The Widow’s Wager by Claire Delacroix is book 3 in her series, The Ladies’ Essential Guide to the Art of Seduction, and I think it’s the best in the series so far.
The main focus in this book is the relationship between Eliza North, the Duke of Haynesdale’s widowed sister, and his best friend, Nicholas Emerson. The two were (unbeknownst to each other) in love with each other when they were younger, but Nicholas left to fight on the continent, believing he wasn’t good enough for Eliza, and she in turn married someone else because she was broken hearted at him leaving.
Now Eliza is a widow and Nicholas is back from the war, and she is determined to try to win him, with the assistance of the mysterious Mrs. Oliver and her guide for ladies. Nicholas, meanwhile, is battling demons from his time in the war, and is determined to stay away from Eliza.
We are also introduced to a few new characters (setting us up for a few more stories I hope), and get to see more of the developing relationship between the duke and Esmeralda Ballantine, as well as learn a little bit more about her and the mystery surrounding her.
Even though there is an overarching storyline involving Esmeralda and the duke in this series, I believe this book could still be read as a standalone.
This book checks lots of boxes for me; a wounded war hero in love with his best friend’s sister, a duel, a scoundrel, a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, and in the background a mystery to be solved.
I really enjoyed The Widow’s Wager and look forward to the next book in the series.
The Widow’s Wager releases on April 11 2023.
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