A Brother's Wager

Comfort Quartet #1

by Rosanne E. Lortz

"To the Bearer: One Kiss from the Lips of Cassandra Comfort"

Cassandra Comfort's goal for the season is to make an eligible match that will elevate her family's fortunes. But when her luckless brother wagers a marker with her name on it, she must retrieve it before scandal destroys her chances. The only problem is that the politely precise Gerrold Tavinstock won't give the marker back, and every plan to force it from his grasp seems to go desperately awry....This standalone novella can be enjoyed on its own, but it does contain characters from The London Rose (Kendall House series). It is the first book in the Comfort Quartet, featuring the romantic adventures of the four Comfort siblings.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency

121 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Rosanne E. Lortz (“Rose”) is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for eighteen years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently an administrator at a classical Christian school.

Rose writes historical novels full of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her Pevensey Mysteries transpose tales from the Middle Ages into Regency Era romance/murder mysteries. Her Allen Abbey Romances are three linked novellas set in Regency England. And her latest series are the Kendall House Romances and the Comfort Quartet, Regency romances full of humour and heart that pay tribute to the inimitable Georgette Heyer.

Rose served on the board of the Historical Novel Society North America for four years and works to promote interest in historical novels. She enjoys reading and reviewing historical fiction, historical romance, historical mysteries, high fantasy, and some young adult and middle grade books.

Reviews

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little story.

The hero's way of speaking sometimes changes from quite articulate to a shorthand Heyerish cant. I don't know how to explain. But these are both quotes from him:

"Ah, then we must endeavour to talk nothing of substance."
vs. "Came to pop the question. Want to marry your daughter."

Steam level: Kissing.

This was a freebie with no expectation to review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, rollicking read, easy to devour in one sitting. I liked this peek into the ‘workings’ of the Comfort family, whom I’d met in The London Rose (sigh!). Cassie was pretty and pleasant, but my favorite character was Mr. Tavinstock- a little more feisty than he originally seemed, and certainly not the “rattle-pate” Felix took him for! Mrs. Comfort lived ‘down’ to all my previous expectations, but was not the villain Benson turned out to be. All around, a pleasant mix of regency folk moving through the London season with happy results for most of them.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story with engaging characters!

A +++++

[Judith Hale Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story starts with a bang—or a wager— and doesn’t slow down until the wager is settled and the romance complete. A light-hearted ride with plenty of fun characters and silly banter.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cassie Comfort’s brother, Felix finds himself low on funds during a poker game, he wagers a kiss from Cassie. Gasp! In Regency England, this kind of thing can ruin a girl’s reputation. Happily, the impeccable and maybe slightly boring, but highly appropriate Mr. Tavingstock wins the wager. When Cassie finds this out she is horrified and tries to fix the problem. Thus begins a DELIGHTFUL romp through ballrooms, drawing rooms, and dining rooms. Roseanne Lortz masterfully pens a wonderful page-turning romance. I love her descriptions and characters and truly funny situations. Her attention to the details of the time period is marvelous. Dialogue is peppered with the odd and wonderful language of the day. I feel like I need a bonnet, gloves, and a pelisse to really be at home reading the book. For those who love Regency romances, Ms. Lortz’s novella is as delicious as your favorite flavor of ice cream on a hot day.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassandra Comfort's brother is lacking funds at the gaming tables, so he wagers a mark offering its owner a kiss from his sister. "A Brother's Wager" is a fun romp with Cassie discovering why she's suddenly receiving attention and murmurs during social gatherings. When she discovers what her brother has done, she attempts to retrieve the mark from its owner Gerrold Tavinstock. Gerrold is a quiet and proper gentleman and won't return the mark to Cassie. Neither will he cash it in for a kiss. This fun- and action-filled story takes us to curricle races, boxing matches, and perhaps even a duel as Cassie attempts to retrieve the mark from the proper Mr. Tavinstock. Can she outsmart Gerrold and retrieve it? The characters are a delight to become acquainted with, especially those Comfort brothers! "A Brother's Wager" is a delightfully clean novella that I recommend.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[One Sentence Audio Critic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An very good start to the Comfort series, which follows the 4 young adult Comfort children through their Regency era romances. This is book 1, which is follower by the even better book 2, Sketches by the Serpentine. This book is of the classic Georgette Heyer romance sub-genre, being a Regency romance, without graphic sex and few characters. The book is solid fun. But, the narration is excellent. Accent, distinctly distinguished characters and exact pronunciation that allows for increased play speed are brilliantly delivered by narrator Maria Johnson. I did the series out of order with little retraction from enjoyment. I do think the author could add more historic detail, of the Napoleon's wars, art or music of the era, or other topics to enrich the historic setting.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brother’s Wager is the first novel in the Comfort Quartet series and what a lovely introduction it is! I was transported through time while listening to this novel, the imagery vivid and the characters vibrant.

Mr. Tavinstock is a feisty one indeed and was one of my favorite characters in the story. The scenes with him and Miss Cassandra were some of my favorites, their chemistry undeniable.

Not only did I read this novel, but I also listened to the Audible version and let me tell you Maria Johnson is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators for Regency romances. Her charming voices for the characters, soothing tone for the narration, and captures this world and love story beautifully. Something about listening to the audiobook made the narrative truly come alive.

This was a wonderful start to what looks to be a promising series, and I can’t wait to see what awaits the Comfort Quartet.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really engaging story from Rosanne E. Lortz. We meet Cassie Comfort and her rascal of a brother Felix, who during a poker game, he finds himself low on funds so decides there and then to wager Cassie’s kiss the winner! Mr Gerrold Tavingstock wins the bet, luckily, and Cassie sees herself spending time in ballrooms, dining rooms, and drawing rooms trying to retrieve said wager from him. Highly entertaining, thoroughly enjoyable and had me in stitches.

I have read quite a few of Ms. Lortz’s books and have found them highly entertaining and well worth reading. I read it in one sitting and could not stop smiling, laughing, and enjoying myself thoroughly! I received an ARC from BookSirens and submit my honest review.

[MEF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young love and not all heroes come with a swagger and a dashing air. Some like Gerrold, do the proper thing with discretion - be it a curricle race, boxing match or duel. His hair finally gets ruffled and his cravat goes askew in his defence of Cassie and she wakes up to his quiet charm and character.

A very sweet and proper romance with some amusing moments as they progress towards that wagered kiss.

I liked the writing style and think the author delivered a fun read.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erin Angell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet regency novella that kicks off a series of characters that I am interested in knowing the stories of. The trope of “winner of the bet” leaves sweet Cassandra Comfort at the mercy of a marker her cad of a brother places for her at the behest of a man she herself enlists to help her. As the actual Hero Tavinstock is villainized for holding “said” marker. Fun ensues as she tries to retrieve the marker as the growth of the characters develop. I am eager to read the next stories in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carôle Ceres · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lovely, Gentle and Humorous Tale

I listened to the audiobook version of this title. This was amusing and gentle and just my cup of tea. I was given a free copy of this title, for review.

Her brother did a foolish thing and SHE spent the entire time trying to rectify it - instead of him! Which, of course, she couldn’t with gentility achieve without seeming fast!

I imagine that this would have become much more of a farce had it been in the hands of Ms Heyer, but this was beautifully achieved and fabulously narrated. I look forward to Episode 2!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful novella. The main characters are fun together. The story is fast paced but it doesn’t seem like love at first sight. It still had depth. I appreciate the introduction to other characters in the story, and can’t wait to see what happens in the greater story. This is my first time reading this author, and I’m looking forward to reading more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leann Arave · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a charming historical romance. I thought the plot was unique and intriguing and the story moved along at a good pace. The characters were well defined and enjoyable to get to know. It is part of the series, but can be read as a standalone. It is also a clean and wholesome read. I was able to read it in a short afternoon. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A free download from the author. Felix Comfort gambles a kiss from his sister and loses it to Mr. Tavinstock. Desperate attempts to get it back begin, as his sister enlists the help of a rival for her favors. Tavinstock is moderately wealthy and speaks in truncated sentences, characteristic of young toffs in London. It's kind of annoying. While Cassandra and Tavinstock are not all that appealing as characters, I did enjoy the little humorous touches in the story.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brother’s Wager is a Regency romance that is both creative and well written. It was also, quite humorous which made me laugh out loud several times. I totally recommend any book that has such fun wit but, especially, romance. The characters are interesting and entertaining. I already have another of the talented Ms. Lortz’ books on my Kindle.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have deep admiration for Cassandra Comfort.

Whereas, I cannot imagine either of my brothers having the nerve to wager a kiss from me in a card game. At the same time I cannot imagine living in a world where “proper” matches must be made during a particular time of year (aka the season).

Bravo Cassie for handling yourself in a ladylike and honorable manner.

I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

Highly amusing romance written in a most engaging and entertaining way.
Cassie & Felicity are fine characters, feisty and full of life. Stuffy Tavinstock surprises everyone. I enjoyed the personality of Cassie’s father, and wish he’d had more appearances.
Highly recommended reading.
An author completely new to me & enjoyed this first foray into her writing so much, I’m off to find more of her works.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Brother's Wager is book 1 in Comfort Quartet by Rosanne E Lortz. Cassie's brother, Felix, was out of money and luck. He gave a mark that his sister would give a kiss to the man holding the mark. The loss of the cards and the mark leads to unwanted attention a big problem for Cassie. The story is sweet and enjoyable. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story immensely! It is a sweet story of a wager… gone right?!

It is true to a gothic style story with heroic characters and characters not of the same sort. The journey to try and gain an I.o.u. back is fun.

The author’s style is engaging and quite entertaining.

I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.

[Mrs LIR Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very pleasant Regency Romance read. The impoverished noble family with a daughter who must marry - a mother who wants her daughter to have a title - a son who is heir but he likes to gamble……………. and of course a stoic hero.

Great fun to read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

New to me author 😊

What a fun story! Cassandra was a fireball and her poor family didn’t quite know how to handle her. Gerrold, whom at first I thought might be a stick in the mud…well, he was quite the man’s man!

I honestly wish this book was a tad longer as I didn’t want it to end!

[Mary Ansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this story was pure enjoyment. This light-hearted romance has everything: Irrepressible siblings, secrets and chivalry, balls and dinner parties, and wagers and last-minute rescues. It's easy to see why the hero and heroine fall in love, and even the minor characters are lively and attractive. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick read. rather silly, with a brother wagering a kiss from his sister when he runs out of coin at a card game. this leads to a predictable mix of curricle racing, boxing, and dueling until the sweet ending, also involving a card game. The main characters we're likable, but the unlucky gambler and
an unlucky suitor less so.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story about how Felix foolishly wagers a kiss from his sister in a game of cards and all the various difficulties that are encountered because of it. The end result between his sister, Cassie, and Mr Tavenstock is a happily ever after end

[Carol P - H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean novella about an unexpected first love. Cassie and Gerrold meet through unusual circumstances and certainly have a courtship that pushes the accepted boundaries. It’s a fun read. I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An allround fun and entertaining book, perfectly paced, with frequent touches of humour, delightful characters, and a lovely romance.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and clean. This is a good description of this uplifting historical romance. I enjoyed the pickles that the characters got themselves into and out of, and plan on reading more books by this author!

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming Regency romance with likeable characters and a delightfully romantic enemies to lovers story. This sweet, wholesome story is the first entry in the Comfort Quartet series. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Billy Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story

I was unsure the direction of this story when I started it— but as it unfolded I enjoyed it. The story developed in a specific direction.
I was pleased to read a pleasant story.