Great narrator performance! Fun, sweet stories!

First off, great job to the narrator, Kim Bretton! I'm pretty picky when I listen to audio books. However, Kim did a very good job, and I would listen to other books she has narrated.

DIAMOND OF BRISTOL by Arlem Hawks

I haven't read many of Arlem's stories, but thought this was cute. Corah and her sister getting roped into wagers (dares) to complete during the next event held that they'll all be at. If they don't fulfill the wager, then there's a price that must be paid (one that is intended to embarrass you); if not fulfilled, then you're shunned by the ladies of the ton. Lieutenant Derrick Owens shows up to rescue Corah during one of the wagers she's trying to complete and things just go from there. It was a cute story and definitely fulfilled the anthologies namesake "A Lady's Wager." However, there was something lacking in the story for me that I can't place my finger on. Hence why I would give this story itself 4.0/4.5 stars.

WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE by Josi S. Kilpack

I've read a few of Josi's stories and they're kind of a hit or miss for me. This one was more on the hit side. Many stories always have the main characters in the 20s and 30s, but this one had the main characters in their 40s-50s. So it was a nice change from what most authors do. You have Etta who's been married twice in loveless marriages, and has helped 12 young ladies find a suitable, "good" match and is helping her 13th (as well as her niece). Then you have Lord Winthrop who was happily married with children and hasn't been to London for years, but all of a sudden shows up and throws Etta off balance. Sadly, I couldn't understand/find what the "wager" was in the story (unless it was something like "does 'true love' exist?"); so I'm not entirely sure how it fits into the anthology. However, I enjoyed the story and growth done by Etta. So I would give this story itself 4.5 stars.

A MOST UNSUITABLE SUITOR by Sarah M. Eden

Julian discovers a bet in the betting book at his club where HE (Lord Westley) is the recipient if the Lady in question does not marry by her 21st birthday. He needs the money and wants to repair the ruined reputation of his title/estate. So he decided that he will try to stall any marriage from happening just until AFTER the Lady's birthday in order to collect his reward. Charlotte is in her fourth season and knows that her father is going to pick someone for her to marry by the end of the season. So she tries to navigate him to the men that she feels she could tolerate a life with. But things become a bit difficult when the handsome Lord Westley is nearby and makes things very awkward all the while losing her heart to him and knowing nothing can come of it. I've read stories by Sarah and have enjoyed each one, and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed Lady Charlotte and Julian (Lord Westley), and the banter they would have together...I especially enjoyed the awkward moments Julian created as they made me laugh (and cringe)...best one was the Italian "languisha" that he said a few times, drawing out the syllables each time, and making Charoltte laugh. This story definitely includes a wager and a bit of a mystery as an added bonus. I would give this story itself 5.0 stars.

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Three great novellas

This collection is written by three talented authors, so I knew I’d enjoy it and I did! Josi’s was my favorite, and for novellas they were very enjoyable. All three stories centered around a wager, were witty with fun banter, and engaging. These collections are perfect for listening to when you don’t have a lot of time. The narration was wonderful and Ms. Bretton really brings these stories to life. Highly recommend.

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Wonderful

These stories were just splendid and I will listen again! The narrator did a beautiful job! Thank you!

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Hooray for Georgian Period Romance!

A Lady’s Wager is Book 2 in the Timeless Georgian Romance Collection. I especially loved these short, clean stories because their settings are during a time period that is often overlooked in the romance genre. (I’m talking about you - Regency and Victorian periods!)

All three novellas were clever and well-researched. But the one that appealed most to me was “A Most Unsuitable Suitor” by Sarah M. Eden. I am definitely a sucker for stories with an unexpected twist at the end, and Eden certainly delivers. I didn’t see that coming!

The narrator often makes or breaks an audiobook for me. Kim Bretton is now on my list of favorite narrators. You will not be disappointed!

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Clean Georgian Romances by wonderful authors

I enjoyed this collection of Georgian novellas. It was interesting to read of different traditions prior to the Regency Era, that I'm more familiar with.

Each of these authors are excellent. I felt that each of them brought a little something extra to their story, even though they were shorter than regular books.

I was originally drawn to this book because of the beautiful cover. I purchaed the audio version and listened while I worked. I enjoy the narrator's reading of the stories and the voices she uses for main characters. Sometimes the voices she uses for side characters can be a bit irritating, but not enough that I wouldn't listen to her read other books.

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A sweet Georgian collection!

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawkes

Such a charming story about a wager meant for one night, but ends up leading to a reluctant friendship and romance. A second chance love story that readers will thoroughly enjoy.

Women of Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack

A sweet story about an “old maid” and how she doesn’t want to be part of the society’s norms and stay an old maid. She still wants to find true love and sets out to do so. Such a cute matchmaking romance!

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden

Such a sweet story about an unexpected wager about a young man who will get paid a large sum if he ensures that a young lady does not marry by her 21st birthday. It’s about an unexpected friendship and love story amidst mysteries and chaos. Readers will adore this short story.

The Collection as a Whole & the Narrator

The collection as a whole is so much fun. Each story relates to the title, which is A Lady’s Wager, in that each story includes a wager that is placed for one reason or another. Each author has a unique voice and engaging storytelling skills. And the narrator, Kim Bretton, does an excellent job with the voices of the characters and bringing these sweet Georgian romance stories to life. A fantastic collection that readers will adore.


Series: Timeless Georgian Collection
Genre: historical, Georgian, romance
Publisher: Mirror Press
Publication date:
Number of pages: 303
Audio Length: 7hr 58min
Audio Narrator: Kim Bretton

Other books in the series:
1-Her Country Gentleman by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden, & Rebecca Connelly

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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No anxiety reads

These stories were all unique in their own way. I expected to see the title mean one thing and one thing only, it disappointed in that regard, & I’m grateful! I loved each of these stories & characters. They were different without the undue stress & anxiety from the usual pattern of love, assuming, break up, anxiety, conversation, back together. The end. These stories are anxiety free and will put a bounce in your step!

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Delight to Listen To

This collection is an easy five stars for me, each story well deserving of the rating. I LOVED this collection from start to finish, especially with the fun Georgian aspects in the story as I have not read many in this time setting.

The writing is well done, the story telling excellent, and the romance is spot on swoony. Hawks, Kilpack and Eden have each taken the theme of a lady's wager and add such beautiful and intriguing twists in their stories. Each different, unique and delightful as you are pulled into what the wager holds for the lady.

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks

This is a charming romance that pulls you in instantly with a quiet, yet strong love that sneaks its way into your heart. I loved the themes of home is where the heart is, and love is worth the risks. Read/Listen for yourself and be transported into Bristol in the Georgian era in the midst of this rich story.

Women of Certain Age by Josi S. Kilpack

Kilpack's story has matchmaking, deep discussions, the old maid who's just fine with the way things are and the handsome man who comes in and shakes up her thoughts and shows her that love is everything, well worth the wager. Delightful romance.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden.

I was charmed from the start with this couple. Lord Wesley had me laughing more than once as he went to the aid of Lady Charlotte. The honesty, the kissing of her hand, his desire for her to be happy and joyful...it all just melts your heart. Thank goodness for wagers in this lovely romance.

The audiobook version of this story is so much fun to listen to. Right at the start I was pulled in with the music intro, it transformed me into those classic movies we all love. I felt like I had walked right into the Georgian times and the narrator took that magic and brings you even further into the story. Kim Bretton did an excellent job as narrator of A Lady's Wager. Her voices, tones, speed...I could go on, it was perfect and oh so enjoyable to listen to. She delivered each story beautifully and with feeling. Loved the audiobook.

Another wonderful addition to the Timeless Georgian Collection. You won't want to miss being transported into the magical world this era had and the beauty each author creates in their stories. Definitely give the audiobook a listen!

*I received a complimentary ebook and audio copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

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1 person found this helpful

A wonderful Georgian collection

I LOVE these collections, especially the historical ones. We're back in the Georgian era which means hoops under dresses and powdered wigs for both women and men. I always get stories by my favorite authors and sometimes I discover a new author. All the stories are sweet romances and I know the characters will get a happily ever after.

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks ~ I loved the meet-cute between Derrick and Corah. Derrick was such a fun character and Corah was far more patient with her cousin and the wager she got them involved in than I would be. One of my favorite scenes with Corah singing at the break of dawn in the park. Will Derrick choose Corah or the sea? Will they be able to work something out?

Women of a Certain Age by Josi Kilpack ~ I loved that this was story about someone who was older and had been widowed not once, but twice. Etta is sponsoring her niece and was certainly set with her ideas about what marriage should be. I loved the trip in the carriage--it was interesting to watch Etta's interactions with Wynn and see her slowly open up to him. This has a definite enemies to lovers vibe which is one of my favorite tropes.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden ~ Thanks to his grandfather and father, Julian has inherited a title, an estate, a mound of debt and a reputation he doesn't deserve. When he and a friend find a £1,000 wager involving Julian and Lady Charlotte on the books he believes he's found a way to help save his estate. I loved all of Julian's "awkward" moments (a couple made me giggle out loud) and his developing friendship with Charlotte. I didn't see the twist at the end coming.

The narrator is one of my favorites. She always does a fantastic job with the voices--the women's and the men's.

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3 novellas, Clean Historical Romance

Stories: 5 stars each story is different and unique, each has earned 5 stars for various reasons.

Narration: 5 stars
Kim Bretton does an incredible job. She has many “voices” in her arsenal and uses them to make each character sound unique! Well acted with good speed and natural-sounding inflections. Her male voice is deep enough to sound believable, so that’s an added benefit.

The Diamond of Bristol by Arlem Hawks (5 stars)

The first meeting of Corah and James is just the cutest! The insults in the ballroom, his trick to get out of the duel and his catching her singing to fulfill the wager he caused her to lose are sweet moments! (Although there was a small editing error in that the song was sometimes called ‘Little Jingo’ and sometimes ‘Little Bingo’, but that error is basically irrelevant to the story.)

As the romance progresses the lovers are a bit star-crossed in that he isn’t sure he can earn enough to support a wife and family and he’s about to be called away to sea to serve in the war.

However, the ending is highly satisfactory!

Women of a Certain Age by Jodi S. Kilpack (5 stars)

I loved this story! Etta’s character arc was amazing…I honestly didn’t like her at the beginning of the story! But as the author has her scrutinize herself and her carefully cultivated public persona, we start to understand why she disguised her vulnerabilities so completely. As she opens herself to the idea of love, she comes to realize that she has longed to be valued her whole life.

It is nice to feel certain that love has found her (even though unsought) in the form of Wynn Firth.

A Most Unsuitable Suitor by Sarah M. Eden (5 stars)
The discovery of a mysterious wager sets in motion a young man’s attempts to keep a young woman from becoming engaged before her birthday.

His attempts are creative and he is careful that they don’t become malicious or embarrassing for the young woman or her suitors, he vows to simply be awkward and at worst, annoying.

An astute observer of her reactions to her possible suitors, he discovers her hidden sense of humor and what a delight it is to make her smile.

Both young people are, unsurprisingly, falling in love. But there are some unexpected twist and turns when it comes to the wager.

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