Charlotte Stuart doesn't have a reason to marry. She's an heiress, she devotes her time to her charitable causes, and, after having her heart dented by a fortune hunter in Paris, she hasn't yet found a man she can trust. Her very public resistance to marriage hasn't stopped this secret romantic from happily pairing friends up.

Edward Woodcliff is a Viscount tired of being pursued simply for his title and fortune. He wants a woman to love him for himself. He decides to 'fix' this problem by putting around rumors that his fortunes have turned for the worse and that he might be looking for a wealthy wife. Of course, being loved for himself would be easier if shyness didn't turn him into an arrogant idiot.

A combination of wagers and interest in a shared painting bring this unlikely pair together but will pride keep them apart?

Lady's Wager is a delightful traditional Regency romance. Edward reminds me of Pride And Prejudice's very proud Mr. Darcy, except Edward has a meddling, concerned father. Charlotte has her share of meddling relatives also and it is the interaction of these secondary characters that make Lady's Wager so special. Art lovers will also enjoy references to artists of that time.

Reviewed by: Kimber