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Wager for a Wife
William Barlow's life has been forever altered: his estranged father is dead, and William has inherited the title of Viscount Farleigh. Along with the title comes a neglected estate, an enormous amount of gambling debt, and one astounding acquisition that will turn William's world upside down . . .
It is her first London Season, and Lady Louisa Hargreaves could not be more pleased. She has attracted the attention of the Earl of Kerridge, and the two are on the cusp of an official betrothal. That is, until she learns of a generations-old family debt: her grandfather gambled her hand in marriage and lost, and now Louisa must pay the price. She will marry not the earl but a man she just met, who has taken her freedom in one fell swoop. Even as she struggles to understand the handsome and aloof man she is to wed, Louisa is irresistibly drawn to him—and he to her. But she soon realizes he is harboring secrets, and as her wedding day approaches, she must discover what her future husband is hiding before she makes the gravest mistake of her life.
It is her first London Season, and Lady Louisa Hargreaves could not be more pleased. She has attracted the attention of the Earl of Kerridge, and the two are on the cusp of an official betrothal. That is, until she learns of a generations-old family debt: her grandfather gambled her hand in marriage and lost, and now Louisa must pay the price. She will marry not the earl but a man she just met, who has taken her freedom in one fell swoop. Even as she struggles to understand the handsome and aloof man she is to wed, Louisa is irresistibly drawn to him—and he to her. But she soon realizes he is harboring secrets, and as her wedding day approaches, she must discover what her future husband is hiding before she makes the gravest mistake of her life.
256 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2018
62 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Karen Tuft
13 books335 followersKaren Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU and graduated from the University of Utah in music theory, where she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies.
In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger. She has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions along the Wasatch Front. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel whether it's by car, plane, or paperback.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
January 5, 2019
I almost made it all the way through this. I fought my way through a lot of nonsense because the characters were interesting. She's a chatterbox from a loving family facing up to a hard choice and he's a taciturn victim of abuse with his feelings on deep lockdown and I kind of liked their interactions as she tried to get to know him and he tried to do the right thing for the people who depended on him in the only way he knew how.
To get as far as I did, however, I had to ignore:
- the plot based on entailed properties being mortgaged. Sorry, not good enough, there were multiple mortgages on the home estate and his solicitor actually says "we can sell off the unentailed properties, but that won't make much of a dent on these mortgages". And just in case anyone wants to nitpick, yes, I looked it up and you can mortgage an entailed estate, but that mortgage can only attach the income and even that only until it passes to the next heir. So this is utter, stark raving idiocy and yet the entire plot hinges on this being William's reality.
- The key binding instrument being referenced as "the vowel" (singular) 64 times. Which is an average of every 3¾ pages. That is not a guess, I actually went back and counted. Note to Regency authors: gentlemen's wagers were called their "vowels" because they were I.O.U.s. Note that those are all vowels—hence the slang. Also note that each one would therefore be plural. I cannot even tell you how grating this was on me. It is the height of absurd to imagine that one gentleman ever went to another and said "I'm here to redeem my vowel". Or "He played deep, but at least I have this vowel".
- A sense of honor by way too many people that was a good three decades out of place. I could buy one person having such a strong sense of formalistic honor. Two maybe, if the surrounding justification worked out okay. But this required literally everyone in the charade-space to have a rigidly formalistic sense of archaic honor for this whole thing to come together. This is particularly out of place with Louisa's father with the daughter he obviously and consistently loves because he'd prevail not only in a court of law, but in the opinion of his peers as well should the details become known.
There were more absurdities, but these were the worst, not least because they permeate the entire story. Tuft obviously did some research because she got things like reading banns and special licenses right and that's one most trip up on. So it's a shame she (or the "editor" she thanks) failed so spectacularly on plot-bearing elements.
Anyway, I kept going to the 85% mark on the strength of the characters. I liked them and enjoyed their interactions. Tuft has a tendency to overload some elements so they diffuse impact (like having ) but she also turns some of those elements in original ways (like having ). I'd love it if she could learn to keep the unique take on things without diluting them so much while at it.
And I'll also point out that this story shows the strain of having been grown from a shorter story. There are a lot of side details that are intrusive and unnecessary, including much of the first few chapters. Yeah, it's good exposition that, for example, William saw the stellar qualities of his gardener and raised him to a steward. But I don't need paragraphs of over-detailed setup to get there.
So it was weak for most of the book but the characters kept me engaged. Until complete and utter stupidity blows the whole thing to Waterloo. When
So a work that was heading for a "rounding to three stars" ends up crashing into one. I really, really hate when that happens.
A note about chaste: I'm pretty sure this is a chaste story. There are a handful of kisses, but nothing racy and I doubt that changes in the 15% I ditched.
A note about the publisher: Yup, another by Covenant Communications. So another with a ridiculous $11 ebook price. So you can skip this book and save $11. So a true bargain, really. You're welcome.
To get as far as I did, however, I had to ignore:
- the plot based on entailed properties being mortgaged. Sorry, not good enough, there were multiple mortgages on the home estate and his solicitor actually says "we can sell off the unentailed properties, but that won't make much of a dent on these mortgages". And just in case anyone wants to nitpick, yes, I looked it up and you can mortgage an entailed estate, but that mortgage can only attach the income and even that only until it passes to the next heir. So this is utter, stark raving idiocy and yet the entire plot hinges on this being William's reality.
- The key binding instrument being referenced as "the vowel" (singular) 64 times. Which is an average of every 3¾ pages. That is not a guess, I actually went back and counted. Note to Regency authors: gentlemen's wagers were called their "vowels" because they were I.O.U.s. Note that those are all vowels—hence the slang. Also note that each one would therefore be plural. I cannot even tell you how grating this was on me. It is the height of absurd to imagine that one gentleman ever went to another and said "I'm here to redeem my vowel". Or "He played deep, but at least I have this vowel".
- A sense of honor by way too many people that was a good three decades out of place. I could buy one person having such a strong sense of formalistic honor. Two maybe, if the surrounding justification worked out okay. But this required literally everyone in the charade-space to have a rigidly formalistic sense of archaic honor for this whole thing to come together. This is particularly out of place with Louisa's father with the daughter he obviously and consistently loves because he'd prevail not only in a court of law, but in the opinion of his peers as well should the details become known.
There were more absurdities, but these were the worst, not least because they permeate the entire story. Tuft obviously did some research because she got things like reading banns and special licenses right and that's one most trip up on. So it's a shame she (or the "editor" she thanks) failed so spectacularly on plot-bearing elements.
Anyway, I kept going to the 85% mark on the strength of the characters. I liked them and enjoyed their interactions. Tuft has a tendency to overload some elements so they diffuse impact (like having ) but she also turns some of those elements in original ways (like having ). I'd love it if she could learn to keep the unique take on things without diluting them so much while at it.
And I'll also point out that this story shows the strain of having been grown from a shorter story. There are a lot of side details that are intrusive and unnecessary, including much of the first few chapters. Yeah, it's good exposition that, for example, William saw the stellar qualities of his gardener and raised him to a steward. But I don't need paragraphs of over-detailed setup to get there.
So it was weak for most of the book but the characters kept me engaged. Until complete and utter stupidity blows the whole thing to Waterloo. When
So a work that was heading for a "rounding to three stars" ends up crashing into one. I really, really hate when that happens.
A note about chaste: I'm pretty sure this is a chaste story. There are a handful of kisses, but nothing racy and I doubt that changes in the 15% I ditched.
A note about the publisher: Yup, another by Covenant Communications. So another with a ridiculous $11 ebook price. So you can skip this book and save $11. So a true bargain, really. You're welcome.
February 27, 2019
This book was so fun that I immediately went back to Amazon and searched for more books by Karen Tuft. (And side note: that search led me to two other new-to-me authors whose books I've devoured in the past couple of weeks. So an extra YAY for that!) The humor was witty, the romance was great, and the author delivered on the premise. All around, a super delightful read!
January 9, 2019
I had so much fun reading this book. It was just what I wanted! A silent, broken leading man just doing his best and an open honest fun leading lady. Both doing what has to been done in their time. Tuft is very good at writing deep characters. I felt like I could have had a little more from them both but was very satisfied. The ending was just what I wanted and needed from the whole story. It felt like it came full circle to me. I just love a good chaste regency romance and this did not disappoint.
January 4, 2019
I just typed up this nice long review, hit save and it all disappeared! Ugh, sometimes I hate technology. I'll have to come back later and try and rewrite it. For now, I liked this one. It has a fun spin on the marriage of convenience trope and our Hero and Heroine are both likable characters. I liked that they were opposites in a lot of way, but have a strong connection that makes for a fun story.
Content: Clean romance, no language or violence
Content: Clean romance, no language or violence
February 13, 2019
4.5*
Marriage of convenience stories are a favorite of mine. Honestly, anything with a happily ever after and characters that have growth, are good and honorable (even if they don't start out completely that way) will always draw me in. This one was no exception for drawing me and holding my attention throughout the book.
Louisa has grown up in a home filled with love. Her brothers might be a little annoying and tease her a lot but she knows it's because of their love and affection for her, and she returns it back to them plenty. She knows her parents love each other deeply. She can't help but desire the same type of love in her marriage. When she finally finds that someone, an old and unknown wager comes calling and messes up all that she saw in her future.
Honor is everything for a gentleman but what about a gentleman's daughter? Louisa must decide what path her future must follow and hope that she can be happy.
There are plenty of misunderstandings and misperceptions throughout this book. All of the misunderstandings helped drive the plot and add tension to the story. But even with the misunderstandings I thought that the characters were really good in how they handled the situations.
The love story in this one is sweet for sure. Even with the characters not completely disclosing everything up front, I liked how they grew to know each other and love each other. The secondary characters were fun to watch. I'm hoping that there might be a couple other stories with those secondary characters. I guess we'll see.
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. I also listened to it through my Deseret Bookshelf subscription. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Marriage of convenience stories are a favorite of mine. Honestly, anything with a happily ever after and characters that have growth, are good and honorable (even if they don't start out completely that way) will always draw me in. This one was no exception for drawing me and holding my attention throughout the book.
Louisa has grown up in a home filled with love. Her brothers might be a little annoying and tease her a lot but she knows it's because of their love and affection for her, and she returns it back to them plenty. She knows her parents love each other deeply. She can't help but desire the same type of love in her marriage. When she finally finds that someone, an old and unknown wager comes calling and messes up all that she saw in her future.
Honor is everything for a gentleman but what about a gentleman's daughter? Louisa must decide what path her future must follow and hope that she can be happy.
There are plenty of misunderstandings and misperceptions throughout this book. All of the misunderstandings helped drive the plot and add tension to the story. But even with the misunderstandings I thought that the characters were really good in how they handled the situations.
The love story in this one is sweet for sure. Even with the characters not completely disclosing everything up front, I liked how they grew to know each other and love each other. The secondary characters were fun to watch. I'm hoping that there might be a couple other stories with those secondary characters. I guess we'll see.
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. I also listened to it through my Deseret Bookshelf subscription. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 4, 2019
This is kind of an arranged marriage story, but not in the traditional sense. William, the new Viscount Farleigh, and Lady Louisa Hargreaves upbringings couldn't have been more different. William is an only child whose father wasn't ever faithful to his wife, gambled away the family's money, and upon his death, left the family property almost in ruin and the estate in debt. William loved his mother, but never felt love from his father and hadn't been home since his mother's death when he was 16.
Louisa has two older brothers, and parents that have true affection for one another. Louisa's father had spent a great deal of time and effort undoing the damage his father had brought upon their family's name gambling and was considered a man of honor and integrity. Unlike William, Louisa grew up in a home filled with love.
These two people with completely opposite upbringings are thrown together when William's attorney finds a long-lost vowel brought about by a wager between Louisa's grandfather and William's father. It's his only hope to save his estate and the people who work there--who loved and cared about him when his father didn't.
This vowel turns Louisa's life upside down. She's ready to accept a proposal from the Earl of Kerridge--the details of her dowry are being worked out when William comes to call with the vowel, asking that the wager be fulfilled.
I really got into this story. I liked both of the main characters. William is a very tight-lipped man, which drove Louisa (and me) crazy, until we find out why. The poor man didn't have the best upbringing with a mother who died far too young, and a father who didn't care for anyone other than himself. William was cared for and loved by the people who worked at Farleigh Manor, and they're the reason he wanted the terms of the vowel fulfilled. Not for himself, as he was happy living in Scotland.
Louisa always wanted a marriage with love, like her parents had. She thinks if she marries the Earl of Kerridge that their marriage can turn into one of affection. She wants to do the honorable thing, and she's brave enough to call off their almost-engagement to fulfill the terms of the vowel.
I loved Louisa's relationship with her brothers and the joke of "Lady Cumulus" that popped up throughout the book. I loved how the "servants" at Farleigh Manor cared about William and had protected him from his father when they could.
This is a slow building romance. It's between two people who are forced together and trying to learn about each other. Of course there are quite a few misunderstandings, and obstacles for them to work through and overcome. This is clean romance with just kissing.
Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Louisa has two older brothers, and parents that have true affection for one another. Louisa's father had spent a great deal of time and effort undoing the damage his father had brought upon their family's name gambling and was considered a man of honor and integrity. Unlike William, Louisa grew up in a home filled with love.
These two people with completely opposite upbringings are thrown together when William's attorney finds a long-lost vowel brought about by a wager between Louisa's grandfather and William's father. It's his only hope to save his estate and the people who work there--who loved and cared about him when his father didn't.
This vowel turns Louisa's life upside down. She's ready to accept a proposal from the Earl of Kerridge--the details of her dowry are being worked out when William comes to call with the vowel, asking that the wager be fulfilled.
I really got into this story. I liked both of the main characters. William is a very tight-lipped man, which drove Louisa (and me) crazy, until we find out why. The poor man didn't have the best upbringing with a mother who died far too young, and a father who didn't care for anyone other than himself. William was cared for and loved by the people who worked at Farleigh Manor, and they're the reason he wanted the terms of the vowel fulfilled. Not for himself, as he was happy living in Scotland.
Louisa always wanted a marriage with love, like her parents had. She thinks if she marries the Earl of Kerridge that their marriage can turn into one of affection. She wants to do the honorable thing, and she's brave enough to call off their almost-engagement to fulfill the terms of the vowel.
I loved Louisa's relationship with her brothers and the joke of "Lady Cumulus" that popped up throughout the book. I loved how the "servants" at Farleigh Manor cared about William and had protected him from his father when they could.
This is a slow building romance. It's between two people who are forced together and trying to learn about each other. Of course there are quite a few misunderstandings, and obstacles for them to work through and overcome. This is clean romance with just kissing.
Thanks to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
January 11, 2019
Some wagers are worth the risk. William Barlow life has been devastated by his father's gambling. He was raised to understand the risk and how to successfully wager. In order to save his friends and family, he takes the biggest gamble by demanding that the Hargreaves family honor a wager made years ago. He asks them to them to give them their daughter in marriage.
I loved the characters in this book. (The ones living.) The family camaraderie with the Hargreaves was delightful. William was not raised that way and it was good for him to see what a loving family acts like. William is an honorable man, even though his circumstances require him to act a little less honorable. He does so with the best of intentions.
Louisa is a strong young woman. She was raised with affection and shown by example how to behave in less than ideal circumstances. She is intelligent and compassionate. She longs for a marriage of affection.
This book doesn't move quickly. It is about two strangers learning and growing. They are both looking for common ground and understanding of each other before they are wed. I loved the humor and the emotions that came to play in this book. It is about overcoming past demons and disappointments to find happiness. It is clean with kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I loved the characters in this book. (The ones living.) The family camaraderie with the Hargreaves was delightful. William was not raised that way and it was good for him to see what a loving family acts like. William is an honorable man, even though his circumstances require him to act a little less honorable. He does so with the best of intentions.
Louisa is a strong young woman. She was raised with affection and shown by example how to behave in less than ideal circumstances. She is intelligent and compassionate. She longs for a marriage of affection.
This book doesn't move quickly. It is about two strangers learning and growing. They are both looking for common ground and understanding of each other before they are wed. I loved the humor and the emotions that came to play in this book. It is about overcoming past demons and disappointments to find happiness. It is clean with kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
December 5, 2018
Ok. I liked William or the new Viscount Farleigh from the beginning. He would use the wager’s vowel and repair his home and somehow fix the debts and the lives of the people he knew growing up when he finds out the debt his deceased father left to him. For he loves them, and the servants have loved William too! I’m not going to describe the wager here. You can read that. I just want you to know the main characters just make up the book. They are both very honorable and good people and want love in their lives and both think they aren’t going to find that. The wager is felt by Louisa to be upheld by honor and for William it will fix his father’s debts over time by marrying someone with clout and money. Who knew that this would work out in the end!
So, we learn that William is a stoic man with few words. We learn why he was like that. I can totally relate to him. But I also thought he was a man of hardly any words and how was he going to accomplish to win over Louisa like that! And how do you get to know anyone who won’t really talk. By the end of the book, you see him change and light up! He was more than just stoic. Louisa brought him to life. I was balling like a baby at the end of the book. I had to stop and get myself under control just so I could read the book from under the tears!!! That moment where his countenance glowed reminded me of the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice where Mr Darcy lights up when he introduces his sister to Elizabeth and he smiles! It just changed his whole look!
Than there is Louisa, who can babble on at times. William loved that quality in her. She loves to learn and wants to be more than just a mere female! Louisa’s family is very loving and close and her brothers tease Louisa relentlessly! I loved her family!
“And just like that, Louisa found herself betrothed”
I just love this story of finding love in a totally unconventional way!
So, we learn that William is a stoic man with few words. We learn why he was like that. I can totally relate to him. But I also thought he was a man of hardly any words and how was he going to accomplish to win over Louisa like that! And how do you get to know anyone who won’t really talk. By the end of the book, you see him change and light up! He was more than just stoic. Louisa brought him to life. I was balling like a baby at the end of the book. I had to stop and get myself under control just so I could read the book from under the tears!!! That moment where his countenance glowed reminded me of the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice where Mr Darcy lights up when he introduces his sister to Elizabeth and he smiles! It just changed his whole look!
Than there is Louisa, who can babble on at times. William loved that quality in her. She loves to learn and wants to be more than just a mere female! Louisa’s family is very loving and close and her brothers tease Louisa relentlessly! I loved her family!
“And just like that, Louisa found herself betrothed”
I just love this story of finding love in a totally unconventional way!
December 6, 2018
This is such a wonderful story! Louisa is in her debut season in London and has a pending offer of marriage, but her dreams come crashing down around her when a vowel is produced by a man and her father honors it.
Louisa is charming and only wants to marry for love and to be accepted and loved for who she is and not for the title or wealth she holds. I enjoyed watching her develop and grow into the role she must play, as she comes to know and accept the man she'll marry, and become the woman she's meant to be. William is very likable and opposite of Louisa in so many aspects, but he's very loyal, honorable, and kind. Observing his character and growth was a pleasure.
I loved the gentle romance and messages of family and honor that swept through the pages. This story has a great flow, once the vowel makes an appearance, and is so sweet and delightful. The element of a secret is an added bonus and I enjoyed it all!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Louisa is charming and only wants to marry for love and to be accepted and loved for who she is and not for the title or wealth she holds. I enjoyed watching her develop and grow into the role she must play, as she comes to know and accept the man she'll marry, and become the woman she's meant to be. William is very likable and opposite of Louisa in so many aspects, but he's very loyal, honorable, and kind. Observing his character and growth was a pleasure.
I loved the gentle romance and messages of family and honor that swept through the pages. This story has a great flow, once the vowel makes an appearance, and is so sweet and delightful. The element of a secret is an added bonus and I enjoyed it all!
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
December 17, 2018
What a read! Masterfully put together and fresh new plot for the regency fans. Karen Tuft has again written a beautiful story, one in which was hard to put down today.
While Williams reasons for keeping to the vowel, put in place by his father and Louisa’s Grandfather may seem cold and unfeeling to Louisa - his heart is good and true. It was always going to rage an inner battle. Push for the vowel to be honored or see his newly inherited estate go to waste. Louisa is surprisingly ‘together’ for one so young and inexperienced. Entering her first season she is not what I expected. I assumed more outward anger and petulance than we got. Her behavior is far more classy and put together than one would expect.
The entire Ashworth family inherently is good and exudes patience and decorum. I like them a lot. Hoping Karen has Alex’s story in the works! Can’t wait!
While Williams reasons for keeping to the vowel, put in place by his father and Louisa’s Grandfather may seem cold and unfeeling to Louisa - his heart is good and true. It was always going to rage an inner battle. Push for the vowel to be honored or see his newly inherited estate go to waste. Louisa is surprisingly ‘together’ for one so young and inexperienced. Entering her first season she is not what I expected. I assumed more outward anger and petulance than we got. Her behavior is far more classy and put together than one would expect.
The entire Ashworth family inherently is good and exudes patience and decorum. I like them a lot. Hoping Karen has Alex’s story in the works! Can’t wait!
January 27, 2019
I thought the name Louisa Hargreaves sounded familiar, and then once I began reading and saw that her brothers were Anthony and Alex, it all came together for me ... that sneaky Karen Tuft wrote a prequel without calling it a prequel! I found it to be quite a delightful surprise. Louisa was endearing and funny with her babbling and honesty, and watching her crack the shell of William’s self-imposed stoicism was great. As many times as I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed The Earl’s Betrothal, I am anxious to read it all over again with a fresh perspective on all of the characters. Well done, Karen!
February 21, 2019
Very enjoyable regency romance!
January 17, 2019
I was able to read this thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications.
The characters in this book were nice, and I would enjoy reading something else from the pen of this author to see what she could do with a more realistic plot. Unfortunately, I found the plot of "Wager for a Wife" to be so contrived as to be insupportable. It's not just that the grandfather made a ridiculous bet that could maybe, barely, conceivably be stretched to apply to future generations, it's that all the members of the current generation take it so very seriously. I understand the concept of "honor" as it applied in historical times, and that it is very different from what we might consider necessary today, but I think this plot goes beyond even the historical context. It is laughable that anyone even in that society would consider it honorable for someone to jilt her fiance and marry a complete stranger because of a vaguely worded wager made between a couple of rogues decades back. I also thought there was a contradiction between Louisa's feminist beliefs (as in, I should be held to the same standard of honor as the men) with her willingness to accept that the men's definition of honor was infallible.
Furthermore, the man who wants to hold her to it is much too nice to have suggested it; it's not really consistent with the way his character is written.
There were also some jarring anachronisms in dialogue.
However, the book was easy to read and I enjoyed the secondary characters and the general writing style well enough to give it three stars. The trope of a couple falling in love in spite of an arranged marriage can be a fun one, and it worked well enough here, if only the spur to set the relationship going had been slightly easier to swallow.
The characters in this book were nice, and I would enjoy reading something else from the pen of this author to see what she could do with a more realistic plot. Unfortunately, I found the plot of "Wager for a Wife" to be so contrived as to be insupportable. It's not just that the grandfather made a ridiculous bet that could maybe, barely, conceivably be stretched to apply to future generations, it's that all the members of the current generation take it so very seriously. I understand the concept of "honor" as it applied in historical times, and that it is very different from what we might consider necessary today, but I think this plot goes beyond even the historical context. It is laughable that anyone even in that society would consider it honorable for someone to jilt her fiance and marry a complete stranger because of a vaguely worded wager made between a couple of rogues decades back. I also thought there was a contradiction between Louisa's feminist beliefs (as in, I should be held to the same standard of honor as the men) with her willingness to accept that the men's definition of honor was infallible.
Furthermore, the man who wants to hold her to it is much too nice to have suggested it; it's not really consistent with the way his character is written.
There were also some jarring anachronisms in dialogue.
However, the book was easy to read and I enjoyed the secondary characters and the general writing style well enough to give it three stars. The trope of a couple falling in love in spite of an arranged marriage can be a fun one, and it worked well enough here, if only the spur to set the relationship going had been slightly easier to swallow.
January 19, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for providing me a digital review copy.
Despite my low rating this is not a horrible book. The characters are interesting, and the actual writing style (such as grammar and sentence structure) was smooth enough to keep me reading to the end despite its flaws. Now, as to those flaws…
While I am quite forgiving when it comes to the unlikely plots of historical romances, the core premise of ‘Wager for a Wife’ was so far-fetched as to strain even my normally flexible credulity. And yet, I may still have unabashedly enjoyed the silliness of it all if the story hadn’t been needlessly dragged out by drama and uncertainty caused by the hero’s refusal to openly communicate with his fiancée. For example, how could he honestly think that a woman willing to marry a man she barely knows, for sake of ‘family honor’, would be scandalized by his actions to care for those he views as family?!? It really felt as if she did all the work in building their relationship, and in the end he just suddenly did a complete 180º from his usual sullen and reticent self. While the starting and ending points of his transformation were believable, it would have been far more enjoyable and realistic to read if it had been gradual and directly connected to his getting to know Louisa and her family better.
All in all, I might consider trying another book by this author if it stuck to a more believable plot line and didn’t rely on lack of communication to prolong the story.
Despite my low rating this is not a horrible book. The characters are interesting, and the actual writing style (such as grammar and sentence structure) was smooth enough to keep me reading to the end despite its flaws. Now, as to those flaws…
While I am quite forgiving when it comes to the unlikely plots of historical romances, the core premise of ‘Wager for a Wife’ was so far-fetched as to strain even my normally flexible credulity. And yet, I may still have unabashedly enjoyed the silliness of it all if the story hadn’t been needlessly dragged out by drama and uncertainty caused by the hero’s refusal to openly communicate with his fiancée. For example, how could he honestly think that a woman willing to marry a man she barely knows, for sake of ‘family honor’, would be scandalized by his actions to care for those he views as family?!? It really felt as if she did all the work in building their relationship, and in the end he just suddenly did a complete 180º from his usual sullen and reticent self. While the starting and ending points of his transformation were believable, it would have been far more enjoyable and realistic to read if it had been gradual and directly connected to his getting to know Louisa and her family better.
All in all, I might consider trying another book by this author if it stuck to a more believable plot line and didn’t rely on lack of communication to prolong the story.
December 7, 2018
I have to say first that I loved William from the very beginning. His sense of loyalty, his determination, and his vulnerability all combine to make him so endearing as a character. I love when books give me a very clear feeling of who the characters are right from the beginning. It makes it so easy to attach myself to their story, their heartache and their hope.
This is a sweet regency romance. It felt all things gentle and proper while reading it. The author did a great job of creating great visuals for my mind so I could easily make the people and places come to life in my head. There is an extensive cast of secondary characters but I never felt overwhelmed with keeping them straight. The people in Williams life, while not blood family, sure gave that feeling of family and I loved it.
Will and Louisa couldn't be more different. Louisa has a gift of words. She is a verbal being and communicates well. Will on the other hand, doesn't. He doesn't use his word often or well, but he still feels deeply. I love how Will recognizes this in Louisa and allows her to verbalize because he knows she needs it and he tries so hard to give her what she wants from him. He doesn't really always succeed, but he tries. See? How can I not love Will?
This book was very enjoyable and ever so sweet.
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a sweet regency romance. It felt all things gentle and proper while reading it. The author did a great job of creating great visuals for my mind so I could easily make the people and places come to life in my head. There is an extensive cast of secondary characters but I never felt overwhelmed with keeping them straight. The people in Williams life, while not blood family, sure gave that feeling of family and I loved it.
Will and Louisa couldn't be more different. Louisa has a gift of words. She is a verbal being and communicates well. Will on the other hand, doesn't. He doesn't use his word often or well, but he still feels deeply. I love how Will recognizes this in Louisa and allows her to verbalize because he knows she needs it and he tries so hard to give her what she wants from him. He doesn't really always succeed, but he tries. See? How can I not love Will?
This book was very enjoyable and ever so sweet.
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 11, 2019
I was really looking forward to the new regency romance, Wager for a Wife, by Karen Tuft. I really enjoyed the connection that this book has to her last one, The Earl's Betrothal. Very clever!
This book starts out with a lot of point of view changes and that threw me at first as I tried to get to know the characters. Once I got a little further in and felt more grounded, though, I was able to really enjoy the story.
William, the new Viscount Farleigh, has returned home to clean up the mess the previous viscount, his father, has made of his estate. It is in dire straits, and the people and servants he loves will be adversely affected if he can't figure a way out of the financial mess. There is one avenue that could save them all---years ago, a bet was made and if William calls in the vowel, he will marry an heiress with a sizable dowry. Enter Louisa. She is making her debut and has caught the eye of the Earl of Kerridge. He asks for her hand and Louisa accepts, only to find out that her grandfather had bet her hand in marriage and lost---and now she must marry William! Needless to say the relationship with Louisa and William gets off to a rocky start.
I really loved how the author showed us the differences in William and Louisa (which led to many misunderstandings) but also slowly revealed all the things that could bring them together as a couple if they would only trust in that. The heroine has a strong sense of honor, but also wants to marry for love and William is a puzzle for her that she wants to solve. I loved that Louisa was so relatable trying to navigate a situation that was thrust upon her and yet, still wants to fulfill her dreams of marrying for love and not for her dowry. William is a sigh-worthy hero, trying to do what's right while reconciling everything his father has done to him personally and financially. He has some emotional scars and I thought the author kept him authentic as he dealt with those issues and tried to overcome them in order to win Louisa's heart. The secondary cast was memorable and really quite sweet. It was nice to see Anthony in this book, as he is the main character in another book by this author. If you are a fan of sweet regency romance, I know you'll enjoy this one. Lots of emotional ups and downs, but an ending that will have you closing the book with a smile. Another gem by Ms. Tuft.
This book starts out with a lot of point of view changes and that threw me at first as I tried to get to know the characters. Once I got a little further in and felt more grounded, though, I was able to really enjoy the story.
William, the new Viscount Farleigh, has returned home to clean up the mess the previous viscount, his father, has made of his estate. It is in dire straits, and the people and servants he loves will be adversely affected if he can't figure a way out of the financial mess. There is one avenue that could save them all---years ago, a bet was made and if William calls in the vowel, he will marry an heiress with a sizable dowry. Enter Louisa. She is making her debut and has caught the eye of the Earl of Kerridge. He asks for her hand and Louisa accepts, only to find out that her grandfather had bet her hand in marriage and lost---and now she must marry William! Needless to say the relationship with Louisa and William gets off to a rocky start.
I really loved how the author showed us the differences in William and Louisa (which led to many misunderstandings) but also slowly revealed all the things that could bring them together as a couple if they would only trust in that. The heroine has a strong sense of honor, but also wants to marry for love and William is a puzzle for her that she wants to solve. I loved that Louisa was so relatable trying to navigate a situation that was thrust upon her and yet, still wants to fulfill her dreams of marrying for love and not for her dowry. William is a sigh-worthy hero, trying to do what's right while reconciling everything his father has done to him personally and financially. He has some emotional scars and I thought the author kept him authentic as he dealt with those issues and tried to overcome them in order to win Louisa's heart. The secondary cast was memorable and really quite sweet. It was nice to see Anthony in this book, as he is the main character in another book by this author. If you are a fan of sweet regency romance, I know you'll enjoy this one. Lots of emotional ups and downs, but an ending that will have you closing the book with a smile. Another gem by Ms. Tuft.
December 3, 2018
Wager for a Wife took me just a bit to get into. It starts a bit differently than a lot of Regency Romance books do. But when I did get into it, I loved the whole thing!
This book follows the love story of William and Louisa. I loved both of these characters. Something that’s kind of interesting about the two of them, is that they are completely opposite personalities. I loved that!
Louisa is a young lady, literally Lady Louisa. She’s enjoying all of the romance of her first London season. It even seems as though she’s going to get married, the handsome Earl of Kerridge has asked for her hand. But her life and dreams appear to come tumbling down around her when William walks into her life.
William is a viscount. His father has recently passed away, leaving the estate in shambles. And William needs to be able to salvage something to take care of his staff, all of whom he dearly loves. Enter Louisa. William’s solicitor has discovered a vowel that his father and Louisa’s grandfather signed making Louisa marry William.
I loved the way this story comes together from this point. There were so many great moments. Moments that made me laugh out loud and moments that made me sad and hopeful that these two would some how manage to make their lives work out the way they were intended to.
This is such a great Regency Romance! Make sure to read it for yourself.
This book follows the love story of William and Louisa. I loved both of these characters. Something that’s kind of interesting about the two of them, is that they are completely opposite personalities. I loved that!
Louisa is a young lady, literally Lady Louisa. She’s enjoying all of the romance of her first London season. It even seems as though she’s going to get married, the handsome Earl of Kerridge has asked for her hand. But her life and dreams appear to come tumbling down around her when William walks into her life.
William is a viscount. His father has recently passed away, leaving the estate in shambles. And William needs to be able to salvage something to take care of his staff, all of whom he dearly loves. Enter Louisa. William’s solicitor has discovered a vowel that his father and Louisa’s grandfather signed making Louisa marry William.
I loved the way this story comes together from this point. There were so many great moments. Moments that made me laugh out loud and moments that made me sad and hopeful that these two would some how manage to make their lives work out the way they were intended to.
This is such a great Regency Romance! Make sure to read it for yourself.
March 6, 2019
A good story about kindness and respect.
Louisa is almost engaged to marry an earl when another man shows up with a legal claim to her hand.
After the death of his father, William is trying to do what is right for the servants he considers friends and family. Low on funds, and in order to save the family house and the servants' livelihood, he decides to collect on an old wager between his father and Louisa's grandfather.
It's not a good start to their relationship, especially for Louisa who feels like a pawn tossed around at the will of men.
As she learns more about William, she finds out he's a kind man, unlike others who pretend too much, and by the end, he loves her too much to keep her against her will.
William and Louisa complement each other despite being opposites.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Louisa is almost engaged to marry an earl when another man shows up with a legal claim to her hand.
After the death of his father, William is trying to do what is right for the servants he considers friends and family. Low on funds, and in order to save the family house and the servants' livelihood, he decides to collect on an old wager between his father and Louisa's grandfather.
It's not a good start to their relationship, especially for Louisa who feels like a pawn tossed around at the will of men.
As she learns more about William, she finds out he's a kind man, unlike others who pretend too much, and by the end, he loves her too much to keep her against her will.
William and Louisa complement each other despite being opposites.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
March 18, 2019
This was a sweet and tender romance, one that kept my attention as I wanted so desperately to see two wonderful protagonists find a happily ever after.
Louisa comes from a very wealthy family, with a high position and title in society. She should be spoiled rotten, but she’s not. Although willing to sacrifice herself for her family's honor, she still wishes to marry for love.
William was a fantastic swoony hero- he very much reminded me of a mix of Austen’s Mr. Darcy and Captain Wenworth. He is loyal and kind but has so much trauma from his childhood. He is not a man of many words and doesn’t show much emotion outwardly.
There was so much to love about this book and these two characters. Each is doing what they feel they must, and yet little by little they discover more than originally meets the eye. I loved how verbose Louisa was, and how it complimented William’s man-of-few-words personality.
The supporting characters were so endearing, and I was delighted to see an author’s note that there are more books in this series! I will definitely be adding the other books to my to-read pile, and hope she continues to write more!
Louisa comes from a very wealthy family, with a high position and title in society. She should be spoiled rotten, but she’s not. Although willing to sacrifice herself for her family's honor, she still wishes to marry for love.
William was a fantastic swoony hero- he very much reminded me of a mix of Austen’s Mr. Darcy and Captain Wenworth. He is loyal and kind but has so much trauma from his childhood. He is not a man of many words and doesn’t show much emotion outwardly.
There was so much to love about this book and these two characters. Each is doing what they feel they must, and yet little by little they discover more than originally meets the eye. I loved how verbose Louisa was, and how it complimented William’s man-of-few-words personality.
The supporting characters were so endearing, and I was delighted to see an author’s note that there are more books in this series! I will definitely be adding the other books to my to-read pile, and hope she continues to write more!
January 27, 2019
I started off this story not liking the ‘hero’ William very much as he uses a wager won by his father to force the heroine into a betrothal against her will. But if you’re looking at the title askance and debating whether you’re going to like a story with this kind of storyline, I’m going to tell you that you should give it a chance, because the author does an excellent job of fleshing out her protagonists from an unpromising start, until we really sympathize with William. Left in an utterly untenable situation by his wasteful excuse for a father, he has too many people relying on him to pass up any chance for redemption, even if the only opportunity he has is one he finds deeply distasteful.
Lady Louisa is the daughter of a marquess, and she’s pampered, adored and somehow not at all spoiled. Getting engaged at the start of the book to a duke’s heir because it’s expected of her, everything is suddenly disordered in her neat world when a penniless viscount appears with a note in her grandfather’s hand… wagering away her hand in marriage.
Louisa’s determination that women can have honour too was utterly endearing, and her parents’ obvious pride in her and support of her was such a contract to William’s troubled upbringing, it was obvious the pair of them would struggle to understand each other at first. Eventually, though, they do come to an understanding, though not without some hiccups along the way.
While I was charmed by the characters, there is one very serious flaw with the premise of the story, and it’s one I couldn’t see a way to resolve. You see, William’s problem was caused by his father, an inveterate gambler, leaving a heavily mortgaged estate. The only thing is that the estate was entailed (otherwise it would long since have been sold)... but you can’t take out a mortgage, and certainly not multiple mortgages, against entails. That’s the entire point of an entail; to guard against one wastrel in the family tree gambling, selling or otherwise losing a family’s ancestral estates.
From Wikipedia’s article on fee tails (entails): “Lending upon security of a mortgage on land in fee tail was risky, since at the death of the tenant-in-possession, his personal estate ceased to have any right to the estate or to the income it generated. The absolute right to the income generated by the estate passed by operation of law to parties who had no legal obligation to the lender, who therefore could not enforce payment of interest on the new tenants-in-possession. The largest estate a possessor in fee tail could convey to someone else was an estate for the term of the grantor's own life. If all went as planned, it was therefore impossible for the succession of patriarchs to lose the land, which was the idea.”
I’d suggest the author needs to familiarize herself with the legalities of entails before making the entire premise of her story so contingent on one. There were one or two other minor continuity issues, like William’s mother changing from being a coal heiress to a governess, which didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story and wouldn’t have affected my rating, but because of this major issue which completely wrecks the entire premise of the story, I’m afraid I can’t give it any more than three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Lady Louisa is the daughter of a marquess, and she’s pampered, adored and somehow not at all spoiled. Getting engaged at the start of the book to a duke’s heir because it’s expected of her, everything is suddenly disordered in her neat world when a penniless viscount appears with a note in her grandfather’s hand… wagering away her hand in marriage.
Louisa’s determination that women can have honour too was utterly endearing, and her parents’ obvious pride in her and support of her was such a contract to William’s troubled upbringing, it was obvious the pair of them would struggle to understand each other at first. Eventually, though, they do come to an understanding, though not without some hiccups along the way.
While I was charmed by the characters, there is one very serious flaw with the premise of the story, and it’s one I couldn’t see a way to resolve. You see, William’s problem was caused by his father, an inveterate gambler, leaving a heavily mortgaged estate. The only thing is that the estate was entailed (otherwise it would long since have been sold)... but you can’t take out a mortgage, and certainly not multiple mortgages, against entails. That’s the entire point of an entail; to guard against one wastrel in the family tree gambling, selling or otherwise losing a family’s ancestral estates.
From Wikipedia’s article on fee tails (entails): “Lending upon security of a mortgage on land in fee tail was risky, since at the death of the tenant-in-possession, his personal estate ceased to have any right to the estate or to the income it generated. The absolute right to the income generated by the estate passed by operation of law to parties who had no legal obligation to the lender, who therefore could not enforce payment of interest on the new tenants-in-possession. The largest estate a possessor in fee tail could convey to someone else was an estate for the term of the grantor's own life. If all went as planned, it was therefore impossible for the succession of patriarchs to lose the land, which was the idea.”
I’d suggest the author needs to familiarize herself with the legalities of entails before making the entire premise of her story so contingent on one. There were one or two other minor continuity issues, like William’s mother changing from being a coal heiress to a governess, which didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story and wouldn’t have affected my rating, but because of this major issue which completely wrecks the entire premise of the story, I’m afraid I can’t give it any more than three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
March 8, 2019
Dumb dumb premise that I couldn't get passed. Why are they taking this wager so seriously? How can William be so likable and kind and press the fulfillment of this wager to force Louisa to be his wife? Surely there are other rich ladies he could marry for money to save his estate.
The writing was barely average and the dialogue inane or else I could have suspended my disbelief but this book had nothing going for it. DNF.
The writing was barely average and the dialogue inane or else I could have suspended my disbelief but this book had nothing going for it. DNF.
January 11, 2025
William is now the Viscount of Farleigh Manor. His father--an abusive, horrible man--passed away, and for the first time in years, William is able to return home.
Of course, the estate is in terrible debt. The livelihoods of the servants--many of whom raised William and have stayed on with the patient expectation of his ultimate return--are all at risk.
And there is apparently one hope. William can attempt to enforce the outcome of an old bet, won by his father, and marry the daughter of the Marquess of Ashworth.
Louisa is young, naive and in the midst of her first season. She is awash in bouquets and has been particularly singled out as a potential betrothed to the heir of a dukedom.
Then in 24 hours her world spins on its axis and she finds herself the victim of a bet her grandfather lost before his death. Of course she needn't fulfill the bet, but the honor of her entire family is at stake. And Louisa will be darned if she is the weak link in her family's honor.
Well, this book hit me over the head. The relationship was so good. Especially Will. He is quiet, calm, well-meaning, and utterly wrapped up in knots due to years of his father's abuse. Watching chatty, forthright Louisa try to break down those barriers was an emotional ride. I bawled through the second half of the book because I so didn't want him to get hurt.
This is a prequel. It could easily be read first--in chronological order--without hindering the rest of the series. But I am proof that it also works splendidly whenever read. William and Louisa deserved an entire novel, and of the four I have now read by the author, this one has had the most depth.
Of course, the estate is in terrible debt. The livelihoods of the servants--many of whom raised William and have stayed on with the patient expectation of his ultimate return--are all at risk.
And there is apparently one hope. William can attempt to enforce the outcome of an old bet, won by his father, and marry the daughter of the Marquess of Ashworth.
Louisa is young, naive and in the midst of her first season. She is awash in bouquets and has been particularly singled out as a potential betrothed to the heir of a dukedom.
Then in 24 hours her world spins on its axis and she finds herself the victim of a bet her grandfather lost before his death. Of course she needn't fulfill the bet, but the honor of her entire family is at stake. And Louisa will be darned if she is the weak link in her family's honor.
Well, this book hit me over the head. The relationship was so good. Especially Will. He is quiet, calm, well-meaning, and utterly wrapped up in knots due to years of his father's abuse. Watching chatty, forthright Louisa try to break down those barriers was an emotional ride. I bawled through the second half of the book because I so didn't want him to get hurt.
This is a prequel. It could easily be read first--in chronological order--without hindering the rest of the series. But I am proof that it also works splendidly whenever read. William and Louisa deserved an entire novel, and of the four I have now read by the author, this one has had the most depth.
December 6, 2018
From page one, Karen Tuft’s Wager for a Wife Is an absolute delight. A sweet and enchanting tale of a wager, causing an unexpected engagement, marriage, and of course romance. Tufts creative story comes to life through the experiences of her charming and enjoyable characters. This story focuses on family and a lovely romance. And the title of the book fits in perfectly with the storyline, creating an even better reader experience. Readers that enjoy regency romance will be sure to take pleasure in this fabulous read!
Genre: historical, regency, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: December 1, 2018
Number of pages: 256
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, regency, romance
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: December 1, 2018
Number of pages: 256
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
December 3, 2018
This was a delightful read. I wasn't sure how the title worked into the story or how exactly the wager worked into it. I tend to forget back cover blurbs or don't read them completely, so I realized not far into the story what the wager was. However, upon completion, the title meant even more than it did in the beginning. I loved getting to know the quiet William and his motivations behind his actions. I loved Lady Louisa's strength and courage to act honorably. And the ending was about as prefect as one could get. It did make me realize once again how important honor and the family name were back then. I think it's something we could all take a lesson from today. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a little wager, especially when it comes to love.
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 25, 2019
I loved Wager for a Wife. What a wonderful book. I had a hard time putting it down and had it read in one day. Five stars.
March 4, 2020
An adorably cute story with a clever little plot!
September 25, 2019
*a copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review*
2.5 stars.
The beginning honestly had me tempted to ditch it, as some of the dialogue was truly painful, the humor was forced, and Louisa is in stitches over said forced humor. It was rough. But I pulled through and while there were definitely some issues throughout (the above mentioned and also contrived plot points, primarily), I overall enjoyed it and wouldn't be amiss to reading more of Tuft' s works.
Figuratively gagged at this:
" I have lived with famine my entire life and you are a feast for my soul." And then he lowered his mouth to hers, and they feasted together. "
Oh my gosh, WHY?? Ew.
2.5 stars.
The beginning honestly had me tempted to ditch it, as some of the dialogue was truly painful, the humor was forced, and Louisa is in stitches over said forced humor. It was rough. But I pulled through and while there were definitely some issues throughout (the above mentioned and also contrived plot points, primarily), I overall enjoyed it and wouldn't be amiss to reading more of Tuft' s works.
Figuratively gagged at this:
" I have lived with famine my entire life and you are a feast for my soul." And then he lowered his mouth to hers, and they feasted together. "
Oh my gosh, WHY?? Ew.
February 20, 2019
What a fun book! I so loved it! I especially loved the twist of the "wager." I cannot even imagine marrying for anything except love.
By of course this is a romance book so love is finally found, but not until secrets are kept, discovered, and resolved in a most wonderful way. Some will even surprise you.
This is truly a book not to be missed!
By of course this is a romance book so love is finally found, but not until secrets are kept, discovered, and resolved in a most wonderful way. Some will even surprise you.
This is truly a book not to be missed!
January 25, 2019
William Barlow’s life has been forever altered: his estranged father is dead, and William has inherited the title of Viscount Farleigh. Along with the title comes a neglected estate, an enormous amount of gambling debt, and one astounding acquisition that will turn William’s world upside down . . . It is her first London Season, and Lady Louisa Hargreaves could not be more pleased. She has attracted the attention of the Earl of Kerridge, and the two are on the cusp of an official betrothal. That is, until she learns of a generations-old family debt: her grandfather gambled her hand in marriage and lost, and now Louisa must pay the price. She will marry not the earl but a man she just met, who has taken her freedom in one fell swoop. Even as she struggles to understand the handsome and aloof man she is to wed, Louisa is irresistibly drawn to him—and he to her.
The book was well written & the characters interesting but I found the plot to be far too far stretched for me & I’m normally very forgiving as after all it is fiction. My incredulity went when mortgaging entailed property was mentioned, whilst money could be borrowed against the income, the entailed property itself couldn't be it's just that entailed - the present owner being a caretaker of the property which belongs to the title not the individual
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The book was well written & the characters interesting but I found the plot to be far too far stretched for me & I’m normally very forgiving as after all it is fiction. My incredulity went when mortgaging entailed property was mentioned, whilst money could be borrowed against the income, the entailed property itself couldn't be it's just that entailed - the present owner being a caretaker of the property which belongs to the title not the individual
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 31, 2018
I loved Author Karen Tuft's new Regency Romance! Some times, Regency Romances have the same story-line, but Wager for a Wife had so many different aspects to the story that I found very intriguing. I don't want to tell too much, but let's say that the whole twist of who ends up getting married to whom was fantastic. I also liked how well developed each main character and sub characters were. Tuft writes with such great descriptions that the story comes alive.
If you are looking for a Regency Romance that stands out from the rest with a very intriguing twist, you'll love reading, Wager for a Wife.
If you are looking for a Regency Romance that stands out from the rest with a very intriguing twist, you'll love reading, Wager for a Wife.
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