The Heart's Wager (Harlequin Historical #263) [Paperback]

I adored The Heart's Desire by Gayle Wilson, so sought out this book, which is the story of Emily's brother Devon, crippled fighting on the Peninsula and who finally - with the help of his brother-in-law Dominic, the Duke of Avon - made it back to almost full health. Now Dominic needs Devon's help: he's disappeared in Napoleonic France and hasn't been heard of for three months. Devon's vow - that he would come to Dominic's aid even if he has to come from the pits of hell - is about to be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, Julie de Valmé is on the run; her father revealed himself to her as a spy for the English just before he told her to get out of Paris and killed himself. She has to make contact with the Limping Man - whom Dominic recognises as Dominic. Together, they travel back to Paris and have to find and rescue Dominic - and even then their troubles are not over, since they still have to escape from France.

I did enjoy this book, but found it far from engrossing. Early on, when Devon allowed himself to be diverted from his search for Dominic to chase after the Gypsy boy (who turned out to be Julie), it seemed as if his loyalty to the man who'd saved his life and who he declared to be his closest friend was not so great. It was, after all, purest chance that Julie turned out to be a link to Dominic's whereabouts. Later, I felt that Wilson was glossing over too much detail - the journey back to England, Devon's decision once they got there, and in particular Avon and Emily. Why on earth does Avon not want to see Emily - the wife he adores and from whom he's been parted for four months, thinking he'd never see her again - once he returns home? Why, when she turns up at his estate - and how did she know he was there? - does he let her think that Julie is his mistress? That seemed like hurtful power-play of the worst kind, and not in character for the man we met in The Heart's Desire. And then Wilson simply glossed over the aftermath of that, providing us with no Emily and Dominic scenes.

Still, Devon and Julie make a good couple, and the book is eminently readable. But after The Heart's Desire it's somewhat disappointing.

wmr-uk

I'm partial to strong characters - and here's another title to add to my favorites!

Colonel Devon Burke travels to Paris in search of the man he owed his life to - to repay his debt. What he found was Julie, a beautiful young lady who assisted her father in his gaming hell before the terrible incident.

The terrible incident? Her father knew the particulars of underhanded dealings by high ranking French officials - and they wanted him silenced through any means necessary. To protect his daughter from their minions, he made the ultimate sacrifice -- you'll have to get the book to find out what though.

When Devon arrives in war-torn Paris he finds himself in the middle of intrigue - one that can mean the life or death of him and Julie. Through a series of events they finally end up back in England, and of course along the way discover their great love for each other.

This is a very good story - the sequel to The Heart's Desire.

once you start it!

Julie's father left England, his good name in tatters. He brought his daughter up in his gaming hall, never telling her of his secret life as a spy for England. But now his enemies know and they're coming after Julie to see what she knows.

Devon Burke is in France looking for his missing friend, the Duke of Avon. What he finds is Julie. Together this unlikey pair set out to find his friend, and end up falling in love. But Julie knows, even if Devon doesn't, that society won't allow her to be his wife, but maybe, maybe he'll take her as his mistress?

Wilson pens a wonderful, page-turning story of love...two hearts that wager against the odds and win!