Book Review: Viscount’s Wager by Ava March

Title: Viscount’s Wager
Series: Gambling on Love, Book 3
Author: Ava March
Genre: Historical Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy provided via NetGalley
Published: August 10, 2015 by Carina Press

Anthony, Viscount Rawling, knows exactly what he wants in life and he isn't above having a look about London for it. When he spots recently widowed Gabriel Tilden at a ton function, he thinks he might have found love…again.

Gabriel is as gorgeous and reserved as he was when he broke Anthony's heart seven years ago. But they were only adolescents then…surely Anthony won't hold the incident against him. And especially not when the attraction between them is stronger than ever.

Gabriel came to London in search of distraction, and a teasing Anthony is impossible to resist. As Anthony introduces Gabriel to the pleasures that can be found in the city—and in his bedchamber—their bond deepens into something more. Yet both men are hiding secrets that could pull them apart forever

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Reviewed by: J9

In a Nutshell: Great read with an erotic and emotionally laden romance between two likable leads.

Why I Read This Book: I can’t get enough historical gay romance and Ava March is one of my favorite authors who writes it.

What I Liked: Though not normally a fan of the reunion trope in romance, this one worked for me. Gabriel and Anthony weren’t mature enough to be together at 16 and 18 so their one kiss left them both broken-hearted. They needed time to grow up and mature to learn how to love each other. I really loved how convinced Anthony was that Gabriel was his one; from the time they see each other in London again until the very end, Anthony never wavers in his assurance that they’re meant to be together. Gabriel is more reserved so it take time and growth on his part to accept and embrace his feelings for Anthony. These two tear up the sheets, as readers expect from a March novel, but they also have an emotional connection.

I also liked how Gabriel and Anthony had to come to terms with their own vulnerabilities in order to find love. This isn’t a story with huge plot but instead keeps the focus on the men’s character growth and relationship development.

What I Didn’t Like: This is a long read for sure with a predictable ending resolution but it all worked for me.

IMO: Another steamy and enjoyable read from a master of the gay historical romance sub-genre.

J9’s Rating: