Lord Morley's life will change forever when he wins a game of cards and a family of sisters to go along with it.
Miss Standish in none too pleased to have become the responsibility of yet another Lord, even if he is full of charm and goodness. Her responsibilities are to her sisters first.
With the repairs on the castle moving forward nicely and concerted efforts in a season in Bath made to find suitors for them all, Miss Standish and Lord Morley must determine where duty stops and matters of the heart take over.
Read this warm tale of family, sisters, loyalty and love to get a huge dose of the best part of a regency romance fans of Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer would enjoy.
An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. HIstory is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.
Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.
What a sweet story! Lord Morley and Miss Standish were perfectly suited for each other and were both kind, good people. They were easy to like and easy to root for. I think one of the the things I loved best about Morley was the way he viewed June's sisters as his own. His care and concern for them was so endearing. I loved him for that alone. Well, and for his good manners. He felt like all that was gentlemanly and good.
I love this family of Standish sisters living in a castle! They all have personality and it will be fun to follow each of their stories in this series.
Clean regency romance. Kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The next book in the Lords for the Sisters of Sussex series. Lord Morley wins an estate in a game of cards with his best friend, the Duke of Granbury. The estate also comes with the responsibility of the five Standish sisters who are of royal blood but because of the rules of heredity they've been living in a drafty cottage and relying on the kindness of others for several years. Morley wonders what Gerald was thinking when his let him win that card game?
Poor Lord Morley. He seemed surprised by his feelings for the oldest sister, June, who also seemed surprised by her feelings towards Morley. I completely understood Morley's dilemma--how would June feel if he admitted his feelings towards her? Would she think they were true or just Morley feeling he needed to care for her and her sisters? June was truly a selfless sister, putting aside thoughts of herself to care for her sisters and make sure they had matches to decent, honorable men. But she could be a tad stubborn.
I loved reading about the castle renovations and the discovery made during them. I also loved the excitement the sisters felt about getting new ball gowns and attending the ball. It had been so long since they'd had anything brand new and gotten to go anywhere. I liked how appreciative they were of the gowns they received from the duchesses. The sisters could've been quite bitter about their circumstances but they weren't.
This is a lovely Regency read and I'm glad Morley gets a happy ending like his best friend Gerald. This is part of a series, but each book can standalone, although it's fun to see the recurring characters.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
I've never been a gambler, but can you imagine instead of just winning money or an estate or something, you win a gaggle of sisters to go along with it? That's what happened to Lord Morley and I must say, he was quite a trooper to handle things so gallantly.
Lord Morley and Miss Standish both had a delightfully charming and easy demeanors. They were both very likable and had the best interests of the rest of the sisters close to their hearts. At times, I almost felt a Twelve Dancing Princesses or Little Women vibe with this swarm of amiable young ladies. They are full of personality and I hope there's a story about each and every one of them.
I love a heartwarming Regency tale and this one delivers.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
This is a sweet Regency romance that kept me entertained as Morley generously cares for the castle and Standish sisters, while June tries to resist falling in love with him. Morley reminded me of Laurie from Little Women where he can't help but cherish the familial closeness and the way he feels a part of their sisterhood- but as an honorary brother. He's a true gentleman and even though June resents that he feels responsible for them, she also appreciates all he has done to bring them back into society and provide for their future. I loved the dynamic with June and her sisters, and look forward to the rest of the series where each sister will find her own happily ever after.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
This book is absolutely sweet, romantic, and charming! Whenever I picked up “The Earl’s Winning Wager”, I was whisked away waltzing back in time to the Regency Era, and went on an amazing journey. This is the second book in Ms. Johnson’s “Lords for the Sisters of Sussex” series, but I believe it can be read as a stand alone as well (this is the first book in this series I have read, and I can’t wait to go back and read the first one!). Ms. Johnson truly knows how to bring the past to life, and it is so clear how much research she must have put in to make every word in this book authentic to the era. Furthermore, Ms. Johnson makes England jump vividly off of the page, and I loved experiencing each of the locations (from the cottage, castle, ballroom, beach, etc) with the characters. The castle in a way became a character in-of-itself to me. I absolutely loved the relationships between the 5 Standish sisters, and how each of their personalities shined through in what they did and said. The love between all of them was beautiful to read, and I am so looking forward to reading more about each of their stories! I also loved how beautifully thought out the various relationships (friendship, romance, etc) were in the book, as they all helped shape the story in one way or another. (Possible Spoilers in this paragraph!) I found myself so hoping for Morley and June to get their happy ending from the early pages of the book. And I have never seen flying a kite in such a romantic way before! I loved watching their relationship develop as they both came to realize what they felt for one another, and to allow themselves to feel what they do. It was beautiful to see...they truly compliment and bring out the best in one another. If you love Regency romance novels, I highly recommend this book! It is such a gem and treasure to read, and I look forward to the next books in this wonderful series. Thank you so much to the author, Jen Geigle Johnson for sending me an ARC of this book, I absolutely loved it! All opinions are my own.
I started reading this book as soon as I finished the first book in the series (you can read each as a stand alone). I loved reading Lord Morley's story! To win an estate with a castle and five sisters to take care of in a hand of cards? And one of those women you happen to have a fancy for? This story was so easy to read and I loved the Standish sisters! June was an endearing character as she acted as a mother to her older sisters and cared for their happiness above her own. The renovations to the castle and the mystery surrounding the sisters' connection to royalty is fascinating! I need and want to know more about their background, it is so intriguing! If you love sweet regency era novels, this is the book for you! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
A winning wager can feel like a disaster! Lord Morley won an estate from his best friend in a game of cards. The estate comes with five sisters, one of whom Lord Morley is very interested in.
Miss Standish is devoted to her sisters. She wants to make sure they make good matches and is not worried about having a home and family of her own. Her hopes surge that she can find happiness until she finds out that Morley is her new landlord. She is fed up with how she and her sisters have been passed on for their living arrangements from one person to another. She wants to make her own future without feeling like a burden.
I absolutely adored the characters of Miss Standish and Morley. There couldn't be two characters created that are better suited for one another. Both are kind and considerate and put another's welfare above their own. One of the best parts is their devotion to the Standish sisters. Morley fits right in as one of the siblings. In fact, he considers himself one of the family. The sisters are conspiring to ensure he becomes one of the family. I loved how they did their best at matchmaking.
The sisters are delightful. They each have unique personalities. The one common trait they share is their love of family. I really look forward to reading more about each of them and their family dynamics.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Quite possibly one of my favorite romance stories. June and Morley love each other from first meeting but are afraid to share their feelings. When a friend makes a move to place Morley in June's path it leads to a misunderstanding that throws their feelings into question. The characters, plot, and setting were well thought out and portrayed in a way that I felt I was part of the story. I could picture each character and the places around then vividly. Thanks Jen for another great novel!
I was so excited to be able to read this book and am now on the hunt for the first book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and felt as if I was right in the middle of it, in my minds eye. Very well written and very sweet. I do look forward to reading the books to follow and to see what will unfold.
I enjoyed this story about Morley and June. It is about 5 sisters who have been left destitute but are distant relatives to royalty. Because of their connections they have many people who help and care for them. But until the Duke of Granbury takes over their estate their was really no hope they would ever have a chance to marry. The Duke knows his cousin and best friend Morley had an interest in the oldest sister when they first met (which happened in book one) so he purposely loses the estate to Morley in a card game. His hopes is to be a match maker in some way for Morley and June. But the results of the wager didn’t have the immediate desired affects that the Duke would have desired. This story is about how June and Morley and the other sisters bond and become like family and find love that might have never come to either of them otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this story. It is a sweet and easy read. I hadn't read the first one (The Duke's Second Chance), so I was a little lost on the relationship between Morley and Gerald, how Morley had met the Sisters before, and Morley and Amelia's relationship, but this story is an excellent read and can be read as a stand alone story. I loved it so much, that I went back and read The Duke's Second Chance. The character development is perfect. I loved getting to know Morley and his reluctance to fall in love and his inability to realize that he had already fallen in love. I loved June's simplicity, her desire to love others, her ability to care for those around her by herself. She has a fighting spirit and cares deeply for others. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the sisters stories!
I hoped to love this one as much as a the first in the series but book 1 still holds my heart. Still, this is a nice read. There were parts of the book that felt odd since I'm used to the Ton looking down their noses at those that have fallen in fortune and these sisters are befriended by women who didn't have to show any attention at all. However, their attentions are kind of a competition to see who can be the most benevolent. The sisters are very gracious and thankful to these ladies for sharing their last years fashions but it kind of bothered me. June didn't want to be beholden to Morley but she was willing to be toward these great ladies. It felt a bit inconsistent. Do we just love pretty dresses so much that it can be overlooked? Lady Annebelle and Smallwood as well as Lady Morley were all more what I expect from the Ton. Actually I kept anticipating that Smallwood would be much worse. I was waiting for him to do something truly evil. He wasn't as bad as I thought he would be.
I liked Morley but thought him rather naive in asking a woman who keeps throwing herself at him to assist him in caring for the sisters. Does he not see a disaster coming straight at him? But he is a good man.
And June is a good and caring sister. She is strong willed and perhaps a little uncertain in love. But I liked her. And all the sisters. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
No sex, language or violence *I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
A wonderful story. I love Morley and June. They are such wonderful people. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading The Duke's Second Chance first to get the whole story. The Standish sisters are so much fun. I can't wait to read their stories. This was such a fun story to read with a lot of different emotions. I kind of wish there had been an epilogue, but that would probably ruin the series, so I will have to wait for the next book to see how things turned out.
This is a story almost as old as time. Does she love me? Does he love me? Is it just my imagination? False hope? The difference in this book is Ms Johnson’s delivery. An easygoing cadence with some anticipation at the results. And when all is said and done you are left with a smile on your face at the wonderful HEA. Highly recommended.
Wonderfully set in the Regency period, this story leaves you with a that "warm fuzzy" feeling you get with a new love, the love of family and most importantly loyalty to those we love!
This is the second book in the series and I really enjoyed it. It was in some ways, quite fast paced and the character development is different to how the author usually writes, however, we were introduced to all of the characters in the first book, so I definitely recommend reading that before this one if you can, since it helps to build on the characters personalities.
I really enjoyed Lord Morley’s character in the first story so I was looking forward to reading this one. There is a bit of subterfuge in this story to keep things interesting and we get a better glimpse as some of the other sisters characters/personalities. I’m really intrigued with Charity’s character and am looking forward to her story in particular. For some reason, I identify with her the most so that adds to the intrigue.
This is a clean, wholesome read with a feel good ending. We also get to meet the Duke and Duchess from the first story again throughout this one so again, I definitely recommend reading “The Duke’s Second Chance” first.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, with no obligation to leave a review.
I love this kind of book. It’s a quick, easy read. There are great characters that we’ve met before (make sure to read The Duke’s Second Chance first), and a great love story that will draw you in.
I loved June in this one. She’s the oldest of five sisters. One thing I really loved about her was the way she was unconcerned about herself. She wants to make sure that all of her sisters are married, even if she herself ends up alone.
Then there’s Morley. He won the care of the Sisters of Sussex and their castle in a card game from his friend, Gerald the Duke of Granbury. I loved the way he was sneaky about this. He knew his friend had his eye on June from the one time they had met, and he wanted to give them a chance. This seemed like the perfect idea. But he forgot to take June into account. She wants nothing to do with being Morley’s responsibility.
I loved the we got to see the Duke and Duchess of Granbury in this one again. And the other sisters are amazing. I can’t wait to get to read all of their stories!
I was sent a copy of The Earl’s Winning Wager as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
Super cute book with a clean regency romance. It will be fun to read each of the sisters’ stories as this series continues! June is a great heroine because she is strong but caring. Morley is a great hero because he is noble but timid in love.
Review: As I neared the end, I realized this book reads just a bit like a novella, which elevates my opinion of it. It is an exceptionally quick read, which backs up that feel. Also, there is very little conflict to resolve or character development, and what does happen throughout, happens rather quickly. Some parts of the book left me frustrated, as a character couldn’t seem to make up his/her mind. Mostly I just wanted to see things fleshed out a little more. However, other parts of the book were so perfectly swoony! The kite flying! The rock castle wall! Claiming the Sussex girls as “his sisters!” That final scene!
June is a great big sister. She’s so caring and thoughtful and worried about her sisters and I love that she selfless Lee looks out for their best without regard to how things could work out for her. I relate to her, in that I’m the oldest sibling of a large family and I understand the protective feelings. She definitely is conflicted and that was my biggest frustration with her character. I’m glad she finally figured out what her heart was really telling her.
Charity is probably my favorite sister. I just love a female character who speaks her mind and has opinions! I kept getting Kate and Lucy mixed up. I think they just didn’t have a lot about them specifically in the book (again, kind of a novella feel). Impulsive, chatty Grace. Her last line in the book was the best!
Morley is almost too good. He’s just a perfect hero for a story. I love how he takes to the sisters and feels that protectiveness for each of them because he grows to care about them. Probably his greatest failing is he fails to say the important things when they should be said. And he judges just a bit too quickly. But really, he’s so great. I was struggling to understand Charity’s hesitation about him.
Duke of Granbury and Amelia are beautiful! I admit I haven’t read the first book (somehow missed that this is the second book 🥴) but gosh they are both so likable!
Lord Smallwood and Lady Annabelle are both just slimy and not worth any other mention.
Oh, and Lady Morley. Oh dear. How does a man become so good when that is his mother? She really is vicious and I just desperately wanted to read the conversation between her and Morley when she learns of his choice and him sending her to live in the northern estates.
Overall I think it’s a great story premise with a good lineup of characters. I just would have liked a little more in the development of the story and characters. #jessielynnreads
THE EARL'S WINNING WAGER is a story of instant attraction, family, friendship, and romance. Set in Brighton, with the ton visiting and a family of sisters moving from being impoverished to among society, makes for a sweet romance with twists and a few conniving characters to mix things up. Recommended to those who enjoy this author and series, and light, sweet historical romance.
I really liked this family of sisters. They each had their own personalities with their own faults, talents, and dreams. I loved how the oldest was a bit like the mother hen of the group, as they've lost both of their parents. I also really liked Morley. He was just a solidly good guy who was trying to figure out how to fulfill his responsibilities to the Standish sisters while also courting the oldest. There was an immediate attraction and chemistry between them, but they were a bit awkward in trying to figure things out. What made this story enjoyable were the sisters though. There were lots of fun and sweet moments involving them. The romance was sweet.
I think I would have enjoyed this story slightly more if I'd read the first book in the series, mostly because the couple from that book is in this story quite a bit. Otherwise, this story was fine to read on its own. I did have a few issues with how easily Morley leans on a former romantic interest and Miss Standish is open to a rake that she doesn't know. Those aspects of the plot didn't really work for me, especially since Morley was seasoned enough to handle things differently and had closer friends he could have leaned on instead. I also would have liked the characters and story fleshed out a bit more. The ending was really abrupt and I would have liked more added on there.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I enjoyed this story overall. It was sweet with a fun group of characters in the Standish sisters. I'm definitely curious to see how each of the sisters turn out.
Content: Clean Source: I received a complimentary copy through Singing Librarian Books, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
What an enjoyable second book in this regency series: Lords for the Sisters of Sussex. The five sisters were introduced in the first book, "The Duke's Second Chance" which kicked off the series. Gerald, Duke of Granbury had inherited the responsibility for the family's crumbling ancestral castle and the care of the five orphan sisters in book one. This second book starts off as the Duke of Granbury loses a game of cards to his good friend Lord Morley. The unexpected wager was the land and the care of the Standish sisters. Lord Morley was such a wonderful character as he took his responsibilities for the care and potential marriage alliances for the sisters very seriously. His only problem was trying to get the eldest sister Miss June Standish to realize he had more than just feeling of responsibility towards her. Every time he was around her- he would feel somewhat flustered and his true feelings would not come across to her. When other men start to show her attention, he is not sure how to handle the situation. Miss June Standish- the eldest of the five sisters has taken her responsibility for their upbringing seriously since the death of their parents. Their circumstances of having a noble background while being dependent on others for their financial needs has sometimes left her feeling pitied. When she discovers that Lord Morley won their family home and their care in a gaming wager, she finds it hard to believe that Lord Morley feels anything more than responsibility towards her and her sisters. Can she trust what she sees in his eyes when he talks to her or should she receive the attentions of another gentleman who seems to be pursuing her? The book could be read as a stand alone story but reading the books in order will help as there is a continuation of story and characters from the previous book. I am really looking forward to the other sisters' stories as each one of them have very unique charming characteristics. I was given a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
June Standish and her four younger sisters live in a precarious time, especially for women. As women they cannot inherit so their lives and property are placed in the hands of men they do not know, who sometimes gamble them away. Their whole future and comfort depend on these guardians. They have no wealth, yet they have a royal background.
I enjoyed this story of sisters as they must maneuver with the ton and try to make the best of things. They are now living in their ancestral home- a castle only to await their hopeful and future marriages.
This is the love story between eldest sister June and Lord Morley. Morley has become their sudden guardian and he does not relish the job. He already has a soft spot for the sisters, especially June. As he sets out to introduce them in society his feelings for June come rushing forward as other men come to meet her.
Will Morely and June put away their stubbornness, duties, and illusions and figure out that they are meant for each other? This was a sweet and lovely romance with a castle, a lord, and a family with a long history. I am looking forward to each sisters' story.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
I happened to lose my copy of this ... Found it a week later in the van, I had put it under my seat, oops!
Wellllllll, I finally sat down and read the rest of the book listening to the waves at the beach ... It was quite a relaxing read after having something of a reading slump.
I liked the romance and the sisters relationship was one that I love.
I wasn't sure of Morley at first and didn't know what to think of him until halfway through the book and I found that I did liked him and he just didn't really know what he was doing.
A sweet regency romance though I don't agree with the author's beliefs so I may not read more of her books.
Head's up, the author is LSD which I didn't realize until after I read it. Her beliefs didn't affect the storyline, but I just want you to be able to make the choice.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Lord Morley, did wonder at later date, if the Earl had deliberately lost to him at that most memorable game.
There seemed no other reason, that Lord Morley could now be the owner of a castle and guardian of FIVE sisters. (Jane Austen)
June the eldest of five girls has her hands full, there is just so much to do, with four others relying on her. Marriage and a life of her own, It is not on the close horizon. There is a lot for these to hero's to sort out, before they are able to make a commitment to each other.
I really enjoyed this book, Jen has once again worked magic onto the words and the wonderful characters. Some parts of the book are really quite humorous, it kept me up very late, I just has to read it all.
Thank you, Jen for another really good book to read. I have volunteered to review this book.
Romance - Sweet and Clean Language - None Violence - None Recommendation - High Series - Book 2 (There is a prequel novella to this series also)
I loved this book! I was just going to start it at bedtime, and ended up staying up reading the entire book because I could not put it down. It's THAT good!
I have to admit, my favorite character is our Hero, Lord Morley. He is so good and so kind, everything you expect our leading man to be. The way he seems to adopt all of the girls and comes to look upon each one as a sister, with of course the exception of June. She takes up a special place in his heart.
I do want to go back now and read the prequel novella that sets this series up, as I have not read it yet. However, this definitely can be read as a stand-alone. I just want to read his story because he and Amelia are fantastic!
*****I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. It in no way influenced my opinion of this book.****
Jen Geigle Johnson once again throws a little twist into the Regency aristocratic romance. This time, there are five sisters with a royal bloodline and no livelihood other than the charity bestowed on them.
I enjoyed getting to know the sisters and their unique personalities. And I sincerely hope each of them gets her own story.
Overall, The Earl’s Winning Wager is a sweet, easy-paced romance without a lot of conflict, other than will they or won’t they get together. But sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of read I’m looking for.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
My goodness! Morley certainly won a handful, very well planned out by the Duke of course. 😉 I loved reading this story. I did not like Smallwood, Annabelle, or Lady Morley even a little bit. I knew they were up to something. I liked seeing how it all played out. June is a wonderful, selfless woman. She deserves happiness. I don't normally give spoilers but I think my headline does. Romance, schemes, gowns, picnics, a ball, a castle, and sisterly love are all part of this delightful, must-read story. ❤
Originally *Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited* But I purchased a copy as soon as I finished. I know I will read it again!
I loved The Earl’s Winning Wager by Jen Geigle Johnson! The characters were wonderful. I enjoyed seeing so many characters from the previous book in the series and I look forward to seeing them in the following books. There was so much personality and depth to each character, so much caring and goodness, with a bit of opposition. Just a really great and fun, sweet, clean love story. And the ending was perfect. Except that it ended and I didn’t want it to end. But that’s the great thing about a series—you get to read more about them next time! I definitely recommend it.
What a wonderful continuation of this series. The changes Lord Morley made to change his life and learn to care for these five sisters was fun to experience. One never knows when those parental feels will appear. The sisters are wonderful, I can't wait to see what happens to them next. A sweet, clean story, I just want the next one.
I received a complimentary book(s) from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
The Earl's Winning Wager: Clean Regency Romance (Lords for the Sisters of Sussex Book 2)
Really enjoy stories with sister relationships. This was a sweet clean Regency romance & another enjoyable fast read. The sisters were cute & the Earl was sweet⭐⭐⭐💫
Book synopsis: "Lord Morley's life will change forever when he wins a game of cards and a family of sisters to go along with it.
Miss Standish in none too pleased to have become the responsibility of yet another Lord, even if he is full of charm and goodness. Her responsibilities are to her sisters first.
With the repairs on the castle moving forward nicely and concerted efforts in a season in Bath made to find suitors for them all, Miss Standish and Lord Morley must determine where duty stops and matters of the heart take over."