A wager on a young lady’s virtue leads to… exchanges. As he kisses the words from her lips, Devon strokes the flames of their passion higher. Can Devon convince Kathleen of his love?
Ever since her family’s ruination, Lady Kathleen Beckwith had set out to expose Devon Holdenburg as a scoundrel to the Ton. However, her mother had different plans by throwing Kathleen in his path at every opportunity. With whispers of seduction and passionate kisses, will Kathleen be able to fight off Devon’s charms?
A few years past, Devon won a wager on Kathleen’s innocence. He only joined the game to protect Kathleen from an evil lord. Kathleen not aware of the true nature of the bet from that game, entices the two lords who destroyed her father into a new game with higher stakes. As their story unfolds, so do the lies and deceit surrounding them. When they place their final wager, will Devon and Kathleen confess their true love? Or will their past leave a cloud of doubt hanging over them forever?
The Scoundrel’s Wager is the fourth novel in Laura A. Barnes’s Tricking the Scoundrel series. If you enjoy the makings of a good wager, then you will love the stakes of Devon and Kathleen’s courtship.
Enjoy The Scoundrel’s Wager today for a fun historical romance to read.
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Laura A. Barnes is one of my favorite authors. Every time one of her books appears to review, I’m quick to request it. I’ve read all the books in the Tricking the Scoundrels series. Each one can be read as a standalone but I’d never recommend reading just one. That would be like eating one bite of your favorite dessert. That’s practically a criminal act in my mind!
The synopsis is descriptive therefore if this book sounds appealing to you then I highly suggest reading it. I couldn’t put it down. I long awaited to read Kathleen and Devon’s love story. It didn’t disappoint. Their romance made me want to swoon. Their chemistry was sin worthy. I was delirious when I reached the end of the story and found an epilogue. I couldn’t get enough and wanted more. In fact I felt triumphant when I found out that there is going to be a fifth book! I’m not ready for this cast of characters’ stories to be concluded. I was euphoric when I read that book five will be Belle’s story. Who will be the mystery man that broke her heart? Surely it will be a scoundrel but which one? I haven’t a clue. I have to wait until September.
I’d like to thank Laura A. Barnes for writing wonderful books to escape reality. Everyone has trials and tribulations in life and it’s a blessing when you can depend on a certain author to write a book that allows the reader to find a few hours of enjoyment. I look forward to reading the next story in the series.
This is a wonderfully written fast-paced and passionate story with a good dose of humor mixed in. I enjoyed reading Devon and Kathleen’s love story. Ms. Barnes’ writing really brought this story to life and the story played out perfectly in my mind. There was intrigue, romance, betrayal, and secrets, all making this a captivating read. I really enjoyed seeing Devon and Kathleen’s story come together.
This is my first time reading something by Ms. Barnes, so I haven’t read the other books in this series. But that didn’t affect my reading of this one, it’s a perfect stand alone. However, after reading this, I definitely want to go back to the others because I really enjoyed this one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Scoundrel’s Wager is the fourth book in the Tricking the Scoundrels series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. I haven’t read all the books in the series and I don’t feel like I missed out by not reading them.
Devon Holdenburg had been in love with Kathleen Beckwith for as long as he knew her. Their families were close, and they had grown up together. Devon was furious when her father used her in a wager and was forced to join the game to protect her. Kathleen didn’t have all the facts about the game, but she believed Devon had a part in her family’s destruction and was determined to have revenge against Devon. Can Devon convince her of the truth and of his true intentions?
The book was fast-paced and fun to read. The characters were charming and perfect for each other. I loved all the side characters and it was great seeing some of them again. This was a pleasant book to read and I will certainly have to go back and read the ones I missed out on.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well Hells Bell. The Scoundrel’s Wager, by Laura Barnes won me over. I consider it a smash hit with me, my fellow readers. Devon and Kathleen took my imagination and reading on a joy ride of passion, romance and excitement in the boudoir department. Oh Devon, you naughty boy you.
Whew! Bring it back. Bring it back. Sorry about that. So, at first reading this book made me think of Scarlet and Rhett, from Gone With The Wind.
Devon and Kathleen certainly had their arguments like them, but Devon and Kathleen brought their love story to a whole other level. There was a number of one chasing the other, slowly exposing their feelings for one another. The stolen kisses, sly smiles and smoldering looks that could over heat anyone that had the slightest idea what Devon and Kathleen were doing in dark corners. Oh my my my. And that’s not even the plot to the story!
Get this. Dastardly Lord Velden beats Kathleen father at a card game. The winning pot was Kathleen’s virtue. Oh Boy! In comes Devon.
The book is written well. As I read the story it was easy for me to imagine the scenes. The interpretation of the well played out scenes guided me to where the writer wanted me to go. Each character played awesome roles in the matching of the two destined lovers. The book reads with a good pace.
There was betrayal, secrets, honor, cherished loves, sneaky mama’s, love-able sisters, over protective brothers, a madam, fisticuffs, brothels and a naughty moments in the dressing rooms. Oh, and did I mention hands wondering aimlessly over one mans lower half in the dark theater. Oh Lord where’s my fan? I need to open up window. I recommend this book with two snaps, a twist and a HOT DAMN! Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Devon, Lord Holdenburg had decided it was time to court Kathleen, the sister of his good friend. He had watched her grow up and it looked like the time was right. Unfortunately he knew just how to raise her ire and really enjoyed seeing the fire spark in her eyes!
There is a passion between them but Kathleen tried to resist. Even her mother tries to help him woo her. But there is a lot going on that may pull them apart.
When he saw that Kathleen’s father was wagering her in a bet, he won the bet to protect her from ruination but all Kathleen saw was the downfall of her father.
This is a wonderful story of two people truly caring for each other, but secrets, misunderstandings and an attraction that is undeniable! Loved it as I do all of Laura’s stories!
The fourth book in the Tricking the Scoundrels series a well written story, that held my interest until the end. Devon Holdenburg has been in love with Kathleen Beckwith for years, but has not told her as things have stood in his way. I enjoyed seeing their story come together. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was captivated.
From the lovely cover to the last page of this tale I was captivated it was written so well with characters I came to appreciate so much. Devon has been in love with Kathleen forever yet Kathleen believes he is a scoundrel. Thrown together by her mother Kathleen has to deal with a man who will seduce and show her a passion she did not expect. Then came the wager that had higher stakes than expected. The tale shows how misunderstanding, a stubborn attitude out for revenge, and the need to take care of the past so there can be a future have to be dealt with. These clever characters with some witty and delightfully grand interactions and banter made for one entertaining a fun read. I highly recommend this gem. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Kathleen and Devon barely tolerate each other. Devon appears aloof while secretly harboring deep feelings for Kathleen while she feels the same. But Devon can’t help but antagonize her giving off conflicting vibes. Also Kathleen believes Devon ruined her family. He has secrets and Kathleen goes to desperate measures to find them out. What ensues are many misunderstandings that can end their fragile relationship that is blooming. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Kathleen and Devon grew up with each other with him being her brothers best friend. When he causes the downfall of her family she seeks revenge while being in love with him but never acknowledging it. Devon is a handsome rake who loves Kathleen but knows she hates him but there is a bet that he agrees to only to help protect Kathleen. Enjoyed this story with the twists and the wonderful characters that will keep the reader turning the pages.
Kathleen and Devon have known one another since childhood, as he was her brother’s best friend. As they grew up , he fell in love with her, but one night all came crashing down as her father lost everything to him in a card game. The stress caused her father’s death a few days later and their friendships destroyed. A few years later, he tried to seek her love , but all she wanted was revenge for her father. She sought to destroy him and the other scoundrel in a card game, back where it all started. I loved this story, start to finish. The characters were wonderful! Their clever banter and dialogue were delightful, and their passionate romance, absolutely sizzling! A wonderful
Another enjoyable book in the Tricking the Scoundrels series. You do not have to read the other books in this series to read this book, but I think you should because they are all wonderful. This book is about Kathleen and Devon. Devon is Kathleen’s brother, Rory’s, ex-friend and Devon always loved and wanted Kathleen, but he waited until the time was right. Kathleen liked Devon when she was younger, but now she feels he is a scoundrel and his behavior lead to her father’s death. How Devon tries to change Kathleen’s mind about him is the enjoyable part of this book. The time past so quickly while I was reading this story. I can not wait for Bell’s book.
I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
This novel was an enjoyable read about two people who love each other, but have not admitted it to other and have a past of hurt between them. Kathleen is stubborn woman, who loves Devon, but does not trust him. Kathleen thought so much of her father and blamed Devon for the bet her father lost, without knowing the entire truth. Devon is charming, a rake, and noble, a side to which few people know about. He loves Kathleen and wants court her, but the bet is still between them. Kathleen plans to seduce Devon, as a plan of revenge, but she never expected those old feelings of love to return. Devon and Kathleen have much to overcome, and there are those pushing them together and others trying to keep the separated. Truth, honesty, and trust all go hand in hand, which is a lesson both Devon and Kathleen need to learn if they want to have their happily ever after. The past needs to be resolved before they have a future.
I received this novel as an ARC from Booksprouts. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.