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Dukes vs. Doctors #1
The Duke Wager
She'll do anything to be a doctor; he'll do anything for her .
With her hopes of being a doctor wrecked, it's up to Miss Tamara Patterson to save her family in the time honored way for young finding a rich husband. She has one night before news of the bankruptcy spreads. Every Christmas eve, the Duke of Newton indulges in spending the evening with the ambitious young woman who holds his heart, despite the fact that she hates him. But when he hears Tamara's plan, he sees red. If she's marrying, she'll marry him .
With her hopes of being a doctor wrecked, it's up to Miss Tamara Patterson to save her family in the time honored way for young finding a rich husband. She has one night before news of the bankruptcy spreads. Every Christmas eve, the Duke of Newton indulges in spending the evening with the ambitious young woman who holds his heart, despite the fact that she hates him. But when he hears Tamara's plan, he sees red. If she's marrying, she'll marry him .
61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2023
95 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Eve Pendle
30 books165 followersEve lives in England and writes angsty, snarky and passionate Victorian era romance. She has National Trust membership, a prince-charming husband, and a crazy dog. She loves wearing dresses and eating chocolate.
You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com
You can get a free sexy historical romance story from Eve when you sign up for her new-releases email list at evependle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 13, 2023
quick and cute read!
August 7, 2023
Miss Tamara Patterson is nearing the end of her studies to become a doctor when her family suffers a reversal of fortune. Tam needs to save her family in the time honoured way for young ladies: finding a rich husband. She has one night before news of the bankruptcy spreads. Every Christmas eve for the past five years, Atticus Rabgent, Duke of Newton attends the Winchester Christmas Eve Ball where he see the ambitious young woman who holds his heart, despite the fact that she hates him. But when he hears Tam's plan, he sees red. If she's marrying, she'll marry him, he hatches a plan – a wager she can’t refuse.
A quick delicious romance. I loved both Att & Tam, he’s fifteen years older & has loved Tam for years but they had a misunderstanding. The couple are perfect for each other, the chemistry sizzles, the banter is delightful. I devoured this wonderful novella in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A quick delicious romance. I loved both Att & Tam, he’s fifteen years older & has loved Tam for years but they had a misunderstanding. The couple are perfect for each other, the chemistry sizzles, the banter is delightful. I devoured this wonderful novella in a sitting
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 26, 2024
Overall, this was a nice quick read and well-written. That being said, I felt like the end was rushed and the climax of the plot was tame. I could see potentially rereading this in the future around Christmas again.
August 10, 2023
This was a quick and enjoyable read. Tamara had wanted to be a doctor and was studying at university towards this aim. Atticus, the Duke of Newton had always been attracted to Tam but hadn’t felt Tam was ready for marriage. Now due to circumstances Tam needs to get married. My only complaint was that bit would have liked it to be longer so we could have more development of the characters. It is quite steamy in parts and it does have happy ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2023
Victorian Erotica
Historical romance authors should appreciate that they typically have readers who prefer at least a modicum of historical accuracy. In neither the story nor the cover does this author attempt that worthwhile goal. The cover does not reflect typical Victorian dress for either the hero or heroine, nor does it even reflect the physical description the author states the characters have. For instance, the hero is supposed to have a light beard and gray at the temples. The cover model has neither. The author also seems to have issues with math and a basic understanding of how particular things worked in England in the 1800s. The hero and heroine met in her debut year when she was 18. He is 15 years older than her, but at that time, he was supposedly returning from his Grand Tour. Returning from his Grand Tour in his early thirties! If a gentleman undertook such a venture, he would return home in his early to mid-20s, not his 30s! He was also already a duke at this time, having gained the title at his father's death when he was a young man of only ten. Since he assumed his title so young, it is doubtful he would ever have gone on a Grand Tour, let alone an extended one. He would already have ducal responsibilities as a young man. This story takes place some five years after that initial meeting. The author stresses this is an age-gap romance and plays it up within the story as if this is a big deal. Back then, a 15-year age gap would not have been considered uncommon. Indeed, especially in well-to-do families, it was common for the man to be considerably older than the female, with an age gap sometimes of 20-plus years. Fifteen years wouldn't have caused a raised eyebrow anywhere in society. As to the story itself, it does not read realistically to me. How the heroine talks with others sounds far more contemporary than Victorian, and how quickly the couple became intimate once past their initial supposed enemies-to-lovers barrier (not a true one), literally within minutes of realizing they’d both liked—not reviled each other—didn’t seem believable relative to character or traditional Victorian morals. The characters aren’t terribly believable, especially within historical context. If you're just looking for some Victorian erotica, you might find this book interesting, but it left me feeling rather cold.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Historical romance authors should appreciate that they typically have readers who prefer at least a modicum of historical accuracy. In neither the story nor the cover does this author attempt that worthwhile goal. The cover does not reflect typical Victorian dress for either the hero or heroine, nor does it even reflect the physical description the author states the characters have. For instance, the hero is supposed to have a light beard and gray at the temples. The cover model has neither. The author also seems to have issues with math and a basic understanding of how particular things worked in England in the 1800s. The hero and heroine met in her debut year when she was 18. He is 15 years older than her, but at that time, he was supposedly returning from his Grand Tour. Returning from his Grand Tour in his early thirties! If a gentleman undertook such a venture, he would return home in his early to mid-20s, not his 30s! He was also already a duke at this time, having gained the title at his father's death when he was a young man of only ten. Since he assumed his title so young, it is doubtful he would ever have gone on a Grand Tour, let alone an extended one. He would already have ducal responsibilities as a young man. This story takes place some five years after that initial meeting. The author stresses this is an age-gap romance and plays it up within the story as if this is a big deal. Back then, a 15-year age gap would not have been considered uncommon. Indeed, especially in well-to-do families, it was common for the man to be considerably older than the female, with an age gap sometimes of 20-plus years. Fifteen years wouldn't have caused a raised eyebrow anywhere in society. As to the story itself, it does not read realistically to me. How the heroine talks with others sounds far more contemporary than Victorian, and how quickly the couple became intimate once past their initial supposed enemies-to-lovers barrier (not a true one), literally within minutes of realizing they’d both liked—not reviled each other—didn’t seem believable relative to character or traditional Victorian morals. The characters aren’t terribly believable, especially within historical context. If you're just looking for some Victorian erotica, you might find this book interesting, but it left me feeling rather cold.
I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
July 29, 2023
On Christmas Eve 1875, Miss Tamara “Tam” Patterson’s life is going exactly as she hoped, she has just finished another term at the Ladies College of Banton University and is expecting to complete her studies next year and finally achieve her dream of becoming a doctor, especially since parliament will soon be voting on a bill that will remove the ban on women being medical doctors. But her dreams are shattered when she returns home to learn that her father has lost their fortune and she will have to marry to save her family from ruin.
Atticus “Att” Rabgent, the Duke of Newton has been in love with Tamara since the day he met her five years ago, but things are keeping them apart, his age for one, as he is 15 years her senior, but most predominately is the fact that he laughed when she told him that she planned to become a doctor, never mind that his laugh was in the delight of her spirit, she misunderstood and believed he was laughing at her and making him her enemy. When they meet at the annual Winchester Christmas Eve ball, he immediately knows something is wrong and confronts her. When he learns that she has to marry, he sees his chance to finally win the only woman he has ever loved and offers her a wager she can’t refuse.
This was a quick read as it was a short novella, but what a story! The writing is great and the book is paced perfectly. Tam and Att are clearly perfect for each other and they burn up the pages with their chemistry. This is a standalone title and highly recommended if you enjoy a steamy HEA.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Atticus “Att” Rabgent, the Duke of Newton has been in love with Tamara since the day he met her five years ago, but things are keeping them apart, his age for one, as he is 15 years her senior, but most predominately is the fact that he laughed when she told him that she planned to become a doctor, never mind that his laugh was in the delight of her spirit, she misunderstood and believed he was laughing at her and making him her enemy. When they meet at the annual Winchester Christmas Eve ball, he immediately knows something is wrong and confronts her. When he learns that she has to marry, he sees his chance to finally win the only woman he has ever loved and offers her a wager she can’t refuse.
This was a quick read as it was a short novella, but what a story! The writing is great and the book is paced perfectly. Tam and Att are clearly perfect for each other and they burn up the pages with their chemistry. This is a standalone title and highly recommended if you enjoy a steamy HEA.
4.5 stars, rounded up.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
September 17, 2023
Getting What They Both Want ? . . .
Miss Tamara Patterson’s greatest hope is to become a doctor. Unfortunately, up until now, women were not allowed to become doctors, but that may be changing if the vote on a recent bill removes that impediment. With a year to go, she was not expecting that her father has lost all of their assets through his heavy investments in the linking of two railways. With the failure of the Western line, they have lost everything. Tamara is now expected to quickly marry a wealthy man to save her family before their bankruptcy becomes known. And, of course, she will not be able to finish her studies to become a doctor. She would be attending the Winchester’s annual Christmas ball and would need to find a husband that evening. Her mother continued telling her that the man had to be rich enough to fund her brothers’ education and her sister’s debut. But with horror, she realized Atticus Rabgent, Duke of Newton, would be there. He was 15 years older than she was and she instantly disliked him when he laughed at desire to become a doctor. And he would undoubtedly notice when she stopped talking about her progress in her medical aspirations and instead began trying to find a husband.
What Tamara did not realize was that Atticus Rabgent, although an arrogant rake, already loves her. When he first met her, laughed at her plan to become a doctor. He was not making fun of her but laughed in delight at her courage. But she would not forgive him. Finding out that she must marry, this may be his chance to make her his. But he would have to entice her with a wager she could not resist. Will he win her heart? Will she agree to marry him?
Miss Tamara Patterson’s greatest hope is to become a doctor. Unfortunately, up until now, women were not allowed to become doctors, but that may be changing if the vote on a recent bill removes that impediment. With a year to go, she was not expecting that her father has lost all of their assets through his heavy investments in the linking of two railways. With the failure of the Western line, they have lost everything. Tamara is now expected to quickly marry a wealthy man to save her family before their bankruptcy becomes known. And, of course, she will not be able to finish her studies to become a doctor. She would be attending the Winchester’s annual Christmas ball and would need to find a husband that evening. Her mother continued telling her that the man had to be rich enough to fund her brothers’ education and her sister’s debut. But with horror, she realized Atticus Rabgent, Duke of Newton, would be there. He was 15 years older than she was and she instantly disliked him when he laughed at desire to become a doctor. And he would undoubtedly notice when she stopped talking about her progress in her medical aspirations and instead began trying to find a husband.
What Tamara did not realize was that Atticus Rabgent, although an arrogant rake, already loves her. When he first met her, laughed at her plan to become a doctor. He was not making fun of her but laughed in delight at her courage. But she would not forgive him. Finding out that she must marry, this may be his chance to make her his. But he would have to entice her with a wager she could not resist. Will he win her heart? Will she agree to marry him?
August 10, 2023
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Duke Wager is a fun, tropey holiday-themed read. I really liked both characters, especially Tam, who is about to finish her studies to become a doctor. It’s so fun to see brainy heroines in historicals, especially when they’re given the opportunity to study and take up a profession.
While I was initially unsure how I’d feel about Atticus, given he’s a bit older than Tam, and a duke at that, I ended up really liking him too. He’s been in love with her for years, although she’s had animosity for him due to a past misunderstanding.
Their romance was cute, and I liked how he seized his chance with her when she said she had to get married. They have fabulous chemistry, and their romance relatively low-stakes from there, making it perfect for a short read like this.
This was a fun read, and I’d recommend it to readers of historical romance looking for something short and sweet (but also a bit steamy).
The Duke Wager is a fun, tropey holiday-themed read. I really liked both characters, especially Tam, who is about to finish her studies to become a doctor. It’s so fun to see brainy heroines in historicals, especially when they’re given the opportunity to study and take up a profession.
While I was initially unsure how I’d feel about Atticus, given he’s a bit older than Tam, and a duke at that, I ended up really liking him too. He’s been in love with her for years, although she’s had animosity for him due to a past misunderstanding.
Their romance was cute, and I liked how he seized his chance with her when she said she had to get married. They have fabulous chemistry, and their romance relatively low-stakes from there, making it perfect for a short read like this.
This was a fun read, and I’d recommend it to readers of historical romance looking for something short and sweet (but also a bit steamy).
August 10, 2023
A heroine who wants to be a doctor? And is the hero supportive of her goal or is he mocking her? Do they hate each other or…? All legitimate questions that will be answered in this gorgeous novella with a Christmas flavor. I loved both POVs and I laughed at Tamsin’s way of viewing everything through the lens of her medical training… You’ll see what I mean if you get this wonderful book! I love this author and her writing and I wish she wrote full-length books, because I’m always left wanting more!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2023
This quick read was a snapshot in time for Tam and Att. It’s interesting to watch how social pressures about the roles of women in society at this time Influence this plot. Money certainly makes the world go round! I did enjoy watching this couple sort of pick up from where they had left off over the last several years of encounters to actually connect in light of Tam’s pressing family situation. Fun banter along with the wager and actually hearing the thoughts and feelings of each other made for a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2024
She will be his.
Tamara is firmly over her crush for Atticus. She can't possibly care for a man who scorned her hopes and dreams. She dislikes him and wishes he'd stay away. He, on the other hand, is quite taken with her. His Tam is ripe for the picking when her father loses the family fortune. If she marries, he will be her groom. A little fun (her friends teasing her), a little naughty (Att uses all his rakish skills), a little sad (Tam has to sell herself to save the family) but a good shorty overall.
Tamara is firmly over her crush for Atticus. She can't possibly care for a man who scorned her hopes and dreams. She dislikes him and wishes he'd stay away. He, on the other hand, is quite taken with her. His Tam is ripe for the picking when her father loses the family fortune. If she marries, he will be her groom. A little fun (her friends teasing her), a little naughty (Att uses all his rakish skills), a little sad (Tam has to sell herself to save the family) but a good shorty overall.
August 7, 2023
Tamara was a woman ahead of her time close to finishing her studies to become a doctor in 1875, she returns home to find her family in financial ruin and her father saying she must marry. Atticus fell for Tamara at first sight but a misunderstanding made him her enemy, when he learns of her troubles he offers her a wager, but will he win her heart? Well written steamy, historical romance, desires and more!
September 10, 2023
A darling quick sweet n spicy Victorian era age gap/enemies to lovers romance. A tenacious young woman faces losing her dream when her family needs her. An enjoyable simple but well written storyline with a swoon worthy Duke, a bit of angst, sacrifice, determination, possessiveness, doubts, Christmas, love, steamy moments and a wager won. HEA. Extended Epilogue offered for newsletter sign up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2023
I love a good enemies to lovers story and this one didn't disappoint. The only thing I could wish for was that it was longer and there were more backstory for their feud and you see their interactions over the years. It would have made that Christmas Eve tryst so much hotter knowing just how much each were giving in to the other. The extended epilogue was pretty steamy too. Can't wait to read more by this author.
September 18, 2023
Att, the Duke of Newton has had a massive crush on the much younger Tam for the past five years. But he blew it when she was eighteen by laughing at her aspiration to be a doctor. Now, five years later, Tam has one ball, one night yo marry and marry well to save her family.
Att is much older, almost twice her age but he decides Tam will marry him and it’s a game of straws and a bedding at the ball.
4.5
Recommend.
Att is much older, almost twice her age but he decides Tam will marry him and it’s a game of straws and a bedding at the ball.
4.5
Recommend.
November 24, 2023
A steamy short story read as part of the ‘Mistletoe, Mulled Wine and maybe a duke’ anthology. A young debutante and an older duke get off on the wrong foot when she declares her ambition to be a doctor. Over the years they do not get on even though he really wants her. Then her family lose their money and it gives him a chance to win her. It didn’t grab me unfortunately, it seemed a bit flat, all on one level.
November 15, 2024
This author does not know the rules for writing a historical regency romance. For instance, a woman is ruined in society if she is found alone in a room with a man, even if nothing happened, just because it could have happened. So for her to willing be deflowered in a random bedroom above a ball when she is forced to marry a rich man quickly to save her family just wouldn't ever happen. Write another genre if you can't get it right.
September 16, 2023
This book is so cute. This book doesn't feel like a novella. It has better characterization and world building than some full length novels. I really like Tam and Att and their wild night.
I love how everything is so textbook to Tam. Her narrations were really amusing. And I love how Att is a bit of a mess but is so devoted.
I love how everything is so textbook to Tam. Her narrations were really amusing. And I love how Att is a bit of a mess but is so devoted.
September 17, 2023
Absolutely loved reading Atticus and Tamara's wonderful enemies to lovers story. Atticus fell at first sight, but never thought she would marry him as she wanted to be a doctor. When fate intervened and her losses all their money and Tamara must marry Atticus seizes his chance to finally convince her to take a leap of faith or rather passion with him.
November 26, 2025
short and spicy
He finds her riveting and she thinks he’s rude. When she finds her family in need the duke gets his chance to make a deal with the one woman he’s wanted since he met her and she gets everything she always wanted.
I love that she aspires to be a doctor and he helps make her dreams come true
He finds her riveting and she thinks he’s rude. When she finds her family in need the duke gets his chance to make a deal with the one woman he’s wanted since he met her and she gets everything she always wanted.
I love that she aspires to be a doctor and he helps make her dreams come true
August 10, 2023
This book is darling!
I rate it a 4.5 so I rounded up!
It’s a very quick read and has a lovely little spice scene as well. I love regency era books and this one was delightful. I feel like some of the historical accuracy was a little off but other than that little bit it was a great read. I hope to find a continuing story of blurb on this couple later on.
I rate it a 4.5 so I rounded up!
It’s a very quick read and has a lovely little spice scene as well. I love regency era books and this one was delightful. I feel like some of the historical accuracy was a little off but other than that little bit it was a great read. I hope to find a continuing story of blurb on this couple later on.
August 18, 2023
Not bad but also not great. I did like the writing style so I'm going to chalk my lack of enjoyment up to the fact that it was such a short story. I'll be sure to make the next selection I read by this author at least 200 pages.
September 10, 2023
This is a short story with a bit of steam. It's a regency era romance with an interesting storyline. The author paints her scenes perfectly and delivers a cute read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.
November 21, 2023
This is a cute story of finding love with the man you love to hate. He’s willing to save her whole family while her greatest wish is to be a doctor. Can she put her pre-conceived ideas of who he is aside and find everlasting love? R. K. Carulli
December 20, 2024
This is a delightful read for fans of lighthearted, emotional romance, particularly those who enjoy historical romances with strong, determined heroines and dashing, swoon-worthy dukes, as it promises a fast-paced and heartwarming tale of love, family, and second chances.
January 7, 2025
Historia corta de epoca, entretenida. Pero la senti muy acelerada. Sobre una mujer que estudia para ser la primera médico mujer, que su familia queda en bancarrota y se ve obligada a buscar marido. Hay spice.
January 13, 2025
Dang wow, this is novella perfection!!
Given a little history between the characters makes for a believable glimpse into their steamy flirting, explicit coupling, and a romantic HEA. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Everyone is a winner x 3
Given a little history between the characters makes for a believable glimpse into their steamy flirting, explicit coupling, and a romantic HEA. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Everyone is a winner x 3
January 21, 2025
Easy and Cozy read
Very interesting to read a book set when women are first entering the workplace. Not a lot of characters as this book is mainly about Tam and Att, easy reading in one sitting.
Very interesting to read a book set when women are first entering the workplace. Not a lot of characters as this book is mainly about Tam and Att, easy reading in one sitting.
April 26, 2025
Having the best of both worlds....
Who says you can't follow your wildest dreams in every aspect of your life? Sometimes, what you think you will have to sacrifice brings even more to the table.
Who says you can't follow your wildest dreams in every aspect of your life? Sometimes, what you think you will have to sacrifice brings even more to the table.
May 29, 2025
So Easy to Read!
Short and fun, I enjoyed this novella, from a new-to-me author, very much.
This is the kind of story which makes me want to read more of the series and I loved that the characters came across as quite human.
Short and fun, I enjoyed this novella, from a new-to-me author, very much.
This is the kind of story which makes me want to read more of the series and I loved that the characters came across as quite human.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews