When happily ever after is the name of the game, gamblers must risk it all in this emotional conclusion to Christina McKnight’s bestselling Craven House Series.

WAGERS GO AWRY

Payton Samuels has always known she wants more out of life than being the youngest daughter of the ton’s most disreputable family. While her siblings are content to bet their future happiness on marriage, Payton learned early on from her mother that love is fleeting and leads only to disappointment. She’s got a different plan: she’ll work as a governess for Baron Ashford’s children, but only long enough to win her fortune at one of his infamous masked gaming parties. When she loses big, Payton sees her chance at an independent life go up in flames—until Lord Ashford surprises her by paying her debts.

WHEN LOVE IS IN THE CARDS.

Since the tragic death of his wife, Damon Kinder, Lord Ashford, has been a man made of ice. His determination to never be hurt by love again runs so deep that he can’t even connect with his children. When they quickly take to Payton, he thinks he’s found a solution: she’ll give them the affection and support he can’t. As he spends more time around Payton, his heart begins to defrost, and he can’t stop thinking about the captivating governess.

But every seasoned gambler knows that eventually, luck runs out. Can two souls so burned by past loves forge a new future together?

Goodreads

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

I have been so waiting for Peyton’s book. She was the baby of the family and the secretive one, so I wanted to know how this hard woman would fall or more who would win her heart.  I admit I loved seeing her soft side emerge and caring for 2 lost souls much like herself as a child.  She is the perfect person to take care of these troublesome kiddos for sure.  She can handle the spunk and hurt they feel over the loss of their mother and subsequent father.

Damon is lost without his wife.  He can’t imagine a day without her and yet here he is living while she is no more.  He is so afraid of screwing up his kids, he hides from them not realizing that is what is screwing them up.  Damon is beyond frustrated when the new governess is not able to handle his children and yet she also will not stand down from him when he gives a dictate.

When Damon discovers a “secret” side to his new governess he is beyond interested in her but seeing her care and support for his children makes his heart seize up.  He should be the one caring for them and yet she is.  He should be the one comforting their night terrors and yet she is the one they come to.

I loved the dynamic of the two.  Damon and Pey are prefect matches for each other.  She will not allow him to hide from his duties as a father and he shows her that loving a man is more then just giving up your freedom to live in a cage.  The love match is a slow burn because they are both from different stations in life and different places.  He has no idea of the heartbreak she has felt in her life and she comes to understand what losing is wife has done to him and his children.

Garrett!!  Oh Garrett!! I am so ready for your book.  Seeing you with the kids made my heart melt like jelly….seriously I love him so hard and I can’t wait to see some woman make a proper gentleman outta him.

USA Today Bestselling Author Christina McKnight writes emotional and intricate Regency Romance with strong women and maverick heroes.

Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.

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