Due to the financial circumstances her late husband left her in, Lady Francesca Haughston has taken to playing matchmaker to help stay afloat. After boasting she could get anyone engaged, Francesca finds herself agreeing to a wager with the Duke of Rochford. The deal is Rochford picks the girl and Francesca has to successfully bring her out in the Ton and ensure she becomes properly engaged to a suitable gentleman.

As a poor relation, Constance Woodley has given up on any dreams of getting married. Not only is she past the marriageable age, but she's also without a marriage portion. When Lady Francesca takes an interest in her, Constance sees it as an opportunity to experience the life she never imagined could be hers. Meeting Francesca's brother makes the experience that much sweeter. She knows she cannot fall in love with Lord Dominic Leighton, but some things are inevitable.

Though estranged from his parents, Dominic Leighton knows he has to marry well in order to save his family from destitution. His father's even got a girl lined up for him, one with a suitable fortune that'll fill the family coffers once again. After meeting Constance thought, Dominic is pulled in two directions. Does he do what's best for his family, or does he follow his heart?

I loved this book. Yes, it's a story that's been told time and time again. From Cinderella and beyond, everyone's read a variation of the rich boy/poor girl theme. But it's not in the story; it's in the telling, and Candace Camp does a phenomenal job with THE MARRIAGE WAGER. Constance is a wonderful heroine. I especially liked the fact that she questions Lady Francesca's sudden interest in her, instead of just accepting it. Ms. Camp brings her characters to life and will have you falling in love with them within a few pages of the book. I was sad when THE MARRIAGE WAGER ended, but I'm quite intrigued by Lady Francesca's character, and hope her story will be coming soon. In the meantime, the second installment in The Matchmakers series is THE BRIDAL QUEST, coming March 2008.

Book Summary

No longer in the first blush of youth and without a marriage portion, Miss Constance Woodley could scarcely imagine why one of the leading lights of London society should take an interest in the likes of her. But under her benefactor's guiding hand she was transformed into a captivating creature who caught the eye of the handsome, charming and ever-so-slightly notorious Lord Dominic Leighton. And before the shocked eyes of the entire Ton, the "nobody" and the rakish viscount showed that even in the heartless world of the marriage mart, when love was at stake, all bets were off . . .