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The Beautiful Barringtons #4
The Wager of a Lady
The notorious bastard of a duke.
Leo Murphy believes in playing the odds, as long as the house wins. As the owner of Elysium, London’s most exclusive gambling hell, Leo’s existence depends on predicting his opponent’s next move. Rarely is he surprised. Until he meets the young bride of Lord Masterson losing at cards.
Georgina is beautiful, intelligent, possessed of a razor-sharp wit and a rebellious nature.
She is completely unexpected.
Leo is so struck by Georgina he doesn’t know whether to bed her or befriend her. He decides to do both.
A rebellious young American.
Wed to the scandalous and elderly Lord Masterson, Georgina detests London. Mocked for her accent and her family’s pedigree, she wants nothing more than to return to New York. When the wickedly attractive Leo Murphy offers to teach her how to play cards, she assumes he merely wishes to admire her bosom. She’s half in love with him before the evening ends.
A wager that ruins them both.
One unforgettable night with Leo leaves Georgina compromised in both heart and body. Now she’s keeping secrets from everyone, especially from Leo.
Will he forgive her? Or let Georgina go forever?
Leo Murphy believes in playing the odds, as long as the house wins. As the owner of Elysium, London’s most exclusive gambling hell, Leo’s existence depends on predicting his opponent’s next move. Rarely is he surprised. Until he meets the young bride of Lord Masterson losing at cards.
Georgina is beautiful, intelligent, possessed of a razor-sharp wit and a rebellious nature.
She is completely unexpected.
Leo is so struck by Georgina he doesn’t know whether to bed her or befriend her. He decides to do both.
A rebellious young American.
Wed to the scandalous and elderly Lord Masterson, Georgina detests London. Mocked for her accent and her family’s pedigree, she wants nothing more than to return to New York. When the wickedly attractive Leo Murphy offers to teach her how to play cards, she assumes he merely wishes to admire her bosom. She’s half in love with him before the evening ends.
A wager that ruins them both.
One unforgettable night with Leo leaves Georgina compromised in both heart and body. Now she’s keeping secrets from everyone, especially from Leo.
Will he forgive her? Or let Georgina go forever?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2022
500 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ayers
42 books623 followersKathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 8, 2022
4 Stars
Quick Review
- I've become somewhat of a gushy fan of Kathleen Ayers ever since I read The Theory of Earls. I adore her writing.
- This was such an angsty book, my goodness. I had a pit in my stomach. When a book inspires a physical reaction, it's a win for me, as this one was.
- I've been waiting to read Leo's story, and the author did not disappoint. I loved this bastard of a hardened rake who was struggling to overcome grief.
- I adored Georgiana as well. Poor girl, the life she had to suffer through, it broke my heart.
- Sweet, dramatic, and gut-wrenching romance with delicious steam.
- Kudos for writing a truly mad villain.
- The only reason it was not a five-star read was because it languished quite badly in the middle.
*Marcus Barrington's death and his flashback appearances get me every time. I just feel so bad that a character who was to die was introduced, got his own book, and now we have to keep reading about his family and their grief.
My Recommendation
I will always recommend Ms Ayers to anyone who shows an interest. Oh, I would so love to read Benjamin's book, as I am hoping he gets paired with Olivia. God, how will I ever survive the wait?
Quick Review
- I've become somewhat of a gushy fan of Kathleen Ayers ever since I read The Theory of Earls. I adore her writing.
- This was such an angsty book, my goodness. I had a pit in my stomach. When a book inspires a physical reaction, it's a win for me, as this one was.
- I've been waiting to read Leo's story, and the author did not disappoint. I loved this bastard of a hardened rake who was struggling to overcome grief.
- I adored Georgiana as well. Poor girl, the life she had to suffer through, it broke my heart.
- Sweet, dramatic, and gut-wrenching romance with delicious steam.
- Kudos for writing a truly mad villain.
- The only reason it was not a five-star read was because it languished quite badly in the middle.
*Marcus Barrington's death and his flashback appearances get me every time. I just feel so bad that a character who was to die was introduced, got his own book, and now we have to keep reading about his family and their grief.
My Recommendation
I will always recommend Ms Ayers to anyone who shows an interest. Oh, I would so love to read Benjamin's book, as I am hoping he gets paired with Olivia. God, how will I ever survive the wait?
January 26, 2022
Forced to wed to the elderly Lord Masterson, American heiress Georgina detests London and longs to return to New York. When she visits Elysium, London’s most exclusive gambling hell, she meets the handsome owner Leo Murphy. Leo is so struck by Georgina, and he’s determined to have her, married or not. A scandalous wager leaves both their lives in chaos.
This is the fourth book in the Beautiful Barringtons series. However, chronologically, this book begins before the events of the first book. I recommend reading at least the first story for more connection to Leo, his brother Anthony, and their upbringing.
Despite Leo telling his brother not to be an arrogant idiot in book one, Leo is an even bigger arrogant idiot when it comes to Georgina. He’s focused on his wants and needs, and lonely Georgina is left to take some very serious actions to protect herself from her deceased husband’s lunatic heir. There is a separation between the lead characters and I thought Georgina did way too much apologizing and Leo not enough groveling.
So why did this get to five stars…? The fantastic storytelling from Ayers and an ending that had me so engrossed that I couldn’t read it fast enough. Seriously, set aside a block of time to read the last 25% of this book because you will not want to put it down! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Auctioned/Gambled/Sold, Widow
Steam: 3.5
* I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This is the fourth book in the Beautiful Barringtons series. However, chronologically, this book begins before the events of the first book. I recommend reading at least the first story for more connection to Leo, his brother Anthony, and their upbringing.
Despite Leo telling his brother not to be an arrogant idiot in book one, Leo is an even bigger arrogant idiot when it comes to Georgina. He’s focused on his wants and needs, and lonely Georgina is left to take some very serious actions to protect herself from her deceased husband’s lunatic heir. There is a separation between the lead characters and I thought Georgina did way too much apologizing and Leo not enough groveling.
So why did this get to five stars…? The fantastic storytelling from Ayers and an ending that had me so engrossed that I couldn’t read it fast enough. Seriously, set aside a block of time to read the last 25% of this book because you will not want to put it down! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Auctioned/Gambled/Sold, Widow
Steam: 3.5
* I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
May 1, 2023
My favorite story in the series so far. Love these two together ♥
March 8, 2022
I wanted to give this author one more chance, since this is the last entry in the series, but I doubt I'll read another book by her. What bothers me most is that stylistically, her writing is good. She's obviously talented. Much of the banter between the MC's in the opening chapters is sharp and fun. There's appealing dry humor involving his fashion sense (or lack thereof). The h remains pretty sympathetic as the plot unfolds, which is more than I can say for the h's in a lot of Regency romances that I've read recently. But I have no idea why the author chooses to create H's who are such absolute jerks. They represent the toxic masculinity that was popular in historical romances back in the 80's and 90's, and it's stunning to realize that this book was just published. Look, I know the historical romance genre doesn't tend to be "woke", and I don't need my heroes to be super beta doormats. But I absolutely hate heroes who are unethical and treat women like garbage. I know some women eat this stuff up, but when I think of my teenage daughter reading books like this (I got into historical romances at her age), it honestly bothers me. It's as if the stronger and more independent the woman is, the more she deserves to be punished through the man's behavior.
SPOILERS AHEAD..........................The h is an American who was forced to leave her home, move to England, and marry a man who is much older than she. He is unloving and sees nothing wrong with wagering her due to his gambling obsession. The h has been spurned and ridiculed by the ton, her husband's relatives are horrid to her, and she really needs a friend. Things only get worse after the husband, whom she nurses through a graphically-described aneurysm--dies. The H dismisses her friendship, belittling her overtures of trying to maintain a relationship after they have not-actually-but-by-80's-romance-novel-standards had consensual sex (BTW I wasn't crazy about the fact that both characters do the nasty while her husband's still alive, regardless of his sexual proclivities). H is surprised that h is "sort of" a virgin (as if a woman who has only had mediocre sex a couple of times deserves more respect than a woman who has had more of a sexual past) but tells her that he absolutely doesn't want to know if she becomes pregnant, and in fact he'll expect her to abort the baby if she is.
You can guess what happens from here. For this to work for me, the hero is going to have to really, really, work to get back into the heroine's graces. Groveling required. And he doesn't. In fact, he's angry when she takes the nasty things he has said seriously. He's snotty and immature.
On a basic level, there's a major missed opportunity to develop what could have been an interesting relationship between the MC's. They're both ostensibly smart people, both whizzes with numbers, and have rebellious outlooks on society. They should be a couple whose journey toward a HEA I enjoy following. Instead, the author chooses to pad and focus on lust. For example, she repeats the scenes verbatim when the MC's first meet, just writes them from first the H's POV, then the h's. Abruptly the story speeds ahead two years, during which time the h feels a bond has been established with the H, but he quickly nips that in the bud by forcing her into an impossible situation. She comes to talk with him afterward, and he has a chance to make things right, but screws it up royally. They end up fighting each other through most of the rest of the book--when they're together. They often aren't, with the focus on other characters in the series.
Bottom line: I wish this author would take her strengths as a writer and move away from the alpha jerk, insta-lust template.
SPOILERS AHEAD..........................The h is an American who was forced to leave her home, move to England, and marry a man who is much older than she. He is unloving and sees nothing wrong with wagering her due to his gambling obsession. The h has been spurned and ridiculed by the ton, her husband's relatives are horrid to her, and she really needs a friend. Things only get worse after the husband, whom she nurses through a graphically-described aneurysm--dies. The H dismisses her friendship, belittling her overtures of trying to maintain a relationship after they have not-actually-but-by-80's-romance-novel-standards had consensual sex (BTW I wasn't crazy about the fact that both characters do the nasty while her husband's still alive, regardless of his sexual proclivities). H is surprised that h is "sort of" a virgin (as if a woman who has only had mediocre sex a couple of times deserves more respect than a woman who has had more of a sexual past) but tells her that he absolutely doesn't want to know if she becomes pregnant, and in fact he'll expect her to abort the baby if she is.
You can guess what happens from here. For this to work for me, the hero is going to have to really, really, work to get back into the heroine's graces. Groveling required. And he doesn't. In fact, he's angry when she takes the nasty things he has said seriously. He's snotty and immature.
On a basic level, there's a major missed opportunity to develop what could have been an interesting relationship between the MC's. They're both ostensibly smart people, both whizzes with numbers, and have rebellious outlooks on society. They should be a couple whose journey toward a HEA I enjoy following. Instead, the author chooses to pad and focus on lust. For example, she repeats the scenes verbatim when the MC's first meet, just writes them from first the H's POV, then the h's. Abruptly the story speeds ahead two years, during which time the h feels a bond has been established with the H, but he quickly nips that in the bud by forcing her into an impossible situation. She comes to talk with him afterward, and he has a chance to make things right, but screws it up royally. They end up fighting each other through most of the rest of the book--when they're together. They often aren't, with the focus on other characters in the series.
Bottom line: I wish this author would take her strengths as a writer and move away from the alpha jerk, insta-lust template.
January 25, 2022
I need to consult with my therapist because my attraction to asshole heroes in books is at an all time high and I need help.
Georgina Rutherford is forced to marry a decrepit lord who enjoys the company of young male footman over her. He is a wreck less gambler having lost all their money and most of their property. Masterson does the unthinkable when he wagers out his wife. Who will call the marker when it's due? Leo Murphy is a cold and arrogant bastard literally and figuratively. He may be the Duke of Averell's bastard son, but he is also the powerful owner of the gambling den Elysium. Leo is used to getting what he wants and when it wents, but Georgina doesn't bow to anyone's whims even someone as powerful as Leo.
I think I will be recommending this book A LOT because it was such a good story. Kathleen Ayers is a such a great storyteller that these two felt so real. Georgina, I love you, you are my second favorite heroine to Jessica from Lord of Scoundrels because she doesn't put up with crap from anyone including Leo. She has to fight so much adversity because she isn't like other girls. She has a mind of her own and says whatever she pleases, wears daring gowns to shock everyone and doesn't give a fig about what other people think. We already know my obsession with assholes and Leo is most definitely one for the majority of this book, but I think he was just truly good at hiding who he was beneath his tough facade. He is just a man who wants to be accepted and loved for who he is and not the mistakes his father made.
I'm so torn. Is this one my favorite or The Design of Dukes? I can't choose. They are both superb. So, yeah. Just go ahead and add this one to your TBR.
I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Georgina Rutherford is forced to marry a decrepit lord who enjoys the company of young male footman over her. He is a wreck less gambler having lost all their money and most of their property. Masterson does the unthinkable when he wagers out his wife. Who will call the marker when it's due? Leo Murphy is a cold and arrogant bastard literally and figuratively. He may be the Duke of Averell's bastard son, but he is also the powerful owner of the gambling den Elysium. Leo is used to getting what he wants and when it wents, but Georgina doesn't bow to anyone's whims even someone as powerful as Leo.
I think I will be recommending this book A LOT because it was such a good story. Kathleen Ayers is a such a great storyteller that these two felt so real. Georgina, I love you, you are my second favorite heroine to Jessica from Lord of Scoundrels because she doesn't put up with crap from anyone including Leo. She has to fight so much adversity because she isn't like other girls. She has a mind of her own and says whatever she pleases, wears daring gowns to shock everyone and doesn't give a fig about what other people think. We already know my obsession with assholes and Leo is most definitely one for the majority of this book, but I think he was just truly good at hiding who he was beneath his tough facade. He is just a man who wants to be accepted and loved for who he is and not the mistakes his father made.
I'm so torn. Is this one my favorite or The Design of Dukes? I can't choose. They are both superb. So, yeah. Just go ahead and add this one to your TBR.
I received an advanced copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 22, 2022
I loved Georgie and Leo’s story! Full review to come on my blog once I finish the series🥰
Sneak Preview: You will inhale this if you love…
-A Pining, Self-Made Hero
- An independent heroine who defies convention.
- Tropes: One Night Stand, Accidental Pregnancy.
Sneak Preview: You will inhale this if you love…
-A Pining, Self-Made Hero
- An independent heroine who defies convention.
- Tropes: One Night Stand, Accidental Pregnancy.
March 4, 2025
Likes
-the angst (the only reason I kept reading, to see how it would dawn on Leo that he and Georgiana were meant to be together)
-Leo is seductive in the bedroom (to me at least)
Dislikes
-the H/h didn't spend a lot of time together. 😔
-the villain was cartoonishly mad with greed 🙄
-some parts felt repetitive and/or slow
-Leo gets angry at Georgiana (heroine) for keeping a secret from him Um, yeah! Because you insisted that you never wanted to know!
Both liked and disliked
- Leo's (the hero) toxic masculinity.
-- I liked it because it reminded me of the heroes in HRs from the 80's and 90's and of some heroes in current contemporary romances.
-- I disliked it because it separated the main couple longer than I anticipated.
Some notes:
- I think readers should read the prequel and book 1 to get a better grasp of Leo's background. However, readers may be surprised by his character change when they get to his book.
- I thought he was likable in the earlier books and that he would be the one pining for Georgiana when I finally got to his book and that Georgiana would be a strong, independent widow, who doesn't want to remarry. Boy, was I wrong! Their characters pretty much swapped. Georgiana pines for Leo, who is unemotionally unavailable, and doesn't want to get married or have kids.
- There are multiple time jumps.
- The book takes place in New York in some parts of the second half.
- I'm fascinated by Georgiana's cousin Benjamin Cooke. I wonder if he'll get his own book, possibly in a different series.
Some content warnings:
-the angst (the only reason I kept reading, to see how it would dawn on Leo that he and Georgiana were meant to be together)
-Leo is seductive in the bedroom (to me at least)
Dislikes
-the H/h didn't spend a lot of time together. 😔
-the villain was cartoonishly mad with greed 🙄
-some parts felt repetitive and/or slow
-Leo gets angry at Georgiana (heroine) for keeping a secret from him Um, yeah! Because you insisted that you never wanted to know!
Both liked and disliked
- Leo's (the hero) toxic masculinity.
-- I liked it because it reminded me of the heroes in HRs from the 80's and 90's and of some heroes in current contemporary romances.
-- I disliked it because it separated the main couple longer than I anticipated.
Some notes:
- I think readers should read the prequel and book 1 to get a better grasp of Leo's background. However, readers may be surprised by his character change when they get to his book.
- I thought he was likable in the earlier books and that he would be the one pining for Georgiana when I finally got to his book and that Georgiana would be a strong, independent widow, who doesn't want to remarry. Boy, was I wrong! Their characters pretty much swapped. Georgiana pines for Leo, who is unemotionally unavailable, and doesn't want to get married or have kids.
- There are multiple time jumps.
- The book takes place in New York in some parts of the second half.
- I'm fascinated by Georgiana's cousin Benjamin Cooke. I wonder if he'll get his own book, possibly in a different series.
Some content warnings:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2022
I have to tell you I love Kathleen Ayers. I have read all of her books (12). I can truthfully say every one has been a fantastic read. As a matter of fact, “Wicked Again (The Wickeds Book 7)” was one of the best books I read in 2020 and I read 416 books in 2020 and “The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons Book 2)” was one of the best books I read in 2021 and I read 386 books in 2021.
I just love her writing. I loved this storyline and the characters. Leo and Georgina were so yummy. The characters, even the asshole ones were so well written. I wanted to strangle a few of them at times which tells me they were written well. I like that it had lots of depth to the story as well as the characters. I felt it had just the right amount of everything. Angst, Love, Betrayal, Heartache, Pain, Happiness, Sex, etc.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I just love her writing. I loved this storyline and the characters. Leo and Georgina were so yummy. The characters, even the asshole ones were so well written. I wanted to strangle a few of them at times which tells me they were written well. I like that it had lots of depth to the story as well as the characters. I felt it had just the right amount of everything. Angst, Love, Betrayal, Heartache, Pain, Happiness, Sex, etc.
I would definitely recommend this book.
February 1, 2022
The Beautiful Barringtons are back!
Leo's story covers a lot of time. I love that we went back in time a bit and got to see what drove Georgina away. Leo and Georgina's story was angsty, but so good. I loved it!
I really hope we haven't seen the last of Georgie's sister or cousin.
Leo's story covers a lot of time. I love that we went back in time a bit and got to see what drove Georgina away. Leo and Georgina's story was angsty, but so good. I loved it!
I really hope we haven't seen the last of Georgie's sister or cousin.
January 26, 2022
This is the fourth book in the Beautiful Barringtons series, and it follows Leo Murphy, bastard son of Duke of Averell and Georgina, an American forced to go to England and marry an old lord as penance for her behaviour back home in New York.
I was already very intrigued by Leo from the scenes we get in the previous book, so I was very excited for this one and it did not disappoint! Leo is the owner of a gambling hell called Elysium and a lot of the book Is set within this establishment which I really enjoyed. It was so fun to have this as a setting and it fitted Georgina so well. Georgina is not your average society girl, she is bold, daring and pushes against society rules and decorum at every opportunity and I loved her! Her daring necklines and outspoken personality were so entertaining, and I couldn’t help but adore her.
Not to be outmatched Leo was an excellent character, from his hideous waist coats to his fear of water he was always entertaining and felt like such a real well-rounded character. He always puts himself forward as the bastard everyone knows he is before they can look down on him, he holds a lot of pain from his past but slowly he works through this when he learns of some very unexpected news.
The story has several time jumps as the relationship of Leo and Georgina is a slow burn over several years. I really liked the way the author did this as it allowed us to experience their first meeting from both POV’s but didn’t drag us through the years of slow burn. I loved the tension between them and that we got a very steamy romantic interlude at the relative start of the story. The angst and miscommunication after this event were frustrating but in a good way! I enjoyed seeing how they reacted and how Georgina handled everything.
Since Georgina is America, the story moves over to New York and I actually really like the change of setting. It was so interesting seeing how the society worked there and how Georgina and her family fitted into it. I enjoyed the additions of Ben Cooke and Lilian to the story, and I think having her family introduced and made such an integral part of the story once she reached America really deepened the story. I loved all the side characters and the different roles they played.
The plot was excellent and really captured my attention. There was always a current a tension around some of the characters and whilst I knew something would go wrong, I never could have guessed how far the characters would go and how dangerous the situation would get! This aspect was so compelling, and I loved how the author it all built up.
This book really took me by surprise, and I devoured it in one day. I loved everything about it - the characters, the settings, the plot, the romance! It is definitely one of my favourite historical romance reads, Ayers really outdid herself with this one.
I was already very intrigued by Leo from the scenes we get in the previous book, so I was very excited for this one and it did not disappoint! Leo is the owner of a gambling hell called Elysium and a lot of the book Is set within this establishment which I really enjoyed. It was so fun to have this as a setting and it fitted Georgina so well. Georgina is not your average society girl, she is bold, daring and pushes against society rules and decorum at every opportunity and I loved her! Her daring necklines and outspoken personality were so entertaining, and I couldn’t help but adore her.
Not to be outmatched Leo was an excellent character, from his hideous waist coats to his fear of water he was always entertaining and felt like such a real well-rounded character. He always puts himself forward as the bastard everyone knows he is before they can look down on him, he holds a lot of pain from his past but slowly he works through this when he learns of some very unexpected news.
The story has several time jumps as the relationship of Leo and Georgina is a slow burn over several years. I really liked the way the author did this as it allowed us to experience their first meeting from both POV’s but didn’t drag us through the years of slow burn. I loved the tension between them and that we got a very steamy romantic interlude at the relative start of the story. The angst and miscommunication after this event were frustrating but in a good way! I enjoyed seeing how they reacted and how Georgina handled everything.
Since Georgina is America, the story moves over to New York and I actually really like the change of setting. It was so interesting seeing how the society worked there and how Georgina and her family fitted into it. I enjoyed the additions of Ben Cooke and Lilian to the story, and I think having her family introduced and made such an integral part of the story once she reached America really deepened the story. I loved all the side characters and the different roles they played.
The plot was excellent and really captured my attention. There was always a current a tension around some of the characters and whilst I knew something would go wrong, I never could have guessed how far the characters would go and how dangerous the situation would get! This aspect was so compelling, and I loved how the author it all built up.
This book really took me by surprise, and I devoured it in one day. I loved everything about it - the characters, the settings, the plot, the romance! It is definitely one of my favourite historical romance reads, Ayers really outdid herself with this one.
August 3, 2023
If there's one thing Leo has, it's the audacity.
March 4, 2022
Paperback
I had such high hopes for this one.
I love a gambling hell
I love an American.
But this one lacked any originality. It was just a copy of so many mediocre regency romances. Rinse and Repeat.
This is one of those books where everyone is a jerk but the heroine
Also, To make the husband GAY, and treat the heroine badly is completely homophobic.
GAY MEN LOVE WOMEN, THEY DON'T TREAT THEM BADLY!
Queer smear is not being inclusive!
They spend half of the book apart. He knocks her up in the beginning pg 70 and doesn't come around for her until the end of the book! Pg 200. And STILL treats her like crap 🙄
There is really no RELATIONSHIP here. They don't spend any quality time together.
This book was not worth the $$$
This Is my second book by this author , her heros suck. I'm done.
I had such high hopes for this one.
I love a gambling hell
I love an American.
But this one lacked any originality. It was just a copy of so many mediocre regency romances. Rinse and Repeat.
This is one of those books where everyone is a jerk but the heroine
Also, To make the husband GAY, and treat the heroine badly is completely homophobic.
GAY MEN LOVE WOMEN, THEY DON'T TREAT THEM BADLY!
Queer smear is not being inclusive!
They spend half of the book apart. He knocks her up in the beginning pg 70 and doesn't come around for her until the end of the book! Pg 200. And STILL treats her like crap 🙄
There is really no RELATIONSHIP here. They don't spend any quality time together.
This book was not worth the $$$
This Is my second book by this author , her heros suck. I'm done.
December 14, 2022
I have been waiting for Leo Murphy story. The loved bastard brother of the new minted Duke of Averell 'Toni' as he is referred to in the other books. Leo was acknowledged by his father Marcus and raised with all the Dukes children.
Georgina/Georgie Rutherford, American heiress, has been sold off to an old man 3 times her age. The Earl Masterson, who is also openly homosexual!! Wow!! He has boy toys parading all around with him even in his home with Georgie!! He is bankrupt until he agrees to marry and make Georgie his Countess.
Masterson sells Georgie to Leo for one night to pay off his markers!! Which turns into a love match. The sexual activities that one night create more than love. After Masterson dead, Georgie is helped by Leo's father Marcus the Duke of Averell. Because her husband's heir Harold and his wife Carissa wants her dead and gone.
This was a really good story! I just wish the author would spend more time with the couple being together with their son. Leo doesn't even meet Daniel until the last few pages of the story. Him and Georgie are separated far too long in the story!!
Georgina/Georgie Rutherford, American heiress, has been sold off to an old man 3 times her age. The Earl Masterson, who is also openly homosexual!! Wow!! He has boy toys parading all around with him even in his home with Georgie!! He is bankrupt until he agrees to marry and make Georgie his Countess.
Masterson sells Georgie to Leo for one night to pay off his markers!! Which turns into a love match. The sexual activities that one night create more than love. After Masterson dead, Georgie is helped by Leo's father Marcus the Duke of Averell. Because her husband's heir Harold and his wife Carissa wants her dead and gone.
This was a really good story! I just wish the author would spend more time with the couple being together with their son. Leo doesn't even meet Daniel until the last few pages of the story. Him and Georgie are separated far too long in the story!!
May 9, 2024
So I really liked this book I’ve been excited to read about Leo and Georgina since the first book. But the ending felt quite dramatic… and that was actually my least face part. It didn’t feel necessary to this book. I feel quite bad for Lillian and I hope she gets a happy ending. Ben was exciting I am excited to read his book. Georgina was wonderful I really loved her. She was saucy but dealing with being constricted by being a woman in a man’s world. Leo, I thought he would be a little more emotionally mature. He expresses my frustration with him in the book while he’s frustrating me. He literally at one point is like I know I should take my own advice that I gave Tony but like I’m still gonna be a jerk or when he was like I know that’s what I said but like I totally didn’t mean it and how could she not know I didn’t mean it. Dudeeeeee such an arrogant ass and I love it. I don’t normally like leading men to be such asses but apparently here I am.
February 3, 2022
A battle of hearts as fiery as it is broken. Leo and Georgina try every trick to stake their claim on the riotous emotions they stir up. Ayers pens a tale that borders on courageous and idles at smart. The Wager of the Lady speaks the language of love with sass, heart and spirit that will send readers spiraling.
September 3, 2023
So good! Loved Georgina and Leo
February 4, 2022
The chemistry between Leo Barrington and Georgiana Rutherford Masterson is off the charts. Their relationship is an emotional roller coaster. When they met, the rebellious Georgiana had been forced to marry Masterson, an Earl who needed her dowry but had no interest in women. Georgiana was parked in Leo’s gambling club losing money the Earl didn’t have. The Earl gambled away everything of value he had, placing his wife in a very precarious position. Despite his strong feelings for Georgiana, Leo was determined to never marry. Therefore, Georgiana was forced to go elsewhere for help when she found herself compromised in every way with someone trying to kill her. Their saga spans years and two continents. The fires of desperation and life or death situations reveal who her true friends and surprising villains are. Georgiana becomes stronger with every test she survives. Her enthralling story held me spellbound until the end.
February 3, 2022
Nice addition to the series
This particular trope has never been a favorite of mine. Authors rarely can pull it off without the heroine looking unreasonable and selfish. However, Ayers has managed to write this particularly well. The heroine stayed sympathetic and likable throughout the book. All the hearts and stars for the author's ability to create such a character!
4 stars instead of five because I felt the hero and heroine did not have enough page time together and it seemed this was a bit of a Barrington history lesson. Even so, it would be wise to read the series in order as I don't think this book could be appreciated properly on its own.
This particular trope has never been a favorite of mine. Authors rarely can pull it off without the heroine looking unreasonable and selfish. However, Ayers has managed to write this particularly well. The heroine stayed sympathetic and likable throughout the book. All the hearts and stars for the author's ability to create such a character!
4 stars instead of five because I felt the hero and heroine did not have enough page time together and it seemed this was a bit of a Barrington history lesson. Even so, it would be wise to read the series in order as I don't think this book could be appreciated properly on its own.
June 3, 2023
The American h is desperate, the H uses her like everyone else. Loved this heroine who has to fight for her life. Nothing is easy for her and the H treated her badly and unknowingly put her danger. From her view he was like like so many others, so she's saves herself and him. Loved this fast paced, steamy story.
April 17, 2022
This was way more complicated than need be.
February 3, 2022
Before I start this review, I have to say that I have a slight obsession with The Beautiful Barringtons and have eagerly awaited the next instalment. This, the fourth book in the series, did not disappoint. We get a feeling for how this story will pan out from the other books in the series, whereby they hint at what can be expected for Leo and Georgina but what actually happens far exceeded my expectations.
Georgina, forced to wed Lord Masterson by her parents, has a rebellious streak from the outset with her desire for drinking bourbon and visiting gaming hells; namely that of Elysium where the owner, our Hero - Leo Murphy, bastard son of the Duke of Averell - spends his time avenging his past and lusting after Lord Masterson’s young bride who he is determined to have despite the consequences. A wager which seems too good to be true for Leo, lands in his lap in the most fortunate way and results in a night of unbridled passion between the pair.
I didn’t think I would initially take to liking Georgina as, from Ayers other novels in the series, I feel she was portrayed as someone who was far too outlandish, self-obsessed and came across in an almost unlikeable way. However, the more this story unravelled the more it made sense to me why she acted in such a way. Her parents, who shouldn’t really call themselves such, had abandoned her to her fate with an older man who generally couldn’t have cared less about her wellbeing. Likewise, I felt Leo in the other books was portrayed as a sulky teenager, even though he was a fully-grown man who should just grow up considering he’d spent the better part of book 1 telling his brother to do just that.
Overall, I literally could not put this book down and cannot wait for the next one in the series. The writing just flows off the pages and I laughed and cried with the characters. The Wager of a Lady has everything I need to get my fix in an Historical Romance novel; love, steam, a brilliantly unputdownable storyline and of course a HEA.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Georgina, forced to wed Lord Masterson by her parents, has a rebellious streak from the outset with her desire for drinking bourbon and visiting gaming hells; namely that of Elysium where the owner, our Hero - Leo Murphy, bastard son of the Duke of Averell - spends his time avenging his past and lusting after Lord Masterson’s young bride who he is determined to have despite the consequences. A wager which seems too good to be true for Leo, lands in his lap in the most fortunate way and results in a night of unbridled passion between the pair.
I didn’t think I would initially take to liking Georgina as, from Ayers other novels in the series, I feel she was portrayed as someone who was far too outlandish, self-obsessed and came across in an almost unlikeable way. However, the more this story unravelled the more it made sense to me why she acted in such a way. Her parents, who shouldn’t really call themselves such, had abandoned her to her fate with an older man who generally couldn’t have cared less about her wellbeing. Likewise, I felt Leo in the other books was portrayed as a sulky teenager, even though he was a fully-grown man who should just grow up considering he’d spent the better part of book 1 telling his brother to do just that.
Overall, I literally could not put this book down and cannot wait for the next one in the series. The writing just flows off the pages and I laughed and cried with the characters. The Wager of a Lady has everything I need to get my fix in an Historical Romance novel; love, steam, a brilliantly unputdownable storyline and of course a HEA.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
March 13, 2022
Inspired
Georgina, Lady Masterson, is keeping secrets.
Wed to the elderly Lord Masterson, Georgina’s dreams of romance are dashed by the reality of her situation until she meets the wickedly attractive Leo Murphy.
Murphy, owner of Elysium and the bastard son of the Duke of Averell is everything Georgina’s husband is not. Charming. Seductive. Witty. Leo is a temptation she finds herself unable to resist.
One stolen night with Leo changes Georgina’s life forever, putting her in a precarious position. Compromised both in heart and body and terrified for her future, Georgia reaches a decision.
One that Leo Murphy will never forgive her for.
Leo and Georgina are meant to be! Leo is the illegitimate son hubof a Duke. Georgina is the troublesome daughter of a shipping magnate from New York.
Kathleen Ayers has written another exciting romance.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Georgina, Lady Masterson, is keeping secrets.
Wed to the elderly Lord Masterson, Georgina’s dreams of romance are dashed by the reality of her situation until she meets the wickedly attractive Leo Murphy.
Murphy, owner of Elysium and the bastard son of the Duke of Averell is everything Georgina’s husband is not. Charming. Seductive. Witty. Leo is a temptation she finds herself unable to resist.
One stolen night with Leo changes Georgina’s life forever, putting her in a precarious position. Compromised both in heart and body and terrified for her future, Georgia reaches a decision.
One that Leo Murphy will never forgive her for.
Leo and Georgina are meant to be! Leo is the illegitimate son hubof a Duke. Georgina is the troublesome daughter of a shipping magnate from New York.
Kathleen Ayers has written another exciting romance.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
November 2, 2025
Lady Masterson masters
Leo is, as he is wont to say, the bastard son/brother of a duke. Georgina is the teenaged wife of another. She is also witty and brave, and Leo is trying not to be besotted with her.
Book four of the beautiful Barringtons is Leo's story, but Georgina's too. Romance, but there is a resentful relative, and Leo and Tony's pact to deal with.
Excellent.
Leo is, as he is wont to say, the bastard son/brother of a duke. Georgina is the teenaged wife of another. She is also witty and brave, and Leo is trying not to be besotted with her.
Book four of the beautiful Barringtons is Leo's story, but Georgina's too. Romance, but there is a resentful relative, and Leo and Tony's pact to deal with.
Excellent.
January 23, 2022
After the last installment in the series, I thought this one would be about Phaedra, but it’s not. This book centers on Leo Murphy, bastard son of the Duke of Averell and brother to Welles and the other Barringtons. Leo is the owner of the gambling den Elysium (with his brother), and has a HUGE chip on his shoulder over his illegitimacy.
Georgina, new American bride to the older Lord Masterson (who prefers blond footmen to his wife), is scandalous, rebellious, stubborn, and not a fan of London. Her wealthy father sent her to marry Masterson after a scandal forced her out of New York.
These two circle and argue and misunderstand each other for the majority of the book, even as they are drawn to each other.
I can’t quite give this one 5 stars. I was sometimes annoyed with both characters over their stubborn refusals to just communicate with each other. The story just about goes off the rails towards the end, and the HEA is partially explained as “it’s a mystery”—not exactly a tidy ending. More of a rush to finish, it seemed.
Would I read it again? Yes. I have been enjoying this series, and even if this isn’t the best installment, it’s still an entertaining read. You don’t need to read the other books in the series first, although I do recommend them—Welles’ book (Theory of Earls) and Averell’s novella (Study of a Rake) would be most connected to this one, but all are worth reading. Not clean, but nothing kinky, just like the others.
Georgina, new American bride to the older Lord Masterson (who prefers blond footmen to his wife), is scandalous, rebellious, stubborn, and not a fan of London. Her wealthy father sent her to marry Masterson after a scandal forced her out of New York.
These two circle and argue and misunderstand each other for the majority of the book, even as they are drawn to each other.
I can’t quite give this one 5 stars. I was sometimes annoyed with both characters over their stubborn refusals to just communicate with each other. The story just about goes off the rails towards the end, and the HEA is partially explained as “it’s a mystery”—not exactly a tidy ending. More of a rush to finish, it seemed.
Would I read it again? Yes. I have been enjoying this series, and even if this isn’t the best installment, it’s still an entertaining read. You don’t need to read the other books in the series first, although I do recommend them—Welles’ book (Theory of Earls) and Averell’s novella (Study of a Rake) would be most connected to this one, but all are worth reading. Not clean, but nothing kinky, just like the others.
February 6, 2022
This series truly just gets better and amazing. I have loved Leo since the beginning, but I was nervous about leaving London to travel to America for their story.
Leo and Georgina's story was sexy and their relationship gave me all the feels. There were many moments of tears while we watched these two go through their hardships.
I can't wait to read the next Ayers book.
Leo and Georgina's story was sexy and their relationship gave me all the feels. There were many moments of tears while we watched these two go through their hardships.
I can't wait to read the next Ayers book.
February 24, 2024
4.5 stars. Another great read with a touch of drama. Onto number 5
May 8, 2025
I’m slowing down, I don’t think I can finish the series in one go
February 4, 2022
I was glad we finally got Leo's story. I really liked him in the previous books and was curious about his relationship with Georgina. I was so frustrated with Leo a lot in the book and his need to push Georgina away, he said things to her that were cruel and then got mad at her for taking him at his word. He did redeem himself in the end. I liked Georgina, but didn't understand some of the choices she made regarding the baby. But, I liked that she didn't beg Leo and I respected her for that. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one. I really enjoy Kathleen Ayers. The only thing I would change about this book would be that I don't think that Leo and Georgina were together enough in the book, I feel we lost something there by not giving them more time with each other. It seemed the focus was on everything going on around them. They had chemistry I wanted more page time with that.
February 7, 2022
The Wager of a Lady by Kathleen Ayers
The Beautiful Barringtons #4
Leo Murphy – born on the wrong side of the blanket but claimed by his father – has his story star in this book. Into question is brought the idea of him ever marrying and just who might tempt him away from bachelorhood…
What I liked:
* Leo: gambling den/emporium co-owner, hedonist, probability odds genius, son of a Barrington, aware, empathetic, constrained…and not, has feelings for Lady Masterson – Georgina/Georgie
* Georgina “Georgie” Rutherford-Masterson: wild child, banished from New York by her father, married to a roué with his eye on young men, making the best of it, wishes for more, finds herself in difficult situations more than once, strong, enduring, adaptable, courageous…has feelings for Leo
* Watching the relationship between Leo and Georgie develop
* Getting to see and hear about some of the other Barringtons
* That this book overlaps the timeline of previous books
* That more than one villain is handily dealt with
* The part Marcus Barrington played in assisting Georgie
* Wondering about some of the people I met in New York when Georgie was there – Will Ben and Lillian end up together?
* That both main characters were not “perfect” but were perfect for one another
* The compromises that occurred
* Knowing there is another book to look forward to – or at least I *hope* there is!
What I didn’t like:
* Lord Masterson – though I do wonder what his assistance to Marcus Barrington might have been
* Harold – nephew who inherited Masterson’s title…and his wife, Clarissa
* Leo dragging his feet and his behavior at times...even if/when I sort of understood it
* Georgie’s parents
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely!
Thank you to IndiePenPR and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
The Beautiful Barringtons #4
Leo Murphy – born on the wrong side of the blanket but claimed by his father – has his story star in this book. Into question is brought the idea of him ever marrying and just who might tempt him away from bachelorhood…
What I liked:
* Leo: gambling den/emporium co-owner, hedonist, probability odds genius, son of a Barrington, aware, empathetic, constrained…and not, has feelings for Lady Masterson – Georgina/Georgie
* Georgina “Georgie” Rutherford-Masterson: wild child, banished from New York by her father, married to a roué with his eye on young men, making the best of it, wishes for more, finds herself in difficult situations more than once, strong, enduring, adaptable, courageous…has feelings for Leo
* Watching the relationship between Leo and Georgie develop
* Getting to see and hear about some of the other Barringtons
* That this book overlaps the timeline of previous books
* That more than one villain is handily dealt with
* The part Marcus Barrington played in assisting Georgie
* Wondering about some of the people I met in New York when Georgie was there – Will Ben and Lillian end up together?
* That both main characters were not “perfect” but were perfect for one another
* The compromises that occurred
* Knowing there is another book to look forward to – or at least I *hope* there is!
What I didn’t like:
* Lord Masterson – though I do wonder what his assistance to Marcus Barrington might have been
* Harold – nephew who inherited Masterson’s title…and his wife, Clarissa
* Leo dragging his feet and his behavior at times...even if/when I sort of understood it
* Georgie’s parents
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely!
Thank you to IndiePenPR and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
September 19, 2023
I skipped two books to read about Leo and honestly I wish I hadn't
The author I don't know how but forgot how she had written Leo in the first book. This Leo wasn't the Leo I was introduced to. In this book he was vulgar selfish and downright lacking in terms of communication or ideas on what he wants.
The first part was so good where they met and fell but the wager came too early and derailed the whole story progression. The plot could have been different. The Old duke part absolutely took me out . I had to tolerate that bastard in the first book i wasn't happy to have him in this.
I know it's realistic but I fucking hate how he was put on such a pedestal.The whole paragraph of the family servants all mourning was pathetic. He was a selfish whore who walked around with his zipper down. I don't give a fuck he repented . The audacity of Amanda to scream at leo and welles enraged me , your husband was the reason those two went through a horrible childhood. Shut your whining.
As for Georgina. The poor girl was always in the company of people who either detested her or used her. She honestly did nothing wrong and I wish she had slapped leo in the face
The author I don't know how but forgot how she had written Leo in the first book. This Leo wasn't the Leo I was introduced to. In this book he was vulgar selfish and downright lacking in terms of communication or ideas on what he wants.
The first part was so good where they met and fell but the wager came too early and derailed the whole story progression. The plot could have been different. The Old duke part absolutely took me out . I had to tolerate that bastard in the first book i wasn't happy to have him in this.
I know it's realistic but I fucking hate how he was put on such a pedestal.The whole paragraph of the family servants all mourning was pathetic. He was a selfish whore who walked around with his zipper down. I don't give a fuck he repented . The audacity of Amanda to scream at leo and welles enraged me , your husband was the reason those two went through a horrible childhood. Shut your whining.
As for Georgina. The poor girl was always in the company of people who either detested her or used her. She honestly did nothing wrong and I wish she had slapped leo in the face
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