The Marriage Wager

By: Jane Ashford

Narrated by: Helen Lloyd

In this Regency favorite from Jane Ashford, a troubled war hero is dealt an unexpected hand....

When Emma Tarrant enters a gambling house to find her brother losing to a gamester, she follows the strange man home and attempts to settle the score. Colin Wareham is intrigued by Emma's offer, and when he wins the first hand, he suggests another game. Should he prevail, Emma would be his prize. But as he's collecting his winnings, Emma's father storms in and demands a marriage. Though forced together, Emma and Colin's passion begins to grow... until a sinister man from Emma's past emerges to raise the stakes.

©2013 Jane LeCompte (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

This should been half as long

The first half the book was well thought out, with plausible explanations and reasonable character development. But the author lost their way and ended up undoing the groundwork laid in the first half of book by creating what felt like just another trite romance. That left me sad, because it had started so well.

Good story

Even though you knew how it would end up I loved the story. Narrator was good. Enjoyed the way it was written.

enjoyable and entertaining

It was an entertaining book but Emma became almost annoying in her refusal to talk to Colin about her problem and Lady Mary needed to be smacked. It was fun to listen to once but not a repeat.

Main characters won’t talk to each other

The beginning was promising and I enjoyed it. As it got farther and farther in with the villain even though the hero is like “what’s wrong?” the heroine won’t tell him. Then they both decide not to tell the other that they’re trying to solve it in their own.

Even though it lead to some funny moments at the end with too many people trying to do the villain in, this is my biggest book pet peeve, so it grated.

Light and enjoyable

Enjoyed the story overall. Starts out differently which was fun. After isn't very involved but light and did keep me interested.

I would buy another of her books.

I could not stop listening!

This book went beyond my expectations! I would read this book again and again. The characters are so stubborn and cause many complications for themselves, especially the main character. The characters definitely proved that love conquers all. This is the first Jane Ashford book I have read, and I can't wait to read more of her books.

Sweet story -long plot

I enjoyed the story although the narration took me a while to get into. If you like historical romances this was fine. If you are looking for a steamy romance novel… This is probably not your best choice.

Delightful Marriage Wager

Great variety of characters. Novel story line. Excellent narrative. Glad to have discovered this author.

Way too repetitive...

What disappointed you about The Marriage Wager?

I hadn't even gotten to the fateful game, but it was repetitive. The heroine could have made at least 5 better choices before she even got there.

What do you think your next listen will be?

One of the author's favorite writers -- Georgette Heyer. She was the woman who kicked off Jane Austen's legacy in the 20th Century, and is a master at the whole Regency (and Georgian) genre(s).

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

She has a pleasant voice, but should differentiate the sexes a little more clearly. Repartee doesn't work when it's the same intonation.

Boring, too long, too predictable.

If you have ever listened to an older romance novel this is surely a repeat for you. Very predictable