This was a romance with a mystery attached. Beck has reason to believe that his mother was a prostitute. He recently began having troubling dreams which are compelling him to investigate his past. He reluctantly asks Gwendolyn to assist him. Gwendolyn has been interested in Beck for some time but, of course, he feels that he is not good enough for her. Things get very interesting as the couple investigates. I had a hard time putting the book down, but it also felt like the story took a long time to unfold. I was glad that it finally came to a happy ending. I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Gwendolyn Lanscarr once got her sisters out of scrape when they needed money by gambling, but she left the tavern by the skin of her teeth and some help from Beckett Steele, a notorious rogue. She owes him a favor, which he calls in in the most surprising manner: she'll be the new whist partner for Lady Orpington at a house party hosted by Lady Middlebury. Beckett will also attend the house party, introduced as a Mr. Nicholas Curran, Lady Orpington's nephew, with the ulterior motive of learning more about his past. He may have lived his early life in a brothel, but he believes he may be the natural son of the Marquess of Middlebury. Some parts of the past are better left dead, though.

I always enjoy a historical romance with complicated family ties and messy inheritance problems. A Touch of Steele is the third book in the Gambler's Daughters series, and while most of the romance for this book is self-contained, Gwendolyn and Beckett's fateful meet-cute happens in the first book, and the groundwork for the reasons Beckett insists they cannot be together is woven throughout books one and two. Part of the love story are a little bit uneven, overshadowed by the plot and the numerous characters at the house party. But for those who prefer the third act conflict to be something other than a breakup, you'll be pleased here.

Thank you to Avon for an eARC for review. A Touch of Steele is out 5/27/25.

He's trying to find his mother...

Beckett Steele "Beck" was raised in a brothel until the age of six, when a marquess sent his man to take him to school. It wasn't until he was an adult and suffered a head injury in war that a sliver of memory began to haunt him. A woman he believes is his mother and he is on a search to find out all he can about her. He has an odd knack for finding people and asks for a favor in return.

Gwendolyn owes him a favor. She is a poor Irish in London hoping for a successful season, but Beck Steele has caught her fancy and she feels he owes her a kiss. She can also help him in his quest for info on his mother.

There are dark bits in this story balanced by the relationship thats a slow build for Gwendolyn and Beck. He's got a nefarious pops who will kill to keep his secrets.
Recommend.

3.5/5 stars
Gwendolyn Lanscarr is desperately in love with Beckett Steele, but he doesn't believe he's good enough for her. He's not sure WHO he is, really, but an upcoming house party may change all that. Gwendolyn agrees to go with Beck as he attempts to discover the cause of his mysterious dreams and sort out his true identity. What follows is a story full of danger, secrets...and love!

This was my first Cathy Maxwell, and I was really impressed with her writing! I found myself really curious to know what was ACTUALLY going on during the story. The plot unfolded very nicely. It read like a great historical mystery!

While I was very entertained and intrigued, the romantic elements felt a bit lacking to me. There was little in the way of chemistry or slow burn, and our heroine felt a tad one dimensional. I was being told what kind of person she was without really getting much of a glimpse of her, at least in terms of the character traits that drew Beck to her personality/character. Perhaps this isn't a fair assessment, given the fact that it's the third book in the series, and maybe a reader would have gotten more of a sense of Gwendolyn in the earlier books. If I were to rate this as an historical mystery, I'd have given it 4.5 stars easily. I just really needed more if I was going to consider this a stellar historical romance.

I'd still like to read Cathy Maxwell again in the future. Those of you who enjoy a primarily historical mystery but with romantic elements will ADORE this novel!

Trigger warnings: strangulation, dead person face-down in the water, near-drowning, references to being shot in the head, kidnapping, person being beaten on the head, guns/violence

I'd like to thank Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

The mysterious Beckett Steele owes Gwendolyn Lanscarr a kiss. Beck wants something from Gwendolyn, but it's not a kiss. She owes him a favor. Troubled by dreams of a woman with green eyes crying for help, his search for answers in London turns up nothing. The only connection to his past is the Marquess of Middlebury. The Middlebury house party is known for the competitive games of whist. It's the ideal setting for Beck to search the house and estate for answers. He calls in the favor Gwendolyn owes him. She is excited for an adventure, especially with Beck. A loner, he doesn't need a woman as a partner, but she isn't giving him a choice to turn her away.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Beckett Steele is on a mission to track down his mother’s identity and uncover his family history. With an idea of who his father might be, he convinces his friend Gwendolyn to accompany a society matron to a house party while he poses as the matron’s nephew. Unfortunately for Beck he looks like his late father and his identity is quickly discovered, putting him and Gwendolyn at risk of meeting the same fate as Beck’s murdered mother.

This is the third book in the Gambler’s Daughters series. I know I’ve read the other two but have no recollection of them, so this book can be read on its own. This book would fall into the category of more of an adventure romance than standard London ballroom historical. I liked Beck and Gwendolyn and through the pair had good chemistry while this was a lower heat book. I’m not sure if there will be a fourth book in this series, but if there is, I will definitely read it.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. It was fun, steamy, fast-paced and kept me reading. I enjoyed this historical romance and look forward to reading more books by this author.

A Touch of Steele
A Novel
by Cathy Maxwell

This was a slow burn historical romance with mystery, emotion, and heart.
I’ve been waiting for Gwendolyn and Beckett’s story since they first met, and it was worth it. Gwendolyn is determined, loyal, and full of heart, while Beckett is brooding and haunted by his past. Their chemistry was strong, and I loved watching Beckett slowly let his guard down.
The story had a great balance of romance and suspense, though it moved a bit slowly at times. I was disappointed that some of the villains didn’t face consequences, but the love story made up for it.
The ending was satisfying, though I wish there had been an epilogue. The mystery of Beckett’s past was interesting and emotional, and I appreciated how Gwendolyn stood by him through it all.
Overall, it was a touching, romantic read and a strong finish to the Gambler’s Daughters series.
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

I really liked this latest book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Maxwell's talent always shows the reader how much she puts into her stories. I felt like I was there and involved along with them. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. This can be read as a stand alone even though it's #3 in the series.
Beckett Steele is a man alone. He once almost kissed Gwendolyn Lanscarr on the street of Dublin. Now he finds he needs Gwen to help him in his search to find his real mother. His secret is in finding out what happened to his mother in the brothels but can't find any answers.
Gwen and Steele become close in their dealing with each other. So many obstacles to overcome and finding themselves falling in love.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

I've read a lot of Cathy Maxwell in my time and I've always loved how seamlessly and beautifully she weaves humor and romance and sometimes, mystery and intrigue. And she does it once again, in A Touch of Steele. I was in love with Beckett Steele from the moment we saw him in Book 1 and I wanted to see him with Gwendolyn Lanscarr so very much! The chemistry between the two was palpable from the beginning. And in true romance fashion, Cathy saved them for last. They were so much fun to read and such a ride to be alongside as they travel to a house party full of mystery and intrigue. The side characters were super fun and I really was surprised by one or two things that happened. I liked that Cathy chose a different path for Beck and let him and Gwen find their own HEA on their own terms. The burn was slow but the tension was tight. The way they worked together as a team felt genuine and helped strengthen their bond and relationship. I felt that they each really knew the other person. Cathy really went there at the end and pulled no punches as it got a bit bananas crazy but in the best way! Satisfying ending to a wonderful series.

My first Cathy Maxwell book! Gwendolyn's two sisters are recently married and she's content being a spinster.
Beckett is a bastard who has started having mysterious dreams in which a lady is singing.
Both of these people are are very good for each other. Gwen is independent and strong. Beck is dark and brooding. They end up at a house party, which is one of my favorite tropes. They attempt to uncover the secrets of Beck's past. Good job. Now I must read Cathy Maxwell's back catalog.
Thank you to Avon for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

This book is for the girls who have ever crushed on a man so hard and then had to patiently wait for him to catch up emotionally. Gwendolyn is the girl who knows what she wants (adventure, Mr. Steele) and carries the confidence to seek them out. Ever since her “almost kiss” years ago, she’s known Beckett Steele is the man for her. If only he’d get on board. So when a surprising invitation to a house party he’ll be attending is delivered to her door, Gwendolyn knows she must go. And discovering Beckett could use a little help uncovering his mysterious identity (even if he thinks he doesn’t want it) is the kind of adventure Gwendolyn craves.

I loved Gwendolyn’s confidence. She’s no pushover and can hold her own against even the snobbiest of the aristocrats at the Colemore house party. I think what I enjoy about Cathy Maxwell’s books is that they immediately pique my interests and continue to hold my attention, giving me a little mystery with my romance. Even though early on I knew where the story was heading, it was so fun going on the journey and seeing how Beckett learned about his family and birth story. The storytelling is top notch and now I’m really wanting Ellisfield to get his own HEA! Even though this is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone; Maxwell gives the characters just enough backstory for it to make sense. This book is the perfect palate cleanser if you’re in a rut—it has a mysterious handsome hero with a complicated past, a gorgeous likable heroine, a snobby dog, affluent house party, and evil nemeses who I loved to hate. I received an early copy from Avon, all opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭.5️⃣
Pace: 💨💨💨
Makes me want to read more books by this author: 💯

Brilliant whist player and notorious Irish daughter, Gwendolyn Lanscarr longs to culminate the feelings she has for the mysterious war veteran, Beckett Steele. Coming from a volatile and humble childhood, Beckett has many questions about his origins and lineage. These questions are exacerbated by his recurring dreams, which indicate that there is much more to his identity than he is aware. Although Beckett is determined not to love and trust again, Gwendolyn’s stubborn devotion leads him to a new path of happiness and fulfillment.

This book provides readers with an eventful and action-packed plot. If you love your romances with all of the accompanying drama—such as gambling debts, family secrets, kidnappings, fires, and funny dogs—this one will give you the wild escape for which you long. At times, the family secrets plot seemed to supersede the central relationship, and at times, I wanted more dialogue and development of Beckett and Gwendolyn’s love.

Considering how action-packed this plot is, the writing maintains its depth and clarity, and it is easy to tell that Maxwell is a seasoned storyteller. The romance is low-angst and the physicality is a sweet slowburn, and I know many readers will appreciate these qualities. The characters themselves also value adventure, and I appreciated the unique HEA, which values unity over monetary rewards.

I enjoyed this one, and I want to thank the publisher and @netgalley for the opportunity!

A Touch of Steele is the story of Gwendolyn, the 3rd Lanscarr sister who is finally getting her HEA since her 2 younger sisters were featured in the first 2 books. The story is a slow burn with bits of action interspersed in the other chapters. I am a little disappointed with the ending, though it ending happily, I would have wished Beckett, the main character had been allowed to become who he really was born to be but I understand why he didn’t. This is not my favorite of this series because it seems there were so many people involved in covering up the crimes committed against Beckett and his mother, it was hard to pinpoint who the true villain was until the end and unfortunately, everyone involved did not face punishment.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

A Touch of Steele
By Cathy Maxwell
The Gamblers Daughters Book 3

Gwendolyn Lanscarr never imagined she'd end up in London, much less with her beloved sisters happily married. Now her sisters have set their sights on getting her a husband. Yet she's already developed feelings for the mysterious Mr. Steele. With a promise of a favor, she knows she'll encounter him soon.

Beckett Steele has not had an easy life. He's got overheard rumblings without any clear idea of his parentage. Now he's presented with an opportunity to uncover the secrets of his birth. Calling in some favors is what he does, but bringing Gwendolyn into close quarters could prove to be his downfall. With the danger increasing and not sure whose behind the treachery Beckett does what he must to protect the one who got past his barriers.

**This was a quick read. Somewhat predictable, but didn't expect the final choice once all was revealed.**

Overpowering emotions, larger than life characters and irresistible romance. Maxwell paints a colorful picture of the heart. Gwen and Beckett leap off the page with every interaction. From tempting attraction to unpredictable heartache, their quest for enduring love is full of dangerous detours that keeps you intrigued and thirsting for more. A MUST READ HEARTBREAKER.

A solid historical romance with a great hero and a decent mystery story!

First off, this has a great first line—

> "He'd asked for the oldest whore in the house.”
>

I mean, okay, color me intrigued from the start! But really, the thing that got my attention was the interactions between Beckett and Gwendolyn. These two had delicious chemistry and bounded off each other so well in a way that was addictive. I really enjoyed Gwendolyn’s take charge personality and her determination to make Beckett admit that there was something more between them. When he refuses a bit too much, she takes a step back and slaughters him with a biting quip that just made me hungrier for more of them. Plus some light jealousy on both sides? Delightful.

The mystery of Beckett’s background wasn’t especially shocking, I figured it out nearly immediately, but it was still fun to watch unfold and had a surprising twist or two as well. Though the mastermind behind it didn’t quite match with the rest of the story set up, it still resolved in a satisfying way. I actually felt like the wrap up made perfect sense for the characters’ we’d learned about.

Really my biggest complaint was that the exposition got to be a bit much at times. Especially leading up to the climax, it slowed the pace up a lot. It just felt like some scenes were overwritten or certain emotions had been hammered to death over and over.

All in all though, an enjoyable read that has me intrigued for more by this author.

If you enjoy historical romance on the low angst, high adventure side, you're in for a treat. We were introduced to Beckett Steele (what a romance novel hero name!) in book one of the Gambler's Daughters series, and we finally get to see him fall for Gwendolyn Lanscarr in this one! ⁠
⁠
Beck needs to infiltrate a house party, and he's got just the excuse: one of his acquaintances needs to find a card sharp to partner her in the annual whist competition at the party. Beckett knows that Gwendolyn learned to count cards at her father's knee, and she happens to owe him a favor - so he gets Gwendolyn to partner his acquaintance in return for an invitation. (Did he really need to find a partner AND use up his favor for the invitation? Probably not, but it did get him to the house party where he can be in close proximity to Gwendolyn the whole time, so who's the master strategist now?)⁠
⁠
The house party invitation turns into a cold case investigation, a couple of kidnappings, and some unearthed revelations about Beck's past. Like I said, this is an adventure romance, and both leads are on the same side for almost the whole time. I quite liked Gwendolyn's quiet confidence in the strength of her relationship with Beckett even as he dances the "I'm not good enough for you!" gavotte. He's definitely got to learn that she knows what she wants, and nothing he can do will dissuade her.⁠

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

As the eldest and only unmarried Lanscarr sister, Gwendolyn Lanscarr is the subject of her sisters’ matchmaking, since they are happily married, they believe that Gwendolyn must be married too. What they don’t know is that there is only one man that could tempt Gwendolyn off her path to spinsterhood – Beckett Steele. Gwendolyn and her sisters met Beckett in Dublin when Gwendolyn was gambling to make enough money to have a London season. He helped her win and then after sharing an “almost kiss” left, but surfaced again in London and helped the sisters enter society, telling Gwendolyn that she owes him a favor, and he will collect someday before disappearing again. Despite this, Beckett has always turned up when Gwendolyn has needed him but never stays long and sadly their “almost kiss” has never been repeated. So, she is excited when a trip to the lending library ends with a secret note from Beckett and the promise of adventure. Unfortunately, the favor isn’t what she had hoped for, he wants her to be a whist partner to Lady Orpington at an exclusive house party, but she is sure there is a deeper game at play, especially when Lady Orpington introduces her to Beckett as her nephew Nicholas Curran. On the way home she grills Beckett and vows to help him find the answers he needs, even as he tells her to stay out of his way and just play cards. They arrive at the house party and Gwendolyn slowly unravels the mystery of Beckett Steele, but his story is a dangerous one and may cost her more than just her heart but is one that must be solved if she has any hope of a happily ever after.

Since surviving a gunshot in the war, Beckett Steele has been plagued with dreams of a woman singing and then screaming. He feels certain the woman is his mother, and he needs to learn what the dreams mean. Beckett has always known that he is the son of the Marquess of Middlebury and his mistress, he was raised in a brothel and at around the age of six his father’s man Olin Winstead took him from there and put him in school, and then later bought him a commission in the military, but he was warned to never speak of his connection to the marquess or Olin promised to cut out his tongue. Beckett has never spoken of it, but the dreams have him questioning everything and he needs answers, but his questions have stirred the pot and when he has another confrontation with Olin, he knows that the answers he seeks will only be found at the marquess’ estate. He knows he shouldn’t bring Gwendolyn into this nightmare, but she is one of the few people he trusts, he just wished he didn’t care for her so much, because he knows he is not worthy of her, and nothing could ever come from his feelings. Too bad Gwendolyn doesn’t agree, she is like a dog with a bone and soon has Beckett telling her everything. He loves Gwen but now that he has learned the truth of his dreams, he has put her in danger and unless he can find a way to protect her, they will never have a chance of finding their happily ever after.

This book is the book that I have been waiting for since Gwendolyn and Beckett met in the first book and it was worth the wait. These two have been circling around each other since they met and the chemistry between them was obvious. But the time was never right for them and Beckett tried his best to keep Gwendolyn at a distance. Lucky for him Gwendolyn was a “I will chase him till he catches me” kind of woman and loves Beckett with all her heart. This book is filled with emotion, heartache, betrayal, secrets, murder, wonderful secondary characters, old flames, abductions, warm love scenes, horrific revelations and finally a hard-won HEA. This was by far my favorite book in the series and wrapped up everything nicely – my only qualm was the lack of an epilogue, but that aside this was a wonderful, gripping and at times darkish story that I would happily recommend to my fellow HR readers. This is the third and final book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone title, I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.

4.5 stars, rounded up

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

3.5/5 (rounded up): I liked this book just fine, but didn’t love it. While I enjoyed the author's writing style and humor, I felt like the characters were pretty one dimensional and the plot pretty predictable. There were moments that I did like the characters in the beginning, especially in the instant chemistry that seemed to pulse between them. Knowing they have history from the prior novels, did add a realism to this insta-love, so while I normally don't like this in a book, it worked here. But where I was hoping for more depth with the characters, it just didn't happen. Gwendolyn especially was someone that seemed almost too perfect. There were several moments where other characters (and even Steele) were super revealing without her needing to probe too much. Which in some ways, showed how trustworthy she seemed, but in another way it became a little too weird at some points.

I did still enjoyed the ride even if I knew the twists and turns I was going to expect, so I can see where others might really like this book. Maybe this would have hit harder had I read the other two in the series, so I would encourage others to start there before reading this one. I also will definitely try out other books by this author, since despite my issues with the plot of this book, I did enjoy her writing style and there were so many great humorous moments in this book!