🎩 Book Review: Lord of Chance by Erica Ridley
A witty, emotional Regency romance where a marriage of inconvenience becomes a gamble for love—Book 1 in the Rogues to Riches series.
Erica Ridley’s Lord of Chance kicks off her Rogues to Riches series with a delightful blend of humor, heartache, and historical charm. With a Goodreads rating of 3.84/5 from over 3,200 readers, the novel is praised for its engaging characters, fast-paced storytelling, and Cinderella-style themes.
🧠 Plot Overview
Charlotte Devon, the illegitimate daughter of a London courtesan, flees to Scotland disguised as a country miss, hoping to find her estranged noble father and reclaim her reputation. But fate intervenes when she crosses paths with Anthony Fairfax, a charming but debt-ridden gambler on the run from his creditors.
After a night of chance and mischief, Charlotte and Anthony wake up to find themselves accidentally married. What begins as a disaster quickly turns into an opportunity—if they can survive the consequences. As secrets unravel and past demons resurface, both must decide whether love is worth the risk.
💬 Why Readers Enjoy It
- Marriage of Convenience: A classic trope executed with fresh energy and emotional depth.
- Lovable Rogue: Anthony Fairfax is a rakish hero with a hidden vulnerability that makes him irresistible.
- Strong Heroine: Charlotte is resourceful, witty, and determined to forge her own destiny.
- Series Starter: Introduces a world where love lifts characters from scandal to splendor.
⚠️ Critiques
- Some readers found the plot slightly rushed or wished for deeper historical immersion.
- The tone leans more romantic comedy than dramatic period drama, which may not suit all Regency fans.
📣 Reader Praise
“An emotional, rags-to-riches romp from a New York Times bestselling author… everything her traitorous heart desires.” — Goodreads summary
“Perfectly fine… well-told, but not something I feel able to recommend strongly.” — All About Romance review
🏁 Final Verdict
Lord of Chance is a charming Regency romance filled with wit, warmth, and unexpected twists. If you enjoy stories where scandal meets sincerity and love blooms in the unlikeliest of circumstances, this one’s a delightful start to a feel-good series.
