Sandy M’s review of Lady’s Wager by Georgie Lee
Historical romance ebook released 3 Jan 08 by Cerridwen Press
I had a difficult time in coming to like the heroine in this book. Charlotte is spunky and opinionated as well as generous and kind when it suits her, but she never listens to advice from those who love her, she vacillates much too often between wanting to have a husband and a family but then telling herself she’ll never marry because she doesn’t trust men, and she waits until it’s nearly too late to get rid of that attitude. I did warm up to her just slightly near the end when her attitude adjustment comes around but also still a little peeved at her for the way she treats the hero.
Because I really like Edward. He has his faults, but at least he says what’s on his mind not only when he’s upset but also in dealing with Charlotte and his growing feelings for her. He apologizes when he’s wrong and doesn’t take any more guff than a man should when dealing with a woman as independent as Charlotte. He shows her tenderness when needed, but he also lets his ire loose when she pushes him too far. It’s his tenderness that won me over.
I think Charlotte’s reason for not wanting to marry is a little thin to begin with, so for her to hang onto it as long as she did is a little much, especially when she finally admits to some feeling for Edward. Granted, he probably shouldn’t have gone as far as he did in his scheme, but, heck, he’s dealing with Charlotte. There’s no other way.
I enjoyed the writing; the descritptions of London and the times had me feeling like I was right in the midst of the goings-on; and, obviously, the characters are developed well enough for me to have such strong reactions. I just wish Charlotte isn’t so stubborn on her one obsession. It makes her seem more of an obnoxious child the majority of the time than the strong woman she also is, especially because of her generosity to her charities. Her maturity later on is nice to see, though.
Grade: C+
From the back cover:
Charlotte Stuart is a headstrong heiress dedicated to charitable causes, who publicly disdains marriage while secretly pining for love.
Edward Woodcliff is a stubborn Viscount who feigns poverty in an effort to find a woman who loves him and not his inheritance.
Sparks fly when these two intractable people meet. They cannot seem to let down their guards long enough to admit their love for one another. All seems hopeless until Edward challenges Charlotte to a wager. If he wins, he wins her hand in marriage. If he loses, then Charlotte is free of him. Now Charlotte must put aside her doubts about his intentions long enough to let Edward into her life and admit that he is the man of her dreams.
Read an excerpt.
