What do you think?
Rate this book
The Matchmaker #1
The Marriage Wager
No longer in the first blush of youth and without a marriage portion, Miss Constance Woodley can scarcely imagine why one of the leading lights of London society should take an interest in the likes of her. But under her benefactor's guiding hand, she's transformed into a captivating creature who catches the eye of the handsome, charming, and ever-so-slightly notorious Lord Dominic Leighton.
And before the shocked eyes of the entire ton, the "nobody" and the rakish viscount show that even in the heartless world of the marriage mart, when love is at stake, all bets are off . . .
And before the shocked eyes of the entire ton, the "nobody" and the rakish viscount show that even in the heartless world of the marriage mart, when love is at stake, all bets are off . . .
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2007
167 people are currently reading
1988 people want to read
About the author
Candace Camp
121 books1,250 followersCandace Camp is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty books.
Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.
Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.
Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.
Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
August 16, 2022
I don't know why but I just really liked it. The matchmaker was nice as were the H/h. Fun plot with snotty mean girl. I look forward to the next in the series.
December 4, 2020
How glad I was to find this gem through the Historical Romance Book Club BOTM. I'm a sucker for a wallflower/spinster heroine and Constance has climbed right in to my heart. Candance Camp wrote a practical and compassionate heroine that had genuine insecurities, Constance was a standout in my book. Even though the first kiss happened rather quickly, the romance did developed at a organic course. I also enjoyed the friendship that developed between Francesca and Constance.
I know usually in historical romance the narrative is in the 3rd person, switching between the hero and heroine's point of view but in this case we only get Constance's pov. I really enjoyed the change of pace and not being privy to Dominic's thoughts. I see myself rereading this in the near future and diving in to the rest of Candance Camp's books.
I know usually in historical romance the narrative is in the 3rd person, switching between the hero and heroine's point of view but in this case we only get Constance's pov. I really enjoyed the change of pace and not being privy to Dominic's thoughts. I see myself rereading this in the near future and diving in to the rest of Candance Camp's books.
August 15, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Marriage Wager is the 1st book in The Matchmaker series and it was better then I expected!
On a dare one night, Duke of Rochford puts out a wager that Lady Francesca Haughston can’t just get anyone married. He points out Constance Woodley at a ball and Lady Francesca goes all in.
I enjoyed the transformation of Constance. She wasn’t necessarily an ugly duckling but she was on the sidelines and resigned to her place. She is a ward to her Aunt and Uncle. They had two annoying daughters and Constance has been put on the spinster self.
The Marriage Wager had a slight Cinderella feel to the story. It didn’t go all in though.
It did have an unmarried girl living with family members that really didn’t want her there.
Constance's Mom and Dad both died at a young age so she didn’t have a choice in staying with her Aunt and Uncle. She was saving up to get out though and I loved that Constance was intelligent and self-sufficient.
Lady Francesca takes Constance under her wing and transforms her into a beauty that the ton really loves. Lady Francesca was not expecting her brother, Lord Dominic Leighton to notice though.
I enjoyed the relationship between Constance and Dominic! The chemistry, friendship and love was well written.
Candace Camp writes smart and well-written historical romances. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books in the future!
The Marriage Wager is the 1st book in The Matchmaker series and it was better then I expected!
On a dare one night, Duke of Rochford puts out a wager that Lady Francesca Haughston can’t just get anyone married. He points out Constance Woodley at a ball and Lady Francesca goes all in.
I enjoyed the transformation of Constance. She wasn’t necessarily an ugly duckling but she was on the sidelines and resigned to her place. She is a ward to her Aunt and Uncle. They had two annoying daughters and Constance has been put on the spinster self.
The Marriage Wager had a slight Cinderella feel to the story. It didn’t go all in though.
It did have an unmarried girl living with family members that really didn’t want her there.
Constance's Mom and Dad both died at a young age so she didn’t have a choice in staying with her Aunt and Uncle. She was saving up to get out though and I loved that Constance was intelligent and self-sufficient.
Lady Francesca takes Constance under her wing and transforms her into a beauty that the ton really loves. Lady Francesca was not expecting her brother, Lord Dominic Leighton to notice though.
I enjoyed the relationship between Constance and Dominic! The chemistry, friendship and love was well written.
Candace Camp writes smart and well-written historical romances. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books in the future!
December 12, 2020
After a strong start, the shenanigans towards the end brought this down a peg or two. I liked the leads but the romantic development was very quick and sometimes took a back seat to plot antics. I enjoyed camps writing so it was still an entertaining read, and the series endgame is compelling me to want to read the rest of the series.
September 27, 2021
Had such potential but the narrative completely ruined it for me - we *never* hear the hero's perspective!
The Marriage Wager is the first in Candace Camp's Matchmaker Series and I wish I could give it a higher rating, but I just cannot bring myself to. As others have remarked there was nothing really unusual or innovative about this book, but it would have been an enjoyable and sweet read if it hadn't been for one hugely annoying thing that I could *not* get over: we never hear Dominic's thoughts. Every historical romance I have ever read is written in third person narrative and the writer takes us back and forth between the hero and the heroine's POV (sometimes adding that of secondary characters). Though I kept on waiting for that to happen here, it NEVER did and it was extremely disconcerting. I don't know if this is how Camp normally writes her novels, but if it is I don't think I will continue reading her books.
The book had such potential because although the story is not very original, Camp is a talented writer and I found her characters interesting. I liked Constance since I always love it when the heroine is something other than the beautiful belle of the ball society girl and is a wallflower, shy, "on the shelf," or whatever. I especially liked the secondary characters of Sir Lucien, Lady Calandra (the heroine of The Wedding Challenge, Book 3), Francesca (the matchmaker in the series), and the Duke of Rochford (Calandra's brother and Francesca's love interest in The Courtship Dance, Book 4).
Unfortunately, at the end of the book I still didn't really have any sense of Dominic, because not only do we not ever have his perspective, but we don't even read that many exchanges or very much dialogue between him and Constance. Since we never know his thoughts, it makes the whole story of them falling in love seem contrived and hard to believe - they barely know each other. What goes through his mind when he's trying to figure out why he kissed Constance that first time without knowing her? What does he think about Constance? What attracts him to her? When did he start to love her? When does he decide that he wants to marry her? But nothing, zip, nada - *so frustrating*! Aside from a couple of passages where we see things from Francesca's perspective, it is all told from Constance's POV (and sometimes quite repetitively so) and we are never really able to get a handle on Dominic ... which is kind of essential since he is the hero of the book!!!
OTHER BOOKS IN MATCHMAKER SERIES:
Francesca, Lady Haughston is the matchmaker in Camp's series, which is kicked off by The Marriage Wager, featuring Miss Constance Woodley and Dominic, Viscount Leighton (Francesca's brother). It's followed by Book 2 in the series, The Bridal Quest, which tells of the romance between Gideon, Earl of Radbourne and Lady Irene Wyngate. The Wedding Challenge is Book 3 in the series and features Lady Calandra (the Duke's younger sister) and the Earl of Bromwell. And the series ends with The Courtship Dance, which tells the long-awaited story of Francesca and Sinclair, the Duke of Rochford.
The Marriage Wager is the first in Candace Camp's Matchmaker Series and I wish I could give it a higher rating, but I just cannot bring myself to. As others have remarked there was nothing really unusual or innovative about this book, but it would have been an enjoyable and sweet read if it hadn't been for one hugely annoying thing that I could *not* get over: we never hear Dominic's thoughts. Every historical romance I have ever read is written in third person narrative and the writer takes us back and forth between the hero and the heroine's POV (sometimes adding that of secondary characters). Though I kept on waiting for that to happen here, it NEVER did and it was extremely disconcerting. I don't know if this is how Camp normally writes her novels, but if it is I don't think I will continue reading her books.
The book had such potential because although the story is not very original, Camp is a talented writer and I found her characters interesting. I liked Constance since I always love it when the heroine is something other than the beautiful belle of the ball society girl and is a wallflower, shy, "on the shelf," or whatever. I especially liked the secondary characters of Sir Lucien, Lady Calandra (the heroine of The Wedding Challenge, Book 3), Francesca (the matchmaker in the series), and the Duke of Rochford (Calandra's brother and Francesca's love interest in The Courtship Dance, Book 4).
Unfortunately, at the end of the book I still didn't really have any sense of Dominic, because not only do we not ever have his perspective, but we don't even read that many exchanges or very much dialogue between him and Constance. Since we never know his thoughts, it makes the whole story of them falling in love seem contrived and hard to believe - they barely know each other. What goes through his mind when he's trying to figure out why he kissed Constance that first time without knowing her? What does he think about Constance? What attracts him to her? When did he start to love her? When does he decide that he wants to marry her? But nothing, zip, nada - *so frustrating*! Aside from a couple of passages where we see things from Francesca's perspective, it is all told from Constance's POV (and sometimes quite repetitively so) and we are never really able to get a handle on Dominic ... which is kind of essential since he is the hero of the book!!!
OTHER BOOKS IN MATCHMAKER SERIES:
Francesca, Lady Haughston is the matchmaker in Camp's series, which is kicked off by The Marriage Wager, featuring Miss Constance Woodley and Dominic, Viscount Leighton (Francesca's brother). It's followed by Book 2 in the series, The Bridal Quest, which tells of the romance between Gideon, Earl of Radbourne and Lady Irene Wyngate. The Wedding Challenge is Book 3 in the series and features Lady Calandra (the Duke's younger sister) and the Earl of Bromwell. And the series ends with The Courtship Dance, which tells the long-awaited story of Francesca and Sinclair, the Duke of Rochford.
October 10, 2020
3.5
Una novela sencilla pero muy entretenida.
No puedo quitarme la sensación de que la he leído en algún momento, pero también puede ser que haya leído alguna otra con algunos elementos en común
La relación entre Constance y Dominic es un nadismo, entre ellos todo fluye sin complicaciones, no hay conflictos más que los sociales en cuanto a la diferencia social entre ambos, al menos a nivel económico y la necesidad de él de conseguir una heredera que salve el patrimonio familiar
El final me ha parecido demasiado facilón y aparentemente las necesidades no eran tantas como se pensaban
¿qué es lo que ha hecho que disfrutara de la lectura? Pues Francesca y su duque!!!
Quiero leer su historia pero ahora no sé si la tiene, ains... si alguien sabe título, please que me lo diga porque me ha chiflado la pareja
La acabo de encontrar!!! The Courtship Dance, ahora voy a investigar si está traducida o si la compro en inglés ;)
Una novela sencilla pero muy entretenida.
No puedo quitarme la sensación de que la he leído en algún momento, pero también puede ser que haya leído alguna otra con algunos elementos en común
La relación entre Constance y Dominic es un nadismo, entre ellos todo fluye sin complicaciones, no hay conflictos más que los sociales en cuanto a la diferencia social entre ambos, al menos a nivel económico y la necesidad de él de conseguir una heredera que salve el patrimonio familiar
El final me ha parecido demasiado facilón y aparentemente las necesidades no eran tantas como se pensaban
¿qué es lo que ha hecho que disfrutara de la lectura? Pues Francesca y su duque!!!
Quiero leer su historia pero ahora no sé si la tiene, ains... si alguien sabe título, please que me lo diga porque me ha chiflado la pareja
La acabo de encontrar!!! The Courtship Dance, ahora voy a investigar si está traducida o si la compro en inglés ;)
June 26, 2023
The romance was quite cute. I liked both main characters but I felt a twinge of disappointment when I realized that the romance was not between Francesca and the Duke. But wel, soon enough I saw that that it would come in book 4 so I am truly looking forward to that one.
Anyway, I am giving this book a 3 stars because I was also disappointed that we do not have a male voice in this book. And I absolutely love to see things through the male perspective.
Another point down was the fact that the author has a problem keeping the names right throughout the tale. One sentence a certain person is named X and the next sentence the same person is named Y. Very annoying in my opinion.
Anyway, good enough read, sweet enough book but I am really interested in reading the last one of the series.
Anyway, I am giving this book a 3 stars because I was also disappointed that we do not have a male voice in this book. And I absolutely love to see things through the male perspective.
Another point down was the fact that the author has a problem keeping the names right throughout the tale. One sentence a certain person is named X and the next sentence the same person is named Y. Very annoying in my opinion.
Anyway, good enough read, sweet enough book but I am really interested in reading the last one of the series.
December 13, 2020
3 to 3.5 stars. A fairly light, easy and entertaining read. I liked it but didn't love it. When I got to the end and saw some of the publishing details, I realised it had been a Mills & Boon/Harlequin publication, which explained a lot about the plot and writing style. I don't mind M&B, but they typically lack some freshness and originality. I wish I'd realised ahead of time, and could have adjusted my expectations a little.
The cliched tropes and scenes just felt too 'been-there-done-that' in places. Although I liked the characters, I kept feeling as if I'd already read some of the scenes in other books. For example, the scene in the cottage to me felt very much like a carbon copy of the iconic scene in Judith McNaught's Almost Heaven (1992). As a teen, I loved that book and that very romantic scene in particular, so when I read such a similar scene in this book it felt like a slightly weaker do-over. Darn.
These gripes aside, it was still a pleasant read, and I will consider reading the fourth book in the series, Sin and Francesca's book, as they intrigued me as a potential couple.
I read this book for the December 2020 BOTM for HRBC, 'Matchmaker' trope. It's not a trope I generally enjoy, but it was handled well in this book, forming an interesting and relevant part of the plot without dominating.
The cliched tropes and scenes just felt too 'been-there-done-that' in places. Although I liked the characters, I kept feeling as if I'd already read some of the scenes in other books. For example, the scene in the cottage to me felt very much like a carbon copy of the iconic scene in Judith McNaught's Almost Heaven (1992). As a teen, I loved that book and that very romantic scene in particular, so when I read such a similar scene in this book it felt like a slightly weaker do-over. Darn.
These gripes aside, it was still a pleasant read, and I will consider reading the fourth book in the series, Sin and Francesca's book, as they intrigued me as a potential couple.
I read this book for the December 2020 BOTM for HRBC, 'Matchmaker' trope. It's not a trope I generally enjoy, but it was handled well in this book, forming an interesting and relevant part of the plot without dominating.
August 11, 2017
4.5/5. In a way, this book justifies my habit of reading books in a series completely out of order (depending on availability or my moods). It's a delight to reacquaint myself with Francesca and the haughty duke of Rochford The Courtship Dance , to pick up the nuances of their interactions knowing their hidden long-suppressed feelings for one another. It almost overwhelms the primary romance between Dominic and Constance in its intensity, despite each action and word being subtle and implied rather than overt. That's what great writing is all about! It allows the reader to read between the lines and not spell out each scene and emotion like a Romance for Dummies guide. But this book belongs to Constance, spinster/poor relation/Cinderella, and Dominic, Viscount Leighton aka Prince Charming. Dominic is charming and honourable, however his jovial and rakish façade hides a sinister family secret. The subject of a wager between the match-making Francesca and Rochford, Constance is rescued from a life of spinsterhood and her beauty is finally allowed to shine through the intervention of Francesca (Dom's sister). Romance ensues, a fair bit of passion, all well told in true Candace Camp style, leaving a smile on this reader's face.
May 9, 2008
2.5/5
I have to admit that I was not impressed with this book, at all. It was slow and rather dull. But the biggest flaw, for me, was the fact that it was told almost entirely from the heroine's POV, with a very small handful of scenes told from Francesca's perspective (secondary character, and the Matchmaker). There wasn't even a hint of anything from Dominic's side. It left the story very one-sided and when I finished, I felt like I hardly knew Dominic at all, only what Constance saw and what other characters said. The story would have greatly benefited from Dominic's POV.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't understand how you can tell a thorough romance story using only one character's perspective. In any case, the book fell flat for me and I ended up skim-reading chunks of long monologue-ish paragraphs.
The redeeming quality of the book was that I did like the premise and the characters; it was just the telling of it that left me wanting. I will definitely think twice before reading another book by this author.
I have to admit that I was not impressed with this book, at all. It was slow and rather dull. But the biggest flaw, for me, was the fact that it was told almost entirely from the heroine's POV, with a very small handful of scenes told from Francesca's perspective (secondary character, and the Matchmaker). There wasn't even a hint of anything from Dominic's side. It left the story very one-sided and when I finished, I felt like I hardly knew Dominic at all, only what Constance saw and what other characters said. The story would have greatly benefited from Dominic's POV.
Maybe it's just me, but I don't understand how you can tell a thorough romance story using only one character's perspective. In any case, the book fell flat for me and I ended up skim-reading chunks of long monologue-ish paragraphs.
The redeeming quality of the book was that I did like the premise and the characters; it was just the telling of it that left me wanting. I will definitely think twice before reading another book by this author.
December 30, 2020
Erkek karakterin iç sesini hiç okuyamadik. Sadece kadın karakter üzerinden gitti buda beni sıktı. Francesca çok tatlıydı. En merak ettiğim onun hikayesi😄
January 10, 2018
3.5
Well, I couldn't leave it at 'I need to take a break from this genre' after the last disaster.
I usually read series in order. Actually, I'm a stickler when it comes to it. I've lost count of the series I haven't even started yet because I was planning to read the book in order. I've already read the fourth book and the last book in this series by accident and loved it. I wasn't aware it's part of the series.
This one didn't disappoint. If you're in the mood for a light Cinderella-themed romance, you might give this a chance. You get more than one likeable female character: from Constance to her 'fairy godmother' Francesca to a couple of girls who are just there to be likeable, it was a pleasant read. Then you get a scheming, evil ones too. How could you not when it's a Cinderella type of story?
Added bonus is to see the characters from the fourth book moving towards their own story. It wouldn't have been as fun if I didn't know what happens. A rare occasion when a spoiler isn't bad.
I would have preferred harsher punishment for certain people, but you can't have everything.
Well, I couldn't leave it at 'I need to take a break from this genre' after the last disaster.
I usually read series in order. Actually, I'm a stickler when it comes to it. I've lost count of the series I haven't even started yet because I was planning to read the book in order. I've already read the fourth book and the last book in this series by accident and loved it. I wasn't aware it's part of the series.
This one didn't disappoint. If you're in the mood for a light Cinderella-themed romance, you might give this a chance. You get more than one likeable female character: from Constance to her 'fairy godmother' Francesca to a couple of girls who are just there to be likeable, it was a pleasant read. Then you get a scheming, evil ones too. How could you not when it's a Cinderella type of story?
Added bonus is to see the characters from the fourth book moving towards their own story. It wouldn't have been as fun if I didn't know what happens. A rare occasion when a spoiler isn't bad.
I would have preferred harsher punishment for certain people, but you can't have everything.
June 4, 2017
I was afraid that a misunderstanding (or some devious actions by disapproving parents, however you'd like to put it) would destroy what Constance and Dominic had built -- a lovely relationship where both were free to be themselves. Constance Woodley, on the shelf at twenty-nine, is in London for the first time only to act as a companion to her two spoiled younger cousins. Her aunt displays traditional "evil stepmother" tendencies, pressuring Constance to dress in drab, matronly clothing and ensuring that she is so busy tending to her daughters that she has no time to attempt to carve out a life for hersefl. Enter Lady Francesca Haughston, Constance's fairy godmother. I've always gravitated towards books with a non-conventional heroine and Miss Constance Woodley, no longer in the first blush of youth and without a marriage portion, exemplified this. Miss Constance Woodley is having a lucky day. A supremely lucky day. Due to a Duke's fancy, Lady Francesca is going to take her under her wing and look for a good match for her. No more standing in the corner as the companion to her cousins.
A nice and light read with interesting characters... A good choice if you want to pass your free time reading... I've read better HR but I enjoyed it and I want to read the next one... It may be due to my increasingly spinster-like age, but it turns out that the aging and unweddable heroine is one of my favorite romance tropes. I read the blurb on the back and this book went into the basket without a second thought. I had to put this one down at one point, and it took me a really long time to get back to it. A wager on matchmaking ability by one pair of friends leads to an unexpected pairing from a poor young woman and a noble who needs to make a wealthy match to shore up the failing estate he will inherit. The ending is very satisfying and not the usual doings you expect in a book that draws heavily on the usual ton doings. No magic fix just love and hard work lie ahead for the happy couple. You'll like the main characters and boo and hiss at the minor ones. You know that Romances are one guilty pleasure. Sometimes it is nice to take a break between my usual novels. You know those books you just have to keep reading even though it's past midnight just to see what happens? and before you know it's 2am and you've finished the book. Good book. The first in the Matchmakers series has a definite Cinderella-like flavor. Ever since I read my first Mills and Boon book as a teenager, they've been one of my guilty pleasures, something that I reach for when I need a comfort blanket and a few hours away from reality. Almost without exception, they leave me smiling and in a calmer frame of mind. In this respect "The Marriage Wager" didn't disappoint.
She remembered the last time that she had been alone with Leighton and what had happened then. She looked up into his eyes and saw them light suddenly, and she knew that he had thought of that kiss, as well. ... "I know. I could not resist you last time, so how can you trust me now? That is what you think, is it not?" "A valid questions, surely," she retorted a little breathlessly. ... "That time was a lark," he replied softly. "I did not know you, never thought to see you again. It was just...a foolish moment, a bit of pleasure." "And now?" Constance could not pull her eyes away from his. ... "Now it is different, isn't it?" He brushed back a stray curl from where it clung to her cheek, and his eyes traveled over her face, coming to rest on her mouth. ... "Because I am your sister's friend, you mean?" she asked, struggling to sound unaffected by his gaze. "Because it would mean something." ... The very air seemed to sizzle between them. ... So his words had likely been a warning to her, she thought. Yet they had not sounded like a warning. They had sounded, quite frankly, like an invitation.
She thought of kissing Dominic (Leighton) again, of sinking into his embrace and melding with him. She wanted to discover all the pleasures that lay hidden in his hard body; she wanted to know, to feel, everything her own flesh was capable of. Perhaps it was wicked of her, Constance thought, but she wanted to know what it was like to lie with a man--no, not with a man, but with Dominic. She wanted it with a fervor that made her tremble. And she could not help but think that if she denied herself that pleasure, she would regret it for the rest of her life.
This, she thought, was what it was to love a man. She had never really known before--and how could she? She had never before felt the full extent of love--the way the heart and soul and body wrapped around another person, threaded through him, touched him in every way. It was raw, and it was beautiful. It was not nearly so sweet or ideal as everyone made it out to be. Yet it was a thousand times more wonderful--shocking, sweaty, intense and achingly real.
He took her hand in his and dropped down onto one knee. "Miss Constance Woodley, you are the heart of my heart. The only woman whom I have ever loved or ever will love. I offer you my heart, my hand, my fortune--or lack thereof. I will count myself a rich man, indeed, if you will but consent to entrust your hand and your heart to me. Will you marry me?" ... "Yes," Constance said, laughing and crying all at the same time. "Yes, yes, I will marry you. I love you. Oh, stand up, you foolish man, and let me kiss you." "Gladly," he said, and he did. And she did.
"You have done it again, my lady," said a deep male voice just behind her. Francesca (matchmaker to Miss Woodley and her brother:Dominic) turned to face the Duke of Rochford. ... She smiled at him. "Yes, Your Grace, I have." ... "Not only engaged before the end of the Season, but even married before then, as well," he went on in his usual sardonic tone. "Perhaps I should give you a bonus." "What we agreed upon will be enough," Francesca responded. (She won their bet! AND later wins his heart in the last book of this series!)
A nice and light read with interesting characters... A good choice if you want to pass your free time reading... I've read better HR but I enjoyed it and I want to read the next one... It may be due to my increasingly spinster-like age, but it turns out that the aging and unweddable heroine is one of my favorite romance tropes. I read the blurb on the back and this book went into the basket without a second thought. I had to put this one down at one point, and it took me a really long time to get back to it. A wager on matchmaking ability by one pair of friends leads to an unexpected pairing from a poor young woman and a noble who needs to make a wealthy match to shore up the failing estate he will inherit. The ending is very satisfying and not the usual doings you expect in a book that draws heavily on the usual ton doings. No magic fix just love and hard work lie ahead for the happy couple. You'll like the main characters and boo and hiss at the minor ones. You know that Romances are one guilty pleasure. Sometimes it is nice to take a break between my usual novels. You know those books you just have to keep reading even though it's past midnight just to see what happens? and before you know it's 2am and you've finished the book. Good book. The first in the Matchmakers series has a definite Cinderella-like flavor. Ever since I read my first Mills and Boon book as a teenager, they've been one of my guilty pleasures, something that I reach for when I need a comfort blanket and a few hours away from reality. Almost without exception, they leave me smiling and in a calmer frame of mind. In this respect "The Marriage Wager" didn't disappoint.
She remembered the last time that she had been alone with Leighton and what had happened then. She looked up into his eyes and saw them light suddenly, and she knew that he had thought of that kiss, as well. ... "I know. I could not resist you last time, so how can you trust me now? That is what you think, is it not?" "A valid questions, surely," she retorted a little breathlessly. ... "That time was a lark," he replied softly. "I did not know you, never thought to see you again. It was just...a foolish moment, a bit of pleasure." "And now?" Constance could not pull her eyes away from his. ... "Now it is different, isn't it?" He brushed back a stray curl from where it clung to her cheek, and his eyes traveled over her face, coming to rest on her mouth. ... "Because I am your sister's friend, you mean?" she asked, struggling to sound unaffected by his gaze. "Because it would mean something." ... The very air seemed to sizzle between them. ... So his words had likely been a warning to her, she thought. Yet they had not sounded like a warning. They had sounded, quite frankly, like an invitation.
She thought of kissing Dominic (Leighton) again, of sinking into his embrace and melding with him. She wanted to discover all the pleasures that lay hidden in his hard body; she wanted to know, to feel, everything her own flesh was capable of. Perhaps it was wicked of her, Constance thought, but she wanted to know what it was like to lie with a man--no, not with a man, but with Dominic. She wanted it with a fervor that made her tremble. And she could not help but think that if she denied herself that pleasure, she would regret it for the rest of her life.
This, she thought, was what it was to love a man. She had never really known before--and how could she? She had never before felt the full extent of love--the way the heart and soul and body wrapped around another person, threaded through him, touched him in every way. It was raw, and it was beautiful. It was not nearly so sweet or ideal as everyone made it out to be. Yet it was a thousand times more wonderful--shocking, sweaty, intense and achingly real.
He took her hand in his and dropped down onto one knee. "Miss Constance Woodley, you are the heart of my heart. The only woman whom I have ever loved or ever will love. I offer you my heart, my hand, my fortune--or lack thereof. I will count myself a rich man, indeed, if you will but consent to entrust your hand and your heart to me. Will you marry me?" ... "Yes," Constance said, laughing and crying all at the same time. "Yes, yes, I will marry you. I love you. Oh, stand up, you foolish man, and let me kiss you." "Gladly," he said, and he did. And she did.
"You have done it again, my lady," said a deep male voice just behind her. Francesca (matchmaker to Miss Woodley and her brother:Dominic) turned to face the Duke of Rochford. ... She smiled at him. "Yes, Your Grace, I have." ... "Not only engaged before the end of the Season, but even married before then, as well," he went on in his usual sardonic tone. "Perhaps I should give you a bonus." "What we agreed upon will be enough," Francesca responded. (She won their bet! AND later wins his heart in the last book of this series!)
February 15, 2020
DNF @ 27%.
Sorry I have read too many Cinderella-like romance
storylines. Constance lived w/ her uncle & aunt & 2
female cousins. She worked for them but wasn't paid,
was expected to be grateful for room & board. Dom,
the featured hero, had Francesca as his sister. Fran
assisted mostly girls fresh out of the school room
to improve their looks or manners, to make them more
attractive to a mate for marriage. Fran usually discreetly
received payment for this service, but not this time.
Fran & Sinclair, a duke, who she secretly loved, made a
wager. Fran wagered she could assist Constance in
becoming engaged by the end of the social season. Thus
started Con's make-over.
Francesca was featured in The Courtship Dance, IMO
a superior book.
Sorry I have read too many Cinderella-like romance
storylines. Constance lived w/ her uncle & aunt & 2
female cousins. She worked for them but wasn't paid,
was expected to be grateful for room & board. Dom,
the featured hero, had Francesca as his sister. Fran
assisted mostly girls fresh out of the school room
to improve their looks or manners, to make them more
attractive to a mate for marriage. Fran usually discreetly
received payment for this service, but not this time.
Fran & Sinclair, a duke, who she secretly loved, made a
wager. Fran wagered she could assist Constance in
becoming engaged by the end of the social season. Thus
started Con's make-over.
Francesca was featured in The Courtship Dance, IMO
a superior book.
June 18, 2012
I really like Candace Camp. She's a very accomplished and talented writer, and always enjoyable to read. I really wanted to like this book, and would give it 3 ½ stars if that rating was available. It had a lot of good things going for it, and I was sorry not to be able to give it a higher rating. Since so many other readers have done an excellent job of outlining the plot, I won't go into it in my review.
What I really liked about the book had all the hallmarks of a good read by this author. First of all, both the hero and heroine are somewhat older, and have had life experience. They are mature adults, and behave as such. Also, they talk to each other, so no big misunderstandings develop (I hate the big misunderstanding, and tend not to finish a book that has one). There is a fully developed cast of secondary characters, who add interest and round out the story. Camp has a real gift for portraying difficult family members who in some way try to thwart the heroine. Also, Camp portrays close and warm friendships between women that ring true. Finally, most Camp heroines have sharp tongues and can stand up for themselves, but it is within the context of the time. They are not 21st Century transplants in Regency costume. I always enjoy their tart observations and put downs - always well deserved by the recipient.
This book portrays the romance from the point of view of the heroine. To me, that is not necessarily a problem. I have read romances that not only give just one point of view, but some have even been in the first person - all from the heroine's perspective. However, the character of the hero in these books was very well defined, and I was able to pick up his personality, back story, and developing feelings for the heroine. This is where this book fell flat for me. I just never got a real sense about the hero's personality. Also, I didn't feel the developing romance. When the hero and heroine were alone together the scenes were mostly sexual, but he never indicated in any way whether he was more than just attracted to her. Of course, this is a romance novel, so you assume that he is, but there's nothing that he says or really does to indicate his feelings. I want to see the hero and heroine falling in love, and I want it to be be believable. Here it wasn't. So, for these reasons, I can only give the book 31/2 stars. However, despite this significant shortcoming, it was still a very pleasant read, a testament to this author's writing ability.
What I really liked about the book had all the hallmarks of a good read by this author. First of all, both the hero and heroine are somewhat older, and have had life experience. They are mature adults, and behave as such. Also, they talk to each other, so no big misunderstandings develop (I hate the big misunderstanding, and tend not to finish a book that has one). There is a fully developed cast of secondary characters, who add interest and round out the story. Camp has a real gift for portraying difficult family members who in some way try to thwart the heroine. Also, Camp portrays close and warm friendships between women that ring true. Finally, most Camp heroines have sharp tongues and can stand up for themselves, but it is within the context of the time. They are not 21st Century transplants in Regency costume. I always enjoy their tart observations and put downs - always well deserved by the recipient.
This book portrays the romance from the point of view of the heroine. To me, that is not necessarily a problem. I have read romances that not only give just one point of view, but some have even been in the first person - all from the heroine's perspective. However, the character of the hero in these books was very well defined, and I was able to pick up his personality, back story, and developing feelings for the heroine. This is where this book fell flat for me. I just never got a real sense about the hero's personality. Also, I didn't feel the developing romance. When the hero and heroine were alone together the scenes were mostly sexual, but he never indicated in any way whether he was more than just attracted to her. Of course, this is a romance novel, so you assume that he is, but there's nothing that he says or really does to indicate his feelings. I want to see the hero and heroine falling in love, and I want it to be be believable. Here it wasn't. So, for these reasons, I can only give the book 31/2 stars. However, despite this significant shortcoming, it was still a very pleasant read, a testament to this author's writing ability.
October 9, 2020
A delightful read..thoroughly enjoyed it
April 11, 2021
Un clásico de la romántica histórica en la línea de esta autora y cercano a la de Amanda Quick, con sus misterios paranormales. Aquí también tenemos uno que la pareja protagonista tendrá que resolver mientras el pasado de él y el propio objeto del misterio le obligan a poner freno a sus sentimientos hacia ella. Una novela que engancha, entretenida, con unos personajes variopintos, incluida la excéntrica familia Moreland. Acción, romance, pasión e intriga se mezclan en esta historia sobre el conflicto que el título anuncia claramente: entre el amor y la lealtad. Lo recomiendo a las fans de este subgénero de romántica.
December 17, 2020
Constance and Dominic. I liked this and would reread it again someday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2020
Ay como me ha gustado este libro... es un poco "más de lo mismo" que otros muchos del género, pero es taaaaaan bonito. Es que tiene algo que te atrapa, y además al ser una saga tú no sólo te enamoras de los protagonistas, sino que además ves que va a haber mucha más historia con algunos de los secundarios.
Si bien lo primero que hay que destacar es que el plot no es convencional. Tenemos aquí una especie de retelling de la cenicienta -muy cogido por los pelos- dónde la protagonista vive en casa de sus tios y la tia pues la trata casi como una criada porque "ya está muy vieja para salir en sociedad". Por lo que la dama en cuestión resulta ser algo así como su hada madrina. A esto, hay que sumarle para mí el punto diferencial: y es que todo empieza porque la dama y su compañero hacen una apuesta sobre si podrá ella casar a una chica sólo ayudándola con su posición o no (algo que lógicamente una vez se sabe, a ella le enfada mucho).
Los dos personajes, son geniales, bien construidos y con una historia de amor creíble. Y como he dicho, los secundarios aportan ese punto diferencial a la trama que además te hace terminar la historia sabiendo que tienes mucho más por leer aún. Se lee solo. Se disfruta. Te entretiene. Muy buena historia.
Si bien lo primero que hay que destacar es que el plot no es convencional. Tenemos aquí una especie de retelling de la cenicienta -muy cogido por los pelos- dónde la protagonista vive en casa de sus tios y la tia pues la trata casi como una criada porque "ya está muy vieja para salir en sociedad". Por lo que la dama en cuestión resulta ser algo así como su hada madrina. A esto, hay que sumarle para mí el punto diferencial: y es que todo empieza porque la dama y su compañero hacen una apuesta sobre si podrá ella casar a una chica sólo ayudándola con su posición o no (algo que lógicamente una vez se sabe, a ella le enfada mucho).
Los dos personajes, son geniales, bien construidos y con una historia de amor creíble. Y como he dicho, los secundarios aportan ese punto diferencial a la trama que además te hace terminar la historia sabiendo que tienes mucho más por leer aún. Se lee solo. Se disfruta. Te entretiene. Muy buena historia.
June 15, 2009
I really, really, really wanted to like this book. The idea of the series appealed to me and I was looking forward to reading the first book in it. The book started out well, but there really wasn't much development between the hero and heroine in the story. I was over half-way done with the book and the two lead characters had only had a few brief (very brief) conversations. Overall, the story took a long time to develop and I just felt it didn't work. I have the other books in the series in my TBR pile and I do plan on giving them a try at some point. I am just sad to say that I was disappointed in this one.
January 6, 2017
3.5 stars
A nice and light read with interesting characters... A good choice if you want to pass your free time reading... I've read better HR but I enjoyed it and I want to read the next one...
A nice and light read with interesting characters... A good choice if you want to pass your free time reading... I've read better HR but I enjoyed it and I want to read the next one...
January 5, 2018
2 y media *
Bien, media soporífera los dos primeros tercios (quizá los primeros tres cuartos?) pero mejoró al final. Menos mal que Dominic (el héroe) aportó una importante cuota de cordura al final, porque Constance me sacó de mis frágiles casillas.
Sólo para las que le gusta mucho mucho la histórica de regencia. Dos escenas hot hot
Bien, media soporífera los dos primeros tercios (quizá los primeros tres cuartos?) pero mejoró al final. Menos mal que Dominic (el héroe) aportó una importante cuota de cordura al final, porque Constance me sacó de mis frágiles casillas.
Sólo para las que le gusta mucho mucho la histórica de regencia. Dos escenas hot hot
January 15, 2019
At first I thought the story was a bit on the predictable side and then I realized I have read this before . Regardless of having read it once before and knowing where the story was going, I just could not put it down. This is a story you can read again and again and still enjoy it! The writing as always with Candace Camp, is amazing. The story flowed really nicely. I love Dominic and Constance! Dominic is such an alluring character, I couldn’t get enough of him.
December 17, 2020
A decent story but nothing that stands out. A sort of softer Cinderella story with the fairy godmother being a good friend. Honestly, the story of Francesca and the Duke (The Courtship Dance) seemed more interesting and after reading that book I must say it's significantly superior.
January 8, 2019
Lady Haughston is in financial straits and when The Duke of Rockford issues a challenge consisting of her finding a husband for a lady of his choosing before the season ends, she accepts. She does have a knack for these things. Rockford’s choice is Miss Constance Woodley. Little does Lady Francesca Haughston know, her brother Dominick has already met Miss Constance in the Library of that same ball and her task may just be easier then she thinks. I love this Matchmaker series and not only watching Dom and Constance travel the road to their HEA, but watching the sparks between Rockford and Francesca and wondering how their story develops. Candace Camp is a fabulous storyteller!
August 16, 2011
It may be due to my increasingly spinster-like age, but it turns out that the aging and unweddable heroine is one of my favorite romance tropes. I read the blurb on the back and this book went into the basket without a second thought.
I had to put this one down at one point, and it took me a really long time to get back to it. I was afraid that a misunderstanding (or some devious actions by disapproving parents, however you'd like to put it) would destroy what Constance and Dominic had built -- a lovely relationship where both were free to be themselves. I think the fact that I was so distraught at the thought of something happening to keep these two apart shows how invested I was in their relationship. Constance is a great heroine, self-sacrificing and loyal even to those who do not deserve her loyalty, and Dominic is an endearing hero.
I also really enjoyed the villain, Lady Muriel. Immature and too quick to act, I liked the contrast she provided for Constance. Overall, The Marriage Wager is deeply enjoyable and I'm super excited to read about the people who made the wager!
I had to put this one down at one point, and it took me a really long time to get back to it. I was afraid that a misunderstanding (or some devious actions by disapproving parents, however you'd like to put it) would destroy what Constance and Dominic had built -- a lovely relationship where both were free to be themselves. I think the fact that I was so distraught at the thought of something happening to keep these two apart shows how invested I was in their relationship. Constance is a great heroine, self-sacrificing and loyal even to those who do not deserve her loyalty, and Dominic is an endearing hero.
I also really enjoyed the villain, Lady Muriel. Immature and too quick to act, I liked the contrast she provided for Constance. Overall, The Marriage Wager is deeply enjoyable and I'm super excited to read about the people who made the wager!
February 13, 2019
A delightful tale with a Cinderella storyline, that I adore! After the death of her father, as could often happen, Constance was left at the mercy of her relations who inherit her home. Of course there are the two spoiled cousins (wicked stepsisters!) who she is to chaperone at their come out! The nerve! Yes, I felt bad for her.
But as fate would have it, there was a matchmaker who had taken a challenge with a handsome Duke, that she could find Constance a match. That is, before the first season ends. With the wheels in motion, Lady Francesca is almost like her fairy godmother!! What she does not know is that there was a meeting between Constance and the Duke before she put her plan in action!
This was the embodiment of a fairytale romance that was humorous at times, a little angst and journey to the end. I look forward to reading this series!!
But as fate would have it, there was a matchmaker who had taken a challenge with a handsome Duke, that she could find Constance a match. That is, before the first season ends. With the wheels in motion, Lady Francesca is almost like her fairy godmother!! What she does not know is that there was a meeting between Constance and the Duke before she put her plan in action!
This was the embodiment of a fairytale romance that was humorous at times, a little angst and journey to the end. I look forward to reading this series!!
July 26, 2016
Your heart goes out to Constance Woodley. After the death of her father, her relations inherit her home and she becomes the unpaid help. She has a kind heart and allows them to use and overlook her in her attempt to simply exist. Her cousins are given a season and she is expected to chaperon the two spoiled self-centered girls.
At a ball she is noticed by friends Lady Francesca Haughston and His Grace, the Duke of Rochford. When Lady Francesca boasts that she could find a match for any girl of his choice by the end of the Season his Grace chooses Constance.
What a delightful, funny, sad, gut wrenching at times, and delightful HEA. How people maneuvered the marriage market of the times is beyond me.
At a ball she is noticed by friends Lady Francesca Haughston and His Grace, the Duke of Rochford. When Lady Francesca boasts that she could find a match for any girl of his choice by the end of the Season his Grace chooses Constance.
What a delightful, funny, sad, gut wrenching at times, and delightful HEA. How people maneuvered the marriage market of the times is beyond me.
December 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was a delight to read. Will continue on with series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews