Lieutenant Derrick Owens has always been on his own and wants to keep it that way, but when he saves a shipmate’s sister from a horrible dance partner, Corah Bradford’s sweet temperament and friendly nature make her hard to resist. Unable to find a suitable husband in Bristol who she can also love, Corah is entangled in a wager to secure Derrick’s company for an evening. Despite their reluctance to let go of their convictions, their easy friendship turns to something more. But with war on the horizon and Corah bound for the marriage mart in London, they both must discover what’s truly important—love or their previous expectations.
♡ WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE by Josi S. Kilpack
Over the years, Colletta Markshire has been the driving force in helping young women make their match during the Season in London. Rachel is her lucky thirteen and Etta has every expectation that she will be a triumph ... except that things are not going to plan. Rachel has not taken to London and is determined to grow an acquaintance with a young man not at all the thing. The young man's father, Wynn Firth, is nearly as distracting as Etta's worries, and in every way she felt sure she would never feel distracted again. When Rachel disappears, Etta has little doubt what’s happened and she and Wynn set out together to find the young couple before word gets out. Hours in a carriage with a handsome man can be even more distracting, however, and Etta finds herself entertaining ideas she never thought to have. Etta gave up on love years ago ... and yet, as Women of a Certain age can attest, it is never too late to change one’s mind and change one’s future.
♡ A MOST UNSUITABLE SUITOR by Sarah M. Eden
Drowning in debt, Julian, Lord Wesley spends an evening of shared misery with his closest friend at their club and makes a startling discovery: someone has placed a wager that Lady Charlotte Duchamps will not marry before her 21st birthday, with Julian himself receiving £1000 if she does not. Lady Charlotte suddenly finds herself the subject of a great deal of attention from Lord Wesley, a vague acquaintance with a questionable reputation. With Julian and Charlotte both attempting to solve mysteries and wreak chaos, betting on the possibility of love might just prove the most risky wager of all.
Wagers abound in A Lady’s Wager, bringing three couples into matches that they never dreamed were possible. This anthology truly set my heart aflutter and set sail my imagination.
The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks begins this charming trio with a charming lieutenant and a woman who craves home. It is a strong start that instantly captures your heart and imagination. Derrick and Corah have an instant connection and the progression of their relationship was as natural as breathing, the flow sheer perfection.
My favorite part of their story was the crystals. I could instantly see them in my minds eye, and they were exquisite. The ending was as to be expected, but wonderful nonetheless, quickly propelling me to the next novella.
Women of a Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack was an unexpected favorite. I liked that the entire novella is from Etta’s point of view, something that I rarely, if ever, read in a regency romance. I appreciate the fact that this story is focused on a mature woman who seemingly knows her lot in life, yet she is willing to admit her faults, and make changes for the better.
For such a short story Wynn and Etta’s story is quite passionate in nature. Since time is of the essence, neither beat around the bush once they are honest about their emotions, and their passion flames from the pages without being graphic. I loved every moment.
A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden finishes the trio in the most perfect way possible. The banter between Julian and Charlotte was positively charming. I loved Julian’s brand of humor, and his ‘awkwardness’ in social situations, and apparently I wasn’t the only one. Seeing this side of him. brought out Charlotte’s fun side, which was just as charming and entertaining.
I also loved that their story had a little twist! It definitely kept things interesting while still giving a satisfying ending to this wonderful anthology, which I couldn’t have enjoyed more.
Arlem Hawks
Arlem Hawks began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the Western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people, and the stories they have to tell. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in communications and emphasis in print journalism, and now lives in Arizona with her husband and two children.
Connect with Arlem on her website www.arlemhawks.com to follow her on social media or to subscribe to her newsletter.
Josi S. Kilpack
Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and has written thirty-three novels, one cookbook, and several short stories since then. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner, including two Novel of the Year awards for Lord Fenton's Folly and As Wide as the Sky and a Best of State winner in Fiction. She writes her national women's fiction under the pen name of Jessica Pack (say Josi Kilpack really fast and you'll see why she chose it). Josi currently lives in Northern Utah and is the mother of 4 wonderful kids.
For more information about Josi or her books, please visit her at www.josiskilpack.com.
♡
Sarah M. Eden
Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award's "2014 Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.
Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahmeden.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
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