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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
What happens when duty forces two strangers together? In The Gamble by Karen Black, readers are taken to Texas in 1895, where Emily chooses to honor her father by agreeing to an arranged marriage, hoping to save his struggling ranch. She’s spent years working like one of the guys, riding horses, helping with cattle, and putting her family first after her mother’s death. Her future husband, Jacob, is the son of a wealthy Oklahoma rancher and is still grieving the tragic loss of his first wife and child. Soon after the wedding, the newlyweds head out on a cattle drive toward their home in Oklahoma. Their trip is marked by storms, kidnappings, and rising tension since Emily refuses to act like a “proper lady.” As danger and long days bring them closer, the couple must decide whether their relationship can grow into something genuine. Can two guarded hearts learn to trust each other? Or will their union end before it’s really begun?
I was completely hooked from start to finish with The Gamble by Karen Black. There was a good blend of romance, cowboy life, and a bit of danger. Emily was absolutely my favorite part of the story. She was strong-willed and independent during a time when women were expected to be proper ladies. Even when people judged her for wearing trousers, riding horses, or speaking her mind, she stayed true to herself. I also liked the chemistry between Emily and Jacob, which was apparent from the beginning, even though both were leery of the arrangement. The writing flowed well, making it easy to keep turning the pages. I appreciated the little bits of history thrown in. I didn’t know, until this book, how broccoli and cauliflower were considered new vegetables at the time. Readers who enjoy historical western romances with strong heroines, emotional tension, and family-centered storytelling will want to pick up this heartfelt novel.
