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Brides of Scandal #1
Gambling on the Duke's Daughter
Captain Dylan Blake has spent the last decade fighting for his country. Desperate for a little peace, he sells his commission and returns to England but soon finds himself angry and adrift in London Society. When an old nemesis challenges him to a wager -- he must get Lady Natalia Sinclair to dance with him twice in one evening -- he is willing to play along.
The daughter of a duke, Lady Natalia Sinclair fears her enormous dowry is the only thing that draws her many suitors. But heroic Captain Blake seems different. Unfortunately, she soon realizes his smile is false, his interest superficial.
Dylan sees Natalia's rejection as a challenge, and the stakes increase when he discovers his elder brother Michael is wooing the duke's daughter as well. Passed over for Michael too many times, he's determined to prove he can be first in somebody's heart.
As the lines between the wager and attraction blur, can Dylan and Natalia find the courage to take the biggest gamble of all -- love?
The daughter of a duke, Lady Natalia Sinclair fears her enormous dowry is the only thing that draws her many suitors. But heroic Captain Blake seems different. Unfortunately, she soon realizes his smile is false, his interest superficial.
Dylan sees Natalia's rejection as a challenge, and the stakes increase when he discovers his elder brother Michael is wooing the duke's daughter as well. Passed over for Michael too many times, he's determined to prove he can be first in somebody's heart.
As the lines between the wager and attraction blur, can Dylan and Natalia find the courage to take the biggest gamble of all -- love?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2007
906 people are currently reading
616 people want to read
About the author
Diana Bold
53 books73 followersI am the award-winning traditional and indie published author of Western Historical Romance and Victorian Historical Romance. My books are deeply emotional and a bit on the dark side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 15, 2019
Reading this under the title ‘Gambling on the Dukes Daughter’ as part of a collection. Five Heroes of the Heart
From my updates:
Chapter 25 and I can take no more. Make your fecking minds up! Stop changing your minds every other sodding page! She will, she won’t, she does, she doesn’t. He is even worse. It’s all just to pad out an incredibly thin plot. Meh
I became increasingly exasperated at the inability of either MC to make their minds up and stick with it! She hates him, she loves him, she wont have sex with him, she has orgasmic sex with him, he doesn't love her, she wont have sex with him... on and on and bloody on. I wanted to give both of them a good slap and tell them to stop acting so stupidly. I had the feeling that all the will he/won't he/will she/won't she was simply to pad out an incredibly thin plot built on quicksand.
Meh.
From my updates:
Chapter 25 and I can take no more. Make your fecking minds up! Stop changing your minds every other sodding page! She will, she won’t, she does, she doesn’t. He is even worse. It’s all just to pad out an incredibly thin plot. Meh
I became increasingly exasperated at the inability of either MC to make their minds up and stick with it! She hates him, she loves him, she wont have sex with him, she has orgasmic sex with him, he doesn't love her, she wont have sex with him... on and on and bloody on. I wanted to give both of them a good slap and tell them to stop acting so stupidly. I had the feeling that all the will he/won't he/will she/won't she was simply to pad out an incredibly thin plot built on quicksand.
Meh.
June 28, 2019
England & Scotland 1867.
War hero Dylan (an earl's 2nd son) met Lady Natalia (a
duke's dtr). She dreamed of meeting this Victoria's Cross
recipient but then declined to dance with him. Her logic?
It took her a few minutes to lump him w/ all the fortune-
hunters.
Dylan & bro Michael (a viscount) competed for Nat even
though Mike called Nat, w/ a late Russian Mom, 'foreign
looking.' Once compromised, Nat became indecisive on
who to wed. She developed insta-love for Dylan but did
not show him love. Her logic again. She ignored him off/
on, & her internal dialogue: just too much.
50-something Scottish land steward, Patrick, & his Mom
had heart and gumption. I'd gladly read a romance about
him.
War hero Dylan (an earl's 2nd son) met Lady Natalia (a
duke's dtr). She dreamed of meeting this Victoria's Cross
recipient but then declined to dance with him. Her logic?
It took her a few minutes to lump him w/ all the fortune-
hunters.
Dylan & bro Michael (a viscount) competed for Nat even
though Mike called Nat, w/ a late Russian Mom, 'foreign
looking.' Once compromised, Nat became indecisive on
who to wed. She developed insta-love for Dylan but did
not show him love. Her logic again. She ignored him off/
on, & her internal dialogue: just too much.
50-something Scottish land steward, Patrick, & his Mom
had heart and gumption. I'd gladly read a romance about
him.
July 3, 2021
Gambling on the Duke's Daughter
Brides of Scandal, Book 1
Diana Bold, author
What a story! It was filled with such angst in the beginning, but it all unraveled by the end. And to the benefit of Dylan and Natalia. Scandal begone! But not before deep seeded wounds are unveiled. The wounds were so unbelievable, my heart actually hurt for these two characters.
The story offered intrigue, wisdom and strength, especially with Natalia'a character. I really liked this wise woman. Dylan's character, on the other hand was a bit mysterious, but portrayed compassionate and determination.
I listened to this book via audiobook and was pleasantly pleased by the narrator's voice and her ability to change up her tone when necessary as well as to tell the tale with such vitality and expression.
I was gifted an audiobook from the author and leave this review of my own accord. I will definitely be listening to the next book in this series.
Brides of Scandal, Book 1
Diana Bold, author
What a story! It was filled with such angst in the beginning, but it all unraveled by the end. And to the benefit of Dylan and Natalia. Scandal begone! But not before deep seeded wounds are unveiled. The wounds were so unbelievable, my heart actually hurt for these two characters.
The story offered intrigue, wisdom and strength, especially with Natalia'a character. I really liked this wise woman. Dylan's character, on the other hand was a bit mysterious, but portrayed compassionate and determination.
I listened to this book via audiobook and was pleasantly pleased by the narrator's voice and her ability to change up her tone when necessary as well as to tell the tale with such vitality and expression.
I was gifted an audiobook from the author and leave this review of my own accord. I will definitely be listening to the next book in this series.
April 21, 2022
Captain Dylan Blake returns after several years serving his country.
A hero, his father still refuses to help give him the future he wants. Abused by his father he doesn't understand why he hates him. Needing money to start over, he takes a bet that he can dance with Natalia Sinclair twice in one ball. Natalia has wanted to meet Dylan since his return and is already half in love him. After hearing about the bet, her heart is broken and she loses her trust in Dylan. He decides she's worth fighting for, especially when his biggest rival is his brother. But things never go as smoothly as you hope and secrets have a way of coming out at the worst time.
Other than the romance between Natalia and Dylan, a lot of questions about Dylan's life as a child are answered. He carries a lot on his shoulders. 🔥🔥🔥
This book is included in The Brazen Belles Anthology.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout.
A hero, his father still refuses to help give him the future he wants. Abused by his father he doesn't understand why he hates him. Needing money to start over, he takes a bet that he can dance with Natalia Sinclair twice in one ball. Natalia has wanted to meet Dylan since his return and is already half in love him. After hearing about the bet, her heart is broken and she loses her trust in Dylan. He decides she's worth fighting for, especially when his biggest rival is his brother. But things never go as smoothly as you hope and secrets have a way of coming out at the worst time.
Other than the romance between Natalia and Dylan, a lot of questions about Dylan's life as a child are answered. He carries a lot on his shoulders. 🔥🔥🔥
This book is included in The Brazen Belles Anthology.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout.
April 5, 2021
Diana Bold writes truly lovely historical romances. I loved Gambling on the Duke's Daughter and I'm so glad it's the first in a series. I enjoyed my reading time with these characters and hope to spend more time with them.
Dylan Blake is a mere captain but a son of an earl - an earl who really doesn't like him very much. A former school adversary wagers $200 pounds that he can't get Lady Natalia to dance with him twice in one evening. For Dylan, this is a small fortune, one he needs to pay his rent and possibly finance his hunt for an heiress. What he doesn't expect is to be blown away by Natalia.
Natalia has a bit of a chip on her shoulder, she has a large dowry and believes that most suitors are after her dowry and not herself. She followed Captain Blake's war career and is so excited to meet a man who might turn out to be a true hero. When she is finally introduced, she is bitterly disappointed - he is no different from the rest of the men in her sphere - she believes he isn't really interested in getting to really know her.
But of course Dylan is interested and every time they interact, he becomes more and more intrigued by her. Natalia does her best to resist him but she is falling for him little by little. When Dylan compromises Natalia, will she have her heart broken irrevocably or will she learn to trust and forgive him. Will Dylan learn to trust Natalia to reveal his deepest nightmares and secrets?
Very lovely story, some steamy scenes that moved the plot along nicely. I'm excited to read Dylan's brother Michael's story next!
Dylan Blake is a mere captain but a son of an earl - an earl who really doesn't like him very much. A former school adversary wagers $200 pounds that he can't get Lady Natalia to dance with him twice in one evening. For Dylan, this is a small fortune, one he needs to pay his rent and possibly finance his hunt for an heiress. What he doesn't expect is to be blown away by Natalia.
Natalia has a bit of a chip on her shoulder, she has a large dowry and believes that most suitors are after her dowry and not herself. She followed Captain Blake's war career and is so excited to meet a man who might turn out to be a true hero. When she is finally introduced, she is bitterly disappointed - he is no different from the rest of the men in her sphere - she believes he isn't really interested in getting to really know her.
But of course Dylan is interested and every time they interact, he becomes more and more intrigued by her. Natalia does her best to resist him but she is falling for him little by little. When Dylan compromises Natalia, will she have her heart broken irrevocably or will she learn to trust and forgive him. Will Dylan learn to trust Natalia to reveal his deepest nightmares and secrets?
Very lovely story, some steamy scenes that moved the plot along nicely. I'm excited to read Dylan's brother Michael's story next!
July 22, 2020
This is the first book i have read/listened to by this author and I am so happy I found this book. The characters are easy to connect with. The story is interesting enough for me to want to keep listening. Captain Dylan is kind and a little lost and lonely he desperately wants a family to love and to love him back. Lady Natalia is also lonely but she has a family that loves her but she believes herself only useful for the marriage she will one day make. The 2 find together their hearts desire if only she will forgive him the wager.
I loved the book and I look forward to more by this author. The narrator did a great job too.
I loved the book and I look forward to more by this author. The narrator did a great job too.
August 5, 2020
A small bet can sometimes lead to love. Or not! Captain Dylan Blake is back from the war and trying to deal with the past that haunts him. He gets involved with a bet to see is he can get Lady Natalia to dance with him twice. Of course she is trying to fend off fortune hunters and at first thinks Dylan is sincere. But as attraction begins she finds out about the wager and thinks he is like all the rest. A journey of learning to trust and love...
May 25, 2025
3,25⭐️
August 12, 2019
It was ok
It was just a hit and miss I don't plan on wasting time on the rest of the series however but I will say I liked that I liked the family bond in the end and it helped the couple find their own love. However the really wasn't that much adventure to it when it headlines adventure I was hoping for adventure and love both.. This was just not it.. I hope the author has better stories then this
It was just a hit and miss I don't plan on wasting time on the rest of the series however but I will say I liked that I liked the family bond in the end and it helped the couple find their own love. However the really wasn't that much adventure to it when it headlines adventure I was hoping for adventure and love both.. This was just not it.. I hope the author has better stories then this
June 1, 2022
I think this was too long for what was inside the pages. I read this from the Brazen Belles Anthology (which I received a free ARC of) and it took me too long to read.
The characters were difficult to read after a while, they changed their minds too much and, frankly, all their issues could be solved from the beginning if they were open with each other.
I spent too long forcing myself to keep reading while being frustrated by the back-and-forth of the MCs, who were never able to make up their minds, apparently, and there was too much going on. it was hard to see their 'love' for each other when they kept running hot and cold.
The characters were difficult to read after a while, they changed their minds too much and, frankly, all their issues could be solved from the beginning if they were open with each other.
I spent too long forcing myself to keep reading while being frustrated by the back-and-forth of the MCs, who were never able to make up their minds, apparently, and there was too much going on. it was hard to see their 'love' for each other when they kept running hot and cold.
November 27, 2022
Cute and sweet! Not too terribly spicy either. A lot of miscommunication made me take off 2 stars. I hate the third act contrived conflict. Miscommunication troupe is one of my least favorite. But I liked the characters well enough. Insta-love was a bit too much but their relationship grew with some time together.
October 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5, 🌶️
At 235 pages, it was a really good story that kept moving with hardly any filler. I really liked Natalia and Dylan and was routing for them to have an HEA. Looking forward to reading the next book.
At 235 pages, it was a really good story that kept moving with hardly any filler. I really liked Natalia and Dylan and was routing for them to have an HEA. Looking forward to reading the next book.
May 23, 2019
Love your writing keep writing
Read
December 12, 2021Seksiä joudutaan odottamaan loppuviidennekselle, eikä mies ole varsinaisesti mikään catch "jos joudun odottamaan hääyötä kuukauden, menen vieraisiin" -mentaliteetillaan.
August 18, 2021
Poorly written, but somehow touching and romantic.
April 26, 2014
This is yet another story full of humanly flawed characters from Diana Bold. She doesn't shy away from hurtful emotions in her stories which I absolutely love about her books. She makes you believe that these people could exist in the real world, in fact I believe I know a few of them.
As the daughter of a duke, Natalia knows that she must someday do her duty and marry where her father commands. This has not stopped her however from dreaming about a war hero who seems to be nothing like the men of society, who only see her large dowry when they look at her. She has built up a reputation as a cold lady who follows her own strict rule of not allowing two dances to the same gentleman at a ball. In reality she doesn't wish to encourage any man who she knows will not meet with her father's approval. Dylan is the unloved, unwanted second son of an earl. Having sold his commission he is down on funds and sees no harm in participating in a silly wager to get a cold fish of a girl to dance with him twice. Only the girl is warm and kind and seems to see through him like no one else ever cared to. He never counted on losing his heart but he may have just wagered more than he bargained to lose.
I could totally relate to Natalia, who feared being wanted for something other than herself. She had flaws just like any girl, she was insecure, had a heartfelt desire to be wanted, had a hard time forgiving and was perhaps a little immature in her daydreams. But all of that is REAL. The same could be said with all of Diana's heros'. I just started reading her books lately and I've found again and again that she writes all of them with the same passion and dedication to being as true to life as possible. No cookie cutter, perfect do-no-wrong hero for her!He must be a Man, with a Man's flaws and insecurities. Which is why you are sure to see me searching for the next Diana Bold book I can get my hands on. I can't get enough of her stories.
As the daughter of a duke, Natalia knows that she must someday do her duty and marry where her father commands. This has not stopped her however from dreaming about a war hero who seems to be nothing like the men of society, who only see her large dowry when they look at her. She has built up a reputation as a cold lady who follows her own strict rule of not allowing two dances to the same gentleman at a ball. In reality she doesn't wish to encourage any man who she knows will not meet with her father's approval. Dylan is the unloved, unwanted second son of an earl. Having sold his commission he is down on funds and sees no harm in participating in a silly wager to get a cold fish of a girl to dance with him twice. Only the girl is warm and kind and seems to see through him like no one else ever cared to. He never counted on losing his heart but he may have just wagered more than he bargained to lose.
I could totally relate to Natalia, who feared being wanted for something other than herself. She had flaws just like any girl, she was insecure, had a heartfelt desire to be wanted, had a hard time forgiving and was perhaps a little immature in her daydreams. But all of that is REAL. The same could be said with all of Diana's heros'. I just started reading her books lately and I've found again and again that she writes all of them with the same passion and dedication to being as true to life as possible. No cookie cutter, perfect do-no-wrong hero for her!He must be a Man, with a Man's flaws and insecurities. Which is why you are sure to see me searching for the next Diana Bold book I can get my hands on. I can't get enough of her stories.
April 18, 2019
Bitter sweet romance filled with heart, wit and emotive fragility.
A great read that's compelling, well written and touching to the point of tears. Deeply captivating characters with plenty of scope to make an intriguingly enticing series.
This being my first book from Bold I was positively delighted. Becoming instantly ensnared by the plot and Bold's style of writing I couldn't help but fall in love and invest emotionally in Natalia and Dylan.
Couldn't be more thrilled to add Bold to my list of must read authors especially if her other books grip me as emotionally. Would recommend. BRILLIANT!
A great read that's compelling, well written and touching to the point of tears. Deeply captivating characters with plenty of scope to make an intriguingly enticing series.
This being my first book from Bold I was positively delighted. Becoming instantly ensnared by the plot and Bold's style of writing I couldn't help but fall in love and invest emotionally in Natalia and Dylan.
Couldn't be more thrilled to add Bold to my list of must read authors especially if her other books grip me as emotionally. Would recommend. BRILLIANT!
February 28, 2022
This story was engaging and compelling and brought tears to my eyes. Diana Bold has found a new fan in me. Captain Dylan Black, the black sheep of the family, has never been able to please his father. As the story progresses, we find out that his mother died when he was seven, and after that, he was frequently beaten by his father. To get away from his father, he joined the army, but sold his commission after twelve years because he missed London.
Meanwhile, Natalia Sinclair, daughter of a duke, is much sought after because of her huge dowry. She also lost her mother at a young age, only four, and is convinced her father plans to marry her to the man of his choosing. Her stepmother, who is only a few years older than she and has become her best friend, assures her that her father wants what is best for her and she should tell him what she wants. She warns her that her actions, turning down every potential suitor, has convinced her father that she wishes to marry her mother’s cousin, a Russian prince. Nothing could be further from the truth. She merely wishes to avoid developing feelings for anyone when her father will ultimately decide her fate anyway. There’s also the small matter that she doesn’t believe anyone can actually love her for herself (without the dowry) because she doesn’t love herself.
When she meets Dylan, everything changes. He awakens something within her that wants to take a risk. Meanwhile, he feels things with her that he has never felt with anyone else. Unfortunately, their relationship begins with a lie and a few other lies threaten to tear them apart. There are some fascinating surprises regarding Dylan’s financial situation, the death of his mother, and why his father is such a bastard. But it’s truly the love story between them that is the showpiece of this story. Characters are relatable and it’s easy to feel their pains and joys.
Meanwhile, Natalia Sinclair, daughter of a duke, is much sought after because of her huge dowry. She also lost her mother at a young age, only four, and is convinced her father plans to marry her to the man of his choosing. Her stepmother, who is only a few years older than she and has become her best friend, assures her that her father wants what is best for her and she should tell him what she wants. She warns her that her actions, turning down every potential suitor, has convinced her father that she wishes to marry her mother’s cousin, a Russian prince. Nothing could be further from the truth. She merely wishes to avoid developing feelings for anyone when her father will ultimately decide her fate anyway. There’s also the small matter that she doesn’t believe anyone can actually love her for herself (without the dowry) because she doesn’t love herself.
When she meets Dylan, everything changes. He awakens something within her that wants to take a risk. Meanwhile, he feels things with her that he has never felt with anyone else. Unfortunately, their relationship begins with a lie and a few other lies threaten to tear them apart. There are some fascinating surprises regarding Dylan’s financial situation, the death of his mother, and why his father is such a bastard. But it’s truly the love story between them that is the showpiece of this story. Characters are relatable and it’s easy to feel their pains and joys.
May 10, 2022
Captain Dylan Blake is known around the ton as a rake, his only claim to fame being his military prowess. Natalia, the daughter of a Duke, has always known that she will be forced to wed someone of her father's choosing. She can't help but fantasize about a quieter life, one spent with a husband who she loves. She's projected this fantasy onto Dylan before even meeting him based on the tales of his heroic battles.
Dylan may have a rakish reputation, but he's secretly always longed for someone to pick him, understand him, and love him. He's set aside this dream until he has enough money to buy an estate of his own. Enter Jonathan Taylor, Dylan's longtime rival, who has been rejected one too many times by Natalia. Seeing a way to make them both suffer, Jonathan bets Dylan that he can't get Natalia to dance with him twice in one night. The Captain accepts.
However, Dylan doesn't anticipate falling in love with Natalia. And definitely doesn't anticipate her finding out about the bet!
___________________________________________
I liked this book a lot. I liveeeee for angst. At first, Natalia worries that Dylan is only after her dowry but he manages to pass through her defenses and get her to take a chance on him. She is quickly betrayed when she finds out Dylan only began courting her for a stupid bet. After that, she's hesitant to trust him again but is forced to marry him after they are spotted in a compromising position.
The one and only graphic sex scene was a lot of fun. The only negatives I have about this book, that kept it from 5 stars, would be that I wanted MORE sex scenes and I wanted the book itself to be a bit longer. I felt like by the time Dylan and Natalia are married, the book is pretty much over. I would have liked more time spent in Scotland.
Dylan may have a rakish reputation, but he's secretly always longed for someone to pick him, understand him, and love him. He's set aside this dream until he has enough money to buy an estate of his own. Enter Jonathan Taylor, Dylan's longtime rival, who has been rejected one too many times by Natalia. Seeing a way to make them both suffer, Jonathan bets Dylan that he can't get Natalia to dance with him twice in one night. The Captain accepts.
However, Dylan doesn't anticipate falling in love with Natalia. And definitely doesn't anticipate her finding out about the bet!
___________________________________________
I liked this book a lot. I liveeeee for angst. At first, Natalia worries that Dylan is only after her dowry but he manages to pass through her defenses and get her to take a chance on him. She is quickly betrayed when she finds out Dylan only began courting her for a stupid bet. After that, she's hesitant to trust him again but is forced to marry him after they are spotted in a compromising position.
The one and only graphic sex scene was a lot of fun. The only negatives I have about this book, that kept it from 5 stars, would be that I wanted MORE sex scenes and I wanted the book itself to be a bit longer. I felt like by the time Dylan and Natalia are married, the book is pretty much over. I would have liked more time spent in Scotland.
March 21, 2023
Bet of a Lifetime
The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Dylan Blake…youngest son to the Earl of Warren, a captain in the military, at odds with his father. Natalia Sinclair…daughter to the Duke of Clayton, has a large dowry, a strong secret fan of Captain Blake. It appears as if a close family is not what the H has. Oooooh, The H is about to make a decision that may not have the desired consequences. Awww the poor h has just received a dose of reality. Ok now I am a little upset with the h for blaming everything on the H. Now I feel bad for the H, things are not working out for him. I would like to feel bad for the h right now but I can’t because she is fickle. LOL, I like the stepmother. Oh the h is in a very dangerous situation. Awww the H really is a hero. The brother of the H is a good guy even if he is stuffy, LOL. Uh now the h is really getting on my nerves. The H is really a good guy who makes decisions that often put him a negative light. Ok I’m starting like the h again. The H has a secret only he doesn’t know it. Whew the H has discovered part of his secret and he is not handling it well. Nope now all the H’s secrets are exposed. The withholding of true feelings and thoughts is not good for the MCs. The H almost made a grave mistake but the h saved him. It’s a HEA! In my opinion a good story is one that gets you actively or emotionally invested in the characters. This story did that for me. I was annoyed with the h but in the end she redeemed herself in my eyes. I liked the H from the beginning, his background/history endeared him to me. Overall, it was a good story and I really enjoyed it. There is adult language and steam.
The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Dylan Blake…youngest son to the Earl of Warren, a captain in the military, at odds with his father. Natalia Sinclair…daughter to the Duke of Clayton, has a large dowry, a strong secret fan of Captain Blake. It appears as if a close family is not what the H has. Oooooh, The H is about to make a decision that may not have the desired consequences. Awww the poor h has just received a dose of reality. Ok now I am a little upset with the h for blaming everything on the H. Now I feel bad for the H, things are not working out for him. I would like to feel bad for the h right now but I can’t because she is fickle. LOL, I like the stepmother. Oh the h is in a very dangerous situation. Awww the H really is a hero. The brother of the H is a good guy even if he is stuffy, LOL. Uh now the h is really getting on my nerves. The H is really a good guy who makes decisions that often put him a negative light. Ok I’m starting like the h again. The H has a secret only he doesn’t know it. Whew the H has discovered part of his secret and he is not handling it well. Nope now all the H’s secrets are exposed. The withholding of true feelings and thoughts is not good for the MCs. The H almost made a grave mistake but the h saved him. It’s a HEA! In my opinion a good story is one that gets you actively or emotionally invested in the characters. This story did that for me. I was annoyed with the h but in the end she redeemed herself in my eyes. I liked the H from the beginning, his background/history endeared him to me. Overall, it was a good story and I really enjoyed it. There is adult language and steam.
November 5, 2022
Dyland & Natalia
This was a reverting book 📕 full of action and suspense as well as a spicy (low level) romance. It’s about the H who was a second (supposedly) son to an Earl. He was mistreated and abused because the Earl didn’t want him knowing H was not his son. The H was a product of a true love affair between his mother and a groomsman. The h is a daughter of a Duke that has a huge dowry of half a million pounds. The H is sent to the military for 12 years and when he returns to London he meets h at his father’s ball. The h has followed his military career and considers him a true hero. One of H so called friends makes a bet with him to dance twice with h at any ball. The h is aware of fortune hunters that approach her and denies H a dance. The H starts pursuing her and they start getting to know each other at every ball they attend. After they are both totally smitten with each other she finds out about the bet and feels betrayed. However they are throughly invested in each other by that time and are found in a compromising position so they are forced to marry. The H finds out he has an estate his inheritance from his grandfather in Scotland and takes h to live there. They find out who is H true father and start healing that relationship. And after a few misunderstandings they finally have their HEA. It’s an interesting and exciting story with many twists and turns. All in all a good read.
This was a reverting book 📕 full of action and suspense as well as a spicy (low level) romance. It’s about the H who was a second (supposedly) son to an Earl. He was mistreated and abused because the Earl didn’t want him knowing H was not his son. The H was a product of a true love affair between his mother and a groomsman. The h is a daughter of a Duke that has a huge dowry of half a million pounds. The H is sent to the military for 12 years and when he returns to London he meets h at his father’s ball. The h has followed his military career and considers him a true hero. One of H so called friends makes a bet with him to dance twice with h at any ball. The h is aware of fortune hunters that approach her and denies H a dance. The H starts pursuing her and they start getting to know each other at every ball they attend. After they are both totally smitten with each other she finds out about the bet and feels betrayed. However they are throughly invested in each other by that time and are found in a compromising position so they are forced to marry. The H finds out he has an estate his inheritance from his grandfather in Scotland and takes h to live there. They find out who is H true father and start healing that relationship. And after a few misunderstandings they finally have their HEA. It’s an interesting and exciting story with many twists and turns. All in all a good read.
January 26, 2022
I greatly enjoyed this book. I do love a good damaged Hero coupled with a sheltered insecure heroine. Having returned from the war and being the younger son of an Earl who despised him. Dylan has very little with which to build a life. He foolishly takes a bet that he can get the standoffish Natalia to agree to 2 dances, something she never does. Natalia has secretly fallen in love with the vision of Captain Dylan Blake that she has read of, imagining him to be a soulful hero. From the moment she is introduced and looks in his eyes, what she sees is not her dream but an empty man. In his determination to receive those dances, Dylan inadvertently gets to know the woman behind the dowry every man craves. It makes for an interesting tale as they both enter the relationship with misconceptions of the other and a lifetime of insecurities to come. Never realizing they both dream of the same things. I enjoyed the character development most of all, each of the characters stood out in their own way, even the secondary characters. Understanding the history in each relationship helped to explain how insecure they each are, from Dylan & Natalia to Micheal, Clarice and even Basingstoke. A great cast of characters to ensure continuous stories to come I’m sure.
October 2, 2018
This is sweet, romantic, dramatic and interesting. Dylan is lost, lonely, brave, gentle and charming. Natalia is impulsive, bold, stubborn and caring. He made bet that he could get Natalia to dance with him twice, because he was broke, disowned and desperate. But one conversation with her and he realizes that he has become intrigued by her. Natalia thought that he was a hero, an honest and chivalrous soldier, but one conversation with him and she thinks that he is just like the rest of the men she knows. Yet she's still intrigued and invites him to meet in the garden, where they get caught kissing. He wants to marry her, she doesn't trust him. The storyline gets better and more intriguing as you read. A secret eventually comes to light, one that will change their relationship forever.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2023
Captain Ḍylan Blake was a decorated war hero and the second son of the Earl of Warren and could do nothing to please his father. In fact, the last place Dylan wanted to be was at his father's annual ball. Lady Natalia Sinclair, the daughter of a Duke who also had a very large dowry, was very interested in Captain Blake because she had read many accounts of his bravery and fallen in love with the idea of such an honorable man. She knew that her father would never allow her to marry a man below her station, but she still wanted to meet him. Meanwhile, Captain Blake's nemesis goads him into a bet that he can't get Lady Natalia to dance with him for two dances in one evening. Will this bet come back to haunt Dylan? Will Dylan and Natalia end up together? I enjoyed this story with its twists and turns.
January 18, 2024
I read this as part of the Brazen Belle's anthology.
The story waivered for me. The beginning did not really pull me in but I enjoyed the second half which moved along at a better pace. None of the standard drama dragged on for too long.
This is the one with: .
The story waivered for me. The beginning did not really pull me in but I enjoyed the second half which moved along at a better pace. None of the standard drama dragged on for too long.
This is the one with: .
May 11, 2022
This was a quick read, but I will admit I spent the majority of my time frustrated. I almost did not finish it, but I always make myself see it through to the end. Natalia and Dylan utterly confused me. They ran so hot and cold through the entire story. They used each other and kept choosing to believe the worst. He treated her terribly, she treats him terribly and then they are completely loving with each other.
I am obviously in the minority here, but too much back and forth for me to relax and enjoy it. ⭐️⭐️
I am obviously in the minority here, but too much back and forth for me to relax and enjoy it. ⭐️⭐️
September 26, 2022
Captain Dylan Blake returns home and finds himself back into the society life he would rather avoid. When he shows back up in town during a ball he finds himself noticing Lady Natalia Sinclair and takes up a bet that he can get her to dance with him twice. Lady Sinclair is known to not give men more than one dance and that she isn't interested in more with men. Dylan takes on the challenge initially to earn the money but finds himself falling for Natalia. This is a wonderfully written romance with some intriguing twists and turns!
July 21, 2019
For a romance book, I found this story quite enjoyable. If you are not a fan of romance books, I wouldn’t recommend it.
This quick read is full of scandal, longing, lust, love, confusion, unspoken words, clarification, and a happy ending. However, one of the scandals in this book (there are a few) leads into the next book in the series. So, I would be prepared to keep reading on to the second book in the series as more plot twists unfold.
This quick read is full of scandal, longing, lust, love, confusion, unspoken words, clarification, and a happy ending. However, one of the scandals in this book (there are a few) leads into the next book in the series. So, I would be prepared to keep reading on to the second book in the series as more plot twists unfold.
July 22, 2021
As Victorian romances go, it's actually pretty good. Of course there is the inevitable kerfuffles that keep true love apart...but this one has a few surprises I didn't see coming.
It was a rainy, blustery lazy afternoon here in Alabama. This was the perfect excuse to stay out of the swelter before the rains came. Pour yourself a tall cold glass of sweet tea and enjoy the romance...and remember your first love and or first taste of romance.
It was a rainy, blustery lazy afternoon here in Alabama. This was the perfect excuse to stay out of the swelter before the rains came. Pour yourself a tall cold glass of sweet tea and enjoy the romance...and remember your first love and or first taste of romance.
September 27, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible Membership)
He had become desperate, the need to settle his debts, and move on with a little capital in his pocket, on a bet that he felt would hurt no one, after all, it was only two dances, nothing more.
Well, that was until he met her, looked into her eyes and became aware of how much she saw of him. Then he was totally a man at sea.
He had become desperate, the need to settle his debts, and move on with a little capital in his pocket, on a bet that he felt would hurt no one, after all, it was only two dances, nothing more.
Well, that was until he met her, looked into her eyes and became aware of how much she saw of him. Then he was totally a man at sea.
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