Title: My Once and Future Duke: The Wagers of Sin
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Wagers of Sin (Book 1)
Format: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (February 27, 2018)
ISBN-10: 0062672924
ISBN-13: 978-0062672926
Author's Website: http://www.carolinelinden.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan in exchange for an honest review.
He was a duke attempting to stop his brother from gambling away the family fortune.
She was a young woman trying to make a living using her sharp mind and knowledge of cards.
He was the serious type, said to be dull and boring with his nose always in a ledger.
She was stubborn and would never apologize for trying to make it on her own. She even traded in her 'Miss' for a 'Mrs' to make it all seem more acceptable.
The two had nothing in common, but one night, one bet would change everything...
"I stake five thousand pounds." Sophie's mouth dropped open and the crowd buzzed with shock--and delight.(...) "One round each, played until loss..."(...)
The Duke's luck had been abominable, but that didn't mean her odds had improved. "Not tonight, sir," she said, with more than a tinge of regret. Better to keep the few hundred pounds she'd already won.
"You mistake me. You don't have to risk a farthing."(...) "One week of your company is what I want."
Sophie Graham makes her living by playing cards. She never cheats, loses graciously, and bets according to the odds. She always keeps in mind the number one rule of gaming--Easily won, easily lost and makes a special effort not to be the one responsible for another's ruin.
Sophie was orphaned by twelve and then thrown into finishing school by her grandfather. Upon her eighteenth birthday he cut off all funds and ties with her. While she could have taken up a position at her school, Sophie decided to take a gamble and play the odds--quite literally. Her plan is to make ten thousand pounds, thereby, guaranteeing her independence. That would be enough for her to live on. Of course, if an eligible suitor presented himself, she would be open to that as well.
Vega club has since become her second home. They allow women to gamble and are rumored to have two simple rules--Pay your debts and hold your tongue. Unfortunately, with the bet Jack makes, the latter will not be upheld for the gossip is just too juicy.
Jack Lindeville, the Duke of Ware, is nothing like Sophie pictured. His brother Phillip had painted such a dreary picture of the man that she'd thought he'd be older and unattractive. What she finds is a man who is tall, golden-haired, with a face that might have been carved by Michelangelo, himself, so beautiful it was. Perhaps that is what spurs Sophie to throw caution to the wind with this man and accept his improper bet. That and the hope she'll win the five thousand pounds he wagered. It would be a substantial addition to her ever growing nest egg.
Jack has always been a paragon of virtue. He's concentrated most of his time and efforts into running the family estate and the land surrounding it. Making the outrageous bet is not like him, but there is something about Sophie that makes him forget himself. The attraction is mutual.
The song that played in my head while I was reading this one was Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler"...
'You got to know when to hold 'em,
Know when to fold 'em,
Know when to walk away,
And know when to run.
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table.
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealing's done.'
Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. This was one steamy, sexy, and fun read. While I loved the story, things got a little complicated with Jack's brother, Phillip. Then I wasn't too happy with Jack for a short time upon his and Sophie's returned to society after he absconded her to the family's country estate. Luckily, things were ironed out with Phillip, and Jack quickly redeemed himself in my eyes. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. A most enjoyable read.
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