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Timeless Regency Collection
Wedding Wagers
10 hours and 23 minutes
Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.
From the publisher of the 'USA Today' best-selling and number-one Amazon best-selling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes 'Wedding Wagers'. Featuring best-selling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.
©2018 Heather B. Moore (P)2020 Mirror Press, LLC
Three wagers. Three couples. Three chances at love. Let the bets begin.
From the publisher of the 'USA Today' best-selling and number-one Amazon best-selling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Regency Romance, comes 'Wedding Wagers'. Featuring best-selling authors Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, and Michele Paige Holmes.
©2018 Heather B. Moore (P)2020 Mirror Press, LLC
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 20, 2018
About the author
Donna Hatch
50 books1,039 followersMulti-award-winning author of more than twenty best-selling Regency Historical Romances, Donna Hatch is a hopeful romantic and an adventurer at heart. Each book she writes is filled with wit and heart and plenty of swoon-worthy romance. Donna sings, plays the harp, and loves to ballroom dance. Her family, including six children and two cats, recently left their native Arizona for the Pacific coast of the US. No matter where they live, she and her husband of over twenty years are proof that there truly is a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
September 13, 2018
Review for November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
August 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this regency collection, each story was well-developed, great characters and fun plots. It's always nice when you read an anthology and end up liking all the stories!
A Wager of Love by Donna Hatch
Kind of a "forbidden love" type story, Phillip is the son of a Duke and Meredith is the daughter of a factory owner. They come from different stations in life, but none of that matters when it comes to their hearts. I thought they had a sweet relationship and I enjoyed seeing their story unfold.
Trivia: For fans of Ms. Hatch's Rogue Hearts series, you'll see some cameo's from some of our favorite characters (I believe A Wager of Love takes place before that series). Also, if you want to catch Phillip's brothers story, check out Autumn Masquerade where he gets his HEA in Unmasking the Duke. Reading order, although each can stand alone: A Wager of Love, The Stranger She Married, Unmasking the Duke.
The Final Wager by Heather Moore
I enjoyed this one! Victor and Juliet are both likable leads and it was fun to watch them fall in love. They have a lot of obstacles to over come which made for an enjoyable read. It was nice to see both Victor and Juliet take control of their own lives and fight for each other.
An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes
Eli and Emily have a sweet love story. Another forbidden love story, Eli is in love with the boss's daughter. While I could see the "surprise" coming right from the start, it was fun to see how it all came about and it was nice reading to fill in the pieces and figure out where Eli came from. I liked this one. I thought it was well written and kept me glued to the pages.
This collection easily could have been called Forbidden Love, haha. It wasn't until I sat down to write this review did I catch that each H/h were in impossible situations and had to overcome a lot to be together. They also each had fun wagers that play a big role in each of the stories. I liked that even though they're each novella length novels, they all felt like complete stories.
Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy
A Wager of Love by Donna Hatch
Kind of a "forbidden love" type story, Phillip is the son of a Duke and Meredith is the daughter of a factory owner. They come from different stations in life, but none of that matters when it comes to their hearts. I thought they had a sweet relationship and I enjoyed seeing their story unfold.
Trivia: For fans of Ms. Hatch's Rogue Hearts series, you'll see some cameo's from some of our favorite characters (I believe A Wager of Love takes place before that series). Also, if you want to catch Phillip's brothers story, check out Autumn Masquerade where he gets his HEA in Unmasking the Duke. Reading order, although each can stand alone: A Wager of Love, The Stranger She Married, Unmasking the Duke.
The Final Wager by Heather Moore
I enjoyed this one! Victor and Juliet are both likable leads and it was fun to watch them fall in love. They have a lot of obstacles to over come which made for an enjoyable read. It was nice to see both Victor and Juliet take control of their own lives and fight for each other.
An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes
Eli and Emily have a sweet love story. Another forbidden love story, Eli is in love with the boss's daughter. While I could see the "surprise" coming right from the start, it was fun to see how it all came about and it was nice reading to fill in the pieces and figure out where Eli came from. I liked this one. I thought it was well written and kept me glued to the pages.
This collection easily could have been called Forbidden Love, haha. It wasn't until I sat down to write this review did I catch that each H/h were in impossible situations and had to overcome a lot to be together. They also each had fun wagers that play a big role in each of the stories. I liked that even though they're each novella length novels, they all felt like complete stories.
Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy
July 20, 2020
2020 update--I listened to the audiobook this time around. I only remembered bits and pieces of the 3 stories so it was fun to read them again. I liked the narrator's voice and thought she did a great job with all of the voices.
I love these collections and this was such a fun storyline to read about. I wondered how each author would fit the theme of "Wedding Wagers" into their novella. By the way, each of these stories didn't feel like I was reading a novella.
A Wager of Love by Donna Hatch--The Regency era had so many rules on who could marry whom, it's a wonder anyone got married for love. Phillip is the son of a duke and wants to meet a woman who's not interested in him just because he's the brother of a duke. He finally meets Meredith Brown, but when he accidentally dumps her into the River Thames it leads to a wager with his best friend. This was a fun story. I liked Phillip's friendship with Michael, the man he places the wager with. I think Phillip is a lucky man that Meredith was such a forgiving lady after he caused her unexpected swim in the Thames. I wouldn't have been quite as forgiving or found humor in it as Meredith did.
The Final Wager by Heather Moore--Victor Roland plays a game of twenty-one with Lord Southill, who loses hand after hand. Lord Southill finally tries to bet his sister and her dowry, which Victor refuses to do. Later on, Victor finds out the truth of Lord Southill's finances and meets his sister, the beautiful Lady Juliet. I loved this story. Poor Lady Juliet was saddled with a selfish brother who wasted their inheritance, and Victor wanted to help so that she didn't have to marry a man old enough to be her father. I loved the ending with the horses; it reminded me of Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride.
An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes--Sherborne Rowley III intends to marry his long-time neighbor, Emily Montgomery, because it will solve his financial problems. His plan hits a big snag when Eli Linfield, a childhood friend, remembers the wager they made as children that Eli would marry Emily. The late night birthing of a foal causes quite a bit of trouble for Sherborne, Eli and the Montgomery sisters, and a huge secret comes to light. I liked how this story resolved itself. I knew how the bet would end but I never suspected how it would play out. No spoilers here.
This is another wonderful trilogy of Regency stories. I don't know how the authors continue to do it, but I'm glad they do.
I love these collections and this was such a fun storyline to read about. I wondered how each author would fit the theme of "Wedding Wagers" into their novella. By the way, each of these stories didn't feel like I was reading a novella.
A Wager of Love by Donna Hatch--The Regency era had so many rules on who could marry whom, it's a wonder anyone got married for love. Phillip is the son of a duke and wants to meet a woman who's not interested in him just because he's the brother of a duke. He finally meets Meredith Brown, but when he accidentally dumps her into the River Thames it leads to a wager with his best friend. This was a fun story. I liked Phillip's friendship with Michael, the man he places the wager with. I think Phillip is a lucky man that Meredith was such a forgiving lady after he caused her unexpected swim in the Thames. I wouldn't have been quite as forgiving or found humor in it as Meredith did.
The Final Wager by Heather Moore--Victor Roland plays a game of twenty-one with Lord Southill, who loses hand after hand. Lord Southill finally tries to bet his sister and her dowry, which Victor refuses to do. Later on, Victor finds out the truth of Lord Southill's finances and meets his sister, the beautiful Lady Juliet. I loved this story. Poor Lady Juliet was saddled with a selfish brother who wasted their inheritance, and Victor wanted to help so that she didn't have to marry a man old enough to be her father. I loved the ending with the horses; it reminded me of Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride.
An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes--Sherborne Rowley III intends to marry his long-time neighbor, Emily Montgomery, because it will solve his financial problems. His plan hits a big snag when Eli Linfield, a childhood friend, remembers the wager they made as children that Eli would marry Emily. The late night birthing of a foal causes quite a bit of trouble for Sherborne, Eli and the Montgomery sisters, and a huge secret comes to light. I liked how this story resolved itself. I knew how the bet would end but I never suspected how it would play out. No spoilers here.
This is another wonderful trilogy of Regency stories. I don't know how the authors continue to do it, but I'm glad they do.
August 20, 2018
These 3 stories were fun to read. The 1st story was about a wager to win the girl. It was a little silly but fun to read. I bit of insta love is just hard for me to buy. The 2nd story was my least favorite. The leading lady did something so completely out of character is was hard to like the Hero or Heroine in that one. The 3rd story is why this has 3 stars. It was wonderful:} It was so sweet and my perfect kind of story. I will be rereading that one again.
August 21, 2018
This book gets all the love and gushing for a review. Three of my favorite authors and the three original creators of the Timeless collection wrote the three novellas. Let me just say, I was a little excited to pick it up. And each novella was just fabulous! I loved the characters, the story, the wager, the problem and the solution. Not to mention, the romance in all of them was clean, and the getting to the happily ever after was so fun to read about! More please! ;-)
These three novellas did not feel like they were novellas. I felt very satisfied with the story being well rounded and not feeling rushed. These three authors are well into their careers and definitely know their craft very well. I truly loved all three but if I were asked to pick a favorite, it would hands down be The Final Wager by Heather B. Moore. But don't let that diminish how much I loved the other two stories. I was very engrossed in each story and felt like I connected to all the characters very easily.
And wagers. What a fun idea to make the premise of a story. I thought the authors were very creative in the wagers that fueled their story. Each different from the other but each very believable and adding angst to the story and the relationships between the characters.
If you haven't read any of these Timeless Collections I would say start with this one (if you're a Regency Fan-or even if you're not). It's so hard to pick favorites in these collections because I truly enjoy them all. But, I think it all depends on if you want to read Timeless Regency, Timeless Romance, Western, etc. for which collection you start with. Any of them have great authors who write the novellas. Grab this one though, it's well worth the time spent!
Content: All clean.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
These three novellas did not feel like they were novellas. I felt very satisfied with the story being well rounded and not feeling rushed. These three authors are well into their careers and definitely know their craft very well. I truly loved all three but if I were asked to pick a favorite, it would hands down be The Final Wager by Heather B. Moore. But don't let that diminish how much I loved the other two stories. I was very engrossed in each story and felt like I connected to all the characters very easily.
And wagers. What a fun idea to make the premise of a story. I thought the authors were very creative in the wagers that fueled their story. Each different from the other but each very believable and adding angst to the story and the relationships between the characters.
If you haven't read any of these Timeless Collections I would say start with this one (if you're a Regency Fan-or even if you're not). It's so hard to pick favorites in these collections because I truly enjoy them all. But, I think it all depends on if you want to read Timeless Regency, Timeless Romance, Western, etc. for which collection you start with. Any of them have great authors who write the novellas. Grab this one though, it's well worth the time spent!
Content: All clean.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 15, 2018
***4.5 stars***
Love is always a gamble, particularly when a wager is involved. This book has three anthologies that have a wager made about marriage as part of the plot. All three are set in England during the Regency Era.
I loved the stories. Each of the stories were written by a "go to" author for me. Donna Hatch's story is humorous. The MC's meet when he accidentally has her take is swim in the Thames. It is not a likely way to begin a courtship. It was a wonderful story to read. It had a great start, middle, and finish.
Heather Moore's story is more of a damsel in distress book. The damsel is a strong character who could find her way in the book, but having a handsome man to help her along doesn't hurt. This was another wonderful book to read. In saving her, he saves himself.
Michele Paige Holmes' story has some interesting twists. I didn't see some of them coming. I will say that both of the male MC's get what they deserve in the end. This story also has some humorous moments that made it a lot of fun to read.
All three of the stories are clean. There is some innuendo and kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Love is always a gamble, particularly when a wager is involved. This book has three anthologies that have a wager made about marriage as part of the plot. All three are set in England during the Regency Era.
I loved the stories. Each of the stories were written by a "go to" author for me. Donna Hatch's story is humorous. The MC's meet when he accidentally has her take is swim in the Thames. It is not a likely way to begin a courtship. It was a wonderful story to read. It had a great start, middle, and finish.
Heather Moore's story is more of a damsel in distress book. The damsel is a strong character who could find her way in the book, but having a handsome man to help her along doesn't hurt. This was another wonderful book to read. In saving her, he saves himself.
Michele Paige Holmes' story has some interesting twists. I didn't see some of them coming. I will say that both of the male MC's get what they deserve in the end. This story also has some humorous moments that made it a lot of fun to read.
All three of the stories are clean. There is some innuendo and kissing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 24, 2018
This book was so much fun to read! These are three of my favorite authors so I knew I was in for a treat with this book. I loved that each story revolved around a wager the character(s) made. It made for some sticky situations because we all know how wagers can most certainly come back to haunt you!
I thought each book was entertaining and well done. I loved how each male character in each story worked so hard to get the girl he wanted. The wagers were out of a sincere desire to ultimately end up with the girl of their dreams. How sweet is that? Yeah, I loved those men even if making wagers is not the smartest thing to do.
Content: clean romance, some kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I thought each book was entertaining and well done. I loved how each male character in each story worked so hard to get the girl he wanted. The wagers were out of a sincere desire to ultimately end up with the girl of their dreams. How sweet is that? Yeah, I loved those men even if making wagers is not the smartest thing to do.
Content: clean romance, some kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 16, 2018
I loved all three novellas in this collection! Usually, I have a favorite when I read a collection like this, but all three ended up being my favorite!
"A Wager on Love" by Donna Hatch
Phillip Partridge is the brother of the Duke of Suttenberg, and many young girls see him as a means to meet his very eligible brother or as a means to marry into such a prestigious family. He's not sure he will ever find a girl who suits him, until he meets Meredith Brown. Phillip is instantly taken with her and makes a wager with his best friend, Michael Cavenleigh that he can win Meredith over (despite their rocky start) and get her to marry him. Unfortunately, her lack of connections makes her unacceptable in his mother's eyes. Fortunately, he has plans and allies who will help him.
Meredith Brown is nearly 23 years old and the daughter of a factory owner - not to mention there is some scandal attached to her name. She has nothing to recommend her except kindness, quickness to forgive, championing young naive girls who may be taken advantage of, thoughtfulness, generosity, intelligence and compassion - all things that Phillip values.
"The Final Wager" by Heather Moore
Lord Victor Roland, Earl of Locken is the next Duke - if he marries the girl his dad has picked out for him. Otherwise, he will be disinherited by the Duke.
John Baldwin, Earl of Southill, is desperately gambling away all his money and his future. His sister, Juliet, is trying to keep the household going while trying to hold off her brother's debtors.
Victor and Juliet inadvertently meet through her brother, and Victor is drawn to her immediately. But he knows he shouldn't be because he has an almost-fiancee that his father has selected. He decides to help her by convincing her brother to have a 2-week house party with eligible bachelors. He makes a wager with her that she will have 3 engagement offers by the end of the house party. He even invites his almost-fiancee to remind himself that he isn't eligible to offer for Juliet. But things don't always go as planned...
"An Improbable Wager" by Michele Paige Holmes
12-year-old Eli Linfield, "a common farm boy," and 10-year-old Sherborn Alexander Rowley III, the future Earl of Shrewbury, make a wager over young Emily Montgomery. Eli is madly in love with her and wagers that she will one day marry him, as impossible as that seems.
14 years later Eli is a stable master for the Montgomery's, and is content - even if he does have a lot of secrets that no other living person knows. Sherborn has inherited the title and needs to marry money quickly. He is already practically betrothed to Emily Montgomery and needs her dowry. Just as it appears Eli has lost the bet, Emily's sister Sophia takes matters into her own hand. And Emily is left to decide between money and position or happiness.
Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
"A Wager on Love" by Donna Hatch
Phillip Partridge is the brother of the Duke of Suttenberg, and many young girls see him as a means to meet his very eligible brother or as a means to marry into such a prestigious family. He's not sure he will ever find a girl who suits him, until he meets Meredith Brown. Phillip is instantly taken with her and makes a wager with his best friend, Michael Cavenleigh that he can win Meredith over (despite their rocky start) and get her to marry him. Unfortunately, her lack of connections makes her unacceptable in his mother's eyes. Fortunately, he has plans and allies who will help him.
Meredith Brown is nearly 23 years old and the daughter of a factory owner - not to mention there is some scandal attached to her name. She has nothing to recommend her except kindness, quickness to forgive, championing young naive girls who may be taken advantage of, thoughtfulness, generosity, intelligence and compassion - all things that Phillip values.
"The Final Wager" by Heather Moore
Lord Victor Roland, Earl of Locken is the next Duke - if he marries the girl his dad has picked out for him. Otherwise, he will be disinherited by the Duke.
John Baldwin, Earl of Southill, is desperately gambling away all his money and his future. His sister, Juliet, is trying to keep the household going while trying to hold off her brother's debtors.
Victor and Juliet inadvertently meet through her brother, and Victor is drawn to her immediately. But he knows he shouldn't be because he has an almost-fiancee that his father has selected. He decides to help her by convincing her brother to have a 2-week house party with eligible bachelors. He makes a wager with her that she will have 3 engagement offers by the end of the house party. He even invites his almost-fiancee to remind himself that he isn't eligible to offer for Juliet. But things don't always go as planned...
"An Improbable Wager" by Michele Paige Holmes
12-year-old Eli Linfield, "a common farm boy," and 10-year-old Sherborn Alexander Rowley III, the future Earl of Shrewbury, make a wager over young Emily Montgomery. Eli is madly in love with her and wagers that she will one day marry him, as impossible as that seems.
14 years later Eli is a stable master for the Montgomery's, and is content - even if he does have a lot of secrets that no other living person knows. Sherborn has inherited the title and needs to marry money quickly. He is already practically betrothed to Emily Montgomery and needs her dowry. Just as it appears Eli has lost the bet, Emily's sister Sophia takes matters into her own hand. And Emily is left to decide between money and position or happiness.
Content: Clean
Source: Review Copy (opinion is 100% my own)
August 27, 2018
There is plenty of humor and wit in these three Regency stories (by three of my favorite must-read authors!) that have some kind of wager about a wedding as the premise. They are longer than novella length, and each have fully developed characters and plots. I appreciated that I felt like I could connect to each of the couples and their dilemmas, and was invested in the outcome of their happily-ever-afters. I definitely enjoyed all three, but my favorite was An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes, because I'm a sucker for the unrequited love/childhood crush trope! Eli was such an admirable and unassuming hero, working his way up in the world with moderate success so that even though he never expected to have his romantic dreams fulfilled, he was prepared when the opportunity arose. Lots of romance and navigating of Regency society made this collection one I'll definitely re-read in the future!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
August 15, 2018
I absolutely enjoyed these stories. I must admit though the The Final Wager was my favorite. I just loved the chemistry of these characters. These are all sweet, clean romances.
November 24, 2018
A Wager For Love- Donna Hatch-4 stars
I enjoyed this novella about Meredith, who has been twice disappointed in love and Phillip, the younger brother of a Duke. She is very untrusting and I liked watching Phillip break down her walls and gain her trust. The story had likeable supporting characters and I wish it had been a full length story.
The Final Wager - Heather Moore-5 stars
Juliet needs to make a match because her brother is gambling away his inheritance and their estate is in disrepair. Victor plans on marrying a woman of his father's choosing to secure his inheritance. They meet when Victor brings her drunk, injured brother home. Despite being taken with her, Victor decides to fund a house party to help her find a husband. It was fun to watch these two fall in love. I loved both characters and wish their story had been full length because I wasn't ready to say goodbye.
An Improbable Wager - Michele Paige Holmes-5+stars
I gave the previous novella 5 stars and I still believe it deserves it but this is my favorite novella in the book. I absolutely loved it so it gets 5+stars. I loved Eli and Emily. Their story was so much fun to read and I couldn't put it down. I will definitely reread it in the future.
I enjoyed this novella about Meredith, who has been twice disappointed in love and Phillip, the younger brother of a Duke. She is very untrusting and I liked watching Phillip break down her walls and gain her trust. The story had likeable supporting characters and I wish it had been a full length story.
The Final Wager - Heather Moore-5 stars
Juliet needs to make a match because her brother is gambling away his inheritance and their estate is in disrepair. Victor plans on marrying a woman of his father's choosing to secure his inheritance. They meet when Victor brings her drunk, injured brother home. Despite being taken with her, Victor decides to fund a house party to help her find a husband. It was fun to watch these two fall in love. I loved both characters and wish their story had been full length because I wasn't ready to say goodbye.
An Improbable Wager - Michele Paige Holmes-5+stars
I gave the previous novella 5 stars and I still believe it deserves it but this is my favorite novella in the book. I absolutely loved it so it gets 5+stars. I loved Eli and Emily. Their story was so much fun to read and I couldn't put it down. I will definitely reread it in the future.
August 29, 2018
Three novellas, yet all felt like complete stories. Often in a novella the story is rushed, making it unbelievable. These however, do not fail us.
Each story is about overcoming some obstacle for their improbable relationship.
Of the three, A Wager of Love was my favorite. Donna Hatch is one of my favorite authors, and her stories have never disappointed or left me wanting. This story was 5 stars for me. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The other two stories were well done and the characters very likeable.
CONTENT
Romance - Pretty Clean
Violence - None
Language - None
Each story is about overcoming some obstacle for their improbable relationship.
Of the three, A Wager of Love was my favorite. Donna Hatch is one of my favorite authors, and her stories have never disappointed or left me wanting. This story was 5 stars for me. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The other two stories were well done and the characters very likeable.
CONTENT
Romance - Pretty Clean
Violence - None
Language - None
August 24, 2018
Another good collection of novellas. I think I enjoyed the 2nd one the best.
August 20, 2018
A Wager On Love by Donna Hatch
Phillip Patridge is tired of being used for his connection to his brother, the Duke of Suttenberg. He just wants someone to see him. Meredith Brown feels like she is only seen for her dowry, and asks her aunt and uncle to claim that it is modest. When Phillip meets Meredith, he sees her kindness to others and her confidence. He tells his best friend that he will marry her someday, and a bet is made.
The meet-cute in this story was adorable, and I loved watching Phillip try to work his way back from it.
The Final Wager by Heather B. Moore
Lord Victor Roland never got along with Southill in school, but when Southill is in an accident, Victor feels obligated to see him safely home. Victor meets Southill's sister, Juliet, a woman who doesn't deserve the deplorable brother she has. Victor orchestrates a house party and bets Juliet that she will receive three proposals by summer's end.
I loved that the heroine herself was in on this bet. Southill is an idiot! I am glad that Victor finds and is there for Juliet. I love seeing her gain confidence as she meets other members of society.
An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes
When farmhand, Eli Linfield, bets Sherborne Rowley at the age of 12, that he will marry the beauty next door, Emily Montgomery, nobody really expects it to happen, let alone, Eli. This was a classic story of a couple who have known each other for years, only to realize that they love each other. Emily's road to discovery was sweet, and Eli was so respectful and kind to her, that I was rooting for them the whole time.
Overall, this was a great collection of regency romances. I like that the stories are short enough to read in an evening, yet well developed. The subject of the collection was amusing. I expected bets between gentlemen put down in the betting book at White's. What I got was idle bets between supportive friends, the heroine, and a competitor. The stakes ranged from mucking out stalls or riding a mule, to property or ten years of free labor. Compelling, sweet, and amusing. This was a nice addition to the Timeless Regency Collection.
Content: Clean (some kissing, an interrupted tryst)
Phillip Patridge is tired of being used for his connection to his brother, the Duke of Suttenberg. He just wants someone to see him. Meredith Brown feels like she is only seen for her dowry, and asks her aunt and uncle to claim that it is modest. When Phillip meets Meredith, he sees her kindness to others and her confidence. He tells his best friend that he will marry her someday, and a bet is made.
The meet-cute in this story was adorable, and I loved watching Phillip try to work his way back from it.
The Final Wager by Heather B. Moore
Lord Victor Roland never got along with Southill in school, but when Southill is in an accident, Victor feels obligated to see him safely home. Victor meets Southill's sister, Juliet, a woman who doesn't deserve the deplorable brother she has. Victor orchestrates a house party and bets Juliet that she will receive three proposals by summer's end.
I loved that the heroine herself was in on this bet. Southill is an idiot! I am glad that Victor finds and is there for Juliet. I love seeing her gain confidence as she meets other members of society.
An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes
When farmhand, Eli Linfield, bets Sherborne Rowley at the age of 12, that he will marry the beauty next door, Emily Montgomery, nobody really expects it to happen, let alone, Eli. This was a classic story of a couple who have known each other for years, only to realize that they love each other. Emily's road to discovery was sweet, and Eli was so respectful and kind to her, that I was rooting for them the whole time.
Overall, this was a great collection of regency romances. I like that the stories are short enough to read in an evening, yet well developed. The subject of the collection was amusing. I expected bets between gentlemen put down in the betting book at White's. What I got was idle bets between supportive friends, the heroine, and a competitor. The stakes ranged from mucking out stalls or riding a mule, to property or ten years of free labor. Compelling, sweet, and amusing. This was a nice addition to the Timeless Regency Collection.
Content: Clean (some kissing, an interrupted tryst)
Read
February 19, 2026Listening to this on YouTube on Heather B Moore's channel.
Novella #1: A Wager on Love
I know that wagers were a part of the culture among men in Regency times, but it is not a favorite trope of mine. I like the way this one was set up:
Male lead: I'm going to marry that girl.
Sidekick: You don't even know her.
Male lead: But I'm going to marry her.
Sidekick: Let's make a wager. If by season's end, you haven't married her, you need to muck out my stables.
Male lead: And if I do, you need to ride through Hyde Park on a donkey.
The wager was AFTER the male lead had fixed his interest on the female lead. Refreshing. Lovely story. I haven't read many stories where the female lead is the victim of a failed elopement.
Novella #2: The Final Wager
The male lead punches the female lead's brother at Whites after being antagonized beyond what he could bear. He helps the brother get home and meets the female lead. The brother/sister pair are in dire straits due to the brother's gambling habits. The male lead concocts a plan to help put the brother on better footing and to provide the sister with the opportunity to receive a marriage proposal - more because he admires the female lead than out of a desire to help the wastrel brother.
Male lead: I wager that you'll get three marriage proposals.
Female lead: I wager I won't.
Male lead's wager: (I tried several times to catch this and couldn't find it! If anyone knows, please DM me or comment below!)
Female lead's wager: If I win, you'll give me those beautiful bay mares.
A story of love triumphing over an absolutely impossible situation.
Novella #3: An Improbable Wager
10 y.o. male lead: I'm going to marry her.
12 y.o. son of an earl: You can't marry her! You're not of the peerage!
10 y.o. male lead: I will.
12 y.o. son of an earl: Make a wager.
10 y.o. male lead: If I win, I get your father's extra estate.
12 y.o. son of an earl: And if I win, you will work for me for 10 years without pay.
Nuts, right? But they were children.
Three novellas, but none were too short. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when the last one kept going after I expected it to be done.
Novella #1: A Wager on Love
I know that wagers were a part of the culture among men in Regency times, but it is not a favorite trope of mine. I like the way this one was set up:
Male lead: I'm going to marry that girl.
Sidekick: You don't even know her.
Male lead: But I'm going to marry her.
Sidekick: Let's make a wager. If by season's end, you haven't married her, you need to muck out my stables.
Male lead: And if I do, you need to ride through Hyde Park on a donkey.
The wager was AFTER the male lead had fixed his interest on the female lead. Refreshing. Lovely story. I haven't read many stories where the female lead is the victim of a failed elopement.
Novella #2: The Final Wager
The male lead punches the female lead's brother at Whites after being antagonized beyond what he could bear. He helps the brother get home and meets the female lead. The brother/sister pair are in dire straits due to the brother's gambling habits. The male lead concocts a plan to help put the brother on better footing and to provide the sister with the opportunity to receive a marriage proposal - more because he admires the female lead than out of a desire to help the wastrel brother.
Male lead: I wager that you'll get three marriage proposals.
Female lead: I wager I won't.
Male lead's wager: (I tried several times to catch this and couldn't find it! If anyone knows, please DM me or comment below!)
Female lead's wager: If I win, you'll give me those beautiful bay mares.
A story of love triumphing over an absolutely impossible situation.
Novella #3: An Improbable Wager
10 y.o. male lead: I'm going to marry her.
12 y.o. son of an earl: You can't marry her! You're not of the peerage!
10 y.o. male lead: I will.
12 y.o. son of an earl: Make a wager.
10 y.o. male lead: If I win, I get your father's extra estate.
12 y.o. son of an earl: And if I win, you will work for me for 10 years without pay.
Nuts, right? But they were children.
Three novellas, but none were too short. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when the last one kept going after I expected it to be done.
August 27, 2018
Wedding Wagers by Donna Hatch, Heather B. Moore, Michele Paige Holmes
Three men. Three wagers. Three fun stories about the misunderstandings that resulted.
Three men. Three wagers. Three fun stories about the misunderstandings that resulted. The authors of the Timeless Romance books write consistently good stories. With the right mix of humor and romance, these books always please.
I hadn’t read the synopsis before reading, so other than wagers about weddings, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Having read a number of books from the Regency period, I know that the types of wagers that were made were pretty crazy, so I was prepared for just about anything.
Author Donna Hatch, in A Wager on Love, told of Phillip, the younger brother of a Duke. Poor Phillip had pretty much always been sought out for his family and status for so long, he almost gave up on finding a woman who would love him for himself. The way that Phillip fell for Meredith so quickly and completely was very sweet. Her skepticism and previous hurts kept her from trusting him and made for an interesting story. I enjoyed the witty writing.
The Final Wager had me surprised at the wager and who was involved in it. Victor was very noble and kind. His determination to always do the right thing was admirable and led him to make a very difficult decision that put his heart in peril.
In An Improbable Wager, the wager is made by two boys, one a nobleman’s son, the other a nobody. The very fact that Eli fell in love as a youngster was so very sweet. The direction the story went was not expected and made it quite enjoyable.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Heather B. Moore for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Three men. Three wagers. Three fun stories about the misunderstandings that resulted.
Three men. Three wagers. Three fun stories about the misunderstandings that resulted. The authors of the Timeless Romance books write consistently good stories. With the right mix of humor and romance, these books always please.
I hadn’t read the synopsis before reading, so other than wagers about weddings, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Having read a number of books from the Regency period, I know that the types of wagers that were made were pretty crazy, so I was prepared for just about anything.
Author Donna Hatch, in A Wager on Love, told of Phillip, the younger brother of a Duke. Poor Phillip had pretty much always been sought out for his family and status for so long, he almost gave up on finding a woman who would love him for himself. The way that Phillip fell for Meredith so quickly and completely was very sweet. Her skepticism and previous hurts kept her from trusting him and made for an interesting story. I enjoyed the witty writing.
The Final Wager had me surprised at the wager and who was involved in it. Victor was very noble and kind. His determination to always do the right thing was admirable and led him to make a very difficult decision that put his heart in peril.
In An Improbable Wager, the wager is made by two boys, one a nobleman’s son, the other a nobody. The very fact that Eli fell in love as a youngster was so very sweet. The direction the story went was not expected and made it quite enjoyable.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Heather B. Moore for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
May 19, 2020
A Wager For Love by Donna Hatch-4 stars...I absolutely loved this book. The characters were lovable and relatable. The heroine has good reason for her reluctance and so I appreciated how the relationship between her and the hero developed. It was at a realistic and believable pace. This is my first book by this author, it most certainly will not be my last.
The Final Wager by Heather B. Moore-3 stars...This was a delightful book. I enjoyed the story and the chemistry between Victor and Juliet. Although the ending was a tad bit unrealistic and dramatic, it was a good read.
An Impossible Wager by Michele Paige Holmes-3.5 stars...This book was charming. I was puzzled at the beginning with regard to whose point of view I was reading but as I continued it all began to make sense. I love how Eli and Emily’s relationship blossomed. Although I knew what was coming, I was sucked into the story. It was interesting and I was very excited to see how things unfolded.
Content: Clean
The Final Wager by Heather B. Moore-3 stars...This was a delightful book. I enjoyed the story and the chemistry between Victor and Juliet. Although the ending was a tad bit unrealistic and dramatic, it was a good read.
An Impossible Wager by Michele Paige Holmes-3.5 stars...This book was charming. I was puzzled at the beginning with regard to whose point of view I was reading but as I continued it all began to make sense. I love how Eli and Emily’s relationship blossomed. Although I knew what was coming, I was sucked into the story. It was interesting and I was very excited to see how things unfolded.
Content: Clean
December 29, 2019
I started reading this anthology last year and didn't get to finish it. I picked it up again this year and finally finished it. I love this Timeless Regency Collection! The stories are all great and written by some of the best romance writers today. I liked the theme and it made for some amusing scenes in each story. If you've never read any of these anthologies you should. They are short enough to pick up and read one each night but they are also well developed so you get to read a good story. As always, I always wish that the stories were longer because I liked the characters so much. Read this anthology for some clean Regency romances.
August 27, 2018
I loved this collection of clean, Regency romances. All 3 of the authors (of the 3 different novellas) are skilled at writing moving love stories that make you root for the main characters and gasp in surprise at their happy endings (even though you know they're coming). I honestly loved all of the stories equally and love the novella format where they are long enough to get into but less of a commitment than a novel.
August 20, 2018
Romance, clean, period; Series, but stand alone read
Another fun collection. This was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up. The first two novellas, were the best in my opinion. While I suspended my disbelief on the last one, I kept questioning the premise and feasibility. The third was still a good read for me though. For me, all of them had genuine, honest, caring characters that were fun to read about their romance. The romance was there and fun. They all made for a great, clean, escape read. Always enjoy this series.
I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
Another fun collection. This was more of a 3.5 for me as a reader, but rounded up. The first two novellas, were the best in my opinion. While I suspended my disbelief on the last one, I kept questioning the premise and feasibility. The third was still a good read for me though. For me, all of them had genuine, honest, caring characters that were fun to read about their romance. The romance was there and fun. They all made for a great, clean, escape read. Always enjoy this series.
I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
March 25, 2020
Titles and covers like this make me embarrassed to admit I've read the book. But I did. And I enjoyed the stories. The 2nd and 3rd more than the 1st. A good distraction from the anxiety of the coronavirus pandemic.
August 26, 2018
Recency romance at it's best!
I could not get enough of these entertaining characters & their stories of gambling with love. These 3 authors and their books are all time favorites of mine! Definitely worth the time & money to read!
I could not get enough of these entertaining characters & their stories of gambling with love. These 3 authors and their books are all time favorites of mine! Definitely worth the time & money to read!
May 22, 2022
Audio book. These were good. Some better than others.
September 10, 2021
A Wager of Love by Donna Hatch
DNF - endless fixating on each other's physical perfections. "luscious lips," pages of poetry on his dimple, and a gentleman giggles. Nope.
The Final Wager by Heather Moore
Skipped after a couple of chapters. Just couldn't buy it. IRL, Roland would have left Southill where he was in the street, or maybe called for a cab/doctor if he was feeling generous. He wouldn't have driven hours to personally take him to his estate in the middle of the night. Juliet would not have allowed a strange man into her home in the middle of the night, whether he was carrying her unconscious brother or not. The conversation and wager never would have happened and that's where I DNF.
An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes
An interesting story with some unexpected surprises. I appreciated that people were more human than villainous. While I thought their ultimate decisions incredibly unlikely, there were good reasons and I liked that extended relationships were worth forgiving and preserving.
DNF - endless fixating on each other's physical perfections. "luscious lips," pages of poetry on his dimple, and a gentleman giggles. Nope.
The Final Wager by Heather Moore
Skipped after a couple of chapters. Just couldn't buy it. IRL, Roland would have left Southill where he was in the street, or maybe called for a cab/doctor if he was feeling generous. He wouldn't have driven hours to personally take him to his estate in the middle of the night. Juliet would not have allowed a strange man into her home in the middle of the night, whether he was carrying her unconscious brother or not. The conversation and wager never would have happened and that's where I DNF.
An Improbable Wager by Michele Paige Holmes
An interesting story with some unexpected surprises. I appreciated that people were more human than villainous. While I thought their ultimate decisions incredibly unlikely, there were good reasons and I liked that extended relationships were worth forgiving and preserving.
November 14, 2019
2019 Rone Award winner. The titles in this collection all centered around wagers to marry someone, but this regency romance anthology easily could have also been titled "Impossible Forbidden Love". The suspense of finding out how these couples would be allowed to be together in the end was just as entertaining as the the romantic pursuit of the heroes of the heroines that were wagered on.
Language: No profanity.
Sensuality content: Clean traditional regency romances with only kisses.
Source: My personal purchased library.
Language: No profanity.
Sensuality content: Clean traditional regency romances with only kisses.
Source: My personal purchased library.
April 17, 2025
I loved this collection! That’s not a surprise since I love all three of these authors. Each novella captured my attention and had me rooting for the characters, and smiling and sighing along the way. The stories were unique and the wagers added a fun element. I loved all three!
I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of the book, which I voluntarily reviewed. I have given my honest opinion.
September 7, 2018
It is difficult to review three books at once, but I'll do my best. I enjoyed each one as I read it. The writing was solid and the stories engaging. That being said, none of them really stuck out in my mind as special. So it depends on the mood you're in. If you're a sucker for clean romances this is a winner, if you are craving something deeper, move on.p
March 5, 2020
Another wonderfully written collection of romances to whisk you away! This collection is well worth your time and will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. I do love getting a book with multiple Five Star Stories!!
June 12, 2022
I like that there were only 3 novellas so they could be a bit more in depth but the idea of a wedding wager just feels so devious and maybe passive aggressive. Not the fault of the authors but more my issues with the general premise.
January 4, 2020
Stupid men
All the wagers are cruel and the men stupid. They are forgiven for awful actions and choices. Impossible to suspend disbelief.
All the wagers are cruel and the men stupid. They are forgiven for awful actions and choices. Impossible to suspend disbelief.
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