A kaszinó szépe

The Chatsfield #3

by Michelle Conder

A londoni celebvilág üdvöskéje, a modell Cara Chatsfield kész tényekkel szembesül, amikor apja új ügyvezetője kellemetlen feladatot sóz a nyakába: idén ő lesz a háziasszonya a Las Vegas-i Chatsfield Hotelben évente megrendezett híres pókerbajnokságnak. Aidan Kelly, a verseny egyik esélyese megveti ugyan a nagyvilági nőket, mégis folytatja a játékot, amikor legnagyobb riválisa mindenét elveszítve egy Carával töltendő estét ajánl fel tét gyanánt. És Aidan nyer…

Genres: Harlequin, Romance, Harlequin Presents, Contemporary Romance

94 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 2014

About the author

After graduating from the University of Melbourne, Michelle Conder took a variety of jobs before packing her bags and traveling and working overseas. When none of the career opportunities she encountered grabbed her she returned to Australia and after more study decided to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a writer.

Michelle now lives in Melbourne with her husband and three children and when she isn’t writing loves to visit faraway places and spend time with her family and friends.

Reviews

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

1,5 stars
This is book 3 in the Chatsfield Series, written by various authors and after reading a few I admit that I am so not enchanted…one or two have been good but for most part….meh!!!

Well, this offering my Michelle Conder is one of those beyond meh!!!!

Cara Chatsfield is supposedly a wild child…but not really…she knows she’s not!!!

She sighed. Yes, her life was a goldfish bowl; it always had been.

It’s that life she has….daughter of a billionaire who just happens to own the Chatsfield hotel group..she wants to be taken seriously. Really!!! She so wants her family to see the real her and agrees to play hostess at a huge poker game being held in one of her father’s (natch!!) hotels in Las Vegas.
Things just happen that she had nothing to do with….she was trying so hard…

It’s just that the gorgeous guy who she “bumped” into and happens to be one of the high rollers at the poker game, mistakes her for a “slut.” She has nothing to do with the fact that he bet millions in a game to have her for one night!!! Okay, she never agreed to it...he had no right!!!!!

I so agree…so punch him in the face and carry on with doing your good job for the famiglia!!!!!
Wait a minute…did you, Cara, just agree to go with him to his hotel suite?? WHAT!!!! Then go to Fiji with him as well??????

Okay, so is this heroine not an idiot but her burst into tears at any moment behavior just gave me a headache!!! Oh, wait…she uses buckets of tears to get her way with the hero….who I must tell you is beyond a misogynist….hell, if he thinks so little of women…why doesn’t he become gay if he feels men are so much more superior!!!!!!

No, in the end, the hero discovers the truth about the heroine…..she is NOT a PARIS HILTON clone…she’s so much nicer…and he becomes such a lovely and understanding man….and in two or three days, they fall in luvvvvv and live HEA!!!!!!

Want to see what I thought….

So not an exciting love story….the reason I gave it 1.5 stars….I loved the Fiji setting….thank the angels that the story didn’t continue in Las Vegas…then I would have given it a 1 star!!!!!

I don’t know about these Chatsfield characters!!!!!

Read this book at your own peril!!!!!!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Model/Socialite Cara Chatsfield gets sent to Vegas to host an important poker tournament at one of her father’s hotels. On the way there she accidentally bumps into handsome hero Aiden Kelly in the airport—seems like he’s on the way to the poker tournament too for private reasons of his own.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the settings, first the Vegas hotel, and later beautiful Fiji! And I liked how the sexual tension built up throughout the book as they got to know each other before they slept together. The heroine was cute and vulnerable and the love scenes were sexy.

This was my first Michelle Conder book and I look forward to reading many more of her books!

[Wealhtheow · Rating 1 out of 5]

In hopes of rehabilitating her wild child reputation, Cara Chatsfield promises her family that she'll play hostess for a big gambling event at their Las Vegas casino. There, a man literally runs in to her so hard that he breaks her heels, says it was her own fault, and then when she tries to protest, offers her $50 and calls her a hooker. Her love interest, ladies and gentlemen! In the time honored tradition of terrible romance novels, he continues to find the most absurdly unlikely explanations for her behavior in order to think the worst of her in every situation. Every time she smiles, she's a conniving whore. Every time she protests, she's a ball-breaker. Every time she cries, she's trying to manipulate him. It's deeply annoying retrograde idiocy. Anyway, stupid contrivances get them to a vacation in Fiji together and they fall in love over the course of about two days. The end!

So dumb. Just, so dumb. Aiden's POV is a deeply troubling one, as he's such a misogynist that he sounds like he's about three seconds away from murdering women a la Jack the Ripper any minute, and Cara is implausibly naive and unable to care for herself. Either of them would be terrible in any relationship, let alone a relationship with each other.

[Desere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara Chatsfield has always been just herself, or at least that's what the outside world thinks. They see a beautiful woman, who likes to party hard, cause scandal and just generally waste her life away.

The truth is she's been hurt so badly in the past that she has a daily ritual of channeling a different famous person every day in order to just get through the day. So when she is sent to play hostess at her father's hotel for the poker match of the century she is armed with as much determination as she can channel, and a dash of hope to find as little trouble as possible, the last thing she needs is to be part of another Cara-Scandal.

What she finds is Aiden Kelly, gorgeous, rich, powerful, completely irresistible, and definitely the kind of man she needs to avoid. But before she has the chance she becomes part of the poker game in every sense of the word when she's laid down as the prize to the winner himself. Aiden's plan is a simple one, he's won her, he'll have her and then be done with her, no harm, no foul, just sex right?

This is the first time I have read a book by this author but I can assure you it will for certain not be the last. The book was fast paced, emotionally packed, sinfully sexy and just perfect in every single way.

I could not get enough of the sexual conflict between Aiden and Cara, the buildup to the explosions of lust were so hot it was as if I could see the flames licking out from the pages.

The character of Aiden was in the start a true and perfect ass, hot very, very hot but still the type any woman would want to smash under her designer heals. The author did slowly and surely let the reasoning behind his actions become clear of course and what I found was a message of revenge is a truly ugly creation in one's mind. It consumes every part of your soul, and in the end it's all you can see.

The character of Cara was an absolute delight. She had fire and spunk even though she has been through so much hurt. I could fully get why she goes into hiding behind different masks each day. The author letting Aiden be the one to bring her out of the ' am not me today' shell showed just how badly we all need that one special person to bring out the real us.

The backdrop settings screamed sexy and the dialogue was full of fire and emotion. I am taking away a message of we all have a past, we have all done things we would rather like to keep secret, and we all have a family that is far from perfect. But to blame ourselves for our past failures won't get you anywhere, stand proud and tall, face the insults head on. In the end people will see you for you and remember the real you as oppose to some carefully crafted version of the person you never truly were.

I highly recommend this read for all fans of passionate, fast moving, sexy romance reads.

5/5 star review
" They gamble, cause scandal and gain the ultimate win"

[Kace | The Booknerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story from the start-up to the last page. The plot is straightforward, and you might say predictable, but it was well written, with awesome dialogue and very likable characters. And the ending here was a lot better than the previous book Playboy's Lesson.

P.S:It is my first taste of this author’s writing, but it most certainly will not be my last.

P.P.S: I still loved the Q&A portion at the end of the book.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a fan of Paris Hilton heroines.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially I thought I was going to dislike this book especially in the beginning because I just wasn't really into it. The set up and concept was interesting and different with the whole Vegas and big high stakes poker game that Aidan wanted to crush his enemy at. And the way that Aidan and Cara met was very unique and something that I hadn't read before. When they met sparks flew and heads butted, which was kind of funny. Then they met again at this poker tournament where sparks flew again and misunderstandings ensued causing even more tension between them. But at this point I wasn't connecting to the material, and I didn't like him and how condescending he was towards her. The whole Vegas scene just didn't do it for me.

However once this story moved to Fiji then the book totally changed for me, and I really started digging it. It just got really good and I was so into that t after that. And it wasn't cause of change in setting or anything like that, but it was because it got really intense and went deeper beneath the surface of the two characters. I finally got Aidan and started liking him. At this point I was half way through the book.

I really liked how emotional it got between the characters not only together but individually. My heart broke so much for Cara and the broken little girl that she was. She did everything in her power to hide from the world her hurts of the past and did so by developing a bad girl reputation. Though by no means did I feel that she was a bad girl, but the world around her did. That was her coping mechanism by acting out. She had to deal with being the baby of the family, having her mother abandon her when she was a baby, which she blamed herself for, and she had to deal with a father who didn't want to deal with her and ignore her. That was a lot for one person to go through and I really felt her pain and issues. All she wanted was love and affection and aside from her siblings she never got it and got rejected again and again. And in hearts of hearts even though she believed that Aidan would not want forever with her especially knowing his previous opinion of her, she still got involved with him anyway because she loved him and knew that she wanted happiness even if it was only temporary. My heart broke a little for her especially at the end. She deserved happiness in her life and she believed she wouldn't get it. I may or may not shed a couple tears for her. I really enjoyed.

In the second half there was so much angst and push and pull type of thing it was almost too much, but not really. The angst just was so, so good. It really kept me interested. The angst was created from all of Aidan's misconceptions about her and him learning that she was nothing like he thought and really was this emotionally scarf woman that was deeply wounded. I loved seeing him get put to right and as more and more time when on the more he cared about her and wanted her. All the angst just added so much intensity to the story, and at times gutted me as they worked through it especially on her side.

The love scenes were good, though at first I didn't think they were going to happen because they happened so late, but for me that worked because it gave Aidan and Cara time to learn about each other before hitting the seats. In fact I was glad they waited as long as they did, and I almost didn't care if they didn't have one. Not really. But it was just satisfying to see them come together that they didn't need the physical. The physical just enhanced all that was building between them. Those scenes were so worth it in the end. They were hot. They were intense. They were very sexy. And it was nice to see them coming together

The ending was a little rushed for my taste. Not on her side but on his. He was saying one thing on one page then suddenly he did a 180. I believed he cared for her, but it a little bit of a leap to believe he was totally in love with her. Was he heading that way? Yes. Was he there yet? I don't think so.

The second half of the book really saved it for me. If the second half didn't happen then this would have been a very different review. It was really good after the first half. It was emotional. It was intense. It was angsty. There was pain. There was hurt. There were misunderstandings. Just things that are needed in romance to make it really good and piqued my interest. I was involved once the second half came into play. I felt so much for Cara, and she just really got to her. I really liked her. I was so happy when she got her happiness with Aidan. She wanted love and she got it in a big way. Overall I did enjoy this book.

[Ada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esa mujer me hizo llorar ... jolines!!! que sentimental nos salio y Aidan, aah! soy una tonta enamorada del cliché

[Shiny Ajit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chatsfield .Socialite's Gamble


I’m not usually drawn to romance novels, but The Chatsfield series felt different. Beyond the romantic storyline, it’s a rich exploration of cultures and perspectives, delivering a powerful message: prejudging someone can damage a relationship before it even begins.
Cara and Kelly, the central characters, each carry their own philosophies about life and love. Cara’s view of true love resonates deeply—many of us would agree with her. Dating isn’t just about rituals or expectations; it’s about that moment when you meet someone and something shifts. You feel it. Like a breeze brushing past you, whispering that this person might be the one.
“True love happens when you meet the one you just know—your perfect match, entwined in each other’s arms forever.”
This idea isn’t just romantic—it’s emotional truth. Loving someone so deeply that separation feels unbearable is a sentiment the author captures beautifully throughout the novel.

The emotional depth is handled with care and sincerity. Love, as portrayed here, isn’t passive—it demands expression. When we love someone, we must show it, and our partner should feel it in every gesture, word, and moment.
Cara’s determination to shape a better future is another standout theme. Her resilience is inspiring. It reminds us that when life gets tough, giving up without even trying is a disservice to ourselves. Every time we fail to stand up—especially when unfairly judged—we carry that silence into other parts of our lives.
In the end, The Chatsfield is a light, soothing read, but it leaves behind a meaningful echo. It’s not just about romance—it’s about identity, courage, and the quiet power of love that refuses to be silenced.

[Fanny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despues de que las dos novelas anteriores no fueran lo que esperaba, me estaba planteando dejar sin terminar esta saga y eliminarla de mi lista de GR, me dije que esta era la ultima oportunidad que le daba, que si la historia de Cara y Aiden seguia sin gustarme, haria borron y cuenta nueva, pero este libro consiguio atraparme ( algo que no habian conseguido los anteriores ), en parte se que fue porque la pareja protagonista consiguio simpatizarme mas y tambien porque la trama de Socialite Gamble es mas de mi estilo pero al menos esta lectura me hizo querer seguir con los demas.
No crean que es una novela impresionante, es sencilla y ligera pero es ligeramente superior si la comparamos con las otras.

2.75 Estrellas!

[Hannah Nahhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Od trenutka kada sam stigao na početnu stranicu, znao sam da ovo nije samo još jedan reciklirani predložak. https://mrbit.ba/sr/games/providers/e... ima jedinstven dizajn i raspored koji olakšava istraživanje novih igara. Na kraju sam isprobao nekoliko provajdera koje nikada prije nisam igrao - i sada su u mojoj redovnoj rotaciji.

[Amee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This series is ROCKING!
Nice to get a look into the backgrounds of both main characters. Some good lessons about forgiveness, and being true to yourself. Liked the interview at the end (worked almost like an epilogue).

[Andrea Lujano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Protagonistas: Cara & Aidan

Profesiones: Modelo & Empresario

Paises: USA, Fiji & Londres

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun. I enjoyed the hero and the heroine grew on me eventually. Aiden and Cara's journey to happy ever after was entertaining and satisfying.

[Briliantina Hidayat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Elek. Chemistry-nya ga dapat, padahal ini romens. Mana si Cara ini benyek banget pula.

[More Books Than Time · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish, couldn't even get to the end of chapter 1 and I tried several times. Don't know why I wasted a Hoopla borrow on this trash.

[Helen Otuburu]

its funny how people decide who u are without getting to know the real you

[Sam Still Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me some time to get into. Both the characters had flaws that I found difficult to relate to. It was great to see the focus on a female Chatsfield (Cara), but I think I wrote her off too early as a Paris Hilton wannabe. She appeared rather shallow and later in the book, insecure.

I really wanted to like Aidan - the man holds the television rights to the AFL (Australian Football League)! He blew hot and cold for me, sometimes treating Cara as a princess, sometimes like a piece of rubbish. That wasn't excusable for me - I felt he changed tunes far too frequently.

I loved the part of the book set in Fiji, as this is where Cara 'grew up'. The ending for Cara was equally as satisfying.

[Dimple Gohil · Rating 2 out of 5]

So dubbed the wild child but totally innocent daughter of a hotel chain owner becomes part of a bet in a high stakes poker game in her fathers hotel !!!
So stupid ! Her father owns the hotel and loads like it y would she be akin to a poker chip it's not plausible at all a good storyline ruined just like that
She just keeps crying its ridicules also why would the guy believe that she could be won in a poker game even if she is acting as hostess that night, her daddy is filthy rich, she is a famous model !!!!

It's just so dumb

[Mariana Bezerra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think three stars and a little too much for this story. Aidan was an awful guy that decided to buy a woman, for me that was the first mistake of this book. Cara was way too submissive and needed a good dose of reality because for some reason she always manages to find the wrong move and gets terrible afterwards. This family is way too dramatic, after they make the wrong choices suddenly is all a mistake. Not my cup of tea. Didn't liked Aidan and Cara was just too boring. Not a great book.

[Bukola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I for one can't stand weak heroines. Like seriously stop with the crying... Granted the Hero was such an asshole, like the typical M&B Heros, major asshole, always jumping into conclusion and ready to believe the worst in the heroine. Their first make out session got me hooked on this book though, like seriously major fantasy right there. Not trying to include spoilers, I'd say it's worth reading if you like the assholic Heros

[Harlequin Books]

"Conder’s romance is full of fireworks and her narrative is a heady mix of sensual banter and humor. Set in a tropical paradise, the book has an arrogant, vulnerable hero and a heroine with an unjustified image. They may seem like an unlikely pair but will win hearts on their passionate journey" (RT Book Reviews). 4 1/2 stars

Miniseries: The Chatsfield

[Harlequin Books]

received 4 1/2 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Chatsfield

[Tigger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Chatsfield
enjoying the books

[Loz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two and a half stars for this one. Took ages for me to get into the story, there's not a lot if dialogue in the beginning and I almost put it down. All came together nicely in the end though.

[Cookie1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was like the Chatsfield books. However I found Cara to be a bit of a 'poor little rich girl'.
Surely she could help herself. It was, however a quick enjoyable read.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet story

[Aisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another black sheep who tried to look as the virgin that she's not...

[Makii · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love❤

[RomLibrary]

As the darling of London's party scene, Cara Chatsfield isn't surprised when her father's CEO sends her to Las Vegas to host The Chatsfield's world-famous poker tournament. And if behind the glitz and glamour there's a girl hurt by her past? She'll never tell.

Aidan Kelly detests women like Cara, but when his biggest rival includes Cara in the stakes, Aidan must win—and not just for her protection! But getting to know the stunning socialite, he discovers a beautiful, vulnerable young woman awoken by his own personal brand of passion!

Welcome to The Chatsfield, Las Vegas