One careless remark. One outrageous proposal. One Season to discover love where they least expect it.
Tristan Shepherd never expected the London Season to throw him back into the path of Caroline Whitby—the spirited girl from his youth who once declared she detested both him and his horses. But when a single careless remark at a glittering ball damages Caroline’s prospects with a promising suitor, she lays the blame squarely at Tristan’s feet.
Determined to make amends—and needing a wife himself—Tristan offers marriage. Caroline flatly refuses. Still, with the Season slipping away, they strike an uneasy bargain: he’ll help her find a husband, and she’ll help him secure a bride.
But as they navigate crowded ballrooms, stolen moments, and the dangerous game of matchmaking, their sparring gives way to a far more perilous discovery: the one match they both swore was impossible might be the only one they truly desire.
What a perfect regency romance. 😍 This was an incredible follow up with Tristan, who was in the previous book in the series, Charles's twin. He made me laugh so much, I loved everything about him. As much as he flirted and teased, he was the same with caring and love.
Caroline was also a fun MC. She has so much spunk, and was the perfect match to Tristan. A true opposites attract. 😅 I love it when one of the MC's has a crush on the other years before, and it leads to more later in life. 🩷
This one has so many fun adventures, laughter, and sweet closed-door romance! It's been an incredible series, one you dont want to miss out on!!
*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own
This is the third book in the series. This time we get Tristan’s story! I loved this story! Caroline and Tristan knew each other as children, now they are grown and meet again. Tristian accidentally ruins her marriage prospect. He then offers himself as a replacement. Tristan is a flirt, so Caroline (or Caro) doesn’t take it seriously and in fact would rather marry a toad. Tristan then has to prove himself to her. I really enjoyed this story! I loved the banter between Tristan and Caro. I also enjoyed the side characters Kitty and Caro’s brother James. I loved how both Caro and Tristan interacted with their friends, willing to help. I liked Caro and Kitty’s master plan at the end. Overall, a great story and I definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: unwanted advances not described
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I loved this! Caroline (Caro) and Tristan were so right for each other. Tristan is her brother, James close friend. They've known each other for years but haven't seen one another since she's grown up ( reached her majority ).
Kasey knows how to draw the reader into the story where they seem so real. I didn't want it to end.
What an amazing romance. This story was such a page turner.
When Tristan reunites with a childhood friend, the sister of his close friend James, he is not prepared for how much Caroline has changed. She is no longer the little girl he remembers but a beautiful young woman. Used to teasing her, Tristan lets a few words slip that put her possible future engagement at risk. Feeling guilty, he offers to help Caroline win back her future fiancé. In return, she agrees to help him find a future bride of his own.
As they spend more time together, they slowly realize the person they care for most is each other. But that is not an easy choice. Both Tristan and Caroline need to marry someone with money, something neither of them can offer. Can they really stand by and watch the other marry someone else?
I loved this story. The growing feelings between Tristan and Caroline felt real and natural. And their almost first kiss. Um, Wow! Was I affected by it? Yes, I was, lol! *if you know you know.
There is so much more to this story, including hints of possible side romances, but no spoilers here. Just read it!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
I think I would’ve loved living in the regency era 😂 I’d have to learn to embroider and practice up on my piano playing skills but croquet, park walks, masquerade parties, cards into the night, sleeping till noon and horse rides in the middle of the day with a dashing young man who says all the right flirty things - yeah, I could totally do that!
I loved getting lost in this book. Getting to know Caroline and Tristan was such a joy. I absolutely love the dynamic between them with his confident flirtiness and her practical feistiness but only with him! I seriously loved every interaction between them.
The first proposal had me laughing and reminded me a little bit of a Darcy & Elizabeth moment.
I loved watching these two fall for each other! I also love the history between them and I can’t wait for you to discover more about them!
One aspect of the story that I really enjoyed were all of the fun activities these characters did throughout London. It felt very immersive, like I was on a wonderful regency tour with them.
I loved seeing the other gentlemen friends from the series. It’s amazing how these books are connected, and I am enjoying getting to know each character more!
Tristan and Caroline’s story had me smiling, laughing, and it had me melting! Their flirty feisty banter was the best. It also tore at my heart strings and kept me guessing as to how everything would work out!
I just have to say how incredible the epilogue is. It is very long and I loved every second of it!! This story ties up so beautifully and it made my heart so very happy!
This is a must read regency romance. It captivated me and transported me to the regency era with beautiful writing, and the most wonderful characters. Tristan and Caroline will steal your heart!!!!! I love them and their beautiful story so soo much!!!!
Favorites:
🐸The family and friends, I love them! 🐸Toads 🐸The matchmaking scheme! 🐸That dance 🐸The garden 🐸Fun regency activities 🐸Neighbors 🐸The forced proximity! 🐸Sweet and bookish Caroline 🐸Flirty and dreamy Tristan 🐸Fights for her 🐸The sweetest and happiest ending! . . . Content:kisses only
Thank you so much to the author for the arc copy. A positive review was not required but freely given. All opinions are my own.
A Foolish Proposal by @authorkaseystockton Gentleman’s Gamble, book 3 Narrated by Vicki-Jo Eva (fabulously done. Another narrator I adore).
Another absolutely beautiful story. The ease and delight in following along these Gentlemen’s stories has been wonderful. This one kept me on my toes. I really wasn’t sure for quite some time how it would pan out. And we can rest assured I had to give this story an immediate re-listen.
Tristan Shepherd and Caroline Whitby are at odds. Both on the hunt for a wealthy match and both refusing the other as a possibility, they end up reluctantly helping each other.
Things to Love: Caro Masquerade Brothers Dancing Jealousy Finances Rescue Jane Austen Horseflesh Banter
This story has all the heart and delight of a Regency. The thrill of a love story filled with depth and growth.
4.5 ⭐️ Oh my goodness, y’all. Imagine running into the boy you crushed on your entire childhood — your brother’s best friend — after not seeing him for years… on the very evening you’re supposed to be receiving an engagement offering. Only for that boy to completely (and unintentionally) ruin it. 😂🫣
Enter Tristan.
I loved him from the jump. He truly feels awful… and then offers to MARRY her instead. I mean, come on! Of course Caroline says no, but the two of them end up plotting together to remedy the situation, and it is such a delightful journey.
Tristan is gone for her from the start he just doesn’t fully realize it yet.
Read this series. You won’t regret it. 🤬none 💋kisses only
Oh my gosh I loved this regency novel! Tristian and Caroline were so adorable and the way their relationship developed was so sweet and touching! I loved the history between them and the realization that they actually loved each other. I’m so enjoying this series and I can’t wait to see who loses the bet 😂
”Tristan shook his head, looking perfectly at ease. “I have found the woman I would like to marry, Caro.””
Tristan Shepherd is blindsided when he runs into Caroline Whitby, the fiery girl from his past who once claimed she hated him. After he accidentally ruins her chances with a promising suitor, he offers to marry her to fix the damage, but she refuses, so they strike a deal to help each other find different spouses.
Of course, between crowded ballrooms and constant bickering, they start to realize the one match they insisted would never happen might be exactly what they want.
What you'll love: Regency era dual pov brother's best friend wager among friends the masquerade ball flirty banter duty vs. desire protective MMC that first kiss!!
Oh my word, I am so in love with this story!! Thank goodness Tristan's 'foolish proposal' didn't mess everything up because I was completely invested in their romance!
The push-and-pull between them was absolute perfection. The witty banter, the shameless flirting, the lingering glances from across the room...it had everything I adore in a Regency romance and so. much. more. Their dynamic was crackling with tension and unspoken feelings that made me love every interaction.
I love the brother’s best friend trope, and this one was done so beautifully! Watching their irritation slowly shift into reluctant attraction...and then into something deeper and undeniable, felt natural and completely earned, and I am so there for every bit of it!!
And can we talk about Tristan for a second? Because historical romances truly need more flirty heroes. His charm, his teasing confidence, and that protective streak were so swoony.
This is the third book in the series, and while the wager between friends ties the stories together, this can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone. But, if you’ve read the earlier books, it’s a treat to see the ongoing threads unfold.
This book is for anyone who enjoys swoony historical romances with heartfelt emotion, flirty heroes, and a romance that feels both playful AND deeply romantic. I adored every minute of it and can't wait to pick it up for a re-read soon!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Ahhh I love this sweet love story sooooo much!!! Best friend's sibling is one of my favorite tropes and this is a perfect Regency version of that! There was so much to love between Tristan and Caroline aka Caro. Unrequited feelings from the past. The Banter. The Friendship. The Reunion. The Care. The Protection. The Looks. The Stolen Touches. The Laughter. The Smiles. The Almost First Kiss. The First Kiss. The Outings. The Proposal(s). The Family Aspects. The Falling Even More Into Love. Allllll the Heart Eyes!!!!
Tristan might have made a mistake in trying to tease his childhood friend, but it was probably the best mistake he could have made. He and Caro made me smile so much while reading their story. You'll be hooked and laughing out loud when you start reading this one. This book is definitely one of my favorites by Kasey Stockton. Which, I think I say that with every new book! But she just keeps writing incredible stories and characters for us readers! She has a fan for life in me!
This is the third book in The Gentlemen's Gamble series. I can't wait to see what friend in their friend group gets their story revealed next. Which will be the last gentleman to get married and lose their wager? I'll see if my guess is correct or if I was wrong. Lol!
I hope you enjoy this one if you pick it up. I highly recommend it and the whole series! They can be read as standalones if you want. But definitely worth being read together!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing further. No language.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Oh my word! I just loved Tristan and Caroline to pieces! Brother’s best friend, banter, longing, believable obstacles that left me aching for them, meddling, and just a wonderful ending to it all. I thoroughly enjoyed their story from start to finish!
I'm obsessed! This series has my heart and I adored Tristan and Caroline's story. Kasey always delivers, and this is such a beautiful story -- second chances, fighting for love, and the absolute best witty banter.
Friends to more. Multiple proposals. Childhood crush. Matchmaking for each other. Flirty MMC. Spunky FMC. Witty Banter. Fantastic Happy Ever After.
Y'all. It's quickly become true that if Kasey Stockton writes it, I will read it and LOVE it! She brings these characters to life and takes us all on a journey to discovering true love and fighting for your future happiness. I adored the journey Tristan and Caroline go on in this story. Their love story is not smooth. In fact, there are several major obstacles in their way. But love finds a way and it is beautiful. These two are childhood friends, and Caro even had a crush on Tristan when they were younger. When they meet again as adults, Tristan puts his foot in his mouth in a big way and then tries to make amends. What ensues is hilarious banter, darling nicknames, unexpected feelings, and a growing attachment between them. I loved seeing Tristan fight for Caro and seeing her fall for him.
I adored Tristan and Caroline's love story. We get a little bit of everything in this delightful romance -- multiple suitors, multiple proposals, both of them falling unexpectedly at the same time, lost inheritance, lack of inheritance, he defends her honor, she tries to do her duty for her family, and the most beautiful happily ever after. I loved their banter so much! From the toad comparison to their moment in the gardens, I was here for their wit, their tenderness, and their love. Theirs is such a beautiful love story. We get the perfect balance of tension, pining, wit, and swoon. I loved it all!
I feel part of this group of friends now and love getting to know them in their own story. It was fun to see a glimpse of Charles and their parents in this one. And I loved the visit with Rowan at the bookshop. I've already started book 4 and loving the bookish-ness of our main characters! Can't recommend this whole series highly enough!
Reconnecting with a friend’s younger sister when she’s all grown up is a very intriguing premise. Add to that a need to marry, heavenly wit and banter, and a boring side interest, and my attention was drawn deep into these pages.
Kasey Stockton writes such wonderful and dimensional characters, placing them in interesting situations, and delivering all the flirty swoon. Tristan and Caroline (Caro) are engaging and I loved their devotion to making the right match.
This Gentlemen’s Gamble series is such an amusing romp into the Regency world and I adore each and every unique story as these men find their ways to love amidst a wager.
Oh. My. Tristan. and. Caroline. From Friends to Annoyance (on her part) to Friends again to More! These two had me laughing, swooning, cheering for Tristan to get the girl, and ultimately LOVING every minute I spent with them.
I binged this sweet Regency Romance the day it came out and I could not put it down. These two were just simply adorable. When she claimed she would rather marry a toad when he proposes, bahahaha! I was dying inside. And then she overcomes her aversion to him and they agree to help each other out but on one condition, they can't fall for each other. We all know those silly rules never work!
I loved watching them realize their true feelings for each other and when Tristan figuratively (and literally) fights for her, SWOON! He fell so hard for her, I'm surprised he didn't have a goose egg on his heart from the fall.
I definitely recommend this next one in this amazing Regency Multi-author series that is quickly becoming one my most favorite series ever! I listened to it on Hoopla and followed along in my Kindle copy of the book.
Favorite Parts: Flirty MMC Friends to Annoyances to more Toad Helping each other Garden party Bookish FMC Masquerade ball Competing Banter Tristan’s plans Defending her honor The ending
Content Guide: Language: None Sexual Content: Kisses only Violence/gore: Mild: several instances of men hitting another man (to defend a lady’s honor) Substance Use: Mild-Characters casually and socially drink port and other forms of alcohol prevalent to the Regency era Prejudices: none Religious Content: none Other: none
Book Info: Series: The Gentlemen's Gamble book 3 Genre: Historical Romance; Regency Multi-author series Romance Level: Kissing only Release Date: Available Now Publisher: Indie Narrator: Vicki-Jo Eva POV: Dual Third person
This book was lackluster. I like the premise of the intention to release these books in a way that makes you guess at the proper order, but the whole series will be released in a short time which has really impacted the quality here. The main characters were rather poorly developed, mercenary, contradictory, and overly dramatic. The side characters were even more one dimensional. I never really caught on to the reason for the quick chemistry between them. The emphasis on money was, honestly, realistic, but overshadowed a lot of the book in a negative way, with the final balance sheets not making much sense. Also, dude, get a job. I know that this wasn’t the done thing, but it just felt annoying. Also, the fact that her father’s money was all lost in Antigua? Well, his business likely involved the slave trade, so good riddance. I understand in novels of this nature such unpleasantness is avoided, but in this novel the avoidance feels…like a problem. Spoiled aristocrats lamenting the loss of a fortune but without ever looking like anything changed. As far as I could tell, economizing meant wearing a gown more than once and going to the library instead of the book store. It didn’t mean fewer balls or parties certainly. Yeah…I’m not really compelled to try the others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
And the third bachelor gets shackled 😉! And the wager continues... three friends remain. Who will pay the forfeit?
This is a childhood sort of friends to lovers love story and it was a really sweet reading. Tristan, Charles' brother, is the brother's best friend of the bookish female main character, Caroline. She always felt something for him, but he flirts with every woman... is she wrong or is she correct?! 🤔
Caro has to choose between the one she loves or the one who as deepest pockets, she knows who she would like to choose, but her family needs her. Will Tristan abandon Caro or will he fight for her? Will both fight together?
Tristan is a second son, in need of a good dowry to marry, he will bring the London's house to the table, and she the money to spend. But maybe things can't work that way... How does a second son, even a non title one, arrange money without a heritage, withouta dowry?! Persistently, with personality and a little help from his "friends" 😊
The story is a great reading, the characters dialogues are engaging, a little to clean for my taste but very good, nevertheless, the historical reality is well explored, the perks of society, and so on. It's difficult to put the book down!
A Foolish Proposal (The Gentlemen’s Gamble) by Kasey Stockton
This audiobook was such a charming, heartwarming listen and a wonderful addition to The Gentlemen’s Gamble series.
Tristan and Caroline’s story begins with history, spark, and just enough playful tension to make every interaction engaging. What starts as a practical matchmaking bargain quickly becomes something far more complicated, and watching their carefully laid plans unravel into genuine affection was completely delightful.
The narration truly brought the story to life, adding warmth and personality to both characters and capturing their banter, emotional shifts, and tender moments beautifully. The pacing felt smooth and immersive, making this an easy, cozy listen that kept me smiling.
I loved how their relationship developed naturally from reluctant cooperation into something sincere and heartfelt. The sweet romance, Regency atmosphere, and satisfying emotional payoff made this such an enjoyable audiobook experience.
If you love Regency romance, matchmaking mishaps, and stories where love quietly blooms right where it’s least expected, this is a lovely one to add to your listening list.
Once again, I was nervous at the beginning that I wouldn’t like the story or characters, but then found myself pleasantly surprised by the end! Was also nice to have a good change of pace with the storyline (no forced or pretend marriages here 🙌)
Tristan was just as fun as his brother, and I truly loved watching him fall in love. While his initial attraction felt a little unfounded, by the end it all came together beautifully.
Caroline had a bit more reasoning for her attraction—childhood crush—but she still felt like a very reasonable character in her actions. Marrying for love vs money is a very reasonable issue for a character in that time to face. And I didn’t get annoyed by her as I worried I would! She was very fun and pleasant to read about.
But my favorite thing about this book in the series? Good side characters!! Kitty and James were great and I loved having some bonus romances on the side. I always enjoy having well written friends and family members, so this was a real treat.
Overall a great book and would recommend! Can’t wait to read the next in the series!
Love, love, love this book! This whole series is so fun, and this has been my favorite book so far. Kasey Stockton is one of my favorite authors, and she did a great job on this book. I loved the two main characters, Caroline and Tristan. They were both so sweet. It was different from a lot of books, in that they fell in love early on, but marriage wasn’t practical. But seeing them figure it out together made for a sweetly romantic story. Tristan’s boldness made me really like him, and Caroline’s practicality and care for others made her his perfect match. I’m already recommending it to all my reading friends!
This series is based upon the quest for marriage of six young men who made a pact during their voyage home in a storm that threatened to capsize the ship. They were returning from their Grand Tour in 1810. I couldn't get past the fact that one of them mentioned the catacombs of Paris as his favorite. In the middle of the war with Napoleon, no Englishman would have survived being found in France. Many were killed or imprisoned for years.
Another cute addition to this fun series! 3.5 ⭐️ rounded up for the parents (so nice to have normal parents who aren’t awful!). Though I found it a bit unsatisfying that the big problem ending up being solved easily by a side character. Overall good fluffy clean fun.
Narrator: pretty good especially for the males, but her female voice comes off as whiny at times
Romance: Kisses only, a brief scene of unwanted advances not described
My favorite in the series. I didn't particularly like Tristan in his twin Charles' story, but he was delightful and flirty with Caroline in their own romance.
I liked this book okay. I don't always love it when a story takes a character on a path of self sacrifice, let alone 2 characters. The storyline was somewhat predictable, and had the insta-love trope for one of the characters.
Oh my—this series! Every book is an instant favorite, & A Foolish Proposal was absolutely divine. I adored Tristan’s story! From the first witty remark to the last, the back-and-forth between him & Caro was perfection. With both needing a marriage proposal, the tension between growing attraction & the need to marry wealthy was chef’s kiss. Kasey Stockton delivers all the charm, delicious banter, endearing characters, & sweet romance in this new favorite. Run—don’t walk—& grab this one!
After his twin brother marries, Tristan Shepherd feels the pressure mounting. One by one, the men he wagered with on a stormy ship voyage are finding love, & the last to marry owes the rest a tidy sum Tristan can’t afford. Determined to find a wife, he attends a ball with his friend James & comes face-to-face with James’s sister, Caroline (Caro), whom he hasn’t seen in years. She’s all grown up & more beautiful than ever. Naturally, Tristan can’t resist his teasing…which accidentally ruins her match. Feeling guilty, he proposes marriage, but she’d rather marry a toad. So, he offers to help her win back a fiancé, or find another, while she helps him secure a wife. But the sizzling attraction between them quickly turns his plans upside down.
Caro’s had a crush on Tristan for years, but his flirtatious ways convinced her he’d never be serious. Now, with her father’s poor business decisions forcing her to marry wealthy, she locks her heart against him, or tries to. When Tristan’s involved, resisting is easier said than done.
I loved this story! The tension crackled on every page, and I adored watching Caro & Tristan match wits. There are some surprising twists & turns as the story plays out & friends turn to more. That first swoonworthy almost kiss was almost as good as their first real kiss & I loved every moment. From masquerade balls at Vauxhall to rides in Hyde Park, this book felt like a love letter to the Regency Season. I also enjoyed seeing familiar faces & can’t wait for the next installment.
Highly recommend this amazing book & series. Each can be read as a standalone, but are best enjoyed in order. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
A Foolish Proposal (The Gentlemen’s Gamble Book 3) by: Kasey Stockton @authorkaseystockton
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~One careless remark, one very foolish proposal, and suddenly emotions become far harder to ignore…
-Dear friends, A Foolish Proposal, is a humorous, delightful, heartwarming story! I thoroughly enjoyed how this story began and where this story took me. What began with a seemingly off-hand comment, opens the door for an unexpected turn of twists and turns. The blend of humor, and sincere intentions at heart had my full attention. I loved watching endearing main characters’s perspectives grow, change, and be united with choices placed before them. Seeing them want to not only risk, stand true, and fight for what was worth fighting for, took such courage, patience, and trust. The love and friendship that grew, blossomed, and held strong was so sweet. I loved the dynamics between main characters. My goodness, their flirty, fiesty banter had me sighing, smiling, and giggling throughout. The epilogue of this story was simply the best. Even when things may not go as planned, there can still be joy! Finding the goodness and love between was so swoons! This is such a wonderful story that is worth the captivating and delightful reading adventure, any day, as is this charming series it is part of. Each can be a stand alone but, please do not miss out on the beauty of them all! Worth it!🙌🏻📚💯
“There are no others but you.”
•Content: lack of funds/poor investments from family members, unwanted advances not described, kisses only!
“Old feelings have a way of growing back when you’re not looking.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Your wit and beauty combined were unmatched, and I was lost to you almost at once.”
#afoolishproposal
“I love you, Tristan.” “Not nearly as much as I love you.”
#thegentlemensgamble
“My love is not transactional.”
#authorkaseystockton
“I see now that as long as we love one another, the rest hardly matters. We will find a way. Together, we can think of it as an adventure.”