Review: The Wager
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 29, 2008
Second son Dylan Blake knows he is hated by his father.  But, he is unprepared to be cut off when he comes home a war hero as well as a Captain after selling his commission.  He spent more than 10 years in the Army and now just wants to retire and manage one of the family estates, or someone else's.  He foolishly takes on a bet to get Lady Natalia to dance two dances in one evening with him.  He feels that with his charm it will be one way that he can finally get some funds.  He doesn't count on being rebuked by the lady and then charmed by her whole being.Lady Natalia Sinclair is the only child of the Duke of Clayton and therefore has a huge dowry.  She knows that is why many of the `ton' are seeking her out for marriage.  She wants to be loved for herself and not her funds.  She has always been intrigued by Captain Blake and the moment she sees him she wants to talk to him.  She initially is standoffish after meeting him, as his eyes looked as dead as every other fortune seeker, but is won over by his charms.Will everything be ruined by one indiscretion?  Will they be able to buck society and be together and find the love they both crave?I thoroughly enjoyed The Wager.  I read book one in the series before book two and I missed some of the suspense that the story intended.  As a stand along book it is wonderful, but don't make my mistake and read book two before book one.  The author does a wonderful job of keeping true to the storyline and characters.  Many series books seem to lose some of their continuity but this one was `spot on'.  For those who love a tale of the `ton' and want to see a second son have a good ending this is the historical book for you!  Pick up The Wager first.Tanyareviewed for Joyfully Reviewed