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The Gentlemen's Gamble
A Fortunate Miscalculation: A Sweet Regency Romance
Andrew Langford thought his chance at love was long gone, but with the woman he once loved returned, married but needing his help, how can he manage to both win love and his childhood wager?
267 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2026
102 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Karen Thornell
10 books340 followersKaren Thornell grew up reading when she should have been sleeping, but it wasn't until 2019 that she started writing. Tired of ending books and saying 'goodbye' to beloved characters, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters that lived in her head always. It was probably a mark of sleep deprivation that she wanted people living in her head, but the idea was planted regardless.
Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.
You can connect with Karen on Instagram, Facebook, or on her site at www.karenthornell.com
Karen lives in Utah with her husband and kids. When not writing contemporary or regency romance, she spends her free time doing endless loads of laundry, playing board games, and, yes, talking to those characters in her head.
You can connect with Karen on Instagram, Facebook, or on her site at www.karenthornell.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
January 13, 2026
“I swear, on my life, that I will marry before any of you ridiculous fools.”
Now, he needed only to convince Sophie of it.
Yes. Yes. And YESSS. 👏
I am absolutely here for a he-falls-first Regency romance—and A Fortunate Miscalculation by Karen Thornell delivers it beautifully.
📅 Officially Available January 8, 2026 (but linked in stories for you to get now on Amazon😘)
This story begins with a wager, an inconvenient love, and one very unfortunate (or fortunate?) miscalculation. Andrew Langford is honorable to a fault—and deeply inconvenienced when Sophie Renard, the woman he once loved, shows up at his door at exactly the wrong moment. Sophie is brilliant, bookish, and desperate after the prestigious mathematics position she worked six years for is suddenly withdrawn. Andrew believes she’s married. She believes he’s the only one who can help her. Proximity does the rest.
Friends… this is already a Book of the Year contender for me. It’s that good.
This multi-author series is such a delightfully fun concept—seven gentlemen, one reckless wager, and we don’t know the order of the books or romances until right before release. Even advanced readers are kept guessing, and honestly? I love it. It makes each new release feel like an event, and you can bet I’ll be reading every single one and cheering (loudly) from the sidelines.
This particular romance has layers. There’s a hidden trope I did not catch from the description (and I’m not spoiling it), but trust me—it adds serious swoon factor. Sophie is intelligent, driven, and quietly vulnerable. Andrew is a second son carving out his place in the banking world, determined to prove his worth—and utterly gone for her. Their second-chance love story is tender, emotionally rich, and deeply satisfying. The forced proximity is perfection, the romance is top tier, and the ending? Completely adorable.
I couldn’t put this book down—and then didn’t want it to end.
10/10 for book one. I’m officially hooked and must know how this wager ends.
Content notes: difficult family relationships, mention of a loved one passing (off page and reflective), gender bias, and a couple living in the same house before marriage (with no hint of impropriety). Romance is clean and swoony with chaste kisses only. Recommended for mature teens and up—you know your kids best.
📚 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Now, he needed only to convince Sophie of it.
Yes. Yes. And YESSS. 👏
I am absolutely here for a he-falls-first Regency romance—and A Fortunate Miscalculation by Karen Thornell delivers it beautifully.
📅 Officially Available January 8, 2026 (but linked in stories for you to get now on Amazon😘)
This story begins with a wager, an inconvenient love, and one very unfortunate (or fortunate?) miscalculation. Andrew Langford is honorable to a fault—and deeply inconvenienced when Sophie Renard, the woman he once loved, shows up at his door at exactly the wrong moment. Sophie is brilliant, bookish, and desperate after the prestigious mathematics position she worked six years for is suddenly withdrawn. Andrew believes she’s married. She believes he’s the only one who can help her. Proximity does the rest.
Friends… this is already a Book of the Year contender for me. It’s that good.
This multi-author series is such a delightfully fun concept—seven gentlemen, one reckless wager, and we don’t know the order of the books or romances until right before release. Even advanced readers are kept guessing, and honestly? I love it. It makes each new release feel like an event, and you can bet I’ll be reading every single one and cheering (loudly) from the sidelines.
This particular romance has layers. There’s a hidden trope I did not catch from the description (and I’m not spoiling it), but trust me—it adds serious swoon factor. Sophie is intelligent, driven, and quietly vulnerable. Andrew is a second son carving out his place in the banking world, determined to prove his worth—and utterly gone for her. Their second-chance love story is tender, emotionally rich, and deeply satisfying. The forced proximity is perfection, the romance is top tier, and the ending? Completely adorable.
I couldn’t put this book down—and then didn’t want it to end.
10/10 for book one. I’m officially hooked and must know how this wager ends.
Content notes: difficult family relationships, mention of a loved one passing (off page and reflective), gender bias, and a couple living in the same house before marriage (with no hint of impropriety). Romance is clean and swoony with chaste kisses only. Recommended for mature teens and up—you know your kids best.
📚 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 20, 2026
4.5 stars
"𝑯𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒚. 𝑯𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔."
This was a perfect start to this new Regency series! I quickly became very invested in all the characters, including side characters that will have their own books.
Andrew is a sweet, loyal friend (and secret lover) to Sophie, and melted my heart over and over. 🩷 I loved how he encouraged and fought with Sophie to go after her dreams, even when no one else did. He adored Sophie exactly who she was.
Sophie is an amazing hard worker, that is so ambitious! She really encouraged me just with life, to chase those dreams and not to care what others will say about you.
I can't wait for the rest in this series now! I highly recommend you check this one out if you're looking for a closed-door, sweet Regency!
*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own
"𝑯𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒚. 𝑯𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏. 𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔."
This was a perfect start to this new Regency series! I quickly became very invested in all the characters, including side characters that will have their own books.
Andrew is a sweet, loyal friend (and secret lover) to Sophie, and melted my heart over and over. 🩷 I loved how he encouraged and fought with Sophie to go after her dreams, even when no one else did. He adored Sophie exactly who she was.
Sophie is an amazing hard worker, that is so ambitious! She really encouraged me just with life, to chase those dreams and not to care what others will say about you.
I can't wait for the rest in this series now! I highly recommend you check this one out if you're looking for a closed-door, sweet Regency!
*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own
January 12, 2026
I’m so excited for a fun and innovative new series. Each book in the set is about a different friend and this group made a wager about who would marry last. The releases are secret, so no one knows until the end who will lose the bet. I enjoyed meeting each man and speculating on who will hold out the longest, but I also savored every moment of Andrew’s and Sophie’s story.
Set in the Regency times, a banker and a mathematician rekindled their childhood friendship through a series of misunderstandings and circumstances, which lead to them pretending at something for mutually beneficial reasons, giving them a second chance at love. What could be more fabulous than this?! I’m all about this type of story
, especially when added to a great cast of characters in unusual situations. I found myself completely charmed by this endearing tale and appreciated every page.
Karen Thornell’s writing style is so engaging and sweet, and her characters fly off the pages in the most vivid of ways. It’s refreshing to see unique occupations for these two solid, strong characters, and even more energizing to watch them soften with unexpected love and attraction.
This is such a satisfying beginning to what is sure to be an amazing series and I’m beyond excited to read about each member of this school-friend group.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Set in the Regency times, a banker and a mathematician rekindled their childhood friendship through a series of misunderstandings and circumstances, which lead to them pretending at something for mutually beneficial reasons, giving them a second chance at love. What could be more fabulous than this?! I’m all about this type of story
, especially when added to a great cast of characters in unusual situations. I found myself completely charmed by this endearing tale and appreciated every page.
Karen Thornell’s writing style is so engaging and sweet, and her characters fly off the pages in the most vivid of ways. It’s refreshing to see unique occupations for these two solid, strong characters, and even more energizing to watch them soften with unexpected love and attraction.
This is such a satisfying beginning to what is sure to be an amazing series and I’m beyond excited to read about each member of this school-friend group.
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
January 8, 2026
"One Woman, One Wager, One Chance"
A Fortunate Miscalculation hooked me right from the start. I adored this sweet love story with the friends-to-lovers trope. That's my top pick every time. It kicks off a fresh series called The Gentlemen's Gamble. I'm thrilled about it. Each book opens with a prologue on how the big wager began.
Karen Thornell is a spectacular romance writer. The way you see Andrew and Sophie reconnecting and growing closer made me never want to put this book down. They both are such wonderful characters. Childhood friends who grew up together were torn apart by individual circumstances. Andrew has always loved Sophie, so when they meet up many years later, Andrew can't help but be drawn to her and help her in any way he can.
Sophie stands out in her time. She's smart, loves books, and dreams of science fame. Strong women in Regency romances thrill me. Her parents hated that she didn't act like a lady and a socialite. They preferred her mild sisters who wed and had children. I hated how they treated her. At the same time, it was almost magical the way that Andrew treated her like a Queen. Even though their renewed relationship had a rocky start, it was a joyful experience.
Andrew makes the ideal hero. A real gent through and through. Life tests him too, but he stands by Sophie. He backs her up against her biased boss and horrible parents.
I flew through the pages, and I'd read it again in a heartbeat. It's that fun. I can't wait for more in the series. Who loses the bet? Who weds last among the pals? I'll grab every Karen Thornell book for a sure win.
A Fortunate Miscalculation hooked me right from the start. I adored this sweet love story with the friends-to-lovers trope. That's my top pick every time. It kicks off a fresh series called The Gentlemen's Gamble. I'm thrilled about it. Each book opens with a prologue on how the big wager began.
Karen Thornell is a spectacular romance writer. The way you see Andrew and Sophie reconnecting and growing closer made me never want to put this book down. They both are such wonderful characters. Childhood friends who grew up together were torn apart by individual circumstances. Andrew has always loved Sophie, so when they meet up many years later, Andrew can't help but be drawn to her and help her in any way he can.
Sophie stands out in her time. She's smart, loves books, and dreams of science fame. Strong women in Regency romances thrill me. Her parents hated that she didn't act like a lady and a socialite. They preferred her mild sisters who wed and had children. I hated how they treated her. At the same time, it was almost magical the way that Andrew treated her like a Queen. Even though their renewed relationship had a rocky start, it was a joyful experience.
Andrew makes the ideal hero. A real gent through and through. Life tests him too, but he stands by Sophie. He backs her up against her biased boss and horrible parents.
I flew through the pages, and I'd read it again in a heartbeat. It's that fun. I can't wait for more in the series. Who loses the bet? Who weds last among the pals? I'll grab every Karen Thornell book for a sure win.
January 8, 2026
Such a fun premise for this series! A group of friends have a wager about who will be the last one married. The last one must pay the other six fellows each a sum of 100 pounds.
This is a sweet best friends to more some twist and turns. You will enjoy trying to figure out how this couple can each make their dreams come true.
The story explores the effects of rumors and the place of women and their opportunities during this time period.
This is a sweet best friends to more some twist and turns. You will enjoy trying to figure out how this couple can each make their dreams come true.
The story explores the effects of rumors and the place of women and their opportunities during this time period.
January 5, 2026
This is the first book in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series. This story features Andrew and Sophie. They were childhood friends. Sophie has been away for a few years and Andrew was planning and hoping to pursue her but then heard of her marriage so plans changed. Now Sophie is back in town, and shows up on his doorstep.
I really loved this story! Andrew and Sophie are such great characters! However, Sophie’s parents are horrible. Anyway, I loved how much Andrew helped Sophie. He is such a nice man. And I loved his declaration towards the end. So romantic! Sophie is a go getter, and I loved how she was with Andrew. There was an unexpected trope in this story and I loved it! Overall, a great story and I definitely recommend!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I really loved this story! Andrew and Sophie are such great characters! However, Sophie’s parents are horrible. Anyway, I loved how much Andrew helped Sophie. He is such a nice man. And I loved his declaration towards the end. So romantic! Sophie is a go getter, and I loved how she was with Andrew. There was an unexpected trope in this story and I loved it! Overall, a great story and I definitely recommend!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
January 11, 2026
"....𝚐𝚊𝚖𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚘𝚛 𝚗𝚘 𝚐𝚊𝚖𝚋𝚕𝚎, 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚒𝚖𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎: 𝚊 𝚋𝚕𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚌𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚞𝚗𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚌 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚛 𝚐𝚘𝚊𝚕𝚜.”
“𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕, 𝚂𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚎, 𝚘𝚛 𝙸 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚋𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚎. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚜𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑.”
𝐎𝐤𝐚𝐲, 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧!!! So swoony, quite the slow burn, but it has to be when you have been pining after a woman for years and now forced proximity is wrecking havoc with those feelings. Loved this. Bring on the friends’ romances!
Andrew has loved Sophie much of his life. So when he and his friends come up with the marriage pact, a race to see who marries, he knew exactly who he wanted to marry. But all his plans are dashed when her parents share she already is married. But if that is the case, why is she showing up at his family home, needing help with a job and needing a place to live?! It is hard enough loving her and knowing she is taken, but living in his home? What is a man to do now?!
These two.... I will not overshare in this review, but let’s just say this romance is worth the wait. And gosh, every small touch, lingering glance, and sweet compliment had me waiting for the moment these two would finally see what their future could really be, and gosh I was totally there for it!
I gave this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
“𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕, 𝚂𝚘𝚙𝚑𝚒𝚎, 𝚘𝚛 𝙸 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚋𝚞𝚝𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚎. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚎𝚖𝚋𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚊𝚜𝚜 𝚞𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑.”
𝐎𝐤𝐚𝐲, 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧!!! So swoony, quite the slow burn, but it has to be when you have been pining after a woman for years and now forced proximity is wrecking havoc with those feelings. Loved this. Bring on the friends’ romances!
Andrew has loved Sophie much of his life. So when he and his friends come up with the marriage pact, a race to see who marries, he knew exactly who he wanted to marry. But all his plans are dashed when her parents share she already is married. But if that is the case, why is she showing up at his family home, needing help with a job and needing a place to live?! It is hard enough loving her and knowing she is taken, but living in his home? What is a man to do now?!
These two.... I will not overshare in this review, but let’s just say this romance is worth the wait. And gosh, every small touch, lingering glance, and sweet compliment had me waiting for the moment these two would finally see what their future could really be, and gosh I was totally there for it!
I gave this 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
January 9, 2026
After weeks of speculation and anxiously waiting to see which book of The Gentlemen’s Gamble would release first, A Fortunate Miscalculation has finally arrived as book one of the highly anticipated series. And friends let me tell ya—the bar has been set high.
Sophie Renard is an anomaly in 19th century London: a woman determined to make her mark in the world of science with her brilliant mind and forward thinking. When her chance to prove herself is dashed and she is left with no where to turn, Sophie recalls a dear friend from childhood who would certainly come to her aid.
Andrew Langford, the second son of gentleman, has worked hard to make a life for himself. With plans to open a bank in the country, he can’t afford to be associated with scandal. Yet when the childhood friend he hasn’t seen in years shows up on his doorstep in dire straits, he invites potential disaster in as well.
This delightful slow burn romance was the perfect friends to more. Sophie is my favorite type of FMC: independent, driven, passionate about her work. Andrew was a dear and sweet friend that would move heaven and earth to help the woman he had one day hoped to marry.
We were also introduced to the rest of the “gents” and their stories promise to be just as satisfying!
Thank you Karen for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
Sophie Renard is an anomaly in 19th century London: a woman determined to make her mark in the world of science with her brilliant mind and forward thinking. When her chance to prove herself is dashed and she is left with no where to turn, Sophie recalls a dear friend from childhood who would certainly come to her aid.
Andrew Langford, the second son of gentleman, has worked hard to make a life for himself. With plans to open a bank in the country, he can’t afford to be associated with scandal. Yet when the childhood friend he hasn’t seen in years shows up on his doorstep in dire straits, he invites potential disaster in as well.
This delightful slow burn romance was the perfect friends to more. Sophie is my favorite type of FMC: independent, driven, passionate about her work. Andrew was a dear and sweet friend that would move heaven and earth to help the woman he had one day hoped to marry.
We were also introduced to the rest of the “gents” and their stories promise to be just as satisfying!
Thank you Karen for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.
January 6, 2026
Andrew’s childhood love has come back into his life in need and married. Determined to help her and keep his emotions in check is a difficult task.
Sophie is a bluestocking. So much so that she is slightly estranged from her parents and enjoyed living with her grandfather while pursuing an education. She is determined to show her worth through her accomplishments, however she runs into a problem when her would be employer isn’t sure about keeping their end of the employment agreement upon the realization that their qualified candidate is a woman.
Talk about a huge misunderstanding with this story, but not in the annoying way. I rarely like miscommunication in books (or real life!), but the miscommunication surrounding Sophie’s marital status was very understandable and 100% not her fault. I enjoyed the communication that happened as well as the sweet moments between the characters once everything was out in the open. I loved how they each wanted to support each other in their dreams and ambitions for their lives. I truly enjoyed this first book in the series and can’t wait for more!
Sophie is a bluestocking. So much so that she is slightly estranged from her parents and enjoyed living with her grandfather while pursuing an education. She is determined to show her worth through her accomplishments, however she runs into a problem when her would be employer isn’t sure about keeping their end of the employment agreement upon the realization that their qualified candidate is a woman.
Talk about a huge misunderstanding with this story, but not in the annoying way. I rarely like miscommunication in books (or real life!), but the miscommunication surrounding Sophie’s marital status was very understandable and 100% not her fault. I enjoyed the communication that happened as well as the sweet moments between the characters once everything was out in the open. I loved how they each wanted to support each other in their dreams and ambitions for their lives. I truly enjoyed this first book in the series and can’t wait for more!
January 18, 2026
I'm excited for this series, but did not like this first book. If it wasn't kicking off the series, I would have marked it as DNF. There were so many improbable situations, and so much of it seemed so unrealistic. A woman in the regency era expecting her name to be included in articles and journals related to astronomy and mathematics? Faking a marriage and living together? I'm a contemporary romance, yes, but regency? Not likely. I didn't enjoy it, sadly.
February 6, 2026
It’s been a little while since I’ve read such a charming regency novel! I did not expect to be won over almost instantly by Andrew and Sophie and their sweet love story! The concept of Sophie being a computer added an interesting layer to the plot. I found Andrew’s friends delightful and I’m excited to learn who loses the wager! But my favorite part by far was Andrew pining over Sophie and loving her from afar in his own way. I adore childhood friends to more and this one is no exception!
January 10, 2026
“No, dear Andrew, that was always you. The calm to my storm.” “Hardly. I think I just got swept up in the tempest.”
What a fantastic start to this multi-author series! I loved every moment of this second-chance romance with friends to lovers, lots of witty banter, and swoony romace. I loved the twists and little surprises. And the wager! I loved meeting all of the gentlemen and getting a tiny glimpse of their personalities.
Andrew is honorable, thoughtful, and completely undone by the woman he never stopped loving. His growth and realization that his worth had nothing to do with his accomplishments was fantastic. Sophie is brilliant, determined, and caring. Her bravery and strength in her mainly male occupation was incredible. I enjoyed their “miscommunication”, witty, flirty banter, and quiet times together. There are so many sweet and romantic moments as their love blossoms from their childhood friendship. I loved that Andrew and Sophie only saw the best in each other and encouraged and supported one another with all that they were. They both fought for their place in the world and yet realized those places paled in light of their love.
Sophie meeting all of Andrew’s friends was one of my favorite parts of the story. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Gentlemen’s stories!
A few more quotes:
“My gender has no bearing on my intelligence, Mr. Whitcomb,” Sophie said.
“Why are you looking at me in that way?”
“I was just thinking about how handsome you are. How lucky I am to have captured myself such a pretty husband.”
“Go on then, Charles, find your own bookish woman. This one is taken.”
“Devil take it,” he muttered. Sophie laughed. “Good morning to you, too?” “Do not smile at me like that.” “I am just smiling, Andrew.”“I did not sleep a single minute, Sophie. My self-restraint is essentially nonexistent.”
What a fantastic start to this multi-author series! I loved every moment of this second-chance romance with friends to lovers, lots of witty banter, and swoony romace. I loved the twists and little surprises. And the wager! I loved meeting all of the gentlemen and getting a tiny glimpse of their personalities.
Andrew is honorable, thoughtful, and completely undone by the woman he never stopped loving. His growth and realization that his worth had nothing to do with his accomplishments was fantastic. Sophie is brilliant, determined, and caring. Her bravery and strength in her mainly male occupation was incredible. I enjoyed their “miscommunication”, witty, flirty banter, and quiet times together. There are so many sweet and romantic moments as their love blossoms from their childhood friendship. I loved that Andrew and Sophie only saw the best in each other and encouraged and supported one another with all that they were. They both fought for their place in the world and yet realized those places paled in light of their love.
Sophie meeting all of Andrew’s friends was one of my favorite parts of the story. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Gentlemen’s stories!
A few more quotes:
“My gender has no bearing on my intelligence, Mr. Whitcomb,” Sophie said.
“Why are you looking at me in that way?”
“I was just thinking about how handsome you are. How lucky I am to have captured myself such a pretty husband.”
“Go on then, Charles, find your own bookish woman. This one is taken.”
“Devil take it,” he muttered. Sophie laughed. “Good morning to you, too?” “Do not smile at me like that.” “I am just smiling, Andrew.”“I did not sleep a single minute, Sophie. My self-restraint is essentially nonexistent.”
January 21, 2026
This series is one of my most highly anticipated of 2026! I love the premise of the wager, the gorgeous covers, and the surprise release order. This was my first book by Karen and it was such a delightful way to begin this series!
Childhood friends to more. Fake marriage. Hidden feelings. Highly intelligent main characters. Slow burn. Friendship marriage wager.
I love the premise of this series and it was a delight to get to know the main characters that will feature in these books. I enjoyed the prologue where we set the scene for the wager and the many marriages to come. Andrew and his friends are a delightful group and I look forward to getting to know them each in their own stories.
Andrew is easy to cheer for. As a second son, he has worked hard to make a name and career for himself. I was impressed by his work ethic and dedication to his career. But I loved when his dreams shift when Sophie reenters his life. His sweet and seemingly unrequited love is so beautiful. I loved how he saw her and celebrated her. And I loved how deeply he clearly loves her.
Sophie was a fascinating and endearing protagonist! I loved learning about her education and research aspirations. She is clearly a genius and going after her dreams in a time when many dreams were limited for women. Best of all was seeing her realize how much Andrew means to her. And seeing her fall in love was simply beautiful. As she lets down her walls and allows Andrew into her heart, magic happens.
There are so many fun and surprising elements in this love story. I loved the way they are old friends but also reunited after several years apart. Seeing them get to know each other as adults was a treat. I loved the hidden feelings that they both realize they are developing (or redeveloping). The tension is delicious and their first kiss is gold. I adore a marriage of convenience turned true love match. This story delivers a beautiful combination of fake marriage and marriage of convenience while leading us to a lovely marriage of true love and devotion. I loved the journey!
So excited to read more books in this series!
Childhood friends to more. Fake marriage. Hidden feelings. Highly intelligent main characters. Slow burn. Friendship marriage wager.
I love the premise of this series and it was a delight to get to know the main characters that will feature in these books. I enjoyed the prologue where we set the scene for the wager and the many marriages to come. Andrew and his friends are a delightful group and I look forward to getting to know them each in their own stories.
Andrew is easy to cheer for. As a second son, he has worked hard to make a name and career for himself. I was impressed by his work ethic and dedication to his career. But I loved when his dreams shift when Sophie reenters his life. His sweet and seemingly unrequited love is so beautiful. I loved how he saw her and celebrated her. And I loved how deeply he clearly loves her.
Sophie was a fascinating and endearing protagonist! I loved learning about her education and research aspirations. She is clearly a genius and going after her dreams in a time when many dreams were limited for women. Best of all was seeing her realize how much Andrew means to her. And seeing her fall in love was simply beautiful. As she lets down her walls and allows Andrew into her heart, magic happens.
There are so many fun and surprising elements in this love story. I loved the way they are old friends but also reunited after several years apart. Seeing them get to know each other as adults was a treat. I loved the hidden feelings that they both realize they are developing (or redeveloping). The tension is delicious and their first kiss is gold. I adore a marriage of convenience turned true love match. This story delivers a beautiful combination of fake marriage and marriage of convenience while leading us to a lovely marriage of true love and devotion. I loved the journey!
So excited to read more books in this series!
January 26, 2026
To say I have been looking forward to this series is an understatement. And this one was so interesting from the very start. Knowing the releases were going to be unannounced until right before, I went into this story blind and I am so thankful I did.
I loved Sophia and Andrew's story and thought it was romantic, sweet, and had a great plot and character development. I enjoyed Sophia's personality and determination. She was sweet, passionate, and smart. She had a quick wit! Andrew was reserved but kind and such a gentleman. And I loved his draw to Sophia, he was head over heels for her! I loved how carefree she was with normal regency etiquette and how determined Andrew was to keep things all in line to keep their story straight. Andrew was so smitten with her and I loved how he used their forced proximity to court her. He was sweet and saw her worth and defended it. She was confident and built him up.
I loved the marriage debacle they got themselves into and it made for a fun and mischievous story. This was a fun way to develop a relationship in a regency romance and I liked that I had never read something like it before. I also loved seeing glimpses of the other men in Andrew's friend group and I am curious about all their stories. I can't wait to read more of this fun series!
I loved Sophia and Andrew's story and thought it was romantic, sweet, and had a great plot and character development. I enjoyed Sophia's personality and determination. She was sweet, passionate, and smart. She had a quick wit! Andrew was reserved but kind and such a gentleman. And I loved his draw to Sophia, he was head over heels for her! I loved how carefree she was with normal regency etiquette and how determined Andrew was to keep things all in line to keep their story straight. Andrew was so smitten with her and I loved how he used their forced proximity to court her. He was sweet and saw her worth and defended it. She was confident and built him up.
I loved the marriage debacle they got themselves into and it made for a fun and mischievous story. This was a fun way to develop a relationship in a regency romance and I liked that I had never read something like it before. I also loved seeing glimpses of the other men in Andrew's friend group and I am curious about all their stories. I can't wait to read more of this fun series!
February 4, 2026
This was a sweet story!
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
February 4, 2026
3.5⭐️ men avrundar uppåt då den var välskriven:)
Tyckte egentligen inte boken var särskilt spännande🫣 Trots det så gillade jag författarens sätt att skriva och karaktärerna var lätta att tycka om. Med hopp om mer spänning ser jag därför fram emot att fortsätta med nästa bok i serien!
Tyckte egentligen inte boken var särskilt spännande🫣 Trots det så gillade jag författarens sätt att skriva och karaktärerna var lätta att tycka om. Med hopp om mer spänning ser jag därför fram emot att fortsätta med nästa bok i serien!
January 14, 2026
Seven friends. One wager. Who will be the last to be married? This is a super fun premise and I can't wait to see who has to pay £100 to each of his friends.
Oh my, where do I start? This is a new favorite by Karen Thornell; I didn't want to stop reading, even to cook dinner. Thankfully, it's just my husband and me, and he won't starve if dinner's late.
Andrew Langford is exactly the kind of hero I love—honorable to his core, steady, and trying very hard to do the right thing, even when his heart has other ideas. Of course, everything gets complicated when Sophie Renard, the woman he once loved, shows up at his door needing help.
Sophie is a wonderful heroine and I adored her! I loved her intelligence, drive, and how she was determined to make her way in the world through her love of mathematics and astronomy. When she gives up her teaching position for a role she’s worked toward for years—only to have it suddenly withdrawn—her desperation in turning to Andrew made perfect sense, and it was impossible not to root for her.
I'm not a fan of friends-to-lovers, but this is also a second-chance romance, as circumstances years ago kept Andrew and Sophie apart, so he never got the chance to ask her to marry him. Andrew is completely taken with Sophie and I couldn't wait for her to admit to herself that her feelings for him were more than friendly. Who can resist a man who isn't afraid or ashamed to admit how he feels about the woman he loves?
There's so much I loved about this book: dual POV, forced proximity, bluestocking heroine, the comedic moments of them avoiding Mrs. Haverwick, Sophie taking lunch to Andrew, the kiss and the epilogue! If you enjoy slow-burn second-chance romance, this one is a must-read.
I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Oh my, where do I start? This is a new favorite by Karen Thornell; I didn't want to stop reading, even to cook dinner. Thankfully, it's just my husband and me, and he won't starve if dinner's late.
Andrew Langford is exactly the kind of hero I love—honorable to his core, steady, and trying very hard to do the right thing, even when his heart has other ideas. Of course, everything gets complicated when Sophie Renard, the woman he once loved, shows up at his door needing help.
Sophie is a wonderful heroine and I adored her! I loved her intelligence, drive, and how she was determined to make her way in the world through her love of mathematics and astronomy. When she gives up her teaching position for a role she’s worked toward for years—only to have it suddenly withdrawn—her desperation in turning to Andrew made perfect sense, and it was impossible not to root for her.
I'm not a fan of friends-to-lovers, but this is also a second-chance romance, as circumstances years ago kept Andrew and Sophie apart, so he never got the chance to ask her to marry him. Andrew is completely taken with Sophie and I couldn't wait for her to admit to herself that her feelings for him were more than friendly. Who can resist a man who isn't afraid or ashamed to admit how he feels about the woman he loves?
There's so much I loved about this book: dual POV, forced proximity, bluestocking heroine, the comedic moments of them avoiding Mrs. Haverwick, Sophie taking lunch to Andrew, the kiss and the epilogue! If you enjoy slow-burn second-chance romance, this one is a must-read.
I received a digital copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
January 8, 2026
“He made her feel calm in the face of everything uncertain. He was an anchor in her stormy seas.”
Oh my goodness I just adored this regency romance! It’s the first in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series & I can’t wait to read more in this series. It’s such a fun premise… 7 friends make a wager on who will marry last. The last one to marry will pay each of the others a 100 pounds. Years later Andrew receives a letter from one of his friends informing him of his marriage & reminding him of the wager. The gauntlet has been thrown & the only woman Andrew has ever wanted to marry is out of his reach. Until one day Sophie shows up on his doorstep in need of help. I fell in love with Andrew and Sophie. They both have dreams for their future. Andrew is a second son & is working as a banker hoping to make something of himself. Sophie is a bluestocking & brilliant. She is a mathematician/calculator & is trying to make a difference and prove herself in a man’s world. I love how they support each other in their dreams. Its a best friends to more with a few twists & turns. It’s full of unrequited love, friendship & themes of self worth. It’s sweet & swoony and had me staying up late to finish. 🫶🏼
"He will soon see your worth. It is impossible not to."
“How quickly he'd slipped behind her defenses, and her entirely unaware.”
Oh my goodness I just adored this regency romance! It’s the first in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series & I can’t wait to read more in this series. It’s such a fun premise… 7 friends make a wager on who will marry last. The last one to marry will pay each of the others a 100 pounds. Years later Andrew receives a letter from one of his friends informing him of his marriage & reminding him of the wager. The gauntlet has been thrown & the only woman Andrew has ever wanted to marry is out of his reach. Until one day Sophie shows up on his doorstep in need of help. I fell in love with Andrew and Sophie. They both have dreams for their future. Andrew is a second son & is working as a banker hoping to make something of himself. Sophie is a bluestocking & brilliant. She is a mathematician/calculator & is trying to make a difference and prove herself in a man’s world. I love how they support each other in their dreams. Its a best friends to more with a few twists & turns. It’s full of unrequited love, friendship & themes of self worth. It’s sweet & swoony and had me staying up late to finish. 🫶🏼
"He will soon see your worth. It is impossible not to."
“How quickly he'd slipped behind her defenses, and her entirely unaware.”
January 10, 2026
4.75⭐️ rounded up.
A wager. A woman he never forgot. And one “fortunate miscalculation” that changes everything.
If you love slow-burn Regency romance, brilliant heroines, and second-chance love that aches in the best way — let me introduce you to your next obsession:
A Fortunate Miscalculation by Karen Thornell — book one in The Gentleman’s Gamble series.
Andrew Langford is honorable, steady, and entirely unprepared for the woman he once loved to appear on his doorstep… on the exact day a reckless youthful wager threatens to cost him his fortune.
Sophie Renard is brilliant, determined, and fighting for the mathematics career she has worked six years to earn — a future now slipping through her fingers.
Forced into close proximity, old feelings reignite, secrets unravel, and both must decide what they’re willing to risk… for love.
This story is tender, intelligent, emotionally rich, and beautifully clean — the kind of romance that lingers long after the last page.
🔥Tropes you’ll love:
• Second-chance romance
• Pining hero
• Brilliant heroine
• Forced proximity
• Friends to lovers
• Clean Regency romance
• Slow burn with real emotional weight
🫶🏽This series is already shaping up to be a bookish comfort obsession, and this first installment is a soft, swoony, intelligent start that completely stole my heart. 🤍
A wager. A woman he never forgot. And one “fortunate miscalculation” that changes everything.
If you love slow-burn Regency romance, brilliant heroines, and second-chance love that aches in the best way — let me introduce you to your next obsession:
A Fortunate Miscalculation by Karen Thornell — book one in The Gentleman’s Gamble series.
Andrew Langford is honorable, steady, and entirely unprepared for the woman he once loved to appear on his doorstep… on the exact day a reckless youthful wager threatens to cost him his fortune.
Sophie Renard is brilliant, determined, and fighting for the mathematics career she has worked six years to earn — a future now slipping through her fingers.
Forced into close proximity, old feelings reignite, secrets unravel, and both must decide what they’re willing to risk… for love.
This story is tender, intelligent, emotionally rich, and beautifully clean — the kind of romance that lingers long after the last page.
🔥Tropes you’ll love:
• Second-chance romance
• Pining hero
• Brilliant heroine
• Forced proximity
• Friends to lovers
• Clean Regency romance
• Slow burn with real emotional weight
🫶🏽This series is already shaping up to be a bookish comfort obsession, and this first installment is a soft, swoony, intelligent start that completely stole my heart. 🤍
January 14, 2026
This is the first in The Gentlemen's Gamble series. It is a series about 7 male friends that have a life threatening event take place and they make a wager on who will be the last to marry.
This book kicks off the story with a bang! I loved it so much. There's not much inloke more than a super smart female heroine, especially in STEM. Put her in the Regency period, and I'm all in! Then pair her with the sweetest, yet strong male lead... You've captured my heart.
This was such a good book. I enjoyed getting to see the other male friends pop in and out of this story. It helps build anticipation for the books to come. I am going to go out on a limb and say this series will be best read in order so as to follow the progression of the wager in real time. (Although I had an ARC copy of book 2 before this one was released and I couldn't wait to read it.) spoiler alert... That one is fabulous also!
This book kicks off the story with a bang! I loved it so much. There's not much inloke more than a super smart female heroine, especially in STEM. Put her in the Regency period, and I'm all in! Then pair her with the sweetest, yet strong male lead... You've captured my heart.
This was such a good book. I enjoyed getting to see the other male friends pop in and out of this story. It helps build anticipation for the books to come. I am going to go out on a limb and say this series will be best read in order so as to follow the progression of the wager in real time. (Although I had an ARC copy of book 2 before this one was released and I couldn't wait to read it.) spoiler alert... That one is fabulous also!
February 2, 2026
A Fortunate Miscalculation is a charming, sweet Regency romance with a lovely friends-to-more storyline.
Andrew Langford is an honorable gentleman determined to do what is right, even when it costs him personally. Sophie Renard is intelligent, capable, and quietly determined, pursuing a future she has worked toward for years. When circumstances bring them back together, old feelings resurface—feelings neither believes they can afford.
I especially enjoyed the emotional restraint and gentle tension between the characters. Their shared history added depth, and the slow rekindling of affection felt natural and sincere.
The audiobook narration by Lucy Archer-Woodcock was well done and easy to listen to, enhancing the story without distracting from it.
This is a clean Regency romance, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy historically inspired stories with warmth, integrity, and heartfelt romance.
🔖
#AFortunateMiscalculation
#KarenThornell
#TheGentlemensGamble
#RegencyRomance
#SweetRomance
#FriendsToMore
Andrew Langford is an honorable gentleman determined to do what is right, even when it costs him personally. Sophie Renard is intelligent, capable, and quietly determined, pursuing a future she has worked toward for years. When circumstances bring them back together, old feelings resurface—feelings neither believes they can afford.
I especially enjoyed the emotional restraint and gentle tension between the characters. Their shared history added depth, and the slow rekindling of affection felt natural and sincere.
The audiobook narration by Lucy Archer-Woodcock was well done and easy to listen to, enhancing the story without distracting from it.
This is a clean Regency romance, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy historically inspired stories with warmth, integrity, and heartfelt romance.
🔖
#AFortunateMiscalculation
#KarenThornell
#TheGentlemensGamble
#RegencyRomance
#SweetRomance
#FriendsToMore
January 26, 2026
Sophie comes to London for a mathmatics job, and the offer is withdrawn when it is discovered she is a woman. She has no other choice but to turn to her friend Andrew, a single man, for help and a place to stay. Meanwhile, Andrew’s friends’ old bet to see who the last one will be to get married resurfaces when the first friend is married. The premise of this series is very fun and the first book was a great start. I enjoyed the high stakes (for the times) risk they took. This is a multi-trope story with a cute, clean romance. If you like the genre I don’t think you’ll be disappointed by this book.
Kissing only, no language
Kissing only, no language
February 10, 2026
Ok so this series is such a fun twist on a multi author series. I loved this book. It was cute and I loved the childhood friends and second chance tropes. Also loved how many characters it introduced for the next books. This is book one in the series.
January 20, 2026
I loved this one. I was swooning so hard by the end. Their first kiss?! When Andrew finally tells her how he feels?! I melted right there on the spot. 🫠😍
And right now.. I can see this being a top favorite for the year!
I can’t wait to continue on with this series and see how the rest of this wager plays out amongst the gentlemen.
And right now.. I can see this being a top favorite for the year!
I can’t wait to continue on with this series and see how the rest of this wager plays out amongst the gentlemen.
January 17, 2026
“ A fortunate Miscalculation that turned out to be. Look at us now…”
These two characters were so lovable. I’m a sucker for a man who fell first and fell hard. Andrew is so good!
This was an easy 5 stars. Perfect way to start my year off reading and if you aren’t following along with the authors in the multi-author series you need to—the mystery of what book will release next is so fun. Who will fall next in the gentleman’s gamble?
These two characters were so lovable. I’m a sucker for a man who fell first and fell hard. Andrew is so good!
This was an easy 5 stars. Perfect way to start my year off reading and if you aren’t following along with the authors in the multi-author series you need to—the mystery of what book will release next is so fun. Who will fall next in the gentleman’s gamble?
February 13, 2026
A really sweet book but some of it seemed very unrealistic for the time period.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2026
A Fortunate Miscalculation by Karen Thornell is the first book in The Gentlemen’s Gamble Series.
What happens when you have 7 friends on a ship on the English Channel in the middle of a storm and they all are convinced they might actually die? They form a wager of course (such an early 20's male move). The wager? Whomever marries last owes the others £600. Andrew, in love with his childhood friend, Sophie, thinks, “Why not? I’m in love with her! I can get married before you lots!” He is horribly mistaken when he goes to court her and propose marriage. She’s already married! Years later his first love shows up on his doorstop asking for help. Even if she is married, he can’t stop himself from helping the one who got away.
Andrew Langford (The Anchor): Andrew suffers from second son syndrome. He feels like he’s never good enough, especially after loosing Sophie. He works in a bank and meticulously saves to one day own his own estate. And then his life get turned upside down when Sophie Renard shows up on his door step looking for help. Is the universe trying to torture him? Yes.
As a male lead Andrew is honest, straight forward, and will do anything to help Sophie. He’s a simp for Sophie. Which also means he is her biggest supporter and he will want throw down if someone makes her feel bad. Andrew is golden retriever energy. He’s a walking green flag. Can he be real please? PLEASE?
Clearly I loved his character. His inner monologue is a joy. He PINES for Sophie, which a causes readers to have great sympathy for this sweet bean. Even better, he is a man of action and doesn’t sit around doing nothing. When he wants something, he goes for it, even if he may get hurt in the end.
Sophie Renard (The Scholar): Sophie is a woman trying to prove herself in a man’s world. With little support, she studied, gained an education, and is trying to work on a important math project. Except... she’s a woman! Who cares that she’s a woman? Men. Men care. Frustrated she goes to Andrew for a place to stay until she can convince her potential employer to hire her. Sophie is fiercely independent and is always fighting to prove herself. She chases her dreams and by golly she will achieve it! But she also suffers from doubting herself and wondering if she is good enough. This causes her to be stubborn and blind to what is right in front of her. As the book progresses, Andrew, the person she one saw as her best friend, is starting to seem less like a friend and more as someone who supports her dreams and tells her repeatedly how wonderful she is.
Overall i LOVED this book. It’s swoony and the chemistry between Andrew and Sophie is adorable. Karen does a great job in writing their interactions in such a way that really makes you believe Andrew and Sophie were childhood friends. When I read this book I experience a full range of emotions: giddy, squealing, eye rolling, wanting to reach through my phone screen and shake certain characters... you know, normal emotions when you read a romance book. It’s a fun book that makes you wanting to re-read scenes and enjoy them over and over again.
Tropes:
Golden Retriever Male Lead
STEM Female Lead
Childhood Friends
Forced Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance Romance
He Falls First
Quotes:
"Your sisters?" He pushed his meat to teh side of the plate, nearer to the spinach.
"Are well, I am sure."
"And... your husband?" he asked the question innocently enough, spearing a piece of carrot as he did.
Her responding expressive was curiously dry, "Ever elusive."
What in the blazes did that mean?
Something akin to a growl sounded in the back of his thoat. he shouldn't have left her.
“You intended to walk to my home?”
“It’s only just above a mile or two.”
“It is nearly six miles by road, Sophie. And it would have grown dark, and cold, and --” Blast it all, why could this woman not have the smallest measure of self-preservation? She was going to kill him if she continued on in this matter.
She scanned the board a last time, though she knew it was futile. How quickly he’d slipped behind her defenses, and her entirely unaware. Was that a metaphor for her life? Because of a sudden, she did not think she could imagine a life without Andrew.
“I will not be the reason that your vision for your future has been shattered beyond repair...”
Something inside him broke...
“Shatter my future?... Ruin my dreams. You are my dream, Sophie.”
What happens when you have 7 friends on a ship on the English Channel in the middle of a storm and they all are convinced they might actually die? They form a wager of course (such an early 20's male move). The wager? Whomever marries last owes the others £600. Andrew, in love with his childhood friend, Sophie, thinks, “Why not? I’m in love with her! I can get married before you lots!” He is horribly mistaken when he goes to court her and propose marriage. She’s already married! Years later his first love shows up on his doorstop asking for help. Even if she is married, he can’t stop himself from helping the one who got away.
Andrew Langford (The Anchor): Andrew suffers from second son syndrome. He feels like he’s never good enough, especially after loosing Sophie. He works in a bank and meticulously saves to one day own his own estate. And then his life get turned upside down when Sophie Renard shows up on his door step looking for help. Is the universe trying to torture him? Yes.
As a male lead Andrew is honest, straight forward, and will do anything to help Sophie. He’s a simp for Sophie. Which also means he is her biggest supporter and he will want throw down if someone makes her feel bad. Andrew is golden retriever energy. He’s a walking green flag. Can he be real please? PLEASE?
Clearly I loved his character. His inner monologue is a joy. He PINES for Sophie, which a causes readers to have great sympathy for this sweet bean. Even better, he is a man of action and doesn’t sit around doing nothing. When he wants something, he goes for it, even if he may get hurt in the end.
Sophie Renard (The Scholar): Sophie is a woman trying to prove herself in a man’s world. With little support, she studied, gained an education, and is trying to work on a important math project. Except... she’s a woman! Who cares that she’s a woman? Men. Men care. Frustrated she goes to Andrew for a place to stay until she can convince her potential employer to hire her. Sophie is fiercely independent and is always fighting to prove herself. She chases her dreams and by golly she will achieve it! But she also suffers from doubting herself and wondering if she is good enough. This causes her to be stubborn and blind to what is right in front of her. As the book progresses, Andrew, the person she one saw as her best friend, is starting to seem less like a friend and more as someone who supports her dreams and tells her repeatedly how wonderful she is.
Overall i LOVED this book. It’s swoony and the chemistry between Andrew and Sophie is adorable. Karen does a great job in writing their interactions in such a way that really makes you believe Andrew and Sophie were childhood friends. When I read this book I experience a full range of emotions: giddy, squealing, eye rolling, wanting to reach through my phone screen and shake certain characters... you know, normal emotions when you read a romance book. It’s a fun book that makes you wanting to re-read scenes and enjoy them over and over again.
Tropes:
Golden Retriever Male Lead
STEM Female Lead
Childhood Friends
Forced Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Second Chance Romance
He Falls First
Quotes:
"Your sisters?" He pushed his meat to teh side of the plate, nearer to the spinach.
"Are well, I am sure."
"And... your husband?" he asked the question innocently enough, spearing a piece of carrot as he did.
Her responding expressive was curiously dry, "Ever elusive."
What in the blazes did that mean?
Something akin to a growl sounded in the back of his thoat. he shouldn't have left her.
“You intended to walk to my home?”
“It’s only just above a mile or two.”
“It is nearly six miles by road, Sophie. And it would have grown dark, and cold, and --” Blast it all, why could this woman not have the smallest measure of self-preservation? She was going to kill him if she continued on in this matter.
She scanned the board a last time, though she knew it was futile. How quickly he’d slipped behind her defenses, and her entirely unaware. Was that a metaphor for her life? Because of a sudden, she did not think she could imagine a life without Andrew.
“I will not be the reason that your vision for your future has been shattered beyond repair...”
Something inside him broke...
“Shatter my future?... Ruin my dreams. You are my dream, Sophie.”
February 17, 2026
My favorite of the series so far. I love unrequited love stories. She does a decent job explaining how a totally improper cohabitating situation what happened in Victorian England. The build to the kissing scene was perfect, and I love how well she was able to describe Andrew‘s attraction to Sophie.
Andrew is a banker waiting for his brother and father to join him at the family home in London for the season. Sophie has just arrived to London to accept a position as a computer for a scientist mapping the planets. When she arrives, her offer is rescinded as the Scientist thought she was a man. She has already been replaced at her teaching job and has no funds for logging so she goes to her old family friends home. They were next-door neighbors and she hopes the mother is already in town for the season. Andrew has led Sophie since childhood, but when he returned from his schooling learned that she had married the titled man. When he sees her on his doorstep, his heart stops. It becomes clear. She’s in need of lodging, and since he believes her to be married, he invites her to stay. He clarify his only later that his mother passed away four years prior. Andrew is standoffish around her trying to maintain proper decorum. Sophie is just plain desperate so justifies the crazy living arrangement. Several miscommunications occur where sarcasm is taken as truth until one day, Sophie‘s diligence in trying to obtain the computer position pays off. She is hired on a trial basis for a week. In passing the Scientist mentions he felt better about it learning she was already married. Sophie has no idea what he’s talking about, but doesn’t correct him as that was the thing that got her the job. See corrects this misunderstanding with Andrew, and is dumbfounded that her parents would tell such a tale, knowing it had every potential to ruin her. This is a game changer for Andrew. First, they can’t live together anymore. Second he has a chance at the childhood romance he dreamed of. She confronts her parents about it. They show no remorse. In fact, they mention a single man is taking over an estate near her sister, and she could go there for the summer. Andrew proposes marriage to her, which she reluctantly accepts so that she isn’t ruined and can keep her job. Andrew gets a Bishop’s license so they can marry in one week without the bands being read. She is confused why Andrew would agree to such an arrangement, but he is not ready to confess his unrequited love. Instead, he tells her about the wager and how he would lose a small fortune if he wasn’t married. He then begins to subtly court her. Taking her to a mathematics lecture, the library, the theater, and meeting for lunch at his office. She starts to gain feelings for him, but now thinks that she is the one with unrequited love. Eventually, Andrew attends a work dinner party as her husband and is repulsed by her treatment. However, he is dedicated to supporting her. Going so far as to give up his desire for renting an estate he had found, and opening his own bank to follow her. When they get home, his father and her parents are waiting. All three are very troubled. They learned through a neighbor lady that they were introducing themselves as married. Her parents are crazy, but by the morning his father settles on trusting his son and aids them in slipping out the back so they can go and get married. They do, and Sophie confesses that she is bored being a computer, and may be doing it just to prove something to her parents. Instead, they find an estate and convert it into a school. Andrew has opened his bank with Sophie, helping him with his schedule, and he teaches art at the school. All is well that ends well.
Andrew is a banker waiting for his brother and father to join him at the family home in London for the season. Sophie has just arrived to London to accept a position as a computer for a scientist mapping the planets. When she arrives, her offer is rescinded as the Scientist thought she was a man. She has already been replaced at her teaching job and has no funds for logging so she goes to her old family friends home. They were next-door neighbors and she hopes the mother is already in town for the season. Andrew has led Sophie since childhood, but when he returned from his schooling learned that she had married the titled man. When he sees her on his doorstep, his heart stops. It becomes clear. She’s in need of lodging, and since he believes her to be married, he invites her to stay. He clarify his only later that his mother passed away four years prior. Andrew is standoffish around her trying to maintain proper decorum. Sophie is just plain desperate so justifies the crazy living arrangement. Several miscommunications occur where sarcasm is taken as truth until one day, Sophie‘s diligence in trying to obtain the computer position pays off. She is hired on a trial basis for a week. In passing the Scientist mentions he felt better about it learning she was already married. Sophie has no idea what he’s talking about, but doesn’t correct him as that was the thing that got her the job. See corrects this misunderstanding with Andrew, and is dumbfounded that her parents would tell such a tale, knowing it had every potential to ruin her. This is a game changer for Andrew. First, they can’t live together anymore. Second he has a chance at the childhood romance he dreamed of. She confronts her parents about it. They show no remorse. In fact, they mention a single man is taking over an estate near her sister, and she could go there for the summer. Andrew proposes marriage to her, which she reluctantly accepts so that she isn’t ruined and can keep her job. Andrew gets a Bishop’s license so they can marry in one week without the bands being read. She is confused why Andrew would agree to such an arrangement, but he is not ready to confess his unrequited love. Instead, he tells her about the wager and how he would lose a small fortune if he wasn’t married. He then begins to subtly court her. Taking her to a mathematics lecture, the library, the theater, and meeting for lunch at his office. She starts to gain feelings for him, but now thinks that she is the one with unrequited love. Eventually, Andrew attends a work dinner party as her husband and is repulsed by her treatment. However, he is dedicated to supporting her. Going so far as to give up his desire for renting an estate he had found, and opening his own bank to follow her. When they get home, his father and her parents are waiting. All three are very troubled. They learned through a neighbor lady that they were introducing themselves as married. Her parents are crazy, but by the morning his father settles on trusting his son and aids them in slipping out the back so they can go and get married. They do, and Sophie confesses that she is bored being a computer, and may be doing it just to prove something to her parents. Instead, they find an estate and convert it into a school. Andrew has opened his bank with Sophie, helping him with his schedule, and he teaches art at the school. All is well that ends well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2026
What a fabulous start to the highly anticipated Gentlemen’s Gamble series! I absolutely loved A Fortunate Miscalculation! It’s definitely a new favorite from Karen Thornell that had me grinning, swooning, & waiting with bated breath to see how things would work out. It’s a witty, friends to more, he falls first, unrequited love romance with a surprise twist in the middle.
Darling Andrew Langford makes a wager with his friends that whoever marries last will have to pay the others 100 pounds each. Thinking he’ll easily convince his childhood love Sophie to marry him, he agrees. Unfortunately, when he arrives home, he learns Sophie’s married.
Now five years later, Andrew’s shocked when Sophie shows up on his doorstep needing a place to stay. Ever the gentleman, he agrees until she can find another situation. Sophie’s presence only reminds him of his unrequited love for her, but where’s her husband?
Bluestocking Sophie Renard is thrilled to accept a position as a computer for the prestigious Whitcomb Astronomy Endeavor in London & put her brilliant mathematical skills to use. Unfortunately, they weren’t expecting a woman. While she tries to convince Mr. Whitcomb to give her a chance, Sophie’s forced to find a place to stay. Andrew’s family home comes to mind & there’s where this delightful, swoonworthy romance takes many unexpected turns.
Loved this book! The miscommunication is hilarious & so well done. Andrew’s perplexed about her marital status, & Sophie’s vague answers only compound the confusion. Add to this a busybody from their mutual hometown, Sophie’s overbearing parents, & Mr. Whitcomb’s requirements, & it makes for one delightfully complex, clever romance.
I adored Andrew & Sophie! Their genuine friendship & championing of each other warmed my heart. Poor Andrew’s pined for Sophie for years & her close proximity doesn’t make things easy. Though Sophie’s always loved Andrew as a friend, I enjoyed seeing those romantic feelings develop. I also enjoyed the history & learning about “computers.” Some of my favorite moments involve a rain soaked lunch delivery, the dog & evading Mrs. Haverwick, Andrew defending Sophie, playing chess, the ring, Andrew’s artistic talent, & the kiss! I also loved meeting all the Gentlemen featured in this series & can’t wait to read their stories!
Highest of recommendations & now I’m dying to read the whole series! I received an advanced copy from the author but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Darling Andrew Langford makes a wager with his friends that whoever marries last will have to pay the others 100 pounds each. Thinking he’ll easily convince his childhood love Sophie to marry him, he agrees. Unfortunately, when he arrives home, he learns Sophie’s married.
Now five years later, Andrew’s shocked when Sophie shows up on his doorstep needing a place to stay. Ever the gentleman, he agrees until she can find another situation. Sophie’s presence only reminds him of his unrequited love for her, but where’s her husband?
Bluestocking Sophie Renard is thrilled to accept a position as a computer for the prestigious Whitcomb Astronomy Endeavor in London & put her brilliant mathematical skills to use. Unfortunately, they weren’t expecting a woman. While she tries to convince Mr. Whitcomb to give her a chance, Sophie’s forced to find a place to stay. Andrew’s family home comes to mind & there’s where this delightful, swoonworthy romance takes many unexpected turns.
Loved this book! The miscommunication is hilarious & so well done. Andrew’s perplexed about her marital status, & Sophie’s vague answers only compound the confusion. Add to this a busybody from their mutual hometown, Sophie’s overbearing parents, & Mr. Whitcomb’s requirements, & it makes for one delightfully complex, clever romance.
I adored Andrew & Sophie! Their genuine friendship & championing of each other warmed my heart. Poor Andrew’s pined for Sophie for years & her close proximity doesn’t make things easy. Though Sophie’s always loved Andrew as a friend, I enjoyed seeing those romantic feelings develop. I also enjoyed the history & learning about “computers.” Some of my favorite moments involve a rain soaked lunch delivery, the dog & evading Mrs. Haverwick, Andrew defending Sophie, playing chess, the ring, Andrew’s artistic talent, & the kiss! I also loved meeting all the Gentlemen featured in this series & can’t wait to read their stories!
Highest of recommendations & now I’m dying to read the whole series! I received an advanced copy from the author but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Karen has absolutely delivered an amazing opening to this unique new series where the release dates for each book are a secret!
Seven Gentlemen. One Reckless Wager. A Fortune in Play—and their Hearts on the Line.
First, the prologue introducing us to these seven men is fantastic! Karen has written it so well, we get a peek at the personalities of each of these men. One of my favorite scenes in the book is seeing them six years later in Andrew’s library. Getting another glimpse of who these men are after the wager is such a delight! My thinking cap is on for who is going to be next in the series…
Second, the romance! Oh, my word, Karen knows how to write a love story! This friends-to-more, forced-proximity tale is brimming with tension and witty banter.
Andrew and Sophie have been friends since childhood, but time and distance have pulled them apart. Andrew has spent years educating and working to open his own bank, with the sole dream of marrying Sophie—only to learn she has married someone else. When she unexpectedly appears on his doorstep, he is forced to battle the line between his honor as a gentleman and his unwavering desire for a woman he believes is off-limits.
Sophie is an incredible FMC—strong, brilliant, intelligent, and resilient. After a mathematics employment offer falls through, she turns to the only person she has ever truly relied on to provide a place to stay until she can devise a plan for her employment. I absolutely love the unique twists this story contains. The inner turmoil Andrew has with his honor as a gentleman and his desire for Sophie. Sophie’s strength in facing her employer, society, and her parents. This book is page turner that I could not put down. I just had to see this journey through without interruptions!!
This story is an absolute must-read for fans of Regency romance, with forced proximity, a heartfelt friends-to-lovers arc, and a brilliantly strong heroine, and undeniable yearning.
(I also really enjoyed learning about “Calculators” in the Regency period. It was fascinating to read the author notes and learn more about how accurate Sophie’s employment is in the story. Don’t miss out on reading until the very last page of the book.)
I received an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Seven Gentlemen. One Reckless Wager. A Fortune in Play—and their Hearts on the Line.
First, the prologue introducing us to these seven men is fantastic! Karen has written it so well, we get a peek at the personalities of each of these men. One of my favorite scenes in the book is seeing them six years later in Andrew’s library. Getting another glimpse of who these men are after the wager is such a delight! My thinking cap is on for who is going to be next in the series…
Second, the romance! Oh, my word, Karen knows how to write a love story! This friends-to-more, forced-proximity tale is brimming with tension and witty banter.
Andrew and Sophie have been friends since childhood, but time and distance have pulled them apart. Andrew has spent years educating and working to open his own bank, with the sole dream of marrying Sophie—only to learn she has married someone else. When she unexpectedly appears on his doorstep, he is forced to battle the line between his honor as a gentleman and his unwavering desire for a woman he believes is off-limits.
Sophie is an incredible FMC—strong, brilliant, intelligent, and resilient. After a mathematics employment offer falls through, she turns to the only person she has ever truly relied on to provide a place to stay until she can devise a plan for her employment. I absolutely love the unique twists this story contains. The inner turmoil Andrew has with his honor as a gentleman and his desire for Sophie. Sophie’s strength in facing her employer, society, and her parents. This book is page turner that I could not put down. I just had to see this journey through without interruptions!!
This story is an absolute must-read for fans of Regency romance, with forced proximity, a heartfelt friends-to-lovers arc, and a brilliantly strong heroine, and undeniable yearning.
(I also really enjoyed learning about “Calculators” in the Regency period. It was fascinating to read the author notes and learn more about how accurate Sophie’s employment is in the story. Don’t miss out on reading until the very last page of the book.)
I received an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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