A kiss in the moonlight

It has been several years since their ne'er-do-well but well-meaning father, Captain Sir John Lanscarr, disappeared. Now, if Gwendolyn, Dara, and Elise don't do something immediately, their odious cousin Richard will marry them off as quickly as he can. Ever the strategist among her siblings, Dara convinces her sisters to leave their small Irish village and head to London's marriage mart, where Dara is certain each of them can land a duke for a husband. However, just as Dara's scheme seems to be gaining momentum, attorney and up-and-coming member of Parliament Michael Brogan begins showing romantic interest in Elise. Since Michael is definitely not a duke, Dara will have to find a way of distracting him, even it means spending time with Michael herself! With its captivating characters, spot-on plotting spiced with a hint of dangerous political intrigue, and simmering sensuality, this is no gamble for historical romance fans who will find that this is a great start to Maxwell's (His Lessons on Love, 2022) new Gambler's Daughters series

The three Lanscarr sisters hatch a plan to reclaim their fate after their father gambles away their fortune and disappears, and their boorish cousin subsequently tries to marry them off to the highest bidders. Using the gambling skills their father taught them, they turn their meager savings into sufficient funding for a London season, but money might not be enough to navigate the demands of high society. When two of the sisters fall for the same man, the stakes seem insurmountable, but when it's revealed that he is investigating a treasonous embezzlement scheme, they realize they have wagered more than just their hearts. Maxwell (His Lessons on Love) begins her new "Gambler's Daughters" series with an engaging tale of social climbing, scandal, and salvation. From the first frenzied dash through the forest, the fast-paced narrative pulls readers in, with lush detail and historic language enhancing the immersive atmosphere. Love scenes are scarce, but sensuous. VERDICT Will appeal to readers seeking an enemies-to-lovers Regency romance with a dash of espionage. Recommended for fans of Sabrina Jeffries, Grace Burrowes, and Sophie Irwin.--Lauren Hackert