What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lady's Gamble
Regina Hartfield is living a nightmare.When Regina Hartfield’s father gambles away his fortune and land in a game of cards, it leaves her and her sisters distraught, facing destitution and an impoverished future. Despite being shy and introverted, Regina can see the dire predicament of her family and knows that she must do something to restore their pride and financial situation.But where to start? The entry of the disreputable Lord Harrison into her life, changes all that. With a rightly earned reputation as a gambler and something of a scoundrel, Lord Harrison has designs on Regina’s sister, Bridget. But he has skills that Regina needs and now she hatches a plan to save the family honor and give the infamous Lord what he wants at the same time.At a masquerade ball, where faces are hidden, Regina plans to win back their fortune. It’s a risky strategy and involves learning a skill that all but destroyed her family’s good name, but she is desperate. But can she pull off the deception without ruining her own reputation still further? And what of Lord Harrison himself?He’s the first man Regina has ever found herself drawn to, But Lord Harrison is in love with Bridget, not Regina—isn’t he?If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “The Lady's Gamble”A captivating regency romance of 85,000 words, written by Abby Ayles.No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.Also available with Kindle Unlimited!Buy “The Lady's Gamble” and unlock the exciting story of Regina & Harrison today!
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2018
729 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Abby Ayles
141 books704 followersAbby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.
In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’
When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 18, 2018
Enjoyable story! Regina, the youngest of five sisters, is quiet and introverted. However, she accidentally witnesses her father gambling and puting the family's fortune at risk. To try and prevent ruin, she works on a plan to get the fortune back and enlists the help of one Lord Harrisson. Find out if her plan works and what she learns! I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this author
reluctant-dnf
January 31, 2022Jan30 2022
Supposedly I read almost 23% of this book but I couldn’t tell you what was happening… macro plot is clear enough based on the synopsis, but page to page this is giving me a headache
May come back to it later as the premise looked promising. The writing not so much … but that could just be general fatigue
Supposedly I read almost 23% of this book but I couldn’t tell you what was happening… macro plot is clear enough based on the synopsis, but page to page this is giving me a headache
May come back to it later as the premise looked promising. The writing not so much … but that could just be general fatigue
March 13, 2018
Very entertaining tale, with several unexpected twists.
April 15, 2018
Masquerade
With 5 sisters and being the youngest has made Regina stay in the background. Their father looses their home in a card game. When she makes a bargain with Harrison for her sister's hand in marriage to help her regain their home, Regina never expected to learn to love. Can she began their home or loose it as well?
With 5 sisters and being the youngest has made Regina stay in the background. Their father looses their home in a card game. When she makes a bargain with Harrison for her sister's hand in marriage to help her regain their home, Regina never expected to learn to love. Can she began their home or loose it as well?
March 16, 2018
As with all of the books I've read by Abby Ayles, the author has a brilliant way of letting you into the minds of the main characters. She writes her heroes and heroines with such depth and heart that you can't help but see their struggles, turmoils, and triumphs. The same is said for The Lady's Gamble. I wasn't sure what to expect with the title but it's actually more about discovering one's true self than about gambling.
In The Lady's Gamble, Regina is the youngest of 5 daughters to a distraught father who has quite a bit of a gambling problem. Having lost their entire fortune in a single card game, the sisters are at a loss on what to do next. Bridget is the oldest of the sisters and has many suitors as does the other middle two sisters. But it's Regina's that makes the determination to save her family and win back their house and fortune. She is rather known as a "mouse". Someone who doesn't speak up or have any proper social graces. But oh, we learn throughout the book that Regina is more than that. All she needed was to believe in herself and shine.
The wonderful thing about Regina discovering her own strength and values is with the help of the Duke, Lord Harrison. Lord Harrison himself was known as a gambler and came out of the ruins to reestablish himself in the realm of lords and nobility. While he might have had a shady past, he triumphed over it and he was determined to help Regina rise above the potential scandals and rumors as well. At first he thought of her as a little sister since he was "in love" with the eldest sister, Bridget, but as their friendship grew, so did his feelings for her.
When Regina asks Harrison to help him earn all the family's lost fortune back, he was hesitant at first due to not wanting to risk her reputation and character. But as a very smart and astute man, he saw the potential within Regina and he felt it right to bring those potentials out of her.
What I liked about The Lady's Gamble was Regina's tenacity and bravery in the will to earn her family's fortune back as well as proving to others that she wasn't just the "runt" of the family. The endearing part of the story ofcourse, was that Regina ended up proving to herself that she could shine just as bright if not brighter than her sisters.
The author was also able to bring in many other characters that were delightful to read and became integral to the overall story. Friendship and acceptance were the main focus of the story and Regina learned many things about people as well. She was a naive if not sweet girl of eighteen and the guidance of Lord Harrison and Lady Cora helped her mature towards the end of the book.
I do appreciate when historical romance authors also include an extended epilogue that takes place many years later. Abby seems to always include that with her books and it's so fun to read!
The only thing that I didn't like was the cover. Somehow the model in the cover isn't what I picture Regina to be. But that's just my own personal opinion.
Thank you for the ARC, Abby!
In The Lady's Gamble, Regina is the youngest of 5 daughters to a distraught father who has quite a bit of a gambling problem. Having lost their entire fortune in a single card game, the sisters are at a loss on what to do next. Bridget is the oldest of the sisters and has many suitors as does the other middle two sisters. But it's Regina's that makes the determination to save her family and win back their house and fortune. She is rather known as a "mouse". Someone who doesn't speak up or have any proper social graces. But oh, we learn throughout the book that Regina is more than that. All she needed was to believe in herself and shine.
The wonderful thing about Regina discovering her own strength and values is with the help of the Duke, Lord Harrison. Lord Harrison himself was known as a gambler and came out of the ruins to reestablish himself in the realm of lords and nobility. While he might have had a shady past, he triumphed over it and he was determined to help Regina rise above the potential scandals and rumors as well. At first he thought of her as a little sister since he was "in love" with the eldest sister, Bridget, but as their friendship grew, so did his feelings for her.
When Regina asks Harrison to help him earn all the family's lost fortune back, he was hesitant at first due to not wanting to risk her reputation and character. But as a very smart and astute man, he saw the potential within Regina and he felt it right to bring those potentials out of her.
What I liked about The Lady's Gamble was Regina's tenacity and bravery in the will to earn her family's fortune back as well as proving to others that she wasn't just the "runt" of the family. The endearing part of the story ofcourse, was that Regina ended up proving to herself that she could shine just as bright if not brighter than her sisters.
The author was also able to bring in many other characters that were delightful to read and became integral to the overall story. Friendship and acceptance were the main focus of the story and Regina learned many things about people as well. She was a naive if not sweet girl of eighteen and the guidance of Lord Harrison and Lady Cora helped her mature towards the end of the book.
I do appreciate when historical romance authors also include an extended epilogue that takes place many years later. Abby seems to always include that with her books and it's so fun to read!
The only thing that I didn't like was the cover. Somehow the model in the cover isn't what I picture Regina to be. But that's just my own personal opinion.
Thank you for the ARC, Abby!
March 18, 2018
This is the first Abby Ayles book I've read. This story is beautifully writen in an entertaining style. I really liked this book. It focuses on the youngest daughter of the family who takes it upon herself to remedy her father's gambling losses, and decides that to do this she shall gain entry to the card room at a masquerade ball (therefore retaining her anonymity) and win back everything that her father lost. Her problems is that she has no idea how to gamble, so she enlists the help of one of her eldest sister's admirers - a duke and a successful gambler.
I don't wish to ruin the tale for readers, so I won't enlarge on the plot - but must say it is well worth the read.
However, as a British reader a couple of things really irritated me:
1. her tutor is The Duke of Whitefern, dukes are NEVER known as Lord something - it is not the correct manner of address. If someone is addressing the duke they call him Your Grace or Duke - if they know him well they might call Whitefern. Probably only his wife would use his Christian name, and then only in private. When Regina first wrote to The Duke she should have written Dear Duke of Whitefern and not Dear Lord Harrison. I just wish that US authors or their editors would research forms of address etc
2. gotten was used a few times - this is not used in Britain now and definitely would never had been said in the past.
Having said all this I highly recommend this book, once started it is hard to put down
I don't wish to ruin the tale for readers, so I won't enlarge on the plot - but must say it is well worth the read.
However, as a British reader a couple of things really irritated me:
1. her tutor is The Duke of Whitefern, dukes are NEVER known as Lord something - it is not the correct manner of address. If someone is addressing the duke they call him Your Grace or Duke - if they know him well they might call Whitefern. Probably only his wife would use his Christian name, and then only in private. When Regina first wrote to The Duke she should have written Dear Duke of Whitefern and not Dear Lord Harrison. I just wish that US authors or their editors would research forms of address etc
2. gotten was used a few times - this is not used in Britain now and definitely would never had been said in the past.
Having said all this I highly recommend this book, once started it is hard to put down
March 19, 2018
Another great story by Abby Ayles. Regina Hartfield, the youngest of five daughters, and Thomas Harrison, Duke of Whitefern, are the main characters, but there are also a lot of other wonderful characters. Regina’s four sisters are very different from her, but each one interesting in her own way. Regina’s eldest sister, Bridget, is like a mother to her. Thomas has an unusual set of friends. Some have lifestyles that could ruin them, but when they are together they are funny, tease each other as only good friends can do, and do not judge one another. One of them is Lady Cora Dunhill, who becomes like a sister to Regina. Regina believes what society says about her: she’s a mouse, dull, boring, or too outspoken. Therefore, through her interactions with Thomas, I loved seeing her blossom into the person she really is inside. She just didn’t know it. Regina gambles to win back her family’s land and money, but finds love in the process. Not only do Regina and Thomas get their happily ever after, but most of Regina’s sisters do as well. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys Regency love stories with great characters and happy endings. There is a bonus Extended Epilogue at the end, which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 21, 2018
I really enjoyed The Lady's Gamble. The story was well written and the characters were very likable.
Even the supporting characters added humor and depth to the story.
Regina Hartfield is the youngest sister in her family. She is shy and finds enjoyment in reading and sewing. After their mother's death, their father has struggled with gambling. When Regina learns her father has gambled their home and lost, she decides to take action. She partners with they mysterious Lord Harrison to help her learn how to play cards. She plans to gamble against the man who won her home and attempt to win it back at the masquerade ball. Regina and Harrison come up with an agreement that she will help Harrison marry her oldest sister and he will teach her how to expertly play cards. As the two spend more and more time together, Regina finds her confidence growing and Harrison falls deeply in love with her. She also falls in love with Harrison but knows she must not get too attached because she promised to help him marry her sister. When the night approaches that Regina will attempt to win back her home, she takes on a role that makes her unrecognizable even by her peers. As she begins the card game she has to use all of the skills Lord Harrison has taught her and confidently and expertly play the card game that will determine her family's future.
Even the supporting characters added humor and depth to the story.
Regina Hartfield is the youngest sister in her family. She is shy and finds enjoyment in reading and sewing. After their mother's death, their father has struggled with gambling. When Regina learns her father has gambled their home and lost, she decides to take action. She partners with they mysterious Lord Harrison to help her learn how to play cards. She plans to gamble against the man who won her home and attempt to win it back at the masquerade ball. Regina and Harrison come up with an agreement that she will help Harrison marry her oldest sister and he will teach her how to expertly play cards. As the two spend more and more time together, Regina finds her confidence growing and Harrison falls deeply in love with her. She also falls in love with Harrison but knows she must not get too attached because she promised to help him marry her sister. When the night approaches that Regina will attempt to win back her home, she takes on a role that makes her unrecognizable even by her peers. As she begins the card game she has to use all of the skills Lord Harrison has taught her and confidently and expertly play the card game that will determine her family's future.
April 7, 2018
WINNING OFTEN FOLLOWS GREAT DETERMINATION: LOVE OR MONEY
Abby Sykes gets 5 STARS for this wonderful story on a Father's total breakdown with looking the home and monies for his 5 daughter and also explores love relationships that exist but society friend upon no matter how true & loving these different from the norm relationships are. Topics that are touched on but not mentioned by name is lesbian couples, out of wedlock (what was called a Bastard ) child, from the islands,(normally meant with some black heritage, probably mixed race both white/black or others) women and men who have sex without wedlock. All of these things seem to be able to be presented in the conversation of 7 or 8 people who could all claim one of the topics they fell into. Regina, our main heroine has gone to Thomas to ask for assistance in learning how to play cards in an effort to win back what her Father lost and save the family. Is there a way, can women be taken as serious Gamblers, yes on 1 night only at a Masquerade! I laughed out loud at a few items and responses between the colorful characters in this story and would not mind spending an evening with them myself. I think you will feel the same.
17 & UP
Abby Sykes gets 5 STARS for this wonderful story on a Father's total breakdown with looking the home and monies for his 5 daughter and also explores love relationships that exist but society friend upon no matter how true & loving these different from the norm relationships are. Topics that are touched on but not mentioned by name is lesbian couples, out of wedlock (what was called a Bastard ) child, from the islands,(normally meant with some black heritage, probably mixed race both white/black or others) women and men who have sex without wedlock. All of these things seem to be able to be presented in the conversation of 7 or 8 people who could all claim one of the topics they fell into. Regina, our main heroine has gone to Thomas to ask for assistance in learning how to play cards in an effort to win back what her Father lost and save the family. Is there a way, can women be taken as serious Gamblers, yes on 1 night only at a Masquerade! I laughed out loud at a few items and responses between the colorful characters in this story and would not mind spending an evening with them myself. I think you will feel the same.
17 & UP
March 17, 2018
I enjoyed this sweet, clean Regency-era romance. The story was good, with the characters of Lord Harrison and Regina growing as the story developed. No need to fear allowing teens to read this story, as there is no overt cursing and only a passionate kiss at the end of the story. There is almost a fairy tale feel to the story, in that an evil man takes away the family home & lands, and the youngest daughter decides to come out of the cocoon in which she has been developing, becomes a beautiful young lady and regains the family honor. Along the way she finds love, and the story seems to end with them living happily ever after. There is an extended epilogue looking in on that couple several years down the road with 2 children, and still in love.
This is a pleasant read, that allows one to escape into this story and become entirely immersed in it. It does not go into any historical happenings, political or otherwise. Whether that is a plus or minus, depends on the reader.
I look forward to reading more of these delightful “candies” from time to time to escape from the darker things happening in the real world.
This is a pleasant read, that allows one to escape into this story and become entirely immersed in it. It does not go into any historical happenings, political or otherwise. Whether that is a plus or minus, depends on the reader.
I look forward to reading more of these delightful “candies” from time to time to escape from the darker things happening in the real world.
March 17, 2018
Loved this book. Poor Regina is the youngest of five sisters, and would rather stay home and read or needlepoint than go to a ball or do much mixing in society. She also considers herself less attractive than her sisters, and a "mouse" compared to them. Trouble comes when her father loses everything (read happy home and lands) in a card game. Regina decides she is going to learn to play cards and win everything back. Regina approaches Lord Thomas Harrison and asks him to teach her to play. He understood her reasoning, since he had witnessed the game where her father had lost. He also believes that he is in love with Regina's oldest sister, and she promises that she will convince her sister to marry him if he helps her. He does agree to help her, and she meets several of her friends who don't really conform to the society that Regina is familiar with. He also helps her find herself and her inner strength and self worth. There are twists and turns along the way, and although I figured them out, some people may be surprised. Overall, a great book that I really enjoyed!!
August 8, 2018
My absolutely favorite book of Abby Ayles. Regina's father gambled away his estate which leaves five daughters without anything. Regina is the youngest and usually overlooked by everyone. She meets Lord Harrison, Duke of Whitefern who wants to marry Bridget, her eldest sister. A deal is made between Lord Harrison and Regina that he will teach her to play cards with the hope of winning her father's estate back and she will help him win Bridet's hand. There is to be a masquerade and anything goes so Regina will be able to play without anyone knowing it is her. It's a risky move but she is desperate. Will Regina learn to play cards well enough to win? Since she has developed feelings for Lord Harrison, will she be able to accept being his sister in law? I loved that he is teaching her more than how to play cards and his friends that she gets to know are wonderful. I just lovedd everything about this book.
March 14, 2018
When Lord Hartfield's wife died, he took to gambling. At his last ball, he lost all his money and land. Lord Pettifer mocked Lord Hartfield and made him feel worse. He was not a likable man. His five daughters were devastated, none of them had married yet. Regina, the youngest, was there when Lord Hartfield lost. She helped her father home and to bed. As the youngest, she had the least to lose and she would save the others. She was going to learn to gamble. Lord Harrison played the best at cards, so she asked him to help her.
This is a wonderful and complicated story. The ins and outs of dating, the rules of the card games and learning to read people. The ball was coming up soon, she had to be ready for it in all aspects. The characters were informative, tried to be helpful and loving. I loved it.
I received this ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.
This is a wonderful and complicated story. The ins and outs of dating, the rules of the card games and learning to read people. The ball was coming up soon, she had to be ready for it in all aspects. The characters were informative, tried to be helpful and loving. I loved it.
I received this ARC and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 16, 2018
I loved it. Regina's father lost his home and all his property gambling. All 5 daughters are unwed. What are they to do? Regina decides to learn to play cards and win everything back. Lord Harrison is the best player so he is the one she asks for help in learning the game. She will also have to learn to read people. Can she accomplish this? Willl she be able to pose as a man? Regina has promised Lord Harrison her oldest sister's hand. Will Lord Harrison change his mind once he gets to know Regina? What will her feelings be towards him?
This story is well thought out and well written and flows nicely. You feel like you know the characters. I recommend this book can be read by anyone. An enjoyable read.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
This story is well thought out and well written and flows nicely. You feel like you know the characters. I recommend this book can be read by anyone. An enjoyable read.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
December 10, 2019
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Regina is probably the most memorable and realistic girl I have ever read. I don't think I have ever met and an eighteen-year-old girl that didn't feel weird, awkward or left out. A black sheep of the family. Insecure and quirky. She is relatable and real. Hidden potential that needs the right experiences and circumstances to just bloom. And bloom she does. Lord Harrison is an interesting character and exactly what Regina needs, and she is what Harrison needs to realize what love really is. I love that they break the norm with him teaching her something improper but not sexual. And they do not instantly fall in love, they experience getting to know one another! Which is amazing. I even loved the side characters and how things turn out for them. Completely amazing. I borrowed through KU but I will definitely be buying it once I bounce back from the holidays.
Regina is probably the most memorable and realistic girl I have ever read. I don't think I have ever met and an eighteen-year-old girl that didn't feel weird, awkward or left out. A black sheep of the family. Insecure and quirky. She is relatable and real. Hidden potential that needs the right experiences and circumstances to just bloom. And bloom she does. Lord Harrison is an interesting character and exactly what Regina needs, and she is what Harrison needs to realize what love really is. I love that they break the norm with him teaching her something improper but not sexual. And they do not instantly fall in love, they experience getting to know one another! Which is amazing. I even loved the side characters and how things turn out for them. Completely amazing. I borrowed through KU but I will definitely be buying it once I bounce back from the holidays.
March 15, 2018
ONE AMAZING READ!!!
A wonderfully written, smooth flowing read with its many twists and turns and surprises that I was totally immersed. The scenes were so realistic I felt I had been transported back to that era. A fantastic story line that captures your attention from the beginning. The characters are well developed and relatable. I grew to love the main characters as the story continued along. As their personalities transformed it was like opening my eyes for after long while. The scenes were so detailed I could picture it as the tale unfolds. Abby definitely found her true calling and shows just how gifted and talented she really is with this read. Brilliantly put together in a unique and tantalizing way. Abby did an excellent job bringing this read to life.
A wonderfully written, smooth flowing read with its many twists and turns and surprises that I was totally immersed. The scenes were so realistic I felt I had been transported back to that era. A fantastic story line that captures your attention from the beginning. The characters are well developed and relatable. I grew to love the main characters as the story continued along. As their personalities transformed it was like opening my eyes for after long while. The scenes were so detailed I could picture it as the tale unfolds. Abby definitely found her true calling and shows just how gifted and talented she really is with this read. Brilliantly put together in a unique and tantalizing way. Abby did an excellent job bringing this read to life.
March 15, 2018
Worth it
Abby Ayles took a risk with this book, breaking away from her usual style of sweet romances to spend time with a new kind of herorine. Many readers will identify with the female lead whose quiet nature and dislike of crowds in a society centered around large social gatherings has made her feel....less, small, mousy, and unworthy. Yet when her family faces shame, ruin, and want this shy young lady is ready to risk everything on a seemingly impossible chance to gain it all back. Through her story, we learn of the nature of love, self sacrifice, and self worth. This stunningly sweet and unexpected story is worth ever cent and every moment Valentine's in its company.
Abby Ayles took a risk with this book, breaking away from her usual style of sweet romances to spend time with a new kind of herorine. Many readers will identify with the female lead whose quiet nature and dislike of crowds in a society centered around large social gatherings has made her feel....less, small, mousy, and unworthy. Yet when her family faces shame, ruin, and want this shy young lady is ready to risk everything on a seemingly impossible chance to gain it all back. Through her story, we learn of the nature of love, self sacrifice, and self worth. This stunningly sweet and unexpected story is worth ever cent and every moment Valentine's in its company.
March 15, 2018
Loved this book!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The premise was interesting that the youngest sister of five would take on the almost impossible mission to take back her families home and lands and fortune. I fell in love with the primary characters. Watching the two of them develop and grow and eventually come into their own was a delight. The story had some twists and turns and some engaging supporting characters that kept me interested from beginning through the epilogue. Abby Ayles scored a royal flush with The Lady's Gamble!
I was given an ARC copy of this book and asked to write an honest review. This was my first Abby Ayles book; now I can't wait to read the rest!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The premise was interesting that the youngest sister of five would take on the almost impossible mission to take back her families home and lands and fortune. I fell in love with the primary characters. Watching the two of them develop and grow and eventually come into their own was a delight. The story had some twists and turns and some engaging supporting characters that kept me interested from beginning through the epilogue. Abby Ayles scored a royal flush with The Lady's Gamble!
I was given an ARC copy of this book and asked to write an honest review. This was my first Abby Ayles book; now I can't wait to read the rest!
March 17, 2018
Abby Ayles continues to champion women in her recent book, The Lady’s Gamble. Seen by all as petite and quiet with a gentle heart, Regina Hartfield finds strength, spunk and boldness of character in her efforts to save the reputation and financial security of her family. Though set in the era of Regency and Victoria England, the message offered in The Lady’s Gamble could easily transition to strengthen and motivate women today. Despite social norms and the adversity of her environment, Regina Hartfield finds the methods and inner strength to provide positive change for herself and her family. She also finds the strength to love and be loved. An enjoyable read and excellent message for all women to overcome adversity and grow in inner strength.
March 17, 2018
Another beautifully written Regency.
Abby Ayles has done it again, bringing the Regency era back to life. Regina is the youngest of five girls, and she has zero confidence in herself. She thinks herself to be socially awkward and quite blunt. When she has to save her family’s lands and reputation, she joins a Lord who has remade his family fortune at the card tables. He has a gang of friends who are outcasts on their own, including a dying duke and his not quite by law wife but living like it anyways, a son of a noble and a woman from the Caribbean, and a Lady who still pines after her first love (another Lady). These characters are gorgeously written and handled with a realistic and humorous way.
Brilliant writing. Well done AGAIN.
Abby Ayles has done it again, bringing the Regency era back to life. Regina is the youngest of five girls, and she has zero confidence in herself. She thinks herself to be socially awkward and quite blunt. When she has to save her family’s lands and reputation, she joins a Lord who has remade his family fortune at the card tables. He has a gang of friends who are outcasts on their own, including a dying duke and his not quite by law wife but living like it anyways, a son of a noble and a woman from the Caribbean, and a Lady who still pines after her first love (another Lady). These characters are gorgeously written and handled with a realistic and humorous way.
Brilliant writing. Well done AGAIN.
March 13, 2018
Great Book!
Abby Ayles has written a wonderful book about a young girl's struggle to save her family. Miss Hartfield learns that her father has gambled away his fortune and his lands. Her and her four sisters are unwed and will have no prospects once this news becomes known. She decides to fight for them the same way her father lost it, but she needs help learning how to play. She enlists the help of Lord Harrison and in return for her oldest sister's hand in marriage. What happens next is filled with surprising twists that keeps the reader intrigued. This book is a must read! I can't wait to read Abby Ayles next book!
Abby Ayles has written a wonderful book about a young girl's struggle to save her family. Miss Hartfield learns that her father has gambled away his fortune and his lands. Her and her four sisters are unwed and will have no prospects once this news becomes known. She decides to fight for them the same way her father lost it, but she needs help learning how to play. She enlists the help of Lord Harrison and in return for her oldest sister's hand in marriage. What happens next is filled with surprising twists that keeps the reader intrigued. This book is a must read! I can't wait to read Abby Ayles next book!
March 17, 2018
A Gamble for Love
I was given this book to read in exchange for an honest review. The characters are believable and strong, the story is realistic and well written. I would recommend this book to anyone who is an older teenager or above. Fair warning, to those who would consider themselves devoutly religious, though they are tastefully written, some lines of right and wrong may be blurry... but, the characters in this story are relatable because they are misfits in their society. I really enjoyed this book. (Even though I knew it was coming, my heart was pounding throughout the fínale.)
I was given this book to read in exchange for an honest review. The characters are believable and strong, the story is realistic and well written. I would recommend this book to anyone who is an older teenager or above. Fair warning, to those who would consider themselves devoutly religious, though they are tastefully written, some lines of right and wrong may be blurry... but, the characters in this story are relatable because they are misfits in their society. I really enjoyed this book. (Even though I knew it was coming, my heart was pounding throughout the fínale.)
March 18, 2018
A fun love story
This was a great book. I was enjoying it and really didn't want to pay with these characters. The two main characters develop a fun loving relationship and had lots of fun banter between. Regina is desperate to learn how to play cards to get her family home back. She makes a deal with Lord Harrison to teach her how to play, and she agreed to have her eldest sister marry him. Of course, life can't always be planned out all the time and that's when the fun starts. I recommend reading this great story. It is very entertaining.
I received this book free to read and provide an honest review.
This was a great book. I was enjoying it and really didn't want to pay with these characters. The two main characters develop a fun loving relationship and had lots of fun banter between. Regina is desperate to learn how to play cards to get her family home back. She makes a deal with Lord Harrison to teach her how to play, and she agreed to have her eldest sister marry him. Of course, life can't always be planned out all the time and that's when the fun starts. I recommend reading this great story. It is very entertaining.
I received this book free to read and provide an honest review.
April 7, 2018
Very enjoyable!
This is definitely step above most of the Regency Romances that are out there. It has an unusual heroine in Regina who, despite her name, is a very retiring young lady suffering from a lack of self confidence. Despite that, when her father loses their lands and money on a game of cards, it is Regina who decides to get it all back!
I loved the unusual characters too. They are people who would never be seen in most books. The extended epilogue is cute but a bit unrealistic. It's still worth a read though.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.
This is definitely step above most of the Regency Romances that are out there. It has an unusual heroine in Regina who, despite her name, is a very retiring young lady suffering from a lack of self confidence. Despite that, when her father loses their lands and money on a game of cards, it is Regina who decides to get it all back!
I loved the unusual characters too. They are people who would never be seen in most books. The extended epilogue is cute but a bit unrealistic. It's still worth a read though.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good clean romance.
January 15, 2019
One of the most unique regency era romance novels. This story broke all bounds of what is typical but in the most wonderful of ways. Regina is known as the mousy little sister who was a no one in society but when her family loses everything she takes it upon herself to get it all back, with the help of Lord Harrison. Regina grows so much throughout the story and learns she is worth so much more than she ever believed, while Lord Harrison learns what love really is. Also loved the representation of the LGBTQ community and how people in that time had to go through so much just to be who they are. A very lovely story and sure to keep you on your toes.
November 6, 2023
Regina Hartfield is the youngest of five daughters. Her father is depressed over the death of his wife. He finds comfort in gambling. The problem is, he is very bad at gambling. Eventually he loses everything including his lands, home and fortune. Regina decides if a fortune can be lost at the card table it can be won at the card table. In one month there will be a masquerade ball. Rules of society will be bent. It might be possible for a lady to play cards. Normally that is forbidden. First Regina has to learn how to play cards and be god enough to beat a card shark. She enters into a agreement with a Duke who had to do the very thing she is attempting.
March 14, 2018
Riveting Read!
Another "must read," from Abby Ayles. The Lady's Gamble is a departure from Ayle's previous works. This story of a young woman's quest to restore her family home and honor is both complex and heartwarming. What begins as an intimidating journey evolves into a voyage of discovery that has endless surprises and better still, rewarding prospects for every character. I nearly read in its entirety, it was all consuming. This book is worth your time and is enlightening of the times, then and now. You won't be disappointed; I promise!
Another "must read," from Abby Ayles. The Lady's Gamble is a departure from Ayle's previous works. This story of a young woman's quest to restore her family home and honor is both complex and heartwarming. What begins as an intimidating journey evolves into a voyage of discovery that has endless surprises and better still, rewarding prospects for every character. I nearly read in its entirety, it was all consuming. This book is worth your time and is enlightening of the times, then and now. You won't be disappointed; I promise!
March 15, 2018
Totally in love with Abby Ayles and her work! 😍 I have read and enjoyed all of her novels and her latest historical romance, The Lady’s Gamble, doesn’t disappoint! I love that Regina is kind of a rebel and dislikes the nonsense of society, preferring to stay home and relax by herself than go to a ball and having to socialize with people (I can relate to that!). I also really loved how her relationships with her 4 sisters are depicted and their different personalies. It reminds me so much of growing up with my 3 older sisters! A great, clean, historical romance I’d absolutely recommend.
March 16, 2018
I love historical romance and Abby Ayles delivers the romance in The Lady's Gamble, as well as drama and suspense. As Regina tries to save her family's honor after her father gambles away the family fortune gambling, she finds herself interested in Lord Harrison who has his eye on her older sister Bridget. The card games are a little drawn out in this story and if your not into card playing it can be a bit much, but the story has a good plot and a happy ending.
I was given an ARC copy of this book.
I was given an ARC copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews