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A Game of Desire
Soundings and Choc Lit present the audiobook of A Game of Desire.
Felicity Fox is a rarity for a woman living in the early 1800s. Not only does she frequent the 'gambling hells' where most ladies would not dare to tread, she can also beat any man at his own game. It’s no wonder she’s gained notoriety as the 'Queen of Diamonds'.
Edward, Earl of Addington, despises gambling and is not exactly enamoured of Felicity Fox either, especially after she tried to swindle his family. Except now the Earl requires assistance from the Queen of Diamonds - and there’s everything to play for. But with Edward, will Felicity find she’s involved in a more dangerous game than she’s ever played before?
Felicity Fox is a rarity for a woman living in the early 1800s. Not only does she frequent the 'gambling hells' where most ladies would not dare to tread, she can also beat any man at his own game. It’s no wonder she’s gained notoriety as the 'Queen of Diamonds'.
Edward, Earl of Addington, despises gambling and is not exactly enamoured of Felicity Fox either, especially after she tried to swindle his family. Except now the Earl requires assistance from the Queen of Diamonds - and there’s everything to play for. But with Edward, will Felicity find she’s involved in a more dangerous game than she’s ever played before?
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Published June 25, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 21, 2019
Game of Desire by Sharon Ibbotson is a 2019 Choc Lit publication.
A splendid historical romance!!
Felicity Fox, aka, 'The Queen of Diamonds', treads where no other lady would dare- in ‘Gambling Hells’.
Not only that, she usually comes out the winner, beating any man who dares to challenge her.
However, Edward, Earl of Addington, is not impressed with Miss Fox. Not only does he despise gambling, he caught her red handed, trying to con his father out of a diamond heirloom.
Yet, the necklace in question has been lost and he needs Felicity’s help in recovering it. Felicity makes a pact with Edward, agreeing to help him with his quest, but by gambling with her heart, she's entered into the most dangerous high stakes game she’s ever played…
I haven’t read a historical romance in a long while and was in the right mood for one. I enjoyed Sharon Ibbotson’s debut novel so much, I decided to give her second book a try. I must say, there are no sophomore jitters here!! The only small hitch was a slight loss of momentum just over the halfway point, however, the pacing rebounded nicely.
Other than that, this is a well-balanced romance, with a little action, adventure, and suspense added in for good measure. It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical romance with a good vixen, and sharp dialogue between two female characters. I love a good cat fight! The characters are well-drawn, with plenty of room for development. Felicity is torn between two the only two options for women- either to be owned or to be bought. She fights to retain her hard -won independence, requiring Edward to rethink the options he’s given her. The mild feminist tone is subtle, and is still in keeping with the time frame of the story, while remaining true to Felicity’s character and unique circumstances.
Once more, I appreciated the darker tones in this one, a much welcome reprieve from marriage marts, and silly, whiny, and pampered dukes and earls. In other words, the story has depth and emotion, on top of being a fun and entertaining read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and now, more than ever, I think Sharon Ibbotson is an author to keep an eye on!
4 stars
A splendid historical romance!!
Felicity Fox, aka, 'The Queen of Diamonds', treads where no other lady would dare- in ‘Gambling Hells’.
Not only that, she usually comes out the winner, beating any man who dares to challenge her.
However, Edward, Earl of Addington, is not impressed with Miss Fox. Not only does he despise gambling, he caught her red handed, trying to con his father out of a diamond heirloom.
Yet, the necklace in question has been lost and he needs Felicity’s help in recovering it. Felicity makes a pact with Edward, agreeing to help him with his quest, but by gambling with her heart, she's entered into the most dangerous high stakes game she’s ever played…
I haven’t read a historical romance in a long while and was in the right mood for one. I enjoyed Sharon Ibbotson’s debut novel so much, I decided to give her second book a try. I must say, there are no sophomore jitters here!! The only small hitch was a slight loss of momentum just over the halfway point, however, the pacing rebounded nicely.
Other than that, this is a well-balanced romance, with a little action, adventure, and suspense added in for good measure. It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical romance with a good vixen, and sharp dialogue between two female characters. I love a good cat fight! The characters are well-drawn, with plenty of room for development. Felicity is torn between two the only two options for women- either to be owned or to be bought. She fights to retain her hard -won independence, requiring Edward to rethink the options he’s given her. The mild feminist tone is subtle, and is still in keeping with the time frame of the story, while remaining true to Felicity’s character and unique circumstances.
Once more, I appreciated the darker tones in this one, a much welcome reprieve from marriage marts, and silly, whiny, and pampered dukes and earls. In other words, the story has depth and emotion, on top of being a fun and entertaining read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story, and now, more than ever, I think Sharon Ibbotson is an author to keep an eye on!
4 stars
July 1, 2019
Ouh la, la! This book is a real gem, first full disclosure that I was drawn to this book the moment I saw the cover, yes I know we shouldn’t judge by covers alone – but, come on look at it, isn’t t gorgeous? Then when I read the blurb, I thought “wow, this is going to be one hell of a great historical” and I am so pleased that my first impression was right on the money, as this is a stunning historical.
This is a brilliant book that has an amazing heroine in the form of Felicity, she isn’t your stereotypical heroine, she isn’t an aristocrat as such, she is a just a regular woman who after a bit of a lousy childhood and after falling on hard times she has picked herself up and made something of herself, and that something just happens to be the best damn gambler there is. With the brains, the looks and the skill of the cards she is a force to be reckoned with. She is the star of the London’s Gambling circuit, a Diamond in the rough which is why she has been handed down the moniker of the ‘”Queen of Diamonds” but all didn’t go to plan, when she was caught trying to swindle the mighty but gullible; Earl of Addington, she was caught by the Earl Son; Edward who banished her from London.
Five years later, Edward is now the Earl and he wants a precious heirloom back that his father had sold, but to get it back he needs the help of the one person he vowed never to see again, the one woman who can boil his blood faster then a cauldron, the woman he banished instead of sending to the gallows. He needs the Queen of Diamonds and oh, how he hates that, he hates everything she stands for, he has seen for himself how gambling, drinking and whoring can destroy a family – as has Felicity, but Edward doesn’t realise this, yet. I’m pretty sure you can guess what Edwards want the brilliant Queen of Diamonds for, Felicity and Edward make a deal, one that could back fire on them both as they both have their hearts on the line.
I really liked Felicity, I love a good independent heroine, especially one who has a little bit of fire and intelligent behind the seductive smile and I really think that Ms Fox aka the Queen of Diamonds, is that. She is caught between a rock and a hard place, she hasn’t had the best start in life but she has made something of herself, yes, it may not be the most respectful career choice, but she is good at gambling, she is good at reading people and she uses her knowledge and her feminine whiles to good use, I really admire that.
I haven’t read Sharon Ibbotson’s work before, but I can see from this book that she is an author to watch out for. This is a very clever and original story, with a spiders web of emotion, out two lead character’s are both brilliantly intriguing and complex individuals, both have a real fragility and a vulnerable side that they keep boarded up so no one can hurt them again, both have issues with trust, with being able to love and with thinking that they deserve love.
This is an sexy, exciting and entertaining romance, that balances the blossoming romance between Edward and Felicity with an engaging adventure. What I particularly liked more than anything is that subtle feminist undercurrent that is ever present throughout the story, as well as that this does have a darker feel to it then your average historical romance, I like the edginess of the story and the individualism of the characters.
Overall, wonderfully written and a definite must read.
This is a brilliant book that has an amazing heroine in the form of Felicity, she isn’t your stereotypical heroine, she isn’t an aristocrat as such, she is a just a regular woman who after a bit of a lousy childhood and after falling on hard times she has picked herself up and made something of herself, and that something just happens to be the best damn gambler there is. With the brains, the looks and the skill of the cards she is a force to be reckoned with. She is the star of the London’s Gambling circuit, a Diamond in the rough which is why she has been handed down the moniker of the ‘”Queen of Diamonds” but all didn’t go to plan, when she was caught trying to swindle the mighty but gullible; Earl of Addington, she was caught by the Earl Son; Edward who banished her from London.
Five years later, Edward is now the Earl and he wants a precious heirloom back that his father had sold, but to get it back he needs the help of the one person he vowed never to see again, the one woman who can boil his blood faster then a cauldron, the woman he banished instead of sending to the gallows. He needs the Queen of Diamonds and oh, how he hates that, he hates everything she stands for, he has seen for himself how gambling, drinking and whoring can destroy a family – as has Felicity, but Edward doesn’t realise this, yet. I’m pretty sure you can guess what Edwards want the brilliant Queen of Diamonds for, Felicity and Edward make a deal, one that could back fire on them both as they both have their hearts on the line.
I really liked Felicity, I love a good independent heroine, especially one who has a little bit of fire and intelligent behind the seductive smile and I really think that Ms Fox aka the Queen of Diamonds, is that. She is caught between a rock and a hard place, she hasn’t had the best start in life but she has made something of herself, yes, it may not be the most respectful career choice, but she is good at gambling, she is good at reading people and she uses her knowledge and her feminine whiles to good use, I really admire that.
I haven’t read Sharon Ibbotson’s work before, but I can see from this book that she is an author to watch out for. This is a very clever and original story, with a spiders web of emotion, out two lead character’s are both brilliantly intriguing and complex individuals, both have a real fragility and a vulnerable side that they keep boarded up so no one can hurt them again, both have issues with trust, with being able to love and with thinking that they deserve love.
This is an sexy, exciting and entertaining romance, that balances the blossoming romance between Edward and Felicity with an engaging adventure. What I particularly liked more than anything is that subtle feminist undercurrent that is ever present throughout the story, as well as that this does have a darker feel to it then your average historical romance, I like the edginess of the story and the individualism of the characters.
Overall, wonderfully written and a definite must read.
July 11, 2019
A Regency romance that I really enjoyed. I thought it was a little different than some as it focuses on the heroine Felicity who started life well but was reduced to the poor life after the death of her mother and her father turning to gambling. Being brought up in the gambling dens she becomes the Queen of Diamonds and a marvel around town. She gets involved with Edward the Earl of Addington after promising to help him win a gambling tournament to help him win back some diamonds his father left his mistress in his will.
I liked Felicity, she’s quite feisty and I do like her idea of refusing to be owned by any man and standing on her own too feet however that may be. Intriguing how she first met Edward even if he doesn't quite remember. She was been robbed and left for dead and he stops his carriage, rents her a room in an inn to recover, paying her medical bills. You hear tales of people falling for their doctors/nurses and it not being real and that it is just a case of transferring onto someone who helped you. At first I thought maybe this would be the same but I liked the way it eventually played out.
We have 2 bad guys or rather one man and one woman. I enjoyed the deviousness of Arabella. I do like a good actual bad guy (woman) and overall just really enjoyed how the whole thing was played out.
I liked Felicity, she’s quite feisty and I do like her idea of refusing to be owned by any man and standing on her own too feet however that may be. Intriguing how she first met Edward even if he doesn't quite remember. She was been robbed and left for dead and he stops his carriage, rents her a room in an inn to recover, paying her medical bills. You hear tales of people falling for their doctors/nurses and it not being real and that it is just a case of transferring onto someone who helped you. At first I thought maybe this would be the same but I liked the way it eventually played out.
We have 2 bad guys or rather one man and one woman. I enjoyed the deviousness of Arabella. I do like a good actual bad guy (woman) and overall just really enjoyed how the whole thing was played out.
June 12, 2019
Having enjoyed The Marked Lord, I was looking forward to another book by the same author, and I'm very pleased to say A Game of Desire entirely lived up to my expectations (possibly even surpassed them). Its heroine gambles for a living, so you know from the start she's not going to be a typical debutante who meets a titled gentleman at a ball, even if the hero is a titled gentleman. He's also single, in possession of a good fortune and in want of a wife... but even more of the heroine's help. I already liked that premise, and my interest only grew as I read. Other things I particularly liked include the backstory and some twists I obviously must not mention.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
If you enjoy a Historical or Regency Romance with a bit of a darker tone, definitely some bite, characters that leap off the page as realistic – oh, and a really good “catfight” then you’ll have a wonderful time with A GAME OF DESIRE.
While I enjoy a lighthearted Romance as much as the next reader, I also love the tension, the suspense of the darker, grittier stories of how life truly was during this time period for those not born to the ton. And it was vastly different. Felicity is a survivor, a strong, independent woman with a skill at cards or games of chance. She uses those skills with wit, charm and an eye to the eventual prize – winning. She first came up against Edward years ago when he believed she was running a scam on his father over a diamond necklace and had her banished from London. Again, as a survivor, Felicity still continued to flourish and continued to win in spite of Edward’s actions. Now, years later, the tables have turned and the new Earl needs some help from the Queen of Diamonds. (don’t you just love when that happens?)
Remember that diamond necklace? It’s at the core of two stubborn people reluctantly working together and discovering that attraction has nothing to do with a like/dislike for another person, but is instead an entirely different game of chance that is played so that both win in the end.
At this point it would be so easy to say too much – and I don’t willingly do spoilers, so A GAME OF DESIRE is a story of two people who come from far different backgrounds finding that love knows no barriers, even when tossing them up left and right to no avail. I liked Felicity and Edward together and individually for different reasons. I’ve no doubt that you will as well. There is danger in this story, discovering that all is not what it seems, a love worth fighting for, and two people who fit, but also bring out the best and the worst in the other and in spite of that remain in love with a future that will definitely be lively. I would not hesitate to recommend Edward and Felicity’s romance to any reader who enjoys going a bit deeper, seeing the darker side of London, characters who will anger you as well as make you smile with satisfaction. Yeah, I had a good time with this one.
I began my love affair with Historical/Regency Romances with Barbara Cartland, Rosemary Rogers, and Kathleen Woodiwiss. Yes, I know, that’s quite the switch between writing styles. Moved back to the classics as in Jane Austen and today have about half a dozen authors who are automatic buy the book, request it or borrow from the library when the book budget is tight – I’m adding Sharon Ibbotson to that list to keep an eye out for new titles. I don’t read as much Regency as I once did yet I know what I enjoy, what keeps me flipping pages quickly and A GAME OF DESIRE had me glued to the book in spite of the 4th of July fireworks going off last night.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher Choc Lit / Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
If you enjoy a Historical or Regency Romance with a bit of a darker tone, definitely some bite, characters that leap off the page as realistic – oh, and a really good “catfight” then you’ll have a wonderful time with A GAME OF DESIRE.
While I enjoy a lighthearted Romance as much as the next reader, I also love the tension, the suspense of the darker, grittier stories of how life truly was during this time period for those not born to the ton. And it was vastly different. Felicity is a survivor, a strong, independent woman with a skill at cards or games of chance. She uses those skills with wit, charm and an eye to the eventual prize – winning. She first came up against Edward years ago when he believed she was running a scam on his father over a diamond necklace and had her banished from London. Again, as a survivor, Felicity still continued to flourish and continued to win in spite of Edward’s actions. Now, years later, the tables have turned and the new Earl needs some help from the Queen of Diamonds. (don’t you just love when that happens?)
Remember that diamond necklace? It’s at the core of two stubborn people reluctantly working together and discovering that attraction has nothing to do with a like/dislike for another person, but is instead an entirely different game of chance that is played so that both win in the end.
At this point it would be so easy to say too much – and I don’t willingly do spoilers, so A GAME OF DESIRE is a story of two people who come from far different backgrounds finding that love knows no barriers, even when tossing them up left and right to no avail. I liked Felicity and Edward together and individually for different reasons. I’ve no doubt that you will as well. There is danger in this story, discovering that all is not what it seems, a love worth fighting for, and two people who fit, but also bring out the best and the worst in the other and in spite of that remain in love with a future that will definitely be lively. I would not hesitate to recommend Edward and Felicity’s romance to any reader who enjoys going a bit deeper, seeing the darker side of London, characters who will anger you as well as make you smile with satisfaction. Yeah, I had a good time with this one.
I began my love affair with Historical/Regency Romances with Barbara Cartland, Rosemary Rogers, and Kathleen Woodiwiss. Yes, I know, that’s quite the switch between writing styles. Moved back to the classics as in Jane Austen and today have about half a dozen authors who are automatic buy the book, request it or borrow from the library when the book budget is tight – I’m adding Sharon Ibbotson to that list to keep an eye out for new titles. I don’t read as much Regency as I once did yet I know what I enjoy, what keeps me flipping pages quickly and A GAME OF DESIRE had me glued to the book in spite of the 4th of July fireworks going off last night.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher Choc Lit / Ruby Fiction. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
June 25, 2019
I hadn’t read Sharon’s previous book, but I loved this novel so much, it's definitely on my summer reading list. The characters were complex, intriguing and easy to care about. Edward, both handsome and moody has no time for the woman he believes tried to rob the family diamonds. But Felicity, good looking and intelligent is no shrinking violet. Edward might have banished her from London, but she is still doing what she does best in the North of England. Known as the Queen of Diamonds, she not only a gambler, but the best there is. A sort of female Robin Hood character. But, when there is an issue again with the family jewels, Edwards seeks her out to teach him the tricks of her trade, so he can play for them at a gambling party. This is one game he can’t afford to lose, but is there more to this woman than he first thought?
This was a real page turner that kept me gripped to the end. A beautifully written book from unusual angle, I really enjoyed it.
This was a real page turner that kept me gripped to the end. A beautifully written book from unusual angle, I really enjoyed it.
June 25, 2019
The intriguing story of the relationship between Felicity and Edward is also the story of addiction, debt, poverty, despair and the fight to become free of these horrors. This is the reality of the glamorous world of 1800s. Wow, that sounds like a grim story but far from it. This story is a joyful telling of a romance which you hope will be fulfilled but every page brings you a different doubt. The pages turn quickly as you hope the outcome will be happy. Is it? Well, that I won't tell you, read and enjoy this book to the very end.
June 26, 2019
Say regency romance and I think of Bath, genteel parties, Jane Austen, Mr Darcy... However whilst life may have been very comfortable for the well off there was a very different side to this time in history. Gambling was a major occupation for those with nothing else to do, and it did not always go well.
A Game of Desire opens a door into this lesser known world, very effectively. So, if you are looking for someting less pastel than the usual regency romance try this.
A Game of Desire opens a door into this lesser known world, very effectively. So, if you are looking for someting less pastel than the usual regency romance try this.
August 28, 2019
I’m not usually one for historical romantic novels, having said that I really enjoyed this one. Felicity is a strong lead character who has always struggled often resorting to sleeping in the gutter with nothing to eat for days on end. She has strong principles and nothing will get in her way of these. It’s a story of love, honour, luck and chance and you won’t be disappointed.
June 26, 2019
Felicity is a strong and independent woman at a time when that was unusual. No wonder she clashes with the strait laced Earl. Can they overcome their past history and upbringings to find something more than just a business partnership! Recommended!
August 22, 2019
I love a good historical romance. GAME OF DESIRE is full of suspense. Strong willed, independent woman and a force to be reckoned with.
Looking forward to more from author.
Looking forward to more from author.
dnf
March 19, 2020It’s a shame because I really enjoyed her Hanukkah book.
October 27, 2019
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk...
I felt that this story had a lot of potential and the plot was both intriguing and exciting. Felicity is a great main character, too, even if Edward falls pretty flat in comparison. However, the thing I struggled most with this book was the fact that about halfway through the story, all common sense and logic seemed to disappear out the window and nothing made sense from that point on. Characters found themselves in unlikely, unrealistic scenarios, causing the story to jar and grate rather than flowing smoothly.
Sadly, as a result, I struggled to engage with the book and was left feeling rather confused by the events that unfolded in the story. Although I felt the potential was definitely there, unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed by the end of the book.
I felt that this story had a lot of potential and the plot was both intriguing and exciting. Felicity is a great main character, too, even if Edward falls pretty flat in comparison. However, the thing I struggled most with this book was the fact that about halfway through the story, all common sense and logic seemed to disappear out the window and nothing made sense from that point on. Characters found themselves in unlikely, unrealistic scenarios, causing the story to jar and grate rather than flowing smoothly.
Sadly, as a result, I struggled to engage with the book and was left feeling rather confused by the events that unfolded in the story. Although I felt the potential was definitely there, unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed by the end of the book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews