Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Starting on Release Date - February 27

My Once and Future Duke The Wagers of Sin #1

What happens at the infamous Vega Club . . .

Sophie Campbell is determined to be mistress of her own fate. Surviving on her skill at cards, she never risks what she can’t afford to lose. Yet when the Duke of Ware proposes a scandalous wager that’s too extravagant to refuse, she can’t resist. If she wins, she’ll get five thousand pounds, enough to secure her independence forever.

Stays at the Vega Club . . .

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, tells himself he’s at the Vega Club merely to save his reckless brother from losing everything, but he knows it’s a lie. He can’t keep his eyes off Sophie, and to get her he breaks his ironclad rule against gambling. If he wins, he wants her—for a week.

Until now.

A week with Jack could ruin what’s left of Sophie’s reputation. It might even cost her her heart. But when it comes to love, all bets are off . . .

Starting on Release Date - February 27

I haven’t read Linden before. But noticed she has 2 other series, Scandals and Truth About the Duke. One is on Hoopla and another on Audible romance package. Any favorites? I will give both series a try!

I have only read her Scandalous series, which I enjoyed. The other is on my TBR, and I have the audio for that one.

I am pretty certain that Joanna has read both.

Oh, she has become one of my favorites just recently, may I read along?

~Shannon

Of course you are very welcome :)

Yay! Thanks! I'll pre-order so it will be here in time.


edited: Aha! It's sample ready. I just downloaded 26 pages....and pre-ordered

Geri, I would recommend either series. I have read each of the books in both -- some of the books multiple times and have listened to most if not all of them since they are on Hoopla. All are 4 or 5 stars for me. I wrote reviews for each of the Truth About the Duke book when I reread by listening to them for the first time this summer, FYI. She is my favorite regency writer, and one of my favorite HR writers -- at least among those currently writing.

This book's hero is featured in one of her earliest novels, What A Woman Needs. Sadly, I can't recommend that book as it is my least favorite. The best character is the Duke of Ware in it. I haven't seen anything about characters from that novel showing up here, besides the Duke, of course. So it shouldn't matter in this read.

Ok, I am getting excited!

Me too! I will be reading this one, rather than listening.

Through Chapter 4

I like how Linden shows us Sophie’s position among friends/society with who her acceptable suitors are considered to be:

“Is Sir Thomas really that bad?”

“No,” she lied with a smile. “He’s just not for me.” She hadn’t missed how Sterling thought the baronet would be a brilliant match for her. Sir Thomas, with his wandering hands and flexible sense of honor, would be utterly unacceptable as a husband for Lady Georgiana Lucas, even for the heiress Eliza Cross. But for Mrs. Sophie Campbell, a supposed widow of modest means who spent her evenings at a gaming club, he’d be a marvelous catch. Sophie was not unaware of her standing in society.


This also gives us a little insight into future stories, I think. Sterling seems unlikely to be the right guy for Genevieve, since he would recommend such a scoundrel as a suitor. Also I wonder what is behind the holdup in their nuptials. I bet he wants to more from her father or wants to restrict her in some way. Subtly done, and then I go on a tangent.

My only reservation is the gambling club and the winning a week of her time. It feels very overdone to me in this genre. But, I like it so far, and I appreciate how Linden can make it feel fresh. I liked the h&h’s first interaction and how it drove both of them to act out of character.

So, who’s all joining? Shannon, Loriidae and I? Geri, you in?

Sorry, I haven't started. Wednesdays and Thursdays are my busiest days. Hopefully tomorrow afternoon, I will get a chance.

Ok, no worries. I will switch reads. It was pretty good stopping point.

Through Chapter Four
What a great premise. Enjoyed the opening very much.

The gaming club, a very unusual scenario, but Linden is making it work. Penniless at 18 with teaching mathematics to girls who will hardly use it, probably her best option, makes the gambling den a viable alternative. However, in an historical light, how will her name change and resulting implied lack of birth (she can no longer claim to be the granddaughter of a Viscount) play out with a duke?

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Through Chapter 4

I like how Linden shows us Sophie’s position among friends/society with who her acceptable suitors are considered to be:

“Is Sir Thomas really that bad?”

“No,” she lied with ..."

I think you are right, the three girls will be our heroines.

I haven't encountered this trope in historical before, but I don't read as much HR.

Yes, that is a good point, they both acted out of character, a subtle way by Linden to imply that initial attraction.

Loriidae wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Through Chapter 4

I like how Linden shows us Sophie’s position among friends/society with who her acceptable suitors are considered to be:

“Is Sir Thomas really that ..."

Hmmm, maybe I overstate. There was a Kelly Bowen Between the Devil and the Duke that was similar with the casino. Lorraine Heath has a series casino that allows ladies— I think one of hers featured a wager of time.

Oh, I just listened to a Sabrina Jeffries that featured a gambling den, though the heroine was going in disguise. Maybe that’s where I am getting my reservations from...I didn’t like it much. I am liking this one though. The Jeffries book had the heroine going to a gambling den because she couldn’t believe her brother could lose so must have been cheated. It was pretty ridiculous.

Loriidae wrote: "Through Chapter Four
What a great premise. Enjoyed the opening very much.

The gaming club, a very unusual scenario, but Linden is making it work. Penniless at 18 with teaching mathematics to girl..."

Yes, I imagine that will be an issue. Either not being able to claim the connection or her grandfather will suddenly recognize her because of the match she makes.

Glad you enjoyed the opening! I like that she has girl friends.

Through Chapter 5

I feel like I am really starting to sink into this. She gives him a good verbal lashing, and it’s well done I think. Haha. But I particularly liked the way they can start to appreciate the other’s character on the walk, him walking to provide protection and her keeping quiet. These are the types of things I like to see in romances, little signs that it their attraction won’t be based on only lust.

I had totally forgotten about the Kelly Bowen one, of course, I loved Alex and Elise! I haven't read any of the others you mentioned.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Through Chapter 5

I feel like I am really starting to sink into this. She gives him a good verbal lashing, and it’s well done I think. Haha. But I particularly liked the way they can start to appr..."

Enjoying Sophie's internal monologues during the carriage ride.

And now we have a small peek at an interesting backstory with the introduction of Portia.

I liked the walk in the rain, it showed Sophie's independence refusing to wait to be rescued. I hope it doesn't morph into stubbornness and become unreasonable later on.

Just as an interesting side note you might have noticed the phrase the road had been macadamized. My father used to tell stories of how during the Great Depression, drays with trapdoors in them would drop the boulders onto the road and then anyone who wanted a bit of money would sit down in the middle of the road with a hammer and pound the boulders to break them down to macadamise the roads. A lot of rural roads were built then. It fed a lot of people. The lane to my childhood home leads off from one of those roads. It still hasn't been bituminised.

Through Chapter Eight

I am officially enthralled. :)

I love how they have this quiet time, getting to know each other.

That's very interesting on the macadamized trivia. I didn't know what it was referring to and meant to look it up, but forgot. Sidewalks outside my house were created during the Great Depression as part of public projects to give people work. I forget what they are called at the moment. Brick roads around here were likely done in the same way.

I am through Chapter 8 and am hooked as well :) ... really like both of them

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "That's very interesting on the macadamized trivia. I didn't know what it was referring to and meant to look it up, but forgot. Sidewalks outside my house were created during the Great Depression as..."

Works Progress Administration (WPA) during Great Depression?

Yes, that sounds right. Thank you!

Through Chapter 12

Linden sure knows how to write a romance! I loved this getting to know each other phase, and then when they give into temptation, sparks fly. It feels very authentic. And glorious. I feel that they deserve an HEA and each other. I suppose I should be nervous with so much Book left, but I am not.

I enjoyed their attic exploration and the horse ride. Each moment builds on the next, and I love it. I shared this in my progress update, which I think shows why he is a worthy hero:

Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were flushed, and he thought he’d never seen anyone look so unabashedly happy. It made him laugh, and a thrill went through him that he’d been responsible.

He wants her to be happy, which is just lovely.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Through Chapter 12

Linden sure knows how to write a romance! I loved this getting to know each other phase, and then when they give into temptation, sparks fly. It feels very authentic. And glorio..."

Yes, the attraction is mutual, and very real. I like the mellowness of this one. I remember the scandal series being very sexual, and this is a nice change. More slow burn, it doesn't seem like they have only known each other a few days.

The Scandal series had the publication that notched up the sexiness, I think. The first in its series was a slower burn like this one I thought, which was my favorite one. She does tend toward quicker burns, but most of hers feature the couple spending a lot of time together.

Through Chapter 16

It’s kind of funny how every 4 chapters feels like a good pausing point. Though, I may keep reading tonight.

I know a lot of people prefer the first love scene to occur later in the novel, but it didn’t feel rushed here and now there’s plenty of time to work through there issues. This does not feel like the conclusion is going to be rushed.

I am really feeling for these two. Now that they are separated, feeling their hurt :(

Through Chapter Sixteen
I agree the sex was quite soon in the book and that it worked. They had four intensive days getting to know each other which Linden made truly believable.

I expected Sophie (view spoiler)[to be a virgin, having never married. Did I miss something? Obviously Jack didn't as she is claiming to be a widow. (hide spoiler)]

I am really invested in this couple and that hasn't happened to me in an historical for a very long time.

I thought that there was mention of a very brief fling when she was younger, but I am not sure where it was. I tried to search...oh ?I just found by searching the word heady....

Through Chapter 19

I am wondering two things at this point: how much of a nuisance will Phillip be? And how long will Sophie hold onto her secrets? The second is the only one that gives me any nervousness about the rest of the novel....as far as anything that could ruin it or bring it down a peg. Sounds like Ware is seriously thinking about marriage now,but he is cautious.

Through Chapter 21

Ok, I am stopping for the day now, albeit reluctantly, but I do have to get things done in addition to not reading too far ahead....

I love that she confides and confesses to Eliza, and that Eliza offers some sage advice. I find Eliza intriguing, and am interested in the next book where she is the heroine, I believe.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Through Chapter 21

Ok, I am stopping for the day now, albeit reluctantly, but I do have to get things done in addition to not reading too far ahead....

I love that she confides and confesses to E..."

Haha I know the feeling! I stayed up waaaaay too late reading. I remember the scene between the friends and really enjoyed it as well. I loved how their friendship still fit the same way it did when they were girls from the prologue.

Becca wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Through Chapter 21

Ok, I am stopping for the day now, albeit reluctantly, but I do have to get things done in addition to not reading too far ahead....

I love that sh..."

Yes, I assumed that she would not be fully honest, leaving out most of the Scandalous bits, but she wasn’t, which shows she can trust others, despite her desire for independence.

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Yes, I assumed that she would not be fully honest, leaving out most of the Scandalous bits, but she wasn’t, which shows she can trust others, despite her desire for independence..."

Yes, I really liked Sophie. There is only one moment where she doesn't act like herself but it doesn't last long. Overall, I thought her character was lovely. She was independent without being over the top as many HR heroines have been lately--Linden wrote a blog post about gambling and women who gambled based on her research. It was quite interesting: http://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=9515

Through Chapter Twenty
The writing is really quite lovely. She turned her face into his shoulder, breathing deeply to imprint the scent and feel and warmth of him indelibly on her memory.
and
she still hoped to marry someone else. His mood dropped another notch at the thought of her in another man’s arms, a man she loved. And he would have to sit by and watch it happen.

I did enjoy the Scandalous series but it didn't sweep me away like this one.

Finally we discover Jack's history with Portia. I wonder if he will tell Sophie? I hope he does.

I am not sure what to make of his mother. A piece of work, that one! Playing favourites, manipulating and making Jack feel guilty. And Lucinda I will be interested to meet her in the next chapters.

And you are right Joanna, the story has these natural pauses. It is really quite satisfying.

Becca wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Yes, I assumed that she would not be fully honest, leaving out most of the Scandalous bits, but she wasn’t, which shows she can trust others, despite her desire for ind..."

That is a great blog post! Thanks for sharing! I have heard of the Duchess before. There is a movie about her with Keira Knightly.

Loriidae wrote: "Through Chapter Twenty
The writing is really quite lovely. She turned her face into his shoulder, breathing deeply to imprint the scent and feel and warmth of him indelibly on her memory.
and
she..."

:) I was a fan well before the Scandal series, and I am liking this one more. I tend to enjoy more mature h&h’s like this one. My first Linden is one that most seem to really dislike, A View to a Kiss. I loved it at the time, but not sure now how it would hold up. I would reread any of them though! I think the reason Love and Other Scandals is one I really enjoy is because it worked well in audiobook also, maybe better. It comes off as very sweet, but I think it grew on me as opposed to me being in love with it right away.

Yes, I hope he does tell her about Portia. It feels about ready for some truths to come out.

Through Chapter 24

Oh, I love the scene where she told him her secrets and that she loved him. I think I highlighted half the chapter!

Then I was nervous about the next chapter where he broke off his non-engagement to Lucinda, and I thought it was a good one too. Although why did he have to walk with her in public? That must be what prompts Sophie to misunderstand something that bothered Becca.

I couldn’t help and have finished. Will wait to post my thoughts on this later.

Finished. I am glad the angst wasn't drawn out. The only "a little too pat" moment for me was the appearance of Sophie's uncle. I would have preferred that in the epilogue, after they were married rather than tied up with a neat little bow and making her respectable in her own eyes for him. She always was the granddaughter of a viscount.

Overall I loved it.

Yes, I agree on the uncle bit. At least it was after him asking her to marry him. The angst didn’t last too long, and I did think Sophie should have confronted Jack with the rumors, rather than ask his brother, though I could understand her reasoning.

So glad you loved it! Phew, I was a little nervous after the new Bowen let down. So far Feb. 27th releases are winners. I know you are not going to read Duran’s, but are you a Kleypas fan? That’s the only one I have not read of the Feb. 27 releases.

No I won't be reading Lisa Kleypas. I haven't read any of that series.

Did you want to give Regan Walker one more try or shall we move on to which was the other series we talked about last year.

Ok, I didn’t think you were reading it, but I only recalled discussing Duran’s.

I am not interested in reading more Regan Walker, at least not for now. I am interested in A Talent for Trickery, which is late Victorian. I can get it from my library, so that’s always a plus. I did listen to one of her books, and I was not very into it. I attribute the issues to the narrator but you never know. So, I am game for it.

For another group, I am doing an “on TBR longest” challenge, and two HR’s are on the list. When Harry Met Molly and Wicked Becomes You, so if you’re interested in either of those, let me know. I will be reading them at some point.

Have you read Maggie Fenton or Miranda Davis? I have heard they are fun. I now have a TBR-new authors shelf, so this is easier to search. Carla Kelly and Marguerite Kaye are two more authors I am interested in trying.

Always plenty of options!

I quite like the look of Wicked Becomes You, when are you planning on reading it? I can fit in easily.

All the authors are new to me as well, so it would be pot luck there.

I've been out for a few, but I'm still reading!! I've bypassed all comments for my own protection. ;)

Although at this point I think the subject matter is far fetched (I'm curious if there were any gaming hells that admitted women of good repute) BUT I've enjoyed every book I've read by Linden so far and I'm very much in love with these characters. She's building a romance; that is what I love about this author.

Becca posted a blog post Linden did on Gambling during the Regency time. I thought it was a good read.

Glad you are enjoying the romance!

I don't have specific plans on when to start Wicked Becomes You, but I think it would best to wait until April for me.