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.