Today, I’m hosting author Wareeze Woodson and her latest release The Earl’s Scandalous Wager, a historical romance with a twist of suspense. Be sure to read my view of this novel. And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.
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Title: The Earl’s Scandalous Wager
Series: N/A
Author: Wareeeze Woodson
Genre: Historical Romance with a twist of Suspense
Blurb: Emily Riventon shook with terror. Certain he would be the victor, her stepbrother in his role of guardian had pledged her as collateral for his wager in a game of chance. With the deciding roll of the dice, the Earl of Lenbridge won the prize: her.
What would the future hold? Love as the mistress of this handsome gentleman, or duty as his wife?
Either way, her life was now in grave danger.
Annalise stood in the doorway and her golden hair glowing in the fading afternoon sunlight. She rushed toward Phillip with a smile on her face. He closed his arms around her without conscious thought, an automatic reaction to her flinging herself against his chest. Certain of his acceptance, she didn’t hesitate, and why not? He had never ignored her or given her reason to think he would.
She kissed his mouth, her lips warm and inviting. “I missed you dreadfully. The house party was deadly boring without you. I couldn’t wait to return to town.” She hung her head. “I should have listened to you, but you were being stubborn, trying to control my every movement.”
With her arms around his neck, Phillip stood, his hands at her waist, staring down into her lovely blue eyes. “I made a simple request. You ignored my wishes.”
“It was not worthy of you.” She pouted up at him. “You were not treating me as your future countess should be treated.”
The moment she’d defied him, he’d decided to wash his hands of her as a suitable bride. She was worse than a butterfly flitting from one flower to another. She flaunted his wishes, headstrong, unreasonable, and hell-bent on her own way. He’d decided not to marry at all. When in his youth, his title and wealth not yet obtained, his first love had deserted him for a higher title. At that point, he’d determined to find his pleasure where he would, not in the marriage bed. Now, in reality, treating Annalise harshly because of his past seemed an intolerable burden to him.
The sense of someone watching sent a tingle to the back of Phillip’s neck and down his spine. He glanced about, his gaze locating Emily at the top of the stairs, her expression stricken. His gaze returned to Annalise still in his embrace—not a full embrace, but his hands were on her waist, his lips still warm from her kiss.
Damn—his wife. He certainly did not wish to harm his beautiful Em, vulnerable, alone without him, open to snubs, and insults from his family, trapped in unfamiliar surroundings with nothing to protect her except his name. Now sensitive to every movement Emily made, he heard her gasp, the clearing of her throat, and the rustle of her silk dress brushing against each stair tread on her way down the steps. Not wishing to appear guilty with a hurried disentanglement from Annalise, he waited until Emily stood on the floor before he removed his hands from Annalise’s waist.
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I enjoy historical romance. It’s my fave sub-genre of romance fiction. So when the opportunity came to read and review The Earl’s Scandalous Wager, of course I signed up right away.
I must say the author surprised me. I went into this expecting a familiar plotline associated with this trope. Instead, Emily Brumville and Phillip Beckley Benton, Earl of Lenbridge, spent this novel (once the wager was done) overcoming the odds by external outsiders trying to tear down the new marriage while they fought to get to know one another and make their new marriage work. Bravo! It was such a refreshing change to see, and one that I greatly enjoyed.
Both characters are extremely likeable. Emily is a wonderful heroine, fresh out for her first season that she doesn’t get to enjoy since she is wagered during a card game by her horrible stepbrother to clear his debts. As for the Earl, he is every inch the consummate gentleman, even while completely foxed in the betting room.
Being so likable, it’s easy to root for these two. The plot twists and turns with suspense since someone or someones is up to no good, determined to cause great harm to the earl and his new bride. I loved this part of the novel. Nothing sucks me in faster when there’s a whodunit or a who’stryingtodoit. The cast of characters isn’t overwhelming either. There are enough players to add to the plot, but not enough to confuse me.
I do wish there would have been a wee bit more depth to Annalise. That is about the only quibble I had with the book.
The dialogue is truly Regency. The setting is wonderfully described without slowing down the plot. The research is impeccable. It’s a book I recommend.
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I write historical romance fiction novels set in the 1800s forward with a twist of suspense. All of my characters and stories that are portrayed in my books are fictitious. I am a native of Texas, but I have traveled throughout America and beyond. As a dreamer, I love to visit new places where I can imagine a heroine meeting a hero in a special way. I’m an avid reader of (all sorts) and I love to write.
I married my high school sweat-heart and after having raised three sons and one daughter, our love for each other remains unshaken. Now we enjoy our eight grandchildren. We can send them home, but we’re always happy for their return.
Outside of my family activities, I sing with the Silver Belles at my church and hate to miss even one practice. The local chapter of RWA is also at the top of my list of pleasures. It keeps me grounded with craft and connected with other writers.
Most of all, I enjoy going fishing with my husband. Give me a pole and leave me alone to bask in the sun, listening to water gurgle along the riverbanks while allowing my mind to float away to some distant place. Ah! Perfect.
Find Wareeze: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub | Amazon | Goodreads
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Maggie Blackbird 
Nice cover. it sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
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