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Scandalous Miss Brightwells #3
The Wedding Wager
A lonely young woman's bid to be reunited with her long-lost love child seems doomed after her friends' matchmaking attempts go awry.
When Miss Eliza Montrose's extraordinary bravery wins her the respect of matchmaking queens Fanny and Antoinette Brightwell, the sisters and their bumbling brother hatch a plan to find a worthier suitor for the young woman they'd initially disliked.
Rufus Patmore, a kind honorable gentleman with a love of horses and a soft spot for damsels in distress, is the ideal candidate when he inadvertently reveals his true feelings for Eliza.
But Eliza has her own reasons for agreeing to marry the Brightwells' selfish, self-absorbed cousin, George Bramley. Reasons that have nothing to do with love! If it's the only way to be reunited with the love child she was forced to give up after a youthful indiscretion, Eliza will marry anyone!
Unfortunately, while the Brightwell siblings have acted with the best of intentions, fixing a horse race that was supposed to bring joy and happiness to two deserving, star-crossed lovers has unfortunate consequences.
And being able to follow her heart comes at an unexpected price. A price that Eliza might not be able to pay.
The Wedding Wager is Book 3 in the Scandalous Miss Brightwells series but can be read as a standalone.
What readers say:
"She's torn between being able to love her son, and being able to love Rufus. Some of what happens is amusing and some is sad, but it all makes for a great story." Amazon reader.
"Great plot and characters. Some tears for those who are sensitive but great enjoyment at the end." Amazon reader.
"Very intriguing Austen-esque novel with well developed characters and story line. The best historical romance novel I've read in a while." Amazon reader.
When Miss Eliza Montrose's extraordinary bravery wins her the respect of matchmaking queens Fanny and Antoinette Brightwell, the sisters and their bumbling brother hatch a plan to find a worthier suitor for the young woman they'd initially disliked.
Rufus Patmore, a kind honorable gentleman with a love of horses and a soft spot for damsels in distress, is the ideal candidate when he inadvertently reveals his true feelings for Eliza.
But Eliza has her own reasons for agreeing to marry the Brightwells' selfish, self-absorbed cousin, George Bramley. Reasons that have nothing to do with love! If it's the only way to be reunited with the love child she was forced to give up after a youthful indiscretion, Eliza will marry anyone!
Unfortunately, while the Brightwell siblings have acted with the best of intentions, fixing a horse race that was supposed to bring joy and happiness to two deserving, star-crossed lovers has unfortunate consequences.
And being able to follow her heart comes at an unexpected price. A price that Eliza might not be able to pay.
The Wedding Wager is Book 3 in the Scandalous Miss Brightwells series but can be read as a standalone.
What readers say:
"She's torn between being able to love her son, and being able to love Rufus. Some of what happens is amusing and some is sad, but it all makes for a great story." Amazon reader.
"Great plot and characters. Some tears for those who are sensitive but great enjoyment at the end." Amazon reader.
"Very intriguing Austen-esque novel with well developed characters and story line. The best historical romance novel I've read in a while." Amazon reader.
298 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2019
677 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Oakley
126 books211 followersAlso writes under Beverley Eikli.
Beverley Oakley writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances full of passion and laced with mystery and intrigue.
Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.
Here’s more about her series.
Daughters of Sin
A very steamy, funny, witty and dangerous Regency-set ‘Dynasty’ featuring two nobly-born debutantes and their illegitimate sisters - laced with political intrigue, cheating spouses and, of course, dangerous gentlemen.
1. Her Gilded Prison
2. Dangerous Gentlemen
3. The Mysterious Governess
4. Beyond Rubies
5. Lady Unveiled: The Cuckold’s Conspiracy
(Prequel coming October 2021)
The Scandalous Miss Brightwells
A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter and more sensual and poignant.
1. Rake’s Honour
2. Rogue’s Kiss
3. The Wedding Wager
4. The Accidental Elopement
5. The Honourable Fortune Hunter
6. The Wilful Widow
7. The Courtship Caper
Fair Cyprians of London
A group of women who work in a high class House of Assignation. Ranging from very steamy to sweet, hopeful redemption stories.
1. Saving Grace
2. Forsaking Hope
3. Keeping Faith
4. Wedding Violet
5. Christmas Charity
6. Loving Lily
Hearts in Hiding
Historical romantic suspense, very steamy often showing the darker aspects of Regency society, including the dependence and subjugation of women – and how, against the odds, they find their happy-ever-afters.
1. The Duchess and the Highwayman
2. The Bluestocking and the Rake
3. Duchess of Seduction
4. The Countess and the Cavalier
Scandalous: Three Daring Charades
Three sweet, yet intrigue-filled Regency historicals
Lady Sarah’s Redemption
Lady Olivia’s Butterfly
A Little Deception
You can connect with Beverley on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverl...,
or through her website at: www.beverleyoakley.com
http://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley
https://www.facebook.com/beverley.eikli
Beverley Oakley writes Regency, Victorian and Georgian-set romances full of passion and laced with mystery and intrigue.
Born in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, she married the handsome bush pilot she met in Botswana while managing a safari lodge and has spent the rest of her life as a ‘trailing spouse’ doing what she loves most: writing books from sweet to steamy; and from humorous to historical romantic suspense.
Here’s more about her series.
Daughters of Sin
A very steamy, funny, witty and dangerous Regency-set ‘Dynasty’ featuring two nobly-born debutantes and their illegitimate sisters - laced with political intrigue, cheating spouses and, of course, dangerous gentlemen.
1. Her Gilded Prison
2. Dangerous Gentlemen
3. The Mysterious Governess
4. Beyond Rubies
5. Lady Unveiled: The Cuckold’s Conspiracy
(Prequel coming October 2021)
The Scandalous Miss Brightwells
A humorous, sometimes steamy, matchmaking series – with some books sweeter and more sensual and poignant.
1. Rake’s Honour
2. Rogue’s Kiss
3. The Wedding Wager
4. The Accidental Elopement
5. The Honourable Fortune Hunter
6. The Wilful Widow
7. The Courtship Caper
Fair Cyprians of London
A group of women who work in a high class House of Assignation. Ranging from very steamy to sweet, hopeful redemption stories.
1. Saving Grace
2. Forsaking Hope
3. Keeping Faith
4. Wedding Violet
5. Christmas Charity
6. Loving Lily
Hearts in Hiding
Historical romantic suspense, very steamy often showing the darker aspects of Regency society, including the dependence and subjugation of women – and how, against the odds, they find their happy-ever-afters.
1. The Duchess and the Highwayman
2. The Bluestocking and the Rake
3. Duchess of Seduction
4. The Countess and the Cavalier
Scandalous: Three Daring Charades
Three sweet, yet intrigue-filled Regency historicals
Lady Sarah’s Redemption
Lady Olivia’s Butterfly
A Little Deception
You can connect with Beverley on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverl...,
or through her website at: www.beverleyoakley.com
http://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley
https://www.facebook.com/beverley.eikli
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 10, 2021
Beautiful, quiet/ retiring, penniless Eliza was willing
to marry odious/ angry George to have a roof over her
head. They became engaged. Oily George coveted funds
Eliza might inherit.
Eliza visited George & his wealthy female cousins,
Fanny & Antoinette (F+A), ea. of whom had a child.
Staid, emotionless Eliza, jumped into the river to save
these 2 children from drowning, when their boat over-
turned. While visitor Rufus saved the nanny and the
nursemaid. George made no attempt to save anyone.
Eliza and Rufus felt and (mostly) ignored a mutual
attraction.
Eliza shut down Rufus each time he tried to share his
feelings. Just tiresome. Early on Eliza discovered that
F+A had Jack, a foundling home boy, visit F+A's children
several times a week. Jack was the son Eliza had been told
she'd surrendered for adoption!
F+A acted bossy and goofy. The MCs didn't trust each
other till nearly the end. Jack was a charmer.
to marry odious/ angry George to have a roof over her
head. They became engaged. Oily George coveted funds
Eliza might inherit.
Eliza visited George & his wealthy female cousins,
Fanny & Antoinette (F+A), ea. of whom had a child.
Staid, emotionless Eliza, jumped into the river to save
these 2 children from drowning, when their boat over-
turned. While visitor Rufus saved the nanny and the
nursemaid. George made no attempt to save anyone.
Eliza and Rufus felt and (mostly) ignored a mutual
attraction.
Eliza shut down Rufus each time he tried to share his
feelings. Just tiresome. Early on Eliza discovered that
F+A had Jack, a foundling home boy, visit F+A's children
several times a week. Jack was the son Eliza had been told
she'd surrendered for adoption!
F+A acted bossy and goofy. The MCs didn't trust each
other till nearly the end. Jack was a charmer.
May 8, 2018
This was almost like reading a different version of pride and prejudice. Fabulous read. I love this author's work and this book definitely did not disappoint
May 5, 2018
I liked this story though it was a little helter skelter with points of view. Eliza's past comes back and gives her a big reason to get married. Problem: not to the right man. Her belief in fixing the past gave her a strength through unconditional love. Rufus was a good man but had to work through his concept of right and wrong before accepting what was in front of him.
I received a copy of this story through Candid Book Review, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Candid Book Review, and this is my unsolicited review.
April 25, 2018
I felt sorry for Eliza, she has sacrificed so much at such a young age and has been treated so bad by the people who should love and support you in spite of your error in judgement. Fanny and Antoinette are busy as bees, straight forward and their antics are hilarious, shocking & very entertaining. The plot did seem to drag a tad at times but the ending is very explosive emotionally and well worth the wait.
I was provided a copy by Candid Book Reviews.
I was provided a copy by Candid Book Reviews.
April 18, 2018
this was a good story.. it was interesting and the storyline was good.. and i enjoyed it
February 17, 2018
A well written romance, with underlying suspense, Devil's Run highlights the double standards, judgmental attitudes and abuse that many women were faced with in the Regency era. Written after the stye of Jane Austen, Ms Oakley brings out the quirkiness of country gentry and difficulties facing women of the times. Nevertheless the honourable Rufus sees Elize's good qualities and does everything in his power to protect her from the machinations of her family. Jane Austen's writings generally leave me with a melancholic feeling and this book is no different. However, I believe it fits the times and conditions facing Elize. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
October 1, 2025
It would have been helpful to know the backstories on several of the characters. I felt a little befuddled at times. There are two wealthy, matchmaking sisters involved from the first two books.
Eliza Montrose had a child out of wedlock at 17, seven years before the events of this story. The child was placed in a foundling home, although she was told he went to a loving family. She still yearns to find him. She's been living with her coldhearted aunt ever since, a woman who never fails to tell her what a sinner she is.
While at a picnic at the Earl of Quamby's estate, she performs a heroic act, drawing the admiration of Rufus Patmore. Mutual attraction is almost instantaneous, complicated by the fact that Eliza is engaged to George Bramley, the earl's heir, and a lascivious toad of a man. The only reason she continues with the engagement is because her son is a frequent visitor to the estate, brought from the foundling home to play with other children.
The plot is loaded with twists and turns. Eliza faces every kind of social roadblock to be found at the time, and she's constantly desperate to figure out what to do. There is a happy ending, but getting there is full of angst. Eliza's engagement with Bramley was left hanging. How did he react to what she did? Were there ever any consequences for his actions? What about her devious cousin, Susana? What was her reaction when the truth came out? There are more books in the series, but the next one takes place more than 10 years later, so these strings will probably be left untied.
Eliza Montrose had a child out of wedlock at 17, seven years before the events of this story. The child was placed in a foundling home, although she was told he went to a loving family. She still yearns to find him. She's been living with her coldhearted aunt ever since, a woman who never fails to tell her what a sinner she is.
While at a picnic at the Earl of Quamby's estate, she performs a heroic act, drawing the admiration of Rufus Patmore. Mutual attraction is almost instantaneous, complicated by the fact that Eliza is engaged to George Bramley, the earl's heir, and a lascivious toad of a man. The only reason she continues with the engagement is because her son is a frequent visitor to the estate, brought from the foundling home to play with other children.
The plot is loaded with twists and turns. Eliza faces every kind of social roadblock to be found at the time, and she's constantly desperate to figure out what to do. There is a happy ending, but getting there is full of angst. Eliza's engagement with Bramley was left hanging. How did he react to what she did? Were there ever any consequences for his actions? What about her devious cousin, Susana? What was her reaction when the truth came out? There are more books in the series, but the next one takes place more than 10 years later, so these strings will probably be left untied.
December 6, 2025
The extremely perceptive and sympathetic Brightwell sisters perform a few miracles and encourage reluctant bachelor, Mr. Rufus Patmore, to pursue mistreated and emotionally scarred Miss Eliza Montrose in an elaborate matchmaking scheme. The Brightwell sisters, through many sleuthing attempts, discover why Miss Montrose's attention was not on the smitten Mr. Patmore. As Miss Montrose attempts to correct a terrible wrong committed in her youth, chaos erupts in every aspect of her existence. I was absolutely spellbound reading about Miss Montrose's heartbreak and the harsh judgement of women taken advantage of by the men in the society of that day. Women were so easily labeled and discarded without a thought to their survival and the children of an unwed woman were also considered disposable and forgotten. Ms. Oakley takes her readers to that time and exposes the societal rules that govern life for the well-bred that own and control everything while the remainder of the population are designated as underlings that are born to serve the elite. WOW!!! What a horrible time to be born. The romance between classes was rare and a big deal in this strict society. It was a pleasure to read this emotional and realistic tale. GREAT READ!!!!!
June 8, 2021
Betrothed to the wrong man for the right reason
Eliza has finally found her son who was taken from her when she was a teen. She discovers him when she comes to visit her dear friend's home where has been coming to play (from the foundling home where he lives) with the Lord's poorly behaved son, several times a week. Her friend has a cousin who lives at the family estate as well, and his proposal opens the door for her to be reunited with her precious little boy. Her betrothed is not a man she could love, only her path to be able to protect her son.
A wonderful story of a bad situation eventually working out well. The secret of her unwed birth must be kept or the Cinderella life she leads could become much worse. Don't miss this series. Beverley will keep you enthralled.
Eliza has finally found her son who was taken from her when she was a teen. She discovers him when she comes to visit her dear friend's home where has been coming to play (from the foundling home where he lives) with the Lord's poorly behaved son, several times a week. Her friend has a cousin who lives at the family estate as well, and his proposal opens the door for her to be reunited with her precious little boy. Her betrothed is not a man she could love, only her path to be able to protect her son.
A wonderful story of a bad situation eventually working out well. The secret of her unwed birth must be kept or the Cinderella life she leads could become much worse. Don't miss this series. Beverley will keep you enthralled.
July 25, 2018
This is an interesting and amusing story. Eliza is a strong, determined, stubborn and caring woman. Mr. Bramley is a pompous, dominant and sleazy man. Rufus is a kind, considerate and chivalrous man. Eliza agrees to marry Mr. Bramley at first because he's the only man who had asked, then she wants to marry him in order to stay close to her son. She meets Rufus, and falls in love, after agreeing to marry Mr. Bramley a second time. She's torn between being able to love her son, and being able to love Rufus. Some of what happens is amusing and some is sad, but it all makes for a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Candid Book Reviews. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Candid Book Reviews. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
July 11, 2019
Devil's Run by Beverley Oakley is an outstanding historical romance. Ms. Oakley has provided readers with a well-written book. The characters are phenomenal and I loved the way Ms. Oakley maneuvered them through this story. Eliza was to marry a man she didn't care for but then she finds Jack, the son she gave up at birth, is a playmate to his cousins' children. Rufus sees another side of Eliza and wants to marry her. Rufus and Eliza's story is loaded with drama, action, humor, spice and suspense. I enjoyed reading Devil's Run and look forward to my next book by Beverley Oakley. Devil's Run is book 3 of the Scandalous Miss Brightwell Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
December 22, 2019
Historical English romance with a secret bastard child plot with a young mother searching for her lost son and will marry anyone in order to be close to her child.
Miss Eliza Montrose has finally found her lost son and must marry the Lord Quamby's mean nephew, George Bramley in order to be near him. But Eliza has some new friends that are going to help her find a different way to be near her beloved child while still finding love with her beloved Sylvester. Silly fluff.
270 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Miss Eliza Montrose has finally found her lost son and must marry the Lord Quamby's mean nephew, George Bramley in order to be near him. But Eliza has some new friends that are going to help her find a different way to be near her beloved child while still finding love with her beloved Sylvester. Silly fluff.
270 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
October 16, 2024
Glad it's over. I liked Rufus but Eliza got on my nervous. I felt like she made bad decisions time after time. I felt like she led Rufus on. I did not fault her for the decisions she made as an eighteen year old, I didn't like her decisions made at 25. This series has a "let me think for 10 minutes. Okay, all is forgiven" feel to the ending. So far the women in this series with the exception of Thea have been lacking. I was glad Bertham did not make an appearance, I had enough of him the in first two books.
December 2, 2025
This was very silly, but quite fun to read. The beautiful heroine has a dark secret and agrees to marry the odious Mr Bramley so that she will be out of the care of her aunt. However, a very nice man meets her and decides he might be a better match for her.
I liked it, and it was well written enough that I was kept interested. Plus, I had to look up a few words that i didn't know and that was quite unusual. I didn't enjoy the other characters from the other series as much. I found them a bit annoying. THey may be charming in their own stories, but not much in this.
I liked it, and it was well written enough that I was kept interested. Plus, I had to look up a few words that i didn't know and that was quite unusual. I didn't enjoy the other characters from the other series as much. I found them a bit annoying. THey may be charming in their own stories, but not much in this.
October 9, 2019
Devil is a really sweet horse. At least he is to Eliza. I found the beginning of this story to be quite confusing. I didn't know if I had missed a few pages or not. I finally caught on.
At least he is to Eliza. I found the beginning of this story to be quite confusing. I didn't know if I had missed a few pages or not. I finally caught on. Gosh it just got sadder as I read more. There finally get's to be some sweet spots and the hea, thankfully.
At least he is to Eliza. I found the beginning of this story to be quite confusing. I didn't know if I had missed a few pages or not. I finally caught on. Gosh it just got sadder as I read more. There finally get's to be some sweet spots and the hea, thankfully.
October 20, 2024
Love ever after
I couldn't stop reading this book once I started. Eliza didn't see herself as anything other than the way her aunt looked and treated her. After seven years of torment, Eliza had grown used to her punishment. Rufus was at Quamby house only for a horse but when he sees the heroic effort Eliza makes for the children something changes in him. He can't stop thinking of Eliza but knows she is betrothed to someone else. Slowly Eliza realizes she's in love with Rufus but feels her past will destroy any feelings Rufus has for her. Are Rufus and Eliza doomed to heartache?
I couldn't stop reading this book once I started. Eliza didn't see herself as anything other than the way her aunt looked and treated her. After seven years of torment, Eliza had grown used to her punishment. Rufus was at Quamby house only for a horse but when he sees the heroic effort Eliza makes for the children something changes in him. He can't stop thinking of Eliza but knows she is betrothed to someone else. Slowly Eliza realizes she's in love with Rufus but feels her past will destroy any feelings Rufus has for her. Are Rufus and Eliza doomed to heartache?
July 17, 2019
Maybe Too Naive?
This unusual Regency romance is suspenseful and well written. However, I found the heroine a little too naive. Of course everything works out in the end, but I would have preferred either less naivetee or enough backstory earlier in the book so that her character would have been more believable.
This unusual Regency romance is suspenseful and well written. However, I found the heroine a little too naive. Of course everything works out in the end, but I would have preferred either less naivetee or enough backstory earlier in the book so that her character would have been more believable.
January 16, 2021
Another gripping suspense romance
This is another gripping story in a series of suspense romances, that is full of emotional twists and turns. The characters are wonderfully crafted with the strength and determination to achieve their dreams. This is a great book that would be suitable for all those who love spicy historical romances.
This is another gripping story in a series of suspense romances, that is full of emotional twists and turns. The characters are wonderfully crafted with the strength and determination to achieve their dreams. This is a great book that would be suitable for all those who love spicy historical romances.
October 29, 2024
I listened to this as an audiobook. It was written in the style similar to Jane Austen old English, which is not my favorite but if you like it, it was good. The story was at the same time slow and yet too much happened in too short of a time. I didn't feel any depth in the characters. I didn't hate it but I won't search out this story line again.
August 5, 2018
I am going back and reread these books. Eliza made a bad choice that kept her at her Aunt's beck and call and now that Aunt is dead things start to come out that have been hidden from Eliza. What happens had my attention throughout this book a very well-written story.
June 14, 2019
Devil
Twists and turns humor and mishaps and misunderstanding lead for a merry romp trying to decipher who loves who and whether the good guy or the bad will win. Truly entertaining
Twists and turns humor and mishaps and misunderstanding lead for a merry romp trying to decipher who loves who and whether the good guy or the bad will win. Truly entertaining
June 16, 2019
DEVIL’S RUN : is wonderful ... an actual book (!) with a whole story, I loved it. A fanatic reader of romance novels, this story covered most of my bases. Love, secrets, characters, morals all here. A little sex would have been the cherry on top.
July 26, 2019
Different
This novel is different from the usual period romances I have read. Since it is the third in a series, I probably would have known what to expect if I had read the other two. I liked it well enough until I got to the end. Thank goodness there is an epilogue.
This novel is different from the usual period romances I have read. Since it is the third in a series, I probably would have known what to expect if I had read the other two. I liked it well enough until I got to the end. Thank goodness there is an epilogue.
August 21, 2019
Easily worth 5 stars. A quality plot. Well written. Well edited. Sympathetic to the period. Great research. Twists and turns along the way before reaching a satisfying conclusion. Thank you for providing me with hours of enjoyable reading!
March 14, 2020
Two many grooms
This was a semi fast read for me, but a good book. It had a bit of a Cinderella type theme in that the main character gets the bad end of the stick most of the time. I enjoyed seeing the twist at the end and the way the book concluded.
This was a semi fast read for me, but a good book. It had a bit of a Cinderella type theme in that the main character gets the bad end of the stick most of the time. I enjoyed seeing the twist at the end and the way the book concluded.
October 15, 2017
I really LOVED this story. I devoured every word and was sad to put the book down at the end. The hero is swoon-worthy and the heroine is gutsy, despite all the setbacks.
June 24, 2018
Love and Scandal
Very much enjoyed this read from this author. Great plot and characters. Some tears for those who are sensitive but great enjoyment at the end.
Very much enjoyed this read from this author. Great plot and characters. Some tears for those who are sensitive but great enjoyment at the end.
June 15, 2019
Drama!
Wow this had a lot of drama. Lies. Deception. Secrets. Matchmaking. Old love. New love. Scandal. This had it all.
Wow this had a lot of drama. Lies. Deception. Secrets. Matchmaking. Old love. New love. Scandal. This had it all.
July 5, 2019
Overall nice read
I did enjoy reading this but the heroine did drive me crazy sometimes with how she handled her situation. It did have an epilogue which I enjoyed though
I did enjoy reading this but the heroine did drive me crazy sometimes with how she handled her situation. It did have an epilogue which I enjoyed though
March 2, 2020
Very good reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews