A Precarious Gamble

Gentlemen of London #4

by Laura Beers

Is Love worth the gamble?

Lord Hugh Calvert has managed to disgrace himself again. He gambled and won a small fortune, as he usually does, but this time the pot included a ward. He has never been responsible for someone other than himself. Perhaps it would be best if he just turns the care of his new ward over to his mother, washing his hands of her. But he hadn’t anticipated that Miss Wymond would be so intriguing… or so beautiful.

Miss Marielle Wymond has lost her entire family and is forced to rely on the good graces of her guardian until she reaches her majority. When he gambles with her life and she is sent to live with Lord Hugh, she wonders what fresh misery she will be subjected to. Will her new guardian be as terrible as the first one? What will she do if he’s worse?



As the fourth novel in an exciting series by author Laura Beers, A Precarious Gamble continues the Gentlemen of London series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.

Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Clean Romance, Forced Proximity

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

Reviews

[Milena Bookish❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

At one of his card-playing games, he won Marielle in the pot. He became her guardian since her brother was lost at sea and she had no other relatives. Hugh is an adorable rascal and Marielle is a lovely, sweet but strong woman. I've been enjoying the series, but sorry to say this one is a failure for me, just too predictable, with no surprises, I had a hard time getting into the story because of how similar it was to other stories, similar storyline to the last one= sweet lady needs to be rescued, and the complex Hero saves the lady and their fall in love. the end. repeated lines, and read quickly through the book, not because I couldn’t get enough, but because I just wanted to get through it.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Marielle Wymond is in a rather strange situation. Her father has passed, her brother is missing and possibly dead. Her cousin is her guardian until he gambles her away in a card game to be the ward of Lord Hugh Calvert. Uncertain of her future, she is surprised by the generosity and kindness of Lord Calvert's family. Still her new guardian, Lord Hugh Calvert seems to be a handsome gambler and Marielle is determined to know his secrets as to why he walked away from everything to pursue the life of a gambler.

Lord Hugh Calvert has a conscious. He would not allow some stranger to gamble away a ward to someone unsavory. So he stepped in and saved the girl not knowing anything about her. Surprised by her beauty and charm, he finds himself falling under her spell and slowly opening up to her. Yet past mishaps are threatening not only him but the girl he is falling for.

I loved this story. Hugh is a likable gentleman though he is a gambler. As the story unfolds, you see why he became the way he did. He overcomes so much with the help of Marielle, including the rift in his family. Marielle is so sweet and yet has spunk to fight with Hugh when she needs it. I laughed at the scene when Marielle threatens to walk out on him and his family. It is definitely a sweet regency romance that can be read as a stand alone, but I do love reading about Hugh's friends from previous books and seeing how much they changed. This is a clean read.

I received an arc to read and review with my opinion on the story. This is my honest opinion.

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series from Laura Beers and this book was no exception! Hugh is equally charming and self deprecating, making him a lovable yet complex character that I was rooting for! Marielle was easy to like and her direct nature combined with her sweet disposition made her the perfect combination for Hugh! These two had great chemistry and I was absolutely loving each and every interaction! The threat of danger combined with a slight mystery really kept me guessing as to who was behind everything! I thought the end really delivered!

[Chesney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh finally gets his story and what a story it is. He surprisingly gets a ward through playing cards and his life is never the same. Marielle is determined to run her fathers shipping company after she comes of age. She finds herself the ward of a handsome gambler. The banter between these characters is definitely a precarious gamble! This is book four so I would recommend reading the series in order. Characters from previous books are mentioned throughout. Definitely worth reading.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Hugh Calvert prides himself on winning big at card games, and this particular night was no exception. Except he didn't just win money...he won a ward; a Miss Marielle Wymond who is all alone in the world. Her parents are deceased and her brother lost at sea, but he hasn't yet been declared dead. Until she reaches her majority, in a few months, she's the ward of an odious guardian who cares so little for her he's willing to sell her to the highest bidder. This is how she suddenly finds herself the ward of Lord Hugh Calvert.

I was excited to get Hugh's story because all we've seen of him in the previous books leads us to believe he's just a man who spends his nights in gambling halls with no care for how this affects the other members of his family. But this is far from the truth. Hugh is a man with a conscious, which is why is quit his job as a barrister and now has a ward, who just happens to be a beautiful young woman.

I really liked the way Hugh's story is slowly revealed and we finally find out why he spends his nights gambling. I loved the chemistry between Hugh and Marielle--she certainly could stand up for herself when she wanted to. There's a surprise fairly early in the book that makes Hugh and Marielle's relationship more difficult that it already is, but I'm not saying what it is because I don't want to spoil it. I love seeing the characters from the previous books pop up so we can see what they've been up to. I've always loved mysteries, so I love the suspense thread that each of these Gentlemen of London books have and this one was no exception.

I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book. I received a complimentary copy for review but also bought an ebook for my personal library. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. I loved the entire series. Please read these books in order. The four books are all connected. I loved the heroine spunk, and the hero’s kindness, and caring as the book went on. It had a great story line, and ending. There is even an epilogue. I love it when they go a bit farther past the kiss, or agree to marry. These four books are awesome as summer reads, or rainy days. I loved Hugh, and his big brother Nathanial. Their were three evil men who were after the heroines money, no matter the cost. It was a race across the country to keep her from these nasty men. I just loved her spirit to help in her own out come, and keep others safe. She was no wilting flower. A great read. I would suggest this series to anyone. They do have some steam, so over 18 is more appropriate. 5 stars. Now to see if their is a book five.

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love often finds us in the most unexpected places.”
This series is one I am finding so delightful! I have also been looking forward to Hugh's story and this installment made me so happy! This story gives us more background about Hugh and why he has been making the choices that he has throughout the previous books. Also, Marielle was the partner that he needed. It was wonderful getting to see her view of him, without the interference of her seeing his past. She saw his goodness and kindness, which even Hugh had begun to doubt. I enjoyed this story so much and can't wait for the next installment of this series! I would definitely recommend reading the whole series from the beginning, and each book is easy to read, so the time flies by! Each book has a hint of mystery and intrigue and the romance is so sweet!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean romance

I have enjoyed this author in the past and this story/series has not disappointed me.

The characters are so well developed that they appear real in the author’s world she has created. The author invites the reader to share her world and cheer and love the characters… or not in case of the villains.

The main characters are both strong but in very different ways. The hero is broken and is still a gentleman and a hero. The heroine strong and sees the good in others and also is a hero.

This stand alone book in the series keeps the reader guessing as to what will happen next. I suggest reading each book in the series as it gives great background to the other characters.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in the Gentleman of London Series just captured my attention. This is book four and it is best to read this series in the order of the books since the stories and characters overlap.

A Precarious Gamble will finally give Lord Hugh Calvert his own story. As the second son he has given his family grief in all of the past stories due to his life of staying out late gambling and coming home early in the morning drunk. His father is always telling him that he is a disappoint and that he is embarrassing the family. But in this story we will see another side of Lord Hugh and discover why he is always keeping himself occupied and on the run.

No matter what decision Lord Hugh Calvert makes, it always seems to cause his father embarrassment. His latest decision was made to protect a young lady who's guardian wanted to wager her in a game of cards. Lord Hugh went to school with the young lady's brother and hearing of his death and that her guardian was willing to wager her to anyone in the room he had to make a decision. Knowing he had a winning hand, he agreed to the wager to save her from some pretty disreputable men in the room. Now he was responsible for someone else and he didn't even know a thing about Miss Wymond but he was hoping to get his mother to help him with his new ward. To his surprise, Miss Marielle Wymond was not a little girl but a lovely young lady ready to be presented to society.

Miss Marielle Wymond has had her life changed with the loss of her mother in a riding accident years before. Her father never really recovered and upon his death with the loss of her brother at sea, she was given a guardian until she reached her majority. This guardian was selling off her family's things and he was treating her horribly. When she is told that he gambled her in a card game losing to his opponent giving her a new guardian, she is not sure what is coming next.

Marielle was raised in a loving family and allowed to express her opinions and that she does again and again. She stands up for Lord Hugh when his father disparages him. She sees something no one else sees in Lord Hugh and makes it her aim to get Hugh to see that he is a man of worth. Even when she hears the things in his past that caused him to begin his life of gambling- she still sees him as a good man and her hero for saving her from her guardian's plans.

I loved the interaction with Hugh and Marielle as they tried to resist their feelings for one another. It would make another scandal for Hugh to fall in love with his ward.

This story has lots of drama as a few men that have lost large amounts of money to Hugh want to use Marielle as a pawn to destroy him. But Hugh continues to be her hero as he fights for her time and again.

Would these two have to deny their feelings to protect their reputations or would they find a way to be together.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Alicia Rivoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about each one of Laura Beers books that I fall in love with every time I read them. She does such a wonderful job of creating characters with so much depth and a plethora of emotions, it almost feels like they are real people rather than fictional. She does a wonderful job at making sure your are invested in the lives of the MMC and MFC that you root for them with every flip of the page.

This story was incredible and pulled me on from the very first page. I didn’t know the antagonist until they were revealed, which is a new experience for me. I can usually pinpoint them without too much trouble, but not with this book. Wonderful job! I can’t wait for Evie’s story! Highly recommend this and all books by Laura Beers.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Hugh Calvert was good at cards, but he was better at reading the men he played with. This trait helped him gain a fortune, unfortunately it didn’t help his reputation. One night he gambled and won more then a fortune, he won a young women. Mr. Cadell bid his ward, thinking he had the winning hand.
Marielle Wymond had lost her mother, father and now her only brother was lost at sea, presumably died. A Mr. Cadell, a distant cousin, became her guardian and had control of her inheritance. She was shocked when he told her, he had bet her in a game of cards and lost.
The story of Hugh and Marielle, is entertaining and definitely precarious. Even though they are the main characters and wonderful, every character in the book is vital to the story.
I love how author Laura Beers can write a story, that grabs hold of you from the very beginning and never let’s go. So many twists and turns, intriguing plots, charismatic characters and sweet romance, is why I love her books. A Precarious Gamble is a 5 stars read for me. The whole series is wonderful. I recommend reading the books in order as many characters are intermixed and make them all the better. I can’t wait for Haddington and Evie’s story.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important wager he ever made
“Lord Hugh Calvert was a failure from the moment he was born.” That first line drew me into a fantastic read. I was enthralled and engrossed through the whole book. The characters are wonderful and the story matches them. Hugh is the second son and never feels good enough, hence he became a gambler and a very good one amassing considerable wealth. But one night he is faced with the strangest bet he had ever encountered. If he won, he would gain guardianship of a woman. He wasn’t interested until it became clear that the man would sell the woman to the highest bidder, something he could not allow to happen to anyone. He took the bet and with it found himself a guardian of a young woman. She had lost both parents and her brother was presumed dead so she found herself in the control of Mr. Cadell, a distant cousin and appointed guardian. She knew he was not a good man but she did not expect him to gamble her away. When she entered Hugh’s home, little did she realize the door was opening to opportunities, new experiences, danger, and perhaps love. This is a great read and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Be aware it is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone although I can strongly recommend the other books. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series by Laura Beers. This is Hugh's story. Hugh blames himself for something from his past and lives accordingly. He gambles at night and sleeps it off during the day. That all changes when he wins a hand of cards that comes with a ward. He knows nothing about his new ward except that her former guardian was not a good man. When he meets Marielle he is instantly struck by her beauty and her faith in him. They have some fun miscommunications in the beginning. When his past comes back to haunt him, Marielle is put in the crossfire. With the help of his brother and friends he will do anything to keep her safe.
I would highly recommend this book. Great characters, clean romance and a bit of mystery.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Hugh Calvert, younger brother to the Earl of Hawthorne, has ceased his profession of Barrister and turned to gambling. He is very good at gambling and has won a fortune. One night when the bet is called the only remaining player gambles his ward. Hugh refuses the offer so the man then offers his ward to a disreputable scoundrel for enough money to call the game. Hugh can't allow this so he accepts the bet and wins a ward.
Miss Marielle Wymond happens to be the sister of his much-despised roommate at Eton. Steven Wymond made his life miserable and they both detested each other. Steven is now a Captain in His Majesty's Navy and his ship sank about six months ago leaving his sister without a guardian.
When Hugh first sets eyes on Marielle he realizes he is in trouble. She is beautiful and places her trust in him. Hugh has felt that no one respects, likes, or trusts him since he began gambling.
Marielle even defends him to his overly critical father.
Someone begins threatening Hugh and demands blackmail for an outrageous amount of money. The blackmailer even threatens Marielle. Hugh struggles with the threats and finally enlists his brother's help. Nathaniel and Lord Haddington along with Evie are soon all involved.
This story was interesting and full of action but the author used the same plot she used in other stories so it was a bit of a letdown.

[Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean story. The continuation of this series. I liked the story line of a lady being passed between guardians as a result of a bet. Some bits I think you can feel are going to happen, such as her brother turning up. There are also some bits that are not quite right - I cannot believe the Marchioness would want her sons calling her by her given name. No matter how close the family I cannot see this happening. I also cannot see why Hugh could not explain to his father why he became a gambler, or indeed to his brother. There are also some Americanisms, such as ‘gotten’. I am torn between 3 and 4 stars but I did enjoy it so 4 stars it is.
Note: I try to read a series in order from the beginning, which I am doing with this one. I also don’t read them back to back and will have read other books in between each one. With this series I think to understand the characters and their relationships you definitely need to read in order as I felt there was a presumption you knew some of the characters. eg Evie will seem very odd! As there had been a break since I read the previous book I had to think hard to recall the previous ones at the beginning of this book to get properly into it. You can read as a stand alone but I recommend reading in order.

[Emily Cronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book, y'all. What. A. Book.

I have been seriously loving this series, and A Precarious Gamble is no exception. It is so good! Laura Beers has knocked it out of the park with this one.

A Precarious Gamble has a little bit of everything you could want - the sweetest heroine, a kind, charming hero, fantastic character growth, side characters you can't help but love, villains that deserve a facer (or fifty), a little bit of mystery, plot twists you didn't see coming, the sweetest romance....seriously what is there not to love here??

High and Marielle were so perfect for each other. I loved how they stood up for each other and helped the other be better. If anybody deserves a happily ever after, it's these two. I was so happy with how everything turned out for them.

If this book isn't on your TBR lists already, it needs to be. Trust me friends, this is one book you don't want to miss! I have spoken.

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, beautiful cover! I love it! Hugh and Marielle are wonderful characters! I love Hawthorne and his family. So having the story about his brother was wonderful! I loved the family connections. Hawthorne is my favorite character in the series and now Hugh and Marielle are next in line. Great story. I thought it was very enjoyable. This was my favorite overall in the series because of the characters (at least out of books 1-5). If you want a good, clean, not-creepy suspense series, I highly recommend this one. Laura Beers is a "go-to" author for me. I know I can trust her to write clean stories and entertaining plots and characters.

Clean!
Language/profanity: none
Sex/innuendo: only sweet kisses
Gore/Violence: some fight scenes, mild in description
Dark/Creepy: none

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story.

I loved everything about this book. Hugh is the second son of a Marques living in the shadow of his favored brother. He has never been able to make his father proud. When he quit being a barrister and became a gambler their relationship worsened. Marielle lost both her parents and now her brother is presumed dead as well. Her guardian is cruel and only wants her money when she becomes of age. Her guardian loses her in a card game to Hugh. Hugh only accepted the terms of the bet to save Marielle from being sold to the highest bidder. Their story is full of excitement, suspense, and danger. I love the familiar characters that are including in the story from past books. You won’t be disappointed.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heartwarming #regencyromance that left me feeling full in my heart. Her stories are always filled with warmth and beautiful characters that transport you to a time and place long forgotten. Focused on the second son (Hugh) of a wealthy English family that spends his time gambling to build his fortune, but one night he wins more than he bargained for. Another man wages his young ward, a woman who's lost all her family, and ends up belonging to Hugh. They butt heads and have a difficult time, but their attraction to one another wins over in the end.

An amazing story that will leave you feeling comforted and content!

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hugh got his and found the happiness that had alluded him for so long. Having won a woman in a card game, Hugh hardly knew what to do with a beautiful girl until she reached her majority. Her brother was his roommate at Eton and they did not get along. Now he was keeping her from the nare do well elements of British society that would use her and ruin her.
Taking Marielle into his family townhouse provided her with proper supervision, servants and companionship. She wouldn't be compromised and he would be free to continue to gamble and drink. Unfortunately it didn't work, she was his responsibility and he needed to be sober and awake in order to be in her company.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Precarious Gamble

This was a wonderful story, worth waiting for it to be published. Hugh and Marielle were the main characters in this story. Hugh was a gambler and had made a fortune gambling. At one of his card playing games., he won Marielle in the pot. Mr. Caldwell was her guardian since her brother was lost at sea and she had no other relatives. She was just a few months before reaching her majority. So wonderful is this story, just sit back and enjoy.

[Jan Silvera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story

Book 4. One by one these gentlemen are being picked off by the ladies, no matter of their protest! I still don’t know why they seem to be drinking all day long. You would think they were having Brandy for breakfast in these stories. Lol…But I did enjoy the banter and the conversation between the men and women. I recommend this story. Now book 5 isn’t out yet…it will be next month. 👍📖📖👍

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it to page 135 (44% in) but just can't continue. Far too much dialogue and it just comes across to me as simplistic, predictable and boring. I love a good, clean historical romance (Mary Kingswood is fantastic at character development and stories with some humor and Mary Lancaster is great with epic stories) but this is lacking in development across the spectrum for me...the characters, story and romance are so very bland.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s another hit with the delightful Gentlemen of London period piece by Laura Beers. Hugh and Marielle have quite the adventures as they navigate their obstacles to their happily ever after. This is the fourth of the series and as a reader I have loved seeing the couples working through and around the constraints of their culture. I’m looking forward to the next book.

[Aimee Blackard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I thought that Graylocke and Beatrice were my favorite characters from this series, but Hugh and Marielle have replaced them! This was a romantic, fun story with a lot of action! This whole series has been one of my favorites nd I look forward to the next in the series!!

[Connie Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I really and truly enjoyed this book! I was anxiously waiting for it to come out because I have enjoyed each one of these stories in this series. What a beautiful and tender love story I was so happy for Hugh and the peace he was able to find. Wonderful characters in the whole series. I highly recommend it!

[Lois Chilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Precarious Gamble

Great story.. Great storyline.. Great Storytelling.. Absolutely Great Characters.. Marielle & Hugh were perfect in the story. I especially liked the intrigue put forth by Hugh's brother Nathaniel.. hope to pick up more in another of Ms Beers' books. Great Read.

[Nancy Baker-krofft · Rating 5 out of 5]

The forgotten brother comes Into the light

I must have read this series out of order...I did not know Hugh as he was before the he was one of the Gentlemen of London. I know what happens to Haddington, and know Nathan and Conan's story...I am so glad to see healing and love come Hughes way.

[Karen D. Heberling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Laura Beers knows how to weave a good story! This series keeps getting better and better. Her characters are complex and admirable, yet flawed, of course. That is what makes us human.
This is another clean romance, but once again, Ms. Beers does not shy away from violence. Still I think it’s appropriate for ages 12 and above.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Beers’ books never fail to entertain! I have so enjoyed the relationships between the group of friends in this series, and how each new participant (Hero, Heroine), fits in.
There is also often some fun wordplay, as you might notice in the last lines of this book.