A Wager Worth Making

Arrangements #7

by Rebecca Connolly

The riskier the wager...

Everyone knows that Gemma Templeton is a wonderful, cheerful, friendly young woman who is well worth one’s acquaintance. She is vibrant and warm, and plays the violin with exquisite talent. The only thing she lacks is a husband, and time is growing short for her in that regard. When an interesting opportunity arises from an unlikely source, Gemma’s future is suddenly far more appealing, and a small wager makes all the difference.

...the sweeter the return.

What everyone does not know is that a certain man of a less warm reputation is very much interested in changing Gemma’s unmarried state, and he doesn’t care what anybody says. Lucas Sinclair, Lord Blackmoor, is a dark mark upon the face of Society, and his unexpected interest in Gemma leaves many to wonder if his motives don't hide some sinister purpose. He takes her ridiculous wager, and will stop at nothing to see it paid.

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Historical Romance, Fiction

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

I was born once upon a time, and I started making up stories right away. Eventually, I started writing them down, and never stopped! I have a day job, which gets in the way of my writing, but it pays the bills so I CAN write, so I guess that's okay! I am a bookworm, which I think is key to being a writer, and I am always looking for inspiration! I live in Indiana, am obsessed with hot chocolate, and I am on track to be the best aunt in the world.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title in the series was different than the prior in several ways I enjoyed. It was more passionate (still clean) and darker. It had more believable and stronger romantically epic passionate feelings of love between the hero and heroine than the rest of the series. Besides the emotional strength of the love between these characters, there was the physical chemistry between these two. This romance was clean, but with sparks that nearly melted my Kindle screen every time they kissed. It was darker in that it had a gothic romantic suspense vibe to it. In fact, there was some very small storyline parallels with of one of my favorite classic gothic romantic suspenses of all time, yet without all the frustrating things that made me want to smack or shake characters in that aforementioned classic.

I have read every book in this series up till this one and could keep reading more as I love these characters and feel so invested in their stories. All them are standalone, but linked by the shared relationships and connections they all share. I want one with "The Gent" eventually.

Language: Clean. No profanity that I remembered.

Sensuality: While the other titles in the series are rated G this was sketchy PG clean. There is zero zilch nada details or anything shown, but it is implied that the married couple in this story are having marital relations behind closed doors when ever they are holding each other or sleeping in the same bed and that they are not having marital relations whenever they are sleeping in separate bedrooms. That is still within my definition of clean romance, because they are married and there is no details, but I know some readers don't like the innuendo implied that married people have intimate physical relations and have a different definition of clean romance than me. So a warning just for those readers alone.

Source: My own purchased library. I purchase every title in the series as they come out.

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I'm going back and forth on what to rate this one, decided to bump it to a five because I really did like the romance in this one. Lucas and Gemma had great chemistry, I especially like their courtship with all the banter and such. The overall story is good, I got a little frustrated because things really could have been cleared up with one simple conversation and I felt Lucas was kind of blowing things out of proportion and I wanted to shake some sense into him a few times. But, of course if he had opened up, which does go against his nature, and spoken with Gemma then we wouldn't have had much of a book, more of a very short story! haha Frustration aside, I could get why he did the things he did considering his history and it does make it all the sweeter when things finally get resolved.

I've really enjoyed Ms. Connolly's regencies, I hope she continues to write many more!

Content
Romance: Clean. Kissing and closed door intimacy between married couple. Mild innuendo, but nothing crass. I thought it was handled well and realistically and I liked that "sex" wasn't the driving force of the story, but really that it was focused more on actual love and real feelings.
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild
Religious: None
Series: Arrangements, Book Seven - stands on its own

Source: Amazon

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Rebecca has written a whole series of these wonderful books and if you are new go back and read them from the beginning. This one was just so much fun. It had some serious darker elements towards the end but it pulls out of it well. This one had some fun and interesting characters and some good twists and turns. I'm just falling more in love with the "Gent", hopefully he gets his own love story:} You can read this book alone but it is really better read in order. I think this had the most adult content then any of her other books. She does not go into detail at all, but there is talk of what is behind that bedroom door and you know they are having a great time. So this is an adult book with some heavier themes and the sensuality level is notched up.

11-01-18 Reread. I just finished rereading all 7 books in this series. I think if I read the Christmas one that is next I would like it a lot more now that all the characters are fresh in my head. What a fun series. I never got bored. The author never repeated a story line. I normally can't read an author back to back books. They all have there quirks and things that are the same. I love the way Rebecca writes:} I had so much fun going back threw these books.

[HR-ML · Rating 2 out of 5]

Regency. I got to the 70% mark & skimmed. This had
some mystery & good secondary characters.

Gemma was a bright, warm young woman who excelled
at the violin. Her sire misused the family funds and
now expected Gemma to solve this. But her parents
ignored her too. She wore some shabby clothing.

Lucas, a viscount, brusque & aloof, stayed to himself.
And rarely socialized. Many blamed him for his 1st
wife's death. He watched Gemma @ social functions
and decided she'd be his wife.

Gemma & Lucas wed + had a great honeymoon in the
country. She tried to get him to smile. Lucas began
receiving brief, threatening notes. And started to
avoid his wife.

Lucas did not have a plan to keep him +his wife safe.
What about Bow Street? He was caught up in his
brooding and the past & needed to be fully aware &
firmly in the present day. I'm surprised she stayed
w/ him.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had some great romance and chemistry, but the story felt unbalanced. It felt very compartmentalized. One section devoted to falling in love, and then the conflict comes in and I didn't feel like it really justified the actions of the hero. I wanted to smack some sense into him.

Content: clean. There is sex between married people, but it's only described in the most general terms.

[Leena Aluru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. The romance and intrigue is top notch. Lucas and Gemma are an absolutely delightful pair.

Recommended : 👍 👍

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this story that I loved, particularly some of the romance scenes between the main characters. The second half of the story seemed much more repetitive and kind of dragged on.

[Shalini M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is perhaps my favorite one in the series. The banter between Lucas and Gemma, specially in the earlier part of the story. Its witty and charming, and usually private between them, which somehow adds to its charms. The author has done a really good work in portraying the development of a romance throughout the series, and this one stands out in this aspect - the MC's courtship and their time in the country home was very sweet and their chemistry is wonderful. There is a certain depth to the story, and no needless diversions (for most part).

I really liked both the characters, Gemma with her cheerful disposition, and Lord Blackmoore with a well justified reason for his reclusive behavior and bouts of depression. I quite appreciated that neither of them indulges in miserable assumptions that typically lead to unnecessary misunderstandings in these settings. For this reason, I really liked Gemma as a heroine - she feels hurt at times but understands that his behavior is not a rejection of her, and shows a great deal of maturity and love in handling this situation. I fully sympathized with Lucas, with all the trauma and torment he has gone through and continues to face, and don't blame him for trying to protect Gemma. The only inexplicable thing is his refusal to seek help from Nathan and Kit, despite their repeated offers.

I have enjoyed this series (and other works of the author), though I usually find an inconsistency in her characterizations. In this book, it was only a minor complaint - why is Gemma not taken notice of, when everyone is so fond of her? That it is raised as a question repeatedly in the book, does not make it less incongruous. The villain of the piece was quite obvious to me from the start, though his motives were a little sketchy.

Note: This book shows considerably more passion between the couple, though intimacy is always implied and never explicit.

[R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my favorite of this series--the angst Lucas felt over his family's actions was way out of proportion, along with his trauma from his first wife's actions. I thought the plot was strung out and weak.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about Jemma, and Lucas. They have grown up near each other, and been to the same balls, and get together, but he has showed no interest in her. This is to be her fifth season, and still she has found no one to love. She is light, and kind, and musically talented, but her families fortune is basically gone. She is not to proud to wear second hand gowns made over for her, for the chance to mingle with her friends. She is sure to always be a wallflower. Lucas has not wanted to try for a wife for over three years. His first wife was quite enough. She had money, but craved constant attention, and needed more men to please her then just Lucas. She has been out meeting a lover, when she was in a carriage accident. Lucas promised her family that he would keep her sinful ways a secret, even though they were quite aware, and returned to his country estate to work her devious ways from his mind. He had been raised by selfish adults,except for his mother, who had simply faded away. Now his older brother, father, and mother were gone, and a near fatal accident had nearly taken him as well. He could waste no more time. He knew at once only one woman held the light, and kindness to restart the light in his soul, and he would marry her. This was enchanting when things were going well, but a secret threat against his wife made him brooding, and off putting, to his wife, and that made gossip worse. We are reunited with Kit, and Gent, and many from other books, as friends try to ease Emma's worries. Others work to try and find the evil that keeps threatening her. It had a good ending, and an epilogue that gave us a peek into the future , that I always love. I truly liked the characters, and the storyline. Lucas was paying the price for all the misdeeds of his family, and Jenna was in a home that never faced facts, and put pressure on her, but gave her no money for bright ribbons, let alone ball gowns. She was a Cinderella type person, who always gave more, and took very little back. It was great to read a happy ending could be in-store for them eventually. I gave it 5 stars.

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was encouraged to read this book by the number of raving reviews on Amazon. In all honesty, I didn’t particularly liked the first half of the novel. I felt that Blackmoor and Gemma’s courtship came about abruptly. The book didn’t have an introduction. It literally begins with the hero seeking the heroine’s hand for marriage. I also found the writing repetitive. Every two paragraphs would include something about heroine/ hero’s smile or lack thereof. Having said this, there were moments in which the emotion portrayed by the characters felt real and raw. For that, I’m giving it a 3-stars rating. I’d say overall it was an okay read. I’d still look for other books by the author.

[Aki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich liebe die Serie. Auch wenn ich den letzten Band eher anstrengend fand. Die Geschichten sind wunderbar vielfältig, auch wenn es doch immer nur um das Gleiche geht - Liebe. Dabei geht es nicht um Erotik oder so, sondern einfach um die Beziehung zwischen zwei Menschen, die sich kennen lernen und dann verlieben und dazwischen passiert eine ganze Menge.

[Marisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn't my favorite in the series but still well written, funny and romantic. I love this author!

[The Doctor's Companion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Goodreads,
Please provide a 10 star rating option because I need to give this book 10 stars,

Sincerely,
The Doctor's Companion

But really. Y'all. Y'ALL. This is BY FAR my favorite of all of the Arrangement books. Probably because I can totally relate to their setup. Lucas has some reeeeeeal depression problems, and he's married to a saint that sees him through the times his demons come to visit. I too have some reeeeeal depression problems, and am married to a saint that sees me through the times my demons come to visit. Seriously, the man is amazing (my husband) (are you keeping up with this rambling review?).
I very very very rarely cry reading romance books. It really has to touch my heart in a personal way. I cried a couple of times in this book, for both Lucas and Gemma.
Also, let's get a hallelujah for Rebbeca Connolly writing a couple getting married like, a quarter of the way into the book, so we actually get to see them be married to each other. IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK FOR, EVERY OTHER AUTHOR THAT I READ??!?

[Ulrike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed an e-book for some train travels and so I bought this one for my mobile.
I liked it a lot in the beginning because it was a somewhat different regency novel. The story was different and the two main characters witty and likable.
But the middle of the book couldn't keep up with that. Too many monologues, no action but just reflecting on how things are, what he thinks and tries to keep from her, what she feels and how she wants to help him.. blah blah.. I am sorry to admit but I skipped a lot of pages.
The end was better again, when "it" (which was to be expected along all the way) finally happened.
And the epilogue was nice.
But -somehow this is a far too long review for such a fluffy little book :-)

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was eager to finally read Blackmoor's story, his character always stood out to me in the previous books of the Arrangements series. Gemma was a delight and is a good example of how to love all of someone, not just bits and pieces of them. What I struggled with in the book was how drawn out the conflict was, and how Blackmoor chose to deal with it once in London. The placement and timing of the villain seemed odd, as well as the fact his identity was unknown. If I say more I will spoil it. Ultimately I enjoyed the conclusion of Lucas and Gemma's love story even if it was a bit of a bumpy ride. Their passion for one another may speed up your pulse a bit, but Connolly reins in the details to keep this a clean romance.

[Our Book Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little higher on the romance meter than some of her others because the main couple are married only a quarter of the way into the novel, don’t worry I’m not spoiling anything for you ;).

The author writes their on again off again love life in a beautifully sweet and clean way. Though there is passion and attraction, as there should be in a marriage. Those feeling are the side show to the main stage act of love and devotion, a masterful example of what true love is after The Happily Ever After.

https://bookconfessionsblog.wordpress...

[Laura B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Wager Worth Making is the 7th book in the Arrangements series (there are 8 of them). I only listened to the audiobook narrated by Jessica Elisa Boyd. She did an excellent job at voice acting, and making the story come alive, giving the novel a Rebecca-like feel to it (which was a good thing).

Gemma is young but has had a few seasons already in London, and her family’s strained financial situation makes her desperate to find a husband, but her vivaciousness has made her many acquaintances but no suitors. She’s known to be able to make anyone smile, which is what the ‘wager’ is in this setting. Gemma makes a bet with her friends that she can make anyone smile, including the dark, broody Lord Blackmoor.

Secretly, Lord Blackmoor’s been pining for Gemma for a couple of years, and he finally decides to do something about it. His reputation is scandalous, and he is an unwelcomed sight at social gatherings and there is talk about him, and his past wherever he goes. Women are warned to not be around in his presence; much less be courted him.

If you’ve read any of the earlier books in the Arrangements series, you had read about Lord Blackmoor’s reputation as he is a background character as was Gemma in the previous books. Fortunately, in this novel you read their story and how they come together. You learned details of Lord Blackmoor’s history, secrets, moods, and failings. With Gemma, you also learn her biggest secret as well as her insecurities which highlights her misery in their marriage, even though she clings to a glimmer of hope the whole time that things must get better.

Gemma is a much more loveable character than Lord Blackmoor is for the sole reason of his behavior towards her, and his reasoning behind it. Yes, he is the dark, broody hero that is supposed to have a Gothic sense about it, but it lacked substance. Rebecca Connolly’s attempt at writing a Gothic-like romance failed in its execution. Her attempts at making the hero’s past the reason for his treatment of Gemma was unnecessarily cruel, there was no solid reason behind it. The author’s version of a retelling of Rebecca failed. Yes, the narrator made it a worthwhile listen, but the hero wasn’t sympathetic enough. If his behavior didn’t include staring at his deceased wife’s portrait for hours and going to her grave then maybe he would have been more loveable. If he hated his dead wife so much then why did he stare at her portrait for hours?

I wanted to really like this story a lot, but it was an okay listen due to all the shortcomings I mention. However, the HEA was very satisfying. 2**¾*

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. And for a lot different reasons for the last one in this series. First on all, not clean, not in my book. Although only kisses are described, the rest is hinted heavily. So no, not clean. They are married.

The story however, I enjoyed it a LOT more than the previous 3 or so, maybe because it shifted away from Nathans original set of friends, who all seemed a bit carbon copied after a while. I will mention one thing about them tho, we hardly saw Nathan and Moira at all, and Kate, Lady Whitlock, is seem from afar as a majestic personage which tickles me greatly. Rather we get to see more of Kit and Colin, as Lucas is Kit's friend. And Colin I liked so much more in this book! If only in his story we had seen more of his mature, protective side, it could have been so much better.

The character of Lucas is refreshing, he hasn't been around for many books, so there were few exceptions. All that was really known was that he was reserved, not easily impressed, and he seemed to have good judgement.

Likewise Gemma had only appeared recently in the series, and I liked the contradictions in her character, that she was sunny, well liked but not distinct enough for most people to find her essential, in fact easily forgotten, but able to put everyone at ease. And her sunny nature was such that she was able to be happy despite apparent neglect.

I found Lucas's motivations to be much more understandable than Kit's, although their stories are so similar, this one gelled so much better. While Kit came across as sulky and unreasonable, Lucas's distance comes from real tramau in his past and real threats in the now, and his depression made it hard for him so see clearly.

And I was so relieved that there was no Big Misunderstanding, how I hate those! Yes there was a time when both parties were unsure of each other and why they were acting as they were, but instead of lashing out they worked to break through the walls, and especially Gemma did this. In the end it was really her that saved herself and him. And I especially appreciated that Lucas, although doubting at the last, changed his mind to trust before it was confirmed.

So all in all, a much better book than the last few, wish it had been cleaner, would have been a much higher rating! And after the glimpses of 'The Gent' I will definitely have to read the next book about him, and I'm hopeful for it! This book shows me that characters can really make or break a book, not always, but in this case definitely, as this was almost exactly the same story as the last one, but was so much better with the characters having believable motivations and acting IN character.

However because of the not cleanness, I would not read again.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in the Arrangement series with A Wager Worth Making being darker than the others. I usually don’t care for darker books but this book is well worth it and needs to be darker due to the main character.

Rebecca Connolly’s characters continue to be unique and well developed. I did have a little bit of trouble keeping track of some of the side characters from previous books but I love the reappearance of previous characters, especially Kit, Marianne, Nathan and the Gent.

There was a mystery throughout the book that I liked even though I had predicted who and what was involved.

The characters are what stood out the most for me. Lucas Sinclair, Lord Blackmoor, is a tortured soul. My heart really felt for him and his circumstances. He had to go through a lot of bad things that were not of his own making. As an outside observer, I questioned why felt he needed to protect others instead of sharing the burden with those he loves. However, I am the same way though my situations are nothing like his. I think everyone can relate to him and his struggle in some way.

Gemma Templeton was a perfect match for Lucas. A depressed person would have brought him down, a fake, bubbly person would have annoyed him, but Gemma’s positive, honest personality brought out the best in him. They seemed meant for each other.

I am looking forward to spending Christmas with the Gerrards.

More reviews posted on my blog: https://timelessnovels.wordpress.com/

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another episode in the Gerrard Family - extended family, that is. I liked it. This is the story of Lord Blackmore and Gemma Templeton. He is a mysterious, but intriguing character with the burden of his first wife's death that hovers in the background. He is innocent, but some members of society just can't quite let go of the possibility he might have had a part in it.

Delightful Gemma has no such suspicions and finds Lord Blackmore fascinating. Gemma has a warmth and bluntness about her that is most attractive to Lord Blackmore. Unlike most proper Regency ladies, Gemma says exactly what she feels and that is refreshing. The romance rolls along and the marriage adventure happily begins. However, the demons of the past are not content to let Lord Blackmore enjoy his lovely new wife and his deep love for her.

I liked this story but have one major complaint that I feel compelled to mention to author Rebecca Connolly and her pre-readers/editors. There are other verbs available in the English language other than "snorted". Seriously, that word, or some form of it, is over-used throughout the whole book. And I seriously doubt that Regency young ladies would do so much "snorting" in public. You are too good of a writer to make that your only choice.

Other than that, good story!

[Tristine Fjerstad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gemma has often been overlooked and forgotten by the elite, even by her own family. But that is not to say that she is sunshine, the bringer of happiness for all those in the dark. That is why she makes the perfect match with Lord Blackmore. A man where rumors of murder constantly follow his shadow. The two are happy together, but that can only last so long when there is more at play.

How to put this? While reading I often felt like erotic scenes were simply cut out of the book to make it more of a proper romance. And while sex definitely takes place in marriage, the way these scenes were written were strange and uncomfortable. I don’t normally have a problem with books that hint at what is to come and then start the next chapter tactfully, but this was different. The innuendos were a bit much as well and Gemma’s friendship with a man infuriated me for Lord Blackmore’s sake! I was also annoyed by the conflict at the end and was unsure of what the final outcome would have been or why things were put off if murder was to be the outcome. Apart from that, I did enjoy the love and romance between the characters. Who knew Lord Blackmore could be so poetic? I also liked the previous characters being in this story and wished for more of them instead of just their small placating gestures for Gemma. My favorite part was the epilogue, great way to end the story!

[Nan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up for an early happily ever after even if the characters (MMC especially) was too dramatic to enjoy it. These characters deserved better. I thought they were going to get it. And then, the devolving of understanding, miscommunication and the incomprehensible idea (also advanced in the last book) that a wife could EVER be better off if her husband is distant and cold. “He was being a horrible brute, but it was necessary.” !!!!!!!!! Okay?! How is that ever necessary?! It is your wife! Not a recalcitrant child. Or, worse yet, a “creature.” DO BETTER. Tell her the concerns and then do better. Work the problem together. Unless you think she is too dumb or too weak to handle it. As it seems he doesn’t believe either about his wife then what is the actual problem? He can’t figure out why he is so depressed after days sequestered in his study and laments his wife’s unhappiness. Then, weirdly, sometimes, there are passionate kisses. If your girlfriend was in this relationship you would call it emotional abuse. Again, nice characters. Until Lucas was just maddening. Like the other installments, a rich backstory with good potential. But the moving forward action, like the last, seems both contrived and a little pointless. Characters who create drama with irrational choices versus actual plot.

[Jamie Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Misunderstood Wall Flowers Can Make a Right

Gemma takes on a wager from her friends that she can get the most reserved & rumored about man in London to actually smile; not realizing that due to recent events, this reserved widower is reconsidering his single status & the person he's considering for filling the role of wife is her.
I like how thus couple learn to open up to each other, to actually be vulnerable with each other. However, I will admit that Lucas burdens himself a great deal with how to protect Gemma from the rumors that have haunted him & his family for years, and there were several instances where insecurity and uncertainty plagued Gemma. But I'd be lying if I didn't say there were a few instances where I was like: "For the love of all that is decent and holy, just TALK to each other already!! So much of this . . . drama would clear up SO quickly if you did so!!" 🤦🏼‍♀️ Otherwise, it's a lovely book in this series that I continue to enjoy!

[Hila Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curl up with a hot cuppa and this!

You cannot go wrong with Rebecca Connolly's books. Usually, I devour them rapidly. I chose to savor this one. Read it bit by bit, chapter by chapter. It's that good. Although it can be read alone, the understanding and depth from having read the series will improve the experience in my opinion. The love that sprang up between Gemma and Blackmoor was breathtaking, all the more because knowing a test, a danger or conflict was coming makes a reader almost hold their breath during the initial idyllic days. Seeing their love grow silently and deep within to finally burst into the open and become stronger was simply beautiful. Derek and Kate, along with Marianne and Kit, remain my favorites but as is also typical, the Blackmoors hold their own with ease.

[Gadgetgayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content: kissing = a bit more steamy than her other books but still clean, language = a few “he..”s, reference to an affair without details.

I liked Gemma’s bright and cheerful character. I also liked the witty and diverting conversations that I have come to appreciate and expect from this author. While the clever comments seem to carry the story for me, I kept wishing the plot would be a little more complex and less predictable or contrived.

I was also not a big fan of Blackmoor most of the time - he seemed a bit bipolar. He was a loving, doting husband one minute and a depressed, helpless “shell” sitting in the dark with his head in his hands the next. The whole idea of the only way to protect his wife being to ignore her or withdraw from her made absolutely no sense to me either, especially within the privacy of their own home. Weird.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Viscount Blackmoor and Gemma Templeton, both of which were introduced in earlier books in the series. I loved how they came together. Blackmore is surrounded in mystery and accused of being involved in his wife's death years before. Gemma, a lovely violinist, remains unmarried season after season. Blackmore has had his eye on her for years. Their interactions are honest and compelling. I love how their developing passion for each other is commented upon - you are led to the bedroom door and it's up to your imagination what happens next. Very nicely done in a clean yet romantic way. Best line every...."Love, honor, cherish, seduce..."

I read the London League series first and I was delighted to see how character overlaps between the two series (I actually skimmed back through the Gent's story). Thoroughly enjoyable!!

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a paperback from Rebecca Connolly in a giveaway- any of hers of my choice. I told her I like dark and brooding men, so she suggested this one, with her most dark and brooding of men. I accepted and she sent it. And Lucas's dark-and-broodiness hit the mark! I absolutely loved this story and the love between Lucas and Gemma. It was *insert chef's kiss here*.

Also- side note- when Rebecca sent me this book, someone opened the package, switched the book out for some paperback odd version of the bible, taped it back up, and that's what got delivered to me! When I told Rebecca so I could get the tracking number to report the incident to the USPS, she very kindly sent me another copy via priority mail- which I got just fine. So not only is she a great writer, but also an awesome person!

[Maria Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Halfway through this book I sent a text to my daughter (who had already finished the book) stating that Blackmoor is an idiot and I don't get his logic. Her response was "because he is illogical". So yup, that pretty much summed it up for me. I spent most of the book wondering what in the world he was thinking because it made no sense to me. I had figured out very early on who the bad guy was and wondered why no book characters had a clue. His devious goal was spelled out too easily to the reader.

There is a lot of innuendo and non-descriptive sex going on in this one. Some language.

I wish I had liked this one more than I did but truth be told the best of the series was book 1 and none of the rest lived up to that one in my mind.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! This book reminded me somewhat of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Except in this book, the heroine Gemma is plucky, funny, and enjoyable. She has a sunny disposition and is generally optimistic. She marries the brooding Lord Blackmoor who is accused of murdering his first wife. Gemma doesn't believe it, especially after the idyllic time they spend at his country manor. However, when they return to London, all is not as it seems and Gemma questions everything she believes as her husband begins to spiral down into a seemingly black hole.

It was a quick enjoyable read, but is a little more heavy on the romance than Ms. Connolly's previous novels, nothing that is really inappropriate and is between a married couple. More passionate, but still consider it sweet.