I wanted to like this book more than I did. It was the first book by Eva Devon that I’ve read, so I’m not sure if this is a typical book by her or an outlier. I really liked the premise. Essentially the Duke of Chase wins Victoria from her father in a dice game and the two enter a marriage of convenience. She is plain and interested in academic pursuits while he is a well known handsome rake. Of course over the course of their time together they fall in love.

I struggled a lot with the writing style. It felt choppy and scattered. There were plot points that came out of no where and other things that were mentioned that felt important but never referenced again. I was also annoyed by the constant reminder of how unattractive the heroine is, it got to the point that that it just felt cruel. I also kept finding typos in the copy I have (I was reading an ARC, so this is excusable but it would throw off my reading flow).

I genuinely liked both Chase and Victoria and was fully invested in their relationship, I just wish I enjoyed the book more. Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for the ARC.

Goodness, I adored this book! Victoria knows who she is and what she wants. Derek, on the other hand, doesn't let people see who he really is. I love Derek's name for Victoria, Victory. The way the story is written draws you into the story and the characters lives. You can really feel how unworthy they both feel and the pain they have in their hearts. I just really enjoyed this book!


I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lady Victoria Kitty may be the eldest daughter of the Marquess of Halford, but she would rather spend her time on an archaeological dig than in a ballroom, let alone even think about marrying. But soon that is out of her hand, when the Duke of Chase witnesses Halford wagering his daughter to a disreputable rake, and instead wins her hand. Victoria is angry that her father did this to her, and only agrees to marry Derek, as long as their marriage is a chaste one - something he is happy to agree too, as he promised he would never have children. As they spend time together, though, it's clear that they are attracted to one another, and soon it's hard to keep the other at arms length, when they want nothing more than to be together, properly.

As soon as I saw this book on NG, I knew I needed to read it. I loved one of Eva's previous books, and the synopsis of this one was right up my street. Victoria was such a character, who loved her family, and her work as an archaeologist, but when her father forced her to marry, she embraced being a duchess, and used it for good. The friendship she and Derek formed early on in their marriage was lovely too, as it really made their transition from friends to lovers more realistic. There wasn't a whole lot of plot here, but it was extremely enjoyable nonetheless, and I found myself being unable to put the book down in parts. The backstory surrounding Derek and his promise was heartbreaking, and I'm glad he had Victoria to help him through it all. This is a standalone, but I really hope we see a companion book in the future, perhaps about Victoria's sister, Catharine.

This is a solid historical romance, that makes modern values (like women having control of their own lives) mostly make sense in a historical setting. Derek is a duke who has vowed not to have an heir, who steps in to win Victoria in a wager to keep her from having to marry a scoundrel. Her reputation of being prickly and unattractive ensures he won’t desire her, and their marriage can give her the freedom to pursue her passion of archaeology. Feelings and attractions ensue.

Highlights: Not quite marriage of convenience, but close enough, with definite wallflower vibes. Victoria is magnificent, fully aware of how people see her, and she isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. Which is found underground, and as far from a ballroom as possible. Derek finds himself dangerously attracted to his unconventional wife, despite himself. His reputation as a rake and philanderer is not what it seems, and she makes him reevaluate his strategies.

Some people complain about some historical romance being unrealistically feminist, but I’m really not interested in reading stories where the characters aren’t acknowledging how oppressive and problematic the time they are living in is. I want authors to write about the enlightened people of the time, the rebels who are fighting for change. This is exactly that, and I loved it.

Overall, I was pleased with this one, and I am looking forward to happily read more of the authors backlist. I received this ARC from NetGalley, but my opinions are my own.

When the Duke of Chase sees a man wagering away his daughter to a lecher, he intervenes by joining the wager. But once he has won it, Lady Victoria is not keen to be saved by him. This book started with a bang!

I loved both Chase and Victoria. They are precisely the kind of strong, principled characters that I most enjoy. Chase is a champion of women's rights, and Victoria works toward her own ability to study archaeology and anthropology.

This is an excellent new historical romance and one I highly recommend. I . hoping for more for Victoria's sister and Chase's best friend.

Thank you to TLC Book Tours, Entangled Amara, and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up

All Lady Victoria Kirby wants is to dig in the dirt, take notations, and record history, thank you very much. Bumbling through ballrooms and getting disdained by the ton for her less than ideal looks, on the other hand, is the last thing she wants
The Duke of Chase cannot bear to see a woman misused. After all, he saw that often enough as a child. So 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
But when he meets the wild, witty intelligent young lady he’s bound to marry, he knows trouble is headed his way... And everything he ever swore to uphold may very well come undone, especially his heart.
This is a wildly witty book with a penchant for poignancy.
Eva Devon is devoted to a romance of this type.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

5 stars

I liked this book. Derek is a rake, a duke, a philanthropist and a rescuer of damsels in distress. Victoria is a blue stocking, archeaologist, plain, spirited, put upon by the ton. Her father appears to gamble her away and Chase is inspired into marrying her.
Derek has some issues which he shares with his friend Broadhaven and eventually with his dear friend Victory.

Is there a book for Victoria's sister and Chases friend?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars. The best part of this is definitely the genuine friendship that grows between Derek and Victoria. Victoria is used to being dismissed because of her plainness and unfeminine interests, but she has a strong sense of self and confidence in her own judgment. Derek is used to accepting the world's judgment of him, especially if he can use it to his advantage, but there's more to him than meets the eye.

When he finds himself in the unconscionable position of watching her father wager her away, he can't ignore it. In fact, the situation actually serves to benefit him, as he'll acquire a capable wife who will free him from society's matchmaking while leaving his heart untouched...or so he thinks!

Where the story stumbles is over the character motivations that set up the story (her father is a monster? except maybe not? Derek is definitely not attracted to Victoria? except he instantly is? etc.). Still, watching the two of them grow to know, respect, and care for each other is very gratifying.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

This is my second book that I've read by Eva Devon, and I know that she'll be one that I look for new books by. Even though I thought this book was just ok, I can tell what a talented author she is.

When the Duke of Chase sees that the Marguess of Halford is wagering away is eldest daughter in a game of dice, Chase steps in to rescue her from the disaster. After he wins her hand, he rushes to tell her what happened. Lady Victoria is known to be prickly and more interested in artifacts than the ballroom. After Chase explains the situation and recommends a marriage in friendship, she accepts.

This is a marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, and low angst. I did like the characters and the story but I felt there was something missing. What that was.....I don't know. I wanted more from Victoria? You didn't really see her that interested in artifacts and we were constantly told she wasn't attractive, but why? Chase was a good man. Wanting to help out women and trying to give them a better life. He tried to keep that a secret and the why of it, but you knew early on what the reason was. It really wasn't a big secret. Overall, just an ok story.

Very good book! But then what else would you expect from Eva Devon? The Wedding Wager is witty, romantic, sexy, and evoking. It is the story of the handsome Duke of Chase who steps in and wins the hand of Lady Victoria Kirby in a gambling match. Chase, handsome, rich, and noble, believes that Victoria will be his perfect companion because she is rumored to be unattractive and strong willed. He wins her hand and insists that she marry him for her safety, but now he doesn't feel quite safe. I love the magnetism between the characters. They say one thing but do another. You can't put it down! I would definitely recommend this book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.

Derek, the Duke of Chase, can’t believe that a marquess is gambling away his daughter. Victoria is known for her plainness and for having an unpleasant personality. But she doesn’t deserved to be lost in a dice game to an old lech so Dereck steps in and saves her..

Victoria is intelligent, interested in archeology and does not want to get married. Derek is tortured by a “big secret” and feels unworthy. Their marriage of convenience turns friendly and then passionate.

Not much new in the storyline or in the characters. A few things besides the errors in grammar and sentence structure made me shake my head . The humiliating method used by a loving father to find his daughter a husband was stupid and illogical. Divorce was not as speedy or easy to obtain as depicted in the story. Overall a fast but not entirely a satisfying read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC.

An opposites attract historical romance, The Wedding Wager follows a couple brought together by a bet. Victoria, a woman who catalogs artifacts for her father and has no desire to wed, learns that her father has gambled away her hand in marriage to a disreputable Duke. Though he is known for his vast scandals with women, Chase can’t stand by and watch a bet that will potentially ruin an innocent woman’s life, even if that woman is known for being difficult and cold. So, he enters the gamble and wins Victoria’s hand, much to her dismay. Theirs is a marriage of convenience, but the more Victoria and Chase learn about each other, the more they realize that their relationship has the potential to be so much more.

I have mixed feelings about this book, as there were some things that I really liked and others that kind of fell flat. I loved the messages and the strong, intelligent protagonist who defies societal norms. However, the romance and development of the other characters didn’t quite work for me.

There are great messages about the gender inequities in society, the limitations in career ambitions for women, and the profound pressure to marry, which are quite evident in Victoria’s life and in her opinions. Victoria is an interesting character who, in many ways, is ahead of her time. Interested in the archeological and anthropological fields, which are limited to men, Victoria is often disregarded. However, she refuses to give up on her passions and ideals. She is a strong woman, a devoted sister, and someone who is trying to make the best out of a difficult situation.

Chase is also a likable character in many regards, though his lake of attraction to Victoria at the start of the story is a bit off-putting. He is unbelievably handsome and has developed a reputation of a rake, which he has carefully curated. He is a man with many secrets and a haunted past, which are revealed throughout the story and explain a lot about him. It also explains his determination to help women in need, which is admirable. He struggles with feelings of worth and identifying how he really feels about life, love, and himself.

Though they have a marriage of convenience, Chase and Victoria develop romantic feelings for each other. For the most part, I enjoyed their opposites-attract romance. They have a strong connection, which grows as the story progresses. I also love how supportive Chase is of Victoria’s goals and dreams. That was one of the most romantic aspects of the story. He doesn’t stifle Victoria and instead encourages her, which is what she so desperately needs. He is also very thoughtful and generous, which is something she hasn’t really experienced before.

There are some characters and plot points that I wish were more developed, especially concerning Victoria’s father and his convoluted rationalizations for what he did, but overall this was an enjoyable read, especially if you like an opposites-attract romance. Chase and Victoria are quite different in many ways, though as they grow closer they realize they have a lot in common too. I’m a bit curious about some of the minor characters, including Victoria’s younger sister and Chase’s best friend and have a feeling they might be further developed in future books in the series. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Eva Devon for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Derek Kent, Duke of Chase, might have the reputation of being a rake but he cannot bear to see a woman misused. So when he witnesses Marquess of Halford wagering away his eldest daughter’s hand in marriage one night while playing dice, he steps in to rescue her! The only way to rescue her is to offer for her himself, so that is how Chase finds himself getting married when he swore he never would. Lady Victoria Kirby would much rather spend her time digging through dirt, cataloging antiquities and artifacts she finds from ancient Viking and Saxon burial mounds, than in a London ballroom. She is turning in for the night when Chase shows up at her bedroom door to inform her they are to wed, he lays out everything that went down with her father’s actions and tells her how this marriage of convenience will be the perfect answer for them both.

I did enjoy how Chase and Victoria quickly decide this marriage of convenience can work for them. He is fine with marrying, since he doesn’t think he’ll be tempted to fall in love or produce heirs, and he will grant her all the freedom she wants to continue to do her archaeology thing. I did love Victoria’s love for archaeology and anthropology. Victoria’s “average, plain” looks are brought up a lot…which I don’t mind and can appreciate a heroine who isn’t always a diamond of the first water, but I did feel like for this book it dragged on/was mentioned a few too many times. I did like how Chase & Victoria formed a friendship really early on and that kept on throughout the book, Chase even steps in to help her sister out too. This was a low-angst, low-stakes read (which I personally prefer more angst or emotional reads to pull me in better). It was definitely a bit predictable with Chase’s “secrets” but I kind of didn’t mind it. This was a quick book for when you want a read with little-to-no drama and a friends-first marriage of convenience read.

Thank you to the publisher (Entangled) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. The Wedding Wager has a publish date of October 25, 2021.

You know what? This book was a lot of fun. A lot of it was heartbreaking as well, but it was fun seeing Victoria and Derek fall in love. And I hope that the author has more stories to tell in this world, because both Catharine and Brookhaven each deserve their own happy endings.

I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing. All opinions are my own.

The bluestocking and the Rake except this time Chase, the rake is a very kind honorable man that for his own reasons is living a tabloid 9f the day life. His honor is what opens the story when he can't stand by and allow Lady Victoria to be gambled off by her father to a dishonorable man so he wins her for himself.

So far so good! However there are some execution problems. The father has no real reason to behave this way and there are other ways to go about getting rid of his children, his motivation was very strange. Victoria was hard to connect with until a few chapters in to the book when her kindness began to come through.

I really liked both characters and their friendship which of course deepened in to love. I didn't get a sense of their chemistry but Chase in particular with his honor made this book different than so many others.

I voluntarily received a copy of "The Wedding Wager" by Eva Devon via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Great premise but lacked that spark.

Our leading couple is Chase and Victoria. Chase, a wealthy duke witnesses a Marquess gambling away his daughter. In order to save her from being forced to marry an old lecher he steps in and joins the gamble - and wins. Victoria has never planned on marrying but what Chase offers is a marriage of freedome, one where she will be allowed to continue her archaelogy. They then must navigate their marriage of convenience to be just friends... or more.

This romance had its sweet moments. I appreciated how much the grew to support and respect eachother. It was definitely refreshing to have two characters learn to love one another as they reveal their secrets.

However, I wasn't fond that there never seemed to be any stakes. He doesn't want kids? Why? And then you find out and the characters deal with and its done. I also am never a fan of when its brought up more then once that the heroine isn't attractive. Just ends up feeling a tad awkward.

If you love the marriage od convenience trope and want a low stakes romance, low steam, and where the characters decide to be friends first then I'd highly reccomend it!

Our heroine, Victoria, finds out that she is betrothed when she is woken up in the middle of the night by a Duke. He has won her hand in marriage during a card game. The premise of the book was so interesting to me. I really liked that idea of a Duke proposing marriage to save a heroine that he didn't even know. I like the hero and heroine separately but not really together romantically.

Unfortunately, this book fell a little flat for me. There were times that I really enjoyed it but it was hard for me to get past the author constantly reminding the reader how "unattractive" the heroine is. The hero and heroine both harp on the fact that she is soooo much "plainer" than he is. How dare anyone be interested in her. Her attractiveness becomes a major conflict in their relationship. It's utterly ridiculous and made me uncomfortable as a reader.

I loved that Victoria had a real passion for archeology. Chase was so supportive of her from the very beginning. The book really showed their relationship growing into a great friendship throughout the book. That's kinda where the chemistry ended for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Victoria is a bluestocking who catalogs artifacts for her father and dislikes society while Chase is a fake-rake with a secret hiding behind the confident persona he shows the ton. Chase sees Victoria's father gambling away her hand to the revolting Lord Craven and steps in, winning the hand of cards and a bride.

This starts as a marriage of convenience and didn't draw me right in. There was something with how the characters were presented that prevented me from becoming invested in their love story initially. They are both very cold, calculating and analytical. They did develop a friendship which moved the story along.

The tropes are gambled/sold, fake rake bluestocking and marriage of convenience. This was a light, easy read with no great mystery to solve.

Sir Galahad meets the Archaeologist.
Unexpectedly betrayed/gambled away by her father, the independent Lady Victoria is suddenly reliant on a Duke with a far from pristine reputation. If she doesn’t want to be married to a lecher with an even worse reputation, her choice is clear but it turns out that marriage and her new husband are not at all what she expected. Interesting characters, tortured hero, sweet epilogue. Recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady Victory Kirby is more interested in archeology and history than society and suitors. She is happy to stay a spinster, but her father has other plans…willing to gamble her hand in marriage over a game of dice. Derek Kent, Duke of Chase, may be known as a rake, but he has a noble streak and finds himself stepping in and wagering over Victoria’s hand himself.

The blurb for this book drew me in right away, but sadly it was not for me. I had extremely mixed feelings about this book and was ready to give up a few chapters in. There was something cold and choppy in the writing and I couldn’t connect to the characters. They had quirks and mercurial, analytical nature. This is not the first book where I’ve wondered: is a character meant to be neurodivergent or is this just Devon’s writing style? While it wouldn’t have changed anything in the story, it might have helped me relate to the characters.

Victoria is a bluestocking who catalogs artifacts, and Chase is a fake-rake with a secret hiding behind the confident persona he shows the ton. Finding out about Chase’s secret was what kept me reading. One thing I did like, though, was that both characters were very accepting. They developed a friendship and didn’t want to change each other.

Tropes: auctioned/gambled/sold, marriage of convenience, bluestocking

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.