Meg-Lynn Roberts

This also takes place in and around Christmas (two separate ones, across the spanse of a year) so it ALSO counts as a holiday romance in my book. Fight me.

I remember when I bought this book. At the time I was obsessed with Regencies and if the back over interested me AT ALL I got it with what money I could scrounge up or beg from my dad. Since I largely bought them at used bookstores it worked out well.

I fell for this book instantly. I loved the cover - which eschewed the style for Regencies having the couple in a romantic, but largely chaste pose. It had an older then normal heroine (25) and a wager. I had not, and still have not, read LOVE'S GAMBIT, which takes place in the year this book describes.

Something about Ann and Robert though seemed...wonderful. My 15 year old heart was smitten. I read the book so much as a teen I could tell you exactly what page they first kiss on.

But as happens my interest in Regencies died down and I moved onto historical romances - books still set in largely the same time frame (1805-1838 mostly) but that were racier. So I put this aside, kept it safe, but did not read it for the last 13 years I'd say.

Rereading it now, feeling both the old nostalgia as I revisit the book and a creeping sense of "oh no" it's hard to feel u biased.

Objectively speaking this is an ok book, but a slow romance. Not a slow burn, but just...drawn out in a way that's not endearing. Then there's the scene near the end which left a bad taste in my mouth.

I love the premise - a woman of adequate looks, sparkling intellect and musical skills (as well as a lot of money) enters into a wager with a renown rake. He will seduce her or she will reform him during the course of a mutual friend's gathering.

It backfires on them both, but it becomes something real...until a misunderstanding occurs. Communication occurs a bit later and things seem to be working out...until another misunderstanding occurs. Eventually it all works out.

I...gosh it does so hurt when one's cherished memories are broken doesn't it? Maybe as I am in a different place in my life, view some actions with a wary eye, the romance feels lessened.

Regardless I'll hold on to it for the place it still holds in my heart.… (mehr)