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WHAT WOULD YOU WAGER FOR LOVE?
In the high stakes gentleman's world of 18th century horseracing, when the blood of the "desert kings" ruled the English turf, a hero returns from war to claim the girl he has loved since he first spied her riding hell-for-leather over the Doncaster heath. Determined to have her at any cost, he will risk everything.
A story of star-crossed lovers and horseracing, THE HIGHEST STAKES transports the reader to 18th century England, an era infamous for corruption, arranged marriages, and high stakes gambling; when racing and breeding became the obsession of the uppermost elite, and a match race might replace a duel in settling a point of honor.
Through the fictional love story of Robert Devington and Charlottte Wallace, a tale of drama, danger, thwarted love, and retribution unfurls...
Robert Devington was growing more anxious by the moment. Once more he scanned the crowded and bustling paddocks. The call had already sounded for the first race in which Charles Wallace was to ride the gray mare, White Rose. The filly was entered in this particular race, a one-hundred-guinea challenge for maiden five-year-olds, young horses that had yet to win a race. It was a single four-and-a-half-mile heat, ten-stone weight, and about to start with her rider yet nowhere in sight. With barely a quarter hour remaining to present the horse and weigh in, Robert was in an agitated quandary. Audibly cursing, he pulled the blankets from the mare's back, just to put them back on again. He considered the only alternatives before him: to deceive the racing judges by presenting the horse in Charles's stead and committing an act of fraud; or do nothing and risk both the forfeiture of Sir Garfield's entry fee-no paltry sum by any standard-as well as this fine young mare's best chance to win a race, a circumstance that would do nothing to improve his standing with his beloved's uncle. His future with Charlotte was nearly a hopeless cause to begin with. He could scarce afford to fall afoul of her guardian's temper. Robert searched the milling crowd for the last time, desperately seeking a glimpse of Charles Wallace. Still none, blast it all! His last hope now dashed, he cursed with greater vehemence and led the horse out of her paddock to commit an act of fraud for the sake of love.
The Lichfield races, held annually in September, transformed the Whittington Heath, a three-hundred-acre sheep pasture, into the premiere event for all of Staffordshire. This hybrid of a horse race, garden party, and county fair attracted all classes of people from as far away as Derbyshire, the county's closest equine rival, but this year it drew an extraordinary number of persons of consequence. Lords and gentlemen had arrived from the North of England, Wales, and even the Scottish highlands, but as unusual as this was, never since its inception had this innocuous little village ever attracted a foreign dignitary. By far, the most distinguished patron of the races this year was the elegant and illustrious Grand Ecuyer de France, comte d'Armagnac, Master of the Horse in the court of King Louis XV. Rumored to have travelled all the way from Versailles to procure a number of English running-bloods for the Royal stud, Monsieur Le Grand's visit to Baron John Leveson-Gower had propitiously coincided with the Lichfield races, over which Lord Gower would preside. With the final preparations for the race in progress, Lord Gower and his eminent guest promenaded the grounds, surveying the field and assessing prospective stock to complement the Royal stud of France.
"I have heard for a number of years, Lord Gower, that the finest racing flesh resides across the Channel in England. I was of course loath to believe such a thing, but most curiously, after seeing so many specimens of excellence, I must confess that this might be so." He paused in his perambulations to admire a particularly sleek black stallion in one of the myriad paddocks.
"Do you know, what is the breeding of this horse, Lord Gower?"
"Hastings's Hawke? He is indeed a fine specimen! I believe he is by Francis Lord Godolphin's barb stallion, but I shall inquire further, if you so desire."
"The Godolphin again! He shall forever plague me, this horse!" Lord Gower gave an inquisitive look, and the count bowed to him slightly.
"It is said that one of the finest producers of racing champions in England was first cast off by Versailles. A very foolish move by the Grand Ecuyer, was it not?"
"Am I to assume that you refer to Lord Godolphin's stallion?"
"Indeed! One and the same, but the name was not so. In France, the stallion was called by El Sham. You do not know the history of this horse, Lord Gower?
"Only these past years while he stands in Cambridgeshire, Monsieur Le Grand."
"Then I shall recount to you this story, bien sur?"
"Indeed, I am most intrigued."
"The stallion, El Sham, was presented to His Majesty as one of eight horses-chevales pur sang arabes-from the Sultan Muley Abdulah of Moroc. The grand riding master at Versailles, Monsieur de La Gueriniere, the man whom I appoint, finds this stallion wanting, you see. As he is small in stature and not of the form preferred for the dressage, he is cast out from the stud Royale. This same horse was then procured by your Englishman, Monsieur Coke, who brings him to England, where he soon becomes the sire of champions! So you see that I, en effet, am responsible indirectly for this horse leaving France, and now I come to England to find such a one to take back! C'est l'ironie magnifique, n'est-ce pas?" He recounted his tale with surprising good humor.
"Indeed, it is an amazing irony! But in all truth, this stallion's value was little realized at the first. When he left our poor departed Coke's hands Though most were well known to one another through their positions in Parliament, there was little speech outside the mundane, until the liveried footmen, garbed also to honor the French dignitary, served platters of delicacies, poured the imported French wine, and were dismissed by Lord Gower. The host took no chances in protecting the security of this meeting.
Noting the white cockades adorning each guest's lapel or tricorn, said host raised his glass to the company. "As each of us today has both literally and figuratively committed a horse to the race"-his eyes scanned those of the group for reaction to this fitting analogy-"I solemnly propose a toast to the king across the water."
Prologue vii
Part I 1
1 Of Victory and Defeat 3
2 Of Sedition and Horseracing 17
3 An Orphan's Tale 33
4 Trial by Fire 57
5 Corporal of the Horse 69
6 A Bitter Rivalry 83
7 Letters from War 93
8 The Challenge 97
9 Report from the Field 107
10 Brothers-in-Arms 117
11 A Hero's Welcome 133
12 A Rogue's Heart 149
13 A Wager for Love 161
14 An Officer and a Gentleman 175
15 The Rematch 197
16 Broken Promises 213
Part II 223
17 A Tale of Two Secrets 225
18 The Business of Marriage 233
19 Of Treachery and Extortion 239
20 Return of the Prodigal 245
21 The Devil Meets His Match 263
22 Race to Gretna Green 275
23 The Betrayal 287
24 The Price of Integrity 309
25 King of the Turf 323
26 Salt in the Wound 339
27 The Reluctant Bride 351
28 An Unlikely Confidante 367
29 Love's Sacrifice 381
30 Military Justice 387
31 A Serendipitous Meeting 393
Part III 405
32 A Woman of Independence 407
33 The Turning Point 419
34 Heir to an Earldom 427
35 An Act of Vengeance 433
36 A Matter of Honor 441
37 An Old Flame Rekindled 453
38 Countess of the Turf 469
39 A Colonial Crown 473
40 A Revelation 489
41 An Irresistible Challenge 503
42 Retribution 511
43 Resurrection 521
44 Redemption 531
Epilogue 537
Bibliography 539
Acknowledgments 543
About the Author 545
JOhn11JS
Posted April 21, 2010
Guess I will start with the fact that several other reviewers pointed out that this is a debut author. If you didn't know you could never tell, this is a very well thought out novel with an exciting and intricate plot that is interweaved almost to perfection. Although over 500 pages, I never thought the novel was long and when the end came, I was ready for more. More do you hear that Emery Lee? The end invites several story lines to be continued and after reading several of the blogs the author is on, it looks like a sequel or prequel is in the works.
I normally read King and Koontz, but I picked up this novel for my wife as it has horses and is a romance novel. I started to read it and did not put it down until I was over a hundred pages into it and found I was hooked. The characters are well formulated and real, not cardboard; they have flaws just like real people. The hero, heroine and villains develop and change because of their interactions with each other, they live in a world and time unlike our modern world and the voice of the author brings all this to vivid life.
Then there is the horse aspect to the novel, I'm far from an expert on horses but I have been around them in my life and it is evident that Lee has a great love for them. Although the novel details many aspects of the horse, their training, linage and racing I never felt as though I was in school, the details presented are in context with the story. For me, the racing was especially of interest as the "wager" for love centers around several races. Each race has separate hooks and twists to draw the reader in and keep the pace going and the read enjoyable.
One last observation, as an avid movie fan I could picture this novel in the cinema or maybe a BBC or A&E mini-series.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.ihorsenanci
Posted April 20, 2010
The Highest Stakes, a new book by Emery Lee, is a real winner in my estimation. The book is a fine combination of historical adventure, romance and best of all, horses, horses, horses. As a history of the early days of Thoroughbred racing in both England and America, it is very detailed and held my interest. Of course, I cut my horse-loving teeth on King of the Wind by M. Henry, a book about The Godolphin Arabian, one of the founding sires of the Thoroughbred breed and learned early on in my research of horse history about the other two Eastern stallions who were crossed on English mares to form the beginning of the Thoroughbred as a distinct breed. The excitement of horse racing endures to this day and it is well represented in this book, a first effort by Emery Lee. As a book lover and avid reader, I highly recommend this book.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LBH
Posted April 11, 2010
This novel proves a rollicking ride through the world of 18th century horse-racing in America and Great Britain. Resonating with authenticity, the story unfolds in a setting that grows so familiar to the reader that it feels like a former home. Even though I know nothing about the turf world, I discovered it an enchanting place to visit. With meticulous research, the articulate and knowledgeable writer brings alive this exciting world and, against its backdrop, creates vividly human characters and a compellingly complex plot. I found the book impossible to put down. The only disappointment is reaching the end, knowing I have to close the book on the lives of these fascinating characters. My fingers are crossed for a sequel!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged."Set against the sights, sounds, and excitement of the brand new sport of thoroughbred racing. "The Highest Stakes" is a story of drama, love, and retribution in a world where pedigree is everything and fortunes can be won and lost in the blink of an eye."
This is the cover description of Emery Lee's extraordinary book, "The Highest Stakes." I'm never one to explain the story of a book, since that's something easily found on the covers or with a nod to the summaries already written.
My goal as a reviewer is to tell more about the author's abilities to convey that story, and to give a personal sense of how it translates to the reader.
"The Highest Stakes," is a book I took a risk on reading. I'm not one who knows horses. Having been completely in the dark about them, I've never grown to appreciate their history or people's attachments to them. But, when I saw Emery Lee's book, it seemed like a good time to jump in and try to see this side of things. I started reading with a jaded mind...I didn't expect to finish the book.
Surprisingly enough, I was mesmorized! Ms. Lee writes about horses, races, breeding horses, and riders as if these things were at the heart of all life. It is captivating! There is much to be learned about the history of horse racing. The breeding of horses and how they develop a racing horse was so interesting written from Emery's hand, and the training of a race horse became alive...almost sensual. My heart raced when the races were described!
Emery Lee is a highly articulate, intelligent writer. She has an infinite grasp of the English language of the times in which her book takes place and of the entire setting of her story. Her characters are subtle and strong. They are absorbing in their trueness and honesty, and their love of horses. There is a love story at the heart of this novel; however, it is beautifully balanced with the story of the horses as they are entwined.
This is an intelligent book. It is a book to be taken seriously. A book that will teach and thrill, I recommend it especially to those who know and love horses and English stories of the 1700's.
While "The Highest Stakes" may fall into the category of historical romance, the excellence of Emery Lee's writing is far beyond this genre in particular. This is a stand-alone novel.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.The love of all things equine first drew me to Emery Lee's debut novel, "The Highest Stakes."
The author's ability to spin a story keep me entranced between the covers of this moving historical romance. "The Highest Stakes" is set in England during the mid-18th century. At that time, horseracing was a gentleman's sport catering to the society of nobility.
This is the story of forbidden love, greed, hatred, revenge, and retribution with a good dose of history mixed in.
The story focuses on star-crossed lovers Charlotte Wallace and Robert Devington. After being orphaned at age 13, Charlotte goes to live with her uncle, Sir Garfield Wallace, and his family. There she meets Robert, a stable boy in her uncle's employ.
Robert teaches Charlotte to ride and their love of horses, as well as for each other, blossoms. But their love is never meant to be it seems. No matter what Robert does to prove his love and worth, Charlotte's uncle will not hear of their union. He is willing to sacrifice Charlotte's happiness for a better status in social standings.
Author Emery Lee takes the reader on a journey of twists and turns, of highs and lows, and love and betrayal. Ever present in the backdrop is thoroughbred horseracing. From beginning to end, the author keeps you guessing and wanting for more.
You don't have to be a horse lover or race enthusiast to enjoy this book. The story is written in the language of 18th century England. For the reader unaccustomed to reading the language it takes a little bit to get familiar with. However, once the reader does they find it adds so much flavor to the story and puts them in that era.
From beginning to end, author Emery Lee has a blueblood winner with "The Highest Stakes."
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Little_Fawn
Posted April 11, 2010
As someone interested in the culture and times of the mid-1700's, I found this novel an interesting look at the lives of the "gentry" as well as the "commoners" surrounding them. The development of the horse to become known as the thoroughred is "on track", no pun intended. There was enough real history and culture of the times interwoven into the plot to lend credence to the story and keep me interested in following the lives of Charlotte and Robert, as well as wondering what will become of poor Philip. While the development of the characters occurs in England, the arrival of Robert in Virginia in pre-revolutionary America, added more twists and turns to this plot than the proverbial spaghetti bowl. Just when I thought I had figured out the story between the characters, the story changed course.
I was skeptical of this novel at first, as I am not a fan of romantic fiction. However, I am a fan of horses and of revolutionary war history and culture. I was delightfully surprised to find that this book exceeded my expectations. While the characters are involved in all that would be expected of a romance novel, the focus is not really on their relationships that much but, on the horses, themselves. Perhpas it was just my perception, but I found the development of personalities and characteristics of the horses absolutely delightful. The descriptions of soundness and temperment fascinated me. I especially loved Amoret and could imagine owning her (or she owning me). If you are someone who likes to be around horses, I think you will enjoy this book. You may find yourself enjoying the people interacting with their horses, moreso than with each other. I found myself escaping into the culture of the time and just enjoying the horses, themselves.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Equilady1
Posted April 4, 2010
THE HIGHEST STAKES - Review by Equilady1
Although I am not a big book reader, particularly in a literal sense (and
this is a very big read) I am a lifelong lover of all things equine. The
horse racing alone gave this novel enough mystique for me to pick it up, and
although it was a big investment of my time to read, it was absolutely worth
it!
I was totally engrossed by the historical aspects of this book from an
equine perspective. The author fills the pages with so many fascinating
facts and details about 18th century horse racing, training and breeding
practices.
As to the love story of Robert and Charlotte - although I've never been one
for sappiness and detest romance novels, the relationship between Robert and
Charlotte was so real to me it was almost tangible. Theirs was true love
born of a shared passion for horses and each other.
And sooo much treachery!! I couldn't put it down! Plot
twists and outright villainy in this book keep me turning the pages well
into the night.
For horse lovers - this book surely deserves five stars.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.What first piqued my interest in THE HIGHEST STAKES was the back cover blurb about the origins of Throroughbred racing and pedigrees, but the book proved to be so much more than a bland history of horseracing!
The book opens with a horse race described in such blow-by-blow detail, that I felt like an active participant. The suspense became so heightened I felt I had placed actual stakes on the race in which Robert Devington rode.
I was then captivated by the heartrending story between Robert, a lowly stable groom and Charlotte, the orphaned niece of ambitious relatives, and the tenacity of this relationship against all odds.
Each time it appears Robert and Charlotte will be together, something unexpected and drastic follows these star-crossed lovers. Ruthlessness and villainy seem always to prevail.
Having little prior knowledge of the Georgian era, I was fascinated by the details of the nobility, their lifestyles, and pride in breeding.
The excitement of the story kept me on the edge of my seat for hundreds of pages in a sitting. I would highly recommend the book to anyone interested in history, horses and true love. FIVE STARS
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mamablue
Posted May 25, 2011
I was initially drawn to this book because of the many high recommendations, but I honestly wish I had passed it up. While it was somewhat intriguing and informative (especially the parts about the history of horse racing, which I did enjoy), I was very disappointed with the characters and plot resolution. WARNING: Plot spoilers: It's been a long time since I have read a book with so many wasted characters who, through bad choices they made, suffer pain and needless agony. There was only one main character who aroused my empathy, and even though he attempted to repair past damages, he was doomed to a miserable life because others could not forgive or move on themselves. Every single character in the book was in a situation not of their own choosing, but none of them could make choices to improve their ability to endure their situation, even if the circumstances themselves couldn't change. Even the two main characters, whom I wanted to like, were so bitter and self-absorbed they became un-likeable. By the end of the book, I really didn't care what became of them. The book ended so abruptly, I found myself re-reading the last few pages to see if I had missed something. And did I think that things would work out well for the star-crossed lovers? Absolutely not. They hadn't done anything to warrant my confidence that they could change! I dislike writing negative reviews. But I honestly did not like how I felt at the end of the book, and others may feel the same way.
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Posted March 9, 2011
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Posted November 25, 2011
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Overview
WHAT WOULD YOU WAGER FOR LOVE?
In the high stakes gentleman's world of 18th century horseracing, when the blood of the "desert kings" ruled the English turf, a hero returns from war to claim the girl he has loved since he first spied her riding hell-for-leather over the Doncaster heath. Determined to have her at any cost, he will risk everything.
A story of star-crossed lovers and horseracing, THE HIGHEST STAKES transports the reader to 18th century England, an era infamous for corruption, arranged marriages, and ...