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The Lady's Gamble: A Historical Regency Romance Book (Marriages by Mistake 1) Kindle Edition

by Abby Ayles (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 807 ratings
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Regina Hartfield is living a nightmare.

When Regina Hartfield’s father gambles away his fortune and land in a game of cards, it leaves her and her sisters distraught, facing destitution and an impoverished future. Despite being shy and introverted, Regina can see the dire predicament of her family and knows that she must do something to restore their pride and financial situation.

But where to start? The entry of the disreputable Lord Harrison into her life, changes all that. With a rightly earned reputation as a gambler and something of a scoundrel, Lord Harrison has designs on Regina’s sister, Bridget. But he has skills that Regina needs and now she hatches a plan to save the family honor and give the infamous Lord what he wants at the same time.

At a masquerade ball, where faces are hidden, Regina plans to win back their fortune. It’s a risky strategy and involves learning a skill that all but destroyed her family’s good name, but she is desperate. But can she pull off the deception without ruining her own reputation still further? And what of Lord Harrison himself?

He’s the first man Regina has ever found herself drawn to, But Lord Harrison is in love with Bridget, not Regina—isn’t he?

If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “The Lady's Gamble”

A captivating regency romance of 85,000 words, written by Abby Ayles.

No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Also available with Kindle Unlimited!

Buy “The Lady's Gamble” and unlock the exciting story of Regina & Harrison today!
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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 9
    Marriages by Mistake
  2. Print length
    323 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    March 9, 2018
  6. File size
    3226 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is not the first novel I've read by Abby Ayles, but it is, hands down, my favorite. The love story is beautifully written - Ms. Ayles knows how to enchant her readers! - but my favorite part of the story is watching young Regina blossom. " - MJ Laupp, Amazon Reviewer
"I loved nearly everything about "The Lady's Gamble" -- the cover, the love story and the way in which the characters grew in self-knowledge and newly-discovered strengths." - L. Galway, Amazon Reviewer
"Abby Ayles has written a wonderful book about a young girl's struggle to save her family." - Pamela Pond, Amazon Reviewer
"Ms. Ayles has done a fantastic job of blending together to people with their own wants and needs into this heartfelt and sweet tale of love, excitement and of course gambling." - Liz Lewis, Amazon Reviewer
"Abby Ayles took a risk with this book, breaking away from her usual style of sweet romances to spend time with a new kind of herorine. Many readers will identify with the female lead whose quiet nature and dislike of crowds in a society centered around large social gatherings has made her feel....less, small, mousy, and unworthy. Yet when her family faces shame, ruin, and want this shy young lady is ready to risk everything on a seemingly impossible chance to gain it all back. Through her story, we learn of the nature of love, self sacrifice, and self worth. This stunningly sweet and unexpected story is worth ever cent and every moment Valentine's in its company." - Simple Fun, Amazon Reviewer
"I loved reading this book. It is written from the viewpoint of an innocent young lady who takes the weight of the world on her shoulders, defies societal rules and strives to revenge a wrong done to her family. The characters include the flawed and outcast who are endearing and willing to sacrifice everything for love. The author develops the relationships in a natural manner and the book flows quickly and smoothly. It is a light fun read, and I highly recommend it." - Jcb, Amazon Reviewer

About the Author

Abby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master's degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.

Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.

In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, Her Cautious Duke, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented - 'Abby's writing makes you travel back in time...'

When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.****************
You can contact Abby Ayles, follow her, or get your hands on a copy of her book at:
Get your FREE Copy: abbyayles.com/free-gift/Facebook Page: manychat.com/l2/abbyaylesauthorGoodreads Profile: facebook.com/abbyaylesauthor

Copy & Paste the links on your browser
****************

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07BD41P74
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (March 9, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 9, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3226 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 323 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 807 ratings

About the author

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Abby Ayles

Abby Ayles

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

****************

You can contact Abby Ayles, follow her, or get your hands on a copy of her book at:

Get your FREE Copy: http://abbyayles.com/free-gift/

Facebook Page: https://manychat.com/l2/abbyaylesauthor

Goodreads Profile: https://www.facebook.com/abbyaylesauthor

Copy & Paste the links on your browser

****************

Abby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.

Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.

In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, Her Cautious Duke, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’

When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
807 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

AM Kipp
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
In full disclosure, I have read this in exchange for an honest review. I realize that in my review for Abby Ayles's Falling for the Governess, I said that it was my favorite. Now, with the release of this one, I can't decide if it is that one or this one. This book was amazing from start to finish, and as with the last one, I could read it all over again. Regina is a butterfly, emerging from insecurity, solitude, and a sheltered existence. Turning into a radiant woman with confidence, determination, and a bit of sauciness. Lord Harrison is just the man for her, a rather Alpha male who desires a partner but is confident enough to walk beside her, and not drag her along. In wanting one sister, he finds another, and their partnership turns into so much more. They complemented each other to perfection. The storyline itself is engaging, the emerging romance, Regina coming into her own, and the plot to best a man and regain the family honor. The side characters are fantastic as well, each of them adding to the story in such a way that it propels it forward, a little or a lot. Regina and Lord Harrison are also not the only ones to find a happily ever after that they didn't expect. This book is laid out and written in such a way that you will be turning pages, unable to put it down, ready to see what happens next and how things play out. Lovely moments of tenderness, moments of wistfulness, and I even found myself chuckling aloud more than once. You don't want to pass this one up.
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C. Potts
4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing Historical Romance
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2020
Verified Purchase
Regina’s father gambles away his fortune and land in a game of cards. It leaves Regina and her sisters distraught. They face destitution and an impoverished future. Regina, though shy and introverted, knows she must do something to restore their pride and financial situation. Disreputable Lord Harrison enters her life. He has an earned reputation as a gambler and scoundrel, and he has designs on Regina’s sister Bridget. He has skills that Regina needs. She hatches a plan to save the family honor and give the infamous Lord what he wants at the same time. She hopes to pull off the deception without ruining her own reputation. As time goes on, Regina’s feelings toward Lord Harrison grow, but he is in love with Bridget. – This is an interesting tale involving five sisters. They are each different. Regina is shy, smart, and courageous. Lord Harrison is handsome, smart, and likeable. Regina and Harrison form a friendship, and he helps her overcome her shyness and learn confidence and other attributes. I loved the time they spent together. There is too much of Regina’s musings, but this is still a very good book. Like other Starfall publications, there is a link to an extended epilogue, and the link does not take you anywhere – frustrating!
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blingsupreme
5.0 out of 5 stars fantastic Regency romance
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2018
Verified Purchase
I loved this fabulous Regency romance with great characters, romance and intrigue. Regina was the youngest of five sisters and had been raised by her oldest sister after their mother died when she was young. She had no faith in herself and didn't like to go to balls. Her father had a bad gambling addiction and finally gambled away their estate which would mean ruin for all the sisters. Regina was determined to learn to play cards and win back the estate, despite women not being allowed to play cards. There was a masked ball in a month and she wanted to play then and win it back. She got a duke to help her and promised him her oldest sister in marriage if he would teach her and lend her money so she could win. He and his friends taught her and there is a HEA. I loved this book and couldn't put it down, even though it is pretty long. I can't wait for her next book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy.
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IndianaHappyTraveler
5.0 out of 5 stars Young woman gambles to win back what her father lost, and gains a husband as well!
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this sweet, clean Regency-era romance. The story was good, with the characters of Lord Harrison and Regina growing as the story developed. No need to fear allowing teens to read this story, as there is no overt cursing and only a passionate kiss at the end of the story. There is almost a fairy tale feel to the story, in that an evil man takes away the family home & lands, and the youngest daughter decides to come out of the cocoon in which she has been developing, becomes a beautiful young lady and regains the family honor. Along the way she finds love, and the story seems to end with them living happily ever after. There is an extended epilogue looking in on that couple several years down the road with 2 children, and still in love.
This is a pleasant read, that allows one to escape into this story and become entirely immersed in it. It does not go into any historical happenings, political or otherwise. Whether that is a plus or minus, depends on the reader.
I look forward to reading more of these delightful “candies” from time to time to escape from the darker things happening in the real world.
One person found this helpful
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Lillian
3.0 out of 5 stars A sweet love story
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
A sweet love story. A young woman would do anything to save her family from ruin. But can she find someone that will teach her everything that she needs? Everything starts out as a partnership but it turns into something so much more. A good read
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Top reviews from other countries

George Hancocks
5.0 out of 5 stars The Lady's Gamble
Reviewed in Canada on March 18, 2018
Verified Purchase
The Lady's Gamble, by Abby Ayles.
Problem: Her father has lost his whole estate at the card table leaving her and her four sisters, destitute.
Solution: Regina, the youngest, decides to win the estate back at the same card table her father lost it.
Problem: She doesn't know how to play cards, hates balls and parties, prefers sewing and reading.
Solution: Enlist the help of the mysterious Lord Harrison, Duke of Whitefern, who won his own estate back at the card tables. He will be her mentor.
Problem: He wants Regina to help him win the hand of her eldest sister, Bridget, in repayment for his help.
Solution: Regina agrees, then begins to fall in love with Harrison herself. What a conundrum!

This is a marvelous well-written Regency romance in which the first three-quarters of the book is filled with the business of teaching Regina to play "loo", which is the gambler's game, and trying to build her confidence in herself and overcoming her resistance to participate in society without fear.

The last, climactic part of the book is the card game. Talk about a real cliff-hanger! The outcome is never really in doubt, but it comes down to one last sudden death hand, and voila, the thing is done.

But wait! What about Harrison's feelings for Bridget, the sister? You'll just have to read the book to discover how Regina's conundrum is solved--and you'll be very pleased with the result. There is also an extended epilogue as a bonus read.

Regency romances can often follow a predictable pattern. That this book keeps you hanging until the very end, including the extended epilogue, is a tribute to the writing skill of Abby Ayles. Well plotted and well written, I enjoyed every page of this regency chronicle.
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Georgette Lamy
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and uplifting
Reviewed in France on October 7, 2018
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Enjoyable story with good character insights into lack of self esteem and the addictive draw of gambling.
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Veronica C. Longstaff
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story with loads of family and friends for characters ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 29, 2018
Verified Purchase
Great story with loads of family and friends for characters you felt that you wanted to know. Hope some of them will appear in later books.
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HelenGee
5.0 out of 5 stars A daughter can be more important than a son
Reviewed in Australia on October 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
This story is full of mysteries and twists leading to a HEA. The personalities of those characters who star in this book could be more well developed, and hopefully they will all star in a book of their own. I enjoyed reading this novel, and recommend it to those who like this genre. I received an arc of this book and voluntarily review it.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read!
Reviewed in Canada on February 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lady’s Gamble, as well as it’s Extended Epilogue. The story kept me interested with great characters and storyline.
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