"Delightful late eighteenth century romance"

At Brooks Gaming Club, Duke Jack Fortescu plays Faro with four other blokes including Earl Frederick Lacey. The Duke and the Earl have met over cards and other games of chance rather frequently lately with Jack winning all the time. However, Fred believes his luck has changed and he offers Lacey Court and all the contents inside as his wager. Jack accepts especially because of the stipulation of inside means Fred's sister. A couple of minutes later, Fred commits suicide.

Jack travels to Kent to collect his winnings. However the sister Arabella is nothing like her brother. She is calm but laughs when he mentions the death of Fred and laughs when he offers a marriage of convenience. She wonders why a handsome wealthy Duke would settle for a twenty-eight year old rusticated spinster when he can have any diamond amidst the Ton. Jack cannot complete his vengeance without hurting Arabella just like Fred did to his sister Charlotte when he gave her away to the mob during the final days at Marie Antoinette's court. He did not count on falling in love with his victim.

Though Arabella accepts her lot with a Fonzie level of cool that seems out of place, fans will appreciate this delightful late eighteenth century romance. The story line is character driven though much action occurs especially as the audience learn more about Charlotte. The tale focuses on the relationship between Jack and Arabella as he admires her from the onset, his admiration grows, and soon he is in love, but as he constantly reminds himself do not lose sight of the mission. Jane Feather provides an intriguing tale of love conquering hate.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 20, 2005

Summary

In this spectacular new romance from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather, fate deals one stubbornly single young woman and one deceptively heartless man a shocking hand in a high-stakes bet. But is love in the cards?

Jack Fortescu gambles to win, and this time his prize is not only his rival's lavish mansion but everything in it-- including the man's beautiful sister! But when it comes to games, Jack has met his match. . . .

Left homeless by her brother's escapade, Arabella Lacey has two appalling choices: pack her bags--or agree to marry the lunatic who's taken over her house. Why would such a handsome--and outrageously wealthy--man want such an unromantic arrangement? Arabella intends to find out, and have a little fun in the process at Jack's expense . . . literally. As Jack discovers that his reluctant bride is no ordinary beauty, he feels a stir of admiration, among other emotions, that wasn't part of the bargain. Now he's the one with everything to lose. . . .