I was willing to go along with the unlikely plot, but I ended up losing patience with the hero's drama which just went on for ages. The villains are pure baddies, the characters are a bit thick, things felt overly simple and cliched, the whole thing just started feeling tedious. I didn't hate it, but it was definitely below average enjoyment for me. Higher than average steam though. ( )

The Notorious Flynn series third installment is a welcome edition to the fold. The Widow Wager by Jess Michaels is in my opinion the best book in the series so far. The main characters Crispin and Gemma have taken on the weight of life and feel responsible for things that have happened and could not be changed. When they meet at the lowest point in their lives, each intrigues the other. The situation goes from bad to worst when Crispin and Gemma are forced into marriage due to a drunken bet Crispin made. Of course this is a Jess Michaels novel, so it is a very sensual read. Yet I found the deeper depth of two people hurting and finding love and redemption is the most unlikely place a lovely story. I would definitely recommend this book. A beautiful story of two broken souls that found salvation in each others arms. Received An ARC of The Widow Wager for an honest review. ( )

'...hell bent on...well, utter self-destruction'

This is Crispin's story, the out-of-control brother who has been heavily alluded to and the cause of heartache and more for his entire family in the first two books of the series.
One minute Crispin Flynn is rashly gambling and destructively drinking, the next he's lost the hand and finds himself married to Gemma, the widow of the Earl of Laurelcross.
Ok I have to say I just loved this beginning! Crispin's night after tare-on-the-town condition, and Gemma, totally dominated by her circumstances, but not broken in spirit.
Gemma's capitulation is a tad unexpected but then with all the tortuous happenings and confessions of a night and day, perhaps it's no wonder. After all won on the toss of the cards or given away in marriage to answer a father's pretentious designs, both are as heartless as each other.
Michael's once more points to the fate of wives, daughters and sisters at an historical time where women have no rights. Gemma is completely overwhelmed when Crispin gives her choices. That respect has never been awarded her. I loved Crispin just for that.
As they both struggle to build a foundation for their relationship, the past hurts and torments are laid to rest. Their very decidedly explicit intimate relationship, presented over many pages, seems to go a long way with the healing process. Crispin's acceptance of Gemma's sensuality is a balm to her troubled beliefs. The challenge is will passion become love?
Crispin has deeply guarded secrets that Gemma very courageously breaks through.
Rescue becomes a two way street.

A NetGalley ARC ( )