What do you think?
Rate this book
Gambling on Love #3
Viscount's Wager
London, 1822
You never forget your first love, but is a second chance worth the gamble?
Anthony, Viscount Rawling, knows exactly what he wants in life and he isn't above having a look about London for it. When he spots recently widowed Gabriel Tilden at a ton function, he thinks he might have found love…again.
Gabriel is as gorgeous and reserved as he was when he broke Anthony's heart seven years ago. But they were only adolescents then…surely Anthony won't hold the incident against him. And especially not when the attraction between them is stronger than ever.
Gabriel came to London in search of distraction, and a teasing Anthony is impossible to resist. As Anthony introduces Gabriel to the pleasures that can be found in the city—and in his bedchamber—their bond deepens into something more. Yet both men are hiding secrets that could pull them apart forever…
102,000 words
You never forget your first love, but is a second chance worth the gamble?
Anthony, Viscount Rawling, knows exactly what he wants in life and he isn't above having a look about London for it. When he spots recently widowed Gabriel Tilden at a ton function, he thinks he might have found love…again.
Gabriel is as gorgeous and reserved as he was when he broke Anthony's heart seven years ago. But they were only adolescents then…surely Anthony won't hold the incident against him. And especially not when the attraction between them is stronger than ever.
Gabriel came to London in search of distraction, and a teasing Anthony is impossible to resist. As Anthony introduces Gabriel to the pleasures that can be found in the city—and in his bedchamber—their bond deepens into something more. Yet both men are hiding secrets that could pull them apart forever…
102,000 words
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2015
25 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Ava March
27 books762 followersAva March is a bestselling author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.
Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/avamarch/
Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/avamarch/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 3, 2015
Ava March, my sweet, sweet Ava March. You are usually so spot on! Perhaps my own personal feelings came into play here but I wanted to SLAP Gabriel for most of the story!
I'm the kind of girl who doesn't forget easily. You screw me over and I'm going to glare at you for the next bazillion times that we see each other. Now, I'm too much of a wimp to actually say or do anything, but you can bet I'm telling you off inside my head. Harshly.
When Gabriel broke Anthony's heart as a teenager, I was ready to see some serious groveling the next time they met face to face. I was almost gleeful waiting for it. It never came. When Anthony sort of sucked it up and was friendly to Gabriel, giving him another chance so easily, I was like WHAAAAA?? I would have been one cold lady in those same shoes.
Gradually my ire wore off. Gradually. But I still didn't like how Gabriel played hot and cold with Anthony, and I have no idea why Anthony put up with his crap.
In terms of their secrets, I thought that Anthony's was a pretty clever plot element, but I was irritated by Gabriel's excuses and borderline abusive behavior.
As usual, Ava March's writing was extremely readable and her sex scenes were hot (though less kinky than usual). I liked this story, in many ways, simply because Ava March wrote it and she is such a queen of historicals. But in terms of this series, this one was fairly lackluster.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
I'm the kind of girl who doesn't forget easily. You screw me over and I'm going to glare at you for the next bazillion times that we see each other. Now, I'm too much of a wimp to actually say or do anything, but you can bet I'm telling you off inside my head. Harshly.
When Gabriel broke Anthony's heart as a teenager, I was ready to see some serious groveling the next time they met face to face. I was almost gleeful waiting for it. It never came. When Anthony sort of sucked it up and was friendly to Gabriel, giving him another chance so easily, I was like WHAAAAA?? I would have been one cold lady in those same shoes.
Gradually my ire wore off. Gradually. But I still didn't like how Gabriel played hot and cold with Anthony, and I have no idea why Anthony put up with his crap.
In terms of their secrets, I thought that Anthony's was a pretty clever plot element, but I was irritated by Gabriel's excuses and borderline abusive behavior.
As usual, Ava March's writing was extremely readable and her sex scenes were hot (though less kinky than usual). I liked this story, in many ways, simply because Ava March wrote it and she is such a queen of historicals. But in terms of this series, this one was fairly lackluster.
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
July 28, 2015
~4.5~
Gambling on Love is one of my favorite M/M series, and I've been anticipating Anthony and Gabriel's story for months.
I'm a slut for Ava March books; they are the perfect blend of sharp writing, dirty sex, and romantic fluff.
As in the other two books in the series, the dual POV works very well here. I'm not sure I could have forgiven Gabriel for how he initially treated Anthony had I not been able to see what was going on inside his head.
Gabriel is a bundle of guilt. He feels guilty for leaving Anthony, for being freed (under unhappy circumstances) from his loveless marriage, for giving in to his desires.
The guilt drives Gabriel to gambling hells, and his self-destructive behavior spirals out of control.
Even as I wanted to shake Gabriel, I wanted to hug Anthony.
Anthony is open, caring, and forgiving. The way he accepts Gabriel seven years later ... let's say I couldn't be that generous. But Anthony has secrets of his own, and he's too ashamed to discuss them with anyone.
The first half of the book is frustrating to read, because Gabriel keeps running, but once he decides to trust Anthony, the connection between the men shines through.
I loved seeing Max and Tristan, as well as Jack and Will, from the first two books here. Jack Morgan is one of my favorite MCs, and he was pretty badass here.
This book didn't disappoint, although if pressed I would say I liked it a little less than the first two. The sex was plentiful, but not as passionate as in the first two books, and Gabriel's guilt was a little hard to take.
But the HEA was blinding. Anthony and Gabriel's term of endearment for each other had me reaching for a tissue.
Total feel-good ending!
P.S. These books shouldn't be read as standalones, although this one works better as a standalone than the other two.
Gambling on Love is one of my favorite M/M series, and I've been anticipating Anthony and Gabriel's story for months.
I'm a slut for Ava March books; they are the perfect blend of sharp writing, dirty sex, and romantic fluff.
"Don't," Gabriel begged. "Please, don't ... I will give you everything I can. Everything that I am."
As in the other two books in the series, the dual POV works very well here. I'm not sure I could have forgiven Gabriel for how he initially treated Anthony had I not been able to see what was going on inside his head.
Gabriel is a bundle of guilt. He feels guilty for leaving Anthony, for being freed (under unhappy circumstances) from his loveless marriage, for giving in to his desires.
The guilt drives Gabriel to gambling hells, and his self-destructive behavior spirals out of control.
Even as I wanted to shake Gabriel, I wanted to hug Anthony.
Anthony is open, caring, and forgiving. The way he accepts Gabriel seven years later ... let's say I couldn't be that generous. But Anthony has secrets of his own, and he's too ashamed to discuss them with anyone.
The first half of the book is frustrating to read, because Gabriel keeps running, but once he decides to trust Anthony, the connection between the men shines through.
I loved seeing Max and Tristan, as well as Jack and Will, from the first two books here. Jack Morgan is one of my favorite MCs, and he was pretty badass here.
This book didn't disappoint, although if pressed I would say I liked it a little less than the first two. The sex was plentiful, but not as passionate as in the first two books, and Gabriel's guilt was a little hard to take.
But the HEA was blinding. Anthony and Gabriel's term of endearment for each other had me reaching for a tissue.
Total feel-good ending!
P.S. These books shouldn't be read as standalones, although this one works better as a standalone than the other two.
August 6, 2015
BR with The Adam
Primarily what I'm feeling is an overwhelming sense of ambivalence.
I didn't love it or hate it.
Actually, I was flummoxed as to why I was having such a blasé reaction to this story until Max and Tristan made an appearance. If I'm completely honest, what I enjoyed most were the parts with the couples from books 1 and 2. The minute, the second Max started getting all bossy and grumble-y I knew.
It's these characters. I'm a character person. Give me at least one good character that I can sink my teeth into and even if the story isn't up to snuff chances are I'll still be enthusiastic. Neither of these characters did a thing for me.
It started off with the premise which I found flimsy. Anthony and Gabriel meet and share a swim in a pond and a kiss when they're 16 and 18, respectively. If anyone else just got the pond scene from A Room with a View in their head, you're not alone. The next day Anthony stumbles across Gabriel kissing a girl whom he subsequently marries. Anthony's understandably upset but then begins 7 yrs worth of moping about the one that got away. I mean, he's not celibate or anything, but he's never satisfied. I find this a tad far-fetched but I'm willing to cede the point and go with the destiny trope.
I love the destiny trope!
Then Gabriel's wife suddenly dies and he fortuitously runs into Anthony in London. And Anthony acts like not a day has passed!
[Super cute glove slapping gif that GR won't load for whatever reason. Thanks GR. *scowl*]
No talking? No questions? No why the hell did you kiss that floozy?
Nope.
Just piss poor communication EXCEPT when it comes to sex. No problem discussing the "intimate matters" and being tenacious about it too.
Their communication issues coupled with their lack of vibrancy, zip, zing, what have you, left a sour taste in my mouth.
I'm sympathetic to their struggles, though they are largely self-inflicted. Then again, that is wont to be the case in this genre. I'm happy they got their HEA. I appreciate the hopeful message of the book, but they are beige. They will live happily ever after in their beige house with beige furniture and have beige fields of barley surrounding them. They will, however, have some toe curling sex which I suspect will lead them to Kinksville in no time. I can always count on Ms. March to bring the hotness.
The writing is lovely as I've come to expect from this author, but I wholeheartedly agree with my buddy reader, Adam, that this final book of the series is unnecessarily fattened up and not in a meaningful way. It could use a stern editor to excise some of the extraneous verbiage.
I am sorry I didn't love it as much as I expected to since I was so looking forward to it, but it was nice to see all of them together one last time and this will remain one of my favorite historical series.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Primarily what I'm feeling is an overwhelming sense of ambivalence.
I didn't love it or hate it.
Actually, I was flummoxed as to why I was having such a blasé reaction to this story until Max and Tristan made an appearance. If I'm completely honest, what I enjoyed most were the parts with the couples from books 1 and 2. The minute, the second Max started getting all bossy and grumble-y I knew.
It's these characters. I'm a character person. Give me at least one good character that I can sink my teeth into and even if the story isn't up to snuff chances are I'll still be enthusiastic. Neither of these characters did a thing for me.
It started off with the premise which I found flimsy. Anthony and Gabriel meet and share a swim in a pond and a kiss when they're 16 and 18, respectively. If anyone else just got the pond scene from A Room with a View in their head, you're not alone. The next day Anthony stumbles across Gabriel kissing a girl whom he subsequently marries. Anthony's understandably upset but then begins 7 yrs worth of moping about the one that got away. I mean, he's not celibate or anything, but he's never satisfied. I find this a tad far-fetched but I'm willing to cede the point and go with the destiny trope.
I love the destiny trope!
Then Gabriel's wife suddenly dies and he fortuitously runs into Anthony in London. And Anthony acts like not a day has passed!
[Super cute glove slapping gif that GR won't load for whatever reason. Thanks GR. *scowl*]
No talking? No questions? No why the hell did you kiss that floozy?
Nope.
Just piss poor communication EXCEPT when it comes to sex. No problem discussing the "intimate matters" and being tenacious about it too.
Their communication issues coupled with their lack of vibrancy, zip, zing, what have you, left a sour taste in my mouth.
I'm sympathetic to their struggles, though they are largely self-inflicted. Then again, that is wont to be the case in this genre. I'm happy they got their HEA. I appreciate the hopeful message of the book, but they are beige. They will live happily ever after in their beige house with beige furniture and have beige fields of barley surrounding them. They will, however, have some toe curling sex which I suspect will lead them to Kinksville in no time. I can always count on Ms. March to bring the hotness.
The writing is lovely as I've come to expect from this author, but I wholeheartedly agree with my buddy reader, Adam, that this final book of the series is unnecessarily fattened up and not in a meaningful way. It could use a stern editor to excise some of the extraneous verbiage.
I am sorry I didn't love it as much as I expected to since I was so looking forward to it, but it was nice to see all of them together one last time and this will remain one of my favorite historical series.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2015
BR with my Wench
2.75 stars
I had to push myself to get through the first 60% of 'Viscount's Wager', but the remaining 40% was quite good. After seeing a part of Anthony's story in the preceding book, Sharp Love, I was really looking forward to reading book 3 in the Gambling on Love series.
I had mixed feelings about the initial set-up of Gabriel and Anthony's story. The prologue was heartbreaking. It was awful seeing Anthony's hopes dashed in such a short span of time. But I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the fact that seven years later, the two MCs' lives are still defined by a single kiss at the age of sixteen. It seems silly to base the rest of your life on a moment of young love. Maybe I'm just a skeptic.
The first half of the book continues in this fashion, with Anthony feeling betrayed over what happened in the past, and Gabriel coping with his guilt over his wife's death and his attraction to Anthony. It got repetitive. I was very bored, and their was no kink to provide a distraction. Ava March is known for her kinky historicals, but that's not the case in 'Viscount's Wager'. Though Gabriel and Anthony do like it rough in the bedroom, so there was still some hot sexin'.
I think that the book had a lot of unnecessary extra words. This book is over 100,000 words, compared to the preceding book, which I gave 4 stars too, which had around 77,000 words. I've noticed in the past year that longer MM books are becoming more common, but most often these longer books are prone to repetition or needless drama to fill in the pages.
Things finally began picking up in the second half. The plotline with Gabriel's gambling debts and Anthony's big reveal provided both angst and heart to the story. I finally felt like I got to see what made the two tick, beyond a single kiss seven years in the past. And, best of all, Anthony and Gabriel actually talked to each other for once, beyond their usual mundane safe topics.
The two had been close-mouthed for so long, that when they finally let it all out it was a big emotional scene. I liked it a lot. The happy ever after, and the resolution to Gabriel's debt, were believable and made it clear that the two were finally moving forward. And that final chapter? It was a great way to end this series!
By the end, I enjoyed Viscount's Wager. However, the first half of the book dragged way too much for me. Cutting down Viscount's Wager by at least 30 to 50 pages, and tightening up the story, would have made for a much better read. Even so, I'd recommend this book for folks looking for a long slow-paced MM historical, and those who'd like to catch up with a number of Ava March's previous couples.
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
2.75 stars
I had to push myself to get through the first 60% of 'Viscount's Wager', but the remaining 40% was quite good. After seeing a part of Anthony's story in the preceding book, Sharp Love, I was really looking forward to reading book 3 in the Gambling on Love series.
I had mixed feelings about the initial set-up of Gabriel and Anthony's story. The prologue was heartbreaking. It was awful seeing Anthony's hopes dashed in such a short span of time. But I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the fact that seven years later, the two MCs' lives are still defined by a single kiss at the age of sixteen. It seems silly to base the rest of your life on a moment of young love. Maybe I'm just a skeptic.
The first half of the book continues in this fashion, with Anthony feeling betrayed over what happened in the past, and Gabriel coping with his guilt over his wife's death and his attraction to Anthony. It got repetitive. I was very bored, and their was no kink to provide a distraction. Ava March is known for her kinky historicals, but that's not the case in 'Viscount's Wager'. Though Gabriel and Anthony do like it rough in the bedroom, so there was still some hot sexin'.
I think that the book had a lot of unnecessary extra words. This book is over 100,000 words, compared to the preceding book, which I gave 4 stars too, which had around 77,000 words. I've noticed in the past year that longer MM books are becoming more common, but most often these longer books are prone to repetition or needless drama to fill in the pages.
Things finally began picking up in the second half. The plotline with Gabriel's gambling debts and Anthony's big reveal provided both angst and heart to the story. I finally felt like I got to see what made the two tick, beyond a single kiss seven years in the past. And, best of all, Anthony and Gabriel actually talked to each other for once, beyond their usual mundane safe topics.
The two had been close-mouthed for so long, that when they finally let it all out it was a big emotional scene. I liked it a lot. The happy ever after, and the resolution to Gabriel's debt, were believable and made it clear that the two were finally moving forward. And that final chapter? It was a great way to end this series!
By the end, I enjoyed Viscount's Wager. However, the first half of the book dragged way too much for me. Cutting down Viscount's Wager by at least 30 to 50 pages, and tightening up the story, would have made for a much better read. Even so, I'd recommend this book for folks looking for a long slow-paced MM historical, and those who'd like to catch up with a number of Ava March's previous couples.
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
August 11, 2015
Viscount's Wager
is the third (and I assumed the last) book in Ava March's "Gambling in Love" series. Consider that I truly have bad memory about details, I honestly didn't remember much about the previous two books. However, I had no problem at all being immersed to the love story between Anthony Hawkins, the Viscount Rawling, and Lord Gabriel Tilden.
Seven years ago, Anthony and Gabriel shared their first intimate kiss. Anthony, only sixteen at that time, compared to Gabriel's eighteen, have been having deep crush over the older young man and that kiss just gave him flourishing hope. Until the very next day, Anthony heard about Gabriel engagement and the news broke his heart. Now, Gabriel returns to London, recently widowed, and Anthony is determined to introduce Gabriel to the pleasure of the city as well as the possibility to reignite the fire of attraction between them.
Despite being the younger man, I couldn't help admiring Anthony's stance towards life. I loved that Anthony was unabashed about his preference towards men -- oh, he doesn't prance on it, but Anthony makes up his mind from early on that women doesn't make him happy so that he will not get married in pretense. I loved Anthony's certainty about being with Gabriel and his willingness to chase that dream (now that Gabriel is widowed). As a character, Anthony won my heart from the very get go. Even after his heart was broken by Gabriel, he doesn't hold a grudge or drowning in sorrow. He's an admirable man in my eyes.
Gabriel, on the other hand, was a bit harder for me to empathize. Gabriel has that 'deep denial and guilt' that eats him from the inside, which sort of making him more cowardly compared to Anthony. His idea of penance, his idea of staying away from Anthony because he hurt Anthony deeply just didn't impress me much. Especially because he knows at heart that all Anthony wants is for them to be together. It's a screwed up way of thinking and I'm always a bit impatient for characters like that. Luckily, Gabriel finally steps up and admits his mistake, and it doesn't take the last chapter for him to do so. I definitely approved :).
There are other issues that plays their hand in Anthony and Gabriel's relationship, The first becomes the vehicle to strengthen Anthony and Gabriel's bond, while the later gives a solution for them to be together. I thought both were incorporated to the story very well.
When it comes to the chemistry and sexuality, well, hats off to Ava March. She sure knows how to write them down!! I will admit that I'm not always in favor of reading sex scenes. Probably influenced by my asexuality, I always demand romance, and for me that doesn't necessarily translated into sex. Sex scenes for me should feel rewarding, should be integral to the love affair as a whole, and not written just for the sake of being written.
In this book, I thought Anthony and Gabriel had a deep honest passion towards one another and the sexuality was simmering bright. Gabriel is a virgin when it comes to sex with men, and when Anthony, the younger one in the relationship, becomes the teacher, wow, it was sensual, it was beautiful, it gave me tingles!! Their sex scenes were wonderful -- even if I ended up skimming some of them in the end (that was on me, NOT the book).
By the way, fans of March will be delighted to see cameos from previous books, Max Arrington, Duke of Pelham and Tristan Walsh (All In with the Duke), Jack Morgan and William Drake (Sharp Love), as well as small scenes with Linus Radcliff and Robert Anderson (Rogues) as well as Alexander Norton and Thomas Bennett (My True Love Gave to Me). Considering the timeline and small circle of acquaintances between men who love men in that period of time, I thought this was a pleasant way to bring the characters together.
At more than 102,000 words, Viscount's Wager is Ava March's longest story to date -- and despite things that frustrated me, it is definitely a solid and satisfying regency romance. The happy ending in that epilogue is very convincing and it makes me very content.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Seven years ago, Anthony and Gabriel shared their first intimate kiss. Anthony, only sixteen at that time, compared to Gabriel's eighteen, have been having deep crush over the older young man and that kiss just gave him flourishing hope. Until the very next day, Anthony heard about Gabriel engagement and the news broke his heart. Now, Gabriel returns to London, recently widowed, and Anthony is determined to introduce Gabriel to the pleasure of the city as well as the possibility to reignite the fire of attraction between them.
Despite being the younger man, I couldn't help admiring Anthony's stance towards life. I loved that Anthony was unabashed about his preference towards men -- oh, he doesn't prance on it, but Anthony makes up his mind from early on that women doesn't make him happy so that he will not get married in pretense. I loved Anthony's certainty about being with Gabriel and his willingness to chase that dream (now that Gabriel is widowed). As a character, Anthony won my heart from the very get go. Even after his heart was broken by Gabriel, he doesn't hold a grudge or drowning in sorrow. He's an admirable man in my eyes.
Gabriel, on the other hand, was a bit harder for me to empathize. Gabriel has that 'deep denial and guilt' that eats him from the inside, which sort of making him more cowardly compared to Anthony. His idea of penance, his idea of staying away from Anthony because he hurt Anthony deeply just didn't impress me much. Especially because he knows at heart that all Anthony wants is for them to be together. It's a screwed up way of thinking and I'm always a bit impatient for characters like that. Luckily, Gabriel finally steps up and admits his mistake, and it doesn't take the last chapter for him to do so. I definitely approved :).
There are other issues that plays their hand in Anthony and Gabriel's relationship, The first becomes the vehicle to strengthen Anthony and Gabriel's bond, while the later gives a solution for them to be together. I thought both were incorporated to the story very well.
When it comes to the chemistry and sexuality, well, hats off to Ava March. She sure knows how to write them down!! I will admit that I'm not always in favor of reading sex scenes. Probably influenced by my asexuality, I always demand romance, and for me that doesn't necessarily translated into sex. Sex scenes for me should feel rewarding, should be integral to the love affair as a whole, and not written just for the sake of being written.
In this book, I thought Anthony and Gabriel had a deep honest passion towards one another and the sexuality was simmering bright. Gabriel is a virgin when it comes to sex with men, and when Anthony, the younger one in the relationship, becomes the teacher, wow, it was sensual, it was beautiful, it gave me tingles!! Their sex scenes were wonderful -- even if I ended up skimming some of them in the end (that was on me, NOT the book).
By the way, fans of March will be delighted to see cameos from previous books, Max Arrington, Duke of Pelham and Tristan Walsh (All In with the Duke), Jack Morgan and William Drake (Sharp Love), as well as small scenes with Linus Radcliff and Robert Anderson (Rogues) as well as Alexander Norton and Thomas Bennett (My True Love Gave to Me). Considering the timeline and small circle of acquaintances between men who love men in that period of time, I thought this was a pleasant way to bring the characters together.
At more than 102,000 words, Viscount's Wager is Ava March's longest story to date -- and despite things that frustrated me, it is definitely a solid and satisfying regency romance. The happy ending in that epilogue is very convincing and it makes me very content.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
August 15, 2021
Ava March is one of my go-to writers of steamy M/M historical romance, with All In with the Duke being one of my guilty pleasures. So I was somewhat surprised to rate Viscount's Wager as, well ... meh. I mean, it was .... okay ...
I didn't find Anthony or Gabriel particularly memorable and the pace of the book felt slow as they both spent far too much time mourning (and over-analyzing) their oh-so-brief kiss back when they were teenagers. While it was great to catch up with Tristan and Max, as well as Drake and Morgan, I ended up skimming the later part of the book, which I rarely do.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
I didn't find Anthony or Gabriel particularly memorable and the pace of the book felt slow as they both spent far too much time mourning (and over-analyzing) their oh-so-brief kiss back when they were teenagers. While it was great to catch up with Tristan and Max, as well as Drake and Morgan, I ended up skimming the later part of the book, which I rarely do.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
August 7, 2015
The two main characters, Gabriel and Anthony have quite different personalities, and deep secrets they are loathe to share. This works very well in a book where we have alternating points of view.
We see Anthony's teasing affectionate nature through Gabriel's eye, but when Anthony is narrating, we see his worry, his concern about Gabriel and his estate, even if he continues to ignore his duties.
Gabriel, through Anthony's eyes is a growling, deeply emotional creature who both surprises and perplexes him. We know Gabriel to be extremely troubled racked with guilt and burdened by debt.
It's a lovely contrast.
It's the second half of the book that I loved so much. The complexities of their secrets, the inclusion of both sets of MCs from the previous two books, and the lovely, lovely epilogue.
I enjoyed this as much as the first two.
This copy was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley and is out on August 10.
We see Anthony's teasing affectionate nature through Gabriel's eye, but when Anthony is narrating, we see his worry, his concern about Gabriel and his estate, even if he continues to ignore his duties.
Gabriel, through Anthony's eyes is a growling, deeply emotional creature who both surprises and perplexes him. We know Gabriel to be extremely troubled racked with guilt and burdened by debt.
It's a lovely contrast.
It's the second half of the book that I loved so much. The complexities of their secrets, the inclusion of both sets of MCs from the previous two books, and the lovely, lovely epilogue.
I enjoyed this as much as the first two.
This copy was provided by the publisher, via Netgalley and is out on August 10.
September 21, 2015
I really enjoyed this historical M/M romance set in 1820s London.
Anthony, Viscount Rawling, has known since he was young that he preferred men--and mostly, that he preferred Gabriel Tilden, elder brother of his childhood friend Pearce, above all other men. They shared one kiss seven years ago, while Anthony stayed at the Tilden's over a summer party, and Gabriel promptly married a woman. Now, Anthony has the occasion to see the recently widowed Gabriel as he escorts his sister around London.
Gabriel has shameful lust in his heart and mind. He knows he's foul, and he married a woman he never desired in order to mask his frailty. He's never been with a man, though he's desired young Anthony for all his adulthood. Gabriel is in London to escape the sham of his life, and the fact that he has nor remorse over the death of his wife. Part of that escape is his reconnection with Anthony, who is all too eager to initiate Gabriel into the delights of man-love. The other, is gambling.
These two star-crossed lovers have unknown hurdles to surmount. Anthony, as NO ONE knows is dyslexic. He has no ability to read any of the hundreds of missives he receives regarding his estates or society invitations. He attends the Houses of Parliament in person because he has a fantastic memory for all he sees and hears, and this is how he manages in society.
Gabriel is ashamed for his trysts with Anthony, but he is more ashamed by the debts he is accruing with his nightly visits to the gambling dens.
I loved Anthony--he is so kind and heart-on-his-sleeve. Gabe, well, he's a self-loathing man, which is hard to warm to, especially as he's rather a poor partner to Anthony. Still, he redeems himself, and his debts, which are numerous and great. I respected that, and I also respected the solution that he created to keep them together. This is an HEA with some of the recurrent characters from the Gambling on Love series making significant appearances--though one does not need to read those books to enjoy this one.
I liked the story, but I almost felt it was a bit too long--and Gabe's penchant for hiding EVERYTHING from everyone got irritating. I wanted to shake him, and smack him, and shake him again. That said, I liked him in the end. And I always loved Anthony, so I was anxious for his HEA.
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Anthony, Viscount Rawling, has known since he was young that he preferred men--and mostly, that he preferred Gabriel Tilden, elder brother of his childhood friend Pearce, above all other men. They shared one kiss seven years ago, while Anthony stayed at the Tilden's over a summer party, and Gabriel promptly married a woman. Now, Anthony has the occasion to see the recently widowed Gabriel as he escorts his sister around London.
Gabriel has shameful lust in his heart and mind. He knows he's foul, and he married a woman he never desired in order to mask his frailty. He's never been with a man, though he's desired young Anthony for all his adulthood. Gabriel is in London to escape the sham of his life, and the fact that he has nor remorse over the death of his wife. Part of that escape is his reconnection with Anthony, who is all too eager to initiate Gabriel into the delights of man-love. The other, is gambling.
These two star-crossed lovers have unknown hurdles to surmount. Anthony, as NO ONE knows is dyslexic. He has no ability to read any of the hundreds of missives he receives regarding his estates or society invitations. He attends the Houses of Parliament in person because he has a fantastic memory for all he sees and hears, and this is how he manages in society.
Gabriel is ashamed for his trysts with Anthony, but he is more ashamed by the debts he is accruing with his nightly visits to the gambling dens.
I loved Anthony--he is so kind and heart-on-his-sleeve. Gabe, well, he's a self-loathing man, which is hard to warm to, especially as he's rather a poor partner to Anthony. Still, he redeems himself, and his debts, which are numerous and great. I respected that, and I also respected the solution that he created to keep them together. This is an HEA with some of the recurrent characters from the Gambling on Love series making significant appearances--though one does not need to read those books to enjoy this one.
I liked the story, but I almost felt it was a bit too long--and Gabe's penchant for hiding EVERYTHING from everyone got irritating. I wanted to shake him, and smack him, and shake him again. That said, I liked him in the end. And I always loved Anthony, so I was anxious for his HEA.
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
August 19, 2015
2.65 stars
This was a conflicting book for me. I'm not gonna say outright I hated it, but I didn't find the leading characters endearing. At all. It's not that I dislike people with disadvantage or poor (as in not having many blunt or material thingy) characters, but weak resolves and continuous poor decisions as shown here? Boy did they raise my hackles!
Yes, yes, they finally finally solved their problems and willing to open up and reach for help. But by that point it all happened I'd been too enraged to care.
So you could say this was an emotional story. Huh. Could be. It made me emotional at least.
This was a conflicting book for me. I'm not gonna say outright I hated it, but I didn't find the leading characters endearing. At all. It's not that I dislike people with disadvantage or poor (as in not having many blunt or material thingy) characters, but weak resolves and continuous poor decisions as shown here? Boy did they raise my hackles!
Yes, yes, they finally finally solved their problems and willing to open up and reach for help. But by that point it all happened I'd been too enraged to care.
So you could say this was an emotional story. Huh. Could be. It made me emotional at least.
August 10, 2015
Sweet and sexy. A little slow in the first half but I liked these two heroes.
September 16, 2016
I've given this a B- at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars and I'm rounding up.
Viscount’s Wager is the third book in Ava March’s Gambling on Love series, but even though characters from earlier books appear in it, I don’t think it’s essential to have read them to understand this one. It’s a well-told and engaging story and I enjoyed reading it, but the pacing around the middle of the book drags somewhat and the big secret being kept by one of the protagonists is allowed to go on for a bit too long, which caused me to lower my final grade a little.
Seven years after they shared a memorable moonlight kiss, Gabriel Tilden and Anthony, Viscount Rawling run into each other at a musicale. Six months a widower, Gabriel has come to London for the first time since his marriage, desperate to distract himself from the guilt he feels over his wife’s death.
Anthony has been in love with Gabriel ever since he was sixteen, and was heartbroken when, just the day after their kiss, he witnessed Gabriel in a passionate embrace with the young woman he was eventually to marry. But he put that behind him and has since made himself a life he enjoys, even though his attitude towards the management of his estates is rather lax - for reasons that eagle-eyed readers will probably work out before they are revealed. Comfortable with his sexual preferences, Anthony knows he will never find happiness within marriage and, having grown up with parents who loved each other deeply, knows that is the sort of relationship he wants for himself – but with a man. He is good-natured and open-hearted, and even though he has never forgotten Gabriel, he has resigned himself to the fact that he probably wasn’t “the one”.
Their unexpected encounter brings back all those old feelings and memories. Anthony finds himself just as deeply attracted to Gabriel as he ever was, and just as keen to find out if Gabriel is interested in more than friendship. But he quickly recognises that Gabriel is just as emotionally reticent as he ever was, and that he is going to have to tread very carefully if they are ever to have the life together that Anthony firmly believes could be theirs.
Gabriel is a walking bundle of guilt. He feels guilty for hurting Anthony all those years ago and because he is not entirely at ease with the fact that he was so attracted to him in the first place. He was more or less forced into marriage, although he and his wife did become friends during their years together; but he never loved her and hates himself for the relief he felt after her death. He has come to London seeking distraction, which he finds at the gambling tables – but he is not a wealthy man and before long, he finds himself in desperate straits.
Anthony very carefully starts to coax Gabriel out of his shell, seeking him out when he can but not too obviously, teasing him, introducing him to the delights of late night walks in Hyde Park and makes it clear that he would like to pick up where they left off all those years ago. Eventually, Gabriel takes Anthony up on his offer, and the two become lovers – but even then, Gabriel can’t let go of his intense guilt over the past and the feeling that he doesn’t deserve to be loved or happy.
At this stage, the relationship between Gabriel and Anthony is fraught with things unsaid, and before long, Anthony realises that his lover is using sex as a diversion – both from his own problems and from talking them out with Anthony. It’s well written, but Gabriel’s insistence on running away from the relationship and then denying himself Anthony’s company – and bed – for days on end as a penance goes on for too long, and thus the middle part of the book is somewhat bogged down in the pattern of hot sex followed by guilt and denial, during which Gabriel continues to dig a deeper and deeper hole for himself at the gaming tables.
I didn’t much care for the fact that Gabriel used Anthony for sex and then ran out on him, only to be unable to keep away and then repeat the same pattern over and over. Anthony is such a forgiving, loving man, and by the half-way point, I felt he deserved better than someone who used him and felt guilty for being with him. Fortunately, however, Anthony eventually faces up to the fact that Gabriel is not going to change his behaviour unless he is challenged and this, together with Gabriel’s realisation that he is in way over his head as regards his debts, eventually leads to a confrontation and a new honesty between them.
The ending is a little predictable and, surprisingly, a little heavy on the mush for my taste, but in spite of my reservations, Viscount’s Wager is still a book I’d recommend to anyone looking for a male/male historical that retains a strong sense of period. Ava March has the knack of writing hot sex scenes that are sensual and erotic without being crude, and in which the characters are clearly emotionally invested – even if they don’t themselves quite know what those emotions are! The central relationship has a sense of realism about it because it’s messy and has to be worked at; and both characters are well-drawn, with Anthony being the star-turn. Even though there were times I didn’t like Gabriel all that much, I was so taken with Anthony that I wanted him to have what would make him happy. Once Gabriel has received his wake-up call and the pair starts to work as a partnership, the complementary elements of their disparate natures start to work for them, which enables the reader to see Gabriel in an entirely new light and to believe that perhaps he is the man to make Anthony happy after all.
Viscount’s Wager is the third book in Ava March’s Gambling on Love series, but even though characters from earlier books appear in it, I don’t think it’s essential to have read them to understand this one. It’s a well-told and engaging story and I enjoyed reading it, but the pacing around the middle of the book drags somewhat and the big secret being kept by one of the protagonists is allowed to go on for a bit too long, which caused me to lower my final grade a little.
Seven years after they shared a memorable moonlight kiss, Gabriel Tilden and Anthony, Viscount Rawling run into each other at a musicale. Six months a widower, Gabriel has come to London for the first time since his marriage, desperate to distract himself from the guilt he feels over his wife’s death.
Anthony has been in love with Gabriel ever since he was sixteen, and was heartbroken when, just the day after their kiss, he witnessed Gabriel in a passionate embrace with the young woman he was eventually to marry. But he put that behind him and has since made himself a life he enjoys, even though his attitude towards the management of his estates is rather lax - for reasons that eagle-eyed readers will probably work out before they are revealed. Comfortable with his sexual preferences, Anthony knows he will never find happiness within marriage and, having grown up with parents who loved each other deeply, knows that is the sort of relationship he wants for himself – but with a man. He is good-natured and open-hearted, and even though he has never forgotten Gabriel, he has resigned himself to the fact that he probably wasn’t “the one”.
Their unexpected encounter brings back all those old feelings and memories. Anthony finds himself just as deeply attracted to Gabriel as he ever was, and just as keen to find out if Gabriel is interested in more than friendship. But he quickly recognises that Gabriel is just as emotionally reticent as he ever was, and that he is going to have to tread very carefully if they are ever to have the life together that Anthony firmly believes could be theirs.
Gabriel is a walking bundle of guilt. He feels guilty for hurting Anthony all those years ago and because he is not entirely at ease with the fact that he was so attracted to him in the first place. He was more or less forced into marriage, although he and his wife did become friends during their years together; but he never loved her and hates himself for the relief he felt after her death. He has come to London seeking distraction, which he finds at the gambling tables – but he is not a wealthy man and before long, he finds himself in desperate straits.
Anthony very carefully starts to coax Gabriel out of his shell, seeking him out when he can but not too obviously, teasing him, introducing him to the delights of late night walks in Hyde Park and makes it clear that he would like to pick up where they left off all those years ago. Eventually, Gabriel takes Anthony up on his offer, and the two become lovers – but even then, Gabriel can’t let go of his intense guilt over the past and the feeling that he doesn’t deserve to be loved or happy.
At this stage, the relationship between Gabriel and Anthony is fraught with things unsaid, and before long, Anthony realises that his lover is using sex as a diversion – both from his own problems and from talking them out with Anthony. It’s well written, but Gabriel’s insistence on running away from the relationship and then denying himself Anthony’s company – and bed – for days on end as a penance goes on for too long, and thus the middle part of the book is somewhat bogged down in the pattern of hot sex followed by guilt and denial, during which Gabriel continues to dig a deeper and deeper hole for himself at the gaming tables.
I didn’t much care for the fact that Gabriel used Anthony for sex and then ran out on him, only to be unable to keep away and then repeat the same pattern over and over. Anthony is such a forgiving, loving man, and by the half-way point, I felt he deserved better than someone who used him and felt guilty for being with him. Fortunately, however, Anthony eventually faces up to the fact that Gabriel is not going to change his behaviour unless he is challenged and this, together with Gabriel’s realisation that he is in way over his head as regards his debts, eventually leads to a confrontation and a new honesty between them.
The ending is a little predictable and, surprisingly, a little heavy on the mush for my taste, but in spite of my reservations, Viscount’s Wager is still a book I’d recommend to anyone looking for a male/male historical that retains a strong sense of period. Ava March has the knack of writing hot sex scenes that are sensual and erotic without being crude, and in which the characters are clearly emotionally invested – even if they don’t themselves quite know what those emotions are! The central relationship has a sense of realism about it because it’s messy and has to be worked at; and both characters are well-drawn, with Anthony being the star-turn. Even though there were times I didn’t like Gabriel all that much, I was so taken with Anthony that I wanted him to have what would make him happy. Once Gabriel has received his wake-up call and the pair starts to work as a partnership, the complementary elements of their disparate natures start to work for them, which enables the reader to see Gabriel in an entirely new light and to believe that perhaps he is the man to make Anthony happy after all.
November 28, 2015
My shoe-in to MM was historical romance and Ava March in particular. Going back to one of her books feel warm, fuzzy and familiar and this one is no exception. Avid March readers are rewarded by the appearance of characters we had met in previous books, so there's a fair amount of dusting off those little grey cells, but it's also interesting to see the MC's from a different perspective.
Maybe the whole plot line of gambling debts wasn't a favorite and you could see the conclusion a mile away, but as always, there's steamy man on man, man tearing off cravat action that makes this an enjoyable entertaining read.
August 8, 2015
Viscount’s Wager is the third and last volume on Gambling on Love series and is set on Regency London, in 1822. Anthony Hawkins, Viscount Rawling, was already introduced in the first book, All In With The Duke and Gabriel Tilden, his pair, was introduced in the second book of the series, Sharp Love.
Anthony is a noble who doesn’t pay much attention to his duties as a viscount, as he has a huge secret to keep – something way bigger than his social status. Since he inherited the title, at the age of twenty-one, Anthony tries very hard to be a good son to his mother, as his father’s loss was very hard for her. The couple was a love-match, something very rare in London Society at the time, and this marriage so full of happiness and love inspired Anthony since he was a little boy; his dream was to find true love and be able to share the small things of life with this person until the end of their days.
Gabriel is the middle child of a good family, but not a noble one. Being two years older than Anthony, he ended up marring a woman when he was only 18 and lost her six months before the real start of the book – just clarifying, his marriage was not a love-match, so he feels very guilty for being a free man again.
Anthony and Gabriel had a small and brief affair when they were teens, at a house party held by Gabriel’s family, but they lost contact shortly after Gabriel’s engagement. After his wife’s death, Gabriel comes to London and sees Anthony again in a soirée. Their desire was immediate and mutual, so Anthony didn’t let the chance of offering to be Gabriel’s city guide pass.
Soon enough, their passion burns and they start a sort of relationship, but Gabriel insisted in something more casual and distant, as he didn’t thought himself worthy of Anthony’s heart after everything he had put his lover through. The first thing that Gabriel thought when he saw Anthony again was “I’m so sorry I hurt you”. And I think I waited more than Anthony to actually hear Gabriel saying those words, as Anthony didn’t know of Gabriel’s capacity to store guilty in his heart and mind, nor how many times Gabriel thought this single sentence during the book, haha!
All those repressed feelings end up driving Gabriel to a strong vice in gambling. In a determinate point of the book, he simply won’t leave the hells anymore and Anthony finds out about his problem through a favor from Max, the protagonist of AIWTD. Anthony tries to wait, to give a chance for Gabriel to tell him the truth by himself, but this never happens and they have a big fight as a result.
What Anthony didn’t know was that Gabriel had to leave town when he left his lover, as he had got loaned a very large sum with a moneylender to keep gambling and now he hadn’t any means to pay the man back before putting his propriety at Derbyshire in perfect order. Gabriel explains all of this to Anthony in a letter that he sends in the same day that he arrives home, but the viscount wouldn’t see it until three weeks had passed after their argument.
After resorting to Max’s help once again, Anthony finally was able to go to Derbyshire to set things right with Gabriel, but the two still have a long way before their “happily ever after”.
As I commented on the beginning of this review, I’m a great fan of Ava and her works, so I won’t promise an impartial review, haha! Now let’s go to the analysis ;)
Something that is very characteristic of March and that I like very much in her books is that her stories always end up connecting to one another. If she’s writing a series, the probability of meeting previous characters again is very high. I love this, because when a book ends, all that we know about that little world also ends. Even when it’s a book series, as soon as it is finished, it’s hard to learn something new about those characters, as it is a cycle with a beginning, a middle and an end. This may sounds a bit obvious, but I’m that kind of person that, sometimes, gets depresses to know that everything that I know about a story is all that I will ever know.
Anyway, March entwines her stories in such a way that we learn new things about past characters, those who already had their moment to shine and had their story on first frame. It’s also amazing how she illustrates the social circles of the ton – deep down, everybody is connected in some sort of way. It’s a highly interesting social phenomenon, proven by several historians, but that I have never seen put into light by any other romance author so far.
In Viscount’s Wager, we can see how are Alexander Norton and Thomas Bennet, from the opening book of Brook Street series (My True Love Gave To Me); Linus Radcliffe and Robert Anderson, from the third book of the same series (Rogues); Jack Morgan and William Drake, main characters of the second book in the Gambling on Love trilogy (Sharp Love); and, obviously, Max Arrington and Tristan Walsh, from AIWTD. It was very good to see them all again. I missed you, boys! Hahaha!
To be honest, I didn’t really like Gabriel until the book was close to its end. As I already was found of Anthony since the first book, I thought that Gabriel didn’t deserve him until writing that letter. After that, everything changed, haha! I still don’t consider him as one of my favorite characters, but we are in good terms now, haha! I have a serious issue with characters that are in “eternal” denial of themselves or of their tastes. Everybody has some sort of insecurity; this is natural of being human. But Gabriel didn’t know when to stop :/ I guess that him and Julian Parker, from the second book in Brook Street series (Fortune Hunter), were the main characters who frustrated me the most in March’s books to this day. I try to be very understanding when I’m familiar with both sides of the story, but these two are a lost cause, haha!
As we just met Anthony for good in this book, I was very surprised to see how he can be a very optimistic person in the hardest times. I don’t agree with several of his attitudes during the story, but he is that kind of character that we simply love no matter what, haha!
Besides, if you look into each one’s personality, you will find that Anthony and Gabriel have a natural balance, an harmony in their qualities and defects. Also a trace of March’s couples: they always complete each other, in a way that both men will be better people after the coupling.
In narrative terms, the book is great. March manages to balance in a brilliant way her characters consciousness with the events around them and the time passages. It’s a fluid and quick read, as March’s language is not tiresome or the type that asks for a pause. She involves and makes her characters become best friends with her reader. It’s just like when someone is telling you a story over audios at Whatsapp and the person never finishes: this is the longing and the craving that March incites. You need to know how everything will end and the only way to do so is keep reading like crazy.
Another strong point of March’s is the love. She doesn’t describe that water sugared love that makes you bored. The love between her characters is that real kind of love, of the simple things on life, that is hard, disappoints without abandoning, that lasts even after many probations and still can awake luxury in the end of the day. Anthony and Gabriel’s romance wasn’t any different: the feeling was involving, strong and vigorous until the last page, in each touch, each look. It’s that kind of love that touches my heart and makes me believe that the world can be a better place. However, aren’t they fictional characters? Yes, they are. Nevertheless, the feeling is real and that’s all that matters :)
I also need to bow to Anthony and Gabriel’s sex scenes. March is a very explicit author and she can leave anyone burning up after reading her couple’s plays. What really impresses me about her is how she manages to be explicit without being vulgar. Even when her characters do it without a strong affective bond, you feel on your skin that that’s what the couple wants to do, no matter the reasons why. The act has sentiment. The reader feels the desire, the willingness. This is an element very hard to find in explicit romances. It’s not the sex for the sex; it’s the sex for the company.
Something more personal of my reading was that was nice to be able to foresee some things in the story. I already read all March’s books at least twice (AIWTD I must have read at least a dozen times since its release in 2013), so I can recognize some patterns and know which will be the biggest problem of the couple in the book. The great thing is that, even guessing more or less where the story was going, I was still surprised with the turn of events. Honestly? This is priceless <3 I cried in some parts, desperate for a way to see Anthony and Gabriel together and in piece and my tears weren’t in vain. As my mom would say, everything in life can be arranged, haha!
I confess I have a little negative critique to do, haha! If Anthony and Max are that close as the series makes us believe they are, how can they still have difficulties to discuss their relationships behind closed doors?! In the beginning, Max didn’t even want to say Tristan’s name to Anthony! I thought all this caution a bit too much, considering their friendship level. I mean, you both know a secret from the other that could have both hanged and you’re still reticent? Oh, please. Is Max the reserved type? A lot, but he also already made clear as crystal that he is comfortable enough to discuss serious things with Anthony and Anthony did the same.
That’s it! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! <3
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
Anthony is a noble who doesn’t pay much attention to his duties as a viscount, as he has a huge secret to keep – something way bigger than his social status. Since he inherited the title, at the age of twenty-one, Anthony tries very hard to be a good son to his mother, as his father’s loss was very hard for her. The couple was a love-match, something very rare in London Society at the time, and this marriage so full of happiness and love inspired Anthony since he was a little boy; his dream was to find true love and be able to share the small things of life with this person until the end of their days.
Gabriel is the middle child of a good family, but not a noble one. Being two years older than Anthony, he ended up marring a woman when he was only 18 and lost her six months before the real start of the book – just clarifying, his marriage was not a love-match, so he feels very guilty for being a free man again.
Anthony and Gabriel had a small and brief affair when they were teens, at a house party held by Gabriel’s family, but they lost contact shortly after Gabriel’s engagement. After his wife’s death, Gabriel comes to London and sees Anthony again in a soirée. Their desire was immediate and mutual, so Anthony didn’t let the chance of offering to be Gabriel’s city guide pass.
Soon enough, their passion burns and they start a sort of relationship, but Gabriel insisted in something more casual and distant, as he didn’t thought himself worthy of Anthony’s heart after everything he had put his lover through. The first thing that Gabriel thought when he saw Anthony again was “I’m so sorry I hurt you”. And I think I waited more than Anthony to actually hear Gabriel saying those words, as Anthony didn’t know of Gabriel’s capacity to store guilty in his heart and mind, nor how many times Gabriel thought this single sentence during the book, haha!
All those repressed feelings end up driving Gabriel to a strong vice in gambling. In a determinate point of the book, he simply won’t leave the hells anymore and Anthony finds out about his problem through a favor from Max, the protagonist of AIWTD. Anthony tries to wait, to give a chance for Gabriel to tell him the truth by himself, but this never happens and they have a big fight as a result.
What Anthony didn’t know was that Gabriel had to leave town when he left his lover, as he had got loaned a very large sum with a moneylender to keep gambling and now he hadn’t any means to pay the man back before putting his propriety at Derbyshire in perfect order. Gabriel explains all of this to Anthony in a letter that he sends in the same day that he arrives home, but the viscount wouldn’t see it until three weeks had passed after their argument.
After resorting to Max’s help once again, Anthony finally was able to go to Derbyshire to set things right with Gabriel, but the two still have a long way before their “happily ever after”.
As I commented on the beginning of this review, I’m a great fan of Ava and her works, so I won’t promise an impartial review, haha! Now let’s go to the analysis ;)
Something that is very characteristic of March and that I like very much in her books is that her stories always end up connecting to one another. If she’s writing a series, the probability of meeting previous characters again is very high. I love this, because when a book ends, all that we know about that little world also ends. Even when it’s a book series, as soon as it is finished, it’s hard to learn something new about those characters, as it is a cycle with a beginning, a middle and an end. This may sounds a bit obvious, but I’m that kind of person that, sometimes, gets depresses to know that everything that I know about a story is all that I will ever know.
Anyway, March entwines her stories in such a way that we learn new things about past characters, those who already had their moment to shine and had their story on first frame. It’s also amazing how she illustrates the social circles of the ton – deep down, everybody is connected in some sort of way. It’s a highly interesting social phenomenon, proven by several historians, but that I have never seen put into light by any other romance author so far.
In Viscount’s Wager, we can see how are Alexander Norton and Thomas Bennet, from the opening book of Brook Street series (My True Love Gave To Me); Linus Radcliffe and Robert Anderson, from the third book of the same series (Rogues); Jack Morgan and William Drake, main characters of the second book in the Gambling on Love trilogy (Sharp Love); and, obviously, Max Arrington and Tristan Walsh, from AIWTD. It was very good to see them all again. I missed you, boys! Hahaha!
To be honest, I didn’t really like Gabriel until the book was close to its end. As I already was found of Anthony since the first book, I thought that Gabriel didn’t deserve him until writing that letter. After that, everything changed, haha! I still don’t consider him as one of my favorite characters, but we are in good terms now, haha! I have a serious issue with characters that are in “eternal” denial of themselves or of their tastes. Everybody has some sort of insecurity; this is natural of being human. But Gabriel didn’t know when to stop :/ I guess that him and Julian Parker, from the second book in Brook Street series (Fortune Hunter), were the main characters who frustrated me the most in March’s books to this day. I try to be very understanding when I’m familiar with both sides of the story, but these two are a lost cause, haha!
As we just met Anthony for good in this book, I was very surprised to see how he can be a very optimistic person in the hardest times. I don’t agree with several of his attitudes during the story, but he is that kind of character that we simply love no matter what, haha!
Besides, if you look into each one’s personality, you will find that Anthony and Gabriel have a natural balance, an harmony in their qualities and defects. Also a trace of March’s couples: they always complete each other, in a way that both men will be better people after the coupling.
In narrative terms, the book is great. March manages to balance in a brilliant way her characters consciousness with the events around them and the time passages. It’s a fluid and quick read, as March’s language is not tiresome or the type that asks for a pause. She involves and makes her characters become best friends with her reader. It’s just like when someone is telling you a story over audios at Whatsapp and the person never finishes: this is the longing and the craving that March incites. You need to know how everything will end and the only way to do so is keep reading like crazy.
Another strong point of March’s is the love. She doesn’t describe that water sugared love that makes you bored. The love between her characters is that real kind of love, of the simple things on life, that is hard, disappoints without abandoning, that lasts even after many probations and still can awake luxury in the end of the day. Anthony and Gabriel’s romance wasn’t any different: the feeling was involving, strong and vigorous until the last page, in each touch, each look. It’s that kind of love that touches my heart and makes me believe that the world can be a better place. However, aren’t they fictional characters? Yes, they are. Nevertheless, the feeling is real and that’s all that matters :)
I also need to bow to Anthony and Gabriel’s sex scenes. March is a very explicit author and she can leave anyone burning up after reading her couple’s plays. What really impresses me about her is how she manages to be explicit without being vulgar. Even when her characters do it without a strong affective bond, you feel on your skin that that’s what the couple wants to do, no matter the reasons why. The act has sentiment. The reader feels the desire, the willingness. This is an element very hard to find in explicit romances. It’s not the sex for the sex; it’s the sex for the company.
Something more personal of my reading was that was nice to be able to foresee some things in the story. I already read all March’s books at least twice (AIWTD I must have read at least a dozen times since its release in 2013), so I can recognize some patterns and know which will be the biggest problem of the couple in the book. The great thing is that, even guessing more or less where the story was going, I was still surprised with the turn of events. Honestly? This is priceless <3 I cried in some parts, desperate for a way to see Anthony and Gabriel together and in piece and my tears weren’t in vain. As my mom would say, everything in life can be arranged, haha!
I confess I have a little negative critique to do, haha! If Anthony and Max are that close as the series makes us believe they are, how can they still have difficulties to discuss their relationships behind closed doors?! In the beginning, Max didn’t even want to say Tristan’s name to Anthony! I thought all this caution a bit too much, considering their friendship level. I mean, you both know a secret from the other that could have both hanged and you’re still reticent? Oh, please. Is Max the reserved type? A lot, but he also already made clear as crystal that he is comfortable enough to discuss serious things with Anthony and Anthony did the same.
That’s it! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did! <3
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
October 6, 2015
Dare he hope that this time around the widower, Gabriel Tilden, will choose him? Or will he leave Anthony with a crushed heart and hopes like last time. It has been seven years since the young Anthony fell for Gabriel, but learned that his love was not returned. In the meantime, he moved to London, ascended to the Viscountcy on his father's death, took care of his family, and continued his search for The One. One glimpse of Gabriel lets him know that he was very much right the first time.
Gabriel is living his own personal form of hell. For the last six months- no, for the last seven years, he has been living a lie and paying for it by his own sense of guilt and the knowledge that he betrayed the one he truly loved out of fear. He tried to escape all the sympathy and pity by going to London to stay with his sister for the Season, but here again, people want to commiserate with him on the death of the wife he never loved and never wanted. Not that he wanted her to die, but the guilt over feeling the fresh air of being free weighs him down. And that's all before he spies Anthony across the room. By all rights, the man should hate the sight of him, but instead Anthony is kind and friendly. Do they have another chance? Or what if they do? He has secrets that can crush any chances. And Anthony might have a big secret of his own.
Alright, so this third installment in the Gambling on Love series was obviously a doozy and I expected that. This writer packs her stories with heart, pain, hard fought romance, and growth. I love what she brings to historical erotic romance with her realistic situations, attention to detail, and the dynamics of love, passion, and power in the bedroom. This one could be read out of order, but it would be more engaging in order because then the reader would know the backstory of the others who play secondary roles in the story.
This story was an interesting romance between a man who knew he was into men from the beginning and a man who had to come to that knowledge and does, a step too late for happiness the first time around. But as with some second chances, I had the strong belief that these two actually needed the time apart to season and grow so they would be a better fit. Gabriel is loaded down with all manner of uncertainties and gets stuck in his own head a lot. Anthony is pretty much his opposite in that he is full of conviction and doesn't get weighed down by thought. What is interesting is that in the bedroom the two roles are reversed once Gabriel gets the hang of things. And here again, I was uber impressed with how the author wrote the sensual and passionate scenes. She let Gabriel blunder a bit and have to take time to get his footing because he was a virgin when it came to being with a man.
I enjoyed how these two are set up with flaws particularly Gabriel. In fact, Gabriel was a insecure user for much of the book the way he kept trying to reject Anthony's giving nature and hope for a future together even as he kept coming back out of lust. Fortunately, that's only how it looked on the surface. In reality, Gabriel was terrified and guilt-ridden which made him a right mess. Anthony demonstrated more patience than I would have while waiting for Gabriel to get it together and then finally stepping in when Gabriel made an even bigger mess of things. Some people really need each other and Gabriel is one of those. Though I wanted to smack Gabriel several times, I loved these guys together.
Another treat was the inclusion of lots of scene time with the past two couples in this series. They helped in the desperate times of Anthony and Gabriel's need and they were there for some of the sweeter times too letting the reader catch up with past favorites.
All in all, another fantastic entry in the series. A tough fought for scorching hot m/m Historical Romance that I would recommend to those who enjoy them.
Gabriel is living his own personal form of hell. For the last six months- no, for the last seven years, he has been living a lie and paying for it by his own sense of guilt and the knowledge that he betrayed the one he truly loved out of fear. He tried to escape all the sympathy and pity by going to London to stay with his sister for the Season, but here again, people want to commiserate with him on the death of the wife he never loved and never wanted. Not that he wanted her to die, but the guilt over feeling the fresh air of being free weighs him down. And that's all before he spies Anthony across the room. By all rights, the man should hate the sight of him, but instead Anthony is kind and friendly. Do they have another chance? Or what if they do? He has secrets that can crush any chances. And Anthony might have a big secret of his own.
Alright, so this third installment in the Gambling on Love series was obviously a doozy and I expected that. This writer packs her stories with heart, pain, hard fought romance, and growth. I love what she brings to historical erotic romance with her realistic situations, attention to detail, and the dynamics of love, passion, and power in the bedroom. This one could be read out of order, but it would be more engaging in order because then the reader would know the backstory of the others who play secondary roles in the story.
This story was an interesting romance between a man who knew he was into men from the beginning and a man who had to come to that knowledge and does, a step too late for happiness the first time around. But as with some second chances, I had the strong belief that these two actually needed the time apart to season and grow so they would be a better fit. Gabriel is loaded down with all manner of uncertainties and gets stuck in his own head a lot. Anthony is pretty much his opposite in that he is full of conviction and doesn't get weighed down by thought. What is interesting is that in the bedroom the two roles are reversed once Gabriel gets the hang of things. And here again, I was uber impressed with how the author wrote the sensual and passionate scenes. She let Gabriel blunder a bit and have to take time to get his footing because he was a virgin when it came to being with a man.
I enjoyed how these two are set up with flaws particularly Gabriel. In fact, Gabriel was a insecure user for much of the book the way he kept trying to reject Anthony's giving nature and hope for a future together even as he kept coming back out of lust. Fortunately, that's only how it looked on the surface. In reality, Gabriel was terrified and guilt-ridden which made him a right mess. Anthony demonstrated more patience than I would have while waiting for Gabriel to get it together and then finally stepping in when Gabriel made an even bigger mess of things. Some people really need each other and Gabriel is one of those. Though I wanted to smack Gabriel several times, I loved these guys together.
Another treat was the inclusion of lots of scene time with the past two couples in this series. They helped in the desperate times of Anthony and Gabriel's need and they were there for some of the sweeter times too letting the reader catch up with past favorites.
All in all, another fantastic entry in the series. A tough fought for scorching hot m/m Historical Romance that I would recommend to those who enjoy them.
August 13, 2015
Ava March writes some of the best gay historical romance I’ve ever read. Her love scenes crackle with emotion and intensity, and she has a great skill at writing Regency romance. I loved the dynamic of the main couple in Viscount’s Wager (Gambling on Lover #3), how the younger man is more self assured and sexually experienced, including his patience with a man he has loved ever since he was a teenager.
At sixteen, Anthony developed a crush on his good friend’s older brother, Gabriel. When Gabriel recommends they take a dip in a lake because of the heat, Anthony accepts. Gabriel kisses him, and Anthony is in love, his head in the clouds, thinking he and Gabriel can be together. But later that night he catches Gabriel kissing a woman in the garden. Anthony is crushed, but moves on with his life. Gabriel ends up marrying the woman, and stays in the country. Anthony goes to London, where his mother and sister lives.
Seven years later, Gabriel has come to London to visit his married sister. Gabriel’s wife has recently died of a fever. When Anthony hears that Gabriel is in town, he’s excited, but will hide his feelings for Gabriel. He’s still hurt by the way Gabriel rejected him. But since he’s a gentleman, and will let bygones be bygones, he welcomes Gabriel, going out of his way to develop a friendship with Gabriel, even if nothing more comes of it. Gabriel is very different from the young man Anthony knew seven years ago. Gabriel is too stiff and formal, also very sad in his demeanor. Anthony slowly coaxes Gabriel out of his shell and wants him to loosen up. Gabriel does, and eventually he ends up at Anthony’s bachelor pad late at night. Anthony throws caution to the wind and kisses Gabriel. Gabriel succumbs and they become lovers. But Gabriel is always gone before dawn. Anthony doesn’t push because he knows this is a new thing for Gabriel. But Gabriel is chased by his guilt of his fake marriage and his feelings for Anthony. Gabriel turns to gambling to hide his pain. With that, he finds himself in dire straights that endanger his life.
Viscount’s Wager is a great example of what a Regency romance entails. Gabriel and Anthony are well written characters, and their passion and lust for one another is intense at times, specifically when they have sex. The chemistry is smoldering, and the love scenes won’t disappoint. Anthony is so understanding toward Gabriel. He wears his heart on his sleeve for this man who suffers in every which way.
The subplot with Gabriel’s gambling addiction added to the story in such a way I was invested because it made Anthony and Gabriel’s bond stronger. There were a few downsides, such as Gabriel’s wife, who is rarely mentioned. We don’t know what type of person she was. She’s a faceless character who is there just to add more of an emotional dimension. Also, Anthony is hiding a shameful secret that when revealed, I did a double take. It was tacked on to create more drama and tension. But the story shines when Anthony and Gabriel are together and at ease, especially during and after their lovemaking. The ending is very sweet and brings out the awww’s.
Viscount Wager is a solid romance that fans of regency romance, as well as gay historical romance, will want to read.
At sixteen, Anthony developed a crush on his good friend’s older brother, Gabriel. When Gabriel recommends they take a dip in a lake because of the heat, Anthony accepts. Gabriel kisses him, and Anthony is in love, his head in the clouds, thinking he and Gabriel can be together. But later that night he catches Gabriel kissing a woman in the garden. Anthony is crushed, but moves on with his life. Gabriel ends up marrying the woman, and stays in the country. Anthony goes to London, where his mother and sister lives.
Seven years later, Gabriel has come to London to visit his married sister. Gabriel’s wife has recently died of a fever. When Anthony hears that Gabriel is in town, he’s excited, but will hide his feelings for Gabriel. He’s still hurt by the way Gabriel rejected him. But since he’s a gentleman, and will let bygones be bygones, he welcomes Gabriel, going out of his way to develop a friendship with Gabriel, even if nothing more comes of it. Gabriel is very different from the young man Anthony knew seven years ago. Gabriel is too stiff and formal, also very sad in his demeanor. Anthony slowly coaxes Gabriel out of his shell and wants him to loosen up. Gabriel does, and eventually he ends up at Anthony’s bachelor pad late at night. Anthony throws caution to the wind and kisses Gabriel. Gabriel succumbs and they become lovers. But Gabriel is always gone before dawn. Anthony doesn’t push because he knows this is a new thing for Gabriel. But Gabriel is chased by his guilt of his fake marriage and his feelings for Anthony. Gabriel turns to gambling to hide his pain. With that, he finds himself in dire straights that endanger his life.
Viscount’s Wager is a great example of what a Regency romance entails. Gabriel and Anthony are well written characters, and their passion and lust for one another is intense at times, specifically when they have sex. The chemistry is smoldering, and the love scenes won’t disappoint. Anthony is so understanding toward Gabriel. He wears his heart on his sleeve for this man who suffers in every which way.
The subplot with Gabriel’s gambling addiction added to the story in such a way I was invested because it made Anthony and Gabriel’s bond stronger. There were a few downsides, such as Gabriel’s wife, who is rarely mentioned. We don’t know what type of person she was. She’s a faceless character who is there just to add more of an emotional dimension. Also, Anthony is hiding a shameful secret that when revealed, I did a double take. It was tacked on to create more drama and tension. But the story shines when Anthony and Gabriel are together and at ease, especially during and after their lovemaking. The ending is very sweet and brings out the awww’s.
Viscount Wager is a solid romance that fans of regency romance, as well as gay historical romance, will want to read.
May 28, 2016
”Anthony had glanced over his shoulder---a wide grin on his mouth, eyes sparkling with pure joy---and caught Gabriel’s gaze. And in that brief moment, Gabriel’s entire world had shifted on its axis.”2.5-3 stars
This had so much potential!!! From the hopeful and ultimately heartbreaking prologue, to the angsty but passionate (almost) lovers’ reunion, as well as the many small but precious moments like the above mentioned quote had me believing this would be an amazing read.
Unfortunately, the execution of the plot(s) and the characters all but fell to pieces at the halfway point. As a result, the pacing suffered greatly and there were so many instances where I thought ‘Oh my god, stop having sex for five minutes and TALK to each other!’. By the end, the whole thing felt like one big missed opportunity.
I was glad that Anthony and Gabriel got their happily ever after in the end, but I wanted so much more.
March 29, 2016
4 Stars
I received a free eARC from Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is exactly what I expect from an Ava March historical. It was super sexy and full of drama. Anthony and Gabriel had some major obstacles to overcome and I thought everything was handled in a realistic, satisfying manner. I also loved the way that the author included earlier couples from the series.
I received a free eARC from Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is exactly what I expect from an Ava March historical. It was super sexy and full of drama. Anthony and Gabriel had some major obstacles to overcome and I thought everything was handled in a realistic, satisfying manner. I also loved the way that the author included earlier couples from the series.
January 4, 2016
4,5 stars
From my standpoint, Gambling on Love Series has been improving with every book. I loved this book, the pairing is utterly plausible; actions, concealments, senses of guilt, inner strugglings are consistent with the Era.
I'm hopeful that this isn't the end of the Series. Some secondary characters fuel my hopes.
From my standpoint, Gambling on Love Series has been improving with every book. I loved this book, the pairing is utterly plausible; actions, concealments, senses of guilt, inner strugglings are consistent with the Era.
I'm hopeful that this isn't the end of the Series. Some secondary characters fuel my hopes.
August 16, 2015
BR with Alissa
I love visiting Ava March's Regency world. We see some of our old friends in this one. The sex was hot, but not as hot as some of her other books (see Bound series or All in With the Duke). I greatly enjoyed this one, even though I wanted to smack Gabriel more than once. Anthony was almost a too good to be true MC.
I love visiting Ava March's Regency world. We see some of our old friends in this one. The sex was hot, but not as hot as some of her other books (see Bound series or All in With the Duke). I greatly enjoyed this one, even though I wanted to smack Gabriel more than once. Anthony was almost a too good to be true MC.
October 5, 2024
Dull and repetitious. There's not much to this pairing aside from thinking about their first encounter, fantasizing about encounters, & having encounters. We see almost no relationship development apart from late night trysts. And the fact that a single episode involving skinny dipping and a kiss when they were both teenagers colored the next seven years of their lives was just ridiculous.
dnf
October 20, 2015I did not finish so I will not rate. It was simply unbearably dull. My job is hard, life is short, and I don't want to be bored while doing my favorite thing. Next.
Want to read
November 10, 2015Thank you Secret Santa!!! <3
March 15, 2019
3.5 stars
I wish this series got stronger as it went along, but this was probably my least favourite of the three. Having said that, it was still a good book and still worth reading.
I wish this series got stronger as it went along, but this was probably my least favourite of the three. Having said that, it was still a good book and still worth reading.
May 8, 2016
Seven years ago, Gabriel Tilden broke Anthony's heart. Now he's back in town - newly widowed, still just as attractived as when the two of them last parted and very obviously inclined to return the feelings Anthony still has for him despite what happened between them. Might Anthony get a second chance to be with his first love?
I adored Anthony ever since the first book in the trilogy and had been looking forward to his story, but unfortunately it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I just didn't like Gabriel's character, so I found it hard to really get into the romance and ultimately this ended up being my least favourite part of the series.
I adored Anthony ever since the first book in the trilogy and had been looking forward to his story, but unfortunately it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I just didn't like Gabriel's character, so I found it hard to really get into the romance and ultimately this ended up being my least favourite part of the series.
September 15, 2016
i really liked the first two books in this series, so I was excited to get my hands on this one. And although I didn't like it as much as the others, it was still a very good read.
but it took some time for me to really appreciate it. The first half was a bit difficult for me
but the second half was great
so all in all a 4 star read.
and I will read more books by Ava March
but it took some time for me to really appreciate it. The first half was a bit difficult for me
but the second half was great
so all in all a 4 star read.
and I will read more books by Ava March
September 24, 2015
2.9 stars rounded up. I had a difficult time reading this book, mostly because Gabriel never truly endeared himself to me as a character. Anthony was much more interesting and could have benefited from a more solid partner. But things worked out reasonably well in the end.
September 3, 2015
2.5 dismal stars
I love Ava March's work but this one tanked. I never really got into the story. I was quite bored and ambivalent about the outcome. Gabriel was as exciting as a doorknob. And both he and Anthony had bouts of idiocy. Niiiiice. Not!
Bottom line: No go.
I love Ava March's work but this one tanked. I never really got into the story. I was quite bored and ambivalent about the outcome. Gabriel was as exciting as a doorknob. And both he and Anthony had bouts of idiocy. Niiiiice. Not!
Bottom line: No go.
March 9, 2016
4.5. Really good, but I had to keep stepping away out of anger towards one of the main characters. Had a very satisfying HEA.
January 10, 2017
True rating: 4.5 - Thoughts to come this week :-).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews