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The Keys to a Lockridge Heart #4
La Apuesta Amorosa Del Conde : Romance Del Periodo Regencia (Las Llaves De Un Corazón Lockridge nº 4)
En este juego del amor, él debe decidir qué puede perder y sin qué no puede vivir.Winston Ambrose, el apuesto pero imprudente conde de Longberry, lo pierde todo en una partida de cartas.
Una cruel apuesta se convierte en su única su deuda será olvidada, pero solo si logra derretir el corazón de la insoportable señorita Grace Leighton. Sin embargo, cuando su trampa da un giro inesperado y es su propio corazón el que comienza a derretirse, el engaño que ha tejido se convierte en su peor pesadilla.El matrimonio es lo último en lo que piensa Grace Leighton. Satisfecha con sus libros y su labor caritativa, naturalmente desconfía del encantador conde que comienza a cortejarla. A medida que descubre al hombre detrás de los rumores, su corazón empieza a cambiar de las formas más inesperadas.
Cuando Grace se ve envuelta en un peligroso misterio, Winston es el único al que puede recurrir en busca de ayuda.Mientras corren contra el tiempo para desentrañar el plan de una mente perversa y salvar un alma inocente, sus secretos y mentiras amenazan con separarlos para siempre...
Una cruel apuesta se convierte en su única su deuda será olvidada, pero solo si logra derretir el corazón de la insoportable señorita Grace Leighton. Sin embargo, cuando su trampa da un giro inesperado y es su propio corazón el que comienza a derretirse, el engaño que ha tejido se convierte en su peor pesadilla.El matrimonio es lo último en lo que piensa Grace Leighton. Satisfecha con sus libros y su labor caritativa, naturalmente desconfía del encantador conde que comienza a cortejarla. A medida que descubre al hombre detrás de los rumores, su corazón empieza a cambiar de las formas más inesperadas.
Cuando Grace se ve envuelta en un peligroso misterio, Winston es el único al que puede recurrir en busca de ayuda.Mientras corren contra el tiempo para desentrañar el plan de una mente perversa y salvar un alma inocente, sus secretos y mentiras amenazan con separarlos para siempre...
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
410 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Abby Ayles
141 books704 followersAbby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 4, 2021
The 🎰Gamble💘
The rakish Earl of Longberry, Winston Ambrose🐺🍆⛲, foolishly nearly loses everything in a card game. He is saved by a side bet that if he captures the heart of the plain but haughty Miss Grace Leighton💃💔, he loses nothing.
Ambrose's reputation has cost him a possible courtship with the beautiful Charlotte. He readily accepts the challenge his friend lays out for him to win the heart of Grace💃💔, a plain, gangly, redhead that has become nearly a recluse after her heart was broken💔. She knows any possible suitors are only after her 💰money because she is not beautiful. She spends much of her time at an orphanage, caring for the children. That is her passion💕.
How can two very unlike people find love 💘? Or will Ambrose🐺🍆⛲ win her heart💕, only to break💔 it again?
This is an enthralling and interesting story.
The rakish Earl of Longberry, Winston Ambrose🐺🍆⛲, foolishly nearly loses everything in a card game. He is saved by a side bet that if he captures the heart of the plain but haughty Miss Grace Leighton💃💔, he loses nothing.
Ambrose's reputation has cost him a possible courtship with the beautiful Charlotte. He readily accepts the challenge his friend lays out for him to win the heart of Grace💃💔, a plain, gangly, redhead that has become nearly a recluse after her heart was broken💔. She knows any possible suitors are only after her 💰money because she is not beautiful. She spends much of her time at an orphanage, caring for the children. That is her passion💕.
How can two very unlike people find love 💘? Or will Ambrose🐺🍆⛲ win her heart💕, only to break💔 it again?
This is an enthralling and interesting story.
October 14, 2019
Winston gambles, but loses. The only way he can come through this is to win the heart of the heart hearted Miss Grace. Things don’t always go the way it should. Romance is on the horizon for sure.
August 18, 2025
From the review on Amazon: *If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “The Earl’s Wager for a Lady’s Heart!”
A captivating regency romance of 95,000 words, written by Abby Ayles.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
From the synopsis: Winston Ambrose, the dashing but reckless Earl of Longberry, loses everything in a game of cards. A cruel wager becomes his only way out: his debt will be forgotten, but only if he manages to melt the heart of the obnoxious Miss Grace Leighton. But when his trap takes an unexpected turn and his own heart is the one that starts melting, the deception he’s woven becomes his worst nightmare.
Marriage is the last thing on Grace Leighton’s mind. Content with her books and charity work, she is naturally suspicious of the charming earl that starts pursuing her. As she begins to discover the man behind the rumors though, her heart starts changing in the most unexpected ways. When Grace finds herself entangled in a dangerous mystery, Winston is the only one she can turn to for help.
While they race against time to unravel the scheme of a devious mind and save an innocent soul, their secrets and lies threaten to tear them apart forever…
A decent romance with a bit of a mystery tossed in about 2/3 of the way through the book. I suspect that was included in order to 'redeem' Charlotte as she was a bit of a witch earlier in the book and also give Winston and Grace a reason to work together. Winston's character change seemed a little sudden to me. Admittedly, he was playing a 'game' at first in order to win his bet with Heath (I'd figured the reason for Heath's hostility toward Grace the first time Winston asked to call off the bet - nobody wants to hurt someone that much unless they've been hurt) but I don't think falling in love would do it all on its own. Grace seems almost too good to be true - thank goodness she's not a great beauty or I wouldn't have been able to stomach her at all. I just wonder how parents like hers managed to raise a daughter who's as 'progressive' for that time as she is.
If this sort of thing is to your taste, it's a fairly good book. It's just not one I'm going to keep.
A captivating regency romance of 95,000 words, written by Abby Ayles.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
From the synopsis: Winston Ambrose, the dashing but reckless Earl of Longberry, loses everything in a game of cards. A cruel wager becomes his only way out: his debt will be forgotten, but only if he manages to melt the heart of the obnoxious Miss Grace Leighton. But when his trap takes an unexpected turn and his own heart is the one that starts melting, the deception he’s woven becomes his worst nightmare.
Marriage is the last thing on Grace Leighton’s mind. Content with her books and charity work, she is naturally suspicious of the charming earl that starts pursuing her. As she begins to discover the man behind the rumors though, her heart starts changing in the most unexpected ways. When Grace finds herself entangled in a dangerous mystery, Winston is the only one she can turn to for help.
While they race against time to unravel the scheme of a devious mind and save an innocent soul, their secrets and lies threaten to tear them apart forever…
A decent romance with a bit of a mystery tossed in about 2/3 of the way through the book. I suspect that was included in order to 'redeem' Charlotte as she was a bit of a witch earlier in the book and also give Winston and Grace a reason to work together. Winston's character change seemed a little sudden to me. Admittedly, he was playing a 'game' at first in order to win his bet with Heath (I'd figured the reason for Heath's hostility toward Grace the first time Winston asked to call off the bet - nobody wants to hurt someone that much unless they've been hurt) but I don't think falling in love would do it all on its own. Grace seems almost too good to be true - thank goodness she's not a great beauty or I wouldn't have been able to stomach her at all. I just wonder how parents like hers managed to raise a daughter who's as 'progressive' for that time as she is.
If this sort of thing is to your taste, it's a fairly good book. It's just not one I'm going to keep.
April 9, 2020
Characters well worth your time
My goodness! What a marvelous story! And, interestingly enough, to me, it would was not necessarily the plot line that made it so good. While that certainly is integral to a good story, in my opinion, it was the complex characters and their relationships. Both the hero and the heroine, as well as the antagonist and other supporting characters were multi layered in their personalities and actions. Just as the reader thinks they have a character "pegged" he/she does or says something to reveal a new trait. I found myself unable to stop reading because I wanted to see where these new sides lead each character in their pursuit. And I wasn't disappointed in the least. This is an exceptional story of appearances being deceiving, friendships growing out of nowhere and hearts unfolding to embrace past faults and hurts. Thank-you, Abby, for a marvelous, uplifting story!
My goodness! What a marvelous story! And, interestingly enough, to me, it would was not necessarily the plot line that made it so good. While that certainly is integral to a good story, in my opinion, it was the complex characters and their relationships. Both the hero and the heroine, as well as the antagonist and other supporting characters were multi layered in their personalities and actions. Just as the reader thinks they have a character "pegged" he/she does or says something to reveal a new trait. I found myself unable to stop reading because I wanted to see where these new sides lead each character in their pursuit. And I wasn't disappointed in the least. This is an exceptional story of appearances being deceiving, friendships growing out of nowhere and hearts unfolding to embrace past faults and hurts. Thank-you, Abby, for a marvelous, uplifting story!
July 4, 2020
Women in this time were valued so little that gambling with their hearts was a sport. Grace didn’t fit the accepted norm for beauty plus she not only read but dared to learn. This story goes through the changes Winston (Lord Longberry), keeps you wondering why Heath (Lord Ryewell) has a vendetta against Grace and brings together two unlikely best friends. Do yourself a favor and read this one.
April 8, 2020
Love!!
This by far is my favorite historical romance novel I have read, with each chapter I could not put this book down, I ended up staying up late until I read the last chapter. The extended chapter really completed the story. A beautiful written book with lots of twist and turns. This is a must read, I promise you won't be disappointed!!
This by far is my favorite historical romance novel I have read, with each chapter I could not put this book down, I ended up staying up late until I read the last chapter. The extended chapter really completed the story. A beautiful written book with lots of twist and turns. This is a must read, I promise you won't be disappointed!!
June 18, 2020
I didn't think the plot in this novel was as tight as it could have been; instead, I felt as if the author was adding to her plot as she wrote. I did, however, enjoy the story of Winston and Grace in spite of the intricacies of the plot. I like this author's writing. I also like that this is a good, clean, safe read.
June 16, 2020
This is a rather unique period romance with an unlovely heroine and a handsome rake trying to win a bet. Grace and Winston are such an odd couple that everyone in the ton that the coupling cannot possibly be real. Will Grace lose her heart to a cold hearted gambler?
March 10, 2021
This was another very sweet romance read that was easy to stay involved with and a fast page turner foe me too.
February 12, 2023
who am I, really?
This book kept me entirely engaged, wondering whether the happy ending could possibly happen with all the ways fate seemed to intervene to keep the two apart. It seems that even though both felt the love growing, the young lady found it the more of the two to feel worthy of the other’s love. Excellent story and excellent writing.
This book kept me entirely engaged, wondering whether the happy ending could possibly happen with all the ways fate seemed to intervene to keep the two apart. It seems that even though both felt the love growing, the young lady found it the more of the two to feel worthy of the other’s love. Excellent story and excellent writing.
July 31, 2025
Avec une intrigue. TB
February 1, 2020
Enjoyed the plot and how the two finally found each other and their best selves
September 26, 2019
In this game of love, he has to decide what he can lose and what he can’t live without.
Winston Ambrose, the dashing but reckless Earl of Longberry, loses everything in a game of cards. A cruel wager becomes his only way out: his debt will be forgotten, but only if he manages to melt the heart of the obnoxious Miss Grace Leighton.
But when his trap takes an unexpected turn and his own heart is the one that starts melting, the deception he’s woven becomes his worst nightmare.
Marriage is the last thing on Grace Leighton’s mind. Content with her books and charity work, she is naturally suspicious of the charming earl that starts pursuing her. As she begins to discover the man behind the rumors though, her heart starts changing in the most unexpected ways.
When Grace finds herself entangled in a dangerous mystery, Winston is the only one she can turn to for help. While they race against time to unravel the scheme of a devious mind and save an innocent soul, their secrets and lies threaten to tear them apart forever…
Wow; this one really has it all going on it.
Very motional read this one was.
Lots of twists and turns, ups and downs; truly wonderful.
The plot and story line are so well developed and engaging from the very beginning.
The characters have been fleshed out so well and were a joy to read about and follow through their time.
Wonderful world building that makes you feel as if you are there seeing it all as it happens.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Winston Ambrose, the dashing but reckless Earl of Longberry, loses everything in a game of cards. A cruel wager becomes his only way out: his debt will be forgotten, but only if he manages to melt the heart of the obnoxious Miss Grace Leighton.
But when his trap takes an unexpected turn and his own heart is the one that starts melting, the deception he’s woven becomes his worst nightmare.
Marriage is the last thing on Grace Leighton’s mind. Content with her books and charity work, she is naturally suspicious of the charming earl that starts pursuing her. As she begins to discover the man behind the rumors though, her heart starts changing in the most unexpected ways.
When Grace finds herself entangled in a dangerous mystery, Winston is the only one she can turn to for help. While they race against time to unravel the scheme of a devious mind and save an innocent soul, their secrets and lies threaten to tear them apart forever…
Wow; this one really has it all going on it.
Very motional read this one was.
Lots of twists and turns, ups and downs; truly wonderful.
The plot and story line are so well developed and engaging from the very beginning.
The characters have been fleshed out so well and were a joy to read about and follow through their time.
Wonderful world building that makes you feel as if you are there seeing it all as it happens.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 24, 2019
Never gamble with a woman's heart
This wasn't your typical Regency romance. Grace was a plain looking woman with firey red hair that would not be tamed and a charitable heart for the poor children in an orphanage. She had little time for her peers who mocked her or just plain ignored her. Instead of attending balls, she would rather help out at a soup kitchen.
Winston, a handsome Earl, was a gamer, gambler and all around rake. He became indebted to his friend for thousands of pounds but more importantly, his late father's watch. In an effort to clear his debt and retrieve his watch, he made an ill advised wager with Heath; he was to make a lady fall in love with him and Heath chose the unattainable sharp-tongued Grace.
What follows is very surprising to Winston as his eyes were opened to the real Grace and the prejudice of the rich towards the poor. She changed Winston's perception of her and of what's truly important.
Did Winston win his wager? What will Grace do when she finds out about it? And what were all the threatening letters about and who wrote them? Many twists to this story. I really enjoyed this however, it needed editing. Wrong words used (please instead of pleas), extra words and confused names were distracting. This is why only 4 stars.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
This wasn't your typical Regency romance. Grace was a plain looking woman with firey red hair that would not be tamed and a charitable heart for the poor children in an orphanage. She had little time for her peers who mocked her or just plain ignored her. Instead of attending balls, she would rather help out at a soup kitchen.
Winston, a handsome Earl, was a gamer, gambler and all around rake. He became indebted to his friend for thousands of pounds but more importantly, his late father's watch. In an effort to clear his debt and retrieve his watch, he made an ill advised wager with Heath; he was to make a lady fall in love with him and Heath chose the unattainable sharp-tongued Grace.
What follows is very surprising to Winston as his eyes were opened to the real Grace and the prejudice of the rich towards the poor. She changed Winston's perception of her and of what's truly important.
Did Winston win his wager? What will Grace do when she finds out about it? And what were all the threatening letters about and who wrote them? Many twists to this story. I really enjoyed this however, it needed editing. Wrong words used (please instead of pleas), extra words and confused names were distracting. This is why only 4 stars.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
September 27, 2019
OMG... It has been a while since I have been engaged, enthralled, intrigued, open-eyed, watchful, absorbed and immersed by a book like I have by this one. It was no hardship being glued to page after page of exciting dialogue, witty repartee and a genuine down-to-earth rakum shakum romance. This is about a woman who writes under a male pseudonym and finds herself embroiled in deception, mystery, betrayal, kidnapping and romance. She deals with all that with clever sleuthing, witty thinking and strong detective skills. The overall storyline was the romance, the plot and sub-plots are brilliantly written with such feeling and emotion. There were sober truths, painful truths, shameful truths, hateful truths, threatening, dangerous and fearful truths. I was held in suspense most of the time and smiled a lot when the characters showed true affection for others and each other. I loved the flawed characters of the hero and heroine and how they struggled with them. The secondary characters had worthy personalities and added a fullness to the story. I found no spelling errors that I remember coming across. I do feel the editing and proofreading were excellent as I was able to sail through scene after scene seamlessly focused without interruption. Abby Ayles is a person I feel Agatha Christie would be proud to call friend. A wonderful read that I highly recommend.
January 19, 2020
Excellent Story
An interesting story about someone's complicated life. Lady Grace led a very busy life helping out at an orphanage, soup kitchen and helping to turn around ladies of the night. Plus she liked to read and write. She was not like the other ladies in English society. And then she meets Winston. And her life
Changes Big Time. Many things happen you will meet Many characters.
An interesting story about someone's complicated life. Lady Grace led a very busy life helping out at an orphanage, soup kitchen and helping to turn around ladies of the night. Plus she liked to read and write. She was not like the other ladies in English society. And then she meets Winston. And her life
Changes Big Time. Many things happen you will meet Many characters.
September 23, 2019
Winston Ambrose,Lord of LongBerry rakishly arrogant with the most intense green eyes. Handsome he is, but his pride is his only concern.
His advances toward Lady Grace Leighton were rejected. Winston makes a wager with his friend. The wager is for Winston to get Grace to fall in love with him, within four months time.
I absolutely love this character, Lady Grace Leighton. She may not have been blessed with beauty on the outside, but she certainly doesn't lack beauty on the inside. Grace's heart, strength,and generosity shines through to others. Grace devotes and enjoys her time helping the poor,and the Calloway Orphanage for children.
Winston realizes this about Grace, and feels guilty about the wager.
When she meets Winston for tea, Grace shares her feelings, asking him for his help with Lady Charlotte's threatening letters. Lady Charlotte is Grace's rival, and she always enjoys tormenting her.
Grace puts aside their past issues to help Charlotte out of respect for each other.
This is a delightful story,and with Abby's magnificent writing of these captivating characters.
Highly recommend.
His advances toward Lady Grace Leighton were rejected. Winston makes a wager with his friend. The wager is for Winston to get Grace to fall in love with him, within four months time.
I absolutely love this character, Lady Grace Leighton. She may not have been blessed with beauty on the outside, but she certainly doesn't lack beauty on the inside. Grace's heart, strength,and generosity shines through to others. Grace devotes and enjoys her time helping the poor,and the Calloway Orphanage for children.
Winston realizes this about Grace, and feels guilty about the wager.
When she meets Winston for tea, Grace shares her feelings, asking him for his help with Lady Charlotte's threatening letters. Lady Charlotte is Grace's rival, and she always enjoys tormenting her.
Grace puts aside their past issues to help Charlotte out of respect for each other.
This is a delightful story,and with Abby's magnificent writing of these captivating characters.
Highly recommend.
June 28, 2020
Abby is becoming one of my favourite writers. All her books are different.
She good at writing male lead characters that you totally fall in love with and wish were real.
It is rare I can relate to a character in the 19th century such as Grace. However, I could, when she would rather stay at home and not go to balls, but read books instead, and spend her time with the poor people of London; with her charity work. Trying to make a difference.
She was a writer too which was a bonus added depth to her character and showed how women were treated at that time period and how ahead of her time she was. However, the thing I loved the most about Grace is she saw through Winston’s charm. I love when she sent him a scathing letter to tell him what she thought of his sly ploys and not accepting his courtship at the start. Winston has a character development in the story. He changes his rakish ways and sees the world of high society for what it is. Also, I liked he started to read books to impress Grace and took genuine interest in the orphans.
A really enjoyable read, lots of plot twist along the way. ❤️
She good at writing male lead characters that you totally fall in love with and wish were real.
It is rare I can relate to a character in the 19th century such as Grace. However, I could, when she would rather stay at home and not go to balls, but read books instead, and spend her time with the poor people of London; with her charity work. Trying to make a difference.
She was a writer too which was a bonus added depth to her character and showed how women were treated at that time period and how ahead of her time she was. However, the thing I loved the most about Grace is she saw through Winston’s charm. I love when she sent him a scathing letter to tell him what she thought of his sly ploys and not accepting his courtship at the start. Winston has a character development in the story. He changes his rakish ways and sees the world of high society for what it is. Also, I liked he started to read books to impress Grace and took genuine interest in the orphans.
A really enjoyable read, lots of plot twist along the way. ❤️
September 24, 2019
ONE WILD ROLLERCOASTER RIDE!!!
Holy hades Batman! Abby brought out the big guns as well as the heat with this incredible treat. A turbulent ride with a bounty of astonishing events and a bevy of entanglements that thrusts this baby together one piece at a time. A vortex of spinning emotions bursting in to play front and center. Drama, uncertainty, secrets aplenty and suspense builds as tension spirals propelling this bad boy to life beautifully. Throw in distress and turmoil and you have the recipe for disaster. Twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few hitches, bumps and bruises that rock this tumultuous ride with every word. The characters personalities are authentic, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities that transform and blend smoothly. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in ground zero with them. Remarkable job Abby, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Holy hades Batman! Abby brought out the big guns as well as the heat with this incredible treat. A turbulent ride with a bounty of astonishing events and a bevy of entanglements that thrusts this baby together one piece at a time. A vortex of spinning emotions bursting in to play front and center. Drama, uncertainty, secrets aplenty and suspense builds as tension spirals propelling this bad boy to life beautifully. Throw in distress and turmoil and you have the recipe for disaster. Twists and turns, ups and downs, along with a few hitches, bumps and bruises that rock this tumultuous ride with every word. The characters personalities are authentic, genuine and realistic with depth and qualities that transform and blend smoothly. The scenes are so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in ground zero with them. Remarkable job Abby, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
September 25, 2019
Winston Ambrose, Earl of Longberry has lost a huge chunk of money and his father's watch to his friend Heath because of gambling. Heath tells Winston that he will consider the debt paid and he can keep his father's watch if he can win the heart of a certain lady. That lady being Miss Grace Leighton. Winston agrees to it. Grace is very plain looking with a ton of freckles and frizzy carrot red hair. She has no friends and is ignored by everyone. Winston ended up falling in love with Grace and she with him. What will happened when Winston has to tell her about the bet? Will Grace tell him to leave? Or will she be understanding?
This story has drama, secrets, mystery, danger, suspense, twists and turns that will make you want to keep reading. This book is a sure winner for Abby. Great plot and very well written.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
This story has drama, secrets, mystery, danger, suspense, twists and turns that will make you want to keep reading. This book is a sure winner for Abby. Great plot and very well written.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
October 2, 2019
Wonderful Story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Grace and Winston's on, off love affair.
The four main characters in this story developed and changed in varying degrees for the better during the book, Grace of course was the special character, how she endured the abuse aimed at her was by some was unbelievable, even her mother made derogatory comments about her, but throughout she remained firm in her beliefs and her actions. The two children Willie and Victoria were wonderful, particularly Willie in the extended epilogue. Winston's character was endearing when he got his act in order, and he and Grace deserved their y'all ending'
Usually the authors books are well written but I was surprised to find in this book quite a number of typing and grammatical errors which at times puzzled me and spoiled the smooth continuation of the story, however I would still recommend this book, and believe it to be one of the better one's written by Abby.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Grace and Winston's on, off love affair.
The four main characters in this story developed and changed in varying degrees for the better during the book, Grace of course was the special character, how she endured the abuse aimed at her was by some was unbelievable, even her mother made derogatory comments about her, but throughout she remained firm in her beliefs and her actions. The two children Willie and Victoria were wonderful, particularly Willie in the extended epilogue. Winston's character was endearing when he got his act in order, and he and Grace deserved their y'all ending'
Usually the authors books are well written but I was surprised to find in this book quite a number of typing and grammatical errors which at times puzzled me and spoiled the smooth continuation of the story, however I would still recommend this book, and believe it to be one of the better one's written by Abby.
September 27, 2019
Great twists and turns, with even a mystery to solve.
A wonderful story of a resilient, carrot top, independent young wall flower, Grace Leighton. The plot begins with a bet between Lord Winston Longberry and his gambling friend, Heath. All losses will be forgotten and a treasured family heirloom returned if Winston succeeds in wooing Grace and then shattering her heart at the end. But along the way, Winston begins to discover how witty, kindhearted and intelligent Grace truly is, even though the Ton has shunned her because of her lack of acceptable beauty. But it doesn't end there, get ready for great twists and turns with even a mystery to solve. Kudos to Ms Ayles on an excellent endeavor. This book has a well developed plot with some interesting, as well as lovable, characters. Can't wait to read her next book.
A wonderful story of a resilient, carrot top, independent young wall flower, Grace Leighton. The plot begins with a bet between Lord Winston Longberry and his gambling friend, Heath. All losses will be forgotten and a treasured family heirloom returned if Winston succeeds in wooing Grace and then shattering her heart at the end. But along the way, Winston begins to discover how witty, kindhearted and intelligent Grace truly is, even though the Ton has shunned her because of her lack of acceptable beauty. But it doesn't end there, get ready for great twists and turns with even a mystery to solve. Kudos to Ms Ayles on an excellent endeavor. This book has a well developed plot with some interesting, as well as lovable, characters. Can't wait to read her next book.
October 4, 2019
Abby Ayles has outdone herself with this book. The Earl's Wager for a Lady's Heart is by far one of my favorite books this year. Winston, Lord Longberry was a self proclaimed rouge and gambler trying to cover up his heartache from the loss of his family. Lady Grace has been told from the time she was a child how plain and unattractive she is and will never find a husband. She throws herself into her passions for the poor and orphaned children of London. Even though their relationship starts from a bet the Winston made can he prove to Grace that he is truly a changed man who is worthy of her love and heart. This book is definitely a must read!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 28, 2019
I found this story to be very romantic. Like Pride and Prejudice at the beginning both the H and h were only looking at the outside and deemed the other to be unworthy of their affections. However, It didn’t take long for these parties to silently fall for one another. Only after many twists and turns in the story, did they come to an understanding. Plus they each had to overcome many hurdles and solve a great mystery to finally come together. This story hooked from the beginning. I loved the characters each written in depth and very unique. The scenes were very well written so I could get a vivid picture in my mind. I was very relieved that they finally got their HEA. I appreciated the extra epilogue. It brought happy tears to my eyes. This book is very easy for me to recommend.
September 23, 2019
I really liked Grace and Winston's story! Winston is an earl, and a bit of a rake and gambler. His family perished when he was young, so he has trouble getting close to people. Grace is a plain, outspoken and opinionated bluestocking lady, so most men do not seek her hand. When Winston's friend cons him into a wager to win and break Grace's heart, Winston doesn't think much of it...until he gets to know Grace and realizes she is a good person. Then someone is out to harm a friend, and they are caught up in it all. Can they find the man who threatens their friend in time? Will Winston be able to open his heart to Grace? You must read this book! Another great story by Abby Ayles!
September 24, 2019
I got hooked from the first page. Lord Winston Ambrose Longberry is a rake, gambler and didn't have much interest in bettering himself after he lost his family. He lost his father's watch during a card game but he was told he could win it back if he could make Lady Grace Leighton fall in love with him and break her heart.
Grace was not described as the conventional regency ladies. She was portrayed as a plain looking girl, and she had come to terms with that. What she lost in looks she had in intelligence, a giving and loving heart.
Grace and Winston's storyline is so beautifully written..
Kudos Abby!!!
Grace was not described as the conventional regency ladies. She was portrayed as a plain looking girl, and she had come to terms with that. What she lost in looks she had in intelligence, a giving and loving heart.
Grace and Winston's storyline is so beautifully written..
Kudos Abby!!!
September 29, 2019
Shame on those men.
To be dumb enough to think that they can wager against a lady's heart is scandalous. That she even decided that she was going to give him another chance is outrageous. I would have sent him packing for good.
But, then I am not her. This story had me captivated almost from the start. That someone could gamble with another person's life is beyond Mr comprehension.
To think that her very life was at stake and that they had a hard time figuring out who was threatening their lives.
This was a very intriguing book. I really enjoyed the plot. The characters were exactly as needed for this to work.
Thank You,
Ruby Hanson
To be dumb enough to think that they can wager against a lady's heart is scandalous. That she even decided that she was going to give him another chance is outrageous. I would have sent him packing for good.
But, then I am not her. This story had me captivated almost from the start. That someone could gamble with another person's life is beyond Mr comprehension.
To think that her very life was at stake and that they had a hard time figuring out who was threatening their lives.
This was a very intriguing book. I really enjoyed the plot. The characters were exactly as needed for this to work.
Thank You,
Ruby Hanson
September 27, 2019
What a very emotional and surprising story. She has low self esteem in the way of thinking she is not good looking and plain. So she has two things that keeps her busy and happy. He is a rake, gambler and much more. When he loses lots of money to a friend he takes on another wager to get her to like him and then he is supposed to break her heart. Well guess what? Life doesn't always work that way. He begins to fall for her instead and things get complicated. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
September 29, 2019
Falling for his mark
Grace Leighton is different than the other women of the ton and doesn't know that there has been a wager made to discredit her in the eyes of society because of something she doesn't realize she had done in her past.
Winston Ambrose, Earl of Longberry, has accepted the wager in order to reclaim his money and possessions he had lost in a recent bet. When the two become better acquainted, Winston finds himself becoming enamored with the young lady and her charitable character.
Grace Leighton is different than the other women of the ton and doesn't know that there has been a wager made to discredit her in the eyes of society because of something she doesn't realize she had done in her past.
Winston Ambrose, Earl of Longberry, has accepted the wager in order to reclaim his money and possessions he had lost in a recent bet. When the two become better acquainted, Winston finds himself becoming enamored with the young lady and her charitable character.
November 3, 2019
GAMBLING, CHARITY, BLACKMAIL, LOVE
4 STARS for this Regency Historical Romance Era filled with drama & excitement. From the lines of a soup kitchen to helping solve who is blackmailing the top debutante of the season, Grace is more involved than just being courted ; a fake one for a bet or maybe it started as a bet but he fell in love for real. People's cruelty of speaking about people rudely and poverty vs the excess losses of the spoiled wealthy young men gambling. Great read could not put it down, great descriptions of the characters and the settings they lived in.
4 STARS for this Regency Historical Romance Era filled with drama & excitement. From the lines of a soup kitchen to helping solve who is blackmailing the top debutante of the season, Grace is more involved than just being courted ; a fake one for a bet or maybe it started as a bet but he fell in love for real. People's cruelty of speaking about people rudely and poverty vs the excess losses of the spoiled wealthy young men gambling. Great read could not put it down, great descriptions of the characters and the settings they lived in.
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