When happily-ever-after is the name of the game, gamblers must risk it all in this emotional conclusion to Christina McKnight's best-selling 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?