MY ONCE AND FUTURE DUKE is the first book in Caroline
Linden's Wagers of Sin series. As a woman
who lost her
parents at a young age, Sophie Graham had to learn to be
resourceful and rely on herself for a long time. Creating
the persona of widow Sophie Campbell, and playing the
odds at the Vega Club, is part of her plan. She needs to
take steps to provide financial security, since she has
no one else. Her circumstances have made Sophie
pragmatic, but not cynical. While trying to avoid the
attentions of Philip Lindeville, she finds herself caught
by Philip's disturbingly attractive older brother -- Jack
Lindeville, Duke of Ware. When Jack wins Sophie and
spirits her away for a few days in the country, the
forced togetherness creates sparks.
Rather than the lecherous rogue she expects him to be,
Jack gives Sophie space while they are together. Free
from his harridan of a mother and his feckless younger
brother, Jack can relax around Sophie and open up.
Sophie, likewise, is surprised at being able to be
herself around Jack. At the Vega Club she always must
keep her wits about her and play a role, but around each
other, Jack and Sophie let down their guard. Caroline
Linden does a great job of showing how precarious a
woman's position could be at the time this story is set
in. Sophie is torn between following her heart wherever
that might lead for however long she's involved with Jack
or ending things between them and taking a more practical
approach. I like that this story is told from alternating
perspectives, and the reader can get a sense of how
deeply Jack cares for Sophie.
MY ONCE AND FUTURE DUKE is a complicated love story
between two people who deserve the love they find. I love
the friendships between women that give Sophie support as
she sorts out her love life. I can't wait to see what's
in store for some of these supporting characters in
future stories. I look forward to Caroline Linden's next
Wagers of Sin novel.
Sophie Campbell is determined to be mistress of her own
fate. Surviving on her skill at cards, she never risks what
she can't afford to lose. Yet when the Duke of Ware proposes
a scandalous wager that's too extravagant to refuse, she
can't resist. If she wins, she'll get five thousand pounds,
enough to secure her independence forever.
Stays at the Vega Club . . .
Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, tells himself he's at the
Vega Club merely to save his reckless brother from losing
everything, but he knows it's a lie. He can't keep his eyes
off Sophie, and to get her he breaks his ironclad rule
against gambling. If he wins, he wants her—for a week.
Until now.
A week with Jack could ruin what's left of Sophie's
reputation. It might even cost her her heart. But when it
comes to love, all bets are off . . .
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