Gambling for Love

Opal has loved Peter for as long as she can remember, but war changes a man. Peter is back after six years, and he has battle scars, visible and invisible ones. Opal knows he is the man she wants, and in desperation, she seeks the help of the notorious Black Widow of Whitehall. In her club dangerous games of chance are played, and who can say who will win? There are four men competing. How can Opal win the man she wants? You will have to read the story. there, you will find the answer you seek. If you like quirky historical romance with a wounded soldier and a determined woman who goes after what she wants, you might enjoy this tale of love and perseverance.

This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC. I DO love this series. Each one has the same setting but very different characters and story. A game of chance? Not really, there is too much at risk for each character to leave something to chance. More a game to run your life the way it is destined.

First story I have read by this author and it was so cute and sweet and I loved it. I wish it had gone on longer. Peter and Opal grew up together but as time went by Peter became really a shell of a man with what happened to him in India. Opal would not give up on him and devised a plan. The plan takes place in the world of the Lyon’s Den. No more than that…you have to read to learn of her plan. Great interactions. I especially loved seeing that Opal and her girl pals could be friends with the men and not just “who can I nab for a husband”. A cute read.

Will her scheme win her her long time childhood love ...

Despite all the ugly things Peter lived through, I was not sure he deserved Opal, he hurt her so much and so many time.
Yet Opal is no simpering miss and what she wants, she goes after.
This is my second read by Mrs Elizabeth Ellen Carter and i love how she plays with time and distance, with her flashback she introduces her characters at the key events of their life, going back and forth, she installs her narrative to give a plain view of their character.
While short and quick tale to be read, the story does not feel lacking, Mrs Carter puts on display her heroes, letting get the lead of their life with their errors and good moments.
A nice addition to this series.
4.5 stars

Now I am curious about Opal’s group of friends, it looks like there is more about them than being side characters.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

A story of two childhood friends Peter Ravenshaw and Opal Jones who grow up together in India. Both eventually return to England where Opal is still in love with Peter. She has a few offers of marriage, but no one replaces Peter in her heart. Peter returns home a wounded soldier and is sent to London to testify at a hearing when he sees Opal after all these years. Opal realizes Peter doesn’t love her or want marriage so she decides to go see the marriage maker Mrs Lyons. She’s gambling on a marriage she can live with and makes plans with Mrs. Lyons. Peter is drawn to Opal, he still loves her and wants to protect her. An enchanting story of true love always finds a way in the end. An excellent story I voluntarily read and wrote this review.

❤️❤️❤️❤️1/2
💋💋

Opal is a great character she is an independent soul , she knows her heart , she knows and feels her love for Peter and nothing will stop her , she has to have one last attempt to get him to commit.

That’s where Mrs Dove Lyon comes into her own. The Lady is a matchmaker Of extraordinary skill.
A Lady you just can’t say no to.

Peter doesn’t realise he’s being hunted by the two Ladies until he’s already caught up in their web.
To be honest I don’t feel he had much of a choice and he doesn’t exactly fight it .
That man was happy to be the choice meal of the day. Lol

This was a fun and entertaining book, with Elizabeth’s stunning writing it made it just about perfect reading.
Loving this series

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review