The Wedding Wager

Barely making ends meet, horsewoman Mary bids over her means in order to secure a prized 'horse stud' for her estate in hopes that breeding will bring about her financial success and sticking it to neighbor and fellow horseman, Tye, makes it that much sweeter. In a desperate attempt to get the money in order to pay for the horse, Mary goes to London to find a rich husband. That doesn't sit well with Tye, sore from being out-bid and a bit suspicious, he follows her -because he wants the horse of course. Mayhem insues when, gorgeous, but socially inept, Mary storms the London social scene. Tye's there for rescue her when scandal results. Romance blooms in the shadows and maybe they figure out that the stud isn't that important anyway. Great romance. I love fiesty females and Mary takes the cake! She causes scandals just by breathing, a real tough cookie that doesn't take it from anybody -including Tye. He's just that man to lasoe this filly in. One of my favorite Maxwells. If you liked Falling in Love Again and You and Only You, you'll like this one too.

Tye and Mary are delightful characters--very likable, feisty and well suited to each other--in this very fun and fast-paced Regency romance. The warmth, wit and lust for life characteristic of all Cathy Maxwell romances is evident here and makes this winning novel a charming read.

Mary Gates is the village eccentric of Lyford Meadows in England of 1814. She dresses in men's clothing, can outswear any stable hand on her estate, and is convinced no man alive can outmatch her in picking prime horseflesh.Tye Barlow, her equally headstrong neighbor and chief rival is a secret temptation to Mary, but she's never considered marrying him, or any man, until she runs into a terrible bind. Mary outbids Tye for a famous stud she is sure will put her faltering family finances on the road to prosperity, but the only way to pay the exorbitant fee is to marry money. Not wasting a second to implement her scheme, Mary trots off to London's aristocratic Marriage Mart, Tye hot on her heels. At first Tye assumes he's determined to foil her scheme solely to get his hands on the prize stud. But while arguing with Mary as he twirls her around crowded London ballrooms, he soon realizes the one thing he covets more than all the pricey studs in the world is the love of maddening, enticing Mary.The repartee between these strong, obstinate lovers is great, and the author's voice is clear, quirky and very funny. I love an independent, intelligent heroine like Mary, especially when she is matched with a hero like Tye who is clearly her equal and respects her as a worthy opponent, irregardless that she is a woman. I also love a story, which this one is in spades, where the contest of wills and sparks of anger between the protagonists incites desire--the love scenes are very hot! Don't miss this exciting, often hilarious battle of the sexes!

Great, fast-paced read with strong, likeable characters. It's Cathy Maxwell at her best.

In 1814 the residents of Lyford Meadow, England, believe Mary Gates, daughter of a squire, is an eccentric person as she competes with men rather than doing traditional female activities. When she outbids Tye Barlow for a horse, he knows he will never forget her smile or the humiliation of saying "I pass". However, Mary does not have the cash to pay for the steed that she feels will begin rebuilding her family estate. She cuts a deal with the horse's owner buying time to go to London to find and marry a wealthy aristocrat to pay for the horse. Tye follows Mary to London, planning to insure she fails to land a husband because he still covets the horse. However, neither one expected the glamour of the London balls would lead to a dance between them that makes both of them reconsider what they want for her. Tye and Mary agree that he is the right one. THE WEDDING WAGER is an adorable Regency romance that never takes it self too seriously. The amusing story line is fun, as Tye is a frustrated hero who loses whenever he competes with his beloved. Mary quite contrary owns the novel, as she seems more like a modern woman displaced in time whose antics leave the audience smiling. Cathy Maxwell provides her fans with a precious story that is a sure bet for historical romance readers.Harriet Klausner