Reviewer: Janet Davies
Title: To Love a Gambler
Author: Jennifer Hoffman
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books Inc
E-book ISBN: 978-1-587495-72-4
Release Date: February 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Western Romance
Year/Setting: Montana - 1868
Overall Rating: 4.0
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None
Jennifer's Website: None found
Cora Sullivan is a woman down on her luck. She is all alone in the world and she has lost nearly everything she holds dear. The last link she has to her deceased father is his cabin and gold claim. She throws both into the pot at a poker game in a desperate bid to win. It is a terrific risk she takes but hunger drives her on. Cora is determined to survive no matter the cost.
Jared Matthews is intrigued by the lady the acts so dignified despite her shabby clothes. When he wins her father’s gold claim in the poker hand, he is aware the lady who lost it is too proud to admit her desperation. As Jared knows nothing about gold claims, he strikes a bargain with Cora - her help and advice for food and shelter.
But that is not the only bargain that is being made. Cora owes $5000 on a bank loan that is due in 30 days. The gold claim is in jeopardy. Will Cora be able to fulfill the special conditions the pompous bank manager requires of her? And can she do so without Jared knowing?
However Jared has issues of his own. An ex-lover is dead and the finger of blame is being pointed in his direction. Is he being framed or is he innocent? As his love deepens for Cora he has to decide if his past is going to threaten any future they have between them and if the future is worth gambling on when so much is unknown.
To Love a Gambler had me thinking about how lone women survived two hundred plus years ago in a harsh environment where men ruled. I liked the character of Cora. She was strong and smart yet she never comes across as losing her femininity. Yes, she is desperate but she is not looking for pity. As for Jared, you sense there is mystery about him even before it is alluded to. I was wondering about him at the start. As for the character of Tristan, you have to feel sorry for him as it’s a case of he who hesitates is lost.
To me, this book came across as true romance. Two characters are pitted against the elements and have to learn to survive with essentially a stranger they have to trust quickly. I also liked the strong historical feel of the book. I could picture the gold claim, the cabin and the hunting for food. Clearly a lot of thought and research had to go into the writing it to make me believe it.
To Love a Gambler is about coping because you have no other choice. But it’s also gambling on who you place your trust with and who you give your heart to. It’s good, old fashioned romance.
Janet
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