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Women of Worth #4

Love in the Wager

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An arranged marriage. A tormenting neighbor. 

When Lydia's father tells her he's obtained a husband for her, Mr. Thornton, she doesn't know whether to laugh or cry. She had only met the man once before, and he had immediately left her stranded in a ballroom after asking her to dance. How could she marry a man who already deemed her forgettable

Left without a choice, Lydia finds herself married soon after to Mr. Thornton, and she's immediately whisked off to his country estate, leaving behind everything and everyone she knows. Throwing herself into seeing to the needs of her new home, she determines to make herself useful and discover something she might have in common with her husband.

But when someone starts leaving threatening notes on their door, Lydia and her new husband must work together to determine who is in danger—and how they will save them.

261 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 2019

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538 people want to read

About the author

Kasey Stockton

59 books1,355 followers

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5 stars
560 (40%)
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530 (38%)
3 stars
243 (17%)
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45 (3%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
1,032 reviews
October 19, 2020
I really wanted to like this. I am a sucker for a good marriage of convenience or arranged marriage. I love when strange circumstances put two people together who would not have chosen each other but are so right for each other. But this was just so tepid. The hero and heroine were basically indifferent to each other for the entire book. They seemed to basically want nothing to do with each other. It was stated that they had some evening conversations, but mostly the heroine read to the hero and that was it. They would point blank ask each other questions about how the other felt about something, and the response was usually equivalent to "oh, okay." Even the big secret in the book, the thing that brought them together, caused almost no conflict. It could have been a real source of tension, but instead, the heroine discovered it, the hero explained and apologized and she forgave him in what felt like maybe a half hour of their lives. Look, even Jane Austen books, as controlled and proper as relationships in them tend to be, have more emotional drama and tension than this book. The fact that there's no sex in it whatsoever is another thing. It's okay to exclude sex, but there should be some indication that the couple is attracted to each other and drawn together by something. Anything.
I listened to the audiobook, and while I really enjoyed the female narrator's voice, I didn't understand why it switched to a male narrator. It was jarring and unnecessary. The female narrator could have done it all just fine.
Profile Image for Camille.
Author 35 books561 followers
October 1, 2019
Love in the Wager is my first book by Kasey Stockton and overall I enjoyed it. I never tire of marriage of convenience romances, and this one had an intriguing setup in that the heroine’s hand was given in a game of cards. The romance, told in altering first-person narration, developed at a lovely pace. I enjoyed watching both Edward and Lydia not only grow as people but draw closer together as their unique arrangement develops into a love match. I also liked the unique subplot of Lydia desiring to create a Sunday School to teach poor children to read.

While I liked both Edward and Lydia and enjoyed seeing their romance unfold, the plot suffered from a few elements I personally don’t enjoy—too many secrets, misunderstandings, and lack of communication, especially when the reasons for these obstacles were never adequately explained or, when they were, were rather flimsy. The added mystery element behind who was leaving threats felt like it was added to create drama rather than enhance the story, especially since who was behind it was too obvious and I felt the motivation was a bit of a stretch.

Despite these quibbles, Love in the Wager was still an enjoyable way to spend the evening. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,074 reviews11 followers
September 11, 2019
Lydia was convinced she would never marry, nor did she have any interest in marrying. So, she was more than surprised when her father told her he had found her a husband. Her husband was to be Edward Thornton and he had already "proposed" via her father. Edward was not a stranger to Lydia. He had asked her to dance and then had promptly abandoned her on the dance floor to dance with someone else. Edward had actually lost in a gambling spree. He had gambled everything, including his family estate. Since Lydia's father had won the bet, he made a deal with Thornton that he would pay off all of his gambling debts if he would marry his daughter. Edward agreed.

Lydia went along with the marriage plan hoping that she and Edward would eventually at least be friends, but she had hoped that if she ever married that it would be a love match. She had no hopes of that in this relationship.

This is the fourth book in the Women of Worth series by this author. Mrs. Stockton is a fairly new published writer and I am impressed every time I read one of her books and her skill and talent as a writer. She is able to weave a wonderful story with incredible character that draws the reader in where you feel totally invested in the story. I look forward to more wonderful stories by this author.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Profile Image for Melody.
672 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2020
It took me quite a while to read this one. I’m not exactly sure why... The other books in this series are quite compelling and easy to get through, but this one was difficult, and I can’t quite figure out the reason. I was grateful to see how Lady Cameron was doing and see how things turned out for her, as well as Lady Stallsbury, from earlier books in the series.

It’s funny, but only after rereading the third book (Lady Stallsbury’s novel) that I realized the greater connection of Mr Thornton and his sister being at the same house party. Of course that’s the connection to the rest of the series. I’ve been reading so many books this year, I’ve been dropping connections left and right. I love reading whole series from beginning to end because it helps tie them all together in my mind.

Anyway, even though reading it took a while, I did enjoy this book quite a lot. I appreciated Thornton’s willingness to change, and their ability to work together despite the circumstances.

3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4 for Goodreads.
Profile Image for Stacey.
321 reviews5 followers
September 13, 2019
This whole series has been delightful! This particular story shows both points of view which I really love! I definitely recommend reading the books in order, as multiple characters from the previous stories appear frequently throughout this one. I always enjoy Ms. Stocktons novels. I love Regency Era novels & Stockton has done a fantastic job of transporting us back to that era I think.
Incidentally, I found the authors note at the end particularly interesting. I truly appreciate it when authors bring in actual historical events in to their stories.
Plus, the sneak peek for the next book already has me eagerly awaiting book 5! Again, truly loving reading the story from two point of views! Thank you Ms. Stockton!
This whole series has been clean & wholesome with well developed characters & happy endings. I can definitely recommend.
1,321 reviews59 followers
April 28, 2020
3.5 stars, this was a good book, but didn't quite tip into the great book category for me. I did enjoy the characters and the dialogue was very well written. What I felt like I struggled with was how poorly Edward and Lydia communicated and that it went so long into the story before they learned to do so. I didn't quite believe they were falling in love when they took so long to really communicate. I also felt like there was such a buildup regarding Edward's dislike of Radmahl and the threatening notes that when it finally came to a head it was a bit of a letdown. The chemistry at the very end of the book between Edward and Lydia was good and I liked their Pride and Prejudice moments. This is a good clean Regency romance.
Profile Image for Lori.
171 reviews6 followers
October 1, 2019
Enjoyable arranged marriage story combined with some mystery & intrigue!
Profile Image for Elizabeth S.
764 reviews16 followers
August 21, 2023
First person narratives are challenging for an author. I'm not a fan even when they are done well, and they didn't work for me in this book.

Another problem is Lydia's calm acceptance when informed that she's being forced to marry someone she doesn't even know. It's hard to imagine that she would accept it in such a docile way, asking no questions of her father as to why he had made such an arrangement for her with no warning at all. And when first in company with Edward, an awkward situation for them both, they can hardly find words to say to each other, when both of them should have a thousand questions. The few words they do manage to utter are banal and pointless.

Both protagonists seem a little dim-witted. Neither of them speaks with honesty or out of the necessity a situation calls for, nor are the excuses for their silence believable. The worst flaw in the book is the revelation of the culprit behind the threatening notes left on the door. The author gives no explanation for how Lydia came to the realization of the person's identity. The reason for the culprit's actions are beyond ridiculous.

In addition to the unrealistic plot line and the barely likable protagonists, the book is riddled with grammatical errors. They interrupt the flow and take the reader completely out of the story. 2.5 stars
2,543 reviews46 followers
February 9, 2021
This one was just okay for me. I had too many "wouldn't he" "shouldn't she" type thoughts. Like if your household is being threatened wouldn't you be doing more to protect it? Guards? Would you allow your wife to go into the woods and spend time in the barn with just another woman assuming that is enough to protect her? At least send a footman with her. I kept waiting for him to at least go to the loft to see her Sunday School in action. Those things bugged me.

I did like that Mr. Thornton wasn't overbearing about Lydia having the school even when the rest of the village was so obviously against it. And I liked that he was willing to work himself to make repairs etc on his estate rather than just overseeing his employees.
I liked that Lydia realized her father had given her a good chance in life even if it felt like a bad deal to begin with and that she was forgiving of the situation once she knew of it. It would be easy to blame her husband as well as her father but in truth her father had led her husband to believe she already knew so you can't really fault him for not telling her.

It is a pleasant read but the intrigue did not make my heart pound and the romance was just a relief that they finally figured things out.

No sex or language
Some potential peril but no violence
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
January 26, 2020
This is a gripping, romantic and intriguing story. Edward was deep in debt when he foolishly wagered his house, and lost. But the man he wagered against offered him a deal he couldn't turn down, he could keep his home and have all his debts payed if he married the man's daughter. Accepting the deal, Edward promised himself he would give up gambling and take care of his home. When he goes to see Lydia for the first time, he's very thankful that she is so agreeable to the marriage. Having only spent a few hours together, Edward decides that the intimate part of the marriage could wait until they knew each other better. Lydia is a little confused as to why Edward offered for her, but he's kind and respectful. As they play games, they get to know each other, and both develop feelings for the other. Edward gets a little help realizing his feelings by the person who is leaving threatening notes on their front door. This is not an angsty story, Edward and Lydia have their issues, but neither goes overboard in their reactions, so it's a slow, sweet buildup of love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
154 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2024
Pleasant Story

This was a generally pleasant read, though both main characters were
more passive than expected. The angsty bits were handled in a measured fashion, so resolution wasn't dragged out too long and was often found through conversation.

I was expecting a bit more humor and drama. I would have preferred to see more of these two together, such as through their question games, so the first thoughts of love would feel more developed. That said, parts of the love story felt taken from another novel (Sensibly Wed) by the same author...

Spoilers

...such as married as strangers, played a question game, heroine liked to read/hero didn't, heroine lost control of horse/hero helped.

I think the Sunday School idea was nice for Lydia to pursue. Her care for the children seemed genuine, and while she was passionate about her cause she wasn't abrasive or obnoxious in communicating her views.

Edward's gambling problem seemed a bit easier to overcome than I expected. I liked that he seemed to be keeping himself so busy to avoid the temptation, but that was the most we really saw. He made little wagers like for questions, so I guess the hard line was just for cards.
Profile Image for Brooke Losee.
Author 31 books69 followers
October 8, 2023
She's getting married...to the man who forgot he'd even asked her to dance. What a splendid way to begin a relationship.

This was a cute arranged marriage story. Lydia is the very quiet type and well suited for Edward, a man who has decided to but him gambling vice behind him. The two of them awkwardly danced around one another, giving the perfect opportunity for a slow-blooming romance. I loved seeing Lord Cameron again. They've been my favorite couple from this series so far, and I was excited they got to help matchmake a bit in this one (and I ADORED the ending for them, which I will NOT spoil but know that it's tear-worthy and I'm so happy for them) What I also loved about this story was how protective Edward was, a reaction that showed how much he was falling for his new wife without him even realizing. The notes intended to drive them away from the estate actually bring them together and also kept me guessing. There are some great twists in this series! And I've enjoyed how they all played out. Only one left. *CRIES

Profile Image for Laura B.
245 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2025
Love in the Wager is the 4th book of the Women of Worth series. I have only read one other book in this series, the 1st one called Love in the Bargain, and that one was much better than this novel. I absolutely hated the heroine in this story; she was not sympathetic, but selfish, petty, and self-righteous.

This novel alternates first person POV’s of both the heroine, Lydia, and the hero, Mr. Thornton, with more of Lydia’s. I wished there were more of Mr. Thornton’s POV, his were more enjoyable to read; at least he was sympathetic.

In all honesty, I wonder why I even kept reading this novel. I guess I kept hoping Lydia would redeem herself, but I also wondered what on earth did Mr. Thornton saw in her. I really cannot recommend this book, even if you like marriage of convenience stories during the Regency period. Love in the Wager is just not worth the time. 1*½*
Profile Image for Lyssa.
855 reviews25 followers
November 9, 2021
I enjoyed this novel. Lydia acknowledges feelings of fear of rejection, doubt, nervousness, etc. but intentionally presses on. She is hopeful and confident in her relationship with Edward and quick to forgive and move forward. Those qualities were a breath of fresh air in this genre.

I thought the progressive attitudes were a touch too frequent ( I couldn’t see a collection of society belles taking a handful of local poor kids to the modiste to get fitted for winter coats and accessories, but I could see mr cranfields, the inspiration, wife physically making them as she could, out of what she had available), but it was definitely balanced with plenty of the prevailing attitudes of the time.

All in all, it was a sweet story.
2 reviews
June 22, 2022
My favorite book in this series

I really liked this book. I read the 3 books that came before this book in the series, but this one is my favorite. I liked both Lydia's and Edward's characters and was pleased that they realized they needed to communicate with each other (I find it annoying when characters have huge arguments or just completely stop talking to each other because of a misunderstanding due to a lack of communication). While Lydia and Edward did have issues they did not let things get out of hand. I also greatly enjoyed seeing Elsie and Cameron and how they were doing, since the last time they were really mentioned Elsie (and Cameron) was very disappointed due to her family situation).
Profile Image for Julie.
200 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2021
I didn't like the story too much. I feel there was too much telling and not enough showing. I didn't believe the falling in love of the two main characters, at all. There were way too many tepid conversations, to believe they fell in love. The miscommunication trope was not done well. The mystery was also a let down as it wasn't really enough to cause the upset intended.

Also, I know the series is called "Women of Worth," so why have the POV from the male lead character sparsely woven in with the female POV? Especially when his POV does nothing to add to the narrative, nor help to move it along? This makes me not interested in reading the previous books in the series.
164 reviews4 followers
January 1, 2023
I just finished book 4 of the Women of Worth series by Kasey Stockton and this one is definitely my favorite so far!!
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🌼 I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience and I think this one was done really well! I really enjoyed seeing their relationship grow, it was so sweet!
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🌼 I appreciated the very meaningful lessons learned as well. It was heartwarming while dealing with some serious life issues. And no inappropriate content!
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🌼 I'm really bummed because my library doesn't currently have book 5 in this series available on Hoopla 😭 hopefully that will change soon and I can listen to it soon!
Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,120 reviews17 followers
March 10, 2020
Love in the Wager
Kasey Stockton
Mr Thornton is a gambler. When he loses house in a card game, the winner offers him a good deal- he can have his house if he marries the man's daughter. He takes him up on the offer and is introduced to Lydia. She had met him once before when he offered a dance and then left her standing it on the dance floor. She was not happy with the match... who would be when you were left stranded!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
960 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2020
Clean romance

This fourth book in the series doesn’t disappoint at all. It is a story of love but of kindness and redemption. It has a bit of a mystery and secrets which throw a twist twist into the plot.
I have enjoyed reading the other books in sequence as it makes each book richer to me. I enjoyed reading of the characters that appear in the other books and see their stories continue as well.
But this story can be enjoyed as a stand alone as well.
I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
259 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2023
For effort but really should be 2

The heroine was extremely immature. She never asked why he wanted to marry her and didn’t ask how long they were living in the country, are just two if the necessary questions amount many that she ignored. No conversation. Not to bright. Was obsessed with teaching children when she should have learned more for all her reading. Hero was the same kind of flat personality. Boring. I had read a couple of books by this author that I thought were pretty good. Last few were not.
16 reviews
March 7, 2024
2nd Favorite so far

Casey Stockton is my new favorite author. The 1st Book I read of hers "The Jewels of Halsted Manor" is my favorite. Clean great story with a bit of mystery. I think I like this one so much because it also has some mysteries not revealed until near the end so it is more intriguing. I love the series so we get to continue on with many of the same characters progressing from book to book. I want to read all of Kasey's books if I can. A bit of history it seems in each book.
Profile Image for Leslie Books and Socks Rock.
893 reviews22 followers
March 15, 2020
It’s always fun starting a new book by an author who love and seeing familiar characters! This book is an arranged marriage for Lydia and Edward. Their love story was sweet and how they grew more comfortable with each other. Edward isn’t a talkative man but one of action. I appreciated that Lydia was able to pick up on his acts of kindness.

There was intrigue with threatening notes being left. There were lots of secrets within Thornville.
261 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2020
Excellent series enjoyed every book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love how the author shows each side to the story through the character. Also how we get the whole story with a epilogue.. well done. I must say it kept me fascinated from the start. Lots of marriages were arranged but it was nice to see how this one evolved. Just wondering if the sisters story can be told as well.
19 reviews
January 29, 2023
Great series with very real characters, from sometimes troubling beginnings or situations with laudable resolution and love

They have all had characters I’ve cared for. This story touched me in a variety of ways. I knew of the Cranfield schools and the excellent couple who started them.
This one also turned out to be a great love story, as have the others. I admire the way the stories intersect with previous ones and their great characters.
Profile Image for Rosemary Markham.
659 reviews
May 6, 2023
I like this story. It is about a young foulish gentleman who wagers his estate in a game of cards and loses. The older gentleman he loses to is very wise and instead of demanding payment works out a deal that he will pay off the foulish man's debts if he will marry his daughter. His daughter was pretty but a little shy and his father felt she would become a spinster otherwise.
The wise gentleman turned out being very wise indead.
Profile Image for Alicia Rivoli.
Author 10 books67 followers
May 27, 2020
3.5* I enjoyed the characters the story offered and liked getting to know previous characters from other books better. The story itself was okay. The author spent the entire book leading up to a big climactic ending, but it fell short. Everything seemed rushed and was wrapped in on just a few pages. That said, I would still recommend it to friends because it was a cute story.
Profile Image for dana walker.
8 reviews
September 29, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyable

I recently found this series and have spent the last few days devouring it. I especially enjoyed reading this one in the series as it shows how love could grow in an arranged marriage unlike the typical atypical love matches of most regency period love stories.
2,364 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2021
Clean read

This was a story that had a few undercurrents going on throughout. Although it’s about Mr. Thornton and his acquired wife and how they work through to their happy end. We find Lord Cameron and Elsie and a family secret revealed that surprises all. Also, there is Sarah Thornton and her issues. Still all is worked through and revealed at the end
Profile Image for Heather.
1,190 reviews
December 5, 2021
Wait wait, let's picture this. I'm a father, playing cards with a younger man who has run up so much debt that he bets his house AND LOSES. So then I make him a bargain... I'll pay off his losses and give him back his house, but nothing extra... As long as he marries my daughter. Sounds like JUST the kind of guy I want marrying my daughter, a broke gambler!!
Profile Image for iread.
826 reviews11 followers
July 28, 2022
Love in the Wager is book four in The Women of Worth series. I enjoyed this book. At first, I had to adjust to the constant change in point of view. Each chapter is told from a different character’s point of view. Even though this is book four in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. This is a sweet romance.

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