His Marriage Gamble — Nancy Fraser

Felicity Beaumont, the rebellious daughter of Louisiana elite devises a plan to move her father's illegally owned slaves north to safety using the gambling river boat known as the Lucky Lady. Dressed as a young farm boy, she attempts to sell family heirlooms to raise the funds she needs. Short the full amount, she continues her ruse and bargains her way aboard the boat as their chaperone. Charismatic owner of the Lucky Lady, Jake McAlister doesn't trust women, and when he discovers Felicity's subterfuge, he remembers exactly why. While they find themselves in agreement about helping the slaves, they are at odds over everything else, including their quickly escalating feelings for one another. When caught between Felicity's powerful father and the ire of a local judge, they're forced into a marriage neither wanted. Can they make the best of a bad situation? And, will gambling on love be a bust or reap them both a happily ever after?