My Once and Future Duke

The Wagers of Sin #1

by Caroline Linden

What happens at the infamous Vega Club . . .

Sophie Campbell is determined to be mistress of her own fate. Surviving on her skill at cards, she never risks what she can’t afford to lose. Yet when the Duke of Ware proposes a scandalous wager that’s too extravagant to refuse, she can’t resist. If she wins, she’ll get five thousand pounds, enough to secure her independence forever.

Stays at the Vega Club . . .

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, tells himself he’s at the Vega Club merely to save his reckless brother from losing everything, but he knows it’s a lie. He can’t keep his eyes off Sophie, and to get her he breaks his ironclad rule against gambling. If he wins, he wants her—for a week.

Until now.

A week with Jack could ruin what’s left of Sophie’s reputation. It might even cost her her heart. But when it comes to love, all bets are off . . .

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Audiobook, Adult

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2018

About the author

Caroline Linden was born a reader, not a writer. She earned a degree in mathematics from Harvard University and worked as a programmer in the financial services industry before realizing writing fiction is much more exciting than writing code. Her books have won the NEC-RWA Readers' Choice Award, the JNRW Golden Leaf, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and RWA's RITA Award, and have been translated into seventeen languages around the world. She lives in New England.

Sign up at http://www.carolinelinden.com/signup.... to get notified about her books and receive a free short story exclusively for subscribers.

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've been listening to this for a few hours now and the pressure has been building and building and I just can't stand it any longer. A woman who has made and lost a wager to "spend a week in my company" to a man that was witnessed by at least a dozen people in the open gaming room of a gambling club has been "ruined". His dragging her out of the "gaming club", alone, into a carriage that then took them out of London only nails that coffin further shut. That is a done deal. It is inescapable. I'm sorry, but there is just no way she isn't completely done, socially.

I've been waiting for either one of them to acknowledge this and get on with what they're going to do about it, but instead they're pfaffing about his country "house" talking and talking about anything but this complete closure of her future options. He hasn't even acknowledged that he has ruined her with a disturbingly callous disregard for the consequences that only she will bear. And she's all thinking "if only I can get back soon so the damage won't be as bad". Be as bad?!? Honey, that's a toggle. It's binary. You are ruined. There are no degrees. Bah.

I can't engage with either one of them because neither is taking this seriously and it's getting on my last nerve. So I'm quitting before I find out that the author doesn't think that it's a big deal or that they're both just really, really stupid. At this point, I just don't want to know.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Buddy read with Lacey, who luckily enjoyed this more than I did :)

See, the thing is, I LOVE Caroline Linden. She has written some of my favorite historical romances. But lately, I don't know why, books from my favorite authors that I have been eagerly waiting for just don't seem to work out for me- it happened three books in a row, with Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, and now Linden :(

The good things first:
Because this is a Carline Linden book, the writing is solid and I was able to look past a premise I did not enjoy and keep reading. I liked Sophie as a character (until something stupid happened towards the end): a woman with no family connections, who has to support herself and makes a plan to do so by gambling, using the skills she has (a good head for numbers) to make sure she can gain her independence and maybe even a husband. I LOVED that for once the roles were the other way around and the woman gets to be the one who stays out late, enjoys her life, and does as she pleases, while the man is limited by his place in society and barely has a life to speak of. Which brings me to Jack, the Duke of Ware. I liked him. He was nice, and guarded (understandably so), and slow to trust, and the way Sophie brings out the best in him was wonderful to read about.

And now for the things that didn't work out for me:
- the insta-lust. I hate it. There. I said it. Jack sees Sophie in a club where he is trying to prevent his little brother from losing even more money he doesn't have and instantly decides that he wants her. In order to get her to stop "fleecing" his brother, he proposes a bet: she wins, she gets a big sum of money from Jack; he wins, he gets a week of her company. Which brings me to:
- the premise: this did not work for me. Don't ask me why. I don't know. I wish I did. But honestly, after Jack actually drags Sophie from the club, bundles her up in a carriage, and basically abducts her to his country estate where no one will disturb them for a week, I gave up a little bit and skimmed until things got better for me. Which did happen eventually (this is Caroline Linden after all), just not enough to get over my initial disappointment. I did enjoy the second half of the book, where they developed an actual relationship, much more than the first half.
- the dreaded big last-minute understanding that came out of nowhere: So after they fall in love, and eventually become engaged, I guess someone said there was a desperate need for drama. Because Sophie manning up and deciding to just tell Jack about the secrets she kept from him (which I very much appreciated btw) just wasn't enough apparently. So we get this: Jacks' mother informs him that everyone expects him to propose to a debutante his father asked him to look after, which Jack's brother loses no time to tell Sophie about. Sophie then wails and goes into a "oh I never should've trusted him" fit that, to me, felt very out of character for her, and Jack has to track her down and explain that no, he was never engaged to anyone else. I'm sorry, but I HATE this sort of last-minute, contrived drama. And unlike my kind and more forgiving friend Lacey (hi Lacey! thanks for putting up with grumpy me on this one!!!), the rest of the story didn't make up for this for me.

I seem to be in the minority (again) with my opinion. Pretty much every one of my friends absolutely loved this. Oh well...

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

Caroline Linden writes the most wonderful character-driven romances, and she’s a favourite author of mine. Whenever I want to read something I know will be beautifully and intelligently written, with a gorgeous hero and a heroine I can root for, she’s someone I know I can rely on to deliver something that will hit the spot, and a new book by her is always a cause for celebration. Her latest release, My Once and Future Duke, the first in her new Wagers of Sin series, is a superb example of what she does best, and boasts a well-developed, sensual romance between two engaging and intriguing characters - who must find a way to bridge the (social) gulf between them if they are to make a life together.

Sophie Graham, granddaughter of Viscount Makepeace, is orphaned at the age of twelve when her parents both die from serious illness. The viscount cut off his son when he fell in love with and married a French opera singer, but Sophie’s father never regretted his choice; he loved his wife dearly, and they were a happy family, travelling around Europe to her mother's various singing engagements, returning to England only when her voice began to falter. With no other source of income, Sophie’s father supported his wife and daughter by what he could make at the gaming tables; having some talent at mathematics, probabilities and odds, he didn’t fare too badly. From him, Sophie learned many card games – and from the lads in the stables, she learned dicing, how to calculate odds, when to be cautious and when to take a risk. After her parents’ deaths, the viscount takes Sophie to a good school, making it clear that his financial support will stop the day Sophie turns eighteen. Sophie works hard and makes some good friends at school, but knows she can rely on no-one but herself to provide for her future. She has come up with a plan to ensure her financial security, but it’s risky and will mean living on the very edge of respectability.

Sophie longs for home, family and the sort of love she hasn’t experienced since her parents died. The only way to achieve that stability is for her to find a respectable gentleman to marry - but given that she is no debutante, she’s in her mid-twenties, has no family to speak of and is practically penniless, she decides she must make herself a little nest egg so that she will not go to her prospective husband empty handed. The only way Sophie knows how to make money is by gambling, and fortunately, there is a club in London which admits women as well as men, the Vega Club. She has played there a few nights a week for the past three years, and is quietly building her fortune, a little at a time.

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, is furious with his younger brother, Philip, for yet again running up gambling debts and expecting Jack to pay them. Jack came into his title when he was just twenty-four and hadn’t really finished kicking up his heels as “the heir”, but he had to settle down and assume his responsibilities quickly, leading some of his friends and associates –and especially his brother – to dismiss him as a dull dog. But Jack’s responsibilities include not allowing his brother to beggar the dukedom, so he tells Philip he will pay his latest debt on the condition that it’s the last time he wagers such a large sum AND that he does not set foot in Vega’s again. So it’s easy to understand his ire when, having visited the club’s owner to pay the debt, Jack is on his way out when he sees Philip at the Hazard table, losing to a lovely young woman in a scarlet gown.

Jack is almost knocked sideways by the sudden stab of desire that flashes through him when the woman turns to face him. He’s never had such a visceral reaction to any woman, and the fact that she throws him off balance only adds fuel to the fire of his fury over Philip’s duplicity. In the heat of his anger he makes it clear he believes the woman has set out to fleece his brother and then, uncharacteristically rattled, Jack proposes a scandalous wager – if he loses the game, he will pay the young woman five thousand pounds. If he wins, she will spend a week with him.

By this time, Sophie is sufficiently annoyed by the insults being levelled at her by this stranger – whom she has guessed is Philip’s brother – to let her temper get the better of her, and she accepts the wager. It’s clear to her that Ware is a complete novice at the game, but Hazard is a game of chance… and Sophie’s luck is about to run out.

Ms. Linden has created a gorgeously sensual romance between two people from very different backgrounds and stations in life who are perfect for each other but whose social positions look set to keep them apart. Jack has been bought up to duty and responsibility, and knows he is expected to wed a “suitable” young woman of the ton and have the sort of comfortable and unemotional marriage conducted by most people of his station. But the few days he spends with Sophie are a revelation; she’s kind, witty and clever, and it’s not long before he realises she’s everything he wants, and the woman he can see himself spending his life with. And while Sophie at first believes Jack to be the arrogant, stuffed shirt he is reputed to be, she soon comes to see he’s nothing of the sort and falls hard and fast for the loving, warm-hearted and tenderly affectionate man beneath the ducal exterior. She and Jack spend just a few days together, but it’s long enough for both of them to realise that they have found a profound and true love – but how can a duke marry a nobody who makes her living at the gaming tables?

The romance between Jack and Sophie is incredibly well written and beautifully developed; they fall in love over a very short period of time, but Ms. Linden imbues their romance with such a strong sense of compatibility, mutual longing and sensuality that it doesn’t feel rushed or the slightest bit underdeveloped. The only reason I’ve not given the book a five star rating is due to the misunderstanding thrown in towards the end, which seems to have been injected for the sake of providing a bit of eleventh-hour drama. Sophie’s reaction is somewhat out of character, too – she’s prepared to believe the worst without any evidence, and despite the fact that she knows better. Still, things are cleared up quite quickly, and of course, all ends well.

My Once and Future Duke is a fabulous read and once again proves Caroline Linden to be at the forefront of historical romance authors writing today. I have no hesitation in recommending it heartily, and I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in the series later this year.

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, I have been thinking about the authors whose books first encouraged my love of Historical Romance. Regrettably some of these authors, such as Caroline Linden, seem to have fallen by the wayside as new authors came along to capture my interest. MY ONCE AND FUTURE DUKE, the first book in her new The Wagers of Sin series, provided the perfect opportunity to rediscover this talented author.

Orphaned at the age of twelve, when both her beloved parents died of consumption, Sophie Graham was left under the guardianship of her grandfather, Viscount Makepeace. Having disowned Sophie’s father when he ran off and married a French opera singer, Makepeace wanted nothing to do with his granddaughter, a sentiment Sophie fully reciprocated. Anxious to be rid of his unwanted burden, her grandfather enrolled Sophie in Miss Upton’s Academy For Young Ladies, agreeing to pay her tuition fees until her eighteenth birthday – then she would be on her own.

I loved Sophie’s courage and resilience in the face of such life changing events. She does not wallow in self-pity and knows that the only person she can rely on is herself. She could have accepted a position at the academy teaching mathematics but I admired her determination to pursue her Grand Plan in the wider world and to forge a better life for herself.

It was a simple plan, really. Once she had secured her independence, she would be mistress of her own fate and able to chart her own course.

A legacy from her late employer and a small amount of personal savings enable Sophie to travel to London, posing as the widowed Sophie Campbell. Having learned several card games from her father and dicing from the stable boys at the academy, gambling is the one skill Sophie can use to gain the necessary funds to achieve her ultimate goal of marrying a respectable gentleman who could give her the security and family she longs for.

…everything had been proceeding according to that plan . . . until Jack.

At the age of twenty-four, Jack Lindeville’s carefree lifestyle ended abruptly when his father, the Duke of Ware, died after a boating accident. Jack was neither ready nor prepared to assume the heavy burden of responsibilities that came with the dukedom. During the past seven years, Jack has devoted his life to fulfilling his duties, earning him a reputation for being dour and aloof.

I had a lot of sympathy for Jack who, as a young man, had expected to have many more years of freedom before being weighed down with ducal responsibilities, which also included looking after the widow and daughter of his father’s best friend, who had also died in the accident. I hated his mother who constantly showed a preference for her younger son, Philip, making excuses for his excesses while constantly drumming into Jack the need to be above reproach in all things, and even resorting to emotional blackmail if he did not do as she wished.

Jack has worked too hard over the years to continue settling his brother’s gambling debts. He has agreed to pay Philip’s latest debt on the condition that he refrains from gambling for a month, and learns to moderate his gambling. However, whilst at the Vega Club to settle said debt, Jack is furious to see his brother there, but his attention is captured by the woman in crimson with whom Philip is gambling. He has not had such a powerful reaction to a woman in years and it leads to him doing something he vowed he would never do — gamble.

Worst of all, he was breaking his own vow to avoid gambling—at hazard, the game designed to beggar a man as speedily as possible. But there was something about this woman that provoked and entranced him beyond all reason.

Ms. Linden writes a tender and sensual romance and I enjoyed the time Jack and Sophie spend alone together at Alwyn House. Although it is only a few days, their relationship blossoms in a natural way that never seems rushed. Alwyn House has always been Jack’s retreat from his relentless duties – a place where he can relax and be himself. I could feel Sophie’s attitude towards Jack softening as they spend time together and she discovers that, beneath that cold, haughty exterior, Jack is a charming, warm-hearted man with a dry sense of humour and a willingness to laugh at himself.

…when he smiled and let down his guard. That flicker of humor and humanity turned him from a cold, haughty duke into an irresistibly attractive man.

Sophie is clever and funny and nothing like the scheming charlatan he had thought her to be. She is also the first woman who has ever made him feel like a man, not simply a duke.

As the days pass, it is obvious they have both fallen hopelessly in love and can no longer deny their desire for each other.

His expression was fierce, his eyes burning. “I want to make love to you, Sophie, so badly I can hardly bear it.”
His heart was hammering; she could feel it beneath her palms. Her blood was running just as hot, and she looked him right in the eyes and said, “Yes. Yes.”

But their idyll has to come to an end and, although I knew that their happy ending was never in doubt, there were enough impediments to overcome to keep me turning the pages. My only complaint is the unnecessary drama towards the end and Sophie’s reaction which seems out of character, but this is only a minor point and didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the story.

I was touched by the scene in the attics at Alwyn House where Sophie is surrounded by decades of Jack’s family history, something she had never had in her own life but secretly craves. So I was delighted when she discovers that she does have a genuinely kind relative who is keen to get to know her.

I liked Miss Eliza Cross and Lady Georgiana Lucas, Sophie’s best friends and future heroines. I was also intrigued by Nicholas Dashwood, the enigmatic owner of the Vega Club, and I’m hoping he might get his own book one day.

The Epilogue is not only charming but also provides a teaser for An Earl Like You (Eliza’s story), the second book in the series.

MY VERDICT: I’m so glad to have rediscovered Ms. Linden’s books and I can definitely recommend MY ONCE AND FUTURE DUKE.


The Wagers of Sin series (click on the book covers for more details):




This review was first published on the Rakes and Rascals Blog:

https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite my best efforts to go slow after more than a year of waiting, I gorged myself on this decadent novel and read it in two days. No regrets! In fact, I'll probably be reading it again to catch anything I missed.

My Once and Future Duke is Linden's first novel in a new series. However, it feature a very old secondary character whom readers first met in Caroline's early (perhaps first) novel, What a Woman Needs. The aloof but lonely Duke of Ware finally got his book and what a story it was. Still waters run deep my friends...my favorite trope ever.

Anyway, Linden is one of my favorite authors writing today so this review may be a bit fan-girly. I just love her style. I find her characters easy to understand, the dialogue pops, and the sexual tension and chemistry is hands-down my favorite in the genre. So good. This story is a bit unusual, particularly with the heroine. She is a woman of sharp intelligence and a ferocious desire to be financially independent in a time where paths to achieve that goal were limited. Her plan involves slowly building a nest egg by using her skill with odds and numbers to win money at a gambling establishment. Thus far, she has built up her savings to 4,000 pounds, but believes she needs 10,000 to truly be secure. The Duke of Ware never gambles, but when he happens to be in the establishment to pull his hapless brother out of yet another debt, Ware is arrested by the sight of a beautiful woman in crimson...and temporarily loses his mind.

When the Duke of Ware bets 5,000 pounds against a week in her company, Sophie loses her mind a bit too. Both typically careful characters throw all the rules out the window and end up on the path to love as a result of momentary madness. While some would find this plot to be unrealistic, from what I knew and understood about each character, it seemed to be the only way to begin shaking down the walls they'd each built around themselves for protection. Somehow, this dramatic event opened the gates for each of them to sneak behind the other's defenses and I reveled in every page of it. The duke is attracted to Sophie right away...but he keeps it hidden. Yes, there is insta-lust, but Linden builds the tension slowly as the characters spend time together in more innocent encounters. Oh my goodness...it was so good. I loved how Sophie got to see the true man behind the duke and how he got to see how unique and refreshing Sophie was as she let down her guard.

The beginning of this book was the strongest part of the novel. When real life begins to intrude once more, the focus shifted to other matters and the romance lost a little bit of its sparkle. At this point, there were two quibbles that I had:
1. When Sophie and the duke embark on an affair (that NO ONE can know about), neither ever thinks about the possibility of pregnancy. For such careful characters, and their resolution that the affair wouldn't last, this didn't make sense and every time they slept together, it bothered me more that the worry never came up.
2. There is a misunderstanding towards the end of the novel. While I understand how the conflict came about and I'm glad it was dealt with, it truly bothered me how Sophie handled it. It didn't fit with her character and for a chapter and a half, I was highly annoyed. Why didn't she ask the duke about it? After all they'd been through together? Why?? ARGH!! Fortunately, the duke came in and resolved the issue and Sophie gave in in such a way that my short-lived disappointment could not overpower the enormous enjoyment I had in the rest of the novel to lower my rating. You have been warned for those who also hate misunderstandings. Don't let it stop you from this book though...truly. It is still worth it.

I truly loved My Once and Future Duke. I got this as an ARC from Edelweiss, but I can tell you right now, I'll be buying the paperback the day it comes out to put on my favorites shelf. This romance with the unusual, careful characters was just so gripping. I loved the intensity of their attraction, both physically and mentally, and at times, I felt a bit like a voyeur since the chemistry was so palpable. The storyline flowed beautifully and the private love between them was so fun to read, I just couldn't put the book down.

The ending is a hook for the next book in the series and I can tell you right now, I'll be reading it as soon as I can get my hands on it. Yay for another new series I can rave about. Get excited everyone <3

As I stated before, I received a free copy from Edelweiss. This review is my own honest opinion of the story. Thank you for not making me wait another month :)

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely heroine…

… an accomplished gambler who earns her living that way! I admit I admired her! She knew what she wanted and went to get it in an unusual and inventive way! LOL

The hero was a stick-in-the-a**, but while reading I could understand why he was that way! So, when he falls for the heroine, he falls hard and all the way!

Some of my friends said that they liked the hero’s brother; me not so much! A useless and slick youngster who always did whatever he wanted and unloaded all the problems on his brother’s shoulders. Moreover when pressed to acknowledge his errors, he went to his mother to plead innocence giving all the blame to his brother! I really don’t know what’s there to like! I wanted to slap him soooo many time! And is mother too!

What kind of a mother have two sets of behavior for her sons?

She forgives everything to Philip. For Jack is all the contrary! He must be responsible, he must be honorable, he must do whatever she asks and if he rebels she resort to blackmail him with his father’s death wishes and family obligations! I truly hated her!

As you can see I was rooting for Jack and Sophie’s getting together just to spite those two! I liked them both and wanted their happiness!

I liked Sophie’s ability to manage Jack and to surprise him with the unexpected. But I also like Jack for he was so ready to become his own man and to confront all the limitations that were put on him!

A lovely romance with MCs that agree with each other instead of the usual: “you’re not to blame, I’m not good enough for you” trope!

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread (April 28th, 2022)
It's funny as I read my old review for this, I mostly agree with this - but I don't know why I said Jack was a gentleman??? Maybe because I didn't have as much experience with romance and came from bodice rippers (compared to Virginia Henley, Jack IS a gentleman) but I don't think I would say that this go around - he's a bit of a judgmental jerk at times and literally kidnapped the heroine and brought her to his country home, jeopardizing her reputation. So, not sure why I thought he was a gentleman lol.

I did a reread for steam and I'd rate it a 2 (but I combined 2 close together scenes, so may feel hotter or more like a 3 to others).
Locations

Pg 168 - kisses, sofa sex, light dirty talk
Pg 178 - her on top
Pg 187 - kiss
Pg 220 - kisses
Pg 242 - missionary
Pg 309 - alluded to sex (a few sentences mentioning)
Total pages 372


Overall, I still found the story enjoyable. I liked the kidnapping theme and the whole bet that takes place in the beginning. I can't say I LOVED the second half, but I definitely want to pick up the rest of this series now and see how it plays out.

Story takes place in 1819
Heroine is 24
Hero is ...31? It's mentioned he's no more than 35 in pone passage and another says he was 24 when he inherited and then further detective work showed he's safeguarded the estates for 7 years...so I would guess 31. Maybe it said outright in a passage and I missed it.

Content warnings

remembrances of infidelity - hero's fiance goes and elopes with someone else
remembrances of loss of parents - heroine is orphaned
toxic family remembered


Original review (February 10th, 2019)
Sophie is our heroine and she was orphaned at 12 and basically had to depend on herself to survive. Her guardian (her grandfather) is a cold man who disowned her father for marrying her mother. After attending school (the only thing her grandfather did for her), she tries to make it herself in London and does pretty well playing the gaming tables at Vega’s.

Our hero comes into the picture when he goes to Vega’s to pay his brothers gaming debts. To his frustration, he finds his brother still gambling and Sophie gets pulled into the whole fiasco.

There’s a lot to love about the book. I loved both main characters. Much of the middle of the book is just so sweet. Lots of conversations between the main characters that let you get to know them as they weave their way into your heart. I love a hero like Jack because he is such a gentleman. (I mean, I love the not gentlemen as well 🤣) but there’s something about him that really feels like regency England. He controls himself for much of the book.

I did feel the steam was a little lacking for me. When their feelings finally culminated and Jacks control broke I really wanted to feel those emotions and it was just shy of that for me. There was build up for it then when it happened I would have preferred more detail. There’s lots of scenes that are skipped over and talked about as weeks spent together.

I give 3.5, it was enjoyable.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by Edelweiss and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie was sent to an Academy for young ladies by her Viscount Uncle. She was orphaned at a young age. At eighteen she's on her own as far as her Uncle is concerned. Sophie is very good at cards and calculating numbers, thanks to her late father. She becomes a very successful gambler and pretends to be a widow.

Duke of Ware, Jack Linderville is at Vega to pay off his brother Philip's debt, which happens often. This is where he runs into Sophie, who happens to be part of the reason his brother is in debt. Philip is also a tad smitten with Sophie and Jack can see why. Jack becomes enamored as well and he proceeds to make a bet/offer with Sophie. If Sophie wins she get five thousands pounds and if Jack wins she spends a week with him.

So of course Sophie doesn't win, this brilliant card player loses to Jack who hasn't played in a while and then braking his own rule about gambling. I found that from this point on the story went down hill. Sophie's character didn't make sense, in that she's portrayed as brilliant and independent but yet her decision making process and actions seemed opposite. First that she even agreed to the bet/offer and then her reaction, plus why put yourself in that position in tarnishing her reputation.

And then Jack, he's mad at his brother for being in debt. Then he proceeds to bet against Sophie and again braking his rule about gambling. He then regrets his decision.

Thy go to his home away from London and become stuck out there because of whether. They can't help their attraction and start an affair. There is a lot of silly drama with secondary characters that didn't really add to the story or premise of the story but drag it out. And the contrived, last minute drama was predictable and weak.

First time reading this author.

[OLT · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5 stars) I seem to be swimming against the tide again in my reaction to another new HR release. I thought to try out Linden's new series, even though her previous Scandals books did not appeal to me. But this one goes into the same file as Kleypas' and Campbell's latest novels. It's competently written but Linden and the other two are not one third the wordsmiths of a Meredith Duran, Jayne Fresina, Elizabeth Kingston, Sherry Thomas, or Courtney Milan. Linden tells stories, but the way she writes never blows me away with its cleverness, lyrical prose, or great dialogue. And the plot of this one is predictable and derivative, with uninspired characters from Central Casting.

As heroine we have poor orphaned Sophie Graham, who has to struggle to make it on her own in the world, since her parents are both deceased and her grandfather agreed only to pay her education and after that she was not to count on him for anything. Fortunately, she learned her way around cards and gaming from her father (disowned by her grandfather because of his mesalliance with a French opera singer) and knows how to count cards and other card sharp tricks. With a goal of accumulating enough funds to retire within six years, Sophie frequents Vega Club, one of the few gambling clubs open to women gamblers.

Our hero is Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware. Jack is fully cognizant of his duties and responsibilities as a peer of the realm and is a sober, reliable, perhaps slightly stick-up-his-patootie person. But there's a thorn in his side: irresponsible younger brother Philip, who has taken to losing scads of money gambling inexpertly at that Vega Club frequented by Sophie.

When Jack goes to the club to pay off Philip's debts, who should he find there but Philip, flirting with a lovely woman gambler. Jack is peeved, to say the least. First, Philip was not supposed to gamble any more and second, it appears that that hussy is encouraging him to lose more money. To discourage this, Jack makes a bet with her: 5000 pounds of his against her spending one week with him. She accepts. And loses. And that's pretty much the story. They go off together to one of Jack's lesser estates and are appropriately trapped there by heavy rains, impassable roads, and a broken carriage axle.

Naturally they have the hots for each other. Naturally they both know nothing can really come of it. She wants respectability and marriage. He wants her in his bed but knows she's not respectable enough to be his wife. But, of course, they cannot deny their great sexual attraction and continue their clandestine affair once they have returned to London. Then comes that predictable quandary: marriage or mistress.

There's also a minor snafu with a supposed longstanding betrothal of Jack to another young woman, something that did not need to be there except, I guess, because otherwise there would not have been enough pages in the book.

What little plot there was here did not entertain me. It was too been-there, done-that. And I had so many problems with the actions of these characters.

(1) Why on earth did Sophie agree to that wager? How could she possibly think that this would stay in the club and not get out into the gossiping ton? This wasn't Vegas, where what happens there, stays there. For a woman who needed to stay respectable, she wasn't very smart.

(2) Why did Sophie start out as such a strong female and then turn into a silly puddle around Jack? I dislike women who become weak around a handsome man. He wasn't even all that pleasant to her when she first felt this attraction.

(3) Why did the author feel the need to add in the plot line with Jack's longtime implied engagement? It was needless filler that produced a Trite Misunderstanding that added nothing to the plot but annoyed the heck out of me. And more to the point: Why didn't Sophie go to Jack to get this clarified instead of talking to that idiot Philip?

(4) Why was Jack so ineffectual in his dealings with his brother? How could he be so poor at controlling his gambling? And his plan to follow Philip around Vega Club was ridiculous.

(5) Why did we have that predictable bit at the end with Sophie meeting up with the new Viscount Makepeace? That watered down the whole "I'm going to marry you no matter who you are" from Jack.

And, as long as I am being such an annoying gritch here, I've got a couple lesser things to complain about: (1) Why not "vingt-et-un"? Isn't that more correct than "vingt-un"? and (2) Why would a duke use a hackney to get home from Vega Club? Wouldn't that be too vulgar and common? Shouldn't a duke move around in his own ducal carriage?

Okay. I'm done venting. My apologies.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I am amazed that Sophie's reputation was not ruined when she lost the wager and was abducted to Jack's country home for four days. Maybe because she was believed to be a widow, the wager wasn't as ruinous if she had been a spinster (which she really is but the ton didn't know that). I almost lost interest when the two of them were stuck at Jack's country home (due to rain) but then they slept together and I was interested again. lol. I do plan to read the next book and possibly the last book.

[Joanna Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't trust me. I'm an unapologetic Caroline Linden fangirl, as much as I can be a fangirl anyways. Having read all of her historical romances, several multiple times, the pre-ordering of this one was inevitable. Still, I had my qualms going in. Every author is bound to write a story that doesn't appeal to us at some point, and this one features a secondary character from what I believe was her first full-length novel, What a Woman Needs, which is my least favorite of hers. For 13 years, many fans have waited for the Duke of Ware to get his own story. Not really recalling his role in the novel, I had seen the question asked in her FAQs, so I was aware of the hype, regardless. Coming off an unexpectedly disappointing new release the week before, I was again a trifle nervous. I found the premise of this somewhat underwhelming. It sounded like books I had read before. It's a regency with a gambling club as a central point, and well it's one of a million (slight exageration) Duke heroes to be released within the last year. To be fair, Linden has had only four duke heroes in all of her novels and novellas (I believe...I know a true fangirl would KNOW), so I am not complaining too much about that. Plus this hero was already a Duke sitting there from a previous story. Nevertheless, was this a sign that she was being swayed too much by current trends? I digress, but I am trying to drive home the point that while I was hopeful this would be another winner, there was trepidation that it would be one of those very rare misses by Linden. When I finally was able to read it, I found my fears were in vain. Thank goodness. It was a decadent story, and I think that it be best to read while soaking in a bubble bath, wine and chocolate at the ready.



The story starts out with Sophie gambling with the Duke's brother Philip. Philip had been a bit too insistent she lavish her attention on him, and she was indulging him to pacify him with a game of Hazard. At that same moment, the Duke was paying off debts Philip could not pay himself, having extracted a promise earlier that day from Philip that he would not return to the tables for a month. Jack, the Duke, spots the two of the gambling, and he acts rather uncharacteristically and makes a scene and starts gambling with Sophie. She's winning because luck and skill are on her side, so when he wagers 5,000 pounds versus a week in her company, she accepts. Of course, luck finally favors him, and she faces the prospect of honoring the wager or losing her membership to the Vega Club. They depart, and he whisks her away to his house in the country that is not too far from the city. Can I say I was sold at this point? Not really. I still had some trepidation, but there were two things in its favor. One is that I tend to prefer a tumultuous start, especially if it gets the leads acting out of character due to a force (let's call it strong attraction) outside of their control. This was well done, but it really could have went very South from here. Their time away from London was lovely. I really, really enjoyed their time spent getting to know each other. While it was only four days, it worked, I think, because they both were able to relax and forget about their worries for a few days. They were able to let their guard down. And they had fun. Together. That is a key feature in romances. I need to know that the main characters can make the other happy, maybe even that they need the other to be happy. This was a ROMANCE, and a damn good one, and the details of the historical setting were well researched and told. I found this delightful.

There was a twist at the end that could have been handled differently, but it really didn't affect my overall enjoyment of the novel. I was rooting for them and very much believed in their HEA. It was a relationship built on honesty and trust that slowly grew over time, despite some insecurities along the way. Linden also did a good job at getting us interested in the series, without detracting from this story. August cannot come soon enough for the next story. It features one of Sophie's childhood friends, which was another part I enjoyed--the female friendships. This book did mention two other Linden heroes from her earlier book, and it featured a small but important cameo of the Duke of Exeter from What a Gentleman Wants.

I believe February 27, 2018, is the biggest HR release date I have ever experienced. This one probably getting lesser hype behind Lisa Kleypas' release and Meredith Duran's, but it is certainly well worth a read. I would definitely recomment to anyone who likes a good romance with great characters. It really was lovely and satisfying.



Thanks to Loriidae for the Buddy Read in the HRBC -- always delightful, and Bubu for helping me figure out GIFs -- this is fun.

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Sophie (h) had a core of strength and determination that was shaped by having everything she loved ripped away as a child and then floundering towards an unsupported future. Young, orphaned Sophie starts the book being shuttled off to school by her grandfather who’s going to wash his hands of her as soon as she turns 18. There, she makes two friends who’ll be her ride or dies and has time to consider her options. Flashing forward, Sophie’s cultivated an image as a widow (she’s never actually been married) and she’s trying to make a nest egg little by little by gambling at a club. She’d love to make the right kind of match still and has her eye on one possible gentleman, but another gentleman who’s too cocky and rash has his eyes on her. That foolish man’s not-foolish older brother arrives on the scene to bust up any gambling risks and is instantly driven to his own risk-taking in order to be near Sophie.

Jack (H) was a tough nut at first and he’s been shaped in a wholly different way than Sophie, since he has extreme pressure placed on him because of his wealth and title, oh and his mother. Jack’s demeanor is reserved and judgmental, but he’s trying to save his brother from ruin while also feeling crushed by expectations to some degree. He gets the wild idea that spiriting Sophie away will be a step in that direction. A high-stakes wager is made and accepted and Jack wins. The resulting kidnapping and storm-caused forced proximity at a beautiful country house, means a slow glide from adversaries into friendly rapport then something more. But they have to go back to London and both of their circumstances feel insurmountable for anything long-term between them.

Written in third person, dual POV. Some ow drama with H’s family talking about a betrothal that H never agreed to. Some om drama in that H’s brother causes a stink at times because of his interest in h and the h was feeling out whether an om might be a possible future-husband candidate. But none of these situations take away from how both the H and h are crazy about each other. Both are also experienced.

I loved Jack and Sophie together, even before they were able to see beneath the veneers each was holding up. The time in the country felt so intimate and it was easy to see how they’d start falling for each other in that setting and with the truths they shared (though Sophie isn’t completely open to him). The steam also happens before the 50% mark and was well done. Coming back to town, they try to stay away but are drawn back together like magnets.

The scenes at the club and the card games sometimes dragged a bit since I’m not interested in card games. The details of the country house and their clothing and the general setting are rich in description, this author does that so well. I would have liked to have seen the friends on page even more than they are, esp since they each have their own books, but they did support Sophie and clearly loved her. It was sad that Jack didn’t have that same support system.

The third act drama is what brought this down for me. Before that it was fairly low-angst but still engaging. Jack’s family causing issues and upsetting Sophie just made me want to see them get some comeuppance and it did frustrate me that while Jack stands up to them, more couldn’t be done to smack them down. I was feeling vengeful maybe when I was reading. The epilogue is a few months later, they’re married and back at the country house they adore when a lead-in happens to the next book. I don’t know how I feel about the premises for the other stories, but I did enjoy this one a lot so I might pick one of the others up eventually.

[NMmomof4 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was a cute, low drama read. I don’t feel like we got all that deep and while I liked the characters and experiencing the development of their relationship, I felt like I was short changed in the end. I wanted soooo much more. I also felt like the conflict was underwhelming. It just ended on their end and then focused on the next book, where I think it could’ve been so much better with some more time with them being together officially.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Sophie and Jack’s story. Sophie is taking the part as a widow after being disowned by her mean grandfather and making a nest egg of savings by gambling. Jack’s little brother has crossed the line and lost money too many times in the gambling hall, so he goes to pay off his debt one last time. They meet and make a wager that is too tempting for Sophie to refuse, but she ends up stranded at his country home with him for a week. They butt heads at first, but that quickly turns into friendship that eventually turns into more, and they fall in love...and get a HEA ending.

Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Sophie and Jack in 3rd person narrative.

Overall Pace of Story: Good until abrupt ending.

Instalove: No, they’re more like hate-to-friends-to-more.

H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Jack. I mostly liked him. He was protective and sweet.

h (heroine) rating: 4 stars. Sophie. I liked her. She was smart, tough, and loving.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: Yes The h pushes away and I’d say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship

Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes There is a man that the h was friendly with and has considered as a potential husband that makes the H mildly jealous, the H’s brother pursues the h (without knowing about them), and the H’s mom says he’s betrothed to OW but he’s not and this causes some drama for the couple

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes They are separated shortly (days?), but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time.

Possible Triggers: Mild Loss of loved ones (off page)

Closure: This ends abruptly with what I would reluctantly call a HEA ending they’re married. The epilogue gave me some closure but I wanted much more and not so much on setting up the next book.

Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have the h pushing the H away
- Does have a separation between the h and H
- Does Not have abuse
- Does have a HEA ending

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: 9/27/23
A very good hr!
RTC

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review from 2018

I've given this an A- for both content and narration at AudioGals, so 4.5 stars rounded up

Better late than never, so they say, and I’m pleased to agree with that when it comes to the release of this first book in Caroline Linden’s Wagers of Sin series. My Once and Future Duke was released in print at the end of February and I’m happy to report that the audio version – narrated by the ever-reliable Beverley A. Crick – was worth the wait.

In the prologue, we’re introduced to the three heroines of the series – Sophie, Eliza and Georgiana – when Sophie is sent to school by her grandfather, Viscount Makepeace, who wants nothing to do with her. He disowned Sophie’s father when he married an opera singer, and Sophie has lived all her life abroad as the family travelled frequently to her mother’s engagements. When her voice began to fail, Sophie’s father did what he could to support his family by gambling; having some knowledge of mathematics, probabilities and odds, he didn’t do too badly and Sophie learned many card games from him – and from the lads in the stables, she learned dicing, how to calculate odds, when to be cautious and when to take a risk. Sophie’s parents died when she was twelve and she was left to the care of the viscount, who made it clear that his financial support would stop when she was eighteen, so she has devised a plan which will secure her future – but it’s risky and means she will have to live on the edge of respectability.

Sophie longs for a home and family of the sort she had herself but knows she will never make a respectable marriage unless she can bring something to her husband when she marries. She has set herself a goal of amassing a dowry of ten thousand pounds – and by the time we meet her again as an adult, she has made a start on that by gambling (carefully) at the Vega Club, one of the few establishments of its kind that admits women.

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, is furious with his younger brother Philip for running up yet more gambling debts he can’t pay. Bowing once again to his mother’s pleading, Jack tells Philip that he will settle this latest debt on condition that it’s the last time he wagers such a large sum AND that he does not set foot in the Vega Club again. Philip readily agrees – so it’s not surprising that Jack is incensed when, about to leave the club after having paid his brother’s dues, Jack spies him at the Hazard table, losing to a stunning woman in a crimson gown.

Jack is astonished at the strength of the desire for this woman that rushes through him; he’s never experienced such a visceral reaction before and it throws him off balance. Even so, he makes it clear in no uncertain terms that he believes her to have set out to fleece Philip, and then, furious, hurt and caught off guard by lust, proposes a scandalous wager. If the lady will play Hazard with him and wins, the prize will be five thousand pounds. If she loses… she will give him a week of her company.

Sophie knows she’s being insulted and knows she shouldn’t accept the wager… but five thousand pounds is a lot of money, and she allows her wounded pride to get the better of her. She’s worked out that this handsome, angry individual must be Philip’s brother, and it’s obvious he’s a novice when it comes to gambling. But Hazard really IS a game of chance… and Sophie’s luck is about to run out.

Caroline Linden is one of my favourite authors, and she doesn’t disappoint, creating a wonderfully tender, sensual romance between two people who are obviously perfect for each other, but whose differences in background and social status look set to keep them apart.

Jack inherited his title in his early twenties and takes his duty to his family and dependents very seriously, which has led to his being labelled a bit of a dull dog in some quarters. He knows it is incumbent upon him to select a suitable bride who will make him an admirable duchess and has no expectation of anything other than the advantageous, unemotional marriage conducted by many of his peers. But the few days he spends with Sophie are a revelation, and he starts to believe that perhaps he can have something for himself in life after all; she’s funny, clever, charming, and exactly the sort of woman he can see himself spending the rest of his life with – but how can a duke marry a woman who makes her living at the gaming tables?

Sophie knows this as well as Jack does, yet she is unable to stop herself falling for the loving, warm-hearted and affectionate man she quickly realises lies beneath the haughty, ducal exterior. Their romance blooms quickly, yet the author imbues it with such a strong sense of compatibility and genuine affection that it doesn’t feel rushed or the least bit underdeveloped. In fact the only criticism I have about the story is the misunderstanding thrown in near the end and Sophie’s reaction to it. Fortunately, things are put right quickly but still, it feels contrived and as though it’s there just to squeeze out an extra drop of tension; and I didn’t like the way Sophie was prepared to believe the worst with no evidence to support what she’d been told.

That niggle apart though, My Once and Future Duke is a delightful and sensual romance written with Ms. Linden’s characteristic warmth and intelligence. Having enjoyed other audiobooks of hers narrated by Beverley A. Crick, I was pleased when the latter was confirmed as the narrator for this series, as she’s a very skilled vocal actress and I always enjoy listening to her. Her performance is well-paced and expressive in both narrative and dialogue, and the characters are all clearly differentiated according to gender, age and station. Sophie, Eliza and Georgiana are convincingly portrayed as girls of twelve, and again later on, their voices have subtly altered but not so much that the listener isn’t able to work out which is which. Her heroes always sound suitably and attractively masculine, and Jack is no exception; Ms. Crick doesn’t drop her voice into her boots, but makes use of a slight drop in pitch and an alteration in timbre which does the trick admirably ;) As ever, I found myself particularly enjoying the expressive nature of her performance; she has the ability to convey even the smallest sentiment or emotion through her voice without going over the top or not making enough of it. All in all, My Once and Future Duke is an audiobook I’m very pleased to recommend to others for both its excellent story and narration. By the way, book two in the series – An Earl Like You– is wonderful; I haven’t listened to it yet, but I read it a few weeks back, and I’m sure the audio will be equally enjoyable.

[Gio Listmaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sophie was discovering that she could ignore her own attraction as long as she didn’t like him, but when he smiled and let down his guard . . . That flicker of humor and humanity turned him from a cold, haughty duke into an irresistibly attractive man."

This ^^^ Is Why I Love To Read Caroline Linden

Jack Lindeville, Duke Of Ware Does Not Understand His Attraction To The Heroine



Our Heroine Sophie Campbell Is A Sharp Clever Gambler Who Knows How To Play The Odds



The Witty Dialogue Between These Two Creates Layers Of Who They Are And Why They Love



Caroline Clears Up Misunderstandings Quickly

Yet, It Has A Slow Build



This Book Has A Pride and Prejudice Aesthetic Where The Starched Hero Gets Unstarched

The Star Deduction Is For The Conversation With Her Friend In The Middle Of The Story Which Felt A Bit Repetitive

[Rachel (BAVR) · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's nothing particularly bad or unlikable about My Once and Future Duke, though I would be hard-pressed to think of more than a couple good or likable things about it. The first half of the book is a dreadful bore. Just blah. Jack and Sophie aren't charismatic on their own, let alone thrown together at his dull country house chatting about family heirlooms and thinking about how sexy the other one is. And that's fine if you want to bask in the soothing romance of two perfectly nice people, but I'm really hard to please because I prefer to be dragged kicking and screaming through tense conflict. Like, thanks for the sweet story, but I might be the wrong person for this?



Anyway, the gist of the story is entirely character-driven, so let's dig into them.

Jack, the Duke of Ware
Jack is a duke. A perfectly competent duke with a perfectly competent work ethic and moral compass. The most imperfect thing about him is his hilarious London house, which is called Ware House. Is this an intentional thing? Did anyone in the publishing process notice? Why is this more interesting to me than anything else in the book?

So, Jack is running out of patience with his little brother, Phillip, who is running up so many gambling debts. Phillip gambles all the time, but he really, really sucks at it. Jack makes him promise to stop gambling for a month, and Phillip's like, "Yeah, sure, I can do that." But when Jack goes to a super discreet gambling club to pay off one of Phillip's debts and finds him there playing hazard with Sophie, Jack feels 2 things - 1) fury with Phillip and 2) a boner for Sophie. That motivates him to take Phillip's place at the gambling table to teach his little bro a lesson by ... creating a wager with Sophie in which he would pay her 5000 pounds or she would have to spend a week with him. You get where this is going.

Sophie, gambler extraordinaire
Orphaned Sophie isn't recognized by her humorless old grandfather, who's hated her ever since he's hated her father for running off and marrying an opera singer. Therefore, after finishing school, she's on her own. She works for a bit as a companion but then decides to take the world by the balls and make her own fortune. She's trying to save ten grand and maybe catch a husband who isn't a total lecher and is also good with money. Modest ambitions, all in all. Sophie gets caught up in so much brotherly drama during that hazard game, though, and she ends up spending several days with Jack. Alone. In his boring fucking country house. The horror.

This is one of the rare Avons where the sex is actually the best part. Possibly because they're moving something other than their damn mouths? Whatever it is, Linden writes a competent love scene. The plot picks up in the second half a little bit, with Phillip jealously trailing Sophie around the gambling club and Jack and Sophie pretending that nothing at all happened when they both disappeared for a few days. The power of innuendo and the hint of scandal is played with competently, but I think it's a little too cleanly wrapped up with a shiny bow at the end.

Three stars for you, Jack and Sophie. I want nothing more to do with you, but the memories aren't all that bad. BAVR's growing soft with age.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: The Wagers of Sin #1
Publication Date: 2/27/18

Sophie Graham had a wonderful life – two loving parents, travel, meeting varied and interesting people – until those parents died of consumption when she was twelve years old. Her grandfather was an awful person who had disowned his son (Sophie’s father) because he married the woman he loved rather than marry as his father wanted. That cold and unfeeling man became Sophie’s guardian. He certainly didn’t want her or anything to do with her so he took her to Miss Upton’s Academy For Young Ladies and left her. He made sure that she understood she was not welcome in his home and would not be coming there for holidays nor would he pay her tuition past the age of eighteen – after eighteen, she would be totally on her own. Sophie made two wonderful friends (Miss Eliza Cross and Lady Georgiana Lucas) at that school and they remained her staunch supporters. Lovely, accomplished and intelligent, Sophie understood quite quickly that the only person she could depend upon to take care of her was herself and she set out to make her fortune and hopefully find a nice decent man with whom to make a family.

You have to admire Sophie because she managed to take care of herself from the time she was twelve. She became strong and independent – and she had a plan. She was going to London as the widow Mrs. Sophie Campbell, and she was going to use her greatest skill to make her fortune. That skill was playing cards and she had learned it at her father’s knee, learning to figure the odds, game rules, etc. She rarely lost. Her goal was to gain a fortune of ten-thousand pounds because that should be enough to help her attract an upstanding gentleman as her suitor. Then, she’d marry and start a family. That plan was going well – she already had four-thousand pounds in her account – but then she lost the biggest bet of her young life!

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, is weighed down by his responsibilities – to the dukedom, his mother, his brother and even the daughter and widow of his father’s best friend. Once upon a time, he had been a fun-loving and happy young man who laughed and enjoyed his life. Then, his father died after a boating accident and duty called with its stifling weight. Now, all Jack does is work and try to control his brother, Phillip, to keep him from running up massive gambling debts. Jack has become cold and hard as granite – and he has no idea how lonely he is. ** Note here -- Jack's mother is a piece of work. If he controlled her, he wouldn't have too much trouble in controlling Philip. -- Just sayin' **

Phillip’s favorite place to gamble is the Vega Club because of the ambiance and the presence of the lovely Mrs. Campbell. He loses regularly to Mrs. Campbell, but he also loses to many others at the club. One large loss of Phillip's is the last straw for Jack. His temper is flaring when he arrives at the Vega Club to pay off Phillip’s debt and finds said brother at the tables when he had just promised to stay away from gambling for a month. Jack is incensed and decides he’ll teach Philip a lesson – then he really loses that temper and wagers himself. He certainly doesn’t expect to win the wager and is aghast when he wins – because he has won the company of the lovely Mrs. Campbell for a week. What in the world is he going to do? Why – he’s going to abscond with her to Alwyn, his favorite home – where they are stranded by a rainstorm. He can’t take her back to London because the roads are impassable and the coach has a broken axle.

Jack and Sophie are in for an emotional ride. Watching two determined, smart and independent people work their way through their budding feelings, trying to stay away from each other and coming to terms with their feelings is nerve-wracking. Can they overcome Jack’s mother and her plotting? Can they curb Phillip's gambling and his animosity toward Jack? Can they really find their HEA? You’ll just have to read this lovely book to find all of the answers.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Story_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

My first book by this author and wow am I impressed! Eagerly looking forward to book 2 of the series.

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idk why but decided to read this and sometimes it’s nice to read a story that feels safe in its uncertainty. Don’t mistake me: It’s not a predictable plot, but not too much angst or woe.

Caroline Linden knows how to write a strong opening. The first time the hero lays eyes on the heroine? The duke is smitten and acting out of his nature to have an excuse to be with her! I’ve read a few of Linden’s books and she has often hooked me in this way, sometimes under false pretenses… I’ve found her books to range from mediocre to not much happening, so I was curious if the magic would last.

I found myself hooked on this book this whole day. I couldn’t stop reading it in between moments. I liked that the hero and heroine want to be with each other but try to stop. I liked that circumstances brought them together for a clandestine affair. And finally, I liked that there was a little bit of conflict but it’s basically resolved as soon as it’s introduced.

I’ve been reading some dark romance erotica so this was just a lovely palette-cleanser. I enjoyed both the heroine Sophie and the hero Jack. I also enjoyed the gambling setting.

Past characters also make a guest appearance, specifically Exeter and his wife from What A Gentleman Wants, a novel published nearly 10 years ago. It reminded me also that that book also featured a stuffy duke and woman of low birth. However, I checked my review and apparently that book was low on the steam.

This book is quite sensual, especially in the opening meeting. They are sequestered at Alwyn House for a few days where they get to know each other before they have physical congress. There are some more scenes when they are having an affair back in London.

Reminds me of Linden’s A View to Kiss, because it’s more of her sensual stories.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Once And Future Duke is the first book in "The Wagers of Sin" series. This is the story of Sophie Campbell and Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware.
Sophie life was wonderful up until her parents died of consumption when she was about twelve years old. Sophie's grandfather became her guardian but he was a bitter mean man who had disowned her father earlier for marrying her mother. The grandfather dropped her off at Miss Upton’s Academy For Young Ladies and told her that he would pay for her schooling until she was 18 years old. The grandfather left her there but Sophie was able to make two great friends. But this put Sophie life into motion that she needed to have money and be independent. So it started her life of bring in money to met that goal.
Jack has the weight of the world on him along with his family. A once fun loving man now is a serious Duke who has to take care of his family and even his friends. When his younger brother is out messing around again Jack goes to the Vega Club to get him out but stops when he spies a beautiful women. Jack never gambles but he goes forward to Sophie and makes a life changing bet.
This was a great story I thought it started off really strong and kept me wanting to see their ending.
Loved it!

[Luana ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nice except for a misunderstanding in the end that made no sense she beliving other people's word without speaking with him first but okay.

The other two books of this series are much better though.

[ashleigh]

Lol apparently this is the first one oops

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was so nonsensical. Couldn’t care for either main characters.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one!
I loved that the heroine was sure of herself, and knew how to handle being a woman in a gambling club.
I appreciated that the hero went out of his way to make sure if it would be okay for his supposed fiancee (his parents set it up when he was much younger, he never actually agreed to it) if they did not marry. I liked that the ex-fiancee said no first (because he is so old lol), it was a funny interaction.

Philip and the duchess are hella weird.

[Joanna Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook - still loved it :-)

[Севдалина · Rating 4 out of 5]

Джак Линдвил, херцог на Уеър и Софи Кембъл

След смъртта на родителите й, Софи е оставена на опеката на дядо си, който не иска да има нищо общо с нея, затова я изпраща в училище за млади дами, с предупреждението да научи занаят, защото навърши ли 18 спира да плаща за обучението й. Така Софи расте знаейки, че от нея зависи да се справя сама с всичко в живота си. След като напуска училище за кратко работи като компаньонка на възрастна дама, която й оставя малко наследство. Променяйки името си и представяйки се за вдовица, Софи заминава за Лондон, където започва да изкарва прехраната си на игралната маса. Тя има план с който да събере достатъчно пари, че да подсигури бъдещето си, а междувременно смята да се оглежда за подходящ съпруг. Всичко обаче се променя в деня в който не се запознава с херцог Уеър.

Джак, херцог Уеър е изтощен от това постоянно да върви и да оправя кашите на по-малкият си брат, който непрестанно губи пари на масите за хазарт. Филип този път е изгубил крупна сума и Джак е готов да я изплати, само ако брат му обещае да не стъпва в хазартния клуб поне месец. Отивайки да плати дълга обаче, Джак е разярен намирайки в клуба брат си, който омотан в мрежите на една изкусителка отново залага без дори да мисли за самата игра. Джак е готов да му даде да се разбере, а виждайки колко привлечен е брат му от жената, той смята и да му натрие носа. Той предлага на Софи скандален залог. Ако тя спечели, ще получи 5000 лири, достатъчни, че да я осигурят до живот... но ако загуби, ще прекара една седмица с него... и за всеобщо удивление, Джак печели.

Амиии книгата не беше нищо особено. Леко неангажиращо четиво за един ленив следобед. Връзката между Джак и Софи се разви бързо и страстно, колкото и задръжки да имаха, не успяха да устоят на привличането помежду си. Авторката бе опитала да вкара малко интрига, но поради обема на книгата, не е успяла да я развие като хората, и почти не се усети голямата драма, което причислява книгата към леките четива.

Много интересно мие това, че аудио книгата е над 7 часа, а реално тази я прочетох за нула време. Това ме кара да се питам, дали българското издание е пълно, или имаме пропуснати глави от книгата. Но дори да има, не си личи особено, защото книжката си е завършена. Хареса ми българския превод. Рядко чета преведени книги, и останах доволна. Текста се лееше и беше добре структуриран. Единственото, което не ми допада е, че макар корицата да е красива, по-подходяща щеше да е оригинала на която героинята е в червена рокля, с каквато беше и Софи при срещата й с Джак. При останалите не бе така детайлно наблегнато на описанието на дрехите, както бе случая с червената рокля.

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually really love Caroline Linden's historical romances, but I was quite disappointed by My Once and Future Duke. Let me get to the positive aspects first. I really loved the idea of the heroine being a gambling queen. Sophie is a pro at cards, and is absolutely unapologetic about it. It was refreshing to have a heroine who wasn't part of London high society. She's fiery, independent, and does not let people walk all over her. I admired her absolute tenacity and strength throughout the book. Sophie was absolutely a character that I easily found myself rooting for. I also really enjoyed the friendships here. Sophie's friends could not be more different than her, but their dynamic was so interesting to me. I'm certainly looking forward to reading more about them in the subsequent books. Now, the hero himself, Jack, the Duke of Ware, wasn't the easiest for me to warm up to for some reason. For most of the book, he wasn't very comfortable showing his true self, and part of me felt like we never really got to see the man behind that tough exterior. I also think a reason why I wasn't entirely enamored with Jack was that he didn't stand out to me in any way. My attention was one hundred percent on Sophie. I just thought she deserved someone better. The chemistry was definitely there for me between the two of them, but like I think my lack of connection to Jack made it difficult for me to become invested in this ship. I wanted to see more banter, more scenes of them communicating and being themselves. I was expecting more from them because Caroline Linden has written some AMAZING romances in the past. Sophie and Jack's relationship simply didn't live up for me. All that being said, I still found the book to be quite entertaining since I managed to finish it, and I am quite eager to read the next book featuring one of Sophie's friend. Just the synopsis of An Earl Like You has me buzzing with excitement!

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

Full disclosure, this started as a 3 star book, but by the end I was SO invested in these characters and their story!

A bit transactional (he’s at the gambling hall to save a reckless brother, and for reasons ends up wagering five thousand pounds against a week of her company), but the story was actually intensely romantic. The YEARNING! 🥹 And that third act conflict had me biting my nails because I wanted them to stay in a happiness bubble.

I loved the way the story wrapped up, it was the right amount of drama and conflict, but not OTT. So satisfying. 😍

[Susan Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Campbell is a smart, beautiful woman who supports herself by gambling. Her ability to calculate the odds combined with her ability to know when walk away from a game or a challenge has served her well. Jack Lindeville, the Duke of Ware, arrives at the Vega Club to pay his brother Philip’s substantial marker. He is captivated when he sees a woman in a crimson dress playing cards with his brother’s friends. Jack doesn’t see her face but, he acknowledges that something about her intrigues him.

Philip returns to the Vega club and insists that Sophie gamble with him. Sophie chooses the complicated game of hazard. She was trouncing Philip until the Duke of Ware entered the room and stopped the game. Jack and Philip almost come to blows over Philip’s refusal to stop gambling. Sophie throws caution to the wind and accepts the Duke’s challenge to play hazard with him. Sophie’s reckless choice pushes the story line in a new direction. Even though she knows she should walk away, Sophie accepts a final round of hazard with a 5,000 pound payout. Jack tells Sophie he desires a week of her time if he wins---which he does. Jack orders his coachman to take them to Alwyn, his country home.

At first, Caroline Linden’s decision to have Jack challenge Sophie to gamble with him seems out of character for him. Was he trying to teach Philip a lesson?Has his desire for Sophie overruled his common sense? The challenge and its outcome drew me into the story and I read it in one sitting.

Caroline Linden’s descriptive writing style and the dialogue between the characters shines during Sophie and Jack’s stay at Alwyn. The author does a fabulous job creating sexual tension between the characters as they explore the country house. I loved the scene when Jack asks Sophie to play the piano for him. As Jack listens and watches Sophie play, he observes that the music piece means something to her. When Sophie leaves the room in tears, Jack realizes he has upset her. The banter between Sophie and Jack as they explore the attics is well done; they get into a detailed discussion of love and marriage. Jack’s desire for Sophie is apparent as the couple rummage through the attic—will he act upon it?

I have been waiting for the Duke of Ware’s story as he has appeared in several of the author’s novels. I had pictured him as a serious man. I was surprised when Jack made the bet with Sophie, it seemed so out of character. I enjoyed getting to know Jack and seeing him fall head over heels for Sophie. Love brought out the best in Jack. Setting the story at a gambling club provides a unique storyline opportunity; it allows the couple to meet and enables Jack to make a decision based on desire, not facts and figures. I adore Caroline Linden’s writing style. Jack and Sophie’s sensuous love scenes are perfectly written—filled with desire, passion and emotion. My Once and Future Duke has all the feels—it’s an exquisitely told deeply passionate story with fabulous characters and their journey proves that love is worth the gamble!