"Exciting, fast-paced Georgian romance"

In order to redeem his gambling debts, Alden Granville-Strachan, Viscount Gracechurch, is forced into another bet that within five days he can seduce widow, Juliet Seton, and obtain her prized locket as proof. Alden has no qualms about this wager because he can not lose his ancestral home, Gracechurch Abbey, and bring ruin upon his mother, the Dowager Countess, or the orphan he has adopted; besides he is proud of his reputation as a rake and lover of women. But as the week progresses, Alden begins to question the motives behind the bet and his involvement with Lord Edward Vane and his disreputable cronies. Regretfully Alden decides to forfeit the bet to Vane only to learn that he is no longer in control of his future.

Alden and Juliet scheme to outwit Lord Vane but face many adventures, including treasure hunts, kidnapping, and lost heirs, before they can find happiness together.

Set in Georgian England, this well-written novel contains many plot twists as Alden and Juliet try to piece together the puzzle of Lord Vane's machinations. Alden and Juliet are both damaged characters who learn to trust and love despite the betrayal of the seduction and wager. Although this book is longer than most historical romances, the author deftly interweaves an exciting, fast-paced plot with romance and the development of strong characters. Readers won't want this book to end!

Reviewed by Doris Losey
Posted June 1, 2002

Summary

At a time when lace decorated the deadly hand that held a rapier, and gentlemen broke hearts for a pastime, Alden, Lord Gracechurch, loses everything over one hand of cards. Gone are his weapons, his jewels, his investments, his beloved ancestral home, Gracechurch Abbey. He has one chance win it all back: one week to seduce a mysterious lady he's never met. If he fails, he is ruined. He will also owe his enemies some other, unspecified penalty—the most dangerous wager he's ever accepted. Alden believes he understands risk, but Juliet has learned never to risk anything. Safely hidden from danger in a country village in King George's England, why should she gamble her heart and her future for a reckless stranger? Even when he's the loveliest man she has ever seen . . .