The Marriage Wager

by Candace Camp

Book Overview

No longer in the first blush of youth and without a marriage portion, Miss Constance Woodley could scarcely imagine why one of the leading lights of London society should take an interest in the likes of her . But under her benefactor's guiding hand she was transformed into a captivating creature who caught the eye of the handsome, charming and ever-so-slightly notorious Lord Dominic Leighton. And before the shocked eyes of the entire Ton, the "nobody"...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373772432
• ISBN13: 9780373772438
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Hqn
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Fun easy read

This was a very fun book to read. I recently had a tooth pulled and this book kept my mind away from my mouth. It was actually kind of nice not to read about sex within the first 100 pages. I am intrigued by Lady Francesca and the Duke. Could it be a one-that-got-away love? Can't wait for the next installment.

Outstanding love story!

The first installment in Matchmaker series is undoubtedly one of the finest stories I have read in a while. A real Cinderella story that stands on its own with a heroine that has backbone and that meets her match in the hero. Of course it doesn't hurt that the author blended in alittle bit of Lord Sin and Francesca. I must admit I cannot wait to hear their story. Until the next installment, I will be eagerly awaiting it and hope it comes out soon!

Matchmaker series

Lady Francesca makes a wager with the Duke of Rochford that she get take any wallflower and get her engaged by end of the season. Rochford picks Constance Woodley who is almost the Cinderella of the story. Her father has died and she had to live with her aunt and uncle and terrible two daughters. Constance finds herself attracted to Lady Francesca brother Lord Dominic Leighton. Great story - finished in a day. Enjoy! If you enjoy this genre, I would also suggest; Forever Yours by Janmarie Anello and How to Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins, The Heir and the Spare by Maya Rodale.

41/2 stars: a charming read

The first installment in a trilogy that centers on the efforts of the beautiful but impoverished Lady Haughston, I devoured (there is no other word for it) "The Marriage Wager" in one sitting. True, as a previous reviewer has pointed out, the plot is a much used one with very little variation, but when a book is well written, and is peopled with characters that are charming and engaging, and that one quickly takes to heart, well there's nothing to it but to heartily recognise the novel as a stellar read and to recommend to other readers of like mind. Widowed and impoverished, the beautiful Lady Haughston has managed to make ends meet over the years by discreetly helping parents at their wit's end find suitable matches for their sons and daughters. But when the Duke of Rochford playfully wagers that there are some cases that even she cannot aid successfully, Lady Haughston finds herself accepting the wager to marry off Miss Constance Woodley. A poor relation and well past the first blush of youth, Constance has resigned herself to playing chaperone for her two grasping cousins. Which is why she both bewildered and flattered when she suddenly finds herself being befriended by the fashionable Lady Haughston. Why is Lady Haughston taking such pains to help her spruce up her wardrobe and introduce her to all sorts of people? Soon, however Constance finds herself enjoying all the many entertainments and treats that a London season has to offer, and even the friendship the wonderfully charming Lord Dominic Leighton. And even though Constance knows that nothing can come of this delightful friendship and that she should not loose her heart to Dominic, she soon finds herself doing exactly that... While I hate having to classify "The Marriage Wager" as a nice, old fashioned read, that's exactly what it is. I know that storyline is a really oft used one, and that the characters seem all of a stock type, but truth to tell I'm rather tired of heroes that smoulder and shout, and of heroines with more hair than wit. Constance is exactly the kind of heroine I'm partial to, and the situation she finds herself in is exactly one that is probable and possible. I also liked that Dominic matched her personality in style and character -- these two really were a well matched pair. Another thing I liked was that Constance did stand up to her unfeeling aunt rather early on in the book, and that the authour allowed for Constance to realise quite early on that she was the object of a wager. By allowing for these plot developments, the author gives Constance a backbone -- she may be a poor relation, but she's no cringing violet. And while it's true that the ending is a tad melodramatic, I enjoyed it nevertheless. So, in spite of the reviews here and elsewhere damning "The Marriage Wager" as a boring and tepid read, I'd recommend it to romance readers who are tired of all that angst and heavy breathing and who don't mind reading a well written and charming romance novel tha

Great book!

"The Marriage Wager" is the first book I have read by Candace Camp. I would have to say not only was she a thrilling read, but one of great humor as well. She made the main characters come to life and made their lives most exciting. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book. I couldn't put it down because of the need to see how it was to end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance, and characters who filter through the "ton". Two thumbs up in my opnion.