A Most Scandalous Wager: An Outrageously Seductive Rivals-to-Lovers Regency Historical Romance

by Samantha Blok

The Tollivers return in the highly anticipated third instalment of the beloved Regency romcom series—and if London thought the family scandalous before, it has clearly never encountered Charlotte Tolliver in competition with a man!

Seven outrageous wagers. One irresistible rivalry. No chance of escaping with their hearts intact.

Miss Charlotte Tolliver has returned to London for her second Season with a singular to enjoy herself as thoroughly—and improperly—as possible. After a scandalous entanglement and an exile to the countryside, Lottie has no intention of submitting meekly to Society’s expectations. Marriage, she is firmly convinced, is merely another method by which the well-meaning men in her life attempt to manage her behaviour. She desires only laughter… and perhaps a modicum of trouble.

Unfortunately for London, she finds both in Mr Jasper heir to an earldom, menace in a cravat, and entirely too handsome for his own good. When Lottie boldly declares she might best him at anything a man might do, Jasper cannot possibly refuse the challenge. Thus begins a battle of wills unlike anything the ton has ever witnessed.

From dawn horse races to fencing matches, pistol duels, and parlour games, Lottie and Jasper throw themselves into a battle of increasingly improper forfeits. In this game, the winner may take all… but losing could cost them everything—for the trouble with games, of course, is that they rarely remain so for long. Matters grow considerably more complicated with the return of Lord Marchmont, whose charm once caused no small scandal, and whose presence threatens to reopen old wounds.

In a world where a woman’s choices are narrow and reputations fragile, independence may prove the most dangerous wager of all. Between freedom and desire, defiance and expectation, Lottie must decide what she is truly willing to risk, and whether surrendering her heart means losing the game.

An outrageously seductive Regency romance brimming with reckless wagers, wicked hands, and one charming heir on his knees.

Fans of Julia Quinn, Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, and Evie Dunmore will adore the wickedly entertaining world of the Tolliver family.

Genres: Fiction

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2026

About the author

Samantha Blok lives in sunny Sydney, Australia, and is a hopeless creative at heart. She studied Fine Arts before going on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Education and English Literature, followed by a Master of Teaching. She worked as a teacher for several years, then somehow found herself in educational public policy.

By day, she writes about Very Serious Things. By night, she writes historical romance—usually of the Regency or Gothic variety—where heroines are sharp, heroes are brooding, and things tend to get delightfully improper.

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@samanthablok_

Reviews

[Marion Löw]

I can’t get enough of the Tollivers! This time, the author has created a hilarious Regency romp with it’s typical Tolliver charm— a great addition to the series—that had me laughing over and over again, thanks to the puns, farcical moments, and situational comedy packed with irony and witty dialogue—but also through unexpected twists and serious themes—she has succeeded in giving the story more emotional depth. The engaging plot is well written, well-paced, features rivals-to-lovers and the brother-in-law’s best friend tropes and brims with a whole cast of likable characters, emotions, humor, past trauma, and spice. The third book in the series centers on Charlotte “Lottie,” the most rebellious member of the Tolliver family, who would rather chase adventure and scandal than conform to society, let alone get married, and Jasper Deverell, Theo’s friend and a notorious rake who wants to live life to the fullest. I was already familiar with both of them from the previous books, and I found them both very likable right away back then. Lottie is a complex character. Behind her wild, rebellious personality lies a sensitive, vulnerable young woman with secrets and traumatic experiences that are revealed as the story unfolds. Jasper, too, isn’t just a superficial, pleasure-seeking rake—he’s also empathetic and supportive. Their mutual attraction, their competitive spirit, and the sizzling chemistry between them were palpable from the start, and I really liked how their relationship developed slowly and how Jasper respected Lottie’s boundaries.

After Lottie was embroiled in a scandal last season when her brothers-in-law caught her with Lord Marchmont, she was promptly banished to the countryside to live with her pious aunt, where she was bored to death. Now that time has passed and the matter has been forgotten, Lottie is finally allowed to return to London to find a husband for the new season. But Lottie has no intention of bowing to her relatives’ wishes. She wants neither to be married nor to be controlled, and certainly not to subject her life to social restrictions; instead, she wants to chase adventure and scandal once again, and Jasper Deverell, the best friend of her brother-in-law Theo and a charming rake in his own right, becomes her partner in crime. Jasper is drawn to the rebellious young woman, and soon a rivalry develops between them. Lottie challenges him to a series of wagers with increasingly scandalous stakes. Since neither of them wants to abide by social conventions and they don’t care about the consequences, they meet secretly for their games at unusual times and in even more unusual places…

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mix of Regency rom-com and drama, strong, rebellious heroines, charming, sensitive rakes, emotional depth, great character development, chaotic family dynamics, surprising twists, humor, and spice.

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.

[Steph]

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book and was not paid for my review.

***
Miss Charlotte Tolliver is back in London for her second Season and she is fiercely determined to cause as much trouble as possible. When she challenges the entirely too handsome Mr Jasper Deverell to a series of escalating wagers, a highly improper rivalry begins. As these dangerous games blur the line between winning and falling, we get an outrageously seductive Regency romance brimming with reckless games, wicked hands, and one charming heir on his knees.
- Regency romcom
- Fierce rivalry
- He begs on his knees
- Defying society
- Past scandal
***

Dearest Reader, you must know I am never so happy as I am when I find myself gallivanting, plotting, laughing and causing uproar with the Tollivers. Truly, it is maddeningly perfect.

So what can we expect from book three in this world I love? Lottie is up to bat, and not all is as it seems. Lottie is our wild child, the one who refuses to be cowed, caged or ever behave. So of course her family’s machinations to ensure she is wed before the Season is ended go about as well as can be expected. Thankfully, Lottie does not need to endure this alone. Jasper, our dashing and naughty hero, is on hand to encourage all kinds of bad behaviour in all kinds of inappropriate places. But unfortunately, our chaotic duo are both far more soft-hearted than they’d like to admit.

A series of wagers are made, which are entirely unsuitable for the society they both fight against, so where else to do them but in the dark hours of dawn and midnight? This book gets filthy far faster than the first two books, and yet does not lose any of the yearning and "will they? Won't they? Why won't they just get on with it!?" At no point could I predict what either of our main characters would do next, and boy, was it fun. I am only glad I am not the one trying to make them behave.

This book is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, not only from the sarcasm and wit between our flirting pair, but as always, the Tollivers and their chaos have you giggling and wishing for an invite to tea. I absolutely adored the increased presence of Lord Tolliver as a benevolent and surprisingly perceptive dad. Seriously, be still my beating heart, so adorable.

I am a sucker for an MMC on his knees, especially when he is not only explaining how wrong he was but willingly begging. Oh my. Yes, please. There is tension and a totally unexpected little wooden box with surprising contents. Lottie is special. She is vivacious and strong and determined, but beneath it all lie secrets that she tries so hard to hold strong with.

With a cheeky, funny and engaging narrator, a strong and soft FMC, an MMC who is pathetic for his girl, set in plenty of Regency-inspired (historians hush up) hijinks, this series is always a must-read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Genuinely laugh out loud funny, with plenty of yearning and spice.

[Bonnie]

Thanks to Booksirens for a copy of this book and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 3 of the series and the story centres around Charlotte Tolliver (Lottie). She is considered to be the more scandalous and reckless Tolliver and has been saved by her brothers in laws from certain ruination in the last book, and any hint of public scandal suppressed by her powerful brother in law, the dour Duke of Morleigh . After banishment to a distant family farm, Charlotte is recalled by her family to London, as her mother plans to relaunch Charlotte and marry her off, with the aide and aristocratic power of her married sisters and their husbands. But Charlotte does not want to be boxed in by societal expectations, and the strictures placed on her by her loving, but smothering family, who do not seem to understand that the last thing Charlotte wants is to be imprisoned in marriage and told what to do. Even when she loudly proclaims this, they ignore her, planning her social engagements and a respectable marriage in the near future.

In open defiance of their plans, Lottie plans rebellion, and reels in the help of Mr. Jasper Deverell, charming, handsome rake, heir to an earldom, and best friend of her brother in law Theo. Jasper also has no plans to marry but finds himself admiring Charlotte's boldness, and both drawn to her and empathizing with her. Together they conspire together to embark on a series of wagers that Charlotte devises, with their forfeits becoming more scandalously intimate, until they are caught out.

Then Jasper is given an ultimatum, to do the right thing by Miss Charlotte Tolliver and marry her, or sever their relationship before she is ruined by the scandal. Except that Jasper is aware of Charlotte's refusal to marry and be trapped, and as he is the only who has been willing to listen to her, he is the only one to discover the truth behind her scandal and her past, and that there is much more to her behaviour than mere rebellion, and the desire to go her own way and flout the society rules and expectations for young women.

I love the development of Charlotte and Jasper's relationship and the revelation of why Charlotte is acting as she does. From the previous book, she appeared to be superficial and selfish, but that is a perspective that is proven to be erroneous. Steamy, sexy historical romance with wonderfully drawn characters and lovely development of depth to them and their relationship. Also of her family relationships as well, because there is love there, but definitely a lack of understanding and listening to Charlotte as well, and perhaps of her father as well, since he seems to see her differently from the others, but is perhaps dismissed because of his own eccentricities.

Love the bonus epilogue as well. So far, my favourite of the series.

4.75 stars out of 5

[Hannah]

Absolutely wonderful

There’s chaos. There’s determination. And then there’s Charlotte Tolliver. Read about her exploits in A Most Scandalous Wager.

After the dramatic end to the last Season, Lottie’s exile to the country is over. Now it’s back to London - to her family, to the *ton*, to the weight of expectations slowly crushing her. Lottie desires freedom, but her position as a noble born daughter means she is destined for marriage, or a cage, as she prefers to see it. Nevertheless, her family’s instructions are clear - Lottie *will* be engaged by the end of the Season.

But then the first event of the Season brings Jasper back onto her radar. Generally considered to be a rake, Lottie sees in him a worthy opponent. Fed up with the constraints of being a woman, she challenges him to a contest of ‘manly arts’ such as fencing, cards, riding and shooting.

Unfortunately, Lottie can’t outrun her family’s demands. But will she be able to choose her fate, or will it be just one more way for the men in her life to control her?

I am a massive fan of this series and I truly think this book is the best yet. Like the other titles in the series, it is packed with ridiculous situations, witty banter and scenes that would fit right into Bridgerton.

Lottie is a modern woman living before her time and she refuses to submit meekly. She is filled with passion and commits wholeheartedly to everything she does. Her struggles against well-meaning male relatives (and more generally the patriarchy) is a story that hits way too close to home for many women.

The romance in this story is slow burn. This partners-in-crime to lovers romance is most definitely open door, with plenty of spice across the whole book.

There are some quite major topics addressed in this book, and some may be triggering. It deals with blackmail, abduction, dubious consent (off page), bisexuality in a time when it was illegal, and all the evils associated with living as a woman in the 19th century.

While this book can be read as a standalone, Lottie’s story will make sense if you read the series in order.

If you are craving a Regency romance, or want a FMC who will not be held down or back, add A Most Scandalous Wager to the top of your TBR.

[Kristy]

Thanks Samantha for the free eARC via Booksirens! 💕

Lottie's story is a bit similar to Hetty's, in the way that they're both trying to make themselves unsuitable for marriage. But given that Hetty was the first Tolliver sister to debut, and what transpired in Georgie's story, everyone's a lot less lax with Lottie... making her even more determined to enjoy life while she still can! And honestly? I thought that was very relatable. 😌

The wagers were solid, their execution as well! Most of them taking place publicly made them even more enjoyable, as stolen glances and subtile remarks shared between Lottie and Jasper tied them closer together. 💖 While I liked Lottie, I adored Jasper. He's crushing hard and covertly gives her control right from the start, while Lottie is pulling the reins on their wicked affair. 🫦

Theo telling his best friend off made me appreciate him even more. He is, in all ways that matter, a brother to Hetty's sisters. 🥹 This kind of made me a little less impressed with their actual bother though. Without Ben, the fact that the men marrying into this wild family take up these roles to defend and protect the sisters would shine a positive light on the MMCs, rather than a negative one on their absent brother. 😐

Note that Samantha has always said that this series isn't exactly historically correct. If you (like me) hadn't noticed it much in this series so far, you will in this one. 🤭

I really liked Lottie's story, but not so much the way it was told. YES, books are and always will be political - and I absolutely agree with Samatha's takes I want to be told these things from the character's POV, and not in the author's Bridgerton-esque commentary. It's her prerogative to insert her views as the author, and I liked it in the preface, but it threw me off when placed in the middle of the book. 🤷‍♀️

I'd put this at 3.25 stars. If Ben weren't just a token character, and if expressing the aforementioned political opinions within the story were limited to characters, I'd have given this 4.5.

[Sarah Ann (Aldora Reads)]

A Most Scandalous Wager is, without a doubt, my favourite book in The Trouble with the Tollivers series so far.

Lottie has officially become my favourite Tolliver sister. She is witty, compassionate, and quietly determined, making her impossible not to love. Watching her story unfold was an absolute joy, and I found myself cheering her on every step of the way.

Jasper was everything I hoped he would be, and together he and Lottie had some of the best chemistry in the series. Their banter, tension, and growing connection felt effortless, making it impossible not to become invested in their relationship. More than once I found myself saying, “Just one more chapter,” only to realise I’d read far longer than I’d planned.

One thing I really appreciated was that the romance and the spice developed a little earlier than in the previous books. It felt completely natural for these characters and allowed their relationship to flourish while still leaving plenty of room for emotional growth and meaningful character development.

I also have to give a special mention to Lottie’s father. His unwavering support and encouragement of her was one of my favourite parts of the entire story. Their relationship added so much warmth and heart, reminding me that the family dynamics in this series are just as captivating as the romances themselves.

Samantha Blok has a wonderful way of creating characters who feel genuine and relationships that are impossible not to become invested in. The dialogue is witty, the romance is heartfelt, and every chapter left me eager to see what would happen next.

By the time I turned the final page, I was completely satisfied with Lottie and Jasper’s journey… and immediately wishing I already had the next Tolliver sister’s story in my hands.

Thank you to Samantha Blok for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. As always, these thoughts are entirely my own.

[M. K. Jacobs]

4.25 stars: This is a fun Regency story, the third in a series about a family of sisters finding their matches. Charlotte "Lottie" Anne Tolliver has been sent away to the country and is finally back in London for the Season. Her mother is convinced she will follow in her sisters' footsteps to make a proper match, but Lottie has no interest in being subdued or caged under anyone's control.

Lottie has always been an exciting character, and here she gets to shine as the heroine. She is very confident, but often selfish, and there were times when it felt like her plotlines and consequences were overly indulgent. In her older sister's books, all three of the oldest sisters had at least somewhat important roles, but here, Hetty and Georgie faded into the background as doting mothers, and the younger sisters still did not rise to any particular importance, which meant all the Tolliver antics in this book were Lottie's alone, further emphasizing her tendency to only consider herself. There were some laugh-out-loud moments and others that really made you think; there were a few sweet moments, too, and plenty of shocking ones.

The wager was a fun idea, but the cross-dressing went too far even for this family in my opinion, and I was shocked that the scheme advanced to include what ended up being (warning: spoiler) essentially murder. I still had a fun time reading this (although the epilogue was too much for my personal taste), and I definitely think Blok is talented at showing how nicely everything can work together when a couple both choose and understand each other.

Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Lori S.]

In this third book of The Trouble with the Tollivers series, we get to know Charlotte, the third daughter. In the previous book, Charlotte is saved from ruin and sent off to the care of an aunt in the country. At the beginning of this book, she is released from her detention and sent home to prepare for the current season. But Charlotte wants none of it and is absolutely furious at the way her life is being managed. She takes some comfort in Jasper Deverill, rake extraordinaire and friend to her BIL, Theo. In the course of events, wagers are set between the two, with Charlotte certain she can best Jasper in anything her tries. Meanwhile, the relationship takes hold, putting at risk Charlotte's control over her life.

This story delves even deeper than the two previous ones in the series. There's a lot below the surface and there are revelations made as time passes. Charlotte is very much desperate for her own autonomy where she can succeed or fail as she is able. The problem lies in the "need" for her to be courted and married off for her own good by those who love and care for her. The forfeits won by Lottie and Jasper make for some really fun scenes where they each wield power over the other. But sometimes it might just be that the loser gets more as much or more benefit than the winner. And the resolution to the issues is pretty satisfactory to the story when all the dust settles.

This was an excellent episode in the series, and I highly recommend to those who like some humour mixed with some more serious thought. I thank BookSirens and the writer for providing a free copy of this book. My feedback is totally voluntary.

[Hana Mahmud]

I knew from the very beginning of the book that a part of Charlotte exists inside a small, shameful part of me. Reading her story is the easiest when compared to the rest of the Tollivers sisters. Yet, it is the most vulnerable and rawest one I have read. She is unapologetically fierce and loud because of what has been robbed from her. It is clear where her explicit objection to marriage stems from and as a reader, I cannot blame her. Her vision tunnels whenever her sense of safety is threatened especially more so when she realizes the people around her do not see that.

The book deconstructs themes of gender and accountability in that time period with unyielding scrutiny albeit viewing the story from a modern lens. I have no qualms with this because it makes the reading experience more exciting and refreshing. We do not see an mmc who is trying to prove that marriage alone solves every social problems and scandals a lady has. The mmc is gentle in all the right ways. I adore these two main characters immensely. I only wished we could see more of his relationship with his family, and why the connection there is so tensed. Regardless, I don't think the lack of it takes much away from the story. The story is still gorgeously written.

I wish to say more, but I cannot do that without spoiling the rest of the book because believe me, if I am given an opportunity to analyse and pick apart every scene, I will. I suggest you pick this book up blind and without any expectations or preconceived notions. Thank you to the author for sending me an advanced copy of her work. This review is voluntary and mine.

[Eileen]

I love the dysfunctional, eccentric, scandalous, but loving Tolliver family and I admire an author who can write a series about siblings in which the main characters and story lines are all so different. While continuing the fun, humour, wit, sarcasm and madcap scenes of the previous books, this one has a very serious theme. Charlotte (Lottie) is the wild child of the family, a 'modern miss,' confined by the codes of behaviour and expectations of the regency world, particularly the subservience of women and the hypocrisy between the sexes. The revelation of what underlies her rebellion makes, I think, the rawest scenes so far in the series and is all too believable.

Jasper is a very attractive and naughty MMC, nursing his own vulnerabilities and hurts and I so wanted them to understand each other. (Why though is Jasper always referred to as Mr Deverell? Surely, as the heir to an Earl he would be Lord Deverell or even have a courtesy title, if his father holds a subsidiary one. I think this is important to emphasise the expectations placed on him.)

I loved too the development of Lord Tolliver - not such the absent minded eccentric after all and a very touching part of the story.

This is a spicier story than the previous 2, but it works well within the context. However, I read the bonus 'Tollivers After Dark' despite the warning and that bit was too much for me. I do hope that Samantha Blok isn't going to take the rest of the family down the erotica route.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca Love]

4⭐️

Lottie tolliver is quite possibly the most entertaining of the siblings given her penchant for doing whatever it is she pleases. It makes for a very funny read.

I enjoyed getting to see more of the younger siblings, very much needed since the last two books are for them. But of course its the parents and the interactions lottie has with her brothers-in-law that were most entertaining.

But we also look at how society effects women. The use of the situation with marchmont that we first encountered in the previous book to show how far that goes was very well done. Seeing it from lotties pov, learning her truth was a very powerful moment.

I enjoyed the wager aspect of the book. Jasper is the perfect match for lottie and the banter was well done. (There's also a very steamy extra spice scene at the end of the book that is excellent)

For me though I have to disagree with the wedding being skipped over (even if according to the author people find it dull) if i am here for romance i want that man to cry at his wedding. I do wish we had gotten a little more romance out of lottie, i know it's not her style but it felt a tad one sided with all of jasper's begging.

Overlql though i really enjoyed the book and i look forward to the next one. I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book.

[Mary Gosse]

I loved this book! I had been anxiously awaiting the release of another Tolliver family book, and this latest installment did not disappoint! I have also read the two other previous books (also fantastic), but this could be read as a stand-alone if desired, as previous characters and plot lines were reviewed when necessary.

Lottie was a great character - very competitive and always looking to start a minor scandal and to push the boundaries of being a lady in society. But her family loved her and did what they thought was best to support her regardless. Like in the previous books, there were many hilarious family scenes and delicious banter between the main characters. I missed some of the sister-scheming that was prevalent in previous books, but Lottie was more of a fierce competitor (along with Jasper) and the plot of this book really highlighted and dove into that. Both main characters were complex and multi-layered, and the dialogue was smooth, believable, and wildly entertaining at times. There were also a few good twists to keep the plot interesting throughout!

Overall, this was another fantastic and wonderfully written book by Samantha Blok, and I highly recommend it! I can’t wait until the next one comes out! Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for the free advanced copy, this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Aria]

A Most Scandalous Wager is a delightful Regency rom-com filled with sharp banter, outrageous challenges, undeniable chemistry, and plenty of scandalous fun. Charlotte Tolliver is an absolute joy to follow: bold, mischievous, independent, and completely unwilling to let Society decide how she should live.
The rivalry between Charlotte and Jasper is the heart of the story, and I loved every competitive exchange between them. Their wagers create so many entertaining situations, while the forfeits steadily turn their battle of wills into something far more personal. The chemistry is fantastic, and their relationship develops with just the right balance of humour, tension, and tenderness.
I also appreciated the way Charlotte’s desire for freedom is woven into the romance. Her struggle against expectations gives the story more depth beneath all the fun, and her character growth feels satisfying without taking away from her rebellious spirit. The returning complications and old wounds add emotional weight to the plot, too.
This was everything I wanted from a historical romantic comedy: clever, dramatic, flirtatious, and thoroughly entertaining. I adored Charlotte and Jasper, laughed my way through their rivalry, and completely devoured this book. Five stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dora]

Bold doesn't even begin to describe Lottie. Defiant, audacious, indomitable, adventurous, and utterly unrepentant, she was willing to face everyone, even the entire world, to maintain her independence and stay true to herself. I was impressed by everything she was willing to do to avoid being controlled, and although I questioned her poor judgment several times, I never stopped following her adventures with interest. Jasper Deverell was full of surprises. The world's expectations didn't allow him to be himself, and all he could do was maintain a facade that Lottie was threatening. This story turned out better than I expected. I started reading amused, things got more intriguing, I was on the edge of my seat with the twists, and I finished with my eyes wide open, smiling. I devoured the pages of my e-reader because I was eager to know the ending, which I had no idea how the author was going to handle. With a protagonist who was completely unconventional and whose behavior didn't exactly inspire sympathy, I didn't think a satisfying ending was likely. How wrong I was. Together, Jasper and Lottie were forging a future that allowed them to be themselves. I'm eager to read Marianne's story. Voluntarily reviewed this copy I received from BookSirens.

[Denise]

I absolutely loved the Tolliver book series until now. First, the characters, Charlotte was too over the top for me. I get where it came from, somewhat but ... Now, before anyone gets upset, that's read it. Let's say I have some history, so I feel I can express my feelings. I liked Jasper and all he'd been through, but was surprised he didn't figure it out sooner.

Now, the biggest problem for me was the other characters. They did not sound like themselves at all! And this difference is what drove the story, so did the author change the characters to fit the narrative? Yes, I think so and found that very disappointing. Georgie acting like a queen and the Duke - all he did was glare, Hetty was hugely pregnant and Theo seemed very unconcerned about it while running around after Lottie. Then, the story that concerns the Duke and Theo, which does not sound like them at all!! How can characters I loved in the last two books be so callous? I don't think they would, therefore this ruined this book for me. Also Mr Tolliver seemed so in tune with Lottie, yet he didn't at least realize something? Badly done, although I can't give a rating lower than 3 stars.

[Ana]

So you're going to feel one of two ways about this book - you'll love it, or you're a reader of HR who likes 1) historical accuracy and 2) characters to fall in to a certain confidence interval of behaviour.

For eg, in the vast majority of HR, a "rake" isn't actually that often a complete ratbag, they're usually just a bit misunderstood and most of their shenanigans are referenced early on in a book and then vanish in to a cloud of propriety once they meet the FMC. There are shelves full of books where there is a heroine who "chafes againsts society" but inevitably they end up a Duchess who has… a library or a love of stuffed bats which is entirely accepted by society ... anyway something like that, you know what I man.

Anyway - this is not that book. Both characters are likeable, dislikeable, complicated, sweet, misunderstood - all at once. The wider universe of the Tollivers is really fun and I am looking forward to more books from Samantha Blok who is a talented author.

It's fun - the dialogue is witty, the characters have depth and I recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis]

Miss Charlotte Tolliver has returned to London for her second Season with a singular objective: to enjoy herself as thoroughly—and improperly—as possible.
She is being returned to London for the season and the bosom of her family after her penance in the country with her aunt has been served.
We have a hero or villain in the form of Mr Jasper Deverell heir to an Earl and always in pursuit of scandalous and daring! The perfect foil for Charlotte to engage in several wagers with!
Jasper who scoffs at love and decorum and devotion doesn’t know what to majestic of Charlotte aka Lottie and is smitten before he knows it!
Lottie has secrets and she won’t be chained or caged and that’s all she thinks marriage is! Can Jasper teach her otherwise.
Lottie makes one scandalous endeavor after another and when an old nemesis appears for blackmail will the consequences are devastating.
Just when she and Jasper decide enough is enough their fates are decided! Lottie will marry one wsy or another but to whom!? There is an epilogue and I appreciate the warning on whether to read it or not. I received an ARC copy from BookSirens for my unbiased opinion!

[Rose Seals]

Well written, full of scandal, society, love, drama, steamy, laughs, secrets, family, friends, twists and turns. Charlotte Toliver is sent to the family's country home after a scandal but needs to return to London. Hearing that they want her to marry and "Lottie" wants to be free to make her own choices. So what's a girl to do but rebel. Jasper Deverell , heir to an Earldom, is her brother's friend, who enjoys being a rake. Jasper likes the way Lottie handles her family and how they try to handle or control her. Able to laugh at some of the things that happen. As life happens to Lottie , things go wrong before they get better. The Tolliver family is a mixed up ball of humor , scandal and love, so great. The storyline keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. The characters both old and new are strong, witty, amazing with a reaction to every interaction. Would recommend this story to everyone along with the rest of the series.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Heather]

This was an enjoyable, and enlightening, story. It centers on a young woman in the Regency era who is expected to live within the confines of society’s rules, but finds herself chafing at the bonds.

Lottie is a sister in the Tolliver family, a highly amusing group of people. She and Jasper, a dashing son of a Lord, find themselves in competition, with one wager after another drawing them ever closer to one another.

While this book is described as a Regency rom-com, I would dare to say it is also a lesson in women’s rights (or lack thereof) and the struggles women went through to gain even a modicum of independence. Lottie was a woman bent on having autonomy, and luckily Jasper was man enough to understand.

If you’re looking for a historical romantic comedy that will entertain and enlighten you, and make you laugh and sigh, I recommend this one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Richard]

A strong book with a fine twist, which while it is strongly hinted at earlier still lands powerfully. As warned before we start on the story itself, Lottie is a challenging character as she behaves in a contrary and selfish way to the potential serious detriment of the rest of her family.

She seems to revel in outrageous behaviour, indulging in scandalous wagers with Jasper as he also shows little care for the others around him.

However the pair of them become more emotionally enmeshed and we start to care more for the outcome.

Towards the end there are two pieces of serous drama in what might have seemed to this point as a quite lighthearted story. There is spice here along with the action and romance, plus a bonus chapter that seems to indicate that the author might want to explore writing sexually direct stories.

[Carolina CHC]

This series never fails to make me smile. The Tolliver family and their new spouses are hilariously on point every time, and the author's habit of stepping into the story to comment and warn the reader is a delight. I'm already eager to read about the rest of the family.

This installment gives us the third Tolliver sister, Lottie, falling for Jasper, her brother-in-law's best friend. She made quite an impression on him back in book one, and remembering it still makes me laugh. Their dynamic is drawn perfectly, complex and funny in equal measure. Can't wait to see who's next. For me this is a 4.5 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ashleigh]

Thank you to BookSirens and Samantha Blok for this ARC.

A Most Scandalous Wager is the third book in The Trouble with the Tollivers series and it follows Charlotte Tolliver the third Tollliver daughter and Jasper Deverell he is the son of an earl. Charlotte Tolliver is in London for her second season and she hopes to enjoy it thoroughly and improperly as possible and Miss Charlotte Toliver values her independence. Miss Charlotte Tolliver aims to best Mr Jasper Deverell in anything a man can do. I enjoyed their wager and how Charlotte found herself in love with Mr Jasper Deverell eventually. I am looking forward to Marianne's book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bookish_Fantasy_Queen]

Here we go again with the Tolliver siblings! Samantha does it again! I thoroughly enjoyed Lottie's (Charlotte) story about channelling life in the 1800's as a woman who is expected to conform to so many ridiculous standards/expectations and rules.

Her journey through life has not been easy as a free spirit and she certainly found a great partner in crime in Jasper! He challenged her in ways that only exhilarated her.

When her past looms to threaten what little joy she has, Jasper is there to help. This is such a fun read and "stick it to the man" story that I could not help but enjoy it immensely! Lottie sure is a spitfire that will get what she deserves!

I'm looking forward to reading about more of these troubling siblings!

Thank you Samantha Blok for this ARC

[Brittany]

A great return to the Tollivers. Blok has once again invited the reader into the perfectly topsy turvy world of an unconventional London society family. This installment features the family’s third daughter Lottie, and her story is not what it first appears. The reader is granted the privilege of not only reading all the heroine’s wild and wicked ways, but learning why she felt the need to behave in such a manner. Jasper, the Mmc, is the perfect example of why reformed rakes make the best husbands. This book was more adventurous than the previous two, but would anyone expect anything less with these main characters? A story of growth, acceptance, love, and learning told with regency flair and packed with humor.

[Brooke Ishly]

Samantha Blok’s A Most Scandalous Wager is a witty and unconventional historical romance featuring the fiercely independent Lottie Tolliver and the charmingly irreverent Jasper Deverell. What begins as a rivalry of wagers and sharp banter gradually develops into an intense romance that challenges both characters’ ideas about love, marriage, and freedom. Lottie’s rebellious spirit and Jasper’s confidence create fantastic chemistry, while Blok’s playful prose, lively dialogue, and self-aware humour keep the story engaging. With themes of independence, equality, and choosing love on one’s own terms, this is a fun, scandalous read for fans of unconventional historical romance

[Millie Bowker]

Charlotte and Jasper's story was everything I wanted it to be!!🤍
Hot, steamy & filled with yearning angst!! I completely loved how Charlotte will not be changed by anyone or anything & is entirely herself no matter what!

Their story was so different to most of the other romances of the era and I was fully sold from page one! The extra epilogue (Tollivers After Dark) was EVERYTHING - Samantha you have the vivid imagination! 🔥

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC as always - all opinions are my own!✨

[Nina Helen]

I laughed and I cried. I was expecting chaos after reading the previous books. Oh, there was delicious chaos, but there was a kind of calm within between Lottie and Jasper even in the chaos.

I loved the interactions with characters from previous books (even the tragic one, it was deserved) particularly the character in the very cheeky bonus chapter.

I enjoyed it very much!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jill]

Quite a romp! Charlotte is a bold character, with some hurt underneath. Deverell is a bold character with some hurt underneath. Both push limits and pretend they don't care what anyone thinks. The characters are extremely well developed as we learn more about them. The writing style is a hoot, and I loved it! I loved the warnings, the options to skip a racy part or to learn through the side notes what was going on. An incredibly fun book to read with lots of spice!

[NelleRenn]

Even though this book isn’t historically correct, it is very humorous. I greatly enjoyed the witty bantering. The FMC is back for her second season with a mother wanting her married off, but she wants adventure. The MMC is a friend of the family and a rake who can’t turn down a wager. They get into mischief, but along the way they come to trust each other. This is the third book in the series and well worth waiting for.

[Kylan Hennon]

The third installment of these books and they just get better and better. I love getting to read each of these girls different stories while still getting updated about the previous girls! If you haven’t started any of these books I highly recommend. Although the troublesome pair of Lottie and jasper might just be my favorite!