The Wicked Wager

A Regency Murder Mystery & Romance

De: Anya Wylde

Narrado por: Deryn Oliver

The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride - the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey.

The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think things over.

Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green.

Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled situation on the estate - never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be so difficult.

His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.

Just when things seem to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient).

His simple plan for winning the wager suddenly becomes...a tad complicated.

©2103 Anya Wylde (P)2021 Anya Wylde

A Comedy of Errors

Lord Richard Hamilton falls head over heels for Miss Emma Grey, and is pleased when she agrees. Wedded bliss is brought to a halt when Emma's uncle, the Duke of Arden, advises the couple to wait a year. Lord Hamilton is annoyed when his betrothed is inclined to agree, and sets out with a ridiculous, complicated plan to wed his lady sooner rather than later. Little does he know, this will lead to a complicated tangle....and murder.


This is the kind of story I would recommend for when you don’t want anything too serious. It definitely falls into more of the romantic comedy category -emphasis on the comedy aspect-and the murder is more of a last minute addition.


I first read this several years ago, and was entertained by the premise. Coming back to it again, this time listening to the audiobook, I hoped that I would still enjoy it. And I did.


The narrator brought the characters to life with subtle changes in pitch and pace. It was a delight to listen to.


Readers who enjoy a comedy of errors may be able to enjoy this than readers looking for a straight romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are my own.

Surprise Ending

This book is a delight. Great story that kept me laughing out loud. Wonderful narrator. I listen to many books and she is one of the best narrators I have heard. This book moves along and the story gets better and better. I was very surprised by the ending. Listening to the epilogue has me hoping another book will soon follow. I urge anyone who believes they do not like audio books , to listen to this book. In the past, I have returned many books because of annoying narrators. Five star story and narration.