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Betting Against the Duke #1
A Gamble at Sunset
Award-winning author Vanessa Riley turns all convention on its head for the first in an enchanting, dazzlingly diverse new Regency romance trilogy featuring a duke, three sisters, and a tantalizing bet with a most desirable reward...
When a duke discovers the woman he loves was tricked into marrying another, the master chess player makes the now-widowed Viscountess the highest-stakes wager of his life in a last-ditch effort to win her affection: he will find husbands for her two sisters—or depart forever. Thus begins a sparkling new series from acclaimed author Vanessa Riley.
Georgina Wilcox, a wallflower with hidden musical talents, is furious when her reclusive older sister—the recently widowed Viscountess—refuses sorely needed help from the Duke of Torrance, the only gentleman who has shown kindness to the bereft Wilcox sisters. Georgina decides to get back at her sister and shock the Viscountess by kissing the first willing stranger she meets in the enchanting gardens of Anya House. Unfortunately, her sister is not the sole witness. A group of reporters and the ton’s leading gossips catch Georgina in a passionate embrace with a reticent composer, Lord Mark Sebastian.
The third son of an influential marquis, the tongue-tied Mark is determined to keep the scandal from ruining Georgina’s reputation and his own prospects of winning the celebrated Harlbert’s Prize for music. Under the guise of private voice lessons, the two embark on a daring gamble to fool the ton into believing that their feigned courtship is honorable while bolstering Georgina’s singing genius to captivate potential suitors. Sexist cartoons, family rivalries, and an upcoming ball test the fake couple’s resolve. Will their sudden fiery collaboration—and growing attraction—prove there’s nothing false about a first kiss and scandalously irresistible temptation?
When a duke discovers the woman he loves was tricked into marrying another, the master chess player makes the now-widowed Viscountess the highest-stakes wager of his life in a last-ditch effort to win her affection: he will find husbands for her two sisters—or depart forever. Thus begins a sparkling new series from acclaimed author Vanessa Riley.
Georgina Wilcox, a wallflower with hidden musical talents, is furious when her reclusive older sister—the recently widowed Viscountess—refuses sorely needed help from the Duke of Torrance, the only gentleman who has shown kindness to the bereft Wilcox sisters. Georgina decides to get back at her sister and shock the Viscountess by kissing the first willing stranger she meets in the enchanting gardens of Anya House. Unfortunately, her sister is not the sole witness. A group of reporters and the ton’s leading gossips catch Georgina in a passionate embrace with a reticent composer, Lord Mark Sebastian.
The third son of an influential marquis, the tongue-tied Mark is determined to keep the scandal from ruining Georgina’s reputation and his own prospects of winning the celebrated Harlbert’s Prize for music. Under the guise of private voice lessons, the two embark on a daring gamble to fool the ton into believing that their feigned courtship is honorable while bolstering Georgina’s singing genius to captivate potential suitors. Sexist cartoons, family rivalries, and an upcoming ball test the fake couple’s resolve. Will their sudden fiery collaboration—and growing attraction—prove there’s nothing false about a first kiss and scandalously irresistible temptation?
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2024
94 people are currently reading
5736 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Riley
46 books1,642 followersI'm Vanessa Riley, and I write Historical Fiction of dazzling multi-culture communities of the 1750s to 1830s, The Revolutionary Years. I write for readers who treasure and share with friends books that showcase women, power, strong sisterhoods, and love.
Web: https://vanessariley.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
May 27, 2024
I wish I had more to say about this book but this was a real letdown. Lately I've been reading Historical Romance novels by people of color because I refuse to read Bridgerton or watch the show. I choose to read books that prove that author wrong. I've read some good books, some great books and now I've read a not so good book.
First I'll start with the positive. I liked the Historical setting. I liked the exploration of race and breeding in this book. It was based in reality and I thought that was handled well. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Sickle Cell in the narrative. It's never mentioned by name but I had a cousin die from Sickle Cell so I knew what it was. The author also includes authors notes about it and other aspects of the book at the end. This book also touched on a new interest for me...Black people in Russia. After the Civil War Russia was actually quite welcoming to Black people. Current day Russia isn't known for its racial openess but for many decades Russia was very helpful to Black people fleeing America's racism.
Now the bad. This is a Romance but I hated everything related to Romance. The two main characters Georgia & Mark had zero chemistry and I thought Mark was sort of creepy. The best romantic match probably won't happen but if it does I will pick that book up. Another bad thing was despite this being book 1 in a series it felt like a book 2. I felt like I had missed something. The main characters older sister Katherine and her ex Jahleel's story felt like it should have gone first because it would have added context the relationship dynamics. I struggled to connect with any of the characters and in a Romance connection is super important.
I didn't like this book as a Romance. Had it been a straight up Historical Fiction novel I would have liked it a whole lot more. I don't think I'll continue with the series. I am still interested in reading other books by Vanessa Riley but this one was a flop.
First I'll start with the positive. I liked the Historical setting. I liked the exploration of race and breeding in this book. It was based in reality and I thought that was handled well. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Sickle Cell in the narrative. It's never mentioned by name but I had a cousin die from Sickle Cell so I knew what it was. The author also includes authors notes about it and other aspects of the book at the end. This book also touched on a new interest for me...Black people in Russia. After the Civil War Russia was actually quite welcoming to Black people. Current day Russia isn't known for its racial openess but for many decades Russia was very helpful to Black people fleeing America's racism.
Now the bad. This is a Romance but I hated everything related to Romance. The two main characters Georgia & Mark had zero chemistry and I thought Mark was sort of creepy. The best romantic match probably won't happen but if it does I will pick that book up. Another bad thing was despite this being book 1 in a series it felt like a book 2. I felt like I had missed something. The main characters older sister Katherine and her ex Jahleel's story felt like it should have gone first because it would have added context the relationship dynamics. I struggled to connect with any of the characters and in a Romance connection is super important.
I didn't like this book as a Romance. Had it been a straight up Historical Fiction novel I would have liked it a whole lot more. I don't think I'll continue with the series. I am still interested in reading other books by Vanessa Riley but this one was a flop.
December 1, 2024
One thing that I know about Vanessa Riley‘s work is that she will let the reader be out of the loop for part of a book. You have to be comfortable knowing that information will be revealed over the course of the story and sometimes over the course of an entire series. I love that - it makes for surprises all along the way!
A Gamble at Sunset is another fascinating start to a Vanessa Riley series! The cover alone is captivating enough to draw people in, but I hope the Wilcox sisters win people over.
The sisters inherited a prosperous coal business, but the eldest’s husband ran it into the ground, incurring numerous debts. The story opens with that husband’s death, seen through the eyes of his friend, a Duke who is considered a (half) Black Russian (and a new acquaintances of his). In time, we get chapters from the point of view of the main character in this story, Georgina. This is Georgina’s book, which is about her fake engagement to composer and music teacher, Mark. The oldest sister and Duke’s storyline seems to be spanning the entire series, but there are some heavy hints about what is to come for them.
Of course, the fake engaged couple falls in love, but their relationship is incredibly bumpy. There’s even a somewhat devastating twist at the end that twarts Mark’s ambitions as a composer. All is well in the end, as you’d expect.
A Gamble at Sunset is another fascinating start to a Vanessa Riley series! The cover alone is captivating enough to draw people in, but I hope the Wilcox sisters win people over.
The sisters inherited a prosperous coal business, but the eldest’s husband ran it into the ground, incurring numerous debts. The story opens with that husband’s death, seen through the eyes of his friend, a Duke who is considered a (half) Black Russian (and a new acquaintances of his). In time, we get chapters from the point of view of the main character in this story, Georgina. This is Georgina’s book, which is about her fake engagement to composer and music teacher, Mark. The oldest sister and Duke’s storyline seems to be spanning the entire series, but there are some heavy hints about what is to come for them.
Of course, the fake engaged couple falls in love, but their relationship is incredibly bumpy. There’s even a somewhat devastating twist at the end that twarts Mark’s ambitions as a composer. All is well in the end, as you’d expect.
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April 15, 2024Hey we made Booklists's weekend post for #AITA :
A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
“AITA for kissing a stranger to shock my sister & inadvertently causing a family scandal? Now the ton’s gossiping, fam’s beefing & my fake suitor makes tunes for Dido Bell’s portrait. He loves her! Can a fake courtship fool society, or are we doomed to temptation?”
Out May 21st
https://bookriot.com/2024-romance-nov...
On NetGalley now.
Vanessa here!
I want to introduce you to:
A Gamble at Sunset.
This is the first book of the Betting Against the Duke series coming, May 2024.
🔥Expect Angst
🧲Pygmalion Attraction
🎹 Maestro pupil foolery
🔬STEM Regency-Style
🐍Lying loser ex-Friend
👩🏽👩🏾👧🏽Sisters with secrets
🎯Scandals
💔And a 🫅🏽Duke with unrequited love for the one that got away 💃🏽
PS: Scene stealing child 🧒🏽
Preorder Today: https://bit.ly/gamblesunset
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #romancebooks
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #coverart #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #islandqueen #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #bookcovers #romance #grumpysunshine #unrequitedlove
A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
“AITA for kissing a stranger to shock my sister & inadvertently causing a family scandal? Now the ton’s gossiping, fam’s beefing & my fake suitor makes tunes for Dido Bell’s portrait. He loves her! Can a fake courtship fool society, or are we doomed to temptation?”
Out May 21st
https://bookriot.com/2024-romance-nov...
On NetGalley now.
Vanessa here!
I want to introduce you to:
A Gamble at Sunset.
This is the first book of the Betting Against the Duke series coming, May 2024.
🔥Expect Angst
🧲Pygmalion Attraction
🎹 Maestro pupil foolery
🔬STEM Regency-Style
🐍Lying loser ex-Friend
👩🏽👩🏾👧🏽Sisters with secrets
🎯Scandals
💔And a 🫅🏽Duke with unrequited love for the one that got away 💃🏽
PS: Scene stealing child 🧒🏽
Preorder Today: https://bit.ly/gamblesunset
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #romancebooks
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #coverart #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #islandqueen #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #bookcovers #romance #grumpysunshine #unrequitedlove
June 16, 2024
This had such a different feel with the writing and prose. I loved how it showed the lives of black Britons and how they navigated society. I appreciate how well-researched this book was. It makes things feel very authentic. I've loved historical romance most of my life. It's great to see black characters in this setting. The characters were complex, flawed, and at times frustrating. This was my first Vanessa Riley book (although I have a bunch on my Kindle), and I'm going to read more soon!
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Kensington Books.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Kensington Books.
June 12, 2024
I normally love Vanessa Riley. Her titles have been witty, serious and well researched. Unfortunately I just didn’t relate that well to the main characters here. The chemistry wasn’t there for me and the storyline became confusing.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
March 26, 2024
While the concept is fabulous, I would have loved more emotion in this creative historical romance, the first in a new trilogy. May Books 2 & 3 bring all the feels as we follow the lives of the fascinating Wilcox sisters -- a dynamic black family in Regency England.
July 2, 2024
The Wilcox sisters find themselves in trouble when the older sister's dissolute husband dies and leaves them with nothing but debts. But a deathbed request to the Duke of Torrance sees him taking the girls under his wing, not just because of the request but because of a past with the eldest sister that makes her hate him and try to refuse his help. Meanwhile, the second sister, Georgina, finds herself in a tough spot when she's the topic of scandal with Lord Mark Sebastian, a tongue-tied composer and third son of a marquis. It takes some fast thinking and a bet to keep Georgina's reputation from being destroyed while Mark tries to decide on his readiness to defy all odds and be with the lady who stole his heart at first glance.
This one gets a forward-leaning 3.5-star review because I enjoyed the setups for the next couples more than the main one. It's a great launchpad for what seem to be great relationships in future volumes while Georgina and Mark feel a little forced. I never really got the sense that Georgina was truly interested in Mark or vice-versa because they might have bonded over a love of music and Mark fell in love at first sight, but everything in their relationship feels particularly rushed, even for a historical novel.
On the other hand, the Duke and Georgina's older sister have a clashing, banter-filled relationship with a deep, troubled past that makes for riveting interactions that instantly caught my attention. Same with two other characters that don't even interact much but you just know are heading straight towards a very exciting HEA.
Overall, it's an interesting read that looks at a different aspect of the Ton and their reactions to black and mixed individuals joining their ranks. An original perspective for a romance that adds depth without taking away from the fun parts.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Zebra for the romantic read!
This one gets a forward-leaning 3.5-star review because I enjoyed the setups for the next couples more than the main one. It's a great launchpad for what seem to be great relationships in future volumes while Georgina and Mark feel a little forced. I never really got the sense that Georgina was truly interested in Mark or vice-versa because they might have bonded over a love of music and Mark fell in love at first sight, but everything in their relationship feels particularly rushed, even for a historical novel.
On the other hand, the Duke and Georgina's older sister have a clashing, banter-filled relationship with a deep, troubled past that makes for riveting interactions that instantly caught my attention. Same with two other characters that don't even interact much but you just know are heading straight towards a very exciting HEA.
Overall, it's an interesting read that looks at a different aspect of the Ton and their reactions to black and mixed individuals joining their ranks. An original perspective for a romance that adds depth without taking away from the fun parts.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Zebra for the romantic read!
April 10, 2024
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for my advance copy! I love historical fiction (especially the regency era) and this first book in a new series had equal parts great characters, vivid setting and fantastic dialogue. Since I prefer clean, closed door romances, this book hit all the right notes! (Plus, who doesn't love a good fake engagement story?)
While I did have a bit of difficulty keeping the characters and story straight in the initial few chapters, I was quickly drawn in by the Wilcox sisters and their suitors. Some scenes felt a little long but the dialogue and writing were strong and this evoked a really beautiful sense of time period and setting.
I also appreciated how the author leaves a little ambiguity when writing scenes and dialogue rather than spoon feeding readers all the details. This sets us up to continue along with the sisters and their stories over multiple books and allowed for natural feeling motivation from and interactions between the main characters.
Overall, this was a really sweet read, full of heart, sisterhood, some great themes, and a swoon-worthy duke!
While I did have a bit of difficulty keeping the characters and story straight in the initial few chapters, I was quickly drawn in by the Wilcox sisters and their suitors. Some scenes felt a little long but the dialogue and writing were strong and this evoked a really beautiful sense of time period and setting.
I also appreciated how the author leaves a little ambiguity when writing scenes and dialogue rather than spoon feeding readers all the details. This sets us up to continue along with the sisters and their stories over multiple books and allowed for natural feeling motivation from and interactions between the main characters.
Overall, this was a really sweet read, full of heart, sisterhood, some great themes, and a swoon-worthy duke!
May 8, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Vanessa Riley for this DRC!
"Joy must defeat the darkness."
Vanessa Riley breathes life into a diverse cast of characters in this creative take on a regency era romance and fake dating.
The Wilcox sisters inherited their father's successful coal business, but when the oldest, Katherine, marries she gains not only a title, but the debts accumulated by the man's follies until his untimely death. Luckily a duke, with whom Katherine and her late husband have a past, swoops in to keep the sisters from ruin. Until Georgina Wilcox kisses Mark Sebastian, a would be composer from a well to do family, to vex Katherine, but the wrong people see. They decide to fake court until other prospects present themselves and Georgina can politely end the engagement. Meanwhile Mark is actually in love with her. Regency shenanigans ensue!
Georgina is lovely and has a whimsy that's irresistible. I don't blame Mark in the least for being instantly intrigued by her. There are prejudices which rear their ugly heads and regency sensibilities which can be frustrating, but our delightful couple gets through them. I loved learning the historical tidbits. Plenty of surprises are weaved into the narrative.
"Joy must defeat the darkness."
Vanessa Riley breathes life into a diverse cast of characters in this creative take on a regency era romance and fake dating.
The Wilcox sisters inherited their father's successful coal business, but when the oldest, Katherine, marries she gains not only a title, but the debts accumulated by the man's follies until his untimely death. Luckily a duke, with whom Katherine and her late husband have a past, swoops in to keep the sisters from ruin. Until Georgina Wilcox kisses Mark Sebastian, a would be composer from a well to do family, to vex Katherine, but the wrong people see. They decide to fake court until other prospects present themselves and Georgina can politely end the engagement. Meanwhile Mark is actually in love with her. Regency shenanigans ensue!
Georgina is lovely and has a whimsy that's irresistible. I don't blame Mark in the least for being instantly intrigued by her. There are prejudices which rear their ugly heads and regency sensibilities which can be frustrating, but our delightful couple gets through them. I loved learning the historical tidbits. Plenty of surprises are weaved into the narrative.
March 29, 2024
This was an enjoyable, engaging read. The characterisation was great with each person showing both strength and vulnerability. The book is really well researched and some of the characters are based on historic figures. Most importantly it explores the hypocrisy of the ton. Life is fine if you are a rich white male, but if not, society reserves the right to look down on you even when their personal morality sets shocking examples. It is great to see a recognition that we have had a multicultural society for hundreds of years and people from diverse backgrounds have made telling contributions to British life. This needs to be advertised much more widely.
Read
April 5, 2024I love a Regency novel, but the book felt like the author was trying to rush the characters' stories. We are introduced to many characters, and it feels like too much is happening. When the story begins, we learn that Lady Hampton and the Duke knew each other when they were younger. It would have been nice to see how their past and how their lives and those decisions brought us to current events. The way the book started, it felt like I didn’t have a piece of a puzzle, and that piece was part of the middle of the picture. I am unsure if I would be willing to continue the series. Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing this book.
May 12, 2024
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Normally, this is my go to happy genre. This book...was not. So many moving parts were happening in this book that just didn't need to be, the romance was lackluster. The focus of the book was on a sonata that then couldn't even be used for the goal. Overall, it was just a busy read that I had to force myself through and I was very disappointed.
April 3, 2024
Awesome story! I enjoyed this book, it was a fast read and I liked how the story unfolded. The characters were well done and I would recommend this book to others.
September 23, 2024
I forced myself to finish this because I won it as a giveaway but it really wasn’t worth it
November 16, 2024
The Duke of Torrance can be very nice and caring, but when it comes to revenge he has his own agenda. He's not above using people as his pawns, but only to those who deserve it.
Taking the Wilcox sisters under his wings, it will be a high leap of faith for the second oldest Wilcox sister to accept the life she should have by marrying for love. The flow of the book is very uneven and somewhat depressing. I debated on a three or four rating and the last third of the book made my decision. The best character is Lydia. She stole the book with her admiration of the duke.
Passionate kisses and music.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Taking the Wilcox sisters under his wings, it will be a high leap of faith for the second oldest Wilcox sister to accept the life she should have by marrying for love. The flow of the book is very uneven and somewhat depressing. I debated on a three or four rating and the last third of the book made my decision. The best character is Lydia. She stole the book with her admiration of the duke.
Passionate kisses and music.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
March 28, 2024
Black regency core at its finest. I think those who love Bridgerton will eat this up!
I found myself a bit checked out. I would’ve liked more focus on the romance and characters than the period/location aspects. It reads a lot like historical fiction with a romance vs a romance set in historical fiction. I wanted to love it though as I love a 2nd chance romance story and it’s centered around Black women. It was still a good story, just different than what I expected! Would absolutely recommend for those who enjoy period pieces.
I found myself a bit checked out. I would’ve liked more focus on the romance and characters than the period/location aspects. It reads a lot like historical fiction with a romance vs a romance set in historical fiction. I wanted to love it though as I love a 2nd chance romance story and it’s centered around Black women. It was still a good story, just different than what I expected! Would absolutely recommend for those who enjoy period pieces.
May 17, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Vanessa Riley for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Gamble at Sunset coming out May 21, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Georgina Wilcox, a wallflower with hidden musical talents, is furious when her reclusive older sister—the recently widowed Viscountess—refuses sorely needed help from the Duke of Torrance, the only gentleman who has shown kindness to the bereft Wilcox sisters. Georgina decides to get back at her sister and shock the Viscountess by kissing the first willing stranger she meets in the enchanting gardens of Anya House. Unfortunately, her sister is not the sole witness. A group of reporters and the ton’s leading gossips catch Georgina in a passionate embrace with a reticent composer, Lord Mark Sebastian.
The third son of an influential marquis, the tongue-tied Mark is determined to keep the scandal from ruining Georgina’s reputation and his own prospects of winning the celebrated Harlbert’s Prize for music. Under the guise of private voice lessons, the two embark on a daring gamble to fool the ton into believing that their feigned courtship is honorable while bolstering Georgina’s singing genius to captivate potential suitors. Sexist cartoons, family rivalries, and an upcoming ball test the fake couple’s resolve. Will their sudden fiery collaboration—and growing attraction—prove there’s nothing false about a first kiss and scandalously irresistible temptation?
I was really excited to receive this book! I’ve read Murder in Westminster and loved it. Murder Mysteries are definitely one of my favorite genres. This book definitely has a different vibe than that one. This is more romance based. I love the regency era setting. The whole fake dating is fun in any time period, so I enjoyed the hijinks that ensued. I just love wallflower stories. I loved the writing. It was definitely heavy on the dialogue, which is my favorite style. It felt a lot like Queen Charlotte and other regency books I’ve read. I felt like a couple of the characters weren’t as developed, so I’m hoping they’ll be featured more in the rest of the series. I’ll definitely check out more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys diverse historical romances!
Georgina Wilcox, a wallflower with hidden musical talents, is furious when her reclusive older sister—the recently widowed Viscountess—refuses sorely needed help from the Duke of Torrance, the only gentleman who has shown kindness to the bereft Wilcox sisters. Georgina decides to get back at her sister and shock the Viscountess by kissing the first willing stranger she meets in the enchanting gardens of Anya House. Unfortunately, her sister is not the sole witness. A group of reporters and the ton’s leading gossips catch Georgina in a passionate embrace with a reticent composer, Lord Mark Sebastian.
The third son of an influential marquis, the tongue-tied Mark is determined to keep the scandal from ruining Georgina’s reputation and his own prospects of winning the celebrated Harlbert’s Prize for music. Under the guise of private voice lessons, the two embark on a daring gamble to fool the ton into believing that their feigned courtship is honorable while bolstering Georgina’s singing genius to captivate potential suitors. Sexist cartoons, family rivalries, and an upcoming ball test the fake couple’s resolve. Will their sudden fiery collaboration—and growing attraction—prove there’s nothing false about a first kiss and scandalously irresistible temptation?
I was really excited to receive this book! I’ve read Murder in Westminster and loved it. Murder Mysteries are definitely one of my favorite genres. This book definitely has a different vibe than that one. This is more romance based. I love the regency era setting. The whole fake dating is fun in any time period, so I enjoyed the hijinks that ensued. I just love wallflower stories. I loved the writing. It was definitely heavy on the dialogue, which is my favorite style. It felt a lot like Queen Charlotte and other regency books I’ve read. I felt like a couple of the characters weren’t as developed, so I’m hoping they’ll be featured more in the rest of the series. I’ll definitely check out more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys diverse historical romances!
September 24, 2025
Wow, this had the potential to be a good story, but the writing was so bad! The anachronisms didn't seem cheeky and fun; they seemed like the product of not doing enough research. The dialogue was hard to follow because the author didn't make it clear enough who was speaking. The turns of phrase weren't memorable or evocative. Disappointing, because I wanted it to be better. It was also deeply, DEEPLY, distracting and off-putting to have an American narrator for the audiobook.
May 20, 2024
Georgina Wilcox is one of four sisters who inherited their father’s coal business. She is a wallflower with hidden musical talents & enters into a fake betrothal with Lord Mark Sebastian after being caught in a passionate embrace. The third son of an influential marquis, the tongue-tied Mark is determined to keep the scandal from ruining Georgina’s reputation and his own prospects of winning the celebrated Harlbert’s Prize for music.
The start of a new series & a well written, well researched book which I enjoyed but didn’t love as I would have liked more chemistry between Mark & Georgina, their characters had depth but just lacked that extra something
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The start of a new series & a well written, well researched book which I enjoyed but didn’t love as I would have liked more chemistry between Mark & Georgina, their characters had depth but just lacked that extra something
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
May 24, 2024
A Gamble at Sunset is the first book in the “Betting Against the Duke” regency romance trilogy by Vanessa Riley. This story takes place in London in the early 1800s. It introduces the Wilcox sisters. These four Black sisters inherited their family’s coal company after their parents passed away. The sisters experience several challenges to keeping the business going, yet they are willing to make serious sacrifices in order to save their family business and protect one another. This story focuses on Georgina and her fake engagement to Mark, a local composer and music teacher. These two have the potential to make beautiful music together literally and figuratively in spite of their cultural differences if they can ignore the opinions of others.
I found myself initially wanting to rush the story. Once I slowed down and enjoyed each line and phrase, I was treated to a beautiful love story and hints of the next two stories to come. I also enjoyed the author’s historical accuracy. The author does a phenomenal job of combining history and romance. This book inspired me to not only want to read the rest of the books in the series, but to also research more information highlighted in the book such as Blackamoors and Cesar Picton, the Black Coal Millionaire. The author also excels at depicting the racism, sexism, illnesses, and medical treatments of the regency era while telling a sweet love story.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I found myself initially wanting to rush the story. Once I slowed down and enjoyed each line and phrase, I was treated to a beautiful love story and hints of the next two stories to come. I also enjoyed the author’s historical accuracy. The author does a phenomenal job of combining history and romance. This book inspired me to not only want to read the rest of the books in the series, but to also research more information highlighted in the book such as Blackamoors and Cesar Picton, the Black Coal Millionaire. The author also excels at depicting the racism, sexism, illnesses, and medical treatments of the regency era while telling a sweet love story.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 24, 2025
I enjoyed the character dynamics in this one and found it to be quite fun if you can just go with it and don’t mind being confused every once in awhile.
April 29, 2024
Vanessa Riley does an excellent job of making you fall in love with Historical Fiction. I absolutely love her work and admire the time and dedication she puts into the research required for the masterpieces she produce.
A Gamble at Sunset was a beautiful story of the Wilcox sisters determined to keep their family business and legacy intact despite poor decisions of the past. Doing so involves fake romances, prejudice outrage, and a Duke that’s willing to take away the burden just to have another chance with the woman he loves.
I recommend this story.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
A Gamble at Sunset was a beautiful story of the Wilcox sisters determined to keep their family business and legacy intact despite poor decisions of the past. Doing so involves fake romances, prejudice outrage, and a Duke that’s willing to take away the burden just to have another chance with the woman he loves.
I recommend this story.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
June 3, 2024
ARC review.
This was an interesting read. I don't think I've ever read fake dating in a historical romance before.
I enjoyed Georgina and Mark's interactions, and how they had to navigate discussions of race in these times. Georgina never backs down from speaking her mind with Mark who as a white man doesn't understand what the Wilcox sisters have to deal with and how they navigate society.
The Duke was also quite an interesting character as a Black Russian however I will say that his and Katherine's story did sort of overshadow Georgina and Mark's in the beginning. To the point where I was confused as to who the real MCs were. As we also got POVs for the duke as well. It did feel like we were thrown into the middle of their story and Mark and Georgie were sort of along for the ride.
However, it got less confusing as the story went along and I did enjoy Mark and Georgie's interactions. I did want a smiiiidge bit more tension between them since the whole reason they have to pretend to be engaged was because they were caught kissing in the garden (scandalous!) but I did enjoy this all the same.
I'm looking forward to see how the duke and Katherine's story wraps up though because they have so much history!
This was an interesting read. I don't think I've ever read fake dating in a historical romance before.
I enjoyed Georgina and Mark's interactions, and how they had to navigate discussions of race in these times. Georgina never backs down from speaking her mind with Mark who as a white man doesn't understand what the Wilcox sisters have to deal with and how they navigate society.
The Duke was also quite an interesting character as a Black Russian however I will say that his and Katherine's story did sort of overshadow Georgina and Mark's in the beginning. To the point where I was confused as to who the real MCs were. As we also got POVs for the duke as well. It did feel like we were thrown into the middle of their story and Mark and Georgie were sort of along for the ride.
However, it got less confusing as the story went along and I did enjoy Mark and Georgie's interactions. I did want a smiiiidge bit more tension between them since the whole reason they have to pretend to be engaged was because they were caught kissing in the garden (scandalous!) but I did enjoy this all the same.
I'm looking forward to see how the duke and Katherine's story wraps up though because they have so much history!
June 15, 2024
This is the 1st book in the Betting Against the Duke series focused on 3 sisters set in the regency era! In Gamble at Sunset, we have spunky, ambitious, Georgina who has a hidden musical talent and shy, tongue-tighed Lord Mark Sebastian who embark on a fake relationship to disperse gossip of a scandal that would ruin Georgina's reputation!
Fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes so I was definitely intrigued to see how this one would play out! I loved how much all of the sisters had such a tight bond together and just wanted what was best for their family. Even though each sister has their own secrets and desires for their lives, their main focus was still on the well-being of their family.
However, I did feel as if the pacing of the story was slow. I don't mind a slow burn but this one was extremely slow in my opinion. I also kind of wished we would have gotten the first book about the older sister as it would have set up the book a little better.
This one will be a hit for historical romance fans as it has all the elements that make for a intriguing historical romance!
Fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes so I was definitely intrigued to see how this one would play out! I loved how much all of the sisters had such a tight bond together and just wanted what was best for their family. Even though each sister has their own secrets and desires for their lives, their main focus was still on the well-being of their family.
However, I did feel as if the pacing of the story was slow. I don't mind a slow burn but this one was extremely slow in my opinion. I also kind of wished we would have gotten the first book about the older sister as it would have set up the book a little better.
This one will be a hit for historical romance fans as it has all the elements that make for a intriguing historical romance!
March 27, 2024
Georgina is angry at her older sister for refusing help from the Duke of Torrance. She kisses the first willing stranger she meeds but a group reporters catches her in an embrace with Lord Mark. They decide to let the ton think he's wooing her....
I like Mark and Georgina's chemistry. It's a great friendship as well as romance. I love how they share their love of music too.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
I like Mark and Georgina's chemistry. It's a great friendship as well as romance. I love how they share their love of music too.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
Read
May 3, 2024DNF very early on. I'm not meshing with the writing at all. It's very melodic, and a lot of characters are introduced all at once making me feel confused. I will have to try a different book from Vanessa Riley because this one is not for me.
February 24, 2025
TL;DR: great history, but the author should’ve simplified the number of characters and POVs, and the Jahleel/Katherine story was way more interesting than the main couple’s.
I ended up enjoying this book though the beginning was convoluted and some of the sentences were structured in wacky ways. I liked the themes and the nuance of the Black stories being told, though I’d have liked that nuance to be shown more than told. Also, maybe focus on one couple per book to allow deeper characterization. It felt like the author was wayyy more interested in telling Katherine and Jahleel’s story, and honestly I’m more interested in that story, too.
And sometimes it felt like the characters were inconsistent, like Mark having a revelation and saying he’d resolved to do one thing and suddenly he’s doing the opposite and in half a sentence explains why he’d thought that was a good choice — no explanation for going back on his previous plan, no showing him changing his mind.
That said, by the end I was rooting for the couple and enjoying the book. I’m looking forward to the science and rebellion and what I’m sure will be a reluctant-allies-to-fake-marriage-of-convenience-to-lovers with Scarlett and Livingston. And hopefully Katherine and Jahleel actually TALKING.
Oh, and the biscuit euphemism was way overused imo.
Elaboration on why I felt the exposition was confusing:
The exposition should be way more streamlined; as it is, the story starts in such a convoluted way (focusing on the Duke of Torrance but with a first person POV from Mark, introducing SO MANY PEOPLE, etc.) I didn’t know who the main characters were, and couldn’t keep track of all the characters introduced in the first two chapters. The prologue was unnecessary (readers can understand the stakes and the duke’s backstory well enough without it) and just added to the confusion. The book should’ve started with the duke going to his ex best friend’s sickbed as the prologue or chapter one (starting with him entering the home, not earlier), then Georgina’s POV in the next chapter (a year later, basically what’s currently chapter 6), then Mark Sebastian’s POV, and we can get to the Mark-loves-a-painting storyline and the duke’s parent’s backstory later.
I ended up enjoying this book though the beginning was convoluted and some of the sentences were structured in wacky ways. I liked the themes and the nuance of the Black stories being told, though I’d have liked that nuance to be shown more than told. Also, maybe focus on one couple per book to allow deeper characterization. It felt like the author was wayyy more interested in telling Katherine and Jahleel’s story, and honestly I’m more interested in that story, too.
And sometimes it felt like the characters were inconsistent, like Mark having a revelation and saying he’d resolved to do one thing and suddenly he’s doing the opposite and in half a sentence explains why he’d thought that was a good choice — no explanation for going back on his previous plan, no showing him changing his mind.
That said, by the end I was rooting for the couple and enjoying the book. I’m looking forward to the science and rebellion and what I’m sure will be a reluctant-allies-to-fake-marriage-of-convenience-to-lovers with Scarlett and Livingston. And hopefully Katherine and Jahleel actually TALKING.
Oh, and the biscuit euphemism was way overused imo.
Elaboration on why I felt the exposition was confusing:
The exposition should be way more streamlined; as it is, the story starts in such a convoluted way (focusing on the Duke of Torrance but with a first person POV from Mark, introducing SO MANY PEOPLE, etc.) I didn’t know who the main characters were, and couldn’t keep track of all the characters introduced in the first two chapters. The prologue was unnecessary (readers can understand the stakes and the duke’s backstory well enough without it) and just added to the confusion. The book should’ve started with the duke going to his ex best friend’s sickbed as the prologue or chapter one (starting with him entering the home, not earlier), then Georgina’s POV in the next chapter (a year later, basically what’s currently chapter 6), then Mark Sebastian’s POV, and we can get to the Mark-loves-a-painting storyline and the duke’s parent’s backstory later.
July 20, 2025
I accidentally borrowed the second book in this series from my local library not realizing it was a series so I brought this one on my kindle… I’m so disappointed.
There were too many characters introduced in the first 10% of the book. I couldn’t keep up and I didn’t know what anyone looked like for a while. Nothing interesting happened for 80% of the book. I don’t mind a slow burn if the passion leaps off of the page but this was boring. I couldn’t even tell if the love interest even liked one another. There are some decent quotes, but I will forget this book by the time I finish writing this review.
The second book will be returned to the library… unread.
There were too many characters introduced in the first 10% of the book. I couldn’t keep up and I didn’t know what anyone looked like for a while. Nothing interesting happened for 80% of the book. I don’t mind a slow burn if the passion leaps off of the page but this was boring. I couldn’t even tell if the love interest even liked one another. There are some decent quotes, but I will forget this book by the time I finish writing this review.
The second book will be returned to the library… unread.
May 18, 2024
First person narrative from the perspective of the two main characters. It is an excellent tale with several elements like love, betrayal, pride, prejudicism, racism, mixed race relationships, hypocrisy, friendships, family, loyalty, the pursuit of knowledge. Music plays a center role as well. There is also the age old struggle to choose one’s happiness vs society’s expectations vs repercussions for one’s actions. I love the historical background at the end of the book as well as the bonus recipe!
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