Henri lives to uncover secrets, but this man has everything to hide…
Lady Henrietta Bloomfield has built a fortune gambling on the utterly predictable foibles of her peers. When her latest wager fails thanks to the stodgy Earl of Colefax and his surprisingly rash behavior, she’s more intrigued than disappointed. It seems there’s more to the upright earl than meets the eye, and Henri makes it … and Henri makes it her mission to discover who he really is. The more she gets to know the real Alistair, with his dark passion and his mysterious missions, the more she finds him utterly, irresistibly appealing. And what she feels when he holds her in his arms? That’s enough to make her doubt her sanity. After all, no sensible woman would lose her heart to a man who’s determined to ruin her fun.
Alistair might have found Henri’s nosey antics amusing…if he didn’t have so many secrets to hide. But it’s not just his pride on the line. Lives are at stake, including his brother’s. He has no choice but to do whatever it takes to distract Henri from her suspicions—and if kisses are the best way to do that, then so be it. Now if only he can kiss her senseless without risking his own heart in the process.
Author’s Note: This book is a completely standalone novel. While it overlaps with two other series, and can be read as either the prequel novel for the Bluestocking Batallion series or as the fourth installment of the Dashing Lords series, it is not necessary to read either series to enjoy this novel.
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I’ve decided that Maggie Dallen has a split personality. I’ve “known” her (ie, read books she wrote, though we’ve never met in person) for ages as my favorite YA romance author (and I think I’ve reviewed every YA romance she’d written – giving all of them five stars). Now I discover that she’s also a pretty fantastic Regency Romance author too. How did I miss that? I feel cheated only just now discovering it. On the other hand I now have sooo much yumminess to look forward to. The book that topped me off was A Lady’s Luck (Devilish Lords, Book 4). In it Lady Henrietta “Henri” Bloomfield has made a fortune wagering in secret via bets made by her brother at his “gambling hell” (very Regency Period appropriate). Then she made a very wrong choice betting about Alistair Merrywether, the Earl of Colefax, being the father of an illegitimate child. Alastair is furious as he wants to keep his reputation spotless as he has real secrets he wants nobody to be suspicious of (and oh yes, there’s one here that is hugely earth-shaking, though I will not spoil it). Alastair ends up confronting Henri and eventually romance (and fantastic banter between the two) ensues. A guaranteed HEA in a perfectly written, perfectly plotted, imaginative Regency Period appropriate tale. Who knew one author could master two very different genres (YA romance and Regency romance) so perfectly? Wow. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more Regency romance by Maggie Dallen.
An entertaining regency tale that begs the question, what secrets do you have? Did you know that money could be made off secrets with wagers if they are true of not? Lady Henrietta (Henri) has made a lot of money by having her brother place bets for her on character flaws of the Ton. But when a bet was made on the upright Alistar, Earl of Colefax, he is incensed by the gossip and he tracks her down to demand why she targeted him.
Thus the adventure begins with Henri being intrigued by Alistar and fairly certain he is hiding something. He tries to divert her from his true secrets, but she is just so beautiful and cleaver he decides to turn the tables and find out something about her! Doesn’t everyone have some things they want to keep to themselves?
With wonderful characters who banter back and forth with their wit and humor, you will be surprised when everything comes out and the last page is turned. Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone but you will want to read them all!
Alistair Merrywether, the Earl of Colefax is a man with secrets and to protect the people he loves, he lives a scandal free life, he does nothing to draw attention to himself, so when a wager placed naming him as the father of an actress’ unborn child and gossip spreads that he is refusing to accept responsibility – he is livid. He tracks down the source of the wager and demands to know why he was targeted. The man who placed the wager is Rodrick Bloomfield, the Earl of Braxton. Rodrick is drunk and confused and ends up agreeing to take Alistair to his home to meet with “Henry” – the person who told Rodrick to place the bet.
Lady Henrietta “Henri” Bloomfield has made a fortune wagering in secret, she has an uncanny knack for getting information and uses her brother to place the bets. When Alistair bursts into her home and demands to know why the wager was placed, she is intrigued. She is sure that he is hiding something and will stop at nothing to find out what.
Alistair is befuddled by Henri, she is lovely, witty and way too clever, he has to divert her from his secrets but she manages to always stay one step ahead of him. He decides to fight fire with fire – he will uncover her secrets! Let the games begin!
This was a sweet novella with wonderful characters, very low heat love scenes (just kisses), lots of secrets, some surprises and a HEA.
This is the fourth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problem.
Both Allistar Merryweather, Earl of Colefax and Lady Henrietta Bloomfield use subterfuge and deflection to get what they want. Henri needs a way to earn money after her parents left Henri and and her brother Roderick Bloomfield, Earl of Braxton with little money, so she secretly gambles about the members of the ton. Allister is hiding that his older brother is still alive and running a secret privateering business to play robin hood. I didn’t like how Henri potentially socially ruined people just to make money. There were plenty of funny and romantic moments in this Regency romance.
This story is a cat and mouse type of story where you can’t wait to see who wins!!!!
Henri and Alistair antagonize each other, manipulate each other and even amaze each other. Oh but who wins in the end?????
ONE CAPTIVATING READ!!!
Oh man! Talk about what the heart wants. This is one exciting, fast paced, heart pounding, pulse racing, page turning wonder that’s as riveting as it is captivating. With all the drama, heartache, fear, a little mystery and suspense that keeps you on your toes and your rear frozen to your seat. The twists and turns, ups and downs, ins and outs, along with a few unexpected surprises around every corner make for one incredible experience. The intense connection and strong chemistry between the two main characters flows smoothly throughout. The characters are complex and believable with such depth and individuality it’s easy to relate. The scenes are so graphic and detailed it’s easy to picture each scenario as they play off one another perfectly. Maggie did an amazing job bringing this read to life. Awesome job Maggie, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Well we got the much awaited story of Henri, and I was not disappointed. I love the characters of Henri and Alister. Ms Dallen has a way of writing that draws you into the story and making you want the best for them both. The story had everything you want in a good book. Adventure, romance and mystery. It was a nice clean quick read. I found it hard to put down and am now hoping the next story will be Marcus. I can see lots of adventure and humour, which Ms Dallen has a wonderful way of putting to paper. I received this as an ARC.
Lady Henrietta Bloomfield has built a fortune gambling on the utterly predictable foibles of her peers. When her latest wager fails thanks to the stodgy Earl of Colefax and his surprisingly rash behaviour, she’s more intrigued than disappointed. It seems there’s more to the upright earl than meets the eye, and Henri makes it her mission to discover who he really is. The more she gets to know the real Alistair, with his dark passion and his mysterious missions, the more she finds him utterly, irresistibly appealing. Alistair might have found Henri’s nosey antics amusing…if he didn’t have so many secrets to hide. It’s not just his pride on the line–lives are at stake, including his brother Marcus’. He has no choice but to do whatever it takes to distract Henri from her suspicions, and if kisses are the best way to do that, then so be it.
A very enjoyable read, the characters have plenty of depth & the verbal sparring & chemistry between Alistair & Henri is what makes this book so captivating. They are so right for each other but secrets & insecurities make them question their feelings. I was hooked from the start & surprised at the revelation at the end. I read the book in two sittings, this is part of a series but could easily be read on its own
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
06/02/2021 In “A Lady’s Luck” (nook), Henrietta has an unusual attitude about money and power. Even though she is manipulative, she is not bent on directly harming Alistair. To her, Alistair seems aloof. For his part Alistair is intrigued by her and falls in love. And she falls in love with him. Henrietta is loyal and will keep his secrets.
Twisty, twiney story of opposition and love – awesome!
Predictable. Not that interesting.
This Regency romance novel is about two people who both have big secrets to keep from society and the ton. There are secrets in secrets while the two protagonists fight the love that is growing between them. This is a good Summer read.
Wonderful story. A story that keeps you engaged and in love with the characters and story telling is magical. Thank you
Lacking plot
Lost interest and didn’t finish it.
A Lady’s Luck by Maggie Dallen is a Regency romance novella. The main characters are entertaining as they try to outwit each other. The plot is unusual and moves quickly along. Twists and turns at the end are unexpected. This was an enjoyable read.
This was a fun story.
Mm
Henri is not your typical demure damsel (but then, Maggie Dallen’s heroines never are), and the somewhat bland and boring-seeming Lord Colefax harbors more than one scandalous secret.
Add to that a solid plot with some mystery and intrigue and a dash of humor, and you get an entertaining, quick read.
All in all, this was another enjoyable foray into the Regency era for me.
A terrific end to this series. Every book has been wonderful filled with laughter, tears, and lots of romance.