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Sisters of Scandal #2
The Wager
London, 1818
Anne Middleton never plays by the rules. She is willful when she should be obedient and unabashed when she should be decorous. Worse still, she can never resist a good wager...or a very naughty book. And Confessions of a Courtesan is about as sensational and risque as a book can be.
Michael Grey - Earl of Thornhill - had once courted Anne's sweet and modest sister. But whilst Anne is certainly no lady of decorum, her bold impulsiveness slips through his armor, and propriety is forgotten. Now he too is immersed in the book of forbidden delights, where each page is an invitation to sin and a guide to pleasures unknown...
Roused by heady desire, Michael tempts Anne in a way she cannot resist - a wager. Thus begins a game of chance, where coins have been replaced by a currency that is far more illicit. And the stakes of seduction are dangerous indeed...A Scandalous Novella
Anne Middleton never plays by the rules. She is willful when she should be obedient and unabashed when she should be decorous. Worse still, she can never resist a good wager...or a very naughty book. And Confessions of a Courtesan is about as sensational and risque as a book can be.
Michael Grey - Earl of Thornhill - had once courted Anne's sweet and modest sister. But whilst Anne is certainly no lady of decorum, her bold impulsiveness slips through his armor, and propriety is forgotten. Now he too is immersed in the book of forbidden delights, where each page is an invitation to sin and a guide to pleasures unknown...
Roused by heady desire, Michael tempts Anne in a way she cannot resist - a wager. Thus begins a game of chance, where coins have been replaced by a currency that is far more illicit. And the stakes of seduction are dangerous indeed...A Scandalous Novella
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2014
37 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Lily Maxton
18 books158 followersLily Maxton grew up in the Midwest, reading, writing, and daydreaming amidst cornfields. After graduating with a degree in English, she decided to put her natural inclinations to good use and embark on a career as a writer.
When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.
When she’s not working on a new story, she likes to tour old houses, add to her tea stash, and think of reasons to avoid housework.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 13, 2019
3.5 stars
A novella, 63 pages short, so not much depth, but cute, charming and well written
USD 0.99 Kindle Amazon
- You shouldn’t change yourself to fit someone else’s expectations. I like the way you are, too. You simply require a little getting used to. Yours, Lord Thornhill
A novella, 63 pages short, so not much depth, but cute, charming and well written
USD 0.99 Kindle Amazon
- You shouldn’t change yourself to fit someone else’s expectations. I like the way you are, too. You simply require a little getting used to. Yours, Lord Thornhill
May 7, 2019
4 Stars
Anne Middleton is bold and wilful - attributes that are considered unrefined and unladylike by the standards of proper society. She holds no interest in marriage, at least not one in which she must dull her character to win gentlemanly affection. She simply wants to be loved for who she is, which seems like an unachievable goal considering the expectations of her time.
Lord Michael Grey, newly appointed Earl of Thornhill has long since seemed to have a distaste for Anne, but when they share a banterous conversation one evening at a societal gathering, they soon find themselves exchanging letters, initially swapping barbs and backhanded apologies, and eventually opening up to one another about their likes and interests, sharing stories of their families and their pasts.
These letters quickly become the highlight of Anne’s day and soon she and Michael beginning seeking each other out at social events, trying to one-up each other in a series of competitive wagers. It’s all fun and games until unforeseen events force Anne to question the true nature of her feelings towards Michael, once and for all.
I enjoyed the hell out of this historical romance novella. As the second in the series, this was much more to my liking than even book one. I adored Anne and Michael alike and I enjoyed the way they got to know one another through letter writing. It was romantic and sweet and just sexy enough to satisfy my reading needs.
Anne Middleton is bold and wilful - attributes that are considered unrefined and unladylike by the standards of proper society. She holds no interest in marriage, at least not one in which she must dull her character to win gentlemanly affection. She simply wants to be loved for who she is, which seems like an unachievable goal considering the expectations of her time.
Lord Michael Grey, newly appointed Earl of Thornhill has long since seemed to have a distaste for Anne, but when they share a banterous conversation one evening at a societal gathering, they soon find themselves exchanging letters, initially swapping barbs and backhanded apologies, and eventually opening up to one another about their likes and interests, sharing stories of their families and their pasts.
These letters quickly become the highlight of Anne’s day and soon she and Michael beginning seeking each other out at social events, trying to one-up each other in a series of competitive wagers. It’s all fun and games until unforeseen events force Anne to question the true nature of her feelings towards Michael, once and for all.
I enjoyed the hell out of this historical romance novella. As the second in the series, this was much more to my liking than even book one. I adored Anne and Michael alike and I enjoyed the way they got to know one another through letter writing. It was romantic and sweet and just sexy enough to satisfy my reading needs.
April 26, 2018
This one was really to short to be thoroughly enjoyable. On my reader it was only 48 pages!!!
I think that if this was a full novel it could have been really good because the MCs were fun! It's a pity the author didn't take time to write a full novel!
Still, as I said, the MCs were fun and I enjoyed their inappropriate conversations!
Ann and her tomboy behaviour and Michael's stiffness at the begining.
Still the "action" was rushed and didn't feel "natural". I mean, what they did together was so inappropriate for the time that she would have been totally ruined if discovered, but it was her doing and not his! It was like a reverse-rake role!
Anyhow, I liked the story, but in all honesty connot give it more than 3 stars.
I think that if this was a full novel it could have been really good because the MCs were fun! It's a pity the author didn't take time to write a full novel!
Still, as I said, the MCs were fun and I enjoyed their inappropriate conversations!
Ann and her tomboy behaviour and Michael's stiffness at the begining.
Still the "action" was rushed and didn't feel "natural". I mean, what they did together was so inappropriate for the time that she would have been totally ruined if discovered, but it was her doing and not his! It was like a reverse-rake role!
Anyhow, I liked the story, but in all honesty connot give it more than 3 stars.
February 20, 2016
A VERY successful novella!! I liked Anne and Michael A LOT!
The "I love you" caught me by surprise though. lol It came late in the story but was still kind of fast for me. But it is a 70-page novella so it is to be expected. I like Anne and Michael as characters a great deal. The letters they wrote each other are very cute. I am such a sucker for this letter thing, when it's done right.
I think their conversations are a rather....unconventional for the time period. But if I take it at face value and do not question how likely it was for a man and a woman of that time period to engage in conversations/correspondence like that, the story is perfectly charming.
The "I love you" caught me by surprise though. lol It came late in the story but was still kind of fast for me. But it is a 70-page novella so it is to be expected. I like Anne and Michael as characters a great deal. The letters they wrote each other are very cute. I am such a sucker for this letter thing, when it's done right.
I think their conversations are a rather....unconventional for the time period. But if I take it at face value and do not question how likely it was for a man and a woman of that time period to engage in conversations/correspondence like that, the story is perfectly charming.
April 5, 2017
I was grinning from ear to ear while reading The Wager. We’re talking full on Joker-face here, except less creepy...maybe. It all starts with the theft (or borrowing) of a naughty book that pairs together an impish heroine and a stuffy hero. Hilarity and LOTS OF FEELS quickly followed.
How to put into words why I loved this novella? First of all, almost an entire chapter is dedicated to a series of letters exchanged between Anne and Michael. Yes, LETTERS. SO MANY LETTERS. I may have cried a little over these letters, okay? As a result of their correspondence, a sparkling rapport blossoms between the seemingly polar opposites that soon translated into a real life chemistry that left me absolutely breathless. I have to mention that one of their many wagers leads to a scandalous midnight ocean swim and sexy times on the beach. I WAS BARELY HOLDING ON TO MY SANITY AT THIS POINT BECAUSE OH MY GOD THE FEELS WERE REAL.
And aside from all that awesomeness, I came to really love these characters and the layers Lily Maxon gave them. For example, Anne was very sure of herself in the beginning but later becomes closed off and afraid of the vulnerability Michael awakens within her. By contrast, Michael was able to open up emotionally more easily by having known Anne. This reversal of the expected character tropes was refreshing and added depth to this otherwise too short story. I really wish it had been full length if only because I wanted more time with Anne and Michael. Especially if it involved them trying out ALL of the scenarios mentioned in the Confessions of a Courtesan book.
Suffice to say, I loved this novella so go read it! NOW.
How to put into words why I loved this novella? First of all, almost an entire chapter is dedicated to a series of letters exchanged between Anne and Michael. Yes, LETTERS. SO MANY LETTERS. I may have cried a little over these letters, okay? As a result of their correspondence, a sparkling rapport blossoms between the seemingly polar opposites that soon translated into a real life chemistry that left me absolutely breathless. I have to mention that one of their many wagers leads to a scandalous midnight ocean swim and sexy times on the beach. I WAS BARELY HOLDING ON TO MY SANITY AT THIS POINT BECAUSE OH MY GOD THE FEELS WERE REAL.
And aside from all that awesomeness, I came to really love these characters and the layers Lily Maxon gave them. For example, Anne was very sure of herself in the beginning but later becomes closed off and afraid of the vulnerability Michael awakens within her. By contrast, Michael was able to open up emotionally more easily by having known Anne. This reversal of the expected character tropes was refreshing and added depth to this otherwise too short story. I really wish it had been full length if only because I wanted more time with Anne and Michael. Especially if it involved them trying out ALL of the scenarios mentioned in the Confessions of a Courtesan book.
Suffice to say, I loved this novella so go read it! NOW.
August 7, 2014
Anne didn’t defy convention because she was spiteful. She did so because she refused to be anything less than who she really was. Michael, on the other hand, was a stickler for convention. As an Earl, it was imperative he abide by society rules or risk being shunned by the ton.
Then he was reacquainted with Anne and that thought flew out the window. Here was a noble born woman who was happy doing what she wanted regardless of what was expected of her. Even more so, she was always up for a wager, a most unladylike habit if ever there was one. And the wager Michael proposed… Well, let’s just say that she gave “unconventional” a whole new meaning when she accepted.
What I enjoyed the most is Michael didn’t try to change Anne at all. He wanted and loved her because she was herself. And Anne helped Michael understand that all he needed to be happy was to be himself. This was a fast, fabulous, enemies to lovers story about being yourself in order to be truly happy.
3.5*
***Received from Entangled Publishing for an honest review***
Then he was reacquainted with Anne and that thought flew out the window. Here was a noble born woman who was happy doing what she wanted regardless of what was expected of her. Even more so, she was always up for a wager, a most unladylike habit if ever there was one. And the wager Michael proposed… Well, let’s just say that she gave “unconventional” a whole new meaning when she accepted.
What I enjoyed the most is Michael didn’t try to change Anne at all. He wanted and loved her because she was herself. And Anne helped Michael understand that all he needed to be happy was to be himself. This was a fast, fabulous, enemies to lovers story about being yourself in order to be truly happy.
3.5*
***Received from Entangled Publishing for an honest review***
May 12, 2017
Those letters, the naughty book references, the final wager, LOVED IT.
March 5, 2022
Setting and Characters.
London and Brighton, 1818
Miss Anne Middleton and Michael Grey, Earl of Thornhill
Review. From Book 1 of this series I had already been looking forward to Anne's story, because she swears, is straightforward, opinionated, flies in the face of what a gentile lady should be like, etc. Love these type of heroines. Especially love that she was paired up with Michael, who you're able to appreciate that much more if you read Book 1 first, because there we see more of his reserve and supposed stuffiness. They're such a great contrast in that sense, and I love that the change in their relationship starts through letter exchanges, where you slowly see them open up to one another. Especially Michael—seeing him grow increasingly playful through those exchanges is really delightful.
They seem like such a mismatched pair, and you really feel for Anne, who seems so strong on the outside but whose vulnerabilities we really see here. Michael at one time proposed to her older sister, Elizabeth, who is beautiful and a paragon of refined society (seemingly so, at least); Anne knows that she's an odd duck and though she likes herself as she is, she's conflicted when she starts to have feelings for Michael and wonders at his ability to turn his affection from her perfect sister to her (don't worry, it's believable and not really an issue on his part; we quickly see it was more the idea of Elizabeth and what she represented, than Elizabeth herself, that he was attracted to).
Series. I read all 3 of the first books in the series in order and recommend doing so; they're short novellas (really short), so it's not a challenge—plus they're good!! I actually started the series with Book 5, The Improper Bride , which was absolutely wonderful and made it onto my favorites list (that book is quite disconnected honestly from these three and so the order doesn't really matter for that one).
London and Brighton, 1818
Miss Anne Middleton and Michael Grey, Earl of Thornhill
Review. From Book 1 of this series I had already been looking forward to Anne's story, because she swears, is straightforward, opinionated, flies in the face of what a gentile lady should be like, etc. Love these type of heroines. Especially love that she was paired up with Michael, who you're able to appreciate that much more if you read Book 1 first, because there we see more of his reserve and supposed stuffiness. They're such a great contrast in that sense, and I love that the change in their relationship starts through letter exchanges, where you slowly see them open up to one another. Especially Michael—seeing him grow increasingly playful through those exchanges is really delightful.
They seem like such a mismatched pair, and you really feel for Anne, who seems so strong on the outside but whose vulnerabilities we really see here. Michael at one time proposed to her older sister, Elizabeth, who is beautiful and a paragon of refined society (seemingly so, at least); Anne knows that she's an odd duck and though she likes herself as she is, she's conflicted when she starts to have feelings for Michael and wonders at his ability to turn his affection from her perfect sister to her (don't worry, it's believable and not really an issue on his part; we quickly see it was more the idea of Elizabeth and what she represented, than Elizabeth herself, that he was attracted to).
Series. I read all 3 of the first books in the series in order and recommend doing so; they're short novellas (really short), so it's not a challenge—plus they're good!! I actually started the series with Book 5, The Improper Bride , which was absolutely wonderful and made it onto my favorites list (that book is quite disconnected honestly from these three and so the order doesn't really matter for that one).
1. The Affair [3.5 stars] — Elizabeth, Lady Thornhill (beautiful widowed eldest sister) and Cale Cameron (bookseller and publisher)Quote.
2. The Wager [4 stars] — Anne Middleton (outspoken middle sister) and Michael Grey, new Earl of Thornhill (ex-traveler, now seemingly stuffy)
3. The Love Match [4.5 stars] — Olivia Middleton (shy bibliophile youngest sister) and William Cross (ladies' man and secret writer/poet)
4. The Mistake — haven't read
5. The Improper Bride [5+ stars] — Cassandra Davis (widowed housekeeper) and Henry Eldridge, Marquess of Riverton (really not a nice guy)
And then he smiled. “You confound all my expectations, Miss Middleton. You delight me.”
There was something in his voice, something soft and almost tender, something that set warning bells off in her mind and caused the skin on the back of her neck to prickle.
April 7, 2016
The Wager is book two in Lily Maxton's Sister's of Scandal series. I very much liked both Anne and Michael. Their story is a bit unconventional but it works. I am a sucker for historicals with strong women who buck society's oppressiveness. Anne is very outspoken and doesn't follow the rules. Because of that, she's passed over by many would-be suiters.
Michael, the Earl of Thornhill, once asked for her older sister, Elizabeth's hand in marriage. She ran off and married someone else. An accidental meeting in a library of a party host, finds Anne face to face with Michael. She's there to settle a wager with her sister by finding a scandalous book in his residence. After which Anne and Michael start corresponding by letter. Things ramp up from there and many wagers are embarked upon. Such fun!!
The story was quick and I definitely wanted more of Anne and Michael! The characters were well rounded and I truly enjoyed them! The story was well paced and I never felt rushed or that it was quickly wrapped up. I look forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series and hopefully get an update on these two!
4 stars/3 flames
This book was gifted to me for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
Michael, the Earl of Thornhill, once asked for her older sister, Elizabeth's hand in marriage. She ran off and married someone else. An accidental meeting in a library of a party host, finds Anne face to face with Michael. She's there to settle a wager with her sister by finding a scandalous book in his residence. After which Anne and Michael start corresponding by letter. Things ramp up from there and many wagers are embarked upon. Such fun!!
The story was quick and I definitely wanted more of Anne and Michael! The characters were well rounded and I truly enjoyed them! The story was well paced and I never felt rushed or that it was quickly wrapped up. I look forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series and hopefully get an update on these two!
4 stars/3 flames
This book was gifted to me for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinion and in no way was I compensated.
May 10, 2016
When I found out that the next book in Lily Maxton's series involved the man whose proposal Elizabeth rejected, and Elizabeth's sister, Anne, I knew I needed to read it right away.
Anne Middleton isn't your typical English lady -- she swears, speaks her mind, and loves to make wagers. In fact, it was a wager that brought about her chance encounter with Michael Grey, the new Earl of Thornhill, who recently proposed to, and got rejected by her sister, Elizabeth. They met very briefly before -- and neither one had a very good impression of the other. Anne and Michael are complete opposites: Anne isn't one to be pinned down by rules, and, while Michael is new to his title, he knows how to behave himself in society.
But, in the library, where Anne walked in and witnessed Michael extracting himself from a compromising situation (not of his own doing), and where Anne had intended to "borrow" the owner's very naughty copy of Confessions of a Courtesan -- it seems that our hero and heroine have found their middle ground, but not without engaging in a war of words first.
Considering the length of this story, I thought it was a great choice that the author decided to develop the characters' relationship through letters -- it's an intimate medium, and allowed us a glimpse into the very private thoughts of Anne and William. Their letters center on the contents of Confessions of a Courtesan, and I really enjoyed this part. It reminded me of a lot of exchanges I've had with book buddies, and it's one of the best things about reading: it's a solitary exercise, but it is also a social exercise. When they finally meet again, it isn't with the same enmity as their initial meetings: now, they are friendlier to each other. Now they have a shared experience, and I was curious about the book pages they kept referring to. (I do hope Lily Maxton decides to publish the actual Confessions of a Courtesan. From what I've seen, it looks to be an *ahem* steamy read.)
Like her sister, Anne decides to assuage her sexual curiosity and she's asked Michael, who hesitates, at first -- but who also cannot deny that he is very, very attracted to Anne.
There's a lot to love in this novella: I love that Michael and Anne have a complicated history. He proposed to her sister first, so Anne will always think that she is just his second choice, which means Michael needs to prove that he is sincere in his regard for Anne. Then there's the question of suitability: Anne is a bit audacious, and Michael is still feeling his way around his title. Anne's sister, Elizabeth, would have been a better spouse for Michael, because she already knows "the lay of the land."
But the heart wants what the heart wants and Maxton provides a convincing resolution to the obstacles Michael and Anne face -- and it's only fitting that, for a story that began with a wager, it would end would one. One where it's actually a win-win for both sides. ^_^
Anne Middleton isn't your typical English lady -- she swears, speaks her mind, and loves to make wagers. In fact, it was a wager that brought about her chance encounter with Michael Grey, the new Earl of Thornhill, who recently proposed to, and got rejected by her sister, Elizabeth. They met very briefly before -- and neither one had a very good impression of the other. Anne and Michael are complete opposites: Anne isn't one to be pinned down by rules, and, while Michael is new to his title, he knows how to behave himself in society.
But, in the library, where Anne walked in and witnessed Michael extracting himself from a compromising situation (not of his own doing), and where Anne had intended to "borrow" the owner's very naughty copy of Confessions of a Courtesan -- it seems that our hero and heroine have found their middle ground, but not without engaging in a war of words first.
Considering the length of this story, I thought it was a great choice that the author decided to develop the characters' relationship through letters -- it's an intimate medium, and allowed us a glimpse into the very private thoughts of Anne and William. Their letters center on the contents of Confessions of a Courtesan, and I really enjoyed this part. It reminded me of a lot of exchanges I've had with book buddies, and it's one of the best things about reading: it's a solitary exercise, but it is also a social exercise. When they finally meet again, it isn't with the same enmity as their initial meetings: now, they are friendlier to each other. Now they have a shared experience, and I was curious about the book pages they kept referring to. (I do hope Lily Maxton decides to publish the actual Confessions of a Courtesan. From what I've seen, it looks to be an *ahem* steamy read.)
Like her sister, Anne decides to assuage her sexual curiosity and she's asked Michael, who hesitates, at first -- but who also cannot deny that he is very, very attracted to Anne.
There's a lot to love in this novella: I love that Michael and Anne have a complicated history. He proposed to her sister first, so Anne will always think that she is just his second choice, which means Michael needs to prove that he is sincere in his regard for Anne. Then there's the question of suitability: Anne is a bit audacious, and Michael is still feeling his way around his title. Anne's sister, Elizabeth, would have been a better spouse for Michael, because she already knows "the lay of the land."
But the heart wants what the heart wants and Maxton provides a convincing resolution to the obstacles Michael and Anne face -- and it's only fitting that, for a story that began with a wager, it would end would one. One where it's actually a win-win for both sides. ^_^
September 10, 2025
because we know these characters from the first book, the pacing was a lot steadier and more enjoyable—same with the romance.
—3.5 stars
—3.5 stars
November 8, 2017
Awwwww. I really liked this short novella. Anne was unashamedly herself with some vulnerability with the earl. Michael, the Earl of Thornhill started out as stodgy but soon revealed, only to Anne, that he had a deeper, naughty and emotional streak. Was everything fully fleshed out as it would be in a full novel? No. It was a novella after all. But what Lily Maxton can accomplish in short format is impressive and I ate it up. She gave me more feels than many longer books I've read recently. Bravo, Ms. Maxton!
This book started relatively early with letters that were at first humorous, but soon revealed deeper feelings and insecurities. I loved how Maxton showed snippets of the exchange. It allowed for me as a reader to gain insight into the characters in a quick amount of time so when they met again on the page, their relationship growth felt organic.
At first, some of what Michael and Anne were speaking about and doing together felt too modern (Anne is very direct), but the social mores of the time do catch up with them and I loved how Michael treated Anne and let her learn her own heart.
Overall, this was funny, steamy, and insightful. I love novellas that can give me this amount of feelings in such a short reading period. When things are busy, I love those special novellas that can quickly make me happy. This one fit that bill to a tee and was definitely worth every penny of my $0.99. I can't wait to read about the last sister, Olivia next.
This book started relatively early with letters that were at first humorous, but soon revealed deeper feelings and insecurities. I loved how Maxton showed snippets of the exchange. It allowed for me as a reader to gain insight into the characters in a quick amount of time so when they met again on the page, their relationship growth felt organic.
At first, some of what Michael and Anne were speaking about and doing together felt too modern (Anne is very direct), but the social mores of the time do catch up with them and I loved how Michael treated Anne and let her learn her own heart.
Overall, this was funny, steamy, and insightful. I love novellas that can give me this amount of feelings in such a short reading period. When things are busy, I love those special novellas that can quickly make me happy. This one fit that bill to a tee and was definitely worth every penny of my $0.99. I can't wait to read about the last sister, Olivia next.
February 24, 2016
Ok, so after the first book i must admit that i got addicted to Lily Maxton's little yummy bites of historical romance (there should be more of these out there). This book is great for short readings where you don't have a lot of time but you still want a good histo-rom fix.
So Anne Middleton, Elizabeth's rebellious younger sister got to writing to the new Lord Thornhill (the one who proposed to the elder sister in the first story) after an incident. Lord Thornhill started writing back and from then on their story was very much a to and fro of friendly letters. Not long after they started to develop feelings but is it enough to convince Anne that he loves her for herself and not settling for the younger sister of the one that got away?
Short and sweet with witty dialogues and authentic settings, true to the era. Lovely!
So Anne Middleton, Elizabeth's rebellious younger sister got to writing to the new Lord Thornhill (the one who proposed to the elder sister in the first story) after an incident. Lord Thornhill started writing back and from then on their story was very much a to and fro of friendly letters. Not long after they started to develop feelings but is it enough to convince Anne that he loves her for herself and not settling for the younger sister of the one that got away?
Short and sweet with witty dialogues and authentic settings, true to the era. Lovely!
January 21, 2015
It was nice, interesting and a little naughty. You like Anne Middleton from the beginning and you like her till you get to the end. You even like Earl Thornhill, AKA Michael. The letters to each other were pretty funny and they actually made a good couple, despite the fact that he’d been engaged to her older sister Elizabeth, who’d gone onto marry someone else. The sisters were complete opposites, but Anne complimented Michael more than Elizabeth and their little wagers were fun. So if you get a chance, check it out. You just may enjoy it a lot.
August 24, 2014
5 stars! a great novella. Despite its short length, the story is surprisingly full and emotionally satisfying.
Review first posted @ Girl meets Books
What worked for me?
First off, how amazingly sweet is this book’s cover or what? I mean I love historical romance book covers but this one is different, no skin, no lack of clothes, and while that is still awesome, I just love the dynamics and the obvious affection that this covers shows. It’s like a sweet and intimate moment that was captured by accident and I love it.
This is a novella but it really packs a punch. The story was full and emotionally satisfying. The characters were really well-defined and well-developed. And in the span of around 80 pages, the author was still able to get me well and truly invested in how the story between Anne and Michael would turn out. The conflict doesn’t feel trite or hurried. And the writing was amazing and exactly what I’m looking for especially in historical romance novels.
My Favorites:
Anna’s and Michael’s conversations both in person and through their correspondence
The correspondence was a really great tool both for helping the reader get to know the characters more and for that development in the relationship between the two.
I love Anna and how strong-willed she is. She doesn’t let the rules and constricts of society or of propriety dictate the kind of person she wants to be. She stands true to her feelings. Granted, she can be a little obsessed about wagers especially winning but who doesn’t want to come out as a winner, right? I guess it’s her way of dealing with the sometimes stifling expectations of society and a reminder to herself of living life to the fullest. I also love that she doesn’t compromise on her feelings.
Michael is such a great character to read about as well. I love watching him fall for Anna, first through the changes in how he wrote to her and later when they would talk with just the two of them.
I seriously enjoy reading these two wager with each other. You know that either way they’re going to have their happy ending but having a wager somewhere before the HEA was just seriously enjoyable.
What did not work for me?
Because the story was so good and the writing really well-done that I couldn’t help but think about how the story would be if it were a full-length novel. I wanted more of this story because it was hard to part with these lovable characters and their endearing story.
My over-all take on it?
I’m now looking out for more from Lily Maxton. This was such a great introduction to her writing and I can’t wait to read more from her. I’m definitely satisfied that I followed my instincts and requested an ARC from NetGalley of this. This was such a satisfying read for me.
Review first posted @ Girl meets Books
What worked for me?
First off, how amazingly sweet is this book’s cover or what? I mean I love historical romance book covers but this one is different, no skin, no lack of clothes, and while that is still awesome, I just love the dynamics and the obvious affection that this covers shows. It’s like a sweet and intimate moment that was captured by accident and I love it.
This is a novella but it really packs a punch. The story was full and emotionally satisfying. The characters were really well-defined and well-developed. And in the span of around 80 pages, the author was still able to get me well and truly invested in how the story between Anne and Michael would turn out. The conflict doesn’t feel trite or hurried. And the writing was amazing and exactly what I’m looking for especially in historical romance novels.
My Favorites:
Anna’s and Michael’s conversations both in person and through their correspondence
The correspondence was a really great tool both for helping the reader get to know the characters more and for that development in the relationship between the two.
I love Anna and how strong-willed she is. She doesn’t let the rules and constricts of society or of propriety dictate the kind of person she wants to be. She stands true to her feelings. Granted, she can be a little obsessed about wagers especially winning but who doesn’t want to come out as a winner, right? I guess it’s her way of dealing with the sometimes stifling expectations of society and a reminder to herself of living life to the fullest. I also love that she doesn’t compromise on her feelings.
Michael is such a great character to read about as well. I love watching him fall for Anna, first through the changes in how he wrote to her and later when they would talk with just the two of them.
I seriously enjoy reading these two wager with each other. You know that either way they’re going to have their happy ending but having a wager somewhere before the HEA was just seriously enjoyable.
What did not work for me?
Because the story was so good and the writing really well-done that I couldn’t help but think about how the story would be if it were a full-length novel. I wanted more of this story because it was hard to part with these lovable characters and their endearing story.
My over-all take on it?
I’m now looking out for more from Lily Maxton. This was such a great introduction to her writing and I can’t wait to read more from her. I’m definitely satisfied that I followed my instincts and requested an ARC from NetGalley of this. This was such a satisfying read for me.
February 27, 2016
Like the first book in this series (The Affair) this is a short, sexy bite of Regency fun, although this time it’s the heroine who is a little unconventional and the hero who is best known for being perfectly proper. However, if historical accuracy matters to you, then be aware that Anne is very modern in her behaviour and thinking, and the pair of them both exchange letters and sneak around without any sign of difficulty – so try not to think too deeply about the likelihood given the time period.
Because this is great fun. I love the way Anne and Michael first meet, I love the letters they exchange and I love the way Michael tempts Anne into wagering with him. The banter over the scandalous book just adds to the chemistry between them and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
Okay, if I’m honest I would have loved to have seen more from Michael’s point of view, especially about when his opinion of Anne began to change, and to have had more of an insight into his thoughts and feelings throughout. Although I felt it was pretty obvious how he felt at times, Anne is so busy dithering over the fact that he once proposed to her older sister that it kind of spoilt that side of the romance for me. Actually Anne did annoy me quite a bit towards the end. She’s so level-headed and bold during the rest of the book that her hang-up concerning Elizabeth got on my nerves. I could understand why she might feel that way, I just expected a smarter reaction from her.
One more thing – as much as I enjoyed the action moving from London to Brighton, Brighton beach is not sandy. Sadly it’s a shingle beach, which would have made a certain scene a lot less comfortable.
But all of that aside, I found this novella as quick and enjoyable of the first, especially because of the differences in characters and plot. If you’re looking for something short, a little bit sexy and with a hint of muslin and lace, then give this a go. It’s more of a romance with a historical gloss, than a pure Regency, but it’s all the more fun for it.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Because this is great fun. I love the way Anne and Michael first meet, I love the letters they exchange and I love the way Michael tempts Anne into wagering with him. The banter over the scandalous book just adds to the chemistry between them and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish.
Okay, if I’m honest I would have loved to have seen more from Michael’s point of view, especially about when his opinion of Anne began to change, and to have had more of an insight into his thoughts and feelings throughout. Although I felt it was pretty obvious how he felt at times, Anne is so busy dithering over the fact that he once proposed to her older sister that it kind of spoilt that side of the romance for me. Actually Anne did annoy me quite a bit towards the end. She’s so level-headed and bold during the rest of the book that her hang-up concerning Elizabeth got on my nerves. I could understand why she might feel that way, I just expected a smarter reaction from her.
One more thing – as much as I enjoyed the action moving from London to Brighton, Brighton beach is not sandy. Sadly it’s a shingle beach, which would have made a certain scene a lot less comfortable.
But all of that aside, I found this novella as quick and enjoyable of the first, especially because of the differences in characters and plot. If you’re looking for something short, a little bit sexy and with a hint of muslin and lace, then give this a go. It’s more of a romance with a historical gloss, than a pure Regency, but it’s all the more fun for it.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
August 1, 2014
The Wager was a wonderful, short, and sweet read. Anne Middleton is the middle daughter and could never resist a good wager amongst sisters. At a party, she finds herself in a wager where she must sneak into the library and produce a copy of the most scandalous book, "Confessions of a Courtesan." She finds the book, but she also finds Micheal Grey, the Earl of Thornhill. Micheal had once proposed to Anne's older sister, but was refused. Micheal and Anne never liked each other, though neither were exactly sure why.
Oddly enough, after their awkward meeting in the library, Anne and Micheal begin to correspond and through letters come to realize that they like each other a lot more than they though. As the attraction continues to grow, Anne still can not forget the fact that Micheal was once interested in her sister, and she refuses to be someone's second choice. Micheal is determined to win Anne by any means possible, and what other way than with something Anne just can not resist, a wager.
I really enjoyed this novella. Anne and Micheal were both wonderful characters. I love the way that their relationship evolved. I really liked reading the letters between the two, it allowed us to learn some background information that gave us real insight on the characters. Both Anne and Micheal had great senses of humor and I loved how they were able to make fun of each other and themselves. I really loved Anne as a heroine. I liked that she was both shy and wanton, full of confidence about somethings, but also vulnerable. By the end of this brief story I was really rooting for her to get her happily ever after. While this book is tame compared to most romances, the chemistry was definitely there, and while there was only one love scene, it was pretty darn spectacular. This was my first time reading anything from Lily Maxton, but I will definitely be reading more in the future.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Oddly enough, after their awkward meeting in the library, Anne and Micheal begin to correspond and through letters come to realize that they like each other a lot more than they though. As the attraction continues to grow, Anne still can not forget the fact that Micheal was once interested in her sister, and she refuses to be someone's second choice. Micheal is determined to win Anne by any means possible, and what other way than with something Anne just can not resist, a wager.
I really enjoyed this novella. Anne and Micheal were both wonderful characters. I love the way that their relationship evolved. I really liked reading the letters between the two, it allowed us to learn some background information that gave us real insight on the characters. Both Anne and Micheal had great senses of humor and I loved how they were able to make fun of each other and themselves. I really loved Anne as a heroine. I liked that she was both shy and wanton, full of confidence about somethings, but also vulnerable. By the end of this brief story I was really rooting for her to get her happily ever after. While this book is tame compared to most romances, the chemistry was definitely there, and while there was only one love scene, it was pretty darn spectacular. This was my first time reading anything from Lily Maxton, but I will definitely be reading more in the future.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
August 11, 2014
This is a delightful diversion into a era that had lots of protocols and rules where men seem to be the rule makers. The woman were there to be good wives or arm trophies but there were the few that actual broke protocol. This author has done a splendid job of introducing two characters that meet that criteria breaking away from the conventional. Anne is a character to love right away-rebellious and free spirited and always accepting a challenge or wager but to win. Michael who is now the Earl of Thornhill once went out with her sister she thinks he does not like her too much because she is the opposite of her sister who is now married to someone else. Encountering him in the library that she is looking for something on a bet she needs he escapes to it to only run it to her. Sparks fly with later a apology note being sent to him the unthinkable that will grow from these two instances that this author brings you along on. The delightful part is they way it is done and written that is so fitting of these times but also brimming with the seduction that of this type is quite heady at times. They two begin a wager that is also very humorous and fitting of the times. I do so enjoy stepping back in time to these eras for romance that usually involved more foreplay than modern times that make for fine reading. The building of the delightful relationship well written that keeps you turning the pages to see who wins each time. As for any good romance the winner at the end though is love with these two being the recipients of it. Received a arc for a honest review.
July 28, 2014
I liked this book. From the first page I was drawn into Anne and Micheal story. Though short I felt like I got enough time to fall in love with both characters, and I certainly loved how the author reveal nits and pieces of each character through letters to each other. Those letters had me smiling and thinking sweet stuffs.
Anne is feisty, smart and charming without appearing pig headed at all. Micheal is honorable and very sweet. I loved how they seemed to connect intellectually or perhaps more emotionally before the physical side was manifested so intensely. Now the physical side of things frustrated me a little. I was on the edge of my seat from their first kiss, keenly anticipating how they were going to combust when they finally ummm made love. while I was treated to some scandalous steamy moments, I did not get the full act itself and I almost cried when I realized the book ended and I was deprived of what I had been anticipating the most. LOL
I did wish it was longer as with all novellas. I wanted more time to see how they fell in love. I feel as if the depth of affection and love displayed by both Anne and Micheal needed more development (one or two more chapter)
Overall though, this was an endearing read and I am looking forward to Olivia's story.
I received an ARC in exchange for honest review.
Anne is feisty, smart and charming without appearing pig headed at all. Micheal is honorable and very sweet. I loved how they seemed to connect intellectually or perhaps more emotionally before the physical side was manifested so intensely. Now the physical side of things frustrated me a little. I was on the edge of my seat from their first kiss, keenly anticipating how they were going to combust when they finally ummm made love. while I was treated to some scandalous steamy moments, I did not get the full act itself and I almost cried when I realized the book ended and I was deprived of what I had been anticipating the most. LOL
I did wish it was longer as with all novellas. I wanted more time to see how they fell in love. I feel as if the depth of affection and love displayed by both Anne and Micheal needed more development (one or two more chapter)
Overall though, this was an endearing read and I am looking forward to Olivia's story.
I received an ARC in exchange for honest review.
August 10, 2014
This is book 2 in the Sisters of Scandal series.
Looking for a naughty book in her host's library to win a bet with her sister, Anne Middleton encounters Michael Grey, the Earl of Thornhill. Having once courted Anne's sister, Anne believes that Michael has a dislike of her.
Being very abrupt with Michael and quickly exiting the library, she feels remorse at her actions and decides to send Michael an apology letter. They soon begin writing each other back and forth. Revealing more and more to each other, they soon realize that their first impressions of each other were not accurate.
Michael proposes his own wager to Anne, but will she accept it?
I was very impressed with Maxton's first novel, The Affair, and was eagerly awaiting her second. She did not disappoint! Maxton has a way of telling a short story that is not seen in a lot of writers. She is able to get the depth of a full length novel in just a few short pages.
I loved the letters written back and forth between Anne and Michael. It allowed them to bring up things that might not have been said had they been talking in person. I always enjoy good bantering between the H/H and Maxton did this perfectly!
I eagerly await the final book in the series!!
Thanks go out to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Looking for a naughty book in her host's library to win a bet with her sister, Anne Middleton encounters Michael Grey, the Earl of Thornhill. Having once courted Anne's sister, Anne believes that Michael has a dislike of her.
Being very abrupt with Michael and quickly exiting the library, she feels remorse at her actions and decides to send Michael an apology letter. They soon begin writing each other back and forth. Revealing more and more to each other, they soon realize that their first impressions of each other were not accurate.
Michael proposes his own wager to Anne, but will she accept it?
I was very impressed with Maxton's first novel, The Affair, and was eagerly awaiting her second. She did not disappoint! Maxton has a way of telling a short story that is not seen in a lot of writers. She is able to get the depth of a full length novel in just a few short pages.
I loved the letters written back and forth between Anne and Michael. It allowed them to bring up things that might not have been said had they been talking in person. I always enjoy good bantering between the H/H and Maxton did this perfectly!
I eagerly await the final book in the series!!
Thanks go out to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
March 31, 2015
This quick and fun read is the story of the romance between Anne and Michael. Meeting in a chance encounter at a social event of the Ton, they find they have a shared taste for adventure. A wager ensues - one in which winning or losing still results in delightful temptations and a chance at love.
I loved this story! I really enjoyed the first in this series (The Affair which featured Anne's older sister Elizabeth) and was so looking forward to the next and this one did not disappoint! Anne is a wonderful young woman, stifled by society and yearning to find some adventure in her life. Michael is on the outside a correct and proper gentleman, but something about Anne pushes his buttons and when he discovers her propensity for scandalous things (books among them), he is intrigued and attracted to her on a level he never thought possible. I love how their relationship begins with letters, ones that go from formal to informal in an engaging and delightful way. The setting was well established and the plot was fun and intriguing. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a historical romance with humor, tenderness and passion. Easily read in an hour or two, it was a pure delight. 5 stars!
I loved this story! I really enjoyed the first in this series (The Affair which featured Anne's older sister Elizabeth) and was so looking forward to the next and this one did not disappoint! Anne is a wonderful young woman, stifled by society and yearning to find some adventure in her life. Michael is on the outside a correct and proper gentleman, but something about Anne pushes his buttons and when he discovers her propensity for scandalous things (books among them), he is intrigued and attracted to her on a level he never thought possible. I love how their relationship begins with letters, ones that go from formal to informal in an engaging and delightful way. The setting was well established and the plot was fun and intriguing. I highly recommend this book to those looking for a historical romance with humor, tenderness and passion. Easily read in an hour or two, it was a pure delight. 5 stars!
July 28, 2014
Outspoken, fiery, and still ever the lady. Young Anne Middleton is used to being bested by her much sought after sister Elizabeth; when it comes to the game of love. Little does she know however, that one harmless wager, and the chance meeting that results, will lead her to a game of passion where the stakes are no less than "winner takes all."
"The Wager" takes a decidedly flirty approach to the Regency Romance.
Thrown together by their shared interest in a certain erotic tome; Michael Grey, Earl of Thornhill, and Lady Anne, find themselves swept away by a most unexpected passion.
The heat level of this tale is a slow simmer; with the author choosing to rely on character chemistry and excellent player repartee, in lieu of the convenience of torrid sex scenes. Readers are allowed to enjoy the process of their leading man and his lady "falling in like".
Yes, these two actually become friends first.
A wonderful case of the big story in the delightfully readable package.
Michael and Anne are sure to make you smile, warm your heart, and maybe even convince you to take a gamble on love.
"The Wager" takes a decidedly flirty approach to the Regency Romance.
Thrown together by their shared interest in a certain erotic tome; Michael Grey, Earl of Thornhill, and Lady Anne, find themselves swept away by a most unexpected passion.
The heat level of this tale is a slow simmer; with the author choosing to rely on character chemistry and excellent player repartee, in lieu of the convenience of torrid sex scenes. Readers are allowed to enjoy the process of their leading man and his lady "falling in like".
Yes, these two actually become friends first.
A wonderful case of the big story in the delightfully readable package.
Michael and Anne are sure to make you smile, warm your heart, and maybe even convince you to take a gamble on love.
January 30, 2015
This is definitely my kind of book. An Earl who is everything that is proper and h who is the black sheep of the family. She has had four seasons and seems to scare away all possible suitors tossed in her path. Then you add in a library with a certain artifact that becomes the subject of the story.
Thornhill proper as ever catches her with this journal of sorts and becomes annoyed followed by a lecture. They end up exchanging letters and well it is was just fun from then on out. The book is short and so there is no true angst involved. Anne Middleton was a little too loose in her favors for my taste. If you look at the time period women just did not d so without some kind of future in mind. That was my only real complaint is the modern way of thinking. In this book it is the man that wants more. That's a twist. I liked the idea of the characters and would have liked to see more character development but of course it is a novella so that really doesn't happen too often. It's been said it's not a complete love scene which is accurate but there was enough to satisfy me. There is a graphic scene so be aware it is there. Enjoy!
Thornhill proper as ever catches her with this journal of sorts and becomes annoyed followed by a lecture. They end up exchanging letters and well it is was just fun from then on out. The book is short and so there is no true angst involved. Anne Middleton was a little too loose in her favors for my taste. If you look at the time period women just did not d so without some kind of future in mind. That was my only real complaint is the modern way of thinking. In this book it is the man that wants more. That's a twist. I liked the idea of the characters and would have liked to see more character development but of course it is a novella so that really doesn't happen too often. It's been said it's not a complete love scene which is accurate but there was enough to satisfy me. There is a graphic scene so be aware it is there. Enjoy!
July 28, 2016
Would you ever consider a relationship with a man who proposed to your sister? I know I wouldn’t. But I’m not Anne Middleton.
The Middleton sisters are at it again! This time, middle sister Anne, is finding love where she least expects it. Anne is brash, intelligent, and can’t resist a wager. When looking for the most erotic book in England, she runs into the man who proposed to her sister the year before.
Micheal Grey, the Earl of Thornhill, only proposed to the eldest Middleton sister because he thought he should. After an unexpected run in with Anne, he begins to wonder if his proposal was directed toward the wrong sister. He realizes a wager might be the only way to win her heart.
I love how Maxton mixed courting through letters with the tantalization of the erotic works Anne and Micheal are reading. What fun it would be to reference the pages of that erotic work! And when the two meet face to face? So explosive!
The Wager is a salacious morsel of regency romance!
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Middleton sisters are at it again! This time, middle sister Anne, is finding love where she least expects it. Anne is brash, intelligent, and can’t resist a wager. When looking for the most erotic book in England, she runs into the man who proposed to her sister the year before.
Micheal Grey, the Earl of Thornhill, only proposed to the eldest Middleton sister because he thought he should. After an unexpected run in with Anne, he begins to wonder if his proposal was directed toward the wrong sister. He realizes a wager might be the only way to win her heart.
I love how Maxton mixed courting through letters with the tantalization of the erotic works Anne and Micheal are reading. What fun it would be to reference the pages of that erotic work! And when the two meet face to face? So explosive!
The Wager is a salacious morsel of regency romance!
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 22, 2015
I love the rebellious heroines...they curse, they wager, and they are not afraid to challenge the strait-laced gentlemen who despise them lol. It was a cute short story..I really liked Anne from the first Novella and I am glad she gets her own story. Grey is a suprise...I loved his adorable attempts to meet Anne at her level. I just wish they changed the cover to this book....not at all compatible with the fun story inside.
May 15, 2018
Wow, the idea that the new Earl of Thornhill could be a potentially good hero has never crossed my mind. I was surprised how much I like him once the author has given us a chance to see the depth of his character. I enjoyed it so much, I wish it could be longer than this. So much better than the first.
October 12, 2017
This was as sweet as the first book but what made it better were the letters that started their feelings/romance! And I'm always a sucker for that.
April 22, 2018
Anne and the Earl. Good. I liked Michael and wanted him to have a happy story. Made me smile.
June 14, 2025
This novella The Wager by Lily Maxton is the second in a series with Lord Thornhill and Anne as the main characters in this historical romance. Even though I did not read the first book, it can be read as a stand-alone, although it does not give the backstop between these two people. Lord Thornhill had previously asked Anne's more demure sister for her hand in marriage but she married. Anne, on the other hand, did not appreciate being considered second best. When Anne accepts Thornhill's wager of a kiss for besting him in a swimming contest, their lives are never the same. Maxwell writes in a clear, descriptive voice in a plot that leads to anticipation.
May 6, 2017
Novella that moves very quickly. So quickly, we don't get to know either character, the h seems to be smart, sassy, and it seems the H doesn't like her. We hardly now him at all. They flirt in a library, over an erotic book, then strangely write letters to each other. Not acceptable at this time, then make a wager about a midnight swim, also very unlikely. It was OK but the H didn't have to work for her at all.
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