Love and peril collide when the aristocratic Gwendolyn Lanscarr takes on the dangerously alluring Beckett Steele in the third book in New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s enthralling Gambler’s Daughters series.
From the moment the enigmatic Mr. Steele “almost” kissed her on a Dublin street, her world was forever altered. He commands the respect of rogues and nobles alike . . . and Gwendolyn owes him a favor.
She believes he owes her a kiss.
Beckett is a lone wolf. However, he needs Gwendolyn to discover the secrets of his past. He has no choice but to seek her help—even though she threatens the walls he has carefully erected around his heart.
He doesn’t need a woman in his life; she knows he can’t live without her.
Together, they must navigate a world of deception, where love defies the odds and secrets threaten to unravel everything they hold dear. Will they find a future together, or will the past tear them apart?
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Sexual Content - 3/5
3/5
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Violence - 2/5
2/5
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Language - 0/5
0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
A Touch of Steele is the third installment in Cathy Maxwell’s The Gambler’s Daughters series, and although I hadn’t read the previous books, I thoroughly enjoyed this one as a standalone. That said, I do think reading the earlier books would have added even more depth—especially to better understand how Becket and Gwendolyn first met, which is referenced throughout and sounds like it was a great meet/cute moment.
One of the highlights of this story—beyond the simmering romance—is the mystery surrounding Mr. Steele’s origins. Maxwell masterfully unravels Becket’s past, piece by piece, keeping the reader engaged with twists and revelations that deepen the emotional stakes.
Becket Steele is a loner, strong-willed and guarded, while Gwendolyn Lanscarr is a fiercely independent woman. The two are thrown together as Beck seeks Gwen’s help to uncover the secrets of his birth. He calls in the favor she owes him. As their journey unfolds, resisting their mutual attraction becomes increasingly difficult. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the slow burn of their connection makes the payoff all the more satisfying.
The novel blends action, secrets, romance, and a hint of danger in a well-paced and emotionally rewarding story.
While some readers might feel the villains didn’t receive their full comeuppance, I appreciated the resolution. Beck got the closure he needed, and his choices felt true to his growth.
A captivating blend of mystery and romance
open door scenes
violence - someone is trying to keep them from learning the truth
note: mention of Beck being raised in a brothel