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The Wedding Wager
All Lady Victoria Kirby wants is to dig in the dirt, take notations, and record history, thank you very much. Bumbling through ballrooms and getting disdained by the ton for her less than ideal looks, on the other hand, is the last thing she wants. But her reckless father has a different idea for her future when he puts up the ultimate ante—her hand in marriage—and loses. Over her dead body.
The Duke of Chase cannot bear to see a woman misused. After all, he saw that often enough as a child. So when he’s witness to a marquess gambling away his daughter to a lecher of a man, he has no choice but to step in and rescue her. Lady Victoria has a reputation for being as tart as a lemon and as bitter as one, too. So, he may have just found the perfect wife to keep a promise he made to himself long ago—to never have an heir. With her, surely, he'll never be tempted to take her to bed and break that promise.
But when he meets the wild, witty, intelligent, young lady he’s bound to marry, he knows trouble is headed his way... And everything he ever swore to uphold may very well come undone, especially his heart.
The Duke of Chase cannot bear to see a woman misused. After all, he saw that often enough as a child. So when he’s witness to a marquess gambling away his daughter to a lecher of a man, he has no choice but to step in and rescue her. Lady Victoria has a reputation for being as tart as a lemon and as bitter as one, too. So, he may have just found the perfect wife to keep a promise he made to himself long ago—to never have an heir. With her, surely, he'll never be tempted to take her to bed and break that promise.
But when he meets the wild, witty, intelligent, young lady he’s bound to marry, he knows trouble is headed his way... And everything he ever swore to uphold may very well come undone, especially his heart.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2021
179 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
October 5, 2021
Lady Victory Kirby is more interested in archeology and history than society and suitors. She is happy to stay a spinster, but her father has other plans…willing to gamble her hand in marriage over a game of dice. Derek Kent, Duke of Chase, may be known as a rake, but he has a noble streak and finds himself stepping in and wagering over Victoria’s hand himself.
The blurb for this book drew me in right away, but sadly it was not for me. I had extremely mixed feelings about this book and was ready to give up a few chapters in. There was something cold and choppy in the writing and I couldn’t connect to the characters. They had quirks and mercurial, analytical nature. This is not the first book where I’ve wondered: is a character meant to be neurodivergent or is this just Devon’s writing style? While it wouldn’t have changed anything in the story, it might have helped me relate to the characters.
Victoria is a bluestocking who catalogs artifacts, and Chase is a fake-rake with a secret hiding behind the confident persona he shows the ton. Finding out about Chase’s secret was what kept me reading. One thing I did like, though, was that both characters were very accepting. They developed a friendship and didn’t want to change each other.
Tropes: auctioned/gambled/sold, marriage of convenience, bluestocking
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
The blurb for this book drew me in right away, but sadly it was not for me. I had extremely mixed feelings about this book and was ready to give up a few chapters in. There was something cold and choppy in the writing and I couldn’t connect to the characters. They had quirks and mercurial, analytical nature. This is not the first book where I’ve wondered: is a character meant to be neurodivergent or is this just Devon’s writing style? While it wouldn’t have changed anything in the story, it might have helped me relate to the characters.
Victoria is a bluestocking who catalogs artifacts, and Chase is a fake-rake with a secret hiding behind the confident persona he shows the ton. Finding out about Chase’s secret was what kept me reading. One thing I did like, though, was that both characters were very accepting. They developed a friendship and didn’t want to change each other.
Tropes: auctioned/gambled/sold, marriage of convenience, bluestocking
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 26, 2022
Well, it could have been worse, I guess?
October 26, 2021
A marriage made in?
Derek Marcus Andrew Kent, the Duke of Chase, can’t help but interfere when he sees the Marquess of Halford use his eldest daughter as collateral for a bet at a club with a known bouncer. One Halford should have wished to keep his daughter well away from. Chase knew he was going to regret interfering. On the other hand he might have just found a solution to his own pressing problem—a wife with no strings attached.
Lady Victoria Kirby was acknowledged as different and difficult, known for using her tongue as a weapon. Without knowing her, Chase admired that.
All Victoria wanted to do was to excavate the ancient burial sites on the family property. Now her father’s actions have put that in doubt. Chase and Victoria’s relationship might not be one made in heaven, and they do have a long way to travel, but the getting there is quite interesting.
I was concerned by a reference to life, lemons and lemonade, one that didn’t come into being until the early 1900’s. It just struck an odd note.
An Entangled Pub. ARC via NetGalley
Derek Marcus Andrew Kent, the Duke of Chase, can’t help but interfere when he sees the Marquess of Halford use his eldest daughter as collateral for a bet at a club with a known bouncer. One Halford should have wished to keep his daughter well away from. Chase knew he was going to regret interfering. On the other hand he might have just found a solution to his own pressing problem—a wife with no strings attached.
Lady Victoria Kirby was acknowledged as different and difficult, known for using her tongue as a weapon. Without knowing her, Chase admired that.
All Victoria wanted to do was to excavate the ancient burial sites on the family property. Now her father’s actions have put that in doubt. Chase and Victoria’s relationship might not be one made in heaven, and they do have a long way to travel, but the getting there is quite interesting.
I was concerned by a reference to life, lemons and lemonade, one that didn’t come into being until the early 1900’s. It just struck an odd note.
An Entangled Pub. ARC via NetGalley
May 23, 2022
This was a solid, cute read! Relatively low angst and I liked both characters a lot. I’d read the next in the series. However, I doubt I’ll remember much about this in a few days.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.75/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.75/5
December 8, 2025
Part of the audible catalogue
Thank you, dad, for not loving me the way Victoria's father loved her 😬
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬
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Thank you, dad, for not loving me the way Victoria's father loved her 😬
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬
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January 3, 2022
This is one of the more enjoyable books I’ve read in a long time. The main reason was because I loved the chemistry between the hero and heroine.
Chase was a wonderful guy. He is not a rake, and is a good guy underneath that rake exterior he chooses to show everyone just because he wants to help women with horrible husbands. This justice of his stemmed from his very own family’s history and it is nice to see that he did not turn nasty & instead focused on helping more people, not wanting people to turn out like his mother. I just love that he’s humorous but can be quite serious when the situation calls for it.
Victoria is a strong woman. I like that she’s not any of the simpering misses and is very independent. She was able to go against Chase (which amused him) and is not prone to hysterics like some women are. She’s practical, down to earth, humble and not arrogant. She makes an effort to communicate with Chase and does not keep secrets for long. (Her father’s manipulation of Chase) It seems that wallflowers are always the best of women. It was Chase who brought Victoria out of her shell, encouraged her to become more confident (than she already was) and brave the ton.
I always love their conversations. They had such great chemistry and their conversations always amused me. They just had great camaraderie despite not knowing each other for a long time. I love the nickname Chase gave Victoria, “victory”.
The slight angst at the back broke my heart but I do love a good angst. It makes the story stronger.
Another reason I enjoyed the book was Eva Devon’s writing style. The characters are lovable, even the side characters (Victoria’s sister). Majority of the book was spent on developing the romance and relationship between Chase and Victoria, instead of usual inner thinking which I dislike (unfortunately that happens in some books). The characters actually do things, they take action, instead of just thinking and having miscommunication all the way.
The climax seems to be whether chase chooses his past (his father) or Victoria (his future).
As much as I enjoyed the book, it would have been nice to see more climaxes? Like the guy Victoria almost married if not for Chase, maybe kidnapping Victoria at the back of the book, giving Chase a jolt as to how much he needed her in his life. The way he realized how much he needed her by just drinking tons of coffee, not sleeping and being apart from her, felt a little anticlimactic.
I would have loved to see more than 1 sex scene though. It looked like they would have really good sex.
Chase was a wonderful guy. He is not a rake, and is a good guy underneath that rake exterior he chooses to show everyone just because he wants to help women with horrible husbands. This justice of his stemmed from his very own family’s history and it is nice to see that he did not turn nasty & instead focused on helping more people, not wanting people to turn out like his mother. I just love that he’s humorous but can be quite serious when the situation calls for it.
Victoria is a strong woman. I like that she’s not any of the simpering misses and is very independent. She was able to go against Chase (which amused him) and is not prone to hysterics like some women are. She’s practical, down to earth, humble and not arrogant. She makes an effort to communicate with Chase and does not keep secrets for long. (Her father’s manipulation of Chase) It seems that wallflowers are always the best of women. It was Chase who brought Victoria out of her shell, encouraged her to become more confident (than she already was) and brave the ton.
I always love their conversations. They had such great chemistry and their conversations always amused me. They just had great camaraderie despite not knowing each other for a long time. I love the nickname Chase gave Victoria, “victory”.
The slight angst at the back broke my heart but I do love a good angst. It makes the story stronger.
Another reason I enjoyed the book was Eva Devon’s writing style. The characters are lovable, even the side characters (Victoria’s sister). Majority of the book was spent on developing the romance and relationship between Chase and Victoria, instead of usual inner thinking which I dislike (unfortunately that happens in some books). The characters actually do things, they take action, instead of just thinking and having miscommunication all the way.
The climax seems to be whether chase chooses his past (his father) or Victoria (his future).
As much as I enjoyed the book, it would have been nice to see more climaxes? Like the guy Victoria almost married if not for Chase, maybe kidnapping Victoria at the back of the book, giving Chase a jolt as to how much he needed her in his life. The way he realized how much he needed her by just drinking tons of coffee, not sleeping and being apart from her, felt a little anticlimactic.
I would have loved to see more than 1 sex scene though. It looked like they would have really good sex.
February 16, 2022
Lady Victoria Kirby is truly only interested in the pursuit of archaeological study. She could care less about spending time amongst the ton, where she is scorned for her looks and vitriolic wit. But her father thinks he knows what’s best for her, so he wagers her away in marriage over a game of cards.
Derek Kent, the Duke of Chase, spends much of his life acting in defense of women, helping them out of bad marriages using his bad reputation as a terrible rake. When he sees the marquess brazenly gambling away his daughter, Derek can’t stop himself from rescuing the girl from marriage to a known lecher. She has a reputation for being bitter and cantankerous, and not much to look at, so Derek thinks he may have actually found the perfect wife, one who will enable him to uphold the vow he made to his late father—to never have children. Surely, this woman will never tempt Derek to break his word.
Yet, when Derek comes to know the intelligent lady Victoria truly is, he knows he’s in a heap of trouble and he may break his vow and lose his heart all at once.
I’m not sure exactly what I expected from this one, but definitely more light-heartedness than we got. The characters were hard to root for because their characterizations seemed to be a bit all over the place and hard to pin down. I’m not sure if this erratic behavior was intentional or just a result of the writing style, but it was a bit odd, and I struggled to really care about the characters. I liked that Victoria and Derek were quick to believe the best in each other and support one another, but their communication breakdown near the end of the book just felt cheap and formulaic. Given how well they communicated their way through tough issues up to that point, it just didn’t seem right that they’d breakdown then, at least not so wholly and for such a long time. I did like that Derek helped Victoria become her own woman outside the ton’s control and that she eventually helped him to live for himself as well. Once again, this is a historical romance that is really just hiding preachy feminist diatribe in which all men are terrible, excepting a very few, and women are only ever abused by them. Not only does this oversimplify the time period and the situation, it also paints broad generalizations that feminism is meant to fight against, not perpetuate. I’m sure this wasn’t the intent, but I seem to keep reading this over and over again in my historicals, that I’d rather read to escape from the oppression of daily life, rather than having even more reminders in my reading, so I’m just tired of it at this point. Overall, I liked the concept of this story, but the execution felt a bit forced for me, the flow just seemed a little off, and the characters were hard to get behind, especially how unreliable their chemistry seemed to be.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Derek Kent, the Duke of Chase, spends much of his life acting in defense of women, helping them out of bad marriages using his bad reputation as a terrible rake. When he sees the marquess brazenly gambling away his daughter, Derek can’t stop himself from rescuing the girl from marriage to a known lecher. She has a reputation for being bitter and cantankerous, and not much to look at, so Derek thinks he may have actually found the perfect wife, one who will enable him to uphold the vow he made to his late father—to never have children. Surely, this woman will never tempt Derek to break his word.
Yet, when Derek comes to know the intelligent lady Victoria truly is, he knows he’s in a heap of trouble and he may break his vow and lose his heart all at once.
I’m not sure exactly what I expected from this one, but definitely more light-heartedness than we got. The characters were hard to root for because their characterizations seemed to be a bit all over the place and hard to pin down. I’m not sure if this erratic behavior was intentional or just a result of the writing style, but it was a bit odd, and I struggled to really care about the characters. I liked that Victoria and Derek were quick to believe the best in each other and support one another, but their communication breakdown near the end of the book just felt cheap and formulaic. Given how well they communicated their way through tough issues up to that point, it just didn’t seem right that they’d breakdown then, at least not so wholly and for such a long time. I did like that Derek helped Victoria become her own woman outside the ton’s control and that she eventually helped him to live for himself as well. Once again, this is a historical romance that is really just hiding preachy feminist diatribe in which all men are terrible, excepting a very few, and women are only ever abused by them. Not only does this oversimplify the time period and the situation, it also paints broad generalizations that feminism is meant to fight against, not perpetuate. I’m sure this wasn’t the intent, but I seem to keep reading this over and over again in my historicals, that I’d rather read to escape from the oppression of daily life, rather than having even more reminders in my reading, so I’m just tired of it at this point. Overall, I liked the concept of this story, but the execution felt a bit forced for me, the flow just seemed a little off, and the characters were hard to get behind, especially how unreliable their chemistry seemed to be.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
August 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I started the audiobook and was just obsessed and didn't want to put it down! I did have a slightly issue with the ending, which is why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 stars. However, other than that, I really enjoyed this book! I love a good marriage of connivance trope; it's my favorite trope. The characters were really fun. I loved how noble Derek was and how protective he was of women. I liked Victoria's character and how she was considered "undesirable" because of her work. Even though I didn't love the ending, I still recommend this one if you are looking for a spicy, marriage of connivance, historical romance book.
December 2, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Duke of Chase overhears a wager being made in a club where the Marquess of Halford is gambling away his daughter Lady Victoria Kirby to Lord Craven when he decides to step in to save her. He doesn't want to fall in love, marry (really), or sire an heir so he thinks she will be the right bride for him because he hears that she is unattractive in looks and personality. Everything changes though once they are married.
I really struggled with this book. The writing and the dialogue are so stilted that it felt very cold and unemotional. I expected a lot more chemistry between these characters, but their romance just never got on track with me. I found their characterization to be very generic, and wished that they were more fully fleshed out. Everything felt very surface level. I had that same issue with the last Devon that I read where I felt like the characters lacked a lot of development that they needed. I'm just not sure why I'm not connecting with her stories.
I think if you already like Eva Devon's writing style you may like this. I'd give it 2.5 stars rounded down to 2.
The Duke of Chase overhears a wager being made in a club where the Marquess of Halford is gambling away his daughter Lady Victoria Kirby to Lord Craven when he decides to step in to save her. He doesn't want to fall in love, marry (really), or sire an heir so he thinks she will be the right bride for him because he hears that she is unattractive in looks and personality. Everything changes though once they are married.
I really struggled with this book. The writing and the dialogue are so stilted that it felt very cold and unemotional. I expected a lot more chemistry between these characters, but their romance just never got on track with me. I found their characterization to be very generic, and wished that they were more fully fleshed out. Everything felt very surface level. I had that same issue with the last Devon that I read where I felt like the characters lacked a lot of development that they needed. I'm just not sure why I'm not connecting with her stories.
I think if you already like Eva Devon's writing style you may like this. I'd give it 2.5 stars rounded down to 2.
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October 14, 2021We can't all love a book and that's something that makes me sad.
I loved the blurb for this one but I honestly knew in the first chapter, this wouldn't be a book for me.
The writing and I did not mesh well and I found the characters flat and one dimensional.
There was no chemistry between Chase and Victoria and there were times I wondered if there would ever be a connection for me with the romance and there wasn't.
I honestly thought at one point Chase's secret would be that he was gay and Victoria would serve as his beard throughout their marriage. Again, I was wrong.
I also had thoughts that Victoria might be Neurodivergent given the way she talks and acts but again, it was never confirmed so that's just me guessing.
The attraction Chase suddenly feels was a quick and odd turn around that I never felt.
From the beginning we're told how unattractive Victoria is and no one would want to marry her and Chase marries her because he knows he'll never be attracted to her. It's such an odd thing to repeatedly put in a book, how unattractive the heroine is and how even the man she marries thinks or thought that. He seriously thought she'd be too ugly to tempt him and he didn't want an heir. It's just so odd.
The sex was so awkward.
A lot of this was awkward.
I wish this could have been a book I loved.
I do appreciate the chance to read this as an advanced copy.
*An Advanced Reader Copy was provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC, via NetGalley*
September 10, 2022
I loved this book! 😍 A marriage between two strangers who are brought together by a daring wager… no father would wager his daughters hand, right? Lady Victoria Kirby wants nothing more than to travel and unearth treasures from the past. Give her an area to explore and a gentle brush and she is happy as ever, she definitely does not need a man controlling her life. Derek Marcus Andrew Kent, the Duke of Chase, is one of Englands most powerful men, head of one of the oldest family’s whose lineage can be traced back to the Norman invasion. Like any powerful man Derek has secrets and what he portrays to the Ton is a visage he has worked to carefully develop, very few truly know the real Derek. So when one evening Derek is witness to one of the most horrific gambling wagers he has ever heard of, he is duty bound and somewhat selfishly motivated, to step in and make sure he is the winner of the wager.
A quick meeting between Derek and Victoria, one special license, and a quick ceremony is all it takes for The Duke of Chase to have his Duchess secured, now they can both go back to their separate lives. Right?
❤️The relationship between Derek and Victoria and the “getting to know you” phase in combination with the “I am in love with my spouse” phase are very well written and both characters go through a lot of growth. Derek totally falls in love with his Duchess - a fate he was sure he was safe from and one of the main reasons he wanted to marry Victoria. Likewise, Victoria comes to the realization that maybe being “owned” by her husband isn’t the end of her world - instead the Duke is able to empower her and open more opportunities for her, and yes he is also very handsome, and okay she loves him too! 😍 Loved every moment of their romance! I also found Victoria’s ability to help Derek realize that he is right where he is meant to be and his nobility is much more than lineage.
Overall I greatly enjoyed this story and recommend it to all who enjoy the tropes of marriage between strangers and Dukes falling in love with bluestocking wallflower’s 😉 I do wish there had been a bit more passion portrayed in the story.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 3 Flames 🔥🔥
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*📚Review copy provided by Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. All opinions, thoughts, comments, and interpretation of this book are my own. I am not receiving any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. More Reviews by Jaime can be found at Alpha Book Club and via Goodreads🦄
A quick meeting between Derek and Victoria, one special license, and a quick ceremony is all it takes for The Duke of Chase to have his Duchess secured, now they can both go back to their separate lives. Right?
❤️The relationship between Derek and Victoria and the “getting to know you” phase in combination with the “I am in love with my spouse” phase are very well written and both characters go through a lot of growth. Derek totally falls in love with his Duchess - a fate he was sure he was safe from and one of the main reasons he wanted to marry Victoria. Likewise, Victoria comes to the realization that maybe being “owned” by her husband isn’t the end of her world - instead the Duke is able to empower her and open more opportunities for her, and yes he is also very handsome, and okay she loves him too! 😍 Loved every moment of their romance! I also found Victoria’s ability to help Derek realize that he is right where he is meant to be and his nobility is much more than lineage.
Overall I greatly enjoyed this story and recommend it to all who enjoy the tropes of marriage between strangers and Dukes falling in love with bluestocking wallflower’s 😉 I do wish there had been a bit more passion portrayed in the story.
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 3 Flames 🔥🔥
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*📚Review copy provided by Entangled Publishing via Netgalley. All opinions, thoughts, comments, and interpretation of this book are my own. I am not receiving any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. More Reviews by Jaime can be found at Alpha Book Club and via Goodreads🦄
October 29, 2021
We love an archaeologist heroine, especially/exclusively when it's not exploitative! In this regency romance, artifact enthusiast Victoria has her hand in marriage and entire future gambled away by her father. When Derek, Duke of Chase, sees that lecher is about to win it all, he steps in to place a bet as a chivalrous act. It's also a compelling arrangement for him since he would only marry an independent woman who isn't keen on producing an heir. I've never seen two characters so utterly enthusiastic to enter into a loveless marriage of convenience, so that was a fun energy to experience. Obviously, that completely falls apart. Which I also enjoyed watching occur. Seeking solitude through their arrangement, they discover that's not really what they want. Independence, yes. But both seek a unique opportunity in their lives to be truly seen and to share their work, their projects, their passions with another.
Both characters have complicated relationships with their parents, and I thought the author did well showing these many facets and how they have shaped Victoria and Derek. Derek has a bit of a savior complex, but the author played it well. He has a certain degree of self-awareness, and Victoria keeps him in check when that fails. I'm also learning to look forward to Eva Devon's consistent disdain for imperialism, sexism in all forms, and the vagaries of the ton.
This romance is a whirlwind and quick read. Derek supplies the angst and Victoria the strength and logic. Genre fans will enjoy this twist on some high-quality tropes. Thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Both characters have complicated relationships with their parents, and I thought the author did well showing these many facets and how they have shaped Victoria and Derek. Derek has a bit of a savior complex, but the author played it well. He has a certain degree of self-awareness, and Victoria keeps him in check when that fails. I'm also learning to look forward to Eva Devon's consistent disdain for imperialism, sexism in all forms, and the vagaries of the ton.
This romance is a whirlwind and quick read. Derek supplies the angst and Victoria the strength and logic. Genre fans will enjoy this twist on some high-quality tropes. Thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
April 2, 2024
This book was too ridiculous for me.
October 23, 2021
The Wedding Wager, by Eva Devon. At first I wasn’t for sure if this book would win me over, but after reading it I have to say, that I loved it. Victoria and Chase’s love story was awesome. I was at the edge of my seat chapter of chapter. For me the book as though it was talking to me and telling about Victoria and Chase lives together.
I know right, “weird”. I think that’s the dynamic at how this book was written. I loved how the writer did a give and take every time that there was a conversation between Victoria and Chase. I thought the comrade between the two was brilliant. They held conversations that any normal couple would have.
They got along so well with their humor, their compassion and love for one another. The romance between the two was a little spicy and a little hot. I loved the emotions and the energy of the book. The entertainment was worth the read. Until next time my fellow readers… read on.
I know right, “weird”. I think that’s the dynamic at how this book was written. I loved how the writer did a give and take every time that there was a conversation between Victoria and Chase. I thought the comrade between the two was brilliant. They held conversations that any normal couple would have.
They got along so well with their humor, their compassion and love for one another. The romance between the two was a little spicy and a little hot. I loved the emotions and the energy of the book. The entertainment was worth the read. Until next time my fellow readers… read on.
December 31, 2021
Good storyline and liked the main characters. An enjoyable and entertaining read. 4☆
February 4, 2024
Kind of boring tbh lol
October 7, 2021
Derek Kent, Duke of Chase, might have the reputation of being a rake but he cannot bear to see a woman misused. So when he witnesses Marquess of Halford wagering away his eldest daughter’s hand in marriage one night while playing dice, he steps in to rescue her! The only way to rescue her is to offer for her himself, so that is how Chase finds himself getting married when he swore he never would. Lady Victoria Kirby would much rather spend her time digging through dirt, cataloging antiquities and artifacts she finds from ancient Viking and Saxon burial mounds, than in a London ballroom. She is turning in for the night when Chase shows up at her bedroom door to inform her they are to wed, he lays out everything that went down with her father’s actions and tells her how this marriage of convenience will be the perfect answer for them both.
I did enjoy how Chase and Victoria quickly decide this marriage of convenience can work for them. He is fine with marrying, since he doesn’t think he’ll be tempted to fall in love or produce heirs, and he will grant her all the freedom she wants to continue to do her archaeology thing. I did love Victoria’s love for archaeology and anthropology. Victoria’s “average, plain” looks are brought up a lot…which I don’t mind and can appreciate a heroine who isn’t always a diamond of the first water, but I did feel like for this book it dragged on/was mentioned a few too many times. I did like how Chase & Victoria formed a friendship really early on and that kept on throughout the book, Chase even steps in to help her sister out too. This was a low-angst, low-stakes read (which I personally prefer more angst or emotional reads to pull me in better). It was definitely a bit predictable with Chase’s “secrets” but I kind of didn’t mind it. This was a quick book for when you want a read with little-to-no drama and a friends-first marriage of convenience read.
Thank you to the publisher (Entangled) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. The Wedding Wager has a publish date of October 25, 2021.
I did enjoy how Chase and Victoria quickly decide this marriage of convenience can work for them. He is fine with marrying, since he doesn’t think he’ll be tempted to fall in love or produce heirs, and he will grant her all the freedom she wants to continue to do her archaeology thing. I did love Victoria’s love for archaeology and anthropology. Victoria’s “average, plain” looks are brought up a lot…which I don’t mind and can appreciate a heroine who isn’t always a diamond of the first water, but I did feel like for this book it dragged on/was mentioned a few too many times. I did like how Chase & Victoria formed a friendship really early on and that kept on throughout the book, Chase even steps in to help her sister out too. This was a low-angst, low-stakes read (which I personally prefer more angst or emotional reads to pull me in better). It was definitely a bit predictable with Chase’s “secrets” but I kind of didn’t mind it. This was a quick book for when you want a read with little-to-no drama and a friends-first marriage of convenience read.
Thank you to the publisher (Entangled) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. The Wedding Wager has a publish date of October 25, 2021.
October 10, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Lady Victoria Kitty may be the eldest daughter of the Marquess of Halford, but she would rather spend her time on an archaeological dig than in a ballroom, let alone even think about marrying. But soon that is out of her hand, when the Duke of Chase witnesses Halford wagering his daughter to a disreputable rake, and instead wins her hand. Victoria is angry that her father did this to her, and only agrees to marry Derek, as long as their marriage is a chaste one - something he is happy to agree too, as he promised he would never have children. As they spend time together, though, it's clear that they are attracted to one another, and soon it's hard to keep the other at arms length, when they want nothing more than to be together, properly.
As soon as I saw this book on NG, I knew I needed to read it. I loved one of Eva's previous books, and the synopsis of this one was right up my street. Victoria was such a character, who loved her family, and her work as an archaeologist, but when her father forced her to marry, she embraced being a duchess, and used it for good. The friendship she and Derek formed early on in their marriage was lovely too, as it really made their transition from friends to lovers more realistic. There wasn't a whole lot of plot here, but it was extremely enjoyable nonetheless, and I found myself being unable to put the book down in parts. The backstory surrounding Derek and his promise was heartbreaking, and I'm glad he had Victoria to help him through it all. This is a standalone, but I really hope we see a companion book in the future, perhaps about Victoria's sister, Catharine.
Lady Victoria Kitty may be the eldest daughter of the Marquess of Halford, but she would rather spend her time on an archaeological dig than in a ballroom, let alone even think about marrying. But soon that is out of her hand, when the Duke of Chase witnesses Halford wagering his daughter to a disreputable rake, and instead wins her hand. Victoria is angry that her father did this to her, and only agrees to marry Derek, as long as their marriage is a chaste one - something he is happy to agree too, as he promised he would never have children. As they spend time together, though, it's clear that they are attracted to one another, and soon it's hard to keep the other at arms length, when they want nothing more than to be together, properly.
As soon as I saw this book on NG, I knew I needed to read it. I loved one of Eva's previous books, and the synopsis of this one was right up my street. Victoria was such a character, who loved her family, and her work as an archaeologist, but when her father forced her to marry, she embraced being a duchess, and used it for good. The friendship she and Derek formed early on in their marriage was lovely too, as it really made their transition from friends to lovers more realistic. There wasn't a whole lot of plot here, but it was extremely enjoyable nonetheless, and I found myself being unable to put the book down in parts. The backstory surrounding Derek and his promise was heartbreaking, and I'm glad he had Victoria to help him through it all. This is a standalone, but I really hope we see a companion book in the future, perhaps about Victoria's sister, Catharine.
October 8, 2021
This is my second book that I've read by Eva Devon, and I know that she'll be one that I look for new books by. Even though I thought this book was just ok, I can tell what a talented author she is.
When the Duke of Chase sees that the Marguess of Halford is wagering away is eldest daughter in a game of dice, Chase steps in to rescue her from the disaster. After he wins her hand, he rushes to tell her what happened. Lady Victoria is known to be prickly and more interested in artifacts than the ballroom. After Chase explains the situation and recommends a marriage in friendship, she accepts.
This is a marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, and low angst. I did like the characters and the story but I felt there was something missing. What that was.....I don't know. I wanted more from Victoria? You didn't really see her that interested in artifacts and we were constantly told she wasn't attractive, but why? Chase was a good man. Wanting to help out women and trying to give them a better life. He tried to keep that a secret and the why of it, but you knew early on what the reason was. It really wasn't a big secret. Overall, just an ok story.
When the Duke of Chase sees that the Marguess of Halford is wagering away is eldest daughter in a game of dice, Chase steps in to rescue her from the disaster. After he wins her hand, he rushes to tell her what happened. Lady Victoria is known to be prickly and more interested in artifacts than the ballroom. After Chase explains the situation and recommends a marriage in friendship, she accepts.
This is a marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, and low angst. I did like the characters and the story but I felt there was something missing. What that was.....I don't know. I wanted more from Victoria? You didn't really see her that interested in artifacts and we were constantly told she wasn't attractive, but why? Chase was a good man. Wanting to help out women and trying to give them a better life. He tried to keep that a secret and the why of it, but you knew early on what the reason was. It really wasn't a big secret. Overall, just an ok story.
November 15, 2021
This was requested on a whim and I’m so glad I grabbed it.
I really enjoyed Victoria and Derek. They’re both really good people in odd situations that get thrown together and figure out how to make the best of it. If only they hadn’t kissed… They had some great, open conversations and I love how they were accepting of each other.
Plot wise, it was mostly good. There were a few moving pieces in the background and I wish we would have gotten more information about them. At times it felt like I should have already known what was going on. However, the grand gesture was fabulous and I couldn’t have asked for a better epilogue.
Overall, it was a fun and quick read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I really enjoyed Victoria and Derek. They’re both really good people in odd situations that get thrown together and figure out how to make the best of it. If only they hadn’t kissed… They had some great, open conversations and I love how they were accepting of each other.
Plot wise, it was mostly good. There were a few moving pieces in the background and I wish we would have gotten more information about them. At times it felt like I should have already known what was going on. However, the grand gesture was fabulous and I couldn’t have asked for a better epilogue.
Overall, it was a fun and quick read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
May 2, 2022
Leaning towards 4.5 stars, but either way I really enjoyed this. Eva Devon is quickly becoming a new favorite historical romance author for me!
I loved the premise and how Derek and Victoria’s marriage of convenience/friends to lovers romance developed throughout the book. Devon’s writing/pacing is just so compulsively readable that I couldn’t help but read this in only a few hours. I also really appreciated Derek’s character development and his grand gesture at the end was *chef’s kiss*.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**
I loved the premise and how Derek and Victoria’s marriage of convenience/friends to lovers romance developed throughout the book. Devon’s writing/pacing is just so compulsively readable that I couldn’t help but read this in only a few hours. I also really appreciated Derek’s character development and his grand gesture at the end was *chef’s kiss*.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review**
June 17, 2022
quick and fun read. victoria and derek were never meant to be more than just husband and wife in name. derek has vowed to never have kids while victoria wants the freedom to continue learning about history without having to perform the duties of a wife. they worked well together in that sense, and then their feelings got involved, as one would expect. victoria’s intelligent and very perceptive. she knows whenever derek is trying to hide and could dig out things from him that he would never tell to others. i adored the ending and how their relationship set sailed from there.
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May 21, 2022DNFd at 25 percent.
I loved the premise of this - a plain, bluestocking almost gets wagered by her no-good father, and the H "wins" her to save her from being lost to another man - and it appealed my "plain h"-loving soul. Alas, I struggled to connect with either the MCs or the plot.
I doubt it's the book - this would have been the kind of book I happily enjoyed a couple of years ago. It's probably just that my standards for good HR are different now, and this one unfortunately isn't meeting those.
I loved the premise of this - a plain, bluestocking almost gets wagered by her no-good father, and the H "wins" her to save her from being lost to another man - and it appealed my "plain h"-loving soul. Alas, I struggled to connect with either the MCs or the plot.
I doubt it's the book - this would have been the kind of book I happily enjoyed a couple of years ago. It's probably just that my standards for good HR are different now, and this one unfortunately isn't meeting those.
March 6, 2022
The Marquess of Hartford is wagering his oldest daughter for marriage against Lord Craven. Victoria King is not a diamond of the first water. She is considered difficult, unpleasant and unattractive. The Duke of Chase is appalled. He has never met the lady, but he is determined to save her from the odious, Lord Craven. Chase made a promise to the past Duke to never have a child, but Chase must save the lady. What a surprise that he discovers he is attracted and admires her. Torn between the past the present, he must decide if he should fight for he wants. What a great book and a pleasure to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
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November 6, 2021
A big thank you to TLC Book Tours and Entangled Publishing for gifting me a copy of The Wedding Wager by Eva Devon.
I've been on such a historical romance kick lately, so was super excited to pick this one up.
What would you do if a Duke you'd never met before turned up in your bedroom at midnight telling you that you were going to be married?
That's exactly what happens to Victoria after her dad gambles away her hand in a dice game! Derek Marcus Andrew Kent, the Duke of Chase, has carefully cultivated his reputation as a rake and never planned to marry, but he couldn't let the cad Lord Craven win the poor girl's hand, so he intervened.
Lady Victoria is an archeologist and anthropologist and has all but abandoned polite society in favor of her work. She had no plans to marry either, and The Duke's appearance on her doorstep is less than welcome.
The two of them appear so very different, but each of them wants independence so perhaps this arrangement might actually be beneficial to them both.
I really enjoyed the story and found it fun but also sweet and moving at times too. It's the perfect book to cozy up with on a rainy fall day.
I've been on such a historical romance kick lately, so was super excited to pick this one up.
What would you do if a Duke you'd never met before turned up in your bedroom at midnight telling you that you were going to be married?
That's exactly what happens to Victoria after her dad gambles away her hand in a dice game! Derek Marcus Andrew Kent, the Duke of Chase, has carefully cultivated his reputation as a rake and never planned to marry, but he couldn't let the cad Lord Craven win the poor girl's hand, so he intervened.
Lady Victoria is an archeologist and anthropologist and has all but abandoned polite society in favor of her work. She had no plans to marry either, and The Duke's appearance on her doorstep is less than welcome.
The two of them appear so very different, but each of them wants independence so perhaps this arrangement might actually be beneficial to them both.
I really enjoyed the story and found it fun but also sweet and moving at times too. It's the perfect book to cozy up with on a rainy fall day.
October 31, 2021
The Wedding Wager is the first in a new series, This one involves Victoria and Derek. When Derek hears Victoria's father gambling her away in a wager, he steps in and wins her instead to save her from an awful marriage. Victoria realizes that marrying Derek is the only way that she will be free of her father.
This one was OK for me. It's definitely a slow burn. The couple don't even really like each other in the beginning. I honestly didn't really feel much chemistry between them for a long time. That made the book go a bit slower that I like in a romance. My favorite of the couple was Derek. I felt like he had the biggest growth by the end. Victoria really just kind of got what she wanted without really having to sacrifice anything. I did like the glimpse forward in the epilogue. I also enjoyed Victoria's sister. I would be interested in seeing what happens to her in another book.
This one was OK for me. It's definitely a slow burn. The couple don't even really like each other in the beginning. I honestly didn't really feel much chemistry between them for a long time. That made the book go a bit slower that I like in a romance. My favorite of the couple was Derek. I felt like he had the biggest growth by the end. Victoria really just kind of got what she wanted without really having to sacrifice anything. I did like the glimpse forward in the epilogue. I also enjoyed Victoria's sister. I would be interested in seeing what happens to her in another book.
November 19, 2021
It is the middle of the night, a Duke no less, has stormed your bed chamber and declares “YOU ARE TO BE MY WIFE!” That is exactly what happens to Victoria (Victory) after he father gambles her away in a game of dice. This rake, the savior of women, finds himself to be married in a fortnight after years of declaring he’d be forever single and with out a heir.
The Duke of Chase and Victory are formidable and widely independent in their life endeavors. Together, they come to a mutual agreement about how their marriage will play out in the Ton and at home. We learn both of their backstories, and the constraints each harbor that are prevents them from a properly being man and wife.
The Wedding Wager is a fun, loving story with the best “Grand Gesture” I’ve read in a romance.
And, don’t skip over the epilogue.
Thank you @entangled_publishing @evadevonauthor @tlcbooktours for the complimentary copy of this regency romance.
The Duke of Chase and Victory are formidable and widely independent in their life endeavors. Together, they come to a mutual agreement about how their marriage will play out in the Ton and at home. We learn both of their backstories, and the constraints each harbor that are prevents them from a properly being man and wife.
The Wedding Wager is a fun, loving story with the best “Grand Gesture” I’ve read in a romance.
And, don’t skip over the epilogue.
Thank you @entangled_publishing @evadevonauthor @tlcbooktours for the complimentary copy of this regency romance.
October 16, 2021
Well we have a bit of a unique plot this time with a "bluestocking" being almost gambled away to a lecherous old man then being saved by a rake. The love story is a very slow burn and it takes several side trips since both of our couple have personal issues to deal with and we get to see the workings and while that may sound boring it was not but what really starts out in a vein of a 5 Star story kind of loses steam before the end and was in danger of dropping into 3 Star territory but it was a warm ending but a few things were just just not that original (how many female archeologists were there in old England, seems to be a recurring occupation in historical fiction). Don't let me talk you out of this story it was entertaining but I was hoping for a really good 5 Star story and it fell short of that lofty goal. I can assure you I will be getting the next one but she really did not show exactly who the next couple might be but for a solid 4 Star story this was a good one.
July 21, 2022
Could not finish. Typos ever where including: Covenant Garden(!), Vaux Hall, bushing for brushing, tract instead of track…you hugest the idea. This is supposedly from a publisher if so, they aren’t paying any copy editors. All of these mistakes and more were in the first 38% of the book which is when I gave up.
Divorce was not easy to obtain but this book makes it sound like it was.
Very awkward dialogue.
Divorce was not easy to obtain but this book makes it sound like it was.
Very awkward dialogue.
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