This is the first book in the Advantage Play series, but it can also be read as a standalone.
Rule #1: Keep your head down and your eyes up. It makes you invisible. But not stupid.
I should’ve known I’d get caught counting cards, especially in a mob-owned casino. But I’m desperate. And desperate times call for desperate measures. Now I find myself in the basement beneath the casino with a bruise the size of Texas on my cheek and the promise that the head of the family, Kingston Romano, will be visiting me soon.
I’ve heard the rumors.
This is just the beginning.
I’m screwed.
Then I meet Kingston face to face. Sensing my desperation, he approaches me with a proposition to pay for my transgression. And I have no choice but to accept it.
What I’m not ready for, however, are the consequences that follow, putting me in the crosshairs of a war between the Romanos and a rival family, the Allegrettis.
As the cards are played and lives are threatened, I’m left with no choice. I need to pick a side and decide if I’m all in, or if I’ll be taken for all I’m worth.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are great and the storyline was good.
Ace is a brilliant character. She’s feisty and strong. She’s had a rough past that has shaped her into the person she is. She’s screwing over the casinos on the way to her little plan of vengeance, and she gets caught by Kingston.
I loved Kingston. His fairly new to taking charge of his family. He’s a dark man, but Ace finds the light in him. He gets completely drawn in by Ace, and ultimately, they fall for each other.
It was brilliant to watch them grow together. They just work. She got him, to bring down his walls, and he made her do the same. They both hate the same man, but for different reason.
The story was brilliant. I loved how it revolved around poker, while using it to bring down the Allegrettis. I enjoyed how everything slowly pieced together, and then came together at the end. I also loved the connection with Gigi.
I think the difference POV chapters added to the story and gave a wider picture.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it.
My rating: 5/5*
