What do you think?
Rate this book
Scandalous Seductions #1
Bellas Begehren
Ein ungewöhnlicher erotischer Roman mit überraschenden Entwicklungen
Yorkshire, 18. Jahrhundert. Lady Bella schmachtet nach dem Gutsbesitzer Lucerne, aber sie ahnt nicht, dass ihr Rivale um die Gunst des Nachbarn ein Mann ist. Es entsteht ein skandalträchtiger Wettbewerb der so unterschiedlichen Konkurrenten, und es dauert eine lange Zeit, bis Bella gar nicht mehr sicher ist, ob sie überhaupt gewinnen will.
Yorkshire, 18. Jahrhundert. Lady Bella schmachtet nach dem Gutsbesitzer Lucerne, aber sie ahnt nicht, dass ihr Rivale um die Gunst des Nachbarn ein Mann ist. Es entsteht ein skandalträchtiger Wettbewerb der so unterschiedlichen Konkurrenten, und es dauert eine lange Zeit, bis Bella gar nicht mehr sicher ist, ob sie überhaupt gewinnen will.
283 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2003
14 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Madelynne Ellis
79 books403 followersMadelynne Ellis is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of over 50 erotic romance novels.
Madelynne lives in the UK, not far from the Welsh border with her partner, family, & assorted pets. She is currently sipping rapidly cooling decaf coffee, listening to loud music, & indulging her obsession for tattooed bad boys.
Amazon
Facebook
Readers Group
Madelynne lives in the UK, not far from the Welsh border with her partner, family, & assorted pets. She is currently sipping rapidly cooling decaf coffee, listening to loud music, & indulging her obsession for tattooed bad boys.
Amazon
Readers Group
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 16, 2010
Excessively naughty- Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters would have fainted dead away to have read a novel such as this in their day. Definitely on the erotic side of Romantica, this M/f, M/M, F/F, M/M/F novel throws everything you can imagine- including riding crops, toys and various other love play accouterments- into a regency English tale about one gals search for love... or the freedom to love however she willt, at the very least.
My big problem was that the authors attempt to write a regency kept getting in the way of the wankfest it should have been because there was precious little else going for it. Certainly no emotional attachment. I never managed to give a hoot about the bratty- slutty!- heroine, nor the down right mean, and vastly unlikeable Lord who were both vying for the attention of the angelically beautiful hero. In addition the author inexplicably threw in some side romance between a friend of the Lord and the bratty/slutty heroine’s naïve/virgin best friend that took forever to be consummated and managed to just come off as annoying.
Technically a well written story- something you don’t always get in story form erotica- but horrible narrative so, 1 out of 5 from me.
My big problem was that the authors attempt to write a regency kept getting in the way of the wankfest it should have been because there was precious little else going for it. Certainly no emotional attachment. I never managed to give a hoot about the bratty- slutty!- heroine, nor the down right mean, and vastly unlikeable Lord who were both vying for the attention of the angelically beautiful hero. In addition the author inexplicably threw in some side romance between a friend of the Lord and the bratty/slutty heroine’s naïve/virgin best friend that took forever to be consummated and managed to just come off as annoying.
Technically a well written story- something you don’t always get in story form erotica- but horrible narrative so, 1 out of 5 from me.
November 19, 2014
Since I have read Madelynne Ellis' Georgian Rakehells series fifth book Her Husband's Lover and are in a middle with Erotic Exchanges: The World of Elite Prostitution in Eighteenth-Century Paris, I just needed something from that time period what would be hot and salacious and dark and fun, so I started with the first book of the Georgian Rakehells series.
A Gentleman's Wager is a strange story about Bella, who lives with her brother Joshua in Yorkshire and her brother has let her do what ever she wants. When their neighbor Lucerne returns to his estate, Bella stumbles on him when he is pleasuring himself, and Bella sets her eyes on him. But Lucerne did not return alone, with him game his long time friends Vaughan, Frederick and Charles. Bella also has a visitor - her childhood friend Louisa. Louisa met Frederic already on a way there and she is head over heels for him. But Bella is not the only one who has his mind set on Lucerne. Vaughan is bitter with everybody around him and when he is offered a wager to seduce Bella and Louisa before the other men, he takes it and starts to follow his prey. But same time Vaughan is more interested in rekindling his relationship with Lucerne and in keeping Bella from him than in bedding Bella or Louisa. So he starts his diabolic dance with all of them. But it's a known fact, that the more you try to keep somebody away the more they want to return and love and hate tend to work hand in hand if there is strong sexual chemistry involved.
So Bella is hunting Lucerne, Louisa is mooning over Frederic, Frederic scratches Bella's itch, Bella is fighting with Vaughan, Vaughan finds his way again to Lucerne, Lucerne wants Bella and Vaughan both, Vaughan seduces Bella, Frederic is fighting with Lucerne over Louisa, Louisa finds Frederic with somebody else, Vaughan comforts Louisa, Vaughan and Lucerne have a unforgettable night with Bella, Bella refuses to share Lucerne with Vaughan, Frederic proposes to Louisa and Vaughan, Lucerne and Bella go to London together.
So a lot is happening, much of emotional drama, lot of hot sex scenes - both FM, MM, FF and MFM scenes - and in the end it's just wonderful Vibrator Bookclub book :)
A Gentleman's Wager is a strange story about Bella, who lives with her brother Joshua in Yorkshire and her brother has let her do what ever she wants. When their neighbor Lucerne returns to his estate, Bella stumbles on him when he is pleasuring himself, and Bella sets her eyes on him. But Lucerne did not return alone, with him game his long time friends Vaughan, Frederick and Charles. Bella also has a visitor - her childhood friend Louisa. Louisa met Frederic already on a way there and she is head over heels for him. But Bella is not the only one who has his mind set on Lucerne. Vaughan is bitter with everybody around him and when he is offered a wager to seduce Bella and Louisa before the other men, he takes it and starts to follow his prey. But same time Vaughan is more interested in rekindling his relationship with Lucerne and in keeping Bella from him than in bedding Bella or Louisa. So he starts his diabolic dance with all of them. But it's a known fact, that the more you try to keep somebody away the more they want to return and love and hate tend to work hand in hand if there is strong sexual chemistry involved.
So Bella is hunting Lucerne, Louisa is mooning over Frederic, Frederic scratches Bella's itch, Bella is fighting with Vaughan, Vaughan finds his way again to Lucerne, Lucerne wants Bella and Vaughan both, Vaughan seduces Bella, Frederic is fighting with Lucerne over Louisa, Louisa finds Frederic with somebody else, Vaughan comforts Louisa, Vaughan and Lucerne have a unforgettable night with Bella, Bella refuses to share Lucerne with Vaughan, Frederic proposes to Louisa and Vaughan, Lucerne and Bella go to London together.
So a lot is happening, much of emotional drama, lot of hot sex scenes - both FM, MM, FF and MFM scenes - and in the end it's just wonderful Vibrator Bookclub book :)
March 7, 2011
Bella Rushdale and her brother are invited to stay with their neighbor for a summer party in the English countryside. Bella is excited at the prospect of being around Lucerne Marlinscar and wishes to catch his attentions. Bella is surprised when she realizes that she is not the only one who has eyes for Lucerne. Another gentleman Vaughan, Marquis Pennerley also has his sights set on Lucerne. Bella and Vaughan compete for Lucerne's favors, which eventually lead to emotional entanglements from every party.
A Gentleman's Wager was a pleasant surprise for me. I tend to be hard when grading erotic romances and usually feel that character development or plot is usually neglected in light of focusing on the sexual activities of the characters. I felt that A Gentleman's Wager was able to balance lots of sex yet it seemed integral to the characters personalities and the relationships between them. And I will also say that this is the first time I have ever thought that a ménage a trios is written in a believable, honest light.
For me, the characters are what really make this book interesting and most especially Vaughan, Marquis Pennerley. Vaughan is such a bad boy. He loves causing mischief anywhere he goes. He is such a troublemaker!! He will say and do things to create complete and utter chaos. It is why Lucerne, who is completely steadfast, is drawn to him. Actually, Vaughan is able to draw most people and is similar to a train wreck where you just can't turn away. I also enjoyed the development where the relationships between Lucerne and Vaughan and Lucerne and Bella eventually morph to encompass feelings between Vaughan and Bella from hostility to affection.
If I had to complain about one thing in this book it would be Bella's lack of supervision, or actually any unmarried woman. It felt that the women in that time period would have been chaperoned a little better than they were. The author does touch on this a little bit at least in terms of Bella, but it felt out of place in the time period the book was written. I am glad to know that there is another book that continues to explore the relationship between Bella, Vaughan and Lucerne. I will definitely be reading it.
A Gentleman's Wager was a pleasant surprise for me. I tend to be hard when grading erotic romances and usually feel that character development or plot is usually neglected in light of focusing on the sexual activities of the characters. I felt that A Gentleman's Wager was able to balance lots of sex yet it seemed integral to the characters personalities and the relationships between them. And I will also say that this is the first time I have ever thought that a ménage a trios is written in a believable, honest light.
For me, the characters are what really make this book interesting and most especially Vaughan, Marquis Pennerley. Vaughan is such a bad boy. He loves causing mischief anywhere he goes. He is such a troublemaker!! He will say and do things to create complete and utter chaos. It is why Lucerne, who is completely steadfast, is drawn to him. Actually, Vaughan is able to draw most people and is similar to a train wreck where you just can't turn away. I also enjoyed the development where the relationships between Lucerne and Vaughan and Lucerne and Bella eventually morph to encompass feelings between Vaughan and Bella from hostility to affection.
If I had to complain about one thing in this book it would be Bella's lack of supervision, or actually any unmarried woman. It felt that the women in that time period would have been chaperoned a little better than they were. The author does touch on this a little bit at least in terms of Bella, but it felt out of place in the time period the book was written. I am glad to know that there is another book that continues to explore the relationship between Bella, Vaughan and Lucerne. I will definitely be reading it.
May 16, 2013
Hot Steamy and Different
Bored with romance novels and the simpering fidelity and overly flowery language therein? So was I so I ventured into erotica. The price of the ticket was well worth it.
Like many heterosexual females I'm intrigued by two men, or a woman and two men. If you're not stay away for there is that aplenty.
It's probably some of the best writing I've ever seen in any category. Believable well rounded characters, really well researched 18th century speech and clothing as well as settings, and plenty of steaminess. Ms. Ellis makes you wait for every encounter and builds the anticipation. So when it comes, wow. All I can say is wow.
A must read for the enlightened female!
Bored with romance novels and the simpering fidelity and overly flowery language therein? So was I so I ventured into erotica. The price of the ticket was well worth it.
Like many heterosexual females I'm intrigued by two men, or a woman and two men. If you're not stay away for there is that aplenty.
It's probably some of the best writing I've ever seen in any category. Believable well rounded characters, really well researched 18th century speech and clothing as well as settings, and plenty of steaminess. Ms. Ellis makes you wait for every encounter and builds the anticipation. So when it comes, wow. All I can say is wow.
A must read for the enlightened female!
Did Not Finish
October 22, 2022I love some steam, even a lot of steam, but I need a bit more to connect the steamy parts (so to speak ;) I was bored, perhaps it would get better, and certainly there are enough positive reviews to indicate that people thought it was worth reading. I own the audio book so I can always give it another chance some time down the road.
July 16, 2020
The premise of this book is a bunch of people going to a house party and stick around for the 'after-dark entertainment.' But it's the first book I needed a spreadsheet to keep track of who was sleeping with whom (and where). It became almost like an erotic game of clue: Bella, in the stables, with Vaughan, Mark, or whoever that was... And the steamy scenes are extra spicy.
I was entertained, which is more than I actually expected. But the interesting sex scenes can't make up for the very thin story.
I was entertained, which is more than I actually expected. But the interesting sex scenes can't make up for the very thin story.
Read
May 23, 202320th Anniversary reimagining of an erotic romance classic. Completely rewritten, with loads of extra material. Dive into the scandalous tale of a marquis, the man he loves, and the woman who's determined to come between them.
Download it here >> https://books2read.com/agw2
Download it here >> https://books2read.com/agw2
August 7, 2014
I love this book and it was one of my inspirations for writing historical erotic romance. Ellis has a deeply sensual, spare writing style that is a joy to read.
May 24, 2023
Happily Ever After Isn’t A Guarantee
Bella is excited to find that the estate neighbouring her family’s has residents. However, in her first encounter with the lord of the manor (Lucerne), she comes across him by the stream quite without clothes. She’s certain she can win his affections, but there’s a rival, his longtime friend Vaughan. In amongst their convoluted romance, Bella’s friend Louisa and Lucerne’s friend Freddy also find love and angst. The three lovers are at each other passionately and/or antagonistically throughout this whole story and you don’t find out until the very end of the very last chapter whether they find a way to be together or not - that, the unknown, the uncertainty, was my favourite part of this story. Ms. Ellis writes stories that break the mold just enough to live on in my mind, yet still leave me with a feeling of satisfaction. I know many readers hate Vaughan, but personally I thought Bella was the more manipulative, just subtler, and I loved them both for being a bit grey. A epic work of historical fiction with all the steam and debauchery I could possibly hope for.
May 23, 2023
20 years ago I stumbled on a paperback book titled A Gentleman's Wager. I was reading historicals from the 70's and decided to go back and see what this was about. I found myself engrossed in such a delicious rogue - Vaughn-Marquis of Pennerly. To have the chance to revisit the world on such a momentous Anniversary brought back all of the scandalous moments, and then some.
Vaughn. Beautifully described, master manipulator a bad man (nothing boyish about him) of the first water as the Brit's like to say. Caught in his web are Viscount Lucerne Maliscar, Lady Annabelle Rushdale and me. What happens in this historical menage series is nothing short of a battle of wills, seductions, denials, deceit and mayhem that left me breathless. I urge everyone that reads MM/MFM to take a chance on the entire Scandalous Seduction 7 Book Series. Vaughn is a character that has stayed with me through the years. Madelynne Ellis-Happy 20th Anniversary
Vaughn. Beautifully described, master manipulator a bad man (nothing boyish about him) of the first water as the Brit's like to say. Caught in his web are Viscount Lucerne Maliscar, Lady Annabelle Rushdale and me. What happens in this historical menage series is nothing short of a battle of wills, seductions, denials, deceit and mayhem that left me breathless. I urge everyone that reads MM/MFM to take a chance on the entire Scandalous Seduction 7 Book Series. Vaughn is a character that has stayed with me through the years. Madelynne Ellis-Happy 20th Anniversary
September 1, 2018
Decadent sexual predator no one can resist--Vaughn Lord Pennerley
Jaded highly sexed aristocrat wants Bella and Vaughn--Lucerne Lord Marlinscar
Neighborly aristocrat whore will screw anybody--Bella Rushdale
Brother of Bella who turns a blind eye mostly and likes Emma the maid--Joshua Rushdale
Louisa--sacrificial innocent lamb
A whole lot of sex with a loose story.
Jaded highly sexed aristocrat wants Bella and Vaughn--Lucerne Lord Marlinscar
Neighborly aristocrat whore will screw anybody--Bella Rushdale
Brother of Bella who turns a blind eye mostly and likes Emma the maid--Joshua Rushdale
Louisa--sacrificial innocent lamb
A whole lot of sex with a loose story.
May 20, 2023
Review of A Gentleman's Wager by Madelynne Ellis
* * * * *
If you are into Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre or any of the romantic classics...here is something a little more scandalous!
Boy oh boy was I travelling down a path that I did not prepare myself for.
I mean, I read the summary, but it left out quite a bit of spicy stuff!
Bella wants Lucerne, Vaughan wants Lucerne, Bella and Vaughan don't want each other, Lucerne wants to play games. Chemistry sparks! Arguments turn hot. Enemies become lovers. Friendships are twists and HELL...they even get involved.
I felt sorry for Bella due to her brother's lack of empathy towards her marriage pursuits. Specifically his choices. Dude, ew. Get some taste in men! Bella was very much of a brat from what I gathered of her personality - some of it well understandable because again her brother sucks - but she was not very careful with her actions. The blokes were a little on and off for me, and it was a see-saw towards Bella. Plus, Vaughan when he played a little naughty flirt towards the innocent Lousia...SCOUNDREL!
I did not know what to make of this read. In the beginning, I was not sure how I felt with it in the introduction due to the writing style, however, I myself just needed to get into the mood! It did take several attempts to get back into the read, and some of the read was not historically accurate, but hey, I was not left disappointed. A lot of it was sex scenes or carried sexual intentions, but with how crazy things go, you definitely got sucked in.
* * * * *
If you are into Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre or any of the romantic classics...here is something a little more scandalous!
Boy oh boy was I travelling down a path that I did not prepare myself for.
I mean, I read the summary, but it left out quite a bit of spicy stuff!
Bella wants Lucerne, Vaughan wants Lucerne, Bella and Vaughan don't want each other, Lucerne wants to play games. Chemistry sparks! Arguments turn hot. Enemies become lovers. Friendships are twists and HELL...they even get involved.
I felt sorry for Bella due to her brother's lack of empathy towards her marriage pursuits. Specifically his choices. Dude, ew. Get some taste in men! Bella was very much of a brat from what I gathered of her personality - some of it well understandable because again her brother sucks - but she was not very careful with her actions. The blokes were a little on and off for me, and it was a see-saw towards Bella. Plus, Vaughan when he played a little naughty flirt towards the innocent Lousia...SCOUNDREL!
I did not know what to make of this read. In the beginning, I was not sure how I felt with it in the introduction due to the writing style, however, I myself just needed to get into the mood! It did take several attempts to get back into the read, and some of the read was not historically accurate, but hey, I was not left disappointed. A lot of it was sex scenes or carried sexual intentions, but with how crazy things go, you definitely got sucked in.
May 22, 2023
Review by: Jennifer
(3.5 Stars)
I'm no stranger to regency romance, a one point in time I couldn't get enough of them; but it has been a while since I attempted to read something beyond this century. Maybe since it has been some time, that is to blame for how annoyed I got with the writing style, that every other sentence felt like it was just a waste of words to create filler. Now, if you are looking for a story that is just filled with all kinds of naughty depraved acts, then look no further, this is the read for you. For me, I wanted a bit more with all the dirtiness, and was left unsatisfied in the end. But never fear there is more to come from the triad relationship in more stories. I give this 3.5 stars.
(3.5 Stars)
I'm no stranger to regency romance, a one point in time I couldn't get enough of them; but it has been a while since I attempted to read something beyond this century. Maybe since it has been some time, that is to blame for how annoyed I got with the writing style, that every other sentence felt like it was just a waste of words to create filler. Now, if you are looking for a story that is just filled with all kinds of naughty depraved acts, then look no further, this is the read for you. For me, I wanted a bit more with all the dirtiness, and was left unsatisfied in the end. But never fear there is more to come from the triad relationship in more stories. I give this 3.5 stars.
Read
November 30, 2019So I figured this was erotica just from the author and publisher- and thought "I've been reading a bunch of rather tame books - let's go for something pure sex"
And ... I just wasn't finding a connection/it wasn't sexy for me.
Like - even the [heroine?] is disinterested and disappointed with the first guy she has sex with and ...
Maybe it was my mood, something else, just ... not the book for me.
Not right now.
😬 I also can't remember if this was a library book or not so ... :X
And ... I just wasn't finding a connection/it wasn't sexy for me.
Like - even the [heroine?] is disinterested and disappointed with the first guy she has sex with and ...
Maybe it was my mood, something else, just ... not the book for me.
Not right now.
😬 I also can't remember if this was a library book or not so ... :X
July 2, 2025
This book reminded me why I used to love a steamy historical romance and has me eagerly looking for more.
A brilliantly written story, full of trysts and an alphaholish rake who you cant help but fall for.
A brilliantly written story, full of trysts and an alphaholish rake who you cant help but fall for.
April 27, 2020
Not to read
May 22, 2023
A Gentleman's Wager is an erotic regency romance. And if there is a kink or trope this book has it. Scandalous? yes yes it is!
May 28, 2023
Not my typical. I am more of a M/F reader but good writing. Very interesting dynamics!
May 19, 2009
The young and sexually adventurous Bella Rushdale is making love in the wide open with her stable boy, Mark, when they are almost caught. A local landowner is talking to the owner of Lauwine Hall, a place that has been neglected for years. The owner, Viscount Lucerne Marlinscar, has arrived to stay there for the summer. Bella is very interested in the viscount and can't wait to make his acquaintance. Perhaps she will engage in a love affair with him. After all, they are neighbors, and Bella wants to make sure he settles in.
Bella lives with her older brother Joshua at their estate, Wyndfell Grange. Joshua allows Bella to have as much freedom as she desires because he believes Bella is too much of a lady to get into trouble. Also for the summer, Bella's good friend, Louisa Stanley, will stay with them. Louisa has fallen in love with Captain Frederick Wakefield, who is friends with Lucerne, and since Joshua has invited both men to visit Wyndfell, Bella and Louisa are pleased as punch. Bella will begin her seduction of Lucerne while Louisa will try a more tactful approach with the Captain.
Lucerne seems to be interested in what Bella is offering, but there is another person in his life who seems to hold all the cards. Vaughan Forvasham, Marquis of Pennerley has a history with Lucerne and was invited to stay at Lauwine Hall along with the Rushdale siblings, Louisa and Frederick, and other locals. When Bella meets Vaughan, he is rude and cold, and Bella knows he will be her enemy in receiving Lucerne's favors. Lucerne's house party becomes quite risqué as bets are made by some of the men to see who can take Louisa's virginity first, which Vaughan all too willingly volunteers for. Vaughan only cares about one person, and that is Lucerne. He wants Lucerne's heart, but Bella keeps getting in his way. He has to figure out a way to get her to leave even though he can't help but corner her every time he sees her, which leads to some heavy groping between the two.
Lines are crossed and hearts are broken as Lucerne's guests bed hop from one to another. Not even Lucerne himself is innocent, as he wants Bella and Vaughan both. Can Bella allow herself to be owned by two men, one of whom she wants to hate but her body can't stop wanting? And what does Vaughan have in store for both Lucerne and Bella? Is he really so evil and possibly mad to the point where he doesn't care whose body he uses for his own pleasures?
Dark, sensuous, and shocking are some of the words that come into play when reading a Madelynne Ellis novel. A GENTLEMAN'S WAGER is the first novel in the love triangle of Lucerne, Bella and Vaughan. These characters, including the other secondary ones, seem to have no morals or sexual preferences. They enjoy suffering pain and, of course, various sexual escapades. Bella is one such character, who comes across as a twit when we are first introduced to her. She is immature and too wild, but won't back down and is able to push Vaughan's buttons. These two are equals in so many ways from their actions and their pleasures, even though they seem to be enemies. Slowly these two begin to understanding each other, but that does not mean they will stop at nothing to destroy each other.
Lucerne wants to be loved and to love, but he is confused between Bella and Vaughan. Why not have both? And when Lucerne does have both, or rather both he and Vaughan have Bella, it is quite shocking and scandalous.
I had the pleasure of reading PHANTASMAGORIA, the sequel to A GENTLEMAN'S WAGER, and even though I know how things end with Lucerne, Bella, and Vaughan, it was very interesting to see how things started among these three. Madelynne Ellis has written an erotic historical that some may not choose to read, much like the case with PHANTASMAGORIA. I found myself hooked by the actions of her characters and the creative sex scenes. One such scene between two of the characters is one that I didn't even seem coming!
A GENTLEMAN'S WAGER may be over the top and a bit unrealistic, but tantalizing nevertheless. For an erotic and bawdy tale that has mischief and showcases the darkness of the human soul, go out on a limb and lose yourself in the world of Madelynne Ellis.
Bella lives with her older brother Joshua at their estate, Wyndfell Grange. Joshua allows Bella to have as much freedom as she desires because he believes Bella is too much of a lady to get into trouble. Also for the summer, Bella's good friend, Louisa Stanley, will stay with them. Louisa has fallen in love with Captain Frederick Wakefield, who is friends with Lucerne, and since Joshua has invited both men to visit Wyndfell, Bella and Louisa are pleased as punch. Bella will begin her seduction of Lucerne while Louisa will try a more tactful approach with the Captain.
Lucerne seems to be interested in what Bella is offering, but there is another person in his life who seems to hold all the cards. Vaughan Forvasham, Marquis of Pennerley has a history with Lucerne and was invited to stay at Lauwine Hall along with the Rushdale siblings, Louisa and Frederick, and other locals. When Bella meets Vaughan, he is rude and cold, and Bella knows he will be her enemy in receiving Lucerne's favors. Lucerne's house party becomes quite risqué as bets are made by some of the men to see who can take Louisa's virginity first, which Vaughan all too willingly volunteers for. Vaughan only cares about one person, and that is Lucerne. He wants Lucerne's heart, but Bella keeps getting in his way. He has to figure out a way to get her to leave even though he can't help but corner her every time he sees her, which leads to some heavy groping between the two.
Lines are crossed and hearts are broken as Lucerne's guests bed hop from one to another. Not even Lucerne himself is innocent, as he wants Bella and Vaughan both. Can Bella allow herself to be owned by two men, one of whom she wants to hate but her body can't stop wanting? And what does Vaughan have in store for both Lucerne and Bella? Is he really so evil and possibly mad to the point where he doesn't care whose body he uses for his own pleasures?
Dark, sensuous, and shocking are some of the words that come into play when reading a Madelynne Ellis novel. A GENTLEMAN'S WAGER is the first novel in the love triangle of Lucerne, Bella and Vaughan. These characters, including the other secondary ones, seem to have no morals or sexual preferences. They enjoy suffering pain and, of course, various sexual escapades. Bella is one such character, who comes across as a twit when we are first introduced to her. She is immature and too wild, but won't back down and is able to push Vaughan's buttons. These two are equals in so many ways from their actions and their pleasures, even though they seem to be enemies. Slowly these two begin to understanding each other, but that does not mean they will stop at nothing to destroy each other.
Lucerne wants to be loved and to love, but he is confused between Bella and Vaughan. Why not have both? And when Lucerne does have both, or rather both he and Vaughan have Bella, it is quite shocking and scandalous.
I had the pleasure of reading PHANTASMAGORIA, the sequel to A GENTLEMAN'S WAGER, and even though I know how things end with Lucerne, Bella, and Vaughan, it was very interesting to see how things started among these three. Madelynne Ellis has written an erotic historical that some may not choose to read, much like the case with PHANTASMAGORIA. I found myself hooked by the actions of her characters and the creative sex scenes. One such scene between two of the characters is one that I didn't even seem coming!
A GENTLEMAN'S WAGER may be over the top and a bit unrealistic, but tantalizing nevertheless. For an erotic and bawdy tale that has mischief and showcases the darkness of the human soul, go out on a limb and lose yourself in the world of Madelynne Ellis.
June 9, 2010
“What’s this?” I can hear you shout. “That’s a M/F cover – what’s going on?” Well, yes, it does have some het in it – quite a lot of het, to be honest, but this isn’t just another menage book. There is an established (if only if they did it once) homosexual relationship described and as such I think it deserves a place on the site.
This, let me say from the first, is an erotic novel. Whilst there is a plot running through it, (and it’s a much better plot than so many novels where sex scenes happen almost every other page) it’s an erotic novel – there’s sex from the first page just about, and sex almost to the last page. One could level accusations of anachronism for the “let’s stay in this big house and all have sex with each other a lot” but who’s to say that some people didn’t behave like this in private?
Yes, as expected, everyone wants Bella, and annoyingly, even the decadent, seemingly homosexual Pennerley is swept away by her “charms” (however well worn…!) but that’s to be expected in a Black Lace book – the heroine has to be irresistible. But what I did like particularly about the book was the way Lucerne (however silly it is to be named after a bean) struggled with his feelings for Pennerley and those of Bella. At times he’s swept away by Pennerley’s seduction, and at other times he’s protective of Bella, and then jealous of her as Penerley starts to stalk (hur hur) her.
I was less impressed with Bella who – it seemed to me – would have not only slept with anyone who asked her (and she does, including the staff!) but would have gone off with any of them either. I was never really convinced that she loved Lucerne, and frankly I was cheering Pennerley on from the sidelines and hoped that he’d win Lucerne for himself.
It’s a hot and steamy one-handed read, which will appeal to people who like a lot of froth and a lot of sex – it will even appeal to die-hards who only read M/M. Hell, I read it and enjoyed it, didn’t I? Can’t get more die-hard than that!
This, let me say from the first, is an erotic novel. Whilst there is a plot running through it, (and it’s a much better plot than so many novels where sex scenes happen almost every other page) it’s an erotic novel – there’s sex from the first page just about, and sex almost to the last page. One could level accusations of anachronism for the “let’s stay in this big house and all have sex with each other a lot” but who’s to say that some people didn’t behave like this in private?
Yes, as expected, everyone wants Bella, and annoyingly, even the decadent, seemingly homosexual Pennerley is swept away by her “charms” (however well worn…!) but that’s to be expected in a Black Lace book – the heroine has to be irresistible. But what I did like particularly about the book was the way Lucerne (however silly it is to be named after a bean) struggled with his feelings for Pennerley and those of Bella. At times he’s swept away by Pennerley’s seduction, and at other times he’s protective of Bella, and then jealous of her as Penerley starts to stalk (hur hur) her.
I was less impressed with Bella who – it seemed to me – would have not only slept with anyone who asked her (and she does, including the staff!) but would have gone off with any of them either. I was never really convinced that she loved Lucerne, and frankly I was cheering Pennerley on from the sidelines and hoped that he’d win Lucerne for himself.
It’s a hot and steamy one-handed read, which will appeal to people who like a lot of froth and a lot of sex – it will even appeal to die-hards who only read M/M. Hell, I read it and enjoyed it, didn’t I? Can’t get more die-hard than that!
July 26, 2008
Bella Rushdale lives with her brother. She is attracted to the neighboring landowner Lucerne Marlinscar but has to compete for his affections with another man Marquis Pennerley.
During Lucerne's house party a wager is made with Pennerley for him to bed both Louisa and Bella.
Her friend Louisa (a virgin) is a wealthy young woman and falls in love with a broke Captain Wakefield but she knows her family will not let her marry him because of his financial condition.
Lucerne's finds a way to make it look as though she loses most of her money when her banker takes off with the bank notes...so she is then free to marry him.
Bella is in love with Lucerne but will have to make the decision....if she wants to be his wife she will have to take the best friend too...
Pretty good book. Not as good as I had hoped it would be after reading several excellent reviews.
During Lucerne's house party a wager is made with Pennerley for him to bed both Louisa and Bella.
Her friend Louisa (a virgin) is a wealthy young woman and falls in love with a broke Captain Wakefield but she knows her family will not let her marry him because of his financial condition.
Lucerne's finds a way to make it look as though she loses most of her money when her banker takes off with the bank notes...so she is then free to marry him.
Bella is in love with Lucerne but will have to make the decision....if she wants to be his wife she will have to take the best friend too...
Pretty good book. Not as good as I had hoped it would be after reading several excellent reviews.
April 23, 2016
This is definately not a plain romance as the title indicates - I expected more salacious title and cover for such naughtiness. I had to skip so many scenes to read what's going on, meaning the sex scenes were mostly boring and the actual plot was somewhat intriguing and I really wanted to know the end of this mess. While still insufficient, details are better researched than some romances proclaiming themselves as "historical romance". And the author manages to paint that muddy, confused and forlorn atmosphere in simple, passing strokes exceptionally well, I think. Had the characters developed emotional depth (and for Bella, a spine) other than lust to explain their romantic entanglement this could have been a decent romance. Would like to read something from this author without f*ckfests.
April 27, 2023
This is a deliciously dirty romp in the wilds of Regency Yorkshire. Some of the dirt is literal, but most of it is not! The blurb covers the plot, but what happens along the way and how it gets resolved is all fun and frolic. And plenty would shock the tender sensibilities of many gentle readers, but if you, like me, find that great fun, you are in for a treat. I did not read the earlier version of this book, but this was a reworking of the 20-year-old version. Some side characters might get their own stories, or we might hear more of these three-Vaughn, Bella and Lucerne. Madelynne Ellis makes us believe that all of this is possible and that these people could have been real. That is a real talent!
I received an ARC for free from the author and left this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC for free from the author and left this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
This was an interesting, steamy story. Bella, Lucerne, and Vaughan struggled with feelings for each other, though the heat between them was flaring out of control. Vaughan was quite the rake, and Lucerne was more calm and caring, even with his darker desires. Bella was just caught in the middle, messing up her head and her heart. Things worked out for the moment, and there seemed to be more of their story to come. It did get a bit confusing at times, a little too much hopping around, but I enjoyed the book overall.
I received a copy of this story through Give Me Books Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Give Me Books Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
March 19, 2009
This book was interesting and there were tons of relationships going on all at the same time. My complaints are that it was drawn out a little too long and that the men were a bit too angsty for my taste. But, the sexual pairings were steamy and included M/M, F/F and menage. I was happy with how it ended, though was doubtful several times throughout the story.
I don't understand how the author managed to never mention the fear of pregnancy or birth control with the time period the story is set in and the amount of sex going on, but I guess I can overlook that.
I don't understand how the author managed to never mention the fear of pregnancy or birth control with the time period the story is set in and the amount of sex going on, but I guess I can overlook that.
August 30, 2023
DNF'd at about 50%. The summary sounded amazing but the execution was absolutely awful. I cannot imagine that *this* is the new, improved version of the story; the old one must be unreadable. The characters are indiscernible and make baffling, anachronistic decisions; the plot is stuck together with ripped tape, that's how flimsy it is, and the sex scenes are wildly unsexy. I'm not sure what I was supposed to find interesting about this book, but I can confidently say at the 50% mark it doesn't even seem like the summary was correct.
August 5, 2016
A lot of promise with the storyline, but it reads more like an outline than a novel. For me, everything moves too fast, including the sex scenes. The time period setting is just an excuse for fancy clothes, it doesn't drive the story in any way. I actually think the next books in this series have the potential to be better, provided there's more of a focus on the ménage of Lucerne, Vaughn and Bella.
August 5, 2016
So/So
I kept wanting this book to get better. There were very few great erotic scenes. One of the main characters was abusive and never seemed to mature past his nastiness. The women were controlled by their libidos. Once kissed they couldn't control their reactions and had to respond, even if they didn't want to. Not sure why this book was so expensive. I was very disappointed.
I kept wanting this book to get better. There were very few great erotic scenes. One of the main characters was abusive and never seemed to mature past his nastiness. The women were controlled by their libidos. Once kissed they couldn't control their reactions and had to respond, even if they didn't want to. Not sure why this book was so expensive. I was very disappointed.
May 15, 2023
Madelynne Ellis has beautifully penned this historical romance celebrating it's twenty year anniversary.
Bella, Vaughan and Lucerne become involved in a steamy romantic triangle. Over the years I have read and enjoyed historical or period romances. However, A Gentleman's Wager has to be one I will not forget. Holy hotness!
I loved this book. Thank you Madelynne for your gift of blending words so exquisitely in your books.
Bella, Vaughan and Lucerne become involved in a steamy romantic triangle. Over the years I have read and enjoyed historical or period romances. However, A Gentleman's Wager has to be one I will not forget. Holy hotness!
I loved this book. Thank you Madelynne for your gift of blending words so exquisitely in your books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews