What do you think?
Rate this book
Rogues Worth Saving #2
Lady Asilia's Gamble
He vowed revenge against her world. She would change his world with love.*previously published as 'Saving Mr. Pembroke' ASIN B0CNN9T312*Betrothed to a violent man, fiery heiress Asilia has one chance to reclaim her future - victory in a death-defying horse race. To do so, she must partner with infuriating rogue Cameron, who harbours dark secrets and an irresistible attraction she cannot afford to indulge.Haunted by tragedy and violence, Cameron lives solely for vengeance. Yet tantalizing, unconventional Asilia tempts him to long-forgotten passions and the thrill of competition. As mutual desire clashes with duty and destiny across the desert sands, will forbidden love forge a new path, or will the deceptions of their past destroy their dreams?From the windswept dunes of Africa to courtrooms of England, discover an intense cross-continental romance. Asilia and Cameron must grapple with ruthless enemies and confront the scars of their pasts to fight for a future together.Passionate, suspenseful, and romantic, this steamy love story will transport readers back to a bygone era of passion and adventure.
346 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2023
43 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Mihwa Lee
20 books74 followersMihwa Lee is NOT a New York Times, USA, or Amazon Best Selling Author. She is a former expert witness. But what she is not, she makes up for with her sense of humour, unusual life experiences, and imagination. The combination of these qualities can yield entertaining stories as well as parties. As a result, she is a sought-after guest at all parties and karaoke except those who have banned her.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 12, 2024
I was given a copy of this book as an ACH reader. It was a very good book, very well written. When I first started reading it I felt like I had already read it. Then I got swept up in the love, hate relationship of the to main characters. It was so well written I could feel all of the emotions. I would say the amount of steam in the book was probably about average. Those parts were also very well written. All in all I would definitely recommend this book.
February 4, 2025
Saving Mr. Pembroke is the alternative title to Lady Asilia's Gamble, a sweeping interracial historical love story with intrigue, passion and two vastly appealing main characters. This book is the second one in the Rogues Worth Saving series by Mihwa Lee; Ms. Lee takes her readers on a fast-paced journey across continents and complex emotions. Heiress Lady Asilia is betrothed to an unscrupulous, vile man and seeks a way out of this untenable situation. To gain needed funds, she partners with enigmatic Cameron in a grueling horse race across Africa. Cameron has his own secrets and reasons for entering the race. They gradually become close but what will happen when Lady Asilia comes to realize that they have an unfortunate history together? I really enjoyed this elegantly rendered story and loved the detailed account of their fiery and complicated race to love!
https://theretiredreader.com/f/lady-a...
https://theretiredreader.com/f/lady-a...
February 20, 2024
Like I've mentioned before in previous reviews, it is very rare when I read historical romances. But I have to be honest, Asilia and Cameron's story really captivated me.
It all started with a game of cards and continued with sailing on a ship for a great horse race. Lady Asilia needed Cameron's help, so she could do the race dressed like a man. The main reason is that she wants to escape her father's wishes to marry her off to an older gentleman. But in the process of them traveling together, they fell in love...
I have to be honest, their journey was filled with angst, banter and wonderful love. While reading it, there were some scenes where I could hate Cameron a little bit, but as a main hero he did make up for it in the end. His emotions were all over the place, but he wasn't allowing himself to finally seek true happiness. Thanks to Asilia, he truly fell in love and decided that having her loving him was worth it.
I loved Asilia as the main heroine. She was beautiful, kind and feisty. She wasn't afraid to express her feelings, even though she was hurt by them in some scenes. She fell in love with Cameron freely. She was actually quite persistent about getting him to love her...and thankfully he couldn't resist her 😍.
Their love was really beautiful, and I can definitely say that Asilia and Cameron are the perfect match.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading "Lady Asilia's Gamble" ♥️.
***I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.***
It all started with a game of cards and continued with sailing on a ship for a great horse race. Lady Asilia needed Cameron's help, so she could do the race dressed like a man. The main reason is that she wants to escape her father's wishes to marry her off to an older gentleman. But in the process of them traveling together, they fell in love...
I have to be honest, their journey was filled with angst, banter and wonderful love. While reading it, there were some scenes where I could hate Cameron a little bit, but as a main hero he did make up for it in the end. His emotions were all over the place, but he wasn't allowing himself to finally seek true happiness. Thanks to Asilia, he truly fell in love and decided that having her loving him was worth it.
I loved Asilia as the main heroine. She was beautiful, kind and feisty. She wasn't afraid to express her feelings, even though she was hurt by them in some scenes. She fell in love with Cameron freely. She was actually quite persistent about getting him to love her...and thankfully he couldn't resist her 😍.
Their love was really beautiful, and I can definitely say that Asilia and Cameron are the perfect match.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading "Lady Asilia's Gamble" ♥️.
***I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.***
November 24, 2023
Enemies to friends to enemies to lovers to enemies to spouses…Asilia and Cameron’s relationship throughout this book had a sorta old school bodice ripper vibe in the best way possible. Ocean voyages, horse breeding and racing, a little Law and Order interlude, snappy repartee and some sexy sex scenes…this book legit had it all.
Asilia and Cameron are to race a 300 mile horse race, though they don’t actually make it that far. Scheming relatives (his- murder; hers- marriage) end up derailing their plans. Will they remain married? Will dark moments from their shared past ruin the relationship they’re building? You’ll find out!
This book does use flashbacks, so if that isn’t your thing, you might not like it. I do think the flashbacks were well done and added to the exposition of the novel.
I received an ARC copy in advance of publication, but this book would be one I’d download to read anyway.
Asilia and Cameron are to race a 300 mile horse race, though they don’t actually make it that far. Scheming relatives (his- murder; hers- marriage) end up derailing their plans. Will they remain married? Will dark moments from their shared past ruin the relationship they’re building? You’ll find out!
This book does use flashbacks, so if that isn’t your thing, you might not like it. I do think the flashbacks were well done and added to the exposition of the novel.
I received an ARC copy in advance of publication, but this book would be one I’d download to read anyway.
March 21, 2024
This was my first Mihwa Lee book and I was very impressed with her writing and the love story between Cameron and Lady Asilia. It was an honest and genuine love story told.
I enjoyed the banter and initial love- hate between the main characters in their marriage of convenience and it was refreshing to read it in a different setting than England for once.
Cameron is such a loveable character and I liked how he fell first. He is playful and easygoing, but also not afraid to stand up for what is right.
If you like a marriage of convenience, interracial couples, class difference, lots of steam, a swoonworthy Hero and witty dialogue, then this book is for you. My only complaint was I felt that the book did drag towards the middle of the story.
I received an arc by the author and this review is submitted voluntarily.
I enjoyed the banter and initial love- hate between the main characters in their marriage of convenience and it was refreshing to read it in a different setting than England for once.
Cameron is such a loveable character and I liked how he fell first. He is playful and easygoing, but also not afraid to stand up for what is right.
If you like a marriage of convenience, interracial couples, class difference, lots of steam, a swoonworthy Hero and witty dialogue, then this book is for you. My only complaint was I felt that the book did drag towards the middle of the story.
I received an arc by the author and this review is submitted voluntarily.
February 20, 2024
Mistaken identity, false identity, horse girls, disguise, a Law and Order moment, sea voyages salty exes (and language) and 4ish 🔥. I was here for it.
I was both a Beta and ARC reader for this one in exchange for writing a review and, honestly, the story and banter and characters are so tight and zippy. I went on a ride with Cameron and Asilia and their friends (and foes!)
Read it twice. Would read again.
I was both a Beta and ARC reader for this one in exchange for writing a review and, honestly, the story and banter and characters are so tight and zippy. I went on a ride with Cameron and Asilia and their friends (and foes!)
Read it twice. Would read again.
April 1, 2024
A witty and story full of adventure and romance even though a marriage of convenience these two certainly let off some sparks .The desire between them is so intense yet there denial is hard to define and ignore .
An enjoyable story told well .
An enjoyable story told well .
February 18, 2024
This book was really good. It kept you involved with the characters & also gave background to them. Lots of spicy lovemaking🥰🥰🥰
did-not-finish
July 8, 2024Well this was a DNF. Just like the first book, it was bananas. One second he loves her the next second he’s awful to her, but she’s still super interested. She’s ruined and becomes persona non grata just because she was caught kissing a man when she was 16?! Give me a break.
July 28, 2024
I Enjoyed this Story!
I really liked the characters of Cameron and Asilia and enjoyed their wild adventure as they slowly recognised their love for each other.
This story has heat. It also showed how two characters could draw on each other for support when necessary, without having to ask for it, even if they are determined not to.
I really liked the characters of Cameron and Asilia and enjoyed their wild adventure as they slowly recognised their love for each other.
This story has heat. It also showed how two characters could draw on each other for support when necessary, without having to ask for it, even if they are determined not to.
February 6, 2024
After falling in love with the first book in this series, I was so excited to read the second book. It isn’t necessary to have read it before reading this one. There are some recurring characters from the first book but the relationship between the two main characters and the secondary characters are made clear in this book.
The book is set in the 1800’s, it follows the rocky road to true love between Cameron Pembroke and Lady Asilia Stirling.
Lady Asilia has abandoned England to work as a crew member on her cousin’s ship and avoid an arranged marriage after being ruined for marrying as a youth; Cameron has fled England as he believed his life was in danger if he were to stay. Both now are in Africa and she wants to enter a horse race with a high paying purse to ensure her independence but she needs Cameron’s protection to enter and win. He agrees to enter the race with her and from here on this book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, surprises, humour and suspense.
The story begins with Cameron and Asilia being strangers but as the story develops, it becomes evident that their pasts are more intertwined than they ever imagined.
There are flashback chapters to both Cameron’s and Asilia’s critical past moments in their lives which allows the reader to understand why they are now how they are.
The chemistry between the two is fizzing almost from the start; from witty banter and teasing to lust and love, but there is a lot of hurt and upset too. There are also shocking revelations about both characters in the book. There are steamy open door scenes of intimacy in the book that are very well written, as is the whole book.
There are some lovely side characters including Gathii (Cameron’s cheeky teenage assistant), Arthur and Alexi (from the previous book) and Rory (who you will have to read to believe).
The author has a great writing style and this book has everything a reader of historical romance would want; humour, sadness, anxiety, happiness and suspense, forced proximity and lots of steamy scenes as well. There is a prologue to set the scene and an epilogue like I have never read before.
I did not want to put this book down. I’m looking forward to reading more from Mihwa Lee.
I received a special copy of this book as an ARC reader. I’m leaving this review voluntarily and all views and opinions are my own.
The book is set in the 1800’s, it follows the rocky road to true love between Cameron Pembroke and Lady Asilia Stirling.
Lady Asilia has abandoned England to work as a crew member on her cousin’s ship and avoid an arranged marriage after being ruined for marrying as a youth; Cameron has fled England as he believed his life was in danger if he were to stay. Both now are in Africa and she wants to enter a horse race with a high paying purse to ensure her independence but she needs Cameron’s protection to enter and win. He agrees to enter the race with her and from here on this book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, surprises, humour and suspense.
The story begins with Cameron and Asilia being strangers but as the story develops, it becomes evident that their pasts are more intertwined than they ever imagined.
There are flashback chapters to both Cameron’s and Asilia’s critical past moments in their lives which allows the reader to understand why they are now how they are.
The chemistry between the two is fizzing almost from the start; from witty banter and teasing to lust and love, but there is a lot of hurt and upset too. There are also shocking revelations about both characters in the book. There are steamy open door scenes of intimacy in the book that are very well written, as is the whole book.
There are some lovely side characters including Gathii (Cameron’s cheeky teenage assistant), Arthur and Alexi (from the previous book) and Rory (who you will have to read to believe).
The author has a great writing style and this book has everything a reader of historical romance would want; humour, sadness, anxiety, happiness and suspense, forced proximity and lots of steamy scenes as well. There is a prologue to set the scene and an epilogue like I have never read before.
I did not want to put this book down. I’m looking forward to reading more from Mihwa Lee.
I received a special copy of this book as an ARC reader. I’m leaving this review voluntarily and all views and opinions are my own.
April 9, 2025
An absolutely bonkers frenemies-to-lovers, boat trip, not-so-fake marriage, I-don’t-love-you-but-I-really-really-do, interracial romance with a heavy dose of hidden agenda, revenge and courtroom drama.
Lady Asilia – the determined, independent heroine who was forced to flee England after rumours and scandal ruined her young life, is now set on saving herself from an arranged marriage to a cruel Lord. She has no problem dressing like a boy, or punching one out when it’s necessary.
Cameron – the scarred heir with a target on his back who ran all the way to Africa, but not before making sure his younger siblings would also stay out of their conniving uncle’s clutches. Living of his investments and inventions, he shares his hut with a far too clever boy and an intrusive peacock.
She entices him to join her on a dangerous horse race through the desert; the prize money – if they survive and win – will set her free. Of course nothing goes as planned! First her captain uncle insists they marry for protection, then a hurricane, his old paramour, her ex, old acquaintances, snobby expat nobs and finally his unavoidable ploy for avenging his family.
All the while their battling their undeniable attraction. She wants it all until she doesn’t, and he figures out pretty quickly the truth will break her, so he forces himself to resist and deny. Of course, the mind is strong, but the flesh is weak – and then the heart gets involved...
This was an exhausting read in the best way possible – enthralling, witty, adventurous, exciting, action-packed and very sexy – but I’m pretty sure it showed me just how much bonkers I’m willing to handle in a book.
It’s a solid and very entertaining plot, but the infernal two steps forward one step back between these two was dizzying. They’re always on the move, always either fighting or loving, never a quiet moment. The courtroom drama was thrilling, but the outcome got a little too chaotic for me, and I really would have liked to see them find some peace in the epilogue instead of the next crazy adventure.
Lady Asilia – the determined, independent heroine who was forced to flee England after rumours and scandal ruined her young life, is now set on saving herself from an arranged marriage to a cruel Lord. She has no problem dressing like a boy, or punching one out when it’s necessary.
Cameron – the scarred heir with a target on his back who ran all the way to Africa, but not before making sure his younger siblings would also stay out of their conniving uncle’s clutches. Living of his investments and inventions, he shares his hut with a far too clever boy and an intrusive peacock.
She entices him to join her on a dangerous horse race through the desert; the prize money – if they survive and win – will set her free. Of course nothing goes as planned! First her captain uncle insists they marry for protection, then a hurricane, his old paramour, her ex, old acquaintances, snobby expat nobs and finally his unavoidable ploy for avenging his family.
All the while their battling their undeniable attraction. She wants it all until she doesn’t, and he figures out pretty quickly the truth will break her, so he forces himself to resist and deny. Of course, the mind is strong, but the flesh is weak – and then the heart gets involved...
This was an exhausting read in the best way possible – enthralling, witty, adventurous, exciting, action-packed and very sexy – but I’m pretty sure it showed me just how much bonkers I’m willing to handle in a book.
It’s a solid and very entertaining plot, but the infernal two steps forward one step back between these two was dizzying. They’re always on the move, always either fighting or loving, never a quiet moment. The courtroom drama was thrilling, but the outcome got a little too chaotic for me, and I really would have liked to see them find some peace in the epilogue instead of the next crazy adventure.
March 12, 2024
Every once in a while, as a reader you encounter a book that makes you pause, think and then devour it. Lady Asilia's Gamble by Mihwa Lee was like that for me. For the past few years most of my historical romances were set in Regency London with a trip here or there to the continent. This book starts out in East Africa which was intriguing in its own right and then we meet the characters. Cameron and Asilia’s first meeting at a card game provided a hint of the relationship they would share. There was something there from the beginning that the author was able to build upon throughout the entire book.
Cameron and Asilia were intriguing individually, but as a couple they were fantastic. You could see the baggage they each carried, the determination they held in a steely grip to achieve what they needed and the need they had for each other, even while they struggled to let it flow naturally without hidden barriers. I loved the author’s descriptions of the characters, how she built upon a previous world and how her secondary characters had a wonderfully supportive role, including an onery peacock.
This book has some of my favorite troupes, forced proximity when they share a cabin, a marriage of convenience and characters that prove to be loyal and solid friends and villains out to thwart the couple. Not to spoil anything, but I really loved how their lives were entangled in so many ways. I enjoy reading books that bring all the feels, love, angst, laughter and friendship and this book did it for me. Oh, there was definitely heat, lots of heat!!
Lady Asilias Gamble was a great read for me, and I will read it again as well as any other book by Mihwa Lee. I really enjoyed her previous book that introduced this character world. I would highly recommend that you take the opportunity to read Lady Asilias Gamble as it is really an enjoyable page turner.
I received an ARC of Lady Asilias Gamble from the author and voluntarily read the book.
Cameron and Asilia were intriguing individually, but as a couple they were fantastic. You could see the baggage they each carried, the determination they held in a steely grip to achieve what they needed and the need they had for each other, even while they struggled to let it flow naturally without hidden barriers. I loved the author’s descriptions of the characters, how she built upon a previous world and how her secondary characters had a wonderfully supportive role, including an onery peacock.
This book has some of my favorite troupes, forced proximity when they share a cabin, a marriage of convenience and characters that prove to be loyal and solid friends and villains out to thwart the couple. Not to spoil anything, but I really loved how their lives were entangled in so many ways. I enjoy reading books that bring all the feels, love, angst, laughter and friendship and this book did it for me. Oh, there was definitely heat, lots of heat!!
Lady Asilias Gamble was a great read for me, and I will read it again as well as any other book by Mihwa Lee. I really enjoyed her previous book that introduced this character world. I would highly recommend that you take the opportunity to read Lady Asilias Gamble as it is really an enjoyable page turner.
I received an ARC of Lady Asilias Gamble from the author and voluntarily read the book.
February 16, 2024
Such a fun read! This sweet yet also steamy romance tugs all the heart strings.
Lady Asilia is an unconventional heroine, headstrong and determined. Though loyal to her father and her family legacy, she intends to escape an arranged marriage by winning the purse in a fabulous thousands-of-miles horse race across Arabia. To win, she enlists the help of Cameron Pembroke, who's forced to marry her to protect her reputation but is determined not to hurt her if he can avoid it. Unknown to him, Cameron's past--and Asilia's real identity--is bound to tear the two of them apart, with only drama and heartbreak in store, unless they can thwart jealous rivals to find a way to be together.
Lee's writing is fast and loaded with wit. The villains aren't a match for these appealing leads, and even with lively non-stop action, the emphasis is on the deepening relationship, which is both heartfelt and steamy. I loved that we got away from British drawing rooms for a bit and frankly would have loved for the whole book to take place in Africa--maybe in future! I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Lady Asilia is an unconventional heroine, headstrong and determined. Though loyal to her father and her family legacy, she intends to escape an arranged marriage by winning the purse in a fabulous thousands-of-miles horse race across Arabia. To win, she enlists the help of Cameron Pembroke, who's forced to marry her to protect her reputation but is determined not to hurt her if he can avoid it. Unknown to him, Cameron's past--and Asilia's real identity--is bound to tear the two of them apart, with only drama and heartbreak in store, unless they can thwart jealous rivals to find a way to be together.
Lee's writing is fast and loaded with wit. The villains aren't a match for these appealing leads, and even with lively non-stop action, the emphasis is on the deepening relationship, which is both heartfelt and steamy. I loved that we got away from British drawing rooms for a bit and frankly would have loved for the whole book to take place in Africa--maybe in future! I'm looking forward to more from this author.
February 14, 2024
Such an unusual setting for a romance of this genre had me gripped from the start. No ballrooms or carriage rides round Hyde Park at the fashionable hour. Instead exotic Africa, peacocks, horse breeding and a story of skulduggery. Add a beautiful young woman part African princess who was allegedly ruined at the age of sixteen and you have a romance and mystery which extends over two continents. Flashbacks to their younger years fill in the reasons for their actions as well as their insecurities. This is the second book of the series and although not essential it helps to have read the first book as the lead characters there play an important part here. I was transfixed with the twists and turns of the story and I held my breath right to the end and through the short epilogue. I review this as an ARC reader but this is my honest opinion of a amazing book,
March 26, 2025
A wonderful read that mixes romance with a bit of mystery. The push and pull of the budding romance between our MCs started out fine and gave a delicious amount of tension to the story but I felt like it dragged for a bit longer than necessary. I think the story would’ve been just as or even more impactful if Cameron revealed who he was and what his plans were shortly after he and Asilia had their official wedding night and then they work through a plan together. Other than that I enjoyed the story and found it well written and period accurate. Definitely not a book for someone who isn’t a fan of HRs.
May 14, 2024
Loved the passion and witty banter between Cameron and Asilia. A steamy, satisfying Regency romance!
May 11, 2025
I loved it
This was a really good book. There were so many twists and turns that my mind was never bored. There were so many, enemies to friends, and back to enemies moments, and then love maybe in between, that I couldn’t help but love all the drama. The final outcome and ending was awesome.
This was a really good book. There were so many twists and turns that my mind was never bored. There were so many, enemies to friends, and back to enemies moments, and then love maybe in between, that I couldn’t help but love all the drama. The final outcome and ending was awesome.
June 3, 2025
A true enemies to lovers where they start off as actual enemies. The drama and gossip in this book was immaculate. And I love a good come-uppance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the second book in the series. The first book is fantastic too but it isn’t necessary to have read it before reading this one.
The book is set in the 1800’s, it follows the rocky road to true love between Cameron Pembroke and Lady Asilia Stirling.
Lady Asilia has abandoned England to work as a crew member on her cousin’s ship and avoid an arranged marriage after being ruined for marrying as a youth; Cameron has fled England as he believed his life was in danger if he were to stay. Both now are in Africa and she wants to enter a horse race with a high paying purse to ensure her independence but she needs Cameron’s protection to enter and win. He agrees to enter the race with her and from here on this book tool me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, surprises, humour and suspense.
The story begins with Cameron and Asilia being strangers but as the story develops, it becomes evident that their pasts are more intertwined than they ever imagined.
There are flashback chapters to both Cameron’s and Asilia’s critical past moments in their lives which allows the reader to understand why they are now how they are.
The chemistry between the two is fizzing almost from the start; from witty banter and teasing to lust and love, but there is a lot of hurt and upset too. There are also shocking revelations about both characters in the book.
There are some lovely side characters including Gathii (Cameron’s cheeky teenage assistant), Arthur and Alexi (from the previous book) and Rory (who you will have to read to believe).
The author has a great writing style and this book has everything a reader of historical romance would want; humour, sadness, anxiety, happiness and suspense, forced proximity and lots of steamy scenes as well. There is a prologue to set the scene and an epilogue like I have never read before.
I did not want to put this book down. I’m looking forward to reading more from Mihwa Lee.
I received a special copy of this book as an ARC reader. I’m leaving this review voluntarily and all views and opinions are my own.
The book is set in the 1800’s, it follows the rocky road to true love between Cameron Pembroke and Lady Asilia Stirling.
Lady Asilia has abandoned England to work as a crew member on her cousin’s ship and avoid an arranged marriage after being ruined for marrying as a youth; Cameron has fled England as he believed his life was in danger if he were to stay. Both now are in Africa and she wants to enter a horse race with a high paying purse to ensure her independence but she needs Cameron’s protection to enter and win. He agrees to enter the race with her and from here on this book tool me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, surprises, humour and suspense.
The story begins with Cameron and Asilia being strangers but as the story develops, it becomes evident that their pasts are more intertwined than they ever imagined.
There are flashback chapters to both Cameron’s and Asilia’s critical past moments in their lives which allows the reader to understand why they are now how they are.
The chemistry between the two is fizzing almost from the start; from witty banter and teasing to lust and love, but there is a lot of hurt and upset too. There are also shocking revelations about both characters in the book.
There are some lovely side characters including Gathii (Cameron’s cheeky teenage assistant), Arthur and Alexi (from the previous book) and Rory (who you will have to read to believe).
The author has a great writing style and this book has everything a reader of historical romance would want; humour, sadness, anxiety, happiness and suspense, forced proximity and lots of steamy scenes as well. There is a prologue to set the scene and an epilogue like I have never read before.
I did not want to put this book down. I’m looking forward to reading more from Mihwa Lee.
I received a special copy of this book as an ARC reader. I’m leaving this review voluntarily and all views and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews