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Lord Fenmore's Wager
In a wager with the Earl of Fenmore, young Anthony Hamilton gambles away both his estate—and his sister, Diana, who is obliged to move to Fenmore Park to act as a governess to the Earl’s twin nephews, and as a companion to Lady Fenmore, the Earl’s mother. But his lordship finds more to Diana than he’d expected… Regency Romance by Alissa Baxter; originally published by Regency House
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
473 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Alissa Baxter
13 books301 followersAlissa Baxter writes historical novels set in the Regency period, featuring women with unusual interests and occupations. Her Linfield Ladies series, a trio of traditional Regency romances, showcases women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways... at least eventually. Her Dragonblade Publishing trilogy, The Grantham Girls, continues this inspiring theme.
Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.
Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2021
This book showed a lot of promise, but it failed to live up to it. The writing was amateurish and needed a strong editor. It reads like a self-published effort and I was honestly surprised to see it had a publisher. However, that publisher failed the author by not providing a decent editor. With a little help, this could have been a good book, but it just missed the mark.
July 16, 2021
Diana’s elder brother should have been taken to the woodshed, as my grandfather would have said when he gambled away the estate where he lived with his sister. Diana, however, was strong where her brother was weak. The story begins as Diana learns that her brother has lost the estate to Lord Fenmore in a wager. Ms. Baxter has crafted a magnificent tale as we follow Diana and Lord Fenmore’s story from their introduction to their HEA conclusion. As a reader, I became absorbed with Diana’s intelligence as a heroine who, step by step, overcomes Lord Fenmore’s reluctance after having been burned, so to speak when his fiancée dumped him to marry another. The storyline is well crafted, and I detected no glaring pesky editing errors. Having been successful in meeting all my requirements, Ms. Baxter is being awarded five stars for this offering.
May 18, 2021
'Lord Fenmore’s Wager' is the first book I have read by Alissa Baxter and it is, most certainly, not my last. I found the characters interesting, especially the main characters, Diana and Julian. The plot kept me hooked right until the end. A thoroughly enjoyable book for Regency Romance readers.
March 5, 2018
Another terrific read from Alissa Baxter. This one has less action than The Dashing Debutante (no highwaymen!), it was pure drawing room drama, but it felt like a smoother read.
The premise is a tad implausible: Anthony Hamilton gambles away his estate which he finds a burden. As part of the deal, he also includes his unmarried sister Diana. She’s won by the Earl of Fenmore, who insists that she move to his estate to act as temporary governess to his nephews and companion to his mother.
And already the hero is seen to be… well, heroic, because he’s the one who reminds Hamilton about his sister during the gambling session, and he also steps in to take the bet on himself when he sees that Diana might be won by a notorious rake. And of course he treats Diana as one of the family, in the most gentlemanlike manner. When she attempts several ruses to get him to release her, he sees through them at once and is amused and intrigued by her.
So the stage is set for love, but despite the fact that there are no insuperable obstacles on either side, it still takes the whole book and a great many misunderstandings before these two come together. Unlike many such books, however, the misunderstandings really do have some substance because they’re grounded in Regency manners. He is a gentleman and her employer, so naturally he has to keep his distance. And when she moves to Bath and has another suitor, naturally he can’t interfere. And she, being a lady, can’t tell him how she feels.
The whole business underscores just how awkward courtship was in those days, the difficulty of trying to get to know the person well enough to make a sensible decision on whether to spend the rest of your life with them, and the delicate balance between showing an interest and raising expectations. If a man takes a step too far, he may be required as a matter of honour to marry her whether he wants to or not. If he doesn’t go far enough, she may go off with someone else. And on her side, there’s the problem of distinguishing between serious courtship and flirtation, and trying to avoid a reputation as a flirt or a jilt. You can see why they often ended up marrying whoever their parents chose, or sticking to the familiarity of cousins - it was a lot easier!
Fortunately, these two do finally get together. But they’re a fairly cerebral couple, who do a lot of internal agonising about the difficulties of their situation and rationalising their actions. If you’re looking for a grand passion, this probably isn’t the book for you but the ending is nicely romantic. Recommended for anyone who likes a completely clean traditional Regency, with strongly authentic writing and historical accuracy and a satisfying romance. Five stars. And now on to A Marchioness Below Stairs.
The premise is a tad implausible: Anthony Hamilton gambles away his estate which he finds a burden. As part of the deal, he also includes his unmarried sister Diana. She’s won by the Earl of Fenmore, who insists that she move to his estate to act as temporary governess to his nephews and companion to his mother.
And already the hero is seen to be… well, heroic, because he’s the one who reminds Hamilton about his sister during the gambling session, and he also steps in to take the bet on himself when he sees that Diana might be won by a notorious rake. And of course he treats Diana as one of the family, in the most gentlemanlike manner. When she attempts several ruses to get him to release her, he sees through them at once and is amused and intrigued by her.
So the stage is set for love, but despite the fact that there are no insuperable obstacles on either side, it still takes the whole book and a great many misunderstandings before these two come together. Unlike many such books, however, the misunderstandings really do have some substance because they’re grounded in Regency manners. He is a gentleman and her employer, so naturally he has to keep his distance. And when she moves to Bath and has another suitor, naturally he can’t interfere. And she, being a lady, can’t tell him how she feels.
The whole business underscores just how awkward courtship was in those days, the difficulty of trying to get to know the person well enough to make a sensible decision on whether to spend the rest of your life with them, and the delicate balance between showing an interest and raising expectations. If a man takes a step too far, he may be required as a matter of honour to marry her whether he wants to or not. If he doesn’t go far enough, she may go off with someone else. And on her side, there’s the problem of distinguishing between serious courtship and flirtation, and trying to avoid a reputation as a flirt or a jilt. You can see why they often ended up marrying whoever their parents chose, or sticking to the familiarity of cousins - it was a lot easier!
Fortunately, these two do finally get together. But they’re a fairly cerebral couple, who do a lot of internal agonising about the difficulties of their situation and rationalising their actions. If you’re looking for a grand passion, this probably isn’t the book for you but the ending is nicely romantic. Recommended for anyone who likes a completely clean traditional Regency, with strongly authentic writing and historical accuracy and a satisfying romance. Five stars. And now on to A Marchioness Below Stairs.
February 28, 2021
Miss Diana Hamilton, 24, is shocked when her brother, Anthony, tells her he lost their home and her in a wager to Julien Fairstock, eighth Earl of Fenmore, 33. Thank goodness, Lord Fenmore does not want to marry her. Instead, he wants Diana to be governess to his twin, 10-year-old nephews, David and Jonathan Thorne whose parents were killed in an accident. Their tutor is currently ill and Diana will fill in until the man has recovered. Then, she will be a companion to Julien’’s mother, the Countess of Fenmore. She agrees to the plan and insists that she be allowed to bring her beloved dog, Chloe.
The Sutcliffe family, cousins to the Countess, comes for an extended stay. They look down on Diana and one of them says she is going to marry the Earl.
The Countess loves Diana and finds her to be a wonderful young woman. While Diana is admittedly attracted to the Earl, she knows that they are not equal social grounds and pulls herself away from him.
Diana soon learns that she has been left an amount of money and goes to live with a family member. She misses Julien but soon runs into him and his mother in Bath. That’s when their relationship heats up. But even when he asks for her hand, she is not sure that he could be the loving man she wants for a husband. Is there a future for them?
This book checks all of the boxes. I love how strong Diana is and how Julien needed a kick in the pants to teach him to let go and show how he cares. A terrific story! I look forward to reading more by this author.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Sutcliffe family, cousins to the Countess, comes for an extended stay. They look down on Diana and one of them says she is going to marry the Earl.
The Countess loves Diana and finds her to be a wonderful young woman. While Diana is admittedly attracted to the Earl, she knows that they are not equal social grounds and pulls herself away from him.
Diana soon learns that she has been left an amount of money and goes to live with a family member. She misses Julien but soon runs into him and his mother in Bath. That’s when their relationship heats up. But even when he asks for her hand, she is not sure that he could be the loving man she wants for a husband. Is there a future for them?
This book checks all of the boxes. I love how strong Diana is and how Julien needed a kick in the pants to teach him to let go and show how he cares. A terrific story! I look forward to reading more by this author.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 27, 2021
From the first page to the last you will spellbound by Lord Fenmore's Wagerr. Alissa Baxter has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with great cast of characters that come to life as you find yourself drawn into their story, great and dialogue and with a strong plot that bring this read together perfectly! Ahhh...the game of love can be a tangled web for Diana and Julian. As Diana and Julian fight their insecurities within themselves theytravel on a heartfelt journey filled with drama, hope, intrigue uncertainties, family unity,, a sweet romance and while the suspense builds and misunderstandings escalate that will keep you enthralled from the beginning to the end.
July 9, 2020
Loved it! “Lord Fenmore’s Wager” was fun, romantic and uplifting! I finished it it one day...couldn’t put it down! If you love sweet heroines and romantic, strong heroes well this is your book! I would love to see this made into a movie..not sure if I would chose Lord Fenmore or my all time favorite Mr. Darcy...Oh My! I think their related :) Thanks so much to Alissa Baxter for the opportunity to read this book! Will definitely read this one again when I need a touch of romance!
December 23, 2017
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
What a great book , thoroughly enjoyed it , never boring or slow , constantly keeping my attention.
Lord Fenmore ? Well I fell for him , hook , line and sinker .
They don’t make them like him in real life .
Admittedly there were times I wanted to shout at Diana , but that’s what makes this story so good , if it can make you voice your emotions, it’s doing something right .
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
💋
What a great book , thoroughly enjoyed it , never boring or slow , constantly keeping my attention.
Lord Fenmore ? Well I fell for him , hook , line and sinker .
They don’t make them like him in real life .
Admittedly there were times I wanted to shout at Diana , but that’s what makes this story so good , if it can make you voice your emotions, it’s doing something right .
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
February 16, 2025
pure genre love
How does a 25 yr old woman having had many life experiences fall hopelessly in love with a man who treats her and speaks to her in an often cruel way, over a matter of a few weeks only?
As is often the case with this genre, it’s how the person looks, and not their cutting words or hostility.
This story makes no sense really, although there are three weddings taking place we hear much more about the dog.
How does a 25 yr old woman having had many life experiences fall hopelessly in love with a man who treats her and speaks to her in an often cruel way, over a matter of a few weeks only?
As is often the case with this genre, it’s how the person looks, and not their cutting words or hostility.
This story makes no sense really, although there are three weddings taking place we hear much more about the dog.
July 10, 2025
This was a frustrating book. It had so much potential, with the catty relations and the forced proximity. But the author didn’t do anything with it. The relationship between the hero and heroine never developed past his being possessive of her and her avoiding him because she was uncomfortable, but then they were suddenly in love? Maybe I just can’t get into romances that center on animal magnetism and beauty being the attractions.
March 8, 2021
A basic good romance. There are a few throw away scenes - a kidnapping, a French sympathizer and a French spy, a surprise inheritance, a trip to Bath, and an assortment of unsuitable suitors that had little to do with the romance. Despite all this, Julian and Diana get their HEA.
I won this e-book from of the author, and have given a true and honest review.
I won this e-book from of the author, and have given a true and honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2021
Miss Diana Hamilton has had her home sold out from beneath her by her brother. He selfishly sold her and the house he wanted nothing to do with it. She was very angry.
Lord Fenmore, Earl of Fenmore, needed a temporary governess and companion for his mother. A lot of things happen in the story there are kidnappings, spies, and losing her home to name a few. It was a cute tale but I thought she second-guessed herself all the time. It became a little repetitive. she and the boys are kidnapped, the Sutcliffe's come to stay the rest of the summer and the father tries to paw Diana and their oldest daughter will not leave him alone. She feels she has the right because they are related. Of course, he does not feel that way.
I enjoyed this book and the trials and tribulations that went with it.
I received this ARC from Book Sirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
Lord Fenmore, Earl of Fenmore, needed a temporary governess and companion for his mother. A lot of things happen in the story there are kidnappings, spies, and losing her home to name a few. It was a cute tale but I thought she second-guessed herself all the time. It became a little repetitive. she and the boys are kidnapped, the Sutcliffe's come to stay the rest of the summer and the father tries to paw Diana and their oldest daughter will not leave him alone. She feels she has the right because they are related. Of course, he does not feel that way.
I enjoyed this book and the trials and tribulations that went with it.
I received this ARC from Book Sirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
October 29, 2024
Delightful
The only surprise in this solid, well planned and well written romance which follows the tried and true genre formula is in the setup. Here you have an heir who gambles not only his estate but his unwed sister, and loses. This was peculiar to me because he couldn't do that to an entailed estate, meaning one attached to a title and yet the sister is referred to as "Lady," which requires some sort of title to go with "Lord." I had thought even the courtesy titles awarded to non-heirs had to be connected to an estate but Tony is never referred to as Lord Anthony. I guess it is just one of those esoteric quirks this clueless American does not understand about the British class system. Anyway it was an enjoyable several hours and I don't imagine any romance lover wouldn't enjoy it as well.
The only surprise in this solid, well planned and well written romance which follows the tried and true genre formula is in the setup. Here you have an heir who gambles not only his estate but his unwed sister, and loses. This was peculiar to me because he couldn't do that to an entailed estate, meaning one attached to a title and yet the sister is referred to as "Lady," which requires some sort of title to go with "Lord." I had thought even the courtesy titles awarded to non-heirs had to be connected to an estate but Tony is never referred to as Lord Anthony. I guess it is just one of those esoteric quirks this clueless American does not understand about the British class system. Anyway it was an enjoyable several hours and I don't imagine any romance lover wouldn't enjoy it as well.
June 7, 2025
I really liked this book, but I didn't love it. That being said it was a perfect read after finishing a couple heavy reads. The characters are good, and well fleshed out. Lord Fenmore wins a bet from Anthony Hamilton in order to perhaps save Anthony's sister from total ruin, Diana Hamilton is pressed into service as a governess and a companion to his aging mother. Diana is distressed with the loss of her home and her freedom. Even though Lord Fenmore has no desire for a real romance he is drawn to Diana. There are a couple of side plots that were somewhat more interesting for a moment but were quickly resolved. I liked that they kept the romance clean, that happiness abounded in the end.
January 15, 2025
When Diana's brother gambles away their rundown estate to include Diana with it to sign up for the military, it puts Diana in a quandary. Lord Fenmore merely needs a temporary governess for his twin charges and companion for his mother, but became used to Diana's presence. Only when she left to Bath to live with her Godmother and meet up with an old friend, did Lord Fenmore realize how much he missed her. However, now it was more of a challenge to win her back. Sweet and clean Regency romance that makes for a good bedtime read.
June 23, 2021
A faithless brother
Lady Diana has spent her adult years caring for her ill mother, then trying to keep the family solvent as her brother, the heir, follows her father's footsteps, gambling away what is left of the family fortunes. But this time he's gone too far; he's risked too much, and Diana's life will never be the same!
A must read!
Lady Diana has spent her adult years caring for her ill mother, then trying to keep the family solvent as her brother, the heir, follows her father's footsteps, gambling away what is left of the family fortunes. But this time he's gone too far; he's risked too much, and Diana's life will never be the same!
A must read!
September 28, 2025
I am always a bit skeptical of marriages between governesses and lords, even if the governesses are noblewomen fallen on bad times. Also, I can't find it in my heart to forgive a brother who would wager a house and a sister away. I will try not to hope he dies at Waterloo. Neither Julian or Max are my idea of a dreamboat--I'd probably go for Bateman--but that's probably why I'm divorced!
June 16, 2022
Ewwww.
DNF at about 20% Lord Fenmore had red Flags all over him so much so i think he must have glowed red.
i do not want to read such a bad person (who was just so injured aka no excuse.) in any book as a love interest ever again.
eww.
my stomach is revolting and my therapist would tooo...
DNF at about 20% Lord Fenmore had red Flags all over him so much so i think he must have glowed red.
i do not want to read such a bad person (who was just so injured aka no excuse.) in any book as a love interest ever again.
eww.
my stomach is revolting and my therapist would tooo...
September 23, 2017
Likeable characters, good plot with a couple of twists. Enjoyed it.
October 30, 2024
A bit prissy...
... but harmless. I really started to cringe at the patronizing "my dear" that every male seemed to use when speaking to women throughout.
... but harmless. I really started to cringe at the patronizing "my dear" that every male seemed to use when speaking to women throughout.
November 2, 2024
A charming romance. The plot occasionally moves slowly, but for the most part it was interesting. The story could also have used a little more passion between the two main protagonists.
December 11, 2024
Sweet and clean read about Diane and Julian and how they finally find their hea after a lot of confusion and misunderstandings
January 5, 2025
Fun romance!
September 2, 2025
This was a frustrating read for me. There was no logical reason for the main characters to feel love for each other, especially when the earl was cold and distant, and Diana was an absolute shrew.
January 1, 2025
To lose a home and be forced to work all within a week. Loved the way the story flowed! The characters were lovely.
October 2, 2024
Diana makes the best of every situation she encounters, but not without a fight. She is one of my favorite characters of all time. Lord Fenmore seems more sexually attractive to women than charming. I liked how many romances are introduced and resolved within this novel's pages. Otherwise, I would have wanted more books to be written.
November 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It is completely different to "The Dashing Debutante" which was more of an adventure book. It is once again very well written with Alissa's trademark sense of humour running through it.
June 4, 2016
Lovely book with well rounded characters and intricate plot
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews