I struggled to connect to the characters and their motivations. I ended up skimming the book through the end to see what happened.

This was a good fun read.

I wish that the beginning of the book has been a little more depth/ world building you kind of just jump into the situation. I would to have liked Derek to have a little bit more building into his mystery, but it was still a very enjoyable book.

This was my first ever Reginal Historical romance and I must say i was quite happy that I read this! I loved Victoria's passion to be independent and follow her dreams of traveling and discovering treasures. She was fortunate to find a wonderful man which was hard to come by in those days! Definitely recommend picking this up.

Warning: There is a small detail at the end that is a spoiler.

Overall, I loved most of this book and the parts I didn't love, I liked. Derek Kent, Duke of Chase, is a rake but he cannot bear to see a woman misused. Knowing the depravity of some men, he shouldn't be shocked by the Marquess of Halford wagering away his eldest daughter’s hand in marriage, but he is. He can't standby and watch her being sold to a well-known lecher, so he enters the game. Being forthright, he immediately goes and visits the lady in question in her bed chamber to explain they are to wed and why. After witnessing the appalling behavior of her father, he decides she needs the truth instead of some story that he expects her father to concoct. He tells her how this marriage of convenience will be the perfect answer for them both.

Lady Victoria Kirby would much rather spend her time digging through dirt, cataloging antiquities and artifacts. She stays away from the ballrooms of London after her humiliating first season and vows to never marry. She thinks Chase has lost his mind because she knows her loving father would never do such a thing, would he? Chase leaves telling her to contact him immediately if she or her sister need help. It doesn't take long before she does.

Chase has a secret and also made a vow to his father to never reproduce and let the title pass to his cousin on his death. Now, it's pretty easy to guess what that secret is and explains his memories of his mother's last few years and why he has an incessant need to help women in similar situations. This is where his rake reputation comes from, but it is a non-negotiable. Chase tells Victory (his pet name) that he will continue his ways (although not the reason why) as their marriage will be in name only allowing him to also keep his secret and vow. This works great for Victory because she has the freedom to do as she pleases as well, only now she's supported by Chase quite generously.

This all sounds perfect for them until they start liking each other and possibly love rears it's inconvenient and impossible head. I liked each character greatly and they were cute together until love entered the equation and they started acting strangely in my opinion. Kind of choppy, like they weren't in sync as characters which is strange because they were very cute prior to this. I loved how Chase started letting go of things and dealing with issues before Victoria did. Even if he had to get pummeled by his best friend a couple of times. Victoria has to deal with her father and her lack of self esteem. I've read other Eva Devon books and loved them, so maybe it is just my perspective that made it feel choppy. I wish the epilogue would have been a little more informative.

Think this might just be my favorite Eva Devon book.

Why? Because Chase (the Duke of Chase) is such an interesting and complex hero. He portrays himself as a rake (but its a cover). He's none of the things Victoria believes him to he. Nope. He so much more. He definitely has a hero complex, rescuing women from abusive marriages and when he foils Victoria being gambled away to a horrid man in what would be sure to be a horrible marriage,

Victoria thinks Chase is lying when he tells her her father has gambled her hand in marriage (plus she has a younger sister in need of protection, too). Nope. She is positive her father would never do such a thing. She's a shrew, even with a dowry and being the daughter of a marquess, she is not a diamond of the first water. She is a bluestocking more interested in her archeology.

Enjoyed this very fast paced read with Chase as the duke.

I found this to be an entertaining read. Victoria was quite a different lady from the usual ones found in the ton. She enjoyed her archaeological discoveries and was quite outspoken. Derek, Duke of Chase, was an honourable man but he had a secret that affected the way he thought of himself. This story moved along at a good pace and I just loved the way that Derek appreciated Victoria for herself. I also liked the way that Victoria became more confident in herself. There was an interesting secondary character in Derek’s friend and I’m sure he would have an interesting story. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Duke of Chase becomes upset when a titled gentleman is wagering his oldest daughter in a dice game with an older, and known rake, he barges into the game and wins her hand. Now all he has to do is tell the young lady and then convince her to marry him. Unfortunately, he has a reputation for being an unabashed rake, and has been named in several divorce cases as the offending scoundrel. Can he do what is right and marry his prize or will true love overcome his tarnished reputation.

I enjoyed this author's ability to spark an early interest and draw the reader into the story as a bystander watching truth prevail. I have rated this book 5 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

The Duke of Chase is a complicated man. He is scandalous, yet he is a valorous advocate for women. His past is full of pain and to prove himself worthy of his title, he performs for the ton while secretly rescuing damsels in distress. Lady Victoria Kirby is his latest rescue when her father intent on gambling her hand to a lecherous man leaves the Duke no choice but to save her. His intentions to marry the plain and outspoken Lady Kirby is solely in name only to keep his promise to himself to never have an heir. However, he discovers she is far from plain. She is remarkably intelligent, witty, and singular. She is extraordinary and he doesn't deserve her.

Victoria and Derek are made for each other with their quirky humor and likemindedness. Their friendship is important as they grow to admire each other and slowly fall in love. To the ton, Derek puts on a facade as the arrogant and rakish Duke, but he hides a secret behind his confident persona. To Victoria or "Victory" as Derek lovingly calls her, he is an honorable man before his time as he vehemently fights for women's rights in his own unorthodox way. I really like Derek's personality as he happily lavishes Victoria and her sister Catherine with anything they desire and not expecting anything in return. Even going so far as to offer to build a museum for Victoria's artifacts. He is witty and playful and so relaxed in Victoria's company. Victoria takes to her new title valiantly as she joins Derek in using it for good. Though she believes she is plain, her vibrance is her inner beauty and her resilience.

I appreciated Lord Brookhaven's character as an exceptional friend doling out good advice to both Derek and Victoria. Catherine, Victoria's sister, is also a woman who knows her own mind and is a great companion to her sister.

This was not one of my favorite Eva Devon novels, but if you enjoy historical romance rife with secrets, honor, humor, and a happily ever after.

Thank you to Ms. Devon for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

The Duke of Chase can’t help but step in when he sees a marquess gambling away his daughter’s hand in marriage, even if that daughter has a reputation of for being standoffish and bitter.

Lady Victoria loves archaeology and history and wants nothing to do with a marriage that will hinder her ability to do what she loves. So when she is approached by the Duke of Chase, a man with a rakish reputation, she is in disbelief when he declares they are to be wed.

After some convincing on Victoria’s side, the two are able to come to an arrangement: she gets to continue her research as she so chooses and her husband can continue his escapades. Neither of them were prepared for how well they get along, and oops maybe they kissed as an experiment 😘

I love the way the characters develop and their banter back and forth. Victoria is such a great character. I really connected to her a lot. The Duke of Chase (aka Derrick) is a cinnamon roll and I loved watching him stumble throughout the book.

This book is low angst, fun banter, and has a very soft relationship 💕

I hope there will be more books in this world, hopefully with Catharine and Lord Brookhaven 👀
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**Big thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC! All thoughts are my own!**

Wow, that opening. To know that her father was offering her hand in marriage, while gambling was shocking and infuriating. Maybe it's just me but I was not satisfied with his reasoning for his actions. Anyway, I did love how easily these two fell into friendship and eventually gave in to their mutual attraction.

Lady Victoria Kirby has one passion, archaeology. She's never been considered a beauty, she is intelligent and witty something the ton has made sure to not let her forget. Leaving her with no desire to marry. So imagine her shock when a man with a rakish reputation shows up in the middle of the night to tell her, she's to be his wife?

When the Duke of Chase sees the Marquess of Halford playing dice with a creepy lord he's not surprised but what is shocking is the wager. The man's very own daughter. He absolutely can't stand by and do nothing, so he steps in to rescue the lady. She might just be the perfect woman to make his Duchess.

He'll protect her and her younger sister from any further abuses and they'll be able to lead separate lives, while he continues to help other ladies of the ton.

What he doesn't expect is to become captivated by his wife.

Thanks so much to Entangled, the author and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

I liked the premise of the story. But I felt that the relationship was missing.
Victoria was cerebral, while Derek was emotional - two polar opposites that I felt didn't engage much.
Overall, it was an ok story - nothing impressive.

A marriage of honor and independence

Derek rescues Victoria when her father wagers her hand in a card game. Noting that her dedication to her science coupled with her not-conventionally-attractive appearance makes her the perfect candidate for his duchess because he's promised himself never to father an heir, he offers her all the independence and support she could ever ask for and is convinced theirs will be a hands-off marriage of friendship only.

Victoria recognizes that her father will force her into a much worse marriage if she doesn't accept the Duke of Chase, and welcomes the protection he can offer to her and her younger sister. She's never been comfortable in Society, but the prestige of her new position becomes a handy tool that she can use to further her archaeological endeavors.

I loved how the romance that blossoms between them was built entirely on mutual respect and friendship, especially as they each discover more layers and secrets about each other. It was a refreshing change from the usual "most beautiful woman/most handsome man" dynamic. I adored the intelligence and compassion inherent in both characters. The graveyard declaration was a well-executed, pivotal step to their HEA.

The writing style, especially the dialogue, was a bit more formal than I'm accustomed to, so it took a bit to get in the flow, and there was a tad too much focus on "broodmare" expectations of Society wives. Still, it was a delightful story with charming characters and I recommend it for anyone who loves historical romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

The Duke of Chase can’t see a woman in trouble and not act, so when he sees the father of Lady Victoria Kirby wagering off his daughters hand to a known reprobate, he jumps in to win the wager… earning himself a wife he never planned for!

This should be ok, sure he never planned to marry or sire children and he’s a known rake, but Chase is certain he can forge an understanding with his new wife where they can both be happy living their own lives…

That plan goes up in smoke shortly after meeting the notorious harridan. Victory is free with her thoughts and extremely intelligent - not the pain wallflower he expected!

Chase is down to her intelligence and forward thinking ways, where Victoria is enthralled by the freedoms Chase promises her in return.

All was going well in this marriage of convenience, until their attraction comes to a head and feeling get involved. Neither Chase nor Victoria planned for any of this and it could be the complete undoing of the idyllic life they started to create together.

This book had me captivated from the start with the wager and Chase’s underlying motives. I really enjoyed seeing him turned inside out over his plain wife. Victoria is often described as plain in this book by the ton and other men, and I know some people will get stuck on that idea… while reading I felt her plainness was more a reflection of her not bowing to society norms. Her interest in history and preference to be studying artifacts rather than priming and presenting herself as the ideal female to the ton would have made her a source of ridicule, thus creating the cycle where their taunts result in her hiding and reflecting back that plainness in order to hide.

But I digress, I really enjoyed this book and found Chase and Victoria’s discovery of their true worth and the love they deserve an absolute delight!

The Wedding Wager by Eva Devon is scheduled to release October 25th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Entangled Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheWeddingWager #EvaDevon #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

It was really hard for me to get into this story. This is a new author for me, but unfortunately I was not engaged. It’s well written, but maybe not my cup of tea?
All Lady Victoria Kirby wants is to dig in the dirt, take notations, and record history. But her reckless father has a different idea for her future when he puts up the ultimate ante—her hand in marriage—and loses.
The Duke of Chase cannot bear to see a woman misused. When he’s witness to a marquess gambling away his daughter to a lecher of a man, he has no choice but to step in and rescue her. Lady Victoria has a reputation for being as tart as a lemon and as bitter as one, too. So, he may have just found the perfect wife to keep a promise he made to himself long ago--to never have an heir. But when he meets the wild, witty intelligent young lady he’s bound to marry, he knows everything he ever swore to uphold may very well come undone, especially his heart.
I found the idea of this book so thrilling! But unfortunately it didn’t live up to my expectations. I didn’t care for Victoria. I love strong women that fight for they freedom and the possibility to CHOOSE. But she was just selfish, almost bratty and definitely mean to Derek and other women’s lives. She diminished them. I can´t possible see why he would fall in love with someone that think of him lees. Less intelligent, less driven…just less compared to her. She accused him of being partial to beauty, but she is the first one to be offended by it.
I didn’t care for the way she talks about love and rising a family as ‘breeding’. Women that want to by mothers are not cattle.
I give it three stars because it’s well written and Derek was a nicely complex character. I’m definitely going to give this author another chance because it could definitely be a onetime thing for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This story was so close to hitting it out of the park but just did not get there for me. I loved the blurb and was excited to read it. I really like the first half of the book. It was interesting, set the stage and just outstanding. Unfortunately, the middle of the book is so slow and boring. It meant nothing really to the story. The story did pick back up close to the end. I was a bit confused over Victoria’s acceptance of her husband’s fooling around. What woman would do that? I know they agreed to a marriage of convenience but it really made me mad. They basically live different lives. But less you think Chase is a rake, he is not. In fact, his purpose in life is very admirable. Another thing that I did not care for is that they kept telling us that Victoria was plain and not desirable. Hell, everyone is beautiful in their own way. I did love that they are friends at first and attraction naturally developed.

Brookhaven is fabulous and I am sure he will get his own story, along with Victoria’s sister. Maybe together?

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC for the gifted copy of the digital ARC.

This is a romance novel about a nobleman who swore that he would NEVER marry and a daughter of another nobleman who seems to be reckless.

After the young lady's father offers her as a prize in a game of dice, the young Duke overhears the conversation and decides to rescue the young lady from a depraved life with a depraved leech.

The young lady also wants to be very independent and does not want to marry either. She is exactly the kind of wife that the Duke wants because she is independent minded.

They are a perfect match - neither wants to marry at all.

This is a historical romance novel set in England. Highly recommended for fans of historical romance novels.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Lady Victoria Kirby has absolutely no desires to get married - she’d rather spend her time as an archeologist, studying the remains of the English and Saxon. She’s a smart and practical woman, who is acutely aware of how society views her - plain, headstrong and unladylike.

Derek, the Duke of Chase, is appalled when he finds Victoria’s father betting away Victoria’s hand in marriage during a game of chance. Never one to standby and see a woman suffer, Derek, who is known as a rake, wagers a bet, and ends up winning Victoria’s hand. Despite what the ton says about Victoria, Derek and Victoria agree that this marriage will give them both what they need - Victoria gets her independence and Derek continue on with his rakish behaviors, which really is a cover for something else.

However, the pair never factored that any type of admiration or attraction would blossom between them. Can their wager turn into something more?

I have read a lot of historical fiction and I can say that this story is unique, hence why I have it a 4. While it involves many of the usual tropes (marriage of convenience, the wallflower blossoming, etc), there are many twists and turns that make this story different from others in the genre. If it relied on the usual ending, I probably would have given it a 3.

We see why Derek is so protective of women in danger and how much he is willing to sacrifice to help women. There’s a ton of commentary about the ton and how what society views as “beautiful” or “desirable” is constantly changing. But, ultimately, what matters most is how Victoria and Derek care for one another.

3.5 out of 5 stars.

I wasn’t too engaged in the story for the first half. It was fun but I felt it lacking something I couldn’t identify (feeling, perhaps). It got better by the second half which I enjoyed so much more. In conclusion, it was a good read, a nice story to spend a weekend with but it didn’t excite me, nor did it send my heart aflutter. I’ve read other books by Eva Devon that I loved so much which is why I requested this book.

It all stars when Derek, the duke of Chase goes to one of his clubs one night. One of the men there, the marquess of Halford is playing dice with some men of disputable reputation towards women and Derek can’t believe his ears when the marquess decides to wager his own daughter away. Angered and disgusted at the man, Derek is very afraid that the woman will end up in the hands of one of the lechers so in order to help her he joins the game. And of course, he wins.

It takes a while to convince the lady to marry him because Victoria is a ver intelligent, independent and fierce woman. She has a reputation of being bold and direct amongst other unpleasant things so the ton despises her and she hates the ton. She doesn’t want to marry a nobleman or marry at all! She just wants to pursue his dreams and become a renowned archaeologist like her father. But this father sends her away, she must marry Chase or the lecher man. Thankfully Derek offers her friendship, companionship, independence, freedom and support. He doesn’t want an heir but he wants something in return: that she lets him go his merry ways just like he would do for her.

The duke of Chase is known for his rakish ways. He’s a rogue, he sleeps with married women far and wide. He roams about London creating scandal and scandal. What no one knows is that it’s all a ruse for Derek is a firm believer in the rights of women and by creating those scandals he’s providing proof for the women to get divorces and free themselves from abusive marriages. What he didn’t expect is that he would be too involved in his own marriage and he will risk the possibility of having children with Victoria… there’s a secret he can’t tell anyone, but can he tell her?

This book is amazing if for one of its features. The realities of women from (maybe) half of the 20th century backwards. It explains in a very faithful way how women weren't considered people. Now, this is an idea that was very clear when, back in the times of the French Revolution, the women fought for the most basic of rights: the right to citizenship. This is London in the first half of the 19th century, women are still considered objects; they don't have the most basic rights and considerations: they're not considered people, they're pawns to the mens of their lives, they can't own anything (not even their own persona), they can't speak their minds and ruin might come to them way too easily. And this book explains all that in a way that makes you feel anger, especially if you are a woman. Because we didn't get rid of all that until very recently, and we are still fighting today.

I loved the dynamics between Derek and Victoria. They are so supportive of each other in their marriage. He’s willing to take a bullet for her while at the same time he lets her fight her own battles. And the same goes for her once she puts two and two together and realizes what her husband is doing for the women in need. They become a team and they fall in love in the process. I love how he offers her to give her sister refuge, how he respects both women and listens to them. I love how they cover for each other… but there were things in the story that didn’t feel right for me. Some kind of plot holes in Victoria’s father story, it wasn’t very consistent or at least that was my perception. I’m glad that I read this book and I know I will be reading more of Eva Devon’s books in the future just like I did in the past. It was just not that exciting, it didn’t feel completely right.

I was a bit disappointed with this one.
While the two leads have a great friendship it didn't quite produce the chemistry and passion I was hoping for.
I think the characters themselves were great. Each has their own journey and agency. However, once the romance begins to develop the two just don't seem to mesh well as romantic partners. There was no spark and they were too award around each other.
I have enjoyed this author's work in the past but this one was just okay for me.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book.
When Chase sees a woman about to be wagered away in a game of dice to a bad man he sets in and wins the wager.
Victoria is the perfect wife or so he assumes. With her reputation of being difficult and plain he knows that he won't bed her, a promise he made to his father to not have a child.
But as soon as he meets her, he is enthralled.
I liked Chase because he fell so fast and hopelessly for Victoria and they were cute together.
This is a relatively short novel but fun.