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A Gamble of the Heart
Once you've been betrayed, trusting again is the scariest gamble of all.
Becca Pierson takes her vows seriously. So even when her husband's secret gambling addiction shakes her world, she soldiers on, sure they can work things out. But reality soon proves otherwise, and she decides she must put their 10-year-old son David first and file for divorce. When a loan shark barges into her apartment and demands the little cash she has left, she takes David and flees 400 miles across Montana to the only place that will shelter them--Ragin' Moon Refuge.
Tony Lascari's family owns Ragin' Moon, and he has seen many a broken woman pass through. He's never been tempted, for he knows the baggage they carry. Life is so much easier when you only have to consider yourself. But when he picks up Becca from the bus depot, he's immediately drawn to the frightened young mother who brings out his instincts to protect. But with Becca's future so uncertain, he knows their relationship must stay platonic.
Becca also feels the attraction, but needs to focus on protecting her son, which may entail fleeing again. There's simply too much at stake to be distracted by Tony's charm and rugged good looks. No matter how kind he is. No matter how safe he makes her feel.
Will she risk a second chance at love with Tony? Or will lingering regrets and apprehensions about the future forever bind her to the present?
A clean, small town, romantic suspense set in western Montana.
Becca Pierson takes her vows seriously. So even when her husband's secret gambling addiction shakes her world, she soldiers on, sure they can work things out. But reality soon proves otherwise, and she decides she must put their 10-year-old son David first and file for divorce. When a loan shark barges into her apartment and demands the little cash she has left, she takes David and flees 400 miles across Montana to the only place that will shelter them--Ragin' Moon Refuge.
Tony Lascari's family owns Ragin' Moon, and he has seen many a broken woman pass through. He's never been tempted, for he knows the baggage they carry. Life is so much easier when you only have to consider yourself. But when he picks up Becca from the bus depot, he's immediately drawn to the frightened young mother who brings out his instincts to protect. But with Becca's future so uncertain, he knows their relationship must stay platonic.
Becca also feels the attraction, but needs to focus on protecting her son, which may entail fleeing again. There's simply too much at stake to be distracted by Tony's charm and rugged good looks. No matter how kind he is. No matter how safe he makes her feel.
Will she risk a second chance at love with Tony? Or will lingering regrets and apprehensions about the future forever bind her to the present?
A clean, small town, romantic suspense set in western Montana.
- GenresMystery Thriller
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2024
134 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Raine
12 books56 followersLove a good, clean, happy ever after as much as me? Then hop on over to my site at http://www.ktraineromance.com and grab your free copy of my short story "Twice a Fool," by signing up for my monthly Dog-gone Short and Sweet Update. It is indeed short and sweet and always contains a pic of a dog guaranteed to make you smile.
My favorite stories involve spunky, sweet heroines and strong, swoon-worthy guys who aren't afraid to take charge ... oh, and a dog in the mix never hurt either. So those are the type of books I write!
I live in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho--inspiration for my Huckleberry Ridge Romance series--with my hubby of 30 years and our adorable Beagle mix Stella.
When I'm not reading or plotting my next novel, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and soaking in my hot tub during the cold months. I do housework when I must and laundry when we run out of clean underwear. If you want to know more, visit my website or reach out to me directly at kt@ktraineromance.com. I promise to answer.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-t-r...
Happy reading!
My favorite stories involve spunky, sweet heroines and strong, swoon-worthy guys who aren't afraid to take charge ... oh, and a dog in the mix never hurt either. So those are the type of books I write!
I live in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho--inspiration for my Huckleberry Ridge Romance series--with my hubby of 30 years and our adorable Beagle mix Stella.
When I'm not reading or plotting my next novel, I enjoy gardening, hiking, and soaking in my hot tub during the cold months. I do housework when I must and laundry when we run out of clean underwear. If you want to know more, visit my website or reach out to me directly at kt@ktraineromance.com. I promise to answer.
Be sure to follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-t-r...
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 22, 2024
I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from Ms. Raine, so when I saw this was available to request on BookSirens I snapped it up. I’ve previously described Ms. Raine’s books as breezy, fun, and heartwarming, with well written characters, and A GAMBLE OF THE HEART delivered on those expectations. But when I say breezy I don’t mean frivolous, as her books also touch on deeper subjects, and there is usually an element of danger to the heroine, with the hero being a protector (one of my personal catnips). Here we have Becca and her young son traveling across the state seeking refuge, after a loan shark appears at her door, demanding money to pay off her ex-husband’s gambling debt. From there, the physical danger is minimal, and the story is more about Becca finding herself again, finding friends and acceptance in her new home, and of course, since this is a romance, finding love again.
That’s not to say her ex isn’t involved in the story, and we even get some sections told from his point of view. It would have been easy for the author to write him off in the end, but she gave him some character development and a chance at redemption instead.
This is a quick read, with some tense moments towards the end, and a happy, satisfying resolution. It’s the first in a new series, and with four more brothers besides Tony I’m already looking forward to more of the Ragin’ Moon Refuge! And I highly recommend Ms. Raine’s Huckleberry Ridge series, as well as the first book of hers that I read, HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL.
*Received via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed*
That’s not to say her ex isn’t involved in the story, and we even get some sections told from his point of view. It would have been easy for the author to write him off in the end, but she gave him some character development and a chance at redemption instead.
This is a quick read, with some tense moments towards the end, and a happy, satisfying resolution. It’s the first in a new series, and with four more brothers besides Tony I’m already looking forward to more of the Ragin’ Moon Refuge! And I highly recommend Ms. Raine’s Huckleberry Ridge series, as well as the first book of hers that I read, HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL.
*Received via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed*
June 4, 2024
Becca Pierson married her high school sweetheart Mark, and they have a little boy that is now 10-year-old named David. They lived a very happy life until Mark discovered gambling. He got addicted and eventually lost everything except $1,500 dollars that Becca had gotten too first in their checking account. They got a divorce despite the counseling that they had tried and everything before she finally gave up. They shared custody of David, and all was well until Mark sent a loan shark to the apartment to collect the $1,500 that he knew she had gotten from the bank. This act of cowardice from Mark really scared her knowing he cared more for his gambling then he did his family. She gave the loan shark $500 and told her she would have to go to the bank to get the rest. Her next plan was to get as far away while still staying in Montana that she could. The only refuge that she could find to take them in was the Ragin' Moon Refuge about 400 miles away. David and Becca took the bus there and the lady that she had talked too said someone would be there to meet them at the station.
The Lascari's family owns Ragin' Moon and has seen many a broken women pass through. They had the main house where Coleen, her husband, 5 grown sons and their adopted little girl Maggie lived. They had 5 cabins where their guests stayed for as long as they needed or wanted too. Tony the oldest son had picked them up from the bus station and Becca could not help but notice how tall and good looking that he was. Right from the first time she saw the ranch she felt safe and comfortable there. They had a big gate at the main entrance and fencing all around the property as well as top of the line security system. Now that they were safe, she had to decide what to do with the rest of their lives and get everything back on track.
This book is really good, and I know that you all will love it just like I did. Give it a try. It just goes to show us that life can change in an instant and take us on a whole new path.
I got this book from Book Sirens and will be very happy to leave my review.
October 31, 2025
Protecting Her Son
Becca was shocked when a very large man forced his way into her apartment and demanded $1500. Her ex, Mark, said she had it and he wanted it now. She gave him $500 and said the rest was on the bank and she could get it tomorrow. He promised to be back in the morning. She promptly grabbed the other $1000, packed a bag for herself and her son, David, and went to get him from his friend's house where he had spent the night. She had researched women's shelters and found one at Ragin' Moon Refuge by Big Pine, Montana. She bought bus tickets with cash, dumped her cell phone, and left. At Big Pine, they were met by Tony Lascaris, who drove them to the Refuge and got them settled in their cabin. He had to admit that he had been attracted to Becca from the first moment he saw her. But he chastised himself for even considering it, when she had just escaped a traumatic incident. He would be patient. David became friends with Maggie, the adopted daughter. Tony made visits to the cabin as often as possible. Mark wanted to see David, and David secretly was using Maggie's phone to talk to Mark. This is a story of redemption and second chances. It is a very interesting look at gambling addiction. It's a great plot, great characters, and an incredible family whose ranch provides safety for women and children who need it. I really enjoyed it.
Becca was shocked when a very large man forced his way into her apartment and demanded $1500. Her ex, Mark, said she had it and he wanted it now. She gave him $500 and said the rest was on the bank and she could get it tomorrow. He promised to be back in the morning. She promptly grabbed the other $1000, packed a bag for herself and her son, David, and went to get him from his friend's house where he had spent the night. She had researched women's shelters and found one at Ragin' Moon Refuge by Big Pine, Montana. She bought bus tickets with cash, dumped her cell phone, and left. At Big Pine, they were met by Tony Lascaris, who drove them to the Refuge and got them settled in their cabin. He had to admit that he had been attracted to Becca from the first moment he saw her. But he chastised himself for even considering it, when she had just escaped a traumatic incident. He would be patient. David became friends with Maggie, the adopted daughter. Tony made visits to the cabin as often as possible. Mark wanted to see David, and David secretly was using Maggie's phone to talk to Mark. This is a story of redemption and second chances. It is a very interesting look at gambling addiction. It's a great plot, great characters, and an incredible family whose ranch provides safety for women and children who need it. I really enjoyed it.
May 14, 2024
I freaking love K.T. Raine. Every single book that comes out, I insist it can't possibly be better than the last, and then it is. I am consistently impressed and I am so here for it.
This was the first in the series and I am going to be pacing the floor in anticipation of the next one. I so hope we don't have to wait too long. Everything about this was just so good. I am completely obsessed with the characters. Especially Becca. Although, Tony was very swoon-worthy.
Becca proved her resilience right from the first page and that was it. I knew I was in for an insanely good book. And things only got better from there. Becca is a mom who will do anything to protect her child, and I admired her strength and independence so much. But I also liked that Tony wasn't going to let her go through the terror she was experiencing alone. K.T. Raine is probably one of the very few authors who can suck me into a single mom kind of romance book.
There was a definitely roller coaster of emotions that I jumped on when I started this book and it did not stop until the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was the first in the series and I am going to be pacing the floor in anticipation of the next one. I so hope we don't have to wait too long. Everything about this was just so good. I am completely obsessed with the characters. Especially Becca. Although, Tony was very swoon-worthy.
Becca proved her resilience right from the first page and that was it. I knew I was in for an insanely good book. And things only got better from there. Becca is a mom who will do anything to protect her child, and I admired her strength and independence so much. But I also liked that Tony wasn't going to let her go through the terror she was experiencing alone. K.T. Raine is probably one of the very few authors who can suck me into a single mom kind of romance book.
There was a definitely roller coaster of emotions that I jumped on when I started this book and it did not stop until the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2024
Is it possible to be jealous of a fictional character? Becca hit the jackpot when she met Tony. I’m so excited to be able to start this series on the first book. This book captured my attention from the very beginning when we see Becca to get away from a dangerous situation. She’s such a good mom and she will do anything to protect her son. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where we get the POV from more than just the two main characters. We also get it from David, the 10-year-old son, and the ex,Mark. It was very interesting to see what all these people were thinking, and it made this story complete.
I’m so happy that this series will continue with the other sons and the women who they want to protect. This author writes such wholesome books in which she don’t have to worry about profanity or anything inappropriate. I love stories where the MM treats the girl with such respect. I totally recommend this book.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
I’m so happy that this series will continue with the other sons and the women who they want to protect. This author writes such wholesome books in which she don’t have to worry about profanity or anything inappropriate. I love stories where the MM treats the girl with such respect. I totally recommend this book.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
April 22, 2024
So enjoy K. T's good descriptions of characters and places that the reader feels present at these beautiful towns in Montana. The main love couple; Tony -son to Frank and Colleen who own Ragin' Moon Refuge helps them out on the farm and is a general contractor with his younger brother. The main woman, Beccaa, is a sweet, gentle person who is trying to help her ex-husband stop gambling his addiction that had taken over their marriage with her ex Mark.
What a wonderful set up they have for women who need to get their grip back on life and begin a new start. Truly hope places like this Refuge do exist in the real world. The story was sensitive, realistic and well thought out. Of course life isn't easy and the start for Tony and Becca was slow, but mindful of her son, David and her ex, Mark. Am glad to see this is going to be a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review free and voluntarily.
What a wonderful set up they have for women who need to get their grip back on life and begin a new start. Truly hope places like this Refuge do exist in the real world. The story was sensitive, realistic and well thought out. Of course life isn't easy and the start for Tony and Becca was slow, but mindful of her son, David and her ex, Mark. Am glad to see this is going to be a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review free and voluntarily.
April 4, 2024
Becca must leave town in a hurry when her ex-husband sends a loan shark to her door to collect money for his gambling debts. She vows to protect their 10-year old son, so she hops on a Greyhound and heads as far away as she can get. She knows she needs to stay in the same state though due to the custody agreement with her ex. She finds refuge at Ragin’ Moon Refuge, a ranch whose owners, The Lascari family, provide help to women in need. Becca is attracted to their son Tony, but knows she needs to untangle her life before she can move forward.
I enjoyed this book tremendously. Becca was very smart to do what she did, even though she knew her ex-husband loved their son. He needed help for his gambling addiction, which he refused to get. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book tremendously. Becca was very smart to do what she did, even though she knew her ex-husband loved their son. He needed help for his gambling addiction, which he refused to get. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2024
Mark didn't realize the dangerous mistake he made, and Becca was justified in taking David to escape the danger. (No spoiler! You'll have to read A Gamble of the Heart to learn of Mark's mistake.)
I think K.T. Raine did an excellent job writing about Mark's gambling addiction and the problems it caused for not only him, but his wife (now ex-wife) Becca and David, his young son.
This well-written story made me realize how easy it is to slide into addiction and how harmful the addiction can be to their family as well as themselves.
This is a clean, inspiring story with a happy ending.
I was given an ARC of this story from BookSirens at the request of the author, K.T. Raine. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
I think K.T. Raine did an excellent job writing about Mark's gambling addiction and the problems it caused for not only him, but his wife (now ex-wife) Becca and David, his young son.
This well-written story made me realize how easy it is to slide into addiction and how harmful the addiction can be to their family as well as themselves.
This is a clean, inspiring story with a happy ending.
I was given an ARC of this story from BookSirens at the request of the author, K.T. Raine. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
Becca divorced Mark because he had a severe gambling problem. She moved into an apartment with their son, David. One day Mark sent a loan shark to see Becca as he knew she had $1500. Becca gave him $500 and promised him the rest the next day. She feared for herself and her son David. She found a shelter to take them in so she packed up their possessions and she and David boarded a bus to ggo to Big Pine, Montana. The Lascari family who owned the refuge had 4 grown sons, who worked on the ranch or in town, and also a daughter. They allowed them to live in a cabin there and only asked them to do some chores and share a meal together in the evening. Becca even found a salon to hire her parttime as a hairdresser. David contacted his dad without telling his mom and he showed up. Lots of emotion throughout the book and you are drawn into the story.
April 16, 2024
A Gamble of the Heart is book 1 in the Ragin Moon Refuge by K T Raine. I think that having a romance book set in a refuge for wounded/abused women is very interesting. Becca is fleeing a loan shark that her ex husband, Mark, owes money to. Tony's family owns the refuge and he knows the women are hands off. I found the storyline was a great read with interesting characters. There is some suspense and unexpected surprises that provide bumps in the road to true love. I enjoyed this romantic escape. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
May 5, 2024
When Becca's ex-husband's gambling addiction brings danger to her and their son, she runs. She ends up at the Ragin' Moon Refuge where she finally found safety with the Lascari family. One particular member of the family, Tony, is very protective and keeps them feeling safe.
This is a sweet, clean and wholesome romance with some wonderful swoon-worthy moments. I absolutely loved Tony and the quiet strength he offered without making any demands. He is the perfect example of a top book boyfriend.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
This is a sweet, clean and wholesome romance with some wonderful swoon-worthy moments. I absolutely loved Tony and the quiet strength he offered without making any demands. He is the perfect example of a top book boyfriend.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
May 16, 2024
Another wonderful read by K.T. Raine, I was drawn in from page one!
This story exemplifies how addiction affects relationships as well as how it skews an addicts thinking.
I found the characters charming and the story realistic.
I loved the story but feel that if it had been longer the characters and their storylines would have had more depth. For example; we don't know much about Tony except for what he has told Becca; we don't get to see him in other situations.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.
This story exemplifies how addiction affects relationships as well as how it skews an addicts thinking.
I found the characters charming and the story realistic.
I loved the story but feel that if it had been longer the characters and their storylines would have had more depth. For example; we don't know much about Tony except for what he has told Becca; we don't get to see him in other situations.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of the author and this is my honest, voluntary review.
June 16, 2024
Becca and Tony are attracted to each other but both know it's the wrong time to start anything but a friendship.
When trouble comes to them, though, he stands by her side helping her through it. They both know it's her place to decide what road to take. He doesn't influence her; he's there for support.
The story was realistic. There was a bit of suspense for Becca and the Lascari family, but it's not angsty for the reader. This is the first book I've read by K.T. Raine, but hope to read more.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from BookSirens.
When trouble comes to them, though, he stands by her side helping her through it. They both know it's her place to decide what road to take. He doesn't influence her; he's there for support.
The story was realistic. There was a bit of suspense for Becca and the Lascari family, but it's not angsty for the reader. This is the first book I've read by K.T. Raine, but hope to read more.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from BookSirens.
April 3, 2024
A short and sweet second chances romance. After a loan shark comes to her apartment looking for money to pay off her ex-husband's gambling debts, Becca realizes she and her son aren't safe. She researches shelters and finds a ranch that offers refuge to women like her in similar situations. She takes her 10 year old son and heads out on a bus : the journey will change her life.
Thanks to BookSirens for the free ARC eBook. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to BookSirens for the free ARC eBook. All opinions are my own.
April 5, 2024
Becca and her son David fled to Ragin’ Moon Rescue after a loanshark’s employee came to her apartment. He wanted money her ex owed the loan shark. Becca decided it was not safe and took David away. Tony meets them at the bus station. This book kept my interest from the first. For me, it was a real page turner. Loved all the characters and the storyline. A clean romance that can be read in an afternoon.
April 11, 2024
Due to her ex-husband's gambling, Becca is threatened for his gambling debts so she takes her son and runs across the state to find refuge.
The story is engrossing and you feel the fears she feels. She is very conscious of not ruining the character of the dad to the son.
The story is very well written, very clean, and it has a happy ending. I highly recommend this book.
I was provided with a copy of the book, this review is my honest opinion.
The story is engrossing and you feel the fears she feels. She is very conscious of not ruining the character of the dad to the son.
The story is very well written, very clean, and it has a happy ending. I highly recommend this book.
I was provided with a copy of the book, this review is my honest opinion.
April 16, 2024
A compelling journey as a woman seeks refuge from danger for her and her son. She discovers not just safety but also unexpected kindness and love within the warm embrace of her newfound sanctuary. This clean romance delicately weaves themes of safety, belonging, and the transformative power of human connection, making it a heartwarming read for those craving a tale of hope and love found in unexpected places.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
May 3, 2024
Absolutely amazing! This sweet romance was everything I was hoping for! It has friendship, love, heartbreak, suspense and inspiration. The characters are amazing and so easy to relate to. This book is beautifully written and emotion filled with drama, suspense and romance. I definitely recommend it and am thrilled there will be more books in the series. I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 12, 2025
3.5 - 4 *
This is a year of "New For Me Authors" and this was a wonderful start.
Although it wasn't a good start for Becca and her son David, they found sanctuary at Ragin' Moon Refuge. Meeting all the members of the Lascari family was a bit daunting at first, but Colleen soon won her trust.
I look forward to more clean romance from this author and to book two in this series.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This is a year of "New For Me Authors" and this was a wonderful start.
Although it wasn't a good start for Becca and her son David, they found sanctuary at Ragin' Moon Refuge. Meeting all the members of the Lascari family was a bit daunting at first, but Colleen soon won her trust.
I look forward to more clean romance from this author and to book two in this series.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 5, 2025
against all odds
Isn´t it ironic that Becca and Tony find their true love at a time an place when everything seems to tell them starting a relationship is a bad idea. I rooted for them to find the love and happiness everybody deserves so I kept reading wanting to find out how the author manages to turn this seemingly hopeless situation around.
Isn´t it ironic that Becca and Tony find their true love at a time an place when everything seems to tell them starting a relationship is a bad idea. I rooted for them to find the love and happiness everybody deserves so I kept reading wanting to find out how the author manages to turn this seemingly hopeless situation around.
January 25, 2026
Stating A New Life
Becca was so frightened when a loan collector came to her apartment for money on hee the entire ex's debt. She took her son and ran as fast as she could. She ended up at a refuse run by Tony's parents. Never dreaming that she'd be interested in a good looking son there.
Becca was so frightened when a loan collector came to her apartment for money on hee the entire ex's debt. She took her son and ran as fast as she could. She ended up at a refuse run by Tony's parents. Never dreaming that she'd be interested in a good looking son there.
December 17, 2024
A sweet romance. A quick read with lots of heart and action. Nice start to a new series. I am eager to more about Ragin' Moon Refuge and the Italian brothers. I wonder who will find their significant other next. Thanks to Book Sirens for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
January 29, 2026
love this one
As a new reader to the author, I loved it
I am hooked, and I am off to read the next book
I loved the story from start to finish the romance The cowboy meet city girl down on luck
As a new reader to the author, I loved it
I am hooked, and I am off to read the next book
I loved the story from start to finish the romance The cowboy meet city girl down on luck
January 18, 2026
A Sweet Story
A sweet story of family recovery and the building of new relationships, this book comes recommended. It is a quick read that will be leave you smiling!
A sweet story of family recovery and the building of new relationships, this book comes recommended. It is a quick read that will be leave you smiling!
Want to read
January 21, 2026Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
January 26, 2026
stupid
A refuge place would be more careful about securing the safety of person and the kid was old enough to be tools bad people could be coming for them.
A refuge place would be more careful about securing the safety of person and the kid was old enough to be tools bad people could be coming for them.
January 28, 2026
Easy, mindless fluff. Would have been 3 stars were it not for a glaring error quite early on, and then I just lost interest in it.
June 11, 2024
This book is full of sweet moments, terrifying and scary moments, and strength, love and family. The storyline pulls you on and you cannot put it down I finished this in one sitting and cannot wait for more. The characters are what keep you turning page after page to see how it all turns out. Becca and her son have to leave home after her ex does something that could hurt them. They run as far as they can but are still in Montana. As they catch their breath this story absolutely makes you smile. The friends and family they make fill your soul. This author pulls you in with feelings and makes you feel like you know and care about these people. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews