What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gentlemen's Gamble
An Accidental Marriage: The Gentlemen's Gamble
Charles Shepherd is in no rush to marry. He's sure he'll find a wife eventually with his good looks, small fortune, and considerable charm. After all, everything always works out for him…doesn’t it?
Audible Audio
First published January 22, 2026
55 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Deborah M. Hathaway
22 books509 followersDeborah M. Hathaway graduated from Utah State University with a degree in English and Creative Writing. As a young girl, she devoured Jane Austen's novels while watching and re-watching every adaptation of Pride & Prejudice she could, entirely captured by all things Regency and romance.
Throughout her life, she wrote many short stories, poems, and essays, but it was not until after her marriage that she was finally able to complete her first romance novel, attributing the completion to her courtship with, and love of, her charming, English husband.
Deborah finds her inspiration for her novels in her everyday experiences with her husband and children and during her travels to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall.
Throughout her life, she wrote many short stories, poems, and essays, but it was not until after her marriage that she was finally able to complete her first romance novel, attributing the completion to her courtship with, and love of, her charming, English husband.
Deborah finds her inspiration for her novels in her everyday experiences with her husband and children and during her travels to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 19, 2026
With an opening chapter like that, how could I not love this book? Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved this book! This is the second book in “The Gentleman’s Gamble series” I do recommend reading them in order. Charles and Marie are quite the couple. Due to misunderstandings and risk of ruined reputation and matchmaking mama they are practically forced to marry. They go through a ton of emotions, anger, sadness, happiness, passion, and love. It’s quite an enjoyable roller coaster as a reader. I particularly liked the fountain scene. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will just say it’s a wonderful story that I highly 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 voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read this in one sitting and definitely sacrificed sleep to finish it. 💤 Worth it!
Five stars, well earned. I’ve always wondered what would happen if you mixed enemies-to-lovers with a forced marriage, and this book delivers everything I love: reluctant mutual attraction, nonstop banter, forced proximity, and serious opposites-attract energy.
After much pestering from his mother through her letters, Charles sarcastically tells her he’ll marry Marie, a total stranger. Unfortunately, his sarcasm isn’t quite understood, and his “meeting” Marie results in him walking straight into his own wedding day! To save their reputations, they’re forced to marry....fully intending to annul it. But as time passes, fiery tension turns into chemistry, arguments turn into mixed signals, and real feelings begin to grow. As the annulment approaches, neither is sure the other still wants out. But who wants to be the first to admit their true feelings, and risk them not being returned?!
The banter is off the charts in this one, and the angry kiss alone is reason enough to read this! Such a fun, swoony, romance. I’m more than ready for the next one, and totally not giving any clues who is next, lol.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Five stars, well earned. I’ve always wondered what would happen if you mixed enemies-to-lovers with a forced marriage, and this book delivers everything I love: reluctant mutual attraction, nonstop banter, forced proximity, and serious opposites-attract energy.
After much pestering from his mother through her letters, Charles sarcastically tells her he’ll marry Marie, a total stranger. Unfortunately, his sarcasm isn’t quite understood, and his “meeting” Marie results in him walking straight into his own wedding day! To save their reputations, they’re forced to marry....fully intending to annul it. But as time passes, fiery tension turns into chemistry, arguments turn into mixed signals, and real feelings begin to grow. As the annulment approaches, neither is sure the other still wants out. But who wants to be the first to admit their true feelings, and risk them not being returned?!
The banter is off the charts in this one, and the angry kiss alone is reason enough to read this! Such a fun, swoony, romance. I’m more than ready for the next one, and totally not giving any clues who is next, lol.
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
January 30, 2026
I think I found a new favorite by Deborah M. Hathaway! I loved this story so much, I read it in one day! My internet was out, so I happily chose this delightfully charming romance over housework or packing up Christmas decorations. Zero regrets. 10/10 would definitely recommend.
Charles Shepherd is charming, wealthy, and in no hurry to settle down. He insists that “…he had no intention of marrying until he knew it was right—with a woman who was right for him. Specifically a woman whom he would spend the rest of his days with, seeking one adventure after another.” To avoid his mother's matchmaking, he spent a lot of time adventuring with his friends and often ignored letters from his mother about eligible young ladies. Tired of hearing about a certain Miss Oakley, he sends his mother a sarcastic reply and goes about his life until the agreed upon date to meet Miss Oakley. Instead of the "quarter-of-an-hour" polite visit Charles expected, he leaves with a wife he doesn't want!!
Marie Oakley isn't swooning over the situation either. She’s just as eager to undo the whole mess. After a truly awkward first day, thanks to her overhearing Charles' conversation, they agree on a plan: do whatever it takes to end the marriage as quickly as possible. Any romance reader knows it's not going to work out the way they think it will.
I was hooked by the end of the first chapter and did not want to stop reading! There's so much I loved about this book.
💍 The banter!!
💍 Childish-Charlie
💍 The letters
💍 The bench scene
💍 Dual POV
💍 The fair
What I love about marriage of convenience, besides the forced proximity, is watching the couple get to know each other and fall in love. These two were so good for each other. I loved that Marie achieved her "greatest desire" with Charles "to be seen as who she was, rather than for her accomplishments."
I can't recommend this book enough. It's part of a fun series, and although it could be read as a standalone, the books should be read in order of release to avoid spoilers. I received a complimentary copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Charles Shepherd is charming, wealthy, and in no hurry to settle down. He insists that “…he had no intention of marrying until he knew it was right—with a woman who was right for him. Specifically a woman whom he would spend the rest of his days with, seeking one adventure after another.” To avoid his mother's matchmaking, he spent a lot of time adventuring with his friends and often ignored letters from his mother about eligible young ladies. Tired of hearing about a certain Miss Oakley, he sends his mother a sarcastic reply and goes about his life until the agreed upon date to meet Miss Oakley. Instead of the "quarter-of-an-hour" polite visit Charles expected, he leaves with a wife he doesn't want!!
Marie Oakley isn't swooning over the situation either. She’s just as eager to undo the whole mess. After a truly awkward first day, thanks to her overhearing Charles' conversation, they agree on a plan: do whatever it takes to end the marriage as quickly as possible. Any romance reader knows it's not going to work out the way they think it will.
I was hooked by the end of the first chapter and did not want to stop reading! There's so much I loved about this book.
💍 The banter!!
💍 Childish-Charlie
💍 The letters
💍 The bench scene
💍 Dual POV
💍 The fair
What I love about marriage of convenience, besides the forced proximity, is watching the couple get to know each other and fall in love. These two were so good for each other. I loved that Marie achieved her "greatest desire" with Charles "to be seen as who she was, rather than for her accomplishments."
I can't recommend this book enough. It's part of a fun series, and although it could be read as a standalone, the books should be read in order of release to avoid spoilers. I received a complimentary copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
January 20, 2026
First, let me just say, this concept of not knowing which book in the series is first, it’s just so dang fun. I love that it adds a fun twist to the concept.
Next, this was a first time reading a book by Deborah Hathaway. I was surprised and honored that she extended the early ARC read to me.
This book was a cute regency romance. It was full of sarcasm, fun banter, high emotions, frustrations, and changing their hearts.
The ”accidental” marriage all stems from sarcasm taken at, well sort of face value. Both Charles and Marie are thrown into an unexpected and a little uncomfortable circumstance. An arranged and not entirely agreed upon marriage. However, they both have attraction going for them under the enemies to lovers.
This was such an entertaining and fun read. It was a change from what I have been reading and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved seeing how they ended up falling in love and how all of it transpired. I would most definitely recommend it. And I still need to catch up and read book one. I also cannot wait to see which book ends up being book three.
Next, this was a first time reading a book by Deborah Hathaway. I was surprised and honored that she extended the early ARC read to me.
This book was a cute regency romance. It was full of sarcasm, fun banter, high emotions, frustrations, and changing their hearts.
The ”accidental” marriage all stems from sarcasm taken at, well sort of face value. Both Charles and Marie are thrown into an unexpected and a little uncomfortable circumstance. An arranged and not entirely agreed upon marriage. However, they both have attraction going for them under the enemies to lovers.
This was such an entertaining and fun read. It was a change from what I have been reading and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved seeing how they ended up falling in love and how all of it transpired. I would most definitely recommend it. And I still need to catch up and read book one. I also cannot wait to see which book ends up being book three.
January 23, 2026
This book was impossible to put down. I read it in one day—which I do not do unless a book is truly that good. 😅
First of all, I love the concept of this series. Keeping the next story a secret so you don’t spoil the loser of the wager is honestly genius. I’m only sad I just get to be in on the secret for this one and not the others. 😢 Still, I’m very much invested and can’t wait to read them all. I do recommend starting with book one so you can follow the order of how everyone meets their person. This one is the second one in the collection.
Now let’s talk An Accidental Marriage. The title alone had me intrigued, but the way this story starts? I was immediately shocked and entertained. Truly—oh to be a fly on the wall in that room. 👀 I’d also recommend going in blind so you can experience the same shock and delight I did. 🙊😄
The banter was another highlight. The enemies-to-lovers bickering was chef’s kiss. I loved that I could fully understand both Charles’s and Marie’s perspectives, which made their back-and-forth feel earned and justified. The author did such a great job making both main characters easy to understand and root for. 🙌🏻
And the declarations of love? (sigh) I won’t spoil it—you’ll just have to read it for yourself. 😉
ARC reader
4.5 ⭐️
First of all, I love the concept of this series. Keeping the next story a secret so you don’t spoil the loser of the wager is honestly genius. I’m only sad I just get to be in on the secret for this one and not the others. 😢 Still, I’m very much invested and can’t wait to read them all. I do recommend starting with book one so you can follow the order of how everyone meets their person. This one is the second one in the collection.
Now let’s talk An Accidental Marriage. The title alone had me intrigued, but the way this story starts? I was immediately shocked and entertained. Truly—oh to be a fly on the wall in that room. 👀 I’d also recommend going in blind so you can experience the same shock and delight I did. 🙊😄
The banter was another highlight. The enemies-to-lovers bickering was chef’s kiss. I loved that I could fully understand both Charles’s and Marie’s perspectives, which made their back-and-forth feel earned and justified. The author did such a great job making both main characters easy to understand and root for. 🙌🏻
And the declarations of love? (sigh) I won’t spoil it—you’ll just have to read it for yourself. 😉
ARC reader
4.5 ⭐️
January 29, 2026
An Accidental Marriage The Gentlemen’s Gamble
by Deborah M. Hathaway
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish.
I adore a good accidental marriage trope, and Deborah M. Hathaway handled it with so much charm, tenderness, and heart. Charles and Marie begin their story thrown together in the most unexpected way.
Their relationship develops so naturally. The awkwardness, the frustration, the reluctant companionship, and then that beautiful moment when affection sneaks in unannounced. I found myself smiling constantly as their marriage of convenience turned into something warm, respectful, and deeply sweet.
Charles’s growth in particular was wonderful to witness, and Marie was such an easy heroine to love. Their story felt cozy, romantic, and emotionally satisfying without ever feeling rushed.
If you love Regency romance, forced proximity, and couples who fall in love without realizing it until it’s far too late, this one is a must-read. I finished it with the happiest of sighs and immediately wanted more from this series.
I’m on to the next book in the series. 💕
by Deborah M. Hathaway
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish.
I adore a good accidental marriage trope, and Deborah M. Hathaway handled it with so much charm, tenderness, and heart. Charles and Marie begin their story thrown together in the most unexpected way.
Their relationship develops so naturally. The awkwardness, the frustration, the reluctant companionship, and then that beautiful moment when affection sneaks in unannounced. I found myself smiling constantly as their marriage of convenience turned into something warm, respectful, and deeply sweet.
Charles’s growth in particular was wonderful to witness, and Marie was such an easy heroine to love. Their story felt cozy, romantic, and emotionally satisfying without ever feeling rushed.
If you love Regency romance, forced proximity, and couples who fall in love without realizing it until it’s far too late, this one is a must-read. I finished it with the happiest of sighs and immediately wanted more from this series.
I’m on to the next book in the series. 💕
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the 2nd book in the Gentlemen's Gamble series. It is a kisses only Regency Era romance with a mostly standalone story. Each of these books revolve around a group of friends that make a wager on which of them will be the sat to marry. At the release, the order of the books has been kept a secret. So in that way reading book 2 prior to book 1 would eliminate one of the friends early.
I was given the opportunity to read an early digital copy of the book. I hesitated to read it when I got it because book 1 wasn't available at the time. I was afraid of reading them out of order, but the only real issue was knowing who had gotten married first. And keeping quiet about how good this book is!
Oh I loved the premise of this accidental marriage. How does one accidentally get married? ... You'll have to read this to find out! And oh my... The interaction between ALL of the characters in this one is priceless! Top notch writing here.
Can't wait to read book 3 next! (I did read book 1 right after finishing this one! It's amazing also!)
I was given the opportunity to read an early digital copy of the book. I hesitated to read it when I got it because book 1 wasn't available at the time. I was afraid of reading them out of order, but the only real issue was knowing who had gotten married first. And keeping quiet about how good this book is!
Oh I loved the premise of this accidental marriage. How does one accidentally get married? ... You'll have to read this to find out! And oh my... The interaction between ALL of the characters in this one is priceless! Top notch writing here.
Can't wait to read book 3 next! (I did read book 1 right after finishing this one! It's amazing also!)
January 29, 2026
This audiobook was such a treat.
Nicola Ward’s narration was absolutely wonderful and brought this story to life in the most delightful way. Her delivery was warm, engaging, and perfectly suited to the Regency setting. She captured the humor, the emotional shifts, and the growing tenderness between Charles and Marie beautifully.
I adored this couple in audio. The way their guarded interactions slowly softened into understanding and affection felt even more intimate through narration. Nicola Ward handled both voices with ease, making every scene a pleasure to listen to.
The sweet romance, the gentle humor, and the emotional payoff made this a cozy, comforting listen from beginning to end. This is the kind of audiobook that makes you smile while listening.
An absolute joy of a listen and one I would happily recommend!
Nicola Ward’s narration was absolutely wonderful and brought this story to life in the most delightful way. Her delivery was warm, engaging, and perfectly suited to the Regency setting. She captured the humor, the emotional shifts, and the growing tenderness between Charles and Marie beautifully.
I adored this couple in audio. The way their guarded interactions slowly softened into understanding and affection felt even more intimate through narration. Nicola Ward handled both voices with ease, making every scene a pleasure to listen to.
The sweet romance, the gentle humor, and the emotional payoff made this a cozy, comforting listen from beginning to end. This is the kind of audiobook that makes you smile while listening.
An absolute joy of a listen and one I would happily recommend!
January 24, 2026
Loved this book! Cute, clean read that I really enjoyed. It kept my attention from start to finish, and the banter between the characters was fun and engaging. A sweet, easy read that left me smiling 😊
January 27, 2026
✨AUDIO REVIEW✨
I loved this story so much I bought the audio and I loved it!! Nicola Ward does a beautiful job bringing Charles and Marie to life!
An Accidental Marriage is book 2 of The Gentlemen’s Gamble series. This can be read as a standalone but to truly be invested into the series and who loses the wager, I recommend reading the books in order.
‘They’d experienced more in their mere week of knowing one another than most couples did in a lifetime—quarrels and kisses. Tears and apologies. Friendship and forgiveness. Dare she hope he might want to pursue a relationship with her where joy and love might be discovered in the end?’
When you read a book by @authordeborahmhathaway you know that your day/night will be consumed with an unputdownable book! This story included angst, tension, and wit from the very first page! I love how through a very sarcastic letter Charles sent his mother, his marriage was set in motion. What he thought was a meeting with a woman, turned out to be his wedding! 😂 The way his mother and Father took his letter and ran with it had me laughing so hard. The matchmaking aspect of this book is an absolute riot!
‘So, she’d be marrying Mr. Charles Shepherd after all.
Pity.’
I love how Marie does not back down to Charles! She takes what he says and turns it on him and makes him own what he has said and done. She is his perfect match! While they both work together toward an annulment, she notices things about Charles that no one else has cared to take notice of. She senses when he needs to move and be out of doors. She learns to love the things he enjoys, and he in turn sees the peacefulness that can come from being indoors with Marie.
There is so much to love in this story but some of my favorite things are: the angst, angry kiss, fountain scene, the evolution of their relationship, the pianoforte, interrupted kiss, and the rain storm.
“there is no one I would rather go on an adventure with than you, my darling.”
Side note—if you have read Love is for the Birds, Charles and Marie were a couple on the bird excursion with Henry and Lark. I LOVE the connection between these two multi author series! (If you haven’t read it yet, you should add it to your TBR!)
I loved this story so much I bought the audio and I loved it!! Nicola Ward does a beautiful job bringing Charles and Marie to life!
An Accidental Marriage is book 2 of The Gentlemen’s Gamble series. This can be read as a standalone but to truly be invested into the series and who loses the wager, I recommend reading the books in order.
‘They’d experienced more in their mere week of knowing one another than most couples did in a lifetime—quarrels and kisses. Tears and apologies. Friendship and forgiveness. Dare she hope he might want to pursue a relationship with her where joy and love might be discovered in the end?’
When you read a book by @authordeborahmhathaway you know that your day/night will be consumed with an unputdownable book! This story included angst, tension, and wit from the very first page! I love how through a very sarcastic letter Charles sent his mother, his marriage was set in motion. What he thought was a meeting with a woman, turned out to be his wedding! 😂 The way his mother and Father took his letter and ran with it had me laughing so hard. The matchmaking aspect of this book is an absolute riot!
‘So, she’d be marrying Mr. Charles Shepherd after all.
Pity.’
I love how Marie does not back down to Charles! She takes what he says and turns it on him and makes him own what he has said and done. She is his perfect match! While they both work together toward an annulment, she notices things about Charles that no one else has cared to take notice of. She senses when he needs to move and be out of doors. She learns to love the things he enjoys, and he in turn sees the peacefulness that can come from being indoors with Marie.
There is so much to love in this story but some of my favorite things are: the angst, angry kiss, fountain scene, the evolution of their relationship, the pianoforte, interrupted kiss, and the rain storm.
“there is no one I would rather go on an adventure with than you, my darling.”
Side note—if you have read Love is for the Birds, Charles and Marie were a couple on the bird excursion with Henry and Lark. I LOVE the connection between these two multi author series! (If you haven’t read it yet, you should add it to your TBR!)
January 24, 2026
"Marie. I have fallen for you. I never thought it possible to love someone as much as I love you, and in so short amount of time, but it is true."
An Accidental Marriage by Deborah M. Hathaway
This story is DELIGHTFUL! I swooned, laughed, and even got emotional. Charles and Marie's chemistry and banter are now some of my most favorite. And I LOVED the connection to Deborah's book "Love is for the Birds." I want to go back and reread that one now.
I can't tell you how many times I laughed, smiled, and giggled as I read this one. Even gasping in horrified belief at some of their ridiculousness. And that first kiss? OH MY!
Deborah is officially a favorite author of mine, even though I've already said that. Her books continue to bewitch me body and soul and I love that I get to go on adventures with the characters in each one that I have read so far.
I highly recommend this one if you love Forced marriage with Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, and One Bed. You will laugh, you will giggle, you will gasp in shock, and swoon so hard you'll need smelling salts for days!
Favorite Parts:
Their banter
Forced marriage
Enemies to lovers
The ball
Fountain scene
Letters back and forth
Outside the church
Names
Forced Proximity
Tune game
Rainstorm
Her surprise
At the inn
The whole book
Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: Kissing-Passionate kissing
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: none
Book Info:
Series: The Gentlemen's Gamble bk 2
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency Multi-Author Project
Romance Level: Kisses only
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual Third Person
Thank you to the Author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
An Accidental Marriage by Deborah M. Hathaway
This story is DELIGHTFUL! I swooned, laughed, and even got emotional. Charles and Marie's chemistry and banter are now some of my most favorite. And I LOVED the connection to Deborah's book "Love is for the Birds." I want to go back and reread that one now.
I can't tell you how many times I laughed, smiled, and giggled as I read this one. Even gasping in horrified belief at some of their ridiculousness. And that first kiss? OH MY!
Deborah is officially a favorite author of mine, even though I've already said that. Her books continue to bewitch me body and soul and I love that I get to go on adventures with the characters in each one that I have read so far.
I highly recommend this one if you love Forced marriage with Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, and One Bed. You will laugh, you will giggle, you will gasp in shock, and swoon so hard you'll need smelling salts for days!
Favorite Parts:
Their banter
Forced marriage
Enemies to lovers
The ball
Fountain scene
Letters back and forth
Outside the church
Names
Forced Proximity
Tune game
Rainstorm
Her surprise
At the inn
The whole book
Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: Kissing-Passionate kissing
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: none
Book Info:
Series: The Gentlemen's Gamble bk 2
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency Multi-Author Project
Romance Level: Kisses only
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual Third Person
Thank you to the Author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
January 22, 2026
This book was un-put-down-able! The dynamic was EVERYTHING and it has so many iconic moments 🤭
Marie. SHE IS A MOOD AND I LOVE HER 😍 Miss girl is trying so hard and when she snaps she said YOU WANNA PEICE OF THIS 😤 I loved her spirit and watching her grow comfortable with her feelings was so healing ❤️🩹 🥹
Charles. I literally went in between wanting to slap him and hug him and never let go 😂 I think Marie would agree 😏 he was such a fun lead and I LOVED his realization he was in love 💕 I also loved the moments he took responsibility of his actions and communicated 🫶🏼
Okay these two were EXPLOSIVE. The chemistry is off the charts 📈 from the moment they meet 🤭 and, of course, that means war. A battle of wits, wills, and water fountains then ensues.
Very rarely do I wish for a book to be longer, but I NEED this one to be 😂 thank goodness it’s a part of a series 😘 I can’t wait to read more about these friends!
Marie. SHE IS A MOOD AND I LOVE HER 😍 Miss girl is trying so hard and when she snaps she said YOU WANNA PEICE OF THIS 😤 I loved her spirit and watching her grow comfortable with her feelings was so healing ❤️🩹 🥹
Charles. I literally went in between wanting to slap him and hug him and never let go 😂 I think Marie would agree 😏 he was such a fun lead and I LOVED his realization he was in love 💕 I also loved the moments he took responsibility of his actions and communicated 🫶🏼
Okay these two were EXPLOSIVE. The chemistry is off the charts 📈 from the moment they meet 🤭 and, of course, that means war. A battle of wits, wills, and water fountains then ensues.
Very rarely do I wish for a book to be longer, but I NEED this one to be 😂 thank goodness it’s a part of a series 😘 I can’t wait to read more about these friends!
January 24, 2026
Major warning here: This is going to be a mostly negative review. If you loved this book, great! This is not meant to be a criticism of the author as a person or of readers who enjoyed the story.
——
Short read. From a technical standpoint, the writing was fine (no noticeable typos, etc).
The entire book takes place in about 3 weeks time. In which time, the MCs go from never once met, at each other’s throats, grudging physical attraction, becoming friends, to madly in love.
The parents (especially the MMC’s mom) manipulated their son and daughter into a forced marriage, but in the end it’s all ok because Mom just really loves her son and knew what would be best for him?!?
The 60-80% section of the book was the best in my opinion. It was the section where Charles and Marie start communicating and trying to be kind to each other.
TL;DR plot was absurd and rushed. Same could be said about the character growth.
——
Short read. From a technical standpoint, the writing was fine (no noticeable typos, etc).
The entire book takes place in about 3 weeks time. In which time, the MCs go from never once met, at each other’s throats, grudging physical attraction, becoming friends, to madly in love.
The parents (especially the MMC’s mom) manipulated their son and daughter into a forced marriage, but in the end it’s all ok because Mom just really loves her son and knew what would be best for him?!?
The 60-80% section of the book was the best in my opinion. It was the section where Charles and Marie start communicating and trying to be kind to each other.
TL;DR plot was absurd and rushed. Same could be said about the character growth.
January 24, 2026
Amid a storm on the English Channel seven friends make a wager…the last man to fall victim to love and marry…will pay a penalty. For six years they have remained single, without risk to each other and their hearts, until Thomas sends the other six a letter announcing his recent marriage. Now the race is on to not be the last single man standing.
So far Andrew is the only one to have met his match in the brilliant Sophie, and while Charles welcomed her into their group, he is not so urgent to find a bride himself for the sake of this wager…when the time is right he will be married. But not before then.
But his Mother has other plans.
Miss Marie Oakley is 28 and past the age of ideal marriage. While popular among the pool of suitors during balls and social events, she cannot seem to find someone she care for past that. When the proposal came to be arranged in marriage to the elder Shepherd twin from the nearby estate…imagine her shock, disappointment, and embarrassment when Charles arrives not expecting a sarcastic letter to be taken literally and caught off guard when told it is his wedding day.
Needless to say vows are said, judgments are cast, a passionate kiss is shared unexpectedly, and THEN they are made to spend two weeks isolated ins cottage together…before they leave to the cottage their pride leads them to explore the idea of an annulment…but after their time alone will they be able to end their marriage without damaging their reputations…or most importantly; their hearts?
—
This book is the second book in this series and it is so good! I have to say that I am such a fan of the chemistry and energy that leaps off the page from the first sentence to the last page. Even when they are not together the connection is there…Charles and Marie are truly a masterclass of how the miscommunication trope is done well and I am here for it.
The yearning is real, however, there is more to both of them than physical desire. Charles wants…longs to be needed, Marie has had to be independent in the face of never ending criticism from her father, what they can’t see is that past the surface of what is expected of each of them, they really need each other and in each other they learn to find safety and purpose in being married. Finding that choice is part of the process is deftly romantic.
Not gonna lie…I wanted Charles to tune the piano for her.
Who’s gonna fall for Cupid’s arrow next?
So far Andrew is the only one to have met his match in the brilliant Sophie, and while Charles welcomed her into their group, he is not so urgent to find a bride himself for the sake of this wager…when the time is right he will be married. But not before then.
But his Mother has other plans.
Miss Marie Oakley is 28 and past the age of ideal marriage. While popular among the pool of suitors during balls and social events, she cannot seem to find someone she care for past that. When the proposal came to be arranged in marriage to the elder Shepherd twin from the nearby estate…imagine her shock, disappointment, and embarrassment when Charles arrives not expecting a sarcastic letter to be taken literally and caught off guard when told it is his wedding day.
Needless to say vows are said, judgments are cast, a passionate kiss is shared unexpectedly, and THEN they are made to spend two weeks isolated ins cottage together…before they leave to the cottage their pride leads them to explore the idea of an annulment…but after their time alone will they be able to end their marriage without damaging their reputations…or most importantly; their hearts?
—
This book is the second book in this series and it is so good! I have to say that I am such a fan of the chemistry and energy that leaps off the page from the first sentence to the last page. Even when they are not together the connection is there…Charles and Marie are truly a masterclass of how the miscommunication trope is done well and I am here for it.
The yearning is real, however, there is more to both of them than physical desire. Charles wants…longs to be needed, Marie has had to be independent in the face of never ending criticism from her father, what they can’t see is that past the surface of what is expected of each of them, they really need each other and in each other they learn to find safety and purpose in being married. Finding that choice is part of the process is deftly romantic.
Not gonna lie…I wanted Charles to tune the piano for her.
Who’s gonna fall for Cupid’s arrow next?
January 28, 2026
Holy. Cow. I loved this one soooooo much!!! They were true enemies for like half the book and I was so. here. for. it. Their witty banter was top notch and I couldn't get enough. Their first impressions and assumptions of each other were so awful which made me giddy bc it fueled the enemies aspect perfectly 😂 Charles and Marie were MADE for each other and I loved every moment of the roller coaster they went on to realize that for themselves.
January 25, 2026
All the stars for this absolute gem! Sarcasm leading to a forced marriage, matchmaking mothers, enemies to lovers, all the witty banter, reverse age gap, & an utterly romantic, charming sequel in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series! This has to be my new favorite Deborah M. Hathaway novel. I adored Charles & Marie & their struggle to overcome an impossible situation & find love. This is an absolute must read!
Charles Shepherd’s not ready for marriage—even though he & his friends made a wager that the last man to wed pays the others a tidy sum. Unfortunately his mother has other plans, & is determined to have him marry their neighbor’s daughter Marie Oakley. Tired of her machinations, he writes a sarcastic letter which his mother takes literally. On his next visit home, he finds himself married. What’s a gentleman to do?
Though his wife is beautiful, Charles initially finds her personality lacking. But, with each witty exchange, Marie proves a worthy opponent to his sarcastic repartee. With a wedding trip already planned, he forgoes his hunting trip with his twin & spends several weeks in close proximity with his wife while trying to figure a way out of a marriage neither one wants.
Marie Oakley only agreed to marry Charles after both sets of parents convinced her it was a sensible match. After a disastrous beginning—thanks to a flippant remark from Charles she accidentally overhears—she’s just as determined as he is to secure an annulment. In the meantime, she’s set on proving to “Childish Charlie” that she has “more personality than a handkerchief.” As sparks & barbs fly, one angry, intoxicating kiss changes everything. Perhaps an annulment isn’t quite so desirable after all.
I devoured this story. The delicious banter had me laughing out loud, & the sizzling chemistry as they go from enemies to more had me swooning. There were so many moments that made me grin in delight—the letters, the fountain, the unforgettable kiss, one bed at the inn, meeting Tristan, the fair, & Charles’s declaration. Also loved the reverse age gap, watching Charles grow in maturity while Marie becomes more adventurous.
Highest recommendations! This is the second book in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series where the order of the books is a surprise until each one is released. Though it could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order to avoid spoilers. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Charles Shepherd’s not ready for marriage—even though he & his friends made a wager that the last man to wed pays the others a tidy sum. Unfortunately his mother has other plans, & is determined to have him marry their neighbor’s daughter Marie Oakley. Tired of her machinations, he writes a sarcastic letter which his mother takes literally. On his next visit home, he finds himself married. What’s a gentleman to do?
Though his wife is beautiful, Charles initially finds her personality lacking. But, with each witty exchange, Marie proves a worthy opponent to his sarcastic repartee. With a wedding trip already planned, he forgoes his hunting trip with his twin & spends several weeks in close proximity with his wife while trying to figure a way out of a marriage neither one wants.
Marie Oakley only agreed to marry Charles after both sets of parents convinced her it was a sensible match. After a disastrous beginning—thanks to a flippant remark from Charles she accidentally overhears—she’s just as determined as he is to secure an annulment. In the meantime, she’s set on proving to “Childish Charlie” that she has “more personality than a handkerchief.” As sparks & barbs fly, one angry, intoxicating kiss changes everything. Perhaps an annulment isn’t quite so desirable after all.
I devoured this story. The delicious banter had me laughing out loud, & the sizzling chemistry as they go from enemies to more had me swooning. There were so many moments that made me grin in delight—the letters, the fountain, the unforgettable kiss, one bed at the inn, meeting Tristan, the fair, & Charles’s declaration. Also loved the reverse age gap, watching Charles grow in maturity while Marie becomes more adventurous.
Highest recommendations! This is the second book in the Gentlemen’s Gamble series where the order of the books is a surprise until each one is released. Though it could be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order to avoid spoilers. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also purchased a copy in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've read books about marriages of convenience and arranged marriages, but never one about an accidental marriage! And it was very good 😍
From complete strangers to enemies, it was an interesting and very entertaining development.
The initial resistance on both sides gradually gives way due to the strong attraction between them and as they get to know each other better, putting aside their prejudices.
I like Charles and Marie; they are both witty and complement each other perfectly.
And one detail that surprised me when I realized it was that I already knew this couple from another book!
If you've read “Love is for the Birds,” you'll recognize them as the charming married couple, the Shepherds. I'll have to reread it to see more of them now that I know their story.
I really enjoyed this book, with a fast pace that kept my attention, sweet moments, and swoony moments to sigh over.
I recommend it!
Charles Shepherd is an independent bachelor who loves his lifestyle, traveling, friends, and being constantly on the move.
That's why he's not ready to get married yet, and when he does, it will be to a woman who loves adventure as much as he does.
Marie Oakley is already considered a spinster, with little chance of getting married, so she decides to agree to an arranged marriage.
She never imagined that the groom was unaware.
Now both trapped in a marriage with someone they can't stand, they are determined to end it.
But while they search for options for this, they are forced to spend time together, and perhaps going their separate ways no longer aligns with their hearts' desires.
You will find:
💍 “Arranged” marriage
💍 Wrong first impression
💍 Enemies to lovers
💍 Forced proximity
💍 Opposites attract
💍 Honeymoon trip
💍 Small cottage
💍 One bed
This is the second book in the series... Who will be the next to marry?
Thanks to the author for the copy.
All opinions are my own.
💐 For reviews with book aesthetics, quotes and more, follow me on Instagram @sina.venus.booklover
From complete strangers to enemies, it was an interesting and very entertaining development.
The initial resistance on both sides gradually gives way due to the strong attraction between them and as they get to know each other better, putting aside their prejudices.
I like Charles and Marie; they are both witty and complement each other perfectly.
And one detail that surprised me when I realized it was that I already knew this couple from another book!
If you've read “Love is for the Birds,” you'll recognize them as the charming married couple, the Shepherds. I'll have to reread it to see more of them now that I know their story.
I really enjoyed this book, with a fast pace that kept my attention, sweet moments, and swoony moments to sigh over.
I recommend it!
Charles Shepherd is an independent bachelor who loves his lifestyle, traveling, friends, and being constantly on the move.
That's why he's not ready to get married yet, and when he does, it will be to a woman who loves adventure as much as he does.
Marie Oakley is already considered a spinster, with little chance of getting married, so she decides to agree to an arranged marriage.
She never imagined that the groom was unaware.
Now both trapped in a marriage with someone they can't stand, they are determined to end it.
But while they search for options for this, they are forced to spend time together, and perhaps going their separate ways no longer aligns with their hearts' desires.
You will find:
💍 “Arranged” marriage
💍 Wrong first impression
💍 Enemies to lovers
💍 Forced proximity
💍 Opposites attract
💍 Honeymoon trip
💍 Small cottage
💍 One bed
This is the second book in the series... Who will be the next to marry?
Thanks to the author for the copy.
All opinions are my own.
💐 For reviews with book aesthetics, quotes and more, follow me on Instagram @sina.venus.booklover
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a wonderful story and part of a fun multi-author series with each author not revealing the date of their book going live. This story opens with a prologue with a group of seven friends returning from their European Tour on a ship that is possibly on the verge of sinking. The friends decide to make a wager that if they survive that the last one to marry will pay each of the other friends a substantial amount of money. The story then jumps ahead to 6 years later where our MMC Charles Shepard has been avoiding visiting his parents due to the pressure his mother has been giving him to meet the woman, Marie Oakley who would make a perfect bride for him. He finally writes his mother a sarcastic letter agreeing to show up to meet Marie and that she should post the banns and set up the wedding.
When Charles shows up expecting to spend 15 minutes meeting the woman his mother cannot stop gushing about, he finds out that his mother did everything he said in the letter and that their local pastor is there ready to marry him and a woman he has just met. Even though he is irate, he has little choice to get out of the arrangements. Now they are sending Charles and Marie on a wedding journey to get to know one another.
Marie has been a dutiful daughter and as she got older, her chances of marriage became less certain, so she was so happy to hear that Charles was willing to marry her. When they finally met, he was nothing she had expected, acting very childishly. She had no choice but to go through with the arrangements since they had already been shared in the community and it would ruin her reputation. After overhearing her new groom's horrible description of her to his parents, going on a wedding trip with him was the last thing she wanted to do.
Their wedding got a really rocky start but will it end in an annulment or will Charles discover that his momma was right about the woman she chose for him?
I received a copy of this book form the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
When Charles shows up expecting to spend 15 minutes meeting the woman his mother cannot stop gushing about, he finds out that his mother did everything he said in the letter and that their local pastor is there ready to marry him and a woman he has just met. Even though he is irate, he has little choice to get out of the arrangements. Now they are sending Charles and Marie on a wedding journey to get to know one another.
Marie has been a dutiful daughter and as she got older, her chances of marriage became less certain, so she was so happy to hear that Charles was willing to marry her. When they finally met, he was nothing she had expected, acting very childishly. She had no choice but to go through with the arrangements since they had already been shared in the community and it would ruin her reputation. After overhearing her new groom's horrible description of her to his parents, going on a wedding trip with him was the last thing she wanted to do.
Their wedding got a really rocky start but will it end in an annulment or will Charles discover that his momma was right about the woman she chose for him?
I received a copy of this book form the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
January 26, 2026
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
An Accidental Marriage
The Gentlemen’s Gamble, Book 2 by Deborah M. Hathaway
⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 My Thoughts:
I will be honest, I really did not like childish Charles at the beginning of this story. His behavior was frustrating, immature, and often selfish, which made it hard to root for him early on. That said, it was satisfying to see him slowly recognize his flaws and work toward becoming a better man. I do think he needed to grovel more, because some of his actions deserved deeper remorse. I also missed the group of gentleman friends in this book. In earlier installments, their teasing and honest criticism added humor and balance, and even a short scene of them giving Charles a hard time would have made this story even more fun. One of the wildest parts was how Charles was tricked into marriage through a single sarcastic letter to his mother. That moment set everything in motion and created instant consequences he could not escape.
💖 Why I Loved It:
The unexpected marriage due to circumstance and pressure trope was handled with high stakes and immediate tension.. I loved Marie’s quiet strength and steady confidence, especially when she refused to tolerate Charles’s arrogance and directly called him out for acting like a child. Watching their relationship shift from resentment to respect, then into a protective and genuine friendship, was deeply satisfying and emotionally warm.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
“There is no one I would rather go on an adventure with than you, my darling.”
📌 Final Verdict:
This is a sweet, clean Regency romance that will appeal to fans of marriage of convenience stories and strong redemption arcs. While Charles begins the book as an irritating hero, his growth and eventual devotion to Marie make the journey worthwhile and rewarding. Recommended for cozy romance lovers. 💍✨
#Bookstagram #RegencyRomance #CleanRomance #DeborahMHathaway #BookReview #TheGentlemensGamble
An Accidental Marriage
The Gentlemen’s Gamble, Book 2 by Deborah M. Hathaway
⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 My Thoughts:
I will be honest, I really did not like childish Charles at the beginning of this story. His behavior was frustrating, immature, and often selfish, which made it hard to root for him early on. That said, it was satisfying to see him slowly recognize his flaws and work toward becoming a better man. I do think he needed to grovel more, because some of his actions deserved deeper remorse. I also missed the group of gentleman friends in this book. In earlier installments, their teasing and honest criticism added humor and balance, and even a short scene of them giving Charles a hard time would have made this story even more fun. One of the wildest parts was how Charles was tricked into marriage through a single sarcastic letter to his mother. That moment set everything in motion and created instant consequences he could not escape.
💖 Why I Loved It:
The unexpected marriage due to circumstance and pressure trope was handled with high stakes and immediate tension.. I loved Marie’s quiet strength and steady confidence, especially when she refused to tolerate Charles’s arrogance and directly called him out for acting like a child. Watching their relationship shift from resentment to respect, then into a protective and genuine friendship, was deeply satisfying and emotionally warm.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
“There is no one I would rather go on an adventure with than you, my darling.”
📌 Final Verdict:
This is a sweet, clean Regency romance that will appeal to fans of marriage of convenience stories and strong redemption arcs. While Charles begins the book as an irritating hero, his growth and eventual devotion to Marie make the journey worthwhile and rewarding. Recommended for cozy romance lovers. 💍✨
#Bookstagram #RegencyRomance #CleanRomance #DeborahMHathaway #BookReview #TheGentlemensGamble
January 19, 2026
Title: An Accidental Marriage
Author: Deborah M. Hathaway
Release day:January 22, 2026
Pages: 232
Rating: 🎩🎩🎩🎩
I was fortunate to be chosen as an arc reader for An Accidental Marriage by Deborah M. Hathaway. This is the second book in the Gentleman’s Gamble Series. This story follows Charles Shepherd and Miss Marie Oakley.
I don’t know about y’all, but I love a book that has some tension and this one has it aplenty. Deborah Hathaway knows how to write a good argument scene. Whew and don’t get me started on that first kiss 😳🤭
Charles Shepherd has always loved his independence. To be free to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. So when his mom writes to him telling him about a potential wife, he can’t resist having a little bit of fun. But when he meets Miss Marie Oakley, it looks like the joke might be on him.
Miss Marie Oakley has always wanted to make her parents proud of her. Whether it is the pianoforte, embroidery or just her demeanor; it is all done to make her parents happy. Unfortunately, finding a husband isn’t one of her accomplishments. So when she is presented with an opportunity to please her parents by marrying Charles Shepherd, she decides to give it a chance, but the man that shows up is more of a man-child than a gentleman.
Charles Shepherd and Marie Oakley are forced into a situation that neither one of them would have chosen, but could it be exactly what each other needs?
If you’re looking for a book with tension, arguments (the good kind), swoony kisses, humor and character building when this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Accidental Marriage is book 2 of The Gentlemen’s Gamble series. This can be read as a standalone but to truly be invested into the series and who loses the wager, I recommend reading the books in order.
‘They’d experienced more in their mere week of knowing one another than most couples did in a lifetime—quarrels and kisses. Tears and apologies. Friendship and forgiveness. Dare she hope he might want to pursue a relationship with her where joy and love might be discovered in the end?’
When you read a book by @authordeborahmhathaway you know that your day/night will be consumed with an unputdownable book! This story included angst, tension, and wit from the very first page! I love how through a very sarcastic letter Charles sent his mother, his marriage was set in motion. What he thought was a meeting with a woman, turned out to be his wedding! 😂 The way his mother and Father took his letter and ran with it had me laughing so hard. The matchmaking aspect of this book is an absolute riot!
‘So, she’d be marrying Mr. Charles Shepherd after all.
Pity.’
I love how Marie does not back down to Charles! She takes what he says and turns it on him and makes him own what he has said and done. She is his perfect match! While they both work together toward an annulment, she notices things about Charles that no one else has cared to take notice of. She senses when he needs to move and be out of doors. She learns to love the things he enjoys, and he in turn sees the peacefulness that can come from being indoors with Marie.
There is so much to love in this story but some of my favorite things are: the angst, angry kiss, fountain scene, the evolution of their relationship, the pianoforte, interrupted kiss, and the rain storm.
“there is no one I would rather go on an adventure with than you, my darling.”
✨AUDIO REVIEW✨
I loved this story so much I bought the audio and I loved it!! Nicola Ward does a beautiful job bringing Charles and Marie to life!
Side note—if you have read Love is for the Birds, Charles and Marie were a couple on the bird excursion with Henry and Lark. I LOVE the connection between these two multi author series! (If you haven’t read it yet, you should add it to your TBR!)
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
‘They’d experienced more in their mere week of knowing one another than most couples did in a lifetime—quarrels and kisses. Tears and apologies. Friendship and forgiveness. Dare she hope he might want to pursue a relationship with her where joy and love might be discovered in the end?’
When you read a book by @authordeborahmhathaway you know that your day/night will be consumed with an unputdownable book! This story included angst, tension, and wit from the very first page! I love how through a very sarcastic letter Charles sent his mother, his marriage was set in motion. What he thought was a meeting with a woman, turned out to be his wedding! 😂 The way his mother and Father took his letter and ran with it had me laughing so hard. The matchmaking aspect of this book is an absolute riot!
‘So, she’d be marrying Mr. Charles Shepherd after all.
Pity.’
I love how Marie does not back down to Charles! She takes what he says and turns it on him and makes him own what he has said and done. She is his perfect match! While they both work together toward an annulment, she notices things about Charles that no one else has cared to take notice of. She senses when he needs to move and be out of doors. She learns to love the things he enjoys, and he in turn sees the peacefulness that can come from being indoors with Marie.
There is so much to love in this story but some of my favorite things are: the angst, angry kiss, fountain scene, the evolution of their relationship, the pianoforte, interrupted kiss, and the rain storm.
“there is no one I would rather go on an adventure with than you, my darling.”
✨AUDIO REVIEW✨
I loved this story so much I bought the audio and I loved it!! Nicola Ward does a beautiful job bringing Charles and Marie to life!
Side note—if you have read Love is for the Birds, Charles and Marie were a couple on the bird excursion with Henry and Lark. I LOVE the connection between these two multi author series! (If you haven’t read it yet, you should add it to your TBR!)
Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Accidental Marriage
(The Gentlemen’s Gamble Book 2)
by: Deborah M. Hathaway
@authordeborahmhathaway
••ARC Review: I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~He expected a quick visit. He left with a wife instead...
-My friends, An Accidental Marriage, is such a delightfully heartwarming story. I thoroughly adored the sweet unexpected love that blooms with warmth and sincerity within. This charming is full of such humor and heart. It immediately drew me in with such endearing and relatable characters whose mistakes and vulnerabilities felt so achingly relatable and tender.
What clearly began as a twist of fate slowly grew with love into such a tender partnership built on trust, patience, and genuine affection. I loved the small gestures and honest conversations. This charming story left my heart sighing and me smiling long after the last page. This dear story beautifully shows that love, dear love, can grow beautifully from the most unexpected and surprising beginnings. It is absolutely worth the delightful read, as is this dear series! My goodness, these dear stories and authors need to be on your radars and at the top of your tbrs! So well-done!🩷📚💯
“I didn’t plan this, but I can’t un-see how you’ve changed my world.”
•Content: fun scheming/antics; some feelings of not being enough/loss/frustration, no language, no violence or peril, kisses only!
“All he needed was Marie. Only Marie.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#anaccidentalmarriage
#authordeborahmhathaway
#thegentlemensgamble
“I cannot imagine a life without you in it-I do not want to imagine a life without you in it.”
#allaboutthebestreads
(The Gentlemen’s Gamble Book 2)
by: Deborah M. Hathaway
@authordeborahmhathaway
••ARC Review: I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~He expected a quick visit. He left with a wife instead...
-My friends, An Accidental Marriage, is such a delightfully heartwarming story. I thoroughly adored the sweet unexpected love that blooms with warmth and sincerity within. This charming is full of such humor and heart. It immediately drew me in with such endearing and relatable characters whose mistakes and vulnerabilities felt so achingly relatable and tender.
What clearly began as a twist of fate slowly grew with love into such a tender partnership built on trust, patience, and genuine affection. I loved the small gestures and honest conversations. This charming story left my heart sighing and me smiling long after the last page. This dear story beautifully shows that love, dear love, can grow beautifully from the most unexpected and surprising beginnings. It is absolutely worth the delightful read, as is this dear series! My goodness, these dear stories and authors need to be on your radars and at the top of your tbrs! So well-done!🩷📚💯
“I didn’t plan this, but I can’t un-see how you’ve changed my world.”
•Content: fun scheming/antics; some feelings of not being enough/loss/frustration, no language, no violence or peril, kisses only!
“All he needed was Marie. Only Marie.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#anaccidentalmarriage
#authordeborahmhathaway
#thegentlemensgamble
“I cannot imagine a life without you in it-I do not want to imagine a life without you in it.”
#allaboutthebestreads
Review of advance copy received from Author
This delightful "accidental marraige" regency romance was the perfect read! It fits within the Gentleman's Gamble series, where seven friends each make a wager to see who will make it to the altar last. The books all have secret release dates, so we won't know who loses the best into all are released! I love the unique premise of the series, and I loved getting to see Charles find his own happily ever after sooner than expected.
When Charles pens a sarcastic reply to his dear mother's desparate attempts to marry him off, he assumes his mother will get the hint and stop playing matchmaker. But when he reluctantly shows up to meet the one lady his mother insists he will like, he has no idea he's walking into a wedding.
Marie knew agreeing to marry Charles was a risky endeavour, but she had no idea that her husband would prove himself a man child the second their vows were said. They both had dreamed of a love match, but it seems that the only thing they'll get out their wretched marraige is misery- and lots of sarcastic banter. But matters of the heart are never simple, and soon Marie is wondering if marriage to Charles could become the happily ever after she's always dreamed of.
I loved both Charles and Marie! They were both well-written, witty, and what I hope to find in a regency romance. Their angry kiss scene- I could gush about it for days! It was absolutely fantastic and my favorite part of the whole book. I also liked that the book was well-paced. It was a quicker read for me, but still very satisfying and well fleshed out.
I can't wait to read the other ones in the series!
When Charles pens a sarcastic reply to his dear mother's desparate attempts to marry him off, he assumes his mother will get the hint and stop playing matchmaker. But when he reluctantly shows up to meet the one lady his mother insists he will like, he has no idea he's walking into a wedding.
Marie knew agreeing to marry Charles was a risky endeavour, but she had no idea that her husband would prove himself a man child the second their vows were said. They both had dreamed of a love match, but it seems that the only thing they'll get out their wretched marraige is misery- and lots of sarcastic banter. But matters of the heart are never simple, and soon Marie is wondering if marriage to Charles could become the happily ever after she's always dreamed of.
I loved both Charles and Marie! They were both well-written, witty, and what I hope to find in a regency romance. Their angry kiss scene- I could gush about it for days! It was absolutely fantastic and my favorite part of the whole book. I also liked that the book was well-paced. It was a quicker read for me, but still very satisfying and well fleshed out.
I can't wait to read the other ones in the series!
January 22, 2026
"This was the sort of man she'd always wanted to marry. Selfless, honorable, kind. If only Heaven had allowed her the opportunity to meet him under different circumstances, one that didn't include a forced arrangement and an accidental marriage."
Can we officially make accidental marriage a permanent romance trope? Because Deborah M. Hathaway went all in here, and I was thrilled from page one. Charles and Marie are thrown into a marriage neither of them wants, and watching them grow—from reluctant partners to each other’s safest place—was deeply satisfying. The character development is so well done, the banter sparkles, and yes… that first kiss? If you didn’t swoon, I have questions.
I loved seeing them slowly realize that the very thing they’re trying to escape might be the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Add in a scheming, matchmaking mother (a personal favorite), heaps of charm, and a premise that never loses momentum, and this book becomes completely unputdownable. I finished days ago and still catch myself smiling when I think about it.
Do yourself a favor and grab this entire series. I already knew from the author lineup that The Gentlemen’s Gamble was going to be special, but even I wasn’t prepared for how entertaining these books are. Book 1 is out now, and Book 2 is officially available today in paperback and ebook—both are 5+ star reads and absolute delights.
Linked in today’s stories. Trust me—you don’t want to miss these!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Trigger Notes: Peter Pan syndrome, meddling momma, romance-chaste kisses only.
Can we officially make accidental marriage a permanent romance trope? Because Deborah M. Hathaway went all in here, and I was thrilled from page one. Charles and Marie are thrown into a marriage neither of them wants, and watching them grow—from reluctant partners to each other’s safest place—was deeply satisfying. The character development is so well done, the banter sparkles, and yes… that first kiss? If you didn’t swoon, I have questions.
I loved seeing them slowly realize that the very thing they’re trying to escape might be the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Add in a scheming, matchmaking mother (a personal favorite), heaps of charm, and a premise that never loses momentum, and this book becomes completely unputdownable. I finished days ago and still catch myself smiling when I think about it.
Do yourself a favor and grab this entire series. I already knew from the author lineup that The Gentlemen’s Gamble was going to be special, but even I wasn’t prepared for how entertaining these books are. Book 1 is out now, and Book 2 is officially available today in paperback and ebook—both are 5+ star reads and absolute delights.
Linked in today’s stories. Trust me—you don’t want to miss these!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Trigger Notes: Peter Pan syndrome, meddling momma, romance-chaste kisses only.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“You are everything I have ever wanted in a wife. Everything I have ever wanted in a companion. I cannot imagine a life without you in it—I do not want to imagine a life without you in it.”
This amazing story of forced-proximity and enemies to more, has lots of wit and snark, and a few extra surprise tropes too. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know how their story would resolve.
Charles is honorable, charming, and sarcastic yet kind. Marie is determined, gentle, and witty. Their anger at one another and their situation was intense. I loved when they finally had an honest conversation with each other and determined to be friends. Charles and Marie both had some personal things to work through to help them open up. Their realizations of their feelings were both so sweet. There are so many amazing moments of connection and romance. I enjoyed every moment of the journey to Charles and Marie’s happily ever after. And I loved the little glimpse of Tristan and the helpful conversation he shared with Charles.
A few more quotes:
“I am not making a scene,” he stated. “I was—am—attempting to adjust to the idea of what my future holds now and what my present is. The events of today have rocked my stability past the point of logic.”
“What awakened within me was the desire to see what a true kids might feel like between us. One where both of us give it freely.”
“She is the perfect calm to your chaos.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
This amazing story of forced-proximity and enemies to more, has lots of wit and snark, and a few extra surprise tropes too. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know how their story would resolve.
Charles is honorable, charming, and sarcastic yet kind. Marie is determined, gentle, and witty. Their anger at one another and their situation was intense. I loved when they finally had an honest conversation with each other and determined to be friends. Charles and Marie both had some personal things to work through to help them open up. Their realizations of their feelings were both so sweet. There are so many amazing moments of connection and romance. I enjoyed every moment of the journey to Charles and Marie’s happily ever after. And I loved the little glimpse of Tristan and the helpful conversation he shared with Charles.
A few more quotes:
“I am not making a scene,” he stated. “I was—am—attempting to adjust to the idea of what my future holds now and what my present is. The events of today have rocked my stability past the point of logic.”
“What awakened within me was the desire to see what a true kids might feel like between us. One where both of us give it freely.”
“She is the perfect calm to your chaos.”
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2026
Charles thinks he is going home to visit his parents but when he arrives it’s to his fiancée just moments before their wedding. He finds himself in an impossible situation born of a misunderstanding and ends up in “an Accidental Marriage” The tension in this one is so thick you could cut it with a knife! But oh boy is it good! At first I found myself in league with Marie wanting to throttle childish Charlie but he redeems himself and I love the relationship they form and his unwavering support of her. I have long been a fan of marriage of the convenience trope but this one was unique in that their arranged marriage was a surprise to the groom- such a fun twist on the idea which added a lot of an enemies to lovers vibe at the beginning and still had a lot of attributes from MOC that I love!
I listened to the audio for this one and the narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life! Love the idea for this multi author series where the MMC’s are all involved in a wager to see who ends up the last one married and he has to pay each gentleman 100 pounds. The order the books are released is a surprise until right before so the loser of the bet is not revealed. I plan to continue reading as many of these as I can fit in and to continue in on all the fun of the gentleman’s gamble!
These books can all be read in any order you like, just the surprise of who is the last bachelor would obviously be ruined if you read the last book first but I still haven’t read the first book and this story didn’t suffer any because of it. I would definitely recommend this one!
I listened to the audio for this one and the narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life! Love the idea for this multi author series where the MMC’s are all involved in a wager to see who ends up the last one married and he has to pay each gentleman 100 pounds. The order the books are released is a surprise until right before so the loser of the bet is not revealed. I plan to continue reading as many of these as I can fit in and to continue in on all the fun of the gentleman’s gamble!
These books can all be read in any order you like, just the surprise of who is the last bachelor would obviously be ruined if you read the last book first but I still haven’t read the first book and this story didn’t suffer any because of it. I would definitely recommend this one!
January 19, 2026
An Accidental Marriage is a fantastic example of an enemies to lovers marriage of convenience.
Charles’s mother has been trying to find him a wife for so long that he avoids coming home and instead lives with his friends around the country. After a letter from his mother pushing yet ANOTHER young woman to his attention, he replies sarcastically to arrange a marriage and plans to come meet her.
After a definite NOT meet cute, Charles and Marie end up unhappily in a marriage of convenience. Charles is intent on an annulment while Marie would be loathe to admit that as much as she dislikes him, she would greatly prefer staying married to Charles.
Now forced to share a tiny cottage for a two week wedding tour, the two decide to become friends and slowly their walls come down and they realize that there is more to their spouse than they ever imagine.
Charles had such a rocky beginning, and I had a lot of compassion for him, but I’m so glad we got to see the real Charles and watch him develop a caring and loving relationship with Marie.
Marie is such a relatable character and I’m so glad we got to watch her blossom and become comfortable enough to be who she wants to be.
These two make such a sweet couple, despite their rocky start.
This is definitely a must read for fans of regency romance, enemies to lovers, and marriage of convenience!
Thank you to Deborah for including me on her ARC team! All opinions expressed are my own.
Charles’s mother has been trying to find him a wife for so long that he avoids coming home and instead lives with his friends around the country. After a letter from his mother pushing yet ANOTHER young woman to his attention, he replies sarcastically to arrange a marriage and plans to come meet her.
After a definite NOT meet cute, Charles and Marie end up unhappily in a marriage of convenience. Charles is intent on an annulment while Marie would be loathe to admit that as much as she dislikes him, she would greatly prefer staying married to Charles.
Now forced to share a tiny cottage for a two week wedding tour, the two decide to become friends and slowly their walls come down and they realize that there is more to their spouse than they ever imagine.
Charles had such a rocky beginning, and I had a lot of compassion for him, but I’m so glad we got to see the real Charles and watch him develop a caring and loving relationship with Marie.
Marie is such a relatable character and I’m so glad we got to watch her blossom and become comfortable enough to be who she wants to be.
These two make such a sweet couple, despite their rocky start.
This is definitely a must read for fans of regency romance, enemies to lovers, and marriage of convenience!
Thank you to Deborah for including me on her ARC team! All opinions expressed are my own.
January 20, 2026
This one was INCREDIBLE!!! It just captured me and I couldn’t put it DOWN!!
Charles Shepherd has put off an introduction to his parent’s neighbors daughter for over a year but he’s finally caved. Expecting a quick visit and then to be on his way, when he shows up it’s SO MUCH WORSE THAN HE THOUGHT!
Marie Oakley is, according to her father, on the shelf and so to please her parents she agrees to an arranged marriage! But she soon discovers that her betrothed is a bit of a man-child with a gift for dramatics! Needless to say she is not pleased. 😂
Parts I loved:
🩵The Fountain
🩵Charles finding Marie at the Church
🩵Getting caught in the rain
🩵Tristan’s visit
🩵The night at the Inn
🩵The ball after returning home
I just loved how Charles and Marie really became such allies and friends as they were forced to get to know each other. They discovered just how well suited they were for one another and they were so CUTE!!
I loved how their self reflections required a lot of moving past first and even second impressions of each other and then as they learned to rely on each other I ADORED how protective Charles became of Marie and how she learned to lean on him!
Their time in the cottage was so precious and I adored how much Charles loved Marie’s singing! 🥹
You guys are going to LOVE Charles and Marie and their love story! Thank you to Deborah M Hathaway for letting me be on your ARC team and getting to fall in love with this amazing story!!!
Charles Shepherd has put off an introduction to his parent’s neighbors daughter for over a year but he’s finally caved. Expecting a quick visit and then to be on his way, when he shows up it’s SO MUCH WORSE THAN HE THOUGHT!
Marie Oakley is, according to her father, on the shelf and so to please her parents she agrees to an arranged marriage! But she soon discovers that her betrothed is a bit of a man-child with a gift for dramatics! Needless to say she is not pleased. 😂
Parts I loved:
🩵The Fountain
🩵Charles finding Marie at the Church
🩵Getting caught in the rain
🩵Tristan’s visit
🩵The night at the Inn
🩵The ball after returning home
I just loved how Charles and Marie really became such allies and friends as they were forced to get to know each other. They discovered just how well suited they were for one another and they were so CUTE!!
I loved how their self reflections required a lot of moving past first and even second impressions of each other and then as they learned to rely on each other I ADORED how protective Charles became of Marie and how she learned to lean on him!
Their time in the cottage was so precious and I adored how much Charles loved Marie’s singing! 🥹
You guys are going to LOVE Charles and Marie and their love story! Thank you to Deborah M Hathaway for letting me be on your ARC team and getting to fall in love with this amazing story!!!
January 23, 2026
I absolutely ADORED this book! Arranged marriage, scheming parents, enemies to lovers, wagers! I love it all!
Charles is perfectly happy with his life, hopping from one house to another, visiting his friends, and going on all kinds of adventures. All that comes to a stop when a planned meeting arranged by his mother turns into a wedding! Now he is married to a woman he doesn’t know and his whole world is turned upside down.
Marie agreed to an arranged marriage to please her parents and secure her future, but when the man she is betrothed to arrives without any knowledge of being engaged, things take an unexpected turn. Now she’s married to a man she can’t stand and a situation she can’t escape.
Charles and Marie have a very ROCKY start to their relationship! But I absolutely love how passionate and forthcoming they are with each other. Sparks start flying from their first argument! I enjoyed the progression of their relationship and seeing each of them grow... along with their attraction to each other. They may not have seemed to be a good match but their personalities suited each other well. Each new encounter/adventure together was so much fun to read! I was cheering them on the whole way! The ending is sweet and oh so satisfying.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Charles is perfectly happy with his life, hopping from one house to another, visiting his friends, and going on all kinds of adventures. All that comes to a stop when a planned meeting arranged by his mother turns into a wedding! Now he is married to a woman he doesn’t know and his whole world is turned upside down.
Marie agreed to an arranged marriage to please her parents and secure her future, but when the man she is betrothed to arrives without any knowledge of being engaged, things take an unexpected turn. Now she’s married to a man she can’t stand and a situation she can’t escape.
Charles and Marie have a very ROCKY start to their relationship! But I absolutely love how passionate and forthcoming they are with each other. Sparks start flying from their first argument! I enjoyed the progression of their relationship and seeing each of them grow... along with their attraction to each other. They may not have seemed to be a good match but their personalities suited each other well. Each new encounter/adventure together was so much fun to read! I was cheering them on the whole way! The ending is sweet and oh so satisfying.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
AH! The twists and turns this book took on its way to a happily ever after was something! The chemistry between Charles and Marie was literally lighting up the page, even if they both started off the story super fiesty with one another. Because let me tell you, Charles was Childish Charlie indeed for awhile. I wanted to just shout at Marie to "tell him off!" But honestly, something even better happened. They started to actually talk to each other civilly and took the time to get to know the true person behind the not so great first impressions they each gave off.
Man, once the bickering and arguing started to morph into something more romantic, I was like oh yeees! It was just so good! Since they found themselves in an arranged marriage, there was plenty of time they were stuck together to work things out. And honestly, Charles and Marie really did bring out the best in each other. Between Marie getting into the adventurous spirit more and Charles roaming alone being a bit more tamed, you couldn't help but feel the "rightness" of these two. It made me happy for Charles that he didn't lose the bet. I'm excited to see how the rest of this series unfolds as it comes out in a secret release order (though shhh I may already know who comes next!)
Man, once the bickering and arguing started to morph into something more romantic, I was like oh yeees! It was just so good! Since they found themselves in an arranged marriage, there was plenty of time they were stuck together to work things out. And honestly, Charles and Marie really did bring out the best in each other. Between Marie getting into the adventurous spirit more and Charles roaming alone being a bit more tamed, you couldn't help but feel the "rightness" of these two. It made me happy for Charles that he didn't lose the bet. I'm excited to see how the rest of this series unfolds as it comes out in a secret release order (though shhh I may already know who comes next!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews