Thursday, June 23, 2011

A Wedding Wager by Jane Feather Blog Tour

A Wedding Wager (Blackwater Brides)From Goodreads:
New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather again delights with her new book in this entrancing Georgian trilogy featuring three noble brothers who are offered a preposterous opportunity to restore their family’s mortgaged lands. An eccentric uncle promises a lavish inheritance, but only if each marries—thus redeeming—a fallen woman. And if even one brother fails to fulfill the old man’s decree, none will gain the windfall.

Lady Serena Grantley was born to the nobility, but fortune's whim placed her in control of her gamester stepfather, who uses her beauty to lure young men to his gambling tables. Serena even dismissed her first love, the Honorable Sebastian Sullivan, at her stepfather's command. But when he attempts to force her into a liaison with a dissolute earl, Serena resolves to do his bidding no more. Sebastian is the only man who ever captured her heart, and it is to him she turns. . . .

Torn between family loyalty and the woman he loves, Sebastian faces a devilish dilemma. His uncle is ailing, and time is running short. Desperate to find a solution, Sebastian conceives a dangerous plan—a wager that could bring him and Serena happiness at last . . . or separate them forever.
Rushed to the Altar (The Blackwater Brides)Yes, I did it again. I read the second and not the first in a trilogy. *snicker* In this trilogy an uncle in charge of a vast fortune decided to make things horrid for three brothers by requiring each to wed a woman deemed "fallen", someone not worthy of an earl's station before he dies. However, as you might suspect, this actually opens up the field for the brothers to find their true love and not have to be held by tradition to marry someone they don't even care about. So, as you see... even though I haven't read the first book, it still reads enough as a stand-alone as each brother's tale is in each book.

In the beginning, I admit I had a bit of trouble getting into the book, it was just too descriptive. However, after a couple of chapters things started to flow a bit easier until we meet some of the dirty old man characters after Serena as a mistress. It took me most of the book to finally sort out the boy's uncle with another character who held the mortgages. They were often placed side by side and both were disgusting in their vision of Serena. I also did not take to Sebastian, Serena's intended. It seemed that he was dense and could not completely grasp the horror Serena had endured with her step-father. He acknowledged it and yet, his actions spoke differently. He would understand why she couldn't abide by a man commanding her but he would still try to force her compliance. So, no... I didn't care for Sebastian.

Serena, on the other hand, I did like immensely. She was strong despite all her step-father had done. He had tried to break her often. Even to the point of selling her body without her knowledge and drugging her. Still she persevered. She had a plan of escape but it had to take time. And even though she could have been selfish, she was not. She tried to help any woman she found caught in her step-father's web and was often successful.

In the end, I give this book 3 stars. I have to say the stars were elevated because of Serena. I enjoyed her character more than any other. Despite it's flaws, if you enjoy historical romance or even the period costumes, you will enjoy the book. The costumes had very detailed descriptions which was fun to read.

I was given this book by Simon and Schuster and no compensation was received. 

21 comments:

  1. It sounds ok enough. I do have two books by her. One newer and one older. I should try them some day

    *tries not to be shocked cos of the news* reading out of order, tsk.

    LOL

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  2. Fallen women - how shocking is that?

    Not too sure I'd enjoy this either as I'm not a big fan of historical romances.

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  3. *Eyes wide with shock* Reading series out of order should illegal! :D
    I don't think this book is for me, but Serena does sound like a strong, likable character.

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  4. I hate reading the series out of order, but I done that too cause I didn't know. LOL!

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  5. You know what's funny, I really don't like reading historical romances, but I do love movies with this genre. ;)

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  6. So, just based on your review I kind of want to punch Serena's step-father in the face and spit on him. Repeatedly. He sounds disgusting. Too bad Sebastian isn't a hero to really swoon over, but I love the sound of Serena:) And go you for starting in the middle again, I love that about you:)

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  7. Reading the second first? Who says you're a bit backwards! I'd love to read about the costumes. The covers have gorgeous dresses!

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  8. @Blodeuedd... Just don't read them out of order... so you won't be more shocked... ;D lol

    @...Petty... LOL Yea, if you don't like historical romances, I would pass at this one.

    @Misha... NO! I don't want to go to jail! lol

    @Savannah... *hides* I did know, but I did it anyway... ;D

    @Nina... I'm like that w/ horror films. I don't like the film, but I might read the book (just depends on what and who the author is.. lol).

    @Jenny...Oh yes... you do want to stomp the guy into oblivion. Next time should I start at the end? ;D

    @Alyssa... Na, I'm all over the place. Oh and yes... lots of descriptions of the period's costumes!

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  9. Er...it's nice you enjoyed these ones even a little bit...I wouldn't pick them as I am a known cynic when it comes to romances. On the other hand I have no problem with you starting a series in the middle as long as you write an interesting review ;p

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  10. I want to try a Historical Romance sometime soon, I may try this one since you say you can read it as standalone xD

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  11. Oh, dear, if the hero is dislikable in a romance then what hope is there? Sounds like Serena is far and above all the men in her world.

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  12. So, are you going to be adding any of those dirty old men to the old harem?

    LOL!

    Funny how I love classics that are filled usually filled with descriptive writing but I don't feel the same about historical fiction. Wonder why that is. hmmm..

    Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts about Sebastian. I'll be sure to steer clear if I ever run into him. ;)

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  13. I love historicals but they have to have a certain pacing! This sounds like a definite maybe for my fall reading (also like to read historicals during colder weather---i am evidently not only a moody reader but a weather reader LOL)

    I won't get on to you for reading out of order cause well been there and done that LOL

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  14. Hmm, I think I will have to pass on this one. But great review. And now, reading out of turn again. tsk tsk. ;D Thank you!

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  15. I will admit to not having read one book by Jane Feather yet, however since my love of all things historical are met from the sound of the book blurb maybe it is time to invest in her series and see if I can get the trilogy from Paperback Swap members...

    I love to read family trilogies, thanks for a new series and a new author to try someday Melissa!

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  16. @anachronist... you cynic? na....

    @Samita... I hope you enjoy it.

    @Stephanie... I didn't hate him, but no, I just couldn't love him either. :P

    @Missie... na, I thought I'd give them to you free gratis. ;D lol Seb wasn't bad, just a bit too selfish. :P

    @Felicia... well with all those layers they had to wear, I don't blame you! ;)

    @Melissa... yea, I don't think this one would be for you.

    @Jackie... Well, you keep giving me new authors to look at! :)

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  17. You are right Melissa, turn about with new authors being found is fair play... However we just need to stop finding new authors and series and then maybe our respective TBR book shelves would become Read book shelves sooner! :0

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  18. I've never read anything by her... But it seems like these get a BIT confusing! And like I need any freaking help being CONFUSED...

    <3 you!!

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  19. I am not a fan of historical fiction so this will be staying off my list plus I like to swoon in my romance books and Sebastian doesn't sound very appealing. Great honest review :)

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  20. @Jackie... one can only dream! lol :D

    @Bookish... LOL I'm the same way! <3

    @Nic...True... if you don't like historical fic, you won't enjoy this one.

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  21. Oooo tough circumstances for Serena. Glad she was written as a tough lady :D

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