What do you think?
Rate this book
The Notorious Flynns #3
The Widow Wager
Crispin Flynn has been on a downward spiral ever since he lost the woman he loved and watched his brother forced into a life he never would have chosen. His response has been drinking and gambling his way to utter ruin. One night, deep in his cups, he places a dangerous bet that results in him being forced to marry Gemma, the widow of the Earl of Laurelcross.
Gemma once had a passionate side, but has been hiding it ever since her much older husband died during the act of making love. Now she finds herself the much unwanted wife of one of the biggest libertines in London and the subject of even more gossip than ever.
Once they determine they cannot escape the marriage, the two begin a slow circling of each other. Passion is easy, but can they overcome mistrust and secrets in order to make the worst night of their lives one of their best? Or are they bound to lose each other before their love can take root?
Gemma once had a passionate side, but has been hiding it ever since her much older husband died during the act of making love. Now she finds herself the much unwanted wife of one of the biggest libertines in London and the subject of even more gossip than ever.
Once they determine they cannot escape the marriage, the two begin a slow circling of each other. Passion is easy, but can they overcome mistrust and secrets in order to make the worst night of their lives one of their best? Or are they bound to lose each other before their love can take root?
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2015
76 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
128 books1,577 followersJess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 18, 2015
That cover!! It's one thing I miss about reading print books...being able to let the cover art sweep me into the story before I ever start reading.
Jess Michaels wrote one of my all time favorite reads, Everything Forbidden. For some reason I haven't read any more of hers but I saw this on Net Galley and snatched it up. So happy I did. This book was perhaps not as naughty as Everything Forbidden...definitely tame enough for the mainstream market. But she's still got plenty of sizzle along with her story!
Crispin was an interesting hero...I appreciate those more and more with every cliche romance I read. Crispin lost the woman he loved, had some family problems, and turned to alcohol to wallow in his own misery. He gambles and drinks and sleeps his way through the town until the night he drunkenly gambles his way into sleeping with the same woman for the rest of his life. Forced to marry Gemma after losing his card game to her father, Crispin surprises Gemma and myself by turning out to be a stand up guy. I loved his character. He wasn't a villain, he wasn't a rake. He was just at a low point in his life and inadvertently forced himself into waking up.
Gemma and her sister are initially objects of pity, but of course they dont' stay that way. Gemma may not be all that thrilled about her father forcing her to marry a man she doesn't know...again...but she quickly sees that Crispin is a vastly different man than her emotionally unstable and abusive first husband. Not to mention that their nightime...and daytime...activities are no longer times of hidden shame, but times for her sexuality to be enjoyed. Crispin loves her sensuality and fervor for their sex life, and Gemma opens up in ways she never thought she could.
I'd love to get some more of the two brother's background and stories and I'm assuming that their books have already been written. I'm thrilled to say that I enjoyed this very much. Michaels writes sweet and sexy and has officially won me over :D:D
Advance copy provided for review
Jess Michaels wrote one of my all time favorite reads, Everything Forbidden. For some reason I haven't read any more of hers but I saw this on Net Galley and snatched it up. So happy I did. This book was perhaps not as naughty as Everything Forbidden...definitely tame enough for the mainstream market. But she's still got plenty of sizzle along with her story!
Crispin was an interesting hero...I appreciate those more and more with every cliche romance I read. Crispin lost the woman he loved, had some family problems, and turned to alcohol to wallow in his own misery. He gambles and drinks and sleeps his way through the town until the night he drunkenly gambles his way into sleeping with the same woman for the rest of his life. Forced to marry Gemma after losing his card game to her father, Crispin surprises Gemma and myself by turning out to be a stand up guy. I loved his character. He wasn't a villain, he wasn't a rake. He was just at a low point in his life and inadvertently forced himself into waking up.
Gemma and her sister are initially objects of pity, but of course they dont' stay that way. Gemma may not be all that thrilled about her father forcing her to marry a man she doesn't know...again...but she quickly sees that Crispin is a vastly different man than her emotionally unstable and abusive first husband. Not to mention that their nightime...and daytime...activities are no longer times of hidden shame, but times for her sexuality to be enjoyed. Crispin loves her sensuality and fervor for their sex life, and Gemma opens up in ways she never thought she could.
I'd love to get some more of the two brother's background and stories and I'm assuming that their books have already been written. I'm thrilled to say that I enjoyed this very much. Michaels writes sweet and sexy and has officially won me over :D:D
Advance copy provided for review
April 21, 2015
oh my!, the Flynns are at it again!
OK, so Crispin Flynn is a drinker ... HEAVY drinker. And one morning, he wakes up to ... wait for it .... a wife in his bed! No recollection. Nothing. Nada. Zip. I love a good historical humor with a side of sexy fun and Jess Michaels delivers EVERY time! By far, this is the sexiest Flynn story. You see, Gemma, Crispin's now wife, has a bit of a kinky~kink side! So yes, when they DO finally come together, it's HoooooOOOOOt! LOL
OK, so the story goes like this. Crispin is drinking and playing cards with guess who? Yup, Gemma's daddy. And he does not win (or does he? lol) The wager .... he's got to marry his daughter, THAT NIGHT. He's 10 sheets to the wind, so Gemma has to repeat this entire story to the man the next morning. WELL, Crispin isn't having any of this so he decides that going to his brother for help is the only solution. Well, THAT didn't work because they LOVED Gemma!Hmmmmmm, so I guess Crispin is just gonna have to make lemonade out of these lemons he's bought for himself! (lol) And he does, and it's a sweet and tart lemonade. They both have secrets and pasts they must share to overcome and move past. Gemma is a little more forthcoming than Crispin is but in the end, he comes around!
There's a whole lot of HOTNESS in-between that I refuse to tell you because it is THE BEST PART OF THE BOOK!
#TRUESTORY kids, The Notorious Flynns did not get that name for nothing! Go forth and enjoy yourself a little kinky historical!
ARC provided by Victory Editing via NetGalley for an honest review!
OK, so Crispin Flynn is a drinker ... HEAVY drinker. And one morning, he wakes up to ... wait for it .... a wife in his bed! No recollection. Nothing. Nada. Zip. I love a good historical humor with a side of sexy fun and Jess Michaels delivers EVERY time! By far, this is the sexiest Flynn story. You see, Gemma, Crispin's now wife, has a bit of a kinky~kink side! So yes, when they DO finally come together, it's HoooooOOOOOt! LOL
OK, so the story goes like this. Crispin is drinking and playing cards with guess who? Yup, Gemma's daddy. And he does not win (or does he? lol) The wager .... he's got to marry his daughter, THAT NIGHT. He's 10 sheets to the wind, so Gemma has to repeat this entire story to the man the next morning. WELL, Crispin isn't having any of this so he decides that going to his brother for help is the only solution. Well, THAT didn't work because they LOVED Gemma!Hmmmmmm, so I guess Crispin is just gonna have to make lemonade out of these lemons he's bought for himself! (lol) And he does, and it's a sweet and tart lemonade. They both have secrets and pasts they must share to overcome and move past. Gemma is a little more forthcoming than Crispin is but in the end, he comes around!
There's a whole lot of HOTNESS in-between that I refuse to tell you because it is THE BEST PART OF THE BOOK!
#TRUESTORY kids, The Notorious Flynns did not get that name for nothing! Go forth and enjoy yourself a little kinky historical!
ARC provided by Victory Editing via NetGalley for an honest review!
September 10, 2016
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars.
This is the third book in Ms. Michaels’ Notorious Flynns series, and focuses on Crispin, the younger brother of the new Duke of Hartholm, and a young man who has, for the past few months, been bent on self-destruction. It’s a fairly quick read, with possibly more sex scenes than one might normally find in a book of this length – not that I’m complaining! Jess Michaels writes them very well indeed, as one would expect of an author with fifty or so romances to her name. But the downside to that is that while Ms. Michaels has provided both hero and heroine with a fair amount of emotional baggage as a way of adding depth to their characterisation, the amount of time spent in the bedroom combined with the short-ish page-count means that their issues are resolved too quickly, especially considering the fact that Crispin is pretty much an alcoholic at the beginning of the story.
Crispin Flynn has always had a reputation as a hell-raiser, but ever since his brother Rafe suddenly found himself in possession of a title and a wife he didn’t want, his downward spiral has accelerated. Waking up one morning to find himself married to a woman he has never met sobers him abruptly - albeit temporarily. He is determined to find a way out of the union – he was in his cups and appears to have won her in a game of cards, so it surely can’t be legal. His brother is a duke, and even though they have been somewhat estranged for a while, surely someone with his power and influence will be able to find Crispin a way out.
His new wife, Gemma, formerly the Countess of Laurelcross, is no happier at finding herself married to a notorious rake, but given the dreadful rumours that are already circulating throughout society about her, will be utterly and completely ruined should her new husband be able to cast her off. Society will care nothing for the fact that she was humiliated and all but sold by her avaricious father – but if it were only her own reputation at stake, Gemma would brave the censure in order to gain her freedom. Unfortunately, however, she has a younger sister who is still dependent on their father, and any further stain on Gemma’s name will attach itself to Mary as well.
Realising that there is no good way out of the marriage, Crispin and Gemma decide to make the best of things, although both of them are keeping secrets that they are reluctant to divulge. Gemma comes clean first, telling the story of her miserable first marriage to a man who just wanted a brood-mare and then became cruel when she didn’t fall pregnant, and then telling Crispin of the rumours circulating that she killed him. But she is disappointed when Crispin doesn’t return the favour. He’s been drinking himself into oblivion day after day, and has managed to lose more than half his fortune at the gaming tables – and he won’t tell her why.
There were a number of things I really liked about this story. The familial relationships between Crispin, Rafe and their sister (and their respective spouses) are very well written and show clearly that the Flynns are a close-knit, loving family who look out for each other no matter what. They welcome Gemma unconditionally, giving her the sort of affection and support she’s never previously experienced. Gemma herself is a great heroine – even though life has battered her about a fair bit, she’s not going to give in without a fight and will do whatever she must to prevent her sister from treading the same path. She regains her confidence and owns her own sexuality – which naturally delights her new husband – even though she’d been made to feel ashamed of her own desires in her previous marriage. She’s intuitive and sensitive, hoping that her love and acceptance will help him to climb out of the pit he’s been so industriously digging for himself. Crispin is an attractive hero, in spite of his drinking, and the author does a good job in showing how close to the edge he is all the time in his continual cravings for a drink. He does manage to resist for a time, but he slips eventually, despite his good intentions. The most attractive thing about him, though, is the way he asks for and respects Gemma’s opinion – which is something that takes her completely by surprise. They make a good couple, both having unpleasantness in their pasts but who have the potential to heal with the help of the other.
The problem with the book is that when Crispin’s motivations for his headlong rush into self-destruction are finally revealed, they’re really weak and make rather a nonsense of the whole thing. He’s been labouring under a massive misapprehension as to the true nature of the woman he’d loved and lost, but even so, his reaction – given the nature of their relationship – is extreme, and stretched my credulity too far. And the other problem is that he is able to get over his craving for alcohol without too much trouble; that’s an issue I’ve found in other books I’ve read where one of the protagonists has an addiction of some kind, so this one isn’t alone in that.
Those two things apart, The Widow Wager is a well written and enjoyable story that uses one of my favourite tropes – the forced marriage – and does it with aplomb. The characterisation is strong all around, the sex scenes are hot and we definitely get the sense of a strong emotional connection forming between Crispin and Gemma. Had Crispin’s motivations been rather more plausible, this would have been a very strong B grade book. As it is, I’m going with a C+ – it’s worth reading, but the big reveal was a disappointment.
This is the third book in Ms. Michaels’ Notorious Flynns series, and focuses on Crispin, the younger brother of the new Duke of Hartholm, and a young man who has, for the past few months, been bent on self-destruction. It’s a fairly quick read, with possibly more sex scenes than one might normally find in a book of this length – not that I’m complaining! Jess Michaels writes them very well indeed, as one would expect of an author with fifty or so romances to her name. But the downside to that is that while Ms. Michaels has provided both hero and heroine with a fair amount of emotional baggage as a way of adding depth to their characterisation, the amount of time spent in the bedroom combined with the short-ish page-count means that their issues are resolved too quickly, especially considering the fact that Crispin is pretty much an alcoholic at the beginning of the story.
Crispin Flynn has always had a reputation as a hell-raiser, but ever since his brother Rafe suddenly found himself in possession of a title and a wife he didn’t want, his downward spiral has accelerated. Waking up one morning to find himself married to a woman he has never met sobers him abruptly - albeit temporarily. He is determined to find a way out of the union – he was in his cups and appears to have won her in a game of cards, so it surely can’t be legal. His brother is a duke, and even though they have been somewhat estranged for a while, surely someone with his power and influence will be able to find Crispin a way out.
His new wife, Gemma, formerly the Countess of Laurelcross, is no happier at finding herself married to a notorious rake, but given the dreadful rumours that are already circulating throughout society about her, will be utterly and completely ruined should her new husband be able to cast her off. Society will care nothing for the fact that she was humiliated and all but sold by her avaricious father – but if it were only her own reputation at stake, Gemma would brave the censure in order to gain her freedom. Unfortunately, however, she has a younger sister who is still dependent on their father, and any further stain on Gemma’s name will attach itself to Mary as well.
Realising that there is no good way out of the marriage, Crispin and Gemma decide to make the best of things, although both of them are keeping secrets that they are reluctant to divulge. Gemma comes clean first, telling the story of her miserable first marriage to a man who just wanted a brood-mare and then became cruel when she didn’t fall pregnant, and then telling Crispin of the rumours circulating that she killed him. But she is disappointed when Crispin doesn’t return the favour. He’s been drinking himself into oblivion day after day, and has managed to lose more than half his fortune at the gaming tables – and he won’t tell her why.
There were a number of things I really liked about this story. The familial relationships between Crispin, Rafe and their sister (and their respective spouses) are very well written and show clearly that the Flynns are a close-knit, loving family who look out for each other no matter what. They welcome Gemma unconditionally, giving her the sort of affection and support she’s never previously experienced. Gemma herself is a great heroine – even though life has battered her about a fair bit, she’s not going to give in without a fight and will do whatever she must to prevent her sister from treading the same path. She regains her confidence and owns her own sexuality – which naturally delights her new husband – even though she’d been made to feel ashamed of her own desires in her previous marriage. She’s intuitive and sensitive, hoping that her love and acceptance will help him to climb out of the pit he’s been so industriously digging for himself. Crispin is an attractive hero, in spite of his drinking, and the author does a good job in showing how close to the edge he is all the time in his continual cravings for a drink. He does manage to resist for a time, but he slips eventually, despite his good intentions. The most attractive thing about him, though, is the way he asks for and respects Gemma’s opinion – which is something that takes her completely by surprise. They make a good couple, both having unpleasantness in their pasts but who have the potential to heal with the help of the other.
The problem with the book is that when Crispin’s motivations for his headlong rush into self-destruction are finally revealed, they’re really weak and make rather a nonsense of the whole thing. He’s been labouring under a massive misapprehension as to the true nature of the woman he’d loved and lost, but even so, his reaction – given the nature of their relationship – is extreme, and stretched my credulity too far. And the other problem is that he is able to get over his craving for alcohol without too much trouble; that’s an issue I’ve found in other books I’ve read where one of the protagonists has an addiction of some kind, so this one isn’t alone in that.
Those two things apart, The Widow Wager is a well written and enjoyable story that uses one of my favourite tropes – the forced marriage – and does it with aplomb. The characterisation is strong all around, the sex scenes are hot and we definitely get the sense of a strong emotional connection forming between Crispin and Gemma. Had Crispin’s motivations been rather more plausible, this would have been a very strong B grade book. As it is, I’m going with a C+ – it’s worth reading, but the big reveal was a disappointment.
dnf
August 23, 2020DNFed @47%
For this woman, there was nothing special about the guy, really any hard d**k would have done. Yeah, I get it, she enjoyed sex and was horny but still! I need to feel that there's something going on between the leads, even if it's just attraction. To me, she was just happy with the guy because he could get it up.
For this woman, there was nothing special about the guy, really any hard d**k would have done. Yeah, I get it, she enjoyed sex and was horny but still! I need to feel that there's something going on between the leads, even if it's just attraction. To me, she was just happy with the guy because he could get it up.
April 2, 2015
I got this ARC via Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“The Widow Wager” by Jess Michaels is the 3rd one in the “Notorious Flynn” series and by god, it’s the hottest so far, so steamy that it is hard to describe.
One morning Crispin wakes up in the sitee in his bedroom and has a bad hangover. The only thing he notices is that somebody is asleep in his bad. When the redhead moves, he is happy that she is dressed but also wonders about it. Within seconds she tells him that she’s Gemma – his wife. The only problem is that Crispin has no clue how it happened, the night before he wasn’t married at all nor did he ever wanted to get married.
Gemma, young and beautiful, doesn’t mind telling him about the card game he had with his dad and that her father actually won, that’s the reason why he had to marry her. Gemma, a very young window with a scandalous death on her hands, had lived with her father and sister Mary and the first wanted to get rid of her. Now he had only his younger daughter Mary in his possession. Gemma’s father had dragged her towards a priest and they had to marry within the same night – Crispin doesn’t remember a single minute of it.
The only possibility he sees to get rid of her and end this marriage is the help of his brother, Rafe, the Earl of Hartholm. When they arrive there in the morning, Crispin hadn’t visited his family in months and couldn’t know that his sister in law, Seraphina, only gave birth to their first son the night before. A boy who is also named after him. Plus he has to admit to himself that he maybe has an alcohol problem Gemma doesn’t tolerate.
The Flynn’s welcome Gemma to their family, even their mother is very friendly to her and when Rafe and Crispin talk, Rafe asks him what he thinks that Gemma wants. But what does she want? He cannot tell it because he never had given it a thought. But his older brother also lets him know that there is a scandal about her later husband’s death and that people say that she may has killed him.
Over the next couple of days they share a lot of intimacies. Gemma welcomes him to her bad, is very open and never refuses him. They are connected in a sexual way. But he has his secrets. When Crispin asks her about her past and the death of her husband, she tells him but he doesn’t tell her his secrets. He withdraws more and more the closer they get.
But they also have to think about Mary and Crispin offers his brother’s help to chaperone her and give her a season. Gemma is insecure if Rafe is really willing to do so but the Flynn’s know about her father, the way he threatened his daughters over the years because she didn’t keep any secrets.
No marriage can work, not even in name, when there are secrets and rumors involved, not in society. Not in London. Not even in the Flynn family.
Oh my god, when I read this book I blushed. Those sex scenes were pretty explicit from the beginning and it was so hot. When I arrived in Milano I had to three books with me. I finished both Nicola Cornick books and this one and I really told myself that I will finish the other ones before I give myself time to read it – I wasn’t able to finish it in Milan but back at home in Vienna – which isn’t that bad either. Anyway … this book was hot.
You have to love Gemma and Crispin, though I have to say that my favorite character is Seraphina to be honest. I love her. She is the best of all the females so far. Gemma is different but also shares similarities with her because they share the kind of marriage – an arranged marriage. Annabelle married out of love but Gemma and Seraphina were pushed into situations they had to learn to deal with. Those two together could be the base for a great story in my opinion because of Seraphina’s influence in society and Gemma’s love for sex. I can imagine kinky things.
All those Flynn men must be quite handsome. I mean those rakes … and finally one of those has a passionate, seductive wife, who cannot get enough of her husband, who is brave, self-confident and self-secure. When her husband hurts her, she doesn’t give in. When he only tells her parts of his secret, she doesn’t push him but tries to find out herself even risking to make everything worse.
I loved it, really loved it. I read the second half of the book in the tub after driving 900km because I had to know how it ends. And I cannot imagine that somebody would think differently about this book because it’s the hottest of the series so far. I cannot wait for more! Maybe we will get even "kinkier" stuff next time. With Gemma and Crispin I could even imagine bondage, I can imagine visits in "the club" .... such a lot of things.
Rating: 5*****
“The Widow Wager” by Jess Michaels is the 3rd one in the “Notorious Flynn” series and by god, it’s the hottest so far, so steamy that it is hard to describe.
One morning Crispin wakes up in the sitee in his bedroom and has a bad hangover. The only thing he notices is that somebody is asleep in his bad. When the redhead moves, he is happy that she is dressed but also wonders about it. Within seconds she tells him that she’s Gemma – his wife. The only problem is that Crispin has no clue how it happened, the night before he wasn’t married at all nor did he ever wanted to get married.
Gemma, young and beautiful, doesn’t mind telling him about the card game he had with his dad and that her father actually won, that’s the reason why he had to marry her. Gemma, a very young window with a scandalous death on her hands, had lived with her father and sister Mary and the first wanted to get rid of her. Now he had only his younger daughter Mary in his possession. Gemma’s father had dragged her towards a priest and they had to marry within the same night – Crispin doesn’t remember a single minute of it.
The only possibility he sees to get rid of her and end this marriage is the help of his brother, Rafe, the Earl of Hartholm. When they arrive there in the morning, Crispin hadn’t visited his family in months and couldn’t know that his sister in law, Seraphina, only gave birth to their first son the night before. A boy who is also named after him. Plus he has to admit to himself that he maybe has an alcohol problem Gemma doesn’t tolerate.
The Flynn’s welcome Gemma to their family, even their mother is very friendly to her and when Rafe and Crispin talk, Rafe asks him what he thinks that Gemma wants. But what does she want? He cannot tell it because he never had given it a thought. But his older brother also lets him know that there is a scandal about her later husband’s death and that people say that she may has killed him.
Over the next couple of days they share a lot of intimacies. Gemma welcomes him to her bad, is very open and never refuses him. They are connected in a sexual way. But he has his secrets. When Crispin asks her about her past and the death of her husband, she tells him but he doesn’t tell her his secrets. He withdraws more and more the closer they get.
But they also have to think about Mary and Crispin offers his brother’s help to chaperone her and give her a season. Gemma is insecure if Rafe is really willing to do so but the Flynn’s know about her father, the way he threatened his daughters over the years because she didn’t keep any secrets.
No marriage can work, not even in name, when there are secrets and rumors involved, not in society. Not in London. Not even in the Flynn family.
Oh my god, when I read this book I blushed. Those sex scenes were pretty explicit from the beginning and it was so hot. When I arrived in Milano I had to three books with me. I finished both Nicola Cornick books and this one and I really told myself that I will finish the other ones before I give myself time to read it – I wasn’t able to finish it in Milan but back at home in Vienna – which isn’t that bad either. Anyway … this book was hot.
You have to love Gemma and Crispin, though I have to say that my favorite character is Seraphina to be honest. I love her. She is the best of all the females so far. Gemma is different but also shares similarities with her because they share the kind of marriage – an arranged marriage. Annabelle married out of love but Gemma and Seraphina were pushed into situations they had to learn to deal with. Those two together could be the base for a great story in my opinion because of Seraphina’s influence in society and Gemma’s love for sex. I can imagine kinky things.
All those Flynn men must be quite handsome. I mean those rakes … and finally one of those has a passionate, seductive wife, who cannot get enough of her husband, who is brave, self-confident and self-secure. When her husband hurts her, she doesn’t give in. When he only tells her parts of his secret, she doesn’t push him but tries to find out herself even risking to make everything worse.
I loved it, really loved it. I read the second half of the book in the tub after driving 900km because I had to know how it ends. And I cannot imagine that somebody would think differently about this book because it’s the hottest of the series so far. I cannot wait for more! Maybe we will get even "kinkier" stuff next time. With Gemma and Crispin I could even imagine bondage, I can imagine visits in "the club" .... such a lot of things.
Rating: 5*****
April 11, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
In book 3 of her Notorious Flynn Series, Jess Michaels shows that love can blossom from anywhere.. The Widow Wager is a lovely, sensual book where two people discover that they need each other then that they want each other and finally? That they love each other.. Wonderfully done.
Considered good for only one thing Gemma was married off to a man who only wanted her for her breeding services. The longer she went without an heir, the crueler he became. When he died before she conceived she was tossed out by his horrid children and left once again to her father's devices.. The father that sold her in the first place. Now he's done it again. Only this time it's worse.. Poor Gemma was the price the looser in a game of cards had to pay. Marry her..
Crispen Flynn was destroying himself with guilt, grieving for the loss of a woman he couldn't have and watched her marry another only to see her die.. His grief has lead him to total destruction. Turning away from his family and friends, drinking, wagering and whoring.. so when he wakes up with a woman in his bed he assumes she just needs to be paid for the night before.. Only to discover that she's his wife.. HIS WIFE!!
Oh man.. Ms. Michaels must have had fun writing this one. While it's not a comedy of errors and she addresses a rather horrid aspect of the Regency world.. it did have it's moments.. It also had it's triumphs..
As Cris and Gemma decide to figure out a way to work together instead of fighting to be apart, both of them become less of a caricature and more of a person. These two have been wounded by the world. Gemma by the men who were supposed to love her and Cris? Well his scars go just as deep and for reasons we don't expect..
Betrayal seems to be the name of the game for these two. But Cris knows, in his heart that his family will be there for him. His family will stand by his side. Even when he turned away from them. Now the goal is to help Gemma shore up her family while trying their hardest to NOT deal with her father..
I have really enjoyed the two books of this series that I have read. Ms. Michaels writes about circumstances that we can't really understand in today's western world but she tells it so well, we know it must be true.
Can't wait to see what's next for her!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Widow Wager, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on April 21, 2015
In book 3 of her Notorious Flynn Series, Jess Michaels shows that love can blossom from anywhere.. The Widow Wager is a lovely, sensual book where two people discover that they need each other then that they want each other and finally? That they love each other.. Wonderfully done.
Considered good for only one thing Gemma was married off to a man who only wanted her for her breeding services. The longer she went without an heir, the crueler he became. When he died before she conceived she was tossed out by his horrid children and left once again to her father's devices.. The father that sold her in the first place. Now he's done it again. Only this time it's worse.. Poor Gemma was the price the looser in a game of cards had to pay. Marry her..
Crispen Flynn was destroying himself with guilt, grieving for the loss of a woman he couldn't have and watched her marry another only to see her die.. His grief has lead him to total destruction. Turning away from his family and friends, drinking, wagering and whoring.. so when he wakes up with a woman in his bed he assumes she just needs to be paid for the night before.. Only to discover that she's his wife.. HIS WIFE!!
Oh man.. Ms. Michaels must have had fun writing this one. While it's not a comedy of errors and she addresses a rather horrid aspect of the Regency world.. it did have it's moments.. It also had it's triumphs..
As Cris and Gemma decide to figure out a way to work together instead of fighting to be apart, both of them become less of a caricature and more of a person. These two have been wounded by the world. Gemma by the men who were supposed to love her and Cris? Well his scars go just as deep and for reasons we don't expect..
Betrayal seems to be the name of the game for these two. But Cris knows, in his heart that his family will be there for him. His family will stand by his side. Even when he turned away from them. Now the goal is to help Gemma shore up her family while trying their hardest to NOT deal with her father..
I have really enjoyed the two books of this series that I have read. Ms. Michaels writes about circumstances that we can't really understand in today's western world but she tells it so well, we know it must be true.
Can't wait to see what's next for her!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Widow Wager, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on April 21, 2015
April 22, 2015
Oh Crispin, trouble follows you everywhere.
After yet another drunken night out on the town, Crispin Flynn of the notorious Flynn family, awakens with the mother of all hangovers to find a woman in his bed. When the frightened woman confronts Crispin, the rogue finds himself in quite the predicament called marriage to the quite attractive, yet stranger named Gemma.
Gemma fiend of a father wagered his daughter in a card game with Crispin, who was so inebriated, he had no clue what was going on. After an unforgettable wedding, the morning after is a shock to both Gemma and Crispin, who after much contemplation, decide to make a go of the cards dealt them both, but Gemma has a troubled past that could change everything once Crispin and his family discover it.
Crispin hasn't been himself since his brother became Duke. His downward spiral of drinking, whoring and gambling has made the duke try a bit of hard love on his younger brother. When Crispin appears at the ducal seat with a new wife in tow the household is in shock. Will it be a good thing that Crispin has the responsibility of a wife? Gemma immediately notices her new husband's drinking problem and tries to address it but Crispin doesn't think he has a problem. Like many newly married couples of the era, Crsipin and Gemma have their issues, but passion isn't one of them. The desire they share is sizzling and erotic. Now if they can only overcome the other problems threatening to tear them apart before they even have a chance to shine.
The Widow Wager (The Notorious Flynns #3) by Jess Michaels was a much coveted read for me. I adored the complexity and depth of Crispin Flynn from the very first and knew his book would move me. I was not disappointed, as a matter of fact, I was elated at how the machinations of Jess Michaels make this one of my favorites in the series. Crispin has met his match in Gemma, who is no shrinking violet. These two are well-matched intellectually as well as physically and watching them fall in love is just awesome. The Widow Wager (The Notorious Flynns #3) by Jess Michaels is a wonderfully intense tale.
After yet another drunken night out on the town, Crispin Flynn of the notorious Flynn family, awakens with the mother of all hangovers to find a woman in his bed. When the frightened woman confronts Crispin, the rogue finds himself in quite the predicament called marriage to the quite attractive, yet stranger named Gemma.
Gemma fiend of a father wagered his daughter in a card game with Crispin, who was so inebriated, he had no clue what was going on. After an unforgettable wedding, the morning after is a shock to both Gemma and Crispin, who after much contemplation, decide to make a go of the cards dealt them both, but Gemma has a troubled past that could change everything once Crispin and his family discover it.
Crispin hasn't been himself since his brother became Duke. His downward spiral of drinking, whoring and gambling has made the duke try a bit of hard love on his younger brother. When Crispin appears at the ducal seat with a new wife in tow the household is in shock. Will it be a good thing that Crispin has the responsibility of a wife? Gemma immediately notices her new husband's drinking problem and tries to address it but Crispin doesn't think he has a problem. Like many newly married couples of the era, Crsipin and Gemma have their issues, but passion isn't one of them. The desire they share is sizzling and erotic. Now if they can only overcome the other problems threatening to tear them apart before they even have a chance to shine.
The Widow Wager (The Notorious Flynns #3) by Jess Michaels was a much coveted read for me. I adored the complexity and depth of Crispin Flynn from the very first and knew his book would move me. I was not disappointed, as a matter of fact, I was elated at how the machinations of Jess Michaels make this one of my favorites in the series. Crispin has met his match in Gemma, who is no shrinking violet. These two are well-matched intellectually as well as physically and watching them fall in love is just awesome. The Widow Wager (The Notorious Flynns #3) by Jess Michaels is a wonderfully intense tale.
April 21, 2015
'...hell bent on...well, utter self-destruction'
This is Crispin's story, the out-of-control brother who has been heavily alluded to and the cause of heartache and more for his entire family in the first two books of the series.
One minute Crispin Flynn is rashly gambling and destructively drinking, the next he's lost the hand and finds himself married to Gemma, the widow of the Earl of Laurelcross.
Ok I have to say I just loved this beginning! Crispin's night after tare-on-the-town condition, and Gemma, totally dominated by her circumstances, but not broken in spirit.
Gemma's capitulation is a tad unexpected but then with all the tortuous happenings and confessions of a night and day, perhaps it's no wonder. After all won on the toss of the cards or given away in marriage to answer a father's pretentious designs, both are as heartless as each other.
Michael's once more points to the fate of wives, daughters and sisters at an historical time where women have no rights. Gemma is completely overwhelmed when Crispin gives her choices. That respect has never been awarded her. I loved Crispin just for that.
As they both struggle to build a foundation for their relationship, the past hurts and torments are laid to rest. Their very decidedly explicit intimate relationship, presented over many pages, seems to go a long way with the healing process. Crispin's acceptance of Gemma's sensuality is a balm to her troubled beliefs. The challenge is will passion become love?
Crispin has deeply guarded secrets that Gemma very courageously breaks through.
Rescue becomes a two way street.
A NetGalley ARC
This is Crispin's story, the out-of-control brother who has been heavily alluded to and the cause of heartache and more for his entire family in the first two books of the series.
One minute Crispin Flynn is rashly gambling and destructively drinking, the next he's lost the hand and finds himself married to Gemma, the widow of the Earl of Laurelcross.
Ok I have to say I just loved this beginning! Crispin's night after tare-on-the-town condition, and Gemma, totally dominated by her circumstances, but not broken in spirit.
Gemma's capitulation is a tad unexpected but then with all the tortuous happenings and confessions of a night and day, perhaps it's no wonder. After all won on the toss of the cards or given away in marriage to answer a father's pretentious designs, both are as heartless as each other.
Michael's once more points to the fate of wives, daughters and sisters at an historical time where women have no rights. Gemma is completely overwhelmed when Crispin gives her choices. That respect has never been awarded her. I loved Crispin just for that.
As they both struggle to build a foundation for their relationship, the past hurts and torments are laid to rest. Their very decidedly explicit intimate relationship, presented over many pages, seems to go a long way with the healing process. Crispin's acceptance of Gemma's sensuality is a balm to her troubled beliefs. The challenge is will passion become love?
Crispin has deeply guarded secrets that Gemma very courageously breaks through.
Rescue becomes a two way street.
A NetGalley ARC
April 23, 2021
Probably the best of the series. The premise is good and I think the plot was handled satisfactorily for an erotica. I love how they are able to have sex inside moving carriages as if those roads were smooth enough for such an adventure.
April 21, 2015
** I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley - in exchange for a honest review**
I think this book is the best of the three Notorious Flynn books.
I LOVED it - seriously, loved it.
Gemma and Crispin are wonderful leads. They both have scars from the past clouding their future. Especially Crispin.
If you have read the other books in this series, you have seen Crispin's decline and have probably wondered (like I did) what could cause such a huge change in a person. Well, this book explains it all.
I don't usually care for books where one of the leads has been in love before - but this book is so well done and so emotionally gripping, that I could overlook the fact of a previous love.
If I had one complaint - which I am not sure I do - it would be that Crispin never verbalized his misinterpretation of his feelings for Alice to the reader. I wanted him to admit that it was not a love like he felt for Gemma - that his love for Gemma was deeper and truer.
Other than that, this book is sensational - the leads are likable, the villain/villainess is vile, the sex is HOT and the plot progressed at a perfect pace.
I am really looking forward to more books in the series and can't recommend this book highly enough.
I think this book is the best of the three Notorious Flynn books.
I LOVED it - seriously, loved it.
Gemma and Crispin are wonderful leads. They both have scars from the past clouding their future. Especially Crispin.
If you have read the other books in this series, you have seen Crispin's decline and have probably wondered (like I did) what could cause such a huge change in a person. Well, this book explains it all.
I don't usually care for books where one of the leads has been in love before - but this book is so well done and so emotionally gripping, that I could overlook the fact of a previous love.
If I had one complaint - which I am not sure I do - it would be that Crispin never verbalized his misinterpretation of his feelings for Alice to the reader. I wanted him to admit that it was not a love like he felt for Gemma - that his love for Gemma was deeper and truer.
Other than that, this book is sensational - the leads are likable, the villain/villainess is vile, the sex is HOT and the plot progressed at a perfect pace.
I am really looking forward to more books in the series and can't recommend this book highly enough.
April 17, 2015
I was lucky enough to be able to review this title before publication. I had never read any of Jess Michaels novels before, but I think I will be reading plenty now. In this 3rd installment of the Notorious Flynns we are introduced to Crispin and Gemma.
Crispin has been drinking and gambling his way through life for over a year. Till one night while deep in his cups he looses a hand of cards and ends up with a wife. Now he must figure out whether to keep her or find a way to rid himself of her.
Gemma is not surprised when her father gambles her away in a card match. She is surprised to find that she is attracted to her new husband. But what will he think of her when he finds out about her past? And if he rids himself of her as an unwanted wife what will happen to her this time.
As the two decide that they will make the best of the hand that life has dealt them, they must learn to trust in one another in order for their love to grow. Great novel. After reading this one I immediately went back and read the first two and I am eagerly looking forward to the 4th in the series.
Crispin has been drinking and gambling his way through life for over a year. Till one night while deep in his cups he looses a hand of cards and ends up with a wife. Now he must figure out whether to keep her or find a way to rid himself of her.
Gemma is not surprised when her father gambles her away in a card match. She is surprised to find that she is attracted to her new husband. But what will he think of her when he finds out about her past? And if he rids himself of her as an unwanted wife what will happen to her this time.
As the two decide that they will make the best of the hand that life has dealt them, they must learn to trust in one another in order for their love to grow. Great novel. After reading this one I immediately went back and read the first two and I am eagerly looking forward to the 4th in the series.
April 4, 2015
Another great addition to the Notorious Flynn series as we finally see what demons have been driving Crispin. And we meet Gemma, the scandalous lady for whom Crispin falls. Both characters have secrets and throughout the book the secrets are slowly exposed. I love how the whole Flynn clan bands together to support each other. This book had great romance, conflict that wasn't overdone, and of course a fantastic HEA. We also have a sympathetic secondary character whose HEA I'm looking forward to reading about. This one gets a recommendation from me!
February 7, 2023
4⭐️
This was a good read. Very spicy with a twist.
Crispin Flynn has been goin’ through it. He lost the woman he loved and her death is on his conscious and the only way to silence his demons is through drinking and gambling.
One night while blacked out, Crispin loses at a card game and woke up the next morning with a wife. Finding a beautiful woman in his bed in the wee hours of the morning is no strange thing to him. But when she claims they got married the night before, everything is all a blur.
Enter Gemma. This poor, poor pawn in her abusive father’s game. After the death of her previous older husband, who her father forced her to marry, Gemma was essentially exiled for the rumors surrounding his death. She murdered him.
The truth was that he died while they were intimate and she’s held shame ever since. Since she never produced an heir, she never received any money from her husbands estate. Bringing her right back to her fathers home being labeled as “damaged goods” to society.
As for her sister Mary, Gemma will do everything and anything to protect her from any more possible scandals.
When Gemma’s father brings a blacked out Crispin Flynn to their home in the middle of the night procuring a marriage license, they both are forced into a quick marriage.
Both Gemma and Crispin know a thing or two about scandals and their hasty marriage definitely added more to their list. But an annulment would be even more scandalous.
As time goes on, Gemma realizes she could truly be happy married to Crispin because he asks for and respects her opinions. Which no man in her life has before.
One night, she shares with Crispin her secrets of her previous husband and how she felt shamed for being sexual with him. Her comfort with sharing her truth to him, makes their relationship more passionate and they get closer.
Hoping that revealing her secrets would entice
Crispin to share some of his own Gemma is sorely disappointed when she’s still left in the dark about his past.
Drowning himself in drinks daily, Crispin’s self-destruction is just getting worse, pushing Gemma away which causes him to spiral more.
Finding out about his past from others, Gemma learns that Crispin was once in love with a woman who killed herself after he denied being her lover. He wanted to marry her.
Carrying this guilt has been destroying his future with Gemma.
When the missing pieces of the past are finally put together, it’s almost too late for both of them.
I really did like this one! Buuuuut, the reveal was a little disappointing. Like, if Crispin had just confronted Woodley about Alice’s death this could’ve been solved a loooong time ago.
Instead he wallowed in self pity when he could’ve just been like “OK let me get the facts first”.
I love Jess Michaels, this one was great and steamy, but the actual plot was kindve underwhelming. Still steamy tho🔥
This was a good read. Very spicy with a twist.
Crispin Flynn has been goin’ through it. He lost the woman he loved and her death is on his conscious and the only way to silence his demons is through drinking and gambling.
One night while blacked out, Crispin loses at a card game and woke up the next morning with a wife. Finding a beautiful woman in his bed in the wee hours of the morning is no strange thing to him. But when she claims they got married the night before, everything is all a blur.
Enter Gemma. This poor, poor pawn in her abusive father’s game. After the death of her previous older husband, who her father forced her to marry, Gemma was essentially exiled for the rumors surrounding his death. She murdered him.
The truth was that he died while they were intimate and she’s held shame ever since. Since she never produced an heir, she never received any money from her husbands estate. Bringing her right back to her fathers home being labeled as “damaged goods” to society.
As for her sister Mary, Gemma will do everything and anything to protect her from any more possible scandals.
When Gemma’s father brings a blacked out Crispin Flynn to their home in the middle of the night procuring a marriage license, they both are forced into a quick marriage.
Both Gemma and Crispin know a thing or two about scandals and their hasty marriage definitely added more to their list. But an annulment would be even more scandalous.
As time goes on, Gemma realizes she could truly be happy married to Crispin because he asks for and respects her opinions. Which no man in her life has before.
One night, she shares with Crispin her secrets of her previous husband and how she felt shamed for being sexual with him. Her comfort with sharing her truth to him, makes their relationship more passionate and they get closer.
Hoping that revealing her secrets would entice
Crispin to share some of his own Gemma is sorely disappointed when she’s still left in the dark about his past.
Drowning himself in drinks daily, Crispin’s self-destruction is just getting worse, pushing Gemma away which causes him to spiral more.
Finding out about his past from others, Gemma learns that Crispin was once in love with a woman who killed herself after he denied being her lover. He wanted to marry her.
Carrying this guilt has been destroying his future with Gemma.
When the missing pieces of the past are finally put together, it’s almost too late for both of them.
I really did like this one! Buuuuut, the reveal was a little disappointing. Like, if Crispin had just confronted Woodley about Alice’s death this could’ve been solved a loooong time ago.
Instead he wallowed in self pity when he could’ve just been like “OK let me get the facts first”.
I love Jess Michaels, this one was great and steamy, but the actual plot was kindve underwhelming. Still steamy tho🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2020
Oi, gente!
Resenha para vocês.
Apostando a Viúva, livro 3 da série Os notórios Flynn, Jess Michaels, editora Leabharbooks
Cenas 18+, sensuais e um pouco mais.
Crispin Flynn apenas queria esquecer, bebidas, jogos, o que fosse para apagar da memória que tinha uma existência miserável.
E numa das repetidas noites desenfreadas de apostas com a fortuna indo para a sarjeta, acordou encontrando alguém em sua cama, sua esposa, Gemma.
Esclarecidos alguns pontos com a ajuda dela, Crispin não vê outra solução a não ser se consultar com seu irmão, o Duque de Hartholm, uma das pessoas de quem ele havia se afastado no último ano.
*
Gemma é uma refém das exigências do pai desde que ficou viúva, mas nunca em seus piores pesadelos se viu apostada por ele como uma mercadoria e presa a um casamento com um bêbado que nem ao menos dizia não ao absurdo que era a união dos dois.
Contudo, o Flynn não é o que todos dizem ser, ela sabe muito bem o que uma fofoca pode causar desde a morte do primeiro marido, e acredita nas boas intenções dele depois de todos os fatos, ou o que ele conseguia se lembrar, esclarecidos da noite da aposta.
Aos poucos, ela vai se apaixonando por seu marido, mas ainda a sombra do passado dele o envolve e a afasta, Gemma sente que precisa resgatá-lo de si mesmo e usa de sua coragem e ousadia, ela agora é uma Flynn.
E Crispin pode acabar por descobrir que sua esposa é o seu verdadeiro porto seguro depois de navegar por tantos mares de desespero e culpa.
**
Esse romance de época é dos que esperei muito e não me decepcionei, chorei, achei que o Crispin foi injusto com Rafe e Sera antes, o ciúmes que ele teve do irmão também quando este fazia algo para ajudá-los, me dava uma raivinha, pois Rafe estava ali para que seu irmão mais novo fosse buscar a amizade que tinham tanto antes do título.
Não posso esquecer de comentar sobre a Gemma, adorei essa protagonista, foi perfeita demais.
Além disso tudo, autora trouxe o problema de bebida, achei sutil e sensível da parte dela.
Está no KU e vou ter que esperar o próximo da série, Nenhum Cavalheiro para Georgina, o Abbot vai me surpreender, tenho certeza.
Resenha para vocês.
Apostando a Viúva, livro 3 da série Os notórios Flynn, Jess Michaels, editora Leabharbooks
Cenas 18+, sensuais e um pouco mais.
Crispin Flynn apenas queria esquecer, bebidas, jogos, o que fosse para apagar da memória que tinha uma existência miserável.
E numa das repetidas noites desenfreadas de apostas com a fortuna indo para a sarjeta, acordou encontrando alguém em sua cama, sua esposa, Gemma.
Esclarecidos alguns pontos com a ajuda dela, Crispin não vê outra solução a não ser se consultar com seu irmão, o Duque de Hartholm, uma das pessoas de quem ele havia se afastado no último ano.
*
Gemma é uma refém das exigências do pai desde que ficou viúva, mas nunca em seus piores pesadelos se viu apostada por ele como uma mercadoria e presa a um casamento com um bêbado que nem ao menos dizia não ao absurdo que era a união dos dois.
Contudo, o Flynn não é o que todos dizem ser, ela sabe muito bem o que uma fofoca pode causar desde a morte do primeiro marido, e acredita nas boas intenções dele depois de todos os fatos, ou o que ele conseguia se lembrar, esclarecidos da noite da aposta.
Aos poucos, ela vai se apaixonando por seu marido, mas ainda a sombra do passado dele o envolve e a afasta, Gemma sente que precisa resgatá-lo de si mesmo e usa de sua coragem e ousadia, ela agora é uma Flynn.
E Crispin pode acabar por descobrir que sua esposa é o seu verdadeiro porto seguro depois de navegar por tantos mares de desespero e culpa.
**
Esse romance de época é dos que esperei muito e não me decepcionei, chorei, achei que o Crispin foi injusto com Rafe e Sera antes, o ciúmes que ele teve do irmão também quando este fazia algo para ajudá-los, me dava uma raivinha, pois Rafe estava ali para que seu irmão mais novo fosse buscar a amizade que tinham tanto antes do título.
Não posso esquecer de comentar sobre a Gemma, adorei essa protagonista, foi perfeita demais.
Além disso tudo, autora trouxe o problema de bebida, achei sutil e sensível da parte dela.
Está no KU e vou ter que esperar o próximo da série, Nenhum Cavalheiro para Georgina, o Abbot vai me surpreender, tenho certeza.
April 30, 2021
(+18)
Neste livro o enredo gira ao redor do irmão do Duque de Hartholm - Crispin Flynn que continua causando problemas e confusões. A mais recente? Ele perde uma aposta durante a noitada de jogatinas e... amanhece casado! Sem se lembrar como isso ocorreu, ele pede a ajuda daquela bela mulher que está em sua cama.
A vida de Gemma não estava sendo fácil: seu pai horrível a empurrou para um casamento com um homem mais velho, mas uma tragédia aconteceu e agora viúva, a moça passou a ser conhecida como assassina perante a sociedade. O pesadelo se repete e sem saída, Gemma se casa com Crispin e se torna a esposa de um grande libertino.
Com o objetivo de salvar sua irmã mais nova de um destino terrível, ela conta com o novo marido e sua adorável família para livrá-la das garras de seu pai. A atração entre Gemma e Crispin é inegável e quem disse que mesmo sem amor eles não poderiam aproveitar os momentos juntos?
Logo a moça perceberá que o lado destrutivo de Crispin tem haver com um segredo pelo qual ele se sente preso e somente ela poderá ser a chave para sua liberdade.
*** Ameeei! A cada livro dessa série eu me apaixono mais. O casal tem uma química maravilhosa juntos, Gemma é uma mulher que sabe o que quer e não tem pudores quando o assunto é prazer. Crispin mudou completamente minha visão sobre ele neste livro. Temos vislumbres novamente dos Flynns, relembrando e matando a saudade dos personagens.
Já quero muito ler o próximo livro da série!!!
Leia e avalie nas plataformas :)
Tem foto lá no meu ig:@alevadadanerd
Neste livro o enredo gira ao redor do irmão do Duque de Hartholm - Crispin Flynn que continua causando problemas e confusões. A mais recente? Ele perde uma aposta durante a noitada de jogatinas e... amanhece casado! Sem se lembrar como isso ocorreu, ele pede a ajuda daquela bela mulher que está em sua cama.
A vida de Gemma não estava sendo fácil: seu pai horrível a empurrou para um casamento com um homem mais velho, mas uma tragédia aconteceu e agora viúva, a moça passou a ser conhecida como assassina perante a sociedade. O pesadelo se repete e sem saída, Gemma se casa com Crispin e se torna a esposa de um grande libertino.
Com o objetivo de salvar sua irmã mais nova de um destino terrível, ela conta com o novo marido e sua adorável família para livrá-la das garras de seu pai. A atração entre Gemma e Crispin é inegável e quem disse que mesmo sem amor eles não poderiam aproveitar os momentos juntos?
Logo a moça perceberá que o lado destrutivo de Crispin tem haver com um segredo pelo qual ele se sente preso e somente ela poderá ser a chave para sua liberdade.
*** Ameeei! A cada livro dessa série eu me apaixono mais. O casal tem uma química maravilhosa juntos, Gemma é uma mulher que sabe o que quer e não tem pudores quando o assunto é prazer. Crispin mudou completamente minha visão sobre ele neste livro. Temos vislumbres novamente dos Flynns, relembrando e matando a saudade dos personagens.
Já quero muito ler o próximo livro da série!!!
Leia e avalie nas plataformas :)
Tem foto lá no meu ig:@alevadadanerd
March 12, 2019
I am enjoying discovering Jess Michaels novels. i read the Wicked Woodleys and the bridge book with Mary and the Earl of Woodley. This book presents Gemma the sister of Mary, who is prominent in the Woodley series. It also shows us what Woodley’s first wife Alice did to Crispin Flynn. Actually this is the story of how Crispin Flynn is given a second chance to recover his life, his love, his sobriety, and his heart despite 18 months of gloom and a drunken haze. He is duped by Quinn, the scheming father of Gemma and Mary, into accepting an unusual wager: if Crispin loses he will marry Quinn’s widowed daughter immediately. And that is how Gemma and Crispin end up where they are. Can Gemma find trust and love and passion with this near stranger? Can she help him face the demons that have been driving him to drink and gamble? Can Crispin guide Gemma to trust a man after being sorely treated by her father and late husband? Can he figure out how to separate his past so he can love his new wife?
This story is full of passionate, steamy scenes but also love and respect and growing friendship. If you don’t like steam, you can skip the sex scenes and still enjoy a good love story.
This story is full of passionate, steamy scenes but also love and respect and growing friendship. If you don’t like steam, you can skip the sex scenes and still enjoy a good love story.
March 31, 2023
3.5 stars
Gaaah! So close!! I love love this book! But I’m holding a star back once again because of the bloody heroine .. again! Or to be more specific it was the development of her character especially towards the end.
Everything about this was almost on point .
What frustrates me is that our dear heroine is just TOO available for crispen all the time! Yep she’s a passionate little thing who isn’t shy of holding back what she wants but to me everything else bordered on needy. Eek.
Crispen obviously needed someone who wouldn’t give up on him which I get, but she had no sense of pride I swear . He would push her away or hurt her and she would bend over and say again. ( almost literally!) so yes, this was a fabulous book I loved it all except she just needed to have some pride and make him grovel. It was way to easy for me but then I’m speaking from my personal preferences.
Not short on steam though ! 🔥
Gaaah! So close!! I love love this book! But I’m holding a star back once again because of the bloody heroine .. again! Or to be more specific it was the development of her character especially towards the end.
Everything about this was almost on point .
What frustrates me is that our dear heroine is just TOO available for crispen all the time! Yep she’s a passionate little thing who isn’t shy of holding back what she wants but to me everything else bordered on needy. Eek.
Crispen obviously needed someone who wouldn’t give up on him which I get, but she had no sense of pride I swear . He would push her away or hurt her and she would bend over and say again. ( almost literally!) so yes, this was a fabulous book I loved it all except she just needed to have some pride and make him grovel. It was way to easy for me but then I’m speaking from my personal preferences.
Not short on steam though ! 🔥
November 26, 2017
A great read! Crispin has been deep in his cups for months losing his money. In a bet he doesn’t think he can lose he bets he will win versus someone’s hand in marriage. He loses and is immediately brought to meet his intended the Widow Gemma. She is appalled what her father has done but has not choice since he is threatening her younger sister. When Crispin wakes the next morning with a tremendous hangover he realizes he’s done something he can’t take back. This is a good read where two people have been hurting for awhile and it takes themselves to be able to heal and move on!
September 14, 2022
I was willing to go along with the unlikely plot, but I ended up losing patience with the hero's drama which just went on for ages. The villains are pure baddies, the characters are a bit thick, things felt overly simple and cliched, the whole thing just started feeling tedious. I didn't hate it, but it was definitely below average enjoyment for me. Higher than average steam though.
September 21, 2018
Very enjoyable
Love all the characters in this series. I like the way they are interwoven into each story.
The only negative is the poor editing. Incorrect pronouns and the wrong characters in places can be annoying.
Love all the characters in this series. I like the way they are interwoven into each story.
The only negative is the poor editing. Incorrect pronouns and the wrong characters in places can be annoying.
November 19, 2017
4.5 stars
December 10, 2017
This family tale keeps getting better...Love Crispin and Gemma...tragic and sweet road to happily ever after..
July 20, 2019
Love this family
The Flynn’s are one of my favorite family’s to read! All three books are fantastic and I can’t put them down no matter how may times I’ve read their stories!
The Flynn’s are one of my favorite family’s to read! All three books are fantastic and I can’t put them down no matter how may times I’ve read their stories!
February 2, 2022
Wow!!! Wonderful book….highly recommended .
August 5, 2022
Don't wanna think that I'm a prude but engaging in ravenous sex within 2 days of a traumatic event just doesn't feel right for a healthy relationship
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2024
"I love you enough to keep trying." A story of self loathing, a twist of fate, acceptance, love, and lots of cant-keep-my-hands-off-you sex!
He blames himself for her death. Everyone blames her for his death. Her father is a monster. His family's love knows no boundaries.
Forced into marriage they become mistress and master, strangers with the same surname, or man and wife? I loved the story and all of the supporting characters. 🌶️🌶️🌶️.4
He blames himself for her death. Everyone blames her for his death. Her father is a monster. His family's love knows no boundaries.
Forced into marriage they become mistress and master, strangers with the same surname, or man and wife? I loved the story and all of the supporting characters. 🌶️🌶️🌶️.4
April 24, 2015
Originally posted on Adria's Romance Reviews
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rafe, Crispin, Annabelle and their mother were the poor, scandalous Flynns until the death of their distant cousin, the Duke of Hartholm. The lack of male heirs made Rafe the new Duke and opened up a world that none of them wanted. Since then, their lives have taken a drastic turn and each sibling has had to adjust to their new station in life. Crispin however, has had the hardest time. Ever since he lost the woman he loved and watched his brother be forced to inherit a title, Crispin has fallen into a world of gambling and drinking, which lands him into a situation like his brother: Forced to marry a woman he’s never met, but in Crispin’s case, the marriage is his price to pay for a bet lost. Worse yet, his new wife is a scandalous widow with secrets of her own and a personality that tempts Crispin in the best way possible.
The widow in question, Gemma, may seem like a quiet, typical historical romance heroine but in fact, she was a breath of fresh air. Brazen and passionate, she wasn’t the usual blushing, stammering woman in need of “tutoring” in the bedroom. She enjoyed physical intimacy and knew what she wanted. In that way she was a contemporary woman and that eliminated what might have been endless pages of her worrying, blushing and fearing Crispin. Instead Gemma matched Crispin’s desire and for me it made Gemma a better character and them a better couple. I think I would have been bored to tears with one of those “innocent” ladies in this case. Crispin needed someone that he didn’t have to take so much care of, given that when the book began, he couldn’t even take care of himself. Gemma had to be the one to save him and she needed to understand him on a very basic, human level. I really liked Gemma’s subtle strength, she knew how to survive difficult situations from a young age and that gave her an outlook on life that eventually helped her reach Crispin and save him.
Crispin could be the most notorious Flynn, I’m not sure as I haven’t read Annabelle’s story yet but he’s certainly my favorite. There are so many hidden layers to this character whom others have brushed off as just another drunk gambler with money. Crispin is quite an emotional man but he keeps it all inside of him and it manifests into self destructive behavior. He was his own worst enemy and I just wanted this guy to cut himself some slack and learn that he did deserve to move on and be happy. While his moods could give a girl whiplash, it would only make a woman like Gemma determined to get to the bottom of what caused those mood swings. Crispin was the type of character that needed to be pushed until he broke because he was one stubborn male!
The Widow Wager kind of threw me for a loop though with the introduction of a character named Lord Woodley. I won’t reveal his role in the story but I will say that he wasn’t what I expected him to be. And there was a slight case of love at first sight for me when it came to him. Don’t judge, I can have as many book crushes and boyfriends as I want and I defy anyone who doesn’t at least become curious about this man *sticks tongue out* Another character that stood out for me? Gemma’s younger sister Mary. For having such small scenes in the book she sure made the most of them with her feisty personality and honest way of speaking.
I was kind of sad to see the end of this series even though I’ve only read two of the three books. The Flynns were an addictive and loyal family. I loved their devotion to one another as well as their bantering. They didn’t have a whole lot of scenes together as a family but what scenes they did have were fun. Each sibling was different, with Crispin being the most troubled, which to be honest, is the type of character I gravitate to. Gemma was refreshing with her earthy desires and compassionate nature. I think she may have been the true hero of the story. I don’t think author Jess Michaels could have picked a better woman for Crispin, nor could she have picked anyone one other than Crispin to close out the series.
Final Verdict: So sad to say goodbye to the Flynns, rowdy, unconventional bunch that they are, but there were some secondary characters that have some promise. I can't wait for the next book by this author!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rafe, Crispin, Annabelle and their mother were the poor, scandalous Flynns until the death of their distant cousin, the Duke of Hartholm. The lack of male heirs made Rafe the new Duke and opened up a world that none of them wanted. Since then, their lives have taken a drastic turn and each sibling has had to adjust to their new station in life. Crispin however, has had the hardest time. Ever since he lost the woman he loved and watched his brother be forced to inherit a title, Crispin has fallen into a world of gambling and drinking, which lands him into a situation like his brother: Forced to marry a woman he’s never met, but in Crispin’s case, the marriage is his price to pay for a bet lost. Worse yet, his new wife is a scandalous widow with secrets of her own and a personality that tempts Crispin in the best way possible.
The widow in question, Gemma, may seem like a quiet, typical historical romance heroine but in fact, she was a breath of fresh air. Brazen and passionate, she wasn’t the usual blushing, stammering woman in need of “tutoring” in the bedroom. She enjoyed physical intimacy and knew what she wanted. In that way she was a contemporary woman and that eliminated what might have been endless pages of her worrying, blushing and fearing Crispin. Instead Gemma matched Crispin’s desire and for me it made Gemma a better character and them a better couple. I think I would have been bored to tears with one of those “innocent” ladies in this case. Crispin needed someone that he didn’t have to take so much care of, given that when the book began, he couldn’t even take care of himself. Gemma had to be the one to save him and she needed to understand him on a very basic, human level. I really liked Gemma’s subtle strength, she knew how to survive difficult situations from a young age and that gave her an outlook on life that eventually helped her reach Crispin and save him.
Crispin could be the most notorious Flynn, I’m not sure as I haven’t read Annabelle’s story yet but he’s certainly my favorite. There are so many hidden layers to this character whom others have brushed off as just another drunk gambler with money. Crispin is quite an emotional man but he keeps it all inside of him and it manifests into self destructive behavior. He was his own worst enemy and I just wanted this guy to cut himself some slack and learn that he did deserve to move on and be happy. While his moods could give a girl whiplash, it would only make a woman like Gemma determined to get to the bottom of what caused those mood swings. Crispin was the type of character that needed to be pushed until he broke because he was one stubborn male!
The Widow Wager kind of threw me for a loop though with the introduction of a character named Lord Woodley. I won’t reveal his role in the story but I will say that he wasn’t what I expected him to be. And there was a slight case of love at first sight for me when it came to him. Don’t judge, I can have as many book crushes and boyfriends as I want and I defy anyone who doesn’t at least become curious about this man *sticks tongue out* Another character that stood out for me? Gemma’s younger sister Mary. For having such small scenes in the book she sure made the most of them with her feisty personality and honest way of speaking.
I was kind of sad to see the end of this series even though I’ve only read two of the three books. The Flynns were an addictive and loyal family. I loved their devotion to one another as well as their bantering. They didn’t have a whole lot of scenes together as a family but what scenes they did have were fun. Each sibling was different, with Crispin being the most troubled, which to be honest, is the type of character I gravitate to. Gemma was refreshing with her earthy desires and compassionate nature. I think she may have been the true hero of the story. I don’t think author Jess Michaels could have picked a better woman for Crispin, nor could she have picked anyone one other than Crispin to close out the series.
Final Verdict: So sad to say goodbye to the Flynns, rowdy, unconventional bunch that they are, but there were some secondary characters that have some promise. I can't wait for the next book by this author!
April 21, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
I read the first two books in Jess Michaels The Notorious Flynns series and loved them. In those books, it was obvious that Crispin, the younger Flynn brother, was going through something. It was something not so great but I couldn't wait to find out what it was. Finally, his book has arrived, I got to find out and it didn't disappoint!
I liked Gemma a lot but she definitely didn't handle things the way I would have. She was much more courageous than I would have been. I liked how she didn't back down from her father. He was a total jerk but she didn't let him bully her or push her around. Well, taking into consideration the times and the customs of the time and the fact that she was pretty much viewed as property, I'd say she was pretty fearless. She was also fearless when it came to Crispin, the hero. She faced him with dignity and bravery, which I thought was pretty great since she had no idea how he was or if he was a nice man or a cruel one. I loved how once she got to know him, she was super honest with him. She was honest about her past but even better, she was honest about what she wanted and what she hoped to get from Crispin. That makes her sound mercenary but she wasn't. It was an arranged or accidental marriage and she and Crispin were honest about what they wanted and needed from each other. Either way, I could never be as honest as Gemma was about what she wanted in the bedroom. She was ballsy in a lot of different ways.
Crispin was a decent hero. Well, actually, he was a great hero but my opinion of him at the start of this book was affected by his behavior in the first two books. Something happened around the time of Book 1 and it sent Crispin into some kind of destructive tailspin. He's been drinking and gambling his way through life since then. It was tough to watch at the time but now, it was a little funny to him have to pay the piper for all of his misdeeds. I was glad to finally learn the secret that had driven Crispin to his drinking and although I thought he might have been overreacting a little, I could understand why it affected him so much. It was a relief that underneath his "I don't give a damn" exterior, he was still a good guy who wanted to do the right thing. And he still cared for his family, who obviously loved him a lot. So there was a lot to love with Crispin and it was easy to root for him in this story.
The Sexy Time was hot and plentiful, even from a historical romance. I like these kinds of historical romances where the hero and heroine are forced together and then over the course of the book, they begin to like and eventually love each other. Even better for ME, was the fact that Gemma and Crispin didn't keep secrets from each other. Gemma confessed her secret when Crispin asked and even though Crispin didn't reveal his secret to Gemma right away, she at least knew he had one and that he'd reveal it when he was ready. I loved how they were so open and honest with each other for the most part and that they actually talked and had conversations with each other. It felt so refreshing since that doesn't happen a lot in romance novels, especially not historical romance novels!
I really enjoyed this book. I was happy to finally find out what was troubling Crispin. I would say that this could still be a stand-alone novel though. Having said that, I would suggest starting with Book 1 (The Other Duke) since they're all great books. There was plenty of heat and tons of laughs, which I really love. There wasn't a lot of action or mystery but that doesn't bother me. All of the characters felt real and fully fleshed out. I was definitely rooting for Gemma and Crispin to get what they wanted! I really hope this series continues on!
I read the first two books in Jess Michaels The Notorious Flynns series and loved them. In those books, it was obvious that Crispin, the younger Flynn brother, was going through something. It was something not so great but I couldn't wait to find out what it was. Finally, his book has arrived, I got to find out and it didn't disappoint!
I liked Gemma a lot but she definitely didn't handle things the way I would have. She was much more courageous than I would have been. I liked how she didn't back down from her father. He was a total jerk but she didn't let him bully her or push her around. Well, taking into consideration the times and the customs of the time and the fact that she was pretty much viewed as property, I'd say she was pretty fearless. She was also fearless when it came to Crispin, the hero. She faced him with dignity and bravery, which I thought was pretty great since she had no idea how he was or if he was a nice man or a cruel one. I loved how once she got to know him, she was super honest with him. She was honest about her past but even better, she was honest about what she wanted and what she hoped to get from Crispin. That makes her sound mercenary but she wasn't. It was an arranged or accidental marriage and she and Crispin were honest about what they wanted and needed from each other. Either way, I could never be as honest as Gemma was about what she wanted in the bedroom. She was ballsy in a lot of different ways.
Crispin was a decent hero. Well, actually, he was a great hero but my opinion of him at the start of this book was affected by his behavior in the first two books. Something happened around the time of Book 1 and it sent Crispin into some kind of destructive tailspin. He's been drinking and gambling his way through life since then. It was tough to watch at the time but now, it was a little funny to him have to pay the piper for all of his misdeeds. I was glad to finally learn the secret that had driven Crispin to his drinking and although I thought he might have been overreacting a little, I could understand why it affected him so much. It was a relief that underneath his "I don't give a damn" exterior, he was still a good guy who wanted to do the right thing. And he still cared for his family, who obviously loved him a lot. So there was a lot to love with Crispin and it was easy to root for him in this story.
The Sexy Time was hot and plentiful, even from a historical romance. I like these kinds of historical romances where the hero and heroine are forced together and then over the course of the book, they begin to like and eventually love each other. Even better for ME, was the fact that Gemma and Crispin didn't keep secrets from each other. Gemma confessed her secret when Crispin asked and even though Crispin didn't reveal his secret to Gemma right away, she at least knew he had one and that he'd reveal it when he was ready. I loved how they were so open and honest with each other for the most part and that they actually talked and had conversations with each other. It felt so refreshing since that doesn't happen a lot in romance novels, especially not historical romance novels!
I really enjoyed this book. I was happy to finally find out what was troubling Crispin. I would say that this could still be a stand-alone novel though. Having said that, I would suggest starting with Book 1 (The Other Duke) since they're all great books. There was plenty of heat and tons of laughs, which I really love. There wasn't a lot of action or mystery but that doesn't bother me. All of the characters felt real and fully fleshed out. I was definitely rooting for Gemma and Crispin to get what they wanted! I really hope this series continues on!
June 2, 2015
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-widow-...
Crispin Flynn is out of control and no one knows exactly why. He has distanced himself from his family and seems to be on a downward spiral of drink, gambling and debauchery. It’s after one such night that he wakes up to find a beautiful stranger in his bed and no memory of the night before. This isn’t anything especially new, but finding out that she is his wife shocks him right down to his core.
Gemma is used to her father’s crude and selfish behavior, but when he comes home claiming to have won a bet where her marriage to one of the Notorious Flynns is the prize, she is devastated. When her father also threatens her sister she agrees to the farce of a marriage in order to keep her safe. What else can she do? Although both of them are familiar with gossip, in order to protect their respective families they agree to make it work. They will have passion and respect between them, if not love.
I’ve been looking forward to Crispin’s story and couldn’t wait to find how this author would redeem him, especially after his behavior in The Scoundrel’s Lover. I knew it would take a strong woman to help him fight his demons, even though I wasn’t sure what exactly those demons were. Gemma and Crispin begin their married life tentatively, not sure exactly how to move forward with each other after their sudden forced marriage. They have no prior knowledge of each other, other than gossip. Each have secrets that keep them from truly trusting, but they do have a passion that burns out of control. It’s that passion that slowly brings them together and eventually has them wondering if they can really have a marriage of more than convenience.
If I’m being completely honest I’m not sure why I didn’t enjoy this book more. There was the level of eroticism that all Jess Michaels books have and it starts out just as I expected it to, with Crispin screwing up yet again and waking up with a wife as a consequence. The Flynn family is awesome, maybe a bit too awesome for my tastes, but awesome nonetheless. They accept Gemma with open arms and are behind her and Crispin right from the beginning, despite the way their marriage began. Each member of the family plays a role in helping these two come together and supporting them, and those scenes are well written and wonderfully engaging.
I don’t know, I just did not connect with these two like I would have liked. Both have an extreme amount of baggage that they bring to their marriage, and Crispin’s are deep and emotional and weigh him down enough that he is slowing drinking himself to death and has almost thrown away his entire fortune while he was bent on self-destruction. When his reasons for this behavior are revealed I was a little taken aback actually. I was expecting something that made a little more sense. Especially since it seems that Crispin’s relationship to the person in question wasn’t as close as he believed. I also wish his alcoholism hadn’t been wrapped up so neat and tidily. I felt like this couple didn’t connect with each other as much as I would have liked. I wasn’t sure I believed the “I love yous” at the end.
While not my favorite of this series, I’m am a huge fan of this author and am looking forward to her next release. Final Grade- C+
Favorite Quote:
Crispin Flynn is out of control and no one knows exactly why. He has distanced himself from his family and seems to be on a downward spiral of drink, gambling and debauchery. It’s after one such night that he wakes up to find a beautiful stranger in his bed and no memory of the night before. This isn’t anything especially new, but finding out that she is his wife shocks him right down to his core.
“Gemma, I need you to tell me exactly what happened last night.” He shook his head. “I need to remember.”
Gemma is used to her father’s crude and selfish behavior, but when he comes home claiming to have won a bet where her marriage to one of the Notorious Flynns is the prize, she is devastated. When her father also threatens her sister she agrees to the farce of a marriage in order to keep her safe. What else can she do? Although both of them are familiar with gossip, in order to protect their respective families they agree to make it work. They will have passion and respect between them, if not love.
I’ve been looking forward to Crispin’s story and couldn’t wait to find how this author would redeem him, especially after his behavior in The Scoundrel’s Lover. I knew it would take a strong woman to help him fight his demons, even though I wasn’t sure what exactly those demons were. Gemma and Crispin begin their married life tentatively, not sure exactly how to move forward with each other after their sudden forced marriage. They have no prior knowledge of each other, other than gossip. Each have secrets that keep them from truly trusting, but they do have a passion that burns out of control. It’s that passion that slowly brings them together and eventually has them wondering if they can really have a marriage of more than convenience.
If I’m being completely honest I’m not sure why I didn’t enjoy this book more. There was the level of eroticism that all Jess Michaels books have and it starts out just as I expected it to, with Crispin screwing up yet again and waking up with a wife as a consequence. The Flynn family is awesome, maybe a bit too awesome for my tastes, but awesome nonetheless. They accept Gemma with open arms and are behind her and Crispin right from the beginning, despite the way their marriage began. Each member of the family plays a role in helping these two come together and supporting them, and those scenes are well written and wonderfully engaging.
I don’t know, I just did not connect with these two like I would have liked. Both have an extreme amount of baggage that they bring to their marriage, and Crispin’s are deep and emotional and weigh him down enough that he is slowing drinking himself to death and has almost thrown away his entire fortune while he was bent on self-destruction. When his reasons for this behavior are revealed I was a little taken aback actually. I was expecting something that made a little more sense. Especially since it seems that Crispin’s relationship to the person in question wasn’t as close as he believed. I also wish his alcoholism hadn’t been wrapped up so neat and tidily. I felt like this couple didn’t connect with each other as much as I would have liked. I wasn’t sure I believed the “I love yous” at the end.
While not my favorite of this series, I’m am a huge fan of this author and am looking forward to her next release. Final Grade- C+
Favorite Quote:
“No, you misunderstand. Be my wife. Le me be your husband. In truth. By choice. In every way. For now and for always. Please, please, Gemma. Say that you’ll stay with me.”
April 7, 2015
My Favorite of The Series
"My name is Gemma. I'm your wife."
THE STORY: Crispin Flynn's life has been out of control from a year and half. His brother inherited a dukedom and was forced to marry which Crispin feared would change his brother. At the same time, he fell in love and lost the woman he loved. Since then Crispin has been gambling and drinking his way through his life and fortune. One night he ends up his a gaming hell and as a result of his wager ends up married to Gemma, a widow of an earl. Crispin wakes up in the morning surprised to find himself married and certain that they have to find a way out of his latest mistake.
OPINION: This series has gotten better with each book. I loved this book because both characters are such good people. Crispin might be tortured by his past, but he doesn't take it out on Gemma. He is a genuinely nice guy who cannot let go of the mistakes he has made. He takes on too much emotional responsibility for the happiness of others and thus has made himself miserable.
Gemma is a woman who has put up with much. She has been the pawn of her father's ambitions but has made the most she could out of her life. Her first marriage could have been happy but her failure to bear an heir turned her husband against her, yet Gemma never gave up on her happiness. I really liked Gemma's matter of fact approach to life. I also really appreciated that Gemma is the one who decides to find a way to heal Crispin even at the risk of her own happiness.
The connection between these characters was sweet and loving. There was less heat and desperate sexual attraction, but I liked that these characters had an attraction but also respect for one another. They decided to make the best of their situation and treated one another rather well.
One of my favorite parts of this series is the connection between all the characters. There is a genuine sibling relationship between the Flynns and the family feels good and settled. I like reading books about genuine, good characters who are likeable and this series is filled is those types of characters.
WORTH MENTIONING: After I read this book, I was happy to find out that one of the characters that intrigued me will be the hero of one of the future books in this series. Readers who have read all the books in the series so far have been introduced to the final two couples by the end of this book.
FINAL DECISION: This was the most well rounded book of the series. I liked how both characters were likable and not cruel to one another despite the circumstances of their marriage.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE WIDOW WAGER is the third book of the Notorious Flynns series. It can be read as a standalone, but I think it is better as part of the series because the characters relationships to one another matter.
STAR RATING: I give THE WIDOW WAGER 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide an honest review of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
"My name is Gemma. I'm your wife."
THE STORY: Crispin Flynn's life has been out of control from a year and half. His brother inherited a dukedom and was forced to marry which Crispin feared would change his brother. At the same time, he fell in love and lost the woman he loved. Since then Crispin has been gambling and drinking his way through his life and fortune. One night he ends up his a gaming hell and as a result of his wager ends up married to Gemma, a widow of an earl. Crispin wakes up in the morning surprised to find himself married and certain that they have to find a way out of his latest mistake.
OPINION: This series has gotten better with each book. I loved this book because both characters are such good people. Crispin might be tortured by his past, but he doesn't take it out on Gemma. He is a genuinely nice guy who cannot let go of the mistakes he has made. He takes on too much emotional responsibility for the happiness of others and thus has made himself miserable.
Gemma is a woman who has put up with much. She has been the pawn of her father's ambitions but has made the most she could out of her life. Her first marriage could have been happy but her failure to bear an heir turned her husband against her, yet Gemma never gave up on her happiness. I really liked Gemma's matter of fact approach to life. I also really appreciated that Gemma is the one who decides to find a way to heal Crispin even at the risk of her own happiness.
The connection between these characters was sweet and loving. There was less heat and desperate sexual attraction, but I liked that these characters had an attraction but also respect for one another. They decided to make the best of their situation and treated one another rather well.
One of my favorite parts of this series is the connection between all the characters. There is a genuine sibling relationship between the Flynns and the family feels good and settled. I like reading books about genuine, good characters who are likeable and this series is filled is those types of characters.
WORTH MENTIONING: After I read this book, I was happy to find out that one of the characters that intrigued me will be the hero of one of the future books in this series. Readers who have read all the books in the series so far have been introduced to the final two couples by the end of this book.
FINAL DECISION: This was the most well rounded book of the series. I liked how both characters were likable and not cruel to one another despite the circumstances of their marriage.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE WIDOW WAGER is the third book of the Notorious Flynns series. It can be read as a standalone, but I think it is better as part of the series because the characters relationships to one another matter.
STAR RATING: I give THE WIDOW WAGER 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide an honest review of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews