BevQB’s review of A Gentleman’s Wager by Madelynne Ellis
Erotic historical romance re-released by Virgin Black Lace on 1 Apr 08

First published in the UK in May 2003, A Gentleman’s Wager is being re-released with a luscious new cover and a perfect new tag line: Pride and Decadence. Set in North Yorkshire, near Richmond, England, this exquisite, lusty, Georgian period romp is, at its core, a love triangle between Viscount Marlinscar (Lucerne), and Annabella Rushdale (Bella), who finds herself at odds with a rival for his attention… Vaughan, Marquis of Pennerly.

These three multifaceted characters, along with intertwined stories involving the small cast of engaging secondary characters, are the reason AGW is so memorable. I guarantee that you’ve never met them before, and you won’t forget them once you have.

In fact, this was the most difficult review I’ve ever written because this isn’t just a review; it’s also homage to a much beloved story. I re-read it at least once a year and never fail to be in awe of Madelynne Ellis’ ability to create such unexpected, complex characters. My greatest challenge was that I needed to convey more than a string of superlatives AND avoid a multi page, in-depth character analysis (focused mainly on Vaughan because… well… he insists on it).

• Bella starts off the story as self-centered and slutty. While she refers to other women as trollops and whores, she dismisses her own promiscuity as merely pursuing her own needs, desires and amusements. However, through the course of the story, she begins to assess her own actions and experiences the unfamiliar emotions of guilt, insecurity, and self doubt. Although Lucerne is the object of her affections, she is confused by her reaction to Vaughan, at once vehemently hating him and obsessively fascinated by him. She is wounded by the sting of his venom and cruelty, yet still finds herself drawn to him.

• We get to know the anchor of the love triangle, Lucerne, more through his interactions with the other characters than through introspection. When he decides to take a break from the decadence of London to spend the winter at one of his long neglected country estates, Lauwine Hall, he invites a few friends, including Vaughan, to join him. He knows Vaughan wants more than friendship from him and chooses not to acknowledge it… or the wine-hazed encounter with Vaughan three years earlier. Once Lucerne shows a serious interest in his neighbor, Bella, Vaughan starts to pressure him for a closer relationship, and Lucerne realizes he wants both Vaughan AND Bella and would rather not give either of them up. But, cast in the role of peacemaker, he realizes that he cannot live with the animosity between the two rivals and dreads the time when their constant bickering might force him to choose between them.

• The third member of the triangle, Vaughan, is one of the most deliciously complex characters I’ve ever read. When he is “on stage” (and often when he’s not) he demands- and receives- the attention of everyone in the room… man, woman, or reader. He smirks, he sulks, he lies, he seduces, he pouts. He wields feigned indifference like a sword, and bites out words laced with deadly venom. His Machiavellian manipulations and cruelty towards others, particularly Bella, should have labeled him as the villain of the story. But the glimpses we receive of his hurt, tenderness, and longing for Lucerne soon make us realize that, while he often DOES amuse himself at the expense of others, he just as often lashes out in retaliation for his own pain or to cover his own vulnerability. Accustomed to living the debauched life courtesy of aristocratic entitlement, Vaughan actually seems a bit bewildered that he is capable of emotions strong enough to keep him patiently waiting for Lucerne to return those feelings.

Fortunately, this release of AGW should be much easier to find here in the US than the original release (used copies were going for high prices on Amazon). In addition to Amazon, a limited number of new Black Lace releases have been appearing in Borders and B&N stores, so if you don’t find it, you should be able to order it through one of those sources. It is also available as an audio book through Audible, but be aware that the narrator does not narrate the story with the distinct characterizations that many audio book fans here in the USA are used to. In fact, I’d have to give the audio narration a Grade C+.

I’m so excited that I can finally start sharing this book again. It’s been so frustrating that A Gentleman’s Wager has been out of print for so long. Every single person (that I personally know of) who has read AGW, has placed it on THEIR all time favorite historical romance short list, too. In fact, Teddypig, if you haven’t read AGW already, I’m prepared to receive your declaration of undying gratitude and devotion while you prostrate yourself at my feet.

Yeah, it’s that good.

Grade: A+

Summary:

     When Bella Rushdale finds herself fiercely attracted to landowner Lucerne Marlinscar, she doesn’t expect that the rival for his affections will be another man. The handsome and decadent, Marquis Pennerley, however, has desired Lucerne for years and when all three are brought together at the remote Lauwine Hall, on the Yorkshire Moors, Pennerley intends to claim Lucerne. At the risk of scandal, the contest leads to a passionate struggle between the highly sexed Bella and the debauched aristocrat. Ultimately it will be Lucerne who will choose the outcome, but his descision is bound to cause outrage and upset somebody’s plans.

     Read an excerpt, extras including facts and maps, and a deleted early scene here.

In addition to her own blog, Madelynne is also a regular on the Black Lace authors’ group blog, Lust Bites. Just be warned that the discussions by that bunch of bawdy Brits aren’t always work safe.

Other books in this series:

Phantasmagoria, the long awaited sequel to AGW will be released on 29 Apr 08 (U.S.).

Madelynne has also written a short story, Indiscretions, that takes place during the time period between the two books. It’s available on her website but be aware that, while it serves as a revealing glimpse of the characters and their life after AGW, it also reveals AGW’s ending.




Read more from Bev at her personal blog Cubie’s Confections.