A Wallflower’s Wild Wager by Collette Cameron
The Wallflower's Wild Wager by Collette Cameron Series: Ladies of Opportunity series book #1
on March 3, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 166
Goodreads
Aubriella Penford is used to being an outsider in Regency London’s High Society. Her love for science and lack of social graces set her apart from the other ladies of the ton, making her the odd one out at every glittering ball. So when her lifelong rival—and her brother’s best friend—unexpectedly offers to help her through a Christmas house party, she’s skeptical. Can she really trust the man who’s vexed her since childhood? Even more surprising is that she accepts, setting the stage for an unforgettable holiday romance.
Jackson Matherfield, a self-made gentleman, has always preferred hard work to the frivolities of society. Having clawed his way out of poverty to support his family, he’s not one for festive gatherings or small talk. He certainly never expected to be intrigued by Aubrie’s sharp wit and keen intellect at a holiday party. Yet here he is, captivated by the very woman he’s always sparred with.
A scandalous wager, an unexpected snowstorm, and a daring rescue reveal a deeper connection than they ever imagined. As the season of joy unfolds, will their newfound bond lead to a Christmas happily ever after, or heartbreak? Escape into this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers Regency romance filled with festive cheer, sizzling chemistry, and a touch of holiday magic.
A Wallflower’s Wild Wager is book one in the Ladies of Opportunity series. In this collection of stories, a group of close lady friends meet and form their own secret wagering society jokingly called The Ladies of Opportunity. Their intent is to enable female patrons with no means of their own the ability to place bets and achieve some means of financial independence free of any male involvement. Each story in the series focuses on a different woman in the secret society. In this book, Cameron does a masterful job of using the enemies to lovers trope. The heroine Aubriella has known the hero Jackson Matherfield for most of her life. He is her brother’s best friend. As a bluestocking, Aubriella has always had a sharp intellect and a love for science. From early on, she has endured Jackson’s teasing. So she is all prickly around him. He on the other hand is quite taken with Aubriella and doesn’t really understand her aversion to him. This story has such charming characters. I really loved the hero Jack Matherfield’s personality. He has a depth that is rare to find in other regency romances. The heroine Aubriella struggles with social anxiety and ends up feeling like the odd duck in a group – an experience many of us can relate to. Once again, Collette Cameron writes another wonderful, toe curling sweet romance.
