Review & Giveaway: Improper Wager by Kristabel Reed

Improper Wager

by Kristabel Reed

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GENRE:  Regency Romance

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BLURB:

Two years ago, Isabella Harrington defied her parents and society, and ran off with her lover to Milan. They thought they’d conquer the world at the gaming tables. But her dream of happily-ever-after led to nothing but debts and a shattered heart.

Abandoned and left on her own in a foreign city with little but her wits and skill, Isabella managed to survive. Survive and thrive, commanding the cards until she won enough to send for a very particular matchmaker.

Isabella needed a way back into the society she shunned and what better way than through a proper, aristocratic marriage? And this matchmaker of note would be her key back home to England.

Traveling the Continent, Jonathon, Duke of Strathmore, agreed to meet the mysterious Miss Harrington. Wary of the rumors surrounding her, a woman who vanished from London with only scandalous tales left in her wake, he hadn’t counted on the intriguing Isabella to thoroughly capture his attention.

Will a game of cards change both their fates? Will she become a mistress or a duchess?

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My Review:

It 's a Regency romance compelling, sensual and full of passion, with strong and well-defined characters and an intriguing plot.

To pursue her great love, Isabella had to give up her good and wealthy life in England. All for nothing. He has only deceived and betrayed her, abandoned her alone in Milan leaving only a small note. But Isabella doesn't want to surrender. Two year have passed and now she is ready to be reintegrated into society. And what better way than to return to England as a duchess? She tries to seek help from Jonathon, Duke of Strathmore but he's willing to get her back as his mistress. But that's not what she wants and refuses. But has indelibly marked the mind of Jonathon, can not stay away from her.

Isabella is a strong and determined woman who never gives up despite the many disappointments of her life. But at the same time is very fragile, she can not forget and to overcome all the sufferings of her past, of her great disappointment in love. She doesn't fall in love never again and will never trust a man. Jonathon is fascinated by the courage of Isabella, as his mistress could come back home and have a comfortable life but gave up because she wants to live honestly.

It 's a well-written story with great dialogue, lots of chemistry and sweet romance. I liked the choice of telling the story in the third person by alternating the point of view of Isabella and Jonathon, allows greater emphasis with both characters.

A good start for this new series, I hope to read soon the sequel.

I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.

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EXCERPT:

“I’ve observed you this evening,” he said as they stepped outside.

“I’m well aware,” she said with the control that so fascinated him.

He raised his eyebrow and bit back a smile. Oh, that restrained passion captivated him. “I’d no idea you were so skilled at the games,” he said instead, leading her carefully along.

Watching her, he had the feeling she knew his game and didn’t rise to the bait. Jonathon bit back another smile.

“You didn’t give me an opportunity to show you the other night,” she said with a small grin that was more pride in her talents than interest.

But her gaze remained steady on his, darker in the shadowed balcony. Miss Harrington stood straight, with none of the deference normally given a duke. And none of the deference a woman in need of a suitable match to return to England ought to show.

She fascinated him all the more.

“And if I’m ready now?” His voice lowered, and Jonathon didn’t fool himself when he saw her breath hitch.

Her smile turned predatory. “I wouldn’t mind relieving you of the coin from your purse.”

He leaned closer and lowered his voice again. He watched her, knowing she followed his every move and was not unaffected. “Money holds no interested as a wager.”

She raised her own eyebrow in question. “You wish to make it a more interesting evening, then?”

“What terms would you suggest,” he asked softly, his breath a caress along her cheek, “to make it more stimulating?”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kristabel Reed lives on the East Coast and loves to explore the steamier side of historical romance. "There are so many sexy situations that didn't just pop up in the 21st century and my goal is to burst the myth of the prim and proper debutante." She loves romances of all sorts but currently writes Regency and Contemporary romances with curvy women. She also loves old movies, taking the dog for walks, and anything Cary Grant. And is always interested in talking about erotic romance, so drop her a line: kristabelreed@yahoo.com; or Tweet her @kristabelreed; find her blog: kristabelreed.blogspot.com

Buy links:

http://www.amazon.com/Improper-Wager-Scandalous-Kristabel-Reed-ebook/dp/B014EIYXEW/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/improper-wager-kristabel-reed/1122570626

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Kristabel Reed will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway