88 of 88 copies available
The third son of an influential marquis, the tongue-tied Mark is determined to keep the scandal from ruining Georgina's reputation and his own prospects of winning the celebrated Harlbert's Prize for music. Under the guise of private voice lessons, the two embark on a daring gamble to fool the ton into believing that their feigned courtship is honorable while bolstering Georgina's singing genius to captivate potential suitors. Sexist cartoons, family rivalries, and an upcoming ball test the fake couple's resolve. Will their sudden fiery collaboration—and growing attraction—prove there's nothing false about a first kiss and scandalously irresistible temptation?
-
Creators
-
Series
-
Publisher
-
Release date
May 21, 2024 -
Formats
-
OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9798855517514
- File size: 323052 KB
- Duration: 11:13:01
-
-
Languages
- English
-
Reviews
-
Starred review from April 8, 2024
Riley (Island Queen) makes a triumphant return to romance after dabbling in mystery and historical fiction, proving with this Betting Against the Duke Regency series launch that her talent translates across genres. Georgina Wilcox is a middle daughter with beauty, brains, and musical talent. Unfortunately, her parents’ deaths and her sister’s desperate marriage left their family business in the hands of a pathological gambler. After her brother-in-law dies, an old family friend, the Duke of Torrance, helps the Wilcoxes narrowly escape destitution, but they cannot afford another scandal. Unfortunately, Georgina and Lord Mark Sebastian, an aspiring composer, are about to cause just that when a misunderstanding leads to a kiss in the Duke’s gardens that’s witnessed by a large group of guests. The only way to protect their good names is a fake engagement, a charade they hope to pull off through a concert in which Georgina performs Mark’s music, making society believe that they fell in love in the process. Mark hopes this performance will also convince London society of his talent. Riley renders the Regency in living color, with impressive historical detail and an admirably diverse cast. Historical romance readers will be entranced. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. -
Narrator Bianca Drew introduces listeners to Georgina Wilcox and her three sisters. They are of African descent and born into the family of a successful businessman, their grandfather. Their trials and tribulations begin with the death of sister Catherine's husband, who, it turns out, has drained the company's coffers of money. Drew captures all the anxiety of these events. Georgina then begins a fake courtship with the third son of a member of the aristocracy, Lord Mark Sebastian. Regency romance aficionados will enjoy Drew's storytelling skills as she leads listeners through the couple's fake courtship and romantic trials, which include a discussion of sickle cell anemia before it had a name. Cleverly done and well performed. E.E.S. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
-