on more ups and downs than my poor heart could handle, but the end result made their journey worthwhile.

My one disclaimer is this: As a reader, it is important to know FORTUNE'S SON veers towards that fine line between historical fiction and historical romance. For me, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing at all, but if you are looking for a straight forward romance, this may not live up to your expectations. It was so thorough and detailed, it can't just be considered a romance. This novel has more far more depth and character than the thrilling romance at the center. It was very interesting because while most romances seek to push two characters together, this hero and heroine had to work to change themselves first. It is a very emotional journey that a reader should not take lightly.

FORTUNE'S SON by Emery Lee is a poignant and heart-wrenching journey of two characters as they struggle through life and love. While reading this tale, you can easily appreciate the effort extended to assemble such a fascinating and authentic novel. Such carefully crafted characters and setting engage readers in a novel of breathtaking beauty. This novel will have everything you want and then some. I strongly encourage you to become swept away into the wondrous world of FORTUNE'S SON.