Lily Henderson’s greatest passion is knowledge. Christopher Farnsworth thrives on order and decorum. But Lily’s penchant for Suffragette rallies and logical reasoning soon clash with Christopher’s quiet, controlled ex-military lifestyle over a bowl of potato soup.

The two agree to a wager and love is the intended outcome. The premise? A suitable match by Easter. If he loses, he’ll attend Easter church services dressed in one of his aunt’s outrageously colored and beaded gowns. If she loses, she’ll ride, Lady Godiva-style, around the heart of Indianapolis.

The problem is neither Christopher nor Lily can find matches as good as themselves. Romantic sabotage is the order of the day. The original wager is forgotten when the only thing the pair gamble with is their hearts.

REVIEW

New Author..really shines, May 1, 2009

I just had the pleasure, and I mean pleasure, of reading Sandra Sookoo's new novel "Winner Takes All" on my Kindle reading device. The story is smart and funny. It moves quickly, taking us into a time period not usually written about in historical romances.

Her characters are flawed, but lovable, and the ending brings on the much needed Happy Ending. I think its so nice to find a new author who is really smart, quick, and witty. She reminds me of an early Amanda Quick. Anyone who picks up this book is going to enjoy it and the author, in my opinion, has a bright future ahead of her.

Reviewed by: Rebecca Grimaldi (redsigma)
www.amazon.com
5 out of 5 stars

EXCERPT

Lily hated him from that instant. Her competitive streak rose to the challenge and refused to be ignored. “Turnabout is fair play.” Her cheeks heated, whether from anger or Christopher’s gaze she couldn’t tell. “I accept your terms, as long as you agree that I return the favor.”

A gasp from Samantha filled the silence. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea, Lily. You don’t have many female friends. How would you even find suitable candidates?”

“That doesn’t matter.” Lily advanced into the room, determination surging through her being. “I’ll take your bet and raise the stakes. I’ll match you with an appropriate woman before you can match me.”

He tapped his chin with a long forefinger. “We need consequences to ensure an honest effort.” He snapped his fingers. “If you find the woman of my dreams, I’ll borrow one of my Aunt Zelma’s bead encrusted, be-feathered gowns and wear it to Easter service.”

The room erupted into snickers from the males and outright laughter from the women.

Lily ignored them. She focused on the mocking light in his eyes and the arrogant set to his lips, determined to bring him to shame. “And if, by some miracle, you should find me a perfect man, I…” Lily chewed the inside of her lip as she wracked her brain for a suitable challenge. “I vow to ride around Monument Circle on a horse, naked like the Lady Godiva legend.”

Bedlam took over the stately, blue-papered Henderson dining room.

“Lillian, you’ll do no such thing! We are a respectable household!” Mr. Henderson’s protest seemed to rattle the china in the cherry wood hutch on one side of the room.

“Do we have a deal?” she asked sweetly, savoring Christopher’s speechless expression. She offered a high-stakes prize because she knew she would win the contest. How hard could matchmaking be?