Customer Reviews

A Gentleman's Wager (Black Lace)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'll begin by saying this book was very sexually explicit. The Black Lace series of books are erotic fiction, but I know there are some that will go into this thinking it's a traditional romance with a little more sex than normal. In a way it is, A Gentleman's Wager is an erotic tale.

The story relates around Lady Bella Rushdale who finds her experiences with her groom becoming unsatisfying after discovering the new owner of her favorite tristing spot sunbathing naked. From her perch she observes him amusing himself and decides she wants to seduce him or have him seduce her. She finds herself attracted to the blond handsome landowner Lucerne Marlinscar. Upon formal introduction she is invited for a lengthy stay with some other guests at his newly renovated property.

This Bella decides will be the perfect opportunity to put her plan into place with Lucerne. Only to discover among the many other guests an attractive darkly handsome man Marquis (Vaughan) Pennerley also among the guests and with eyes for Lucerne as well. Bella suspects something between the two men but wants to prove to the Marquis Vaughan that Lucerne will choose her.

A great battle of wills between Vaughan and Bella begins for the affections of Lucerne. The tale is well written and you don't know who is a good or bad in the triangle.

Also, add in Louisa, Bella's friend who isn't experienced as her friend and isn't sure about the attentions being thrown her way by Vaughan as well as the man she's infatuated with Wakefield.

I don't want to give more away, but the story is wrought with intrigue and deception with so many twists and turns. The love scenes/sex is very graphic, but also emotional and you feel the emotions of uncertainty/pain/pleasure/vulnerability of some of the cast of characters.

Just thinking of this as an Erotic book is an understatement because there is an underlying story of forbidden love and unrequited love and the lengths people will go to have their desires for another come true.

What I liked about this book is that you could easily remove the graphic scenes from the book (although they are well written) and still have a very interesting book. I found myself concerned for the well beings of the characters and how the story would play out. I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would and am glad now that I bought it.

I hope Madelynne Ellis writes some more of this style of books. She turned what could be a bodice ripper into an intriguing erotic story that was worth the read and my money.

A Gentleman's Wager is the story of Bella Rushdale's attraction to Lucerne Marlinscar, with sexy complications. Her rival for his affections, another man with whom Lucerne had shared intimacy with during earlier times.

I had a chance to preview this book before it came out on shelves and I was blown away by the amount of sex scenes that were well written. Madelynne Ellis's way of creating dynamic characters that people will remember is unbeatable. From Vaughn, the deviant of the threesome to Bella's heart tugging inner struggle once she's been given her choice, the reader is taken on a journey from all of the main characters.

This was the second erotic historical I've read and I enjoyed it. The back cover of the book says "A wonderfully decadent piece of historical erotica with a twist" and that it sure was.

Bella knew from the first moment she saw him that somehow, some way, she was going to seduce Lucerne. As she watched hidden from view, he caressed his own flesh, and she was hypnotized by the sheer sensuality of his actions. No matter what, she was determined to have him.

Once formerly introduced to her handsome neighbor, Bella set about making it known to Lucerne that she was attracted. She started to make headway, when another suitor for the handsome landowner's attention arrived: Marquis Vaughan Pennerley.

While the idea of two men and herself making love appealed greatly to the promiscuous miss, Vaughan was intent on forcing Bella out of the picture.

Determined to get her man, Bella stood up to her rival and found a passion she never counted on - a passion that could very well consume her, as well as Vaughan and Lucerne. For Vaughan wasn't willing to share, Lucerne wanted them both, and Bella wasn't going to let go without a fight.

In the end, someone would have to compromise - it was only a matter of whom.

Black Lace's intent is to provide quality erotic fiction written by women for women, but A GENTLEMAN'S WAGER is a delight that should be enjoyed by both sexes, provided the men have some attraction to other men. Fiercely passionate, sexually opinionated, and determined to get their own way, the three main characters fairly leap off of the page. Each has their own section of the story to tell and aren't shy about sharing the most intimate details of their sexual exploits and private thoughts.

Madelynne Ellis has woven a truly intricate tale of a love triangle, loyalties and passions divided, and strong willed characters. This is definitely one novel where the author shows you the character's world - instead of merely telling you their story.

Review © Michelle Houston

Dont take anything at face value. Like the intriguing characters within, this book refuses to conform to the stereotypes of its genre. You may think at first that youre reading a historical bodice-ripper with the usual cast of rogues and gentlemen, but its far too smart to live down to your expectations. Theres a great story of love, lust, deception and obsession, some brilliantly witty dialogue that certainly made me laugh out loud and enough historical detail, description and mood to really bring the book alive. But what really kept me reading was the depth, complexity and humanity of the characters  from the enigmatic, alluring and wicked Vaughan Pennerley to Charles Aubury, the lecherous squire with the soul of a poet. I really found myself caring what happened to all of them, and when each gets their moment of redemption you get a real feeling of warmth.

For a historical novel, its written in a modern enough style to make it completely accessible. The heroine is headstrong but likeable and easy to identify with, the story moves effortlessly along, and I loved the way that it plays with the images and set pieces of historical romance, but always with a unique kink.

Major plus point: this is great erotica, and Elliss writing manages to be sensual rather than mechanical or just toe-curling like a lot of its peers. Also, every scene has its place in the narrative, rather than being crudely pasted in as an obligatory shag-every-ten-pages. If youve read much Nexus/Black Lace, youll know what I mean. Also, this book will really appeal to you if youre at all male or female bi-curious, but its not essential. Theres a good mix for everyone.

This book sizzled. I did pick it (A Gentleman's Wager) up just for the [adult situations] but the plot kept me reading it all the way through!
Some people may shy away from the male-male couplings that take place, or the fact the heroin (Bella) becomes involved with multiple men during the course of the book.
Not only the [adult] scenes but the underlying emotions, pride, longing, and lust are true to life. Even if you may not like all the characters you really do end up feeling for them.
The title comes from a wager made by Vaughan that is quite [mature] in nature...
I would say this book is very much like "Menage" by Emma Holly; if you enjoyed "Menage" you must pick up this book as well!

Young eighteenth-century Lady Bella wants handsome Lucerne, but so does the handsome decadent Marquis, who has desired Lucerne for years. Finding all three of themselves at the remote Lauwine Hall for a country party on the Yorkshire Moors, a struggle ensues between Bella and Marquis for Lucerne's affections and body. That's when the fun starts and Lucerne is faced with a difficult choice.

Into the first few pages I wasn't sure if I was going to like Bella. A lot of Black Lace books have loose heroines with very little sympathy appeal, but I came away liking Bella after the first few chapters when I started to understand why the character was developed the way she was - not sluttish, but just a [...] little mischief. Bella's naughty sexual behavior only fuels Marquis in his competition for Lucerne, which he tries to use to his full advantage in more ways than one...hehe I found myself giggling more than once at Bella and Marquis's high jinx in their efforts to win Lucerne's favor. Marquis is the lovable bad boy in the story.

Not only does Gentleman's Wager have HOT juicy sex with plenty of sexual tension, and biting humor, but loads of romance between the heroine and BOTH heroes. When Lucerne, Bella & Marquis get together for a threesome, WOW! LOVED IT!!! I also found myself liking the sexual tensions and couplings between Lucerne and Marquis as much as I did with Bella and the guys. I'm a straight female who never thought I'd find male on male sex a turn-on, but it was just too darn sexy and beautiful, NOT at all gross. Only thing I didn't like was the one minor lesbian scene in the middle of the book, however it was mild and in good taste...not enough of a big deal to ruin the fun though. I have nothing against lesbian sex; it's just not a turn-on for me.

Madelynne Ellis, weaves a great tale in Gentleman's Wager and there many secondary characters who add even more sexual spice to the mix. Even without the sex, this story would be an enjoyable read. I also recommend, on the Menage a trios male/female/male theme, Menage by Emma Holly and Out Of Bounds by Mandy Dickinson.

and certainly the hijinx will be hot and heavy. Bella, our heroine is invited to stay some time at the mansion of Lucerne, a new worldly neighbour, then introduce a somewhat more repressed 'city' girlfriend, Luise, and mix it with Vaughn, a friend of Lucerne's, remove any kind of adult supervision and we get a sizzling hot erotic novel.

I love it, the fact that none of the players in this erotic novel work, allows them to enjoy a ride on the Yorkshire Moors, and of course break the monotony with intrigues, mind games, blustering challenges, and, best of all, hot, uncommitted sex. The pursuit, capture and ultimate surrender viginettes are somewhat short for some of our player but just as juicy nonetheless.....

The author manages to take us along a twisty plot that the reader must pay attention to if he/she wants to really enjoy the story. Bella on the other hand, our heroine doesn't have to pay attention at all since, even though she thinks she is the master of her destiny, is actually taken for a ride by Vaughn and Lucerne. And what a ride it is once she discovers that the two boys don't really need a woman to have their own fun .....

Is it the ultimate turn on for a woman to compete for her lover with another man? What if that lover is so hot she can't her hands off him either? Well at least they have a common ground to begin a relationship ... LOL

I really enjoyed the book, but fair warning, it's very hot but for an erotic book it's not light reading ......

*Reprinted from www.GoodBadandUnread.com* First published in the UK in May 2003, A Gentleman's Wager is being re-released with a luscious new cover and a perfect new tag line: Pride and Decadence. Set in North Yorkshire, near Richmond, England, this exquisite, lusty, Georgian period romp is, at its core, a love triangle between Viscount Marlinscar (Lucerne), and Annabella Rushdale (Bella), who finds herself at odds with a rival for his attention... Vaughan, Marquis of Pennerly.

This isn't just a review; it's also homage to a much beloved story. I re-read it at least once a year and never fail to be in awe of Madelynne Ellis' ability to create such unexpected, complex characters:

* Bella starts off the story as self-centered and slutty. While she refers to other women as trollops and whores, she dismisses her own promiscuity as merely pursuing her own needs, desires and amusements. However, through the course of the story, she begins to assess her own actions and experiences the unfamiliar emotions of guilt, insecurity, and self doubt. Although Lucerne is the object of her affections, she is confused by her reaction to Vaughan, at once vehemently hating him and obsessively fascinated by him. She is wounded by the sting of his venom and cruelty, yet still finds herself drawn to him.

* We get to know the anchor of the love triangle, Lucerne, more through his interactions with the other characters than through introspection. When he decides to take a break from the decadence of London to spend the winter at one of his long neglected country estates, Lauwine Hall, he invites a few friends, including Vaughan, to join him. He knows Vaughan wants more than friendship from him and chooses not to acknowledge it... or the wine-hazed encounter with Vaughan three years earlier. Once Lucerne shows a serious interest in his neighbor, Bella, Vaughan starts to pressure him for a closer relationship, and Lucerne realizes he wants both Vaughan AND Bella and would rather not give either of them up. But, cast in the role of peacemaker, he realizes that he cannot live with the animosity between the two rivals and dreads the time when their constant bickering might force him to choose between them.

* The third member of the triangle, Vaughan, is one of the most deliciously complex characters I've ever read. When he is "on stage" (and often when he's not) he demands- and receives- the attention of everyone in the room... man, woman, or reader. He smirks, he sulks, he lies, he seduces, he pouts. He wields feigned indifference like a sword, and bites out words laced with deadly venom. His Machiavellian manipulations and cruelty towards others, particularly Bella, should have labeled him as the villain of the story. But the glimpses we receive of his hurt, tenderness, and longing for Lucerne soon make us realize that, while he often DOES amuse himself at the expense of others, he just as often lashes out in retaliation for his own pain or to cover his own vulnerability. Accustomed to living the debauched life courtesy of aristocratic entitlement, Vaughan actually seems a bit bewildered that he is capable of emotions strong enough to keep him patiently waiting for Lucerne to return those feelings.

These three multifaceted characters, along with intertwined stories involving the small cast of engaging secondary characters, are the reason AGW is so memorable. I guarantee that you've never met them before, and you won't forget them once you have.

Bored with romance novels and the simpering fidelity and overly flowery language therein? So was I so I ventured into erotica. The price of the ticket was well worth it.

Like many heterosexual females I'm intrigued by two men, or a woman and two men. If you're not stay away for there is that aplenty.

It's probably some of the best writing I've ever seen in any category. Believable well rounded characters, really well reserached 18th century speech and clothing as well as settings, and penty of steaminess. Ms. Ellis makes you wait for every encounter and builds the anticipation. So when it comes, wow. All I can say is wow.

My only beef is that the lesbian scene in the beginning seems abrupt and nowehere near as believable as the other sex scenes. Partly because it takes place with the unlikely Louisa, a virgin with a voyeur streak a mile wide who seems much more like a typical romance heroine than Bella, the main character.

A must read for the enlightened female!

After reading the praise from the other reviews, I bought this book and, while I agree that the sexual scenes are steamy and frequent, I could not agree that this was a story of well-rounded and developed characters. In fact, other than learning every nuance of their sexual escapades, I learned very little about the lead characters as people. It seemed that everything revolved around the next sex scene. Between these, the story is boring and not very well developed. I didn't feel sympathetic whatsoever about any of these people and didn't buy into their stories at all. The author indeed has an unlimited and risque imagination of all things sexual and is talented in putting it into words. I learned nothing about Bella's life other than that she is insatiable, will couple with just about any man around (even to the point where she is being serviced by one man, only to be replaced by another) Pardon the reference, but there isn't even mention of any bathing between these encounters. Sorry, but the thought of episode after episode of sweaty sex with little rest and cleaning up in between was a real turn off. I'd say 'bed hopping' but there were so few reference to sex in a bed, I can't really say it.

I found Bella to be exactly as Vaughn accused her of being: slutty, ambitious, careless, and without honor, shame or consideration of anyone but herself. Lucerne started off interesting but then turned wishy-washy -- did he want the relationship with Vaughn or not? Aparantely he did; but also wanted Bella. So does one assume the three of them simply rode off into the sunset to begin their three-some "relationship" and live happily after????

Maybe I was expecting much more than this. Sylvia Day writes extremely erotic stories but with far more character development. People that you can empathize with and be hopeful about. You look forward to the couple (note Couple and not Threesome) working through the ups and downs of their relationship, falling in love (yes, even jaded, lusty types do fall in love) and a happy ending. Even Susan Johnston(sp?), whom I'm not the biggest fan of but have read a few of her books, can turn the most unprincipled sexual man/woman into a reformed person and at the end of her stories you, at the least, felt that the protagonists ended up together and happy. That's why I read romantic fiction; and I do enjoy the steamy erotic scenes as much as the next person. Perhaps I did expect too much from this book and didn't realize that it's basically pornography masquerading as a novel.

High points to the author for weaving a (very) naughty "story" but low points on the rest of it. In the end, I couldn't care any less about any of these people. To those who enjoyed this book.... I'm sorry that I disagree so strongly.