Thank you Netgalley,author and publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this beautiful story .Below is my honest review.

My Rating Rating: 4/5 Stars

A Touch of Steele is the third installment in the Gambler's Daughters series, weaving a tale of intrigue, romance, and self-discovery. The narrative centers on Gwendolyn Lanscarr, an aristocratic Irish noblewoman, and Beckett Steele, a man of enigmatic origins and multifaceted talents. Their paths cross in Dublin, leading to a partnership that delves into Beckett's mysterious past and challenges societal norms.

Gwendolyn is portrayed as a strong-willed and resourceful heroine, unafraid to confront the challenges that come her way. Her interactions with Beckett are marked by witty banter and undeniable chemistry, making their evolving relationship both engaging and heartfelt. Beckett, with his complex background and ability to navigate both aristocratic circles and the underworld, adds depth to the story. His quest to uncover his true heritage, with Gwendolyn's assistance, forms the crux of the plot, leading to revelations that test their bond and individual convictions.

The novel's pacing is generally well-maintained, with a balance between action-driven sequences and character development. However, certain plot points could benefit from deeper exploration to enhance the narrative's richness. The supporting cast, while contributing to the storyline, occasionally lack the depth that would make them more memorable.

The writing style is reminiscent of classic literature, providing detailed insights into characters' motivations and actions. This approach, while informative, sometimes minimizes dialogue, which could have added more dynamism to character interactions. Nonetheless, the prose effectively conveys the historical setting and societal intricacies of the time.

In conclusion, A Touch of Steele is a compelling addition to the Gambler's Daughters series, offering a blend of romance and mystery. Fans of historical romance will appreciate the strong leads and the journey they undertake together. While there are areas that could be further developed, the novel delivers an enjoyable reading experience that leaves readers anticipating future installments.

A Touch of Steele, the third book in the Gambler's Daughters series by Cathy Maxwell shows many correlations to the TV series Remington Steele. The hero Beckett Steele has the upbringing of an orphan in search of his birth parents when he becomes an adult, similarly to the TV character Remington Steele. Maxwell's Steele, like the TV character Remington Steele, is a man of many talents, carving out a niche for himself among the English artistocrats and among England's underworld, moving comfortably between the two classes.

This is the second historical romance in 2024 that has shown correlations to the TV series Remington Steele in its hero. That one being How To Fall For A Scoundrel by Kate Bateman. Curiously, Bateman's story as well as Maxwell's latest offering are geared to present strong heroines but it is the heroes in both that intrigue the reader, compelled to find out how these heroes turn out.

On the fringes of the English aristocracy, Irish noblewoman Gwendolyn Lanscarr is solicited by Beckett Steele to help him acquire entrance to Colemore, the family estate of Lord Middlebury, whom Steele has been led to believe is his birth father. Colemore becomes a den of wolves that includes a former would-be betrothed of Steele, Violent Danvers now Lady Rabron, strategizing how to control Steele before he discovers the truth about his heritage.

Maxwell's writing style is informative, feeding the reader details and material facts about the characters. The reader does not figure out who are the deceivers, Maxwell comes out and tells the audience who they are. The minimizing of dialogue and interaction among the characters will remind readers of old-school authors like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, who wrote as though holding the reader's hand, interpreting people's actions and drawing conclusions for the reader.

Like the TV character Remington Steele, Beckett Steele is an endearing hero, who keeps the reader wanting to learn more about him. The gambler's daughter Gwendolyn Lanscarr is a Girl Friday, an Eliza Doolittle to Steele, which is a romance that likely many of Maxwell's readers will find stimulating.