Book: The Duke's Wager by Edith Layton

Rating: 7/10

The story is about a tradesman's daughter, Regina Berryman, being pursued by two notorious rakes: Jason Thomas, the Duke of Torquay (aka Duke), and St. John Basil St. Charles, Marquis of Bessacarr (aka Sinjin). What starts out as an innocent country miss' night out at the opera, earns her the notice of the Black Duke who is notorious for his skills in seduction and licentiousness (Yes, I googled the word. It means lacking legal or moral restraints - especially disregarding sexual restraints.) What she didn't know, was that that specific night was a night for mistresses to prowl looking for new protectors and such. He stalks over to the innocent beauty and makes his proposition, only to receive her hasty and offended retreat. However, the Duke is not put down. He arranges to have her followed and decides to camp outside her house... ready to kidnap her if needed! Scandalous! Meanwhile, Sinjin is secretly in trade (a taboo among the peers) with Regina's elderly uncle, who acted as her guardian after her parents died. Before passing, he told her to go look for the Marquis of Bessacarr should she ever be in need of help.

Pros: The interesting story plot.
The main characters are complicated and well developed.
I was surprised to find that the villain is also the hero. Who doesn't love a reformed bad boy? And this story has two vying for her attention! That is one lucky girl.
I also loved heroine character. The author has captured all the difficulties a common woman faces without a protector or any family or friends. Even though she has nobody and no experience or any references, she is determined to find a way to support herself without selling her body. I find her strong sense of honor very refreshing.

Cons: Ending seemed abrupt. The book held so much promise, but I was sadly disappointed with the ending. It is hard to describe why I was disappointed... perhaps it is that I found it lacking somehow. Though I hear many great things about this author and this book, I was not WOWed by this book. It would not be considered as one of the books I can't seem to put down.
The lengthy descriptions were a bit of a bore.
A bit confusing when the character narration changes without any notice.