He’s a lonely single dad who frequents the casino to escape his dreary life.She’s a full-time caregiver for her beloved mother and seeks a night of respite at a gaming house.In “The Big Gamble,” Jane Remington and John Murphy meet one Friday night while playing slot machines. At first, they don’t share personal information and know each other as Jane Doe and John Doe. Then they get close. But can … get close. But can a guy with too much responsibility as it is, and a woman who has already given up her freedom for another, find happiness together at The Lucky Lady Casino?
Find out in Kathryn Shay’s poignant short story which takes place in this unusual setting.
Don’t miss all The Lucky Lady Casino Short Stories:
The Big Gamble
Bet On It
Lucky Me
All In
Jackpot
more
I am not a fan of short stories or novellas , since frequently character development as well as plot development is lacking.
But when I saw this one written by one of my all time favorite authors, I had to give it a try. I am so glad I did.
This touching story is about two lonely individuals whose life has not turned out as they had hoped. I life filled with obligations and dreams not fulfilled.
But on Friday nights, these two strangers go to the Lucky Lady casino to escape their reality. They meet by chance and a “friendship” with false names and no history of who they are, develops.
It was at times heartbreaking but also heartwarming. A story about life and how an unexpected meeting , can change the rest of your life.
It’s a story about family, hope and the possibility of love.
Looking forward to more stories in this short story series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Book one in The Lucky Lady Casino Short Stories series a well written story with a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly from page to page. Jane Remington who looks after her ill Mother and John Murphy who looks after his three children after his wife walked away meet on a Friday at the Lucky Lady Casino, and get along together from the start. I enjoyed seeing their story come together. I want to read the next book.
It’s a very sweet short story.
The Big Gamble is the first short story in ‘The Lucky Lady Casino Short Stories’ series. Full disclaimer, I began the series with book three, Lucky Me – which I really liked – so big shoes to fill. This was an easy, enjoyable read.
The story begins with two lonely people looking to get away from their hum-drum, mundane lives, even for a few short hours. Neither is looking for love, just peace (of course, I think how peaceful is the atmosphere of a casino?). But what they find is each other. At first they keep their distance by maintaining anonymity but slowly, the two begin to develop a bond.
I enjoyed the development of the characters and how there actually is depth portrayed in this novella (a must for me, though frequently in stories of this length I am disappointed – but not this time). Also a bit of realism ensued as most single parents are somewhat reticent of introducing their children to new “love” interests too quickly – so this was definitely a point in this books favour – taking the introduction slowly.
What I enjoyed was that characters I met in book three are in this first book, so I felt a comfortable companionship with the setting.
As most readers like to form their own opinions and enjoy the story themselves, I will leave out any more details so as not to spoil your journey.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series 🙂
The setting for The Big Gamble is definitely unique. I never expected romance to develop between two lonely hearts sitting next to each other while playing the slot machines. I like the mystery behind the two main characters and their personal struggles away from the casino setting. Had this shirt story been written as a novel, I would rhave enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jane and John’s kids.
The Big Gamble by Kathryn Shay is the first book in her The Lucky Lady Casino Short Stories. It is the perfect start to a new series. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series!
Jane and John both use the casino to get a break from their busy, challenging and complicated lives, but whereas John is open to a new relationship Jane hesitates after having her heart broken. They agree to see each once a week at the casino and not to share any personal information. That changes however when emergencies cause them to lean on each other when they need each other the most.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars
The Big Gamble by Kathryn Shay is book 1 in her new short stories series called Lucky Lady Casino Short Stories.
What a quick, fun read about two lonely people who meet at the Lucky Lady Casino to escape the pressures of their every life.
John and Jane first meet on a Friday night, play the slots beside each other and strike up a conversation but decided to only use their first name and no sharing of personal information. As weeks go by things between them start changing but will they follow their hearts and open up or continue just as they are…nothing personal??
Two lonely hearts meet each Friday at the casino, they go may Jane and John. Jane seems to bring luck to John at the slots, soon they are looking for each other each Friday and a friendship develops into so much more. They both have family responsibilities, so not looking for relationships but they can’t deny the chemistry that they share.
Even though this is a short story is packed full of emotion that I could not put down. A perfect summer read that I highly recommend. Looking forward to the next story in this series.
Jane and John meet during a night away at a casino playing slot machines. She seems to bring him luck and although they talk they don’t exchange information. They get to the point they look forward to seeing each other and when one has to miss the other is looking for them but has know way to contact the other. They both have some daunting responsibilities and the night at the casino is their escape for a few hours from the realities of life. They finally agree to met, exchange a bit of information and go from there for a HEA. This is a very short story and quick read, that said there’s a lot that happens in a short time! I read an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The Big Gamble is the first book of Kathryn Shay’s new series “The Lucky Lady Casino Short Stories” series. This book is basically a prequel to the rest of the series.
Jane Remington and John Murphy are two lost souls who visit The Lady Lucky Casino almost every Friday night. They both visit the casino to gamble a little, and to escape their difficult lives. On one of these nights, Jane and John meet and, eventually, fall in love.
Unfortunately, both Jane and John have responsibilities that keep them from having much time for themselves..
Jane is the caregiver for her ill mother, Sara, who is stricken with Parkinson’s. In her prime, Sara was a famous Broadway star. Now, she is stuck in a wheelchair, and Jane takes care of her full time.
John too has a lot of extra responsibilities. His is divorced, and the single parent to three young children. Between work and his kids, John has very little time for himself.
This is a short, uncomplicated story about two good-hearted, caring and responsible people who fall in love with each other.
One part of the book I loved is located at the end of the book. Ms. Shay gives a short summary of the next four books in the series. Even though the author labels them as Short Stories, they all sound exciting with lots of action. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this new series.
The story “The Big Gamble” by Kathryn Shay is the first book in The Lucky Lady Casino Short Stories Series. The story is about two people Jane & John who goes out once a week to escape their lives. Here they can be anyone they choose to be with no problems, no responsibilities, no headaches or worries. Their own reprieve from the real world. See what happens with Jane & John. Do they blend their fantasy world with the real world? Kathryn Shay never disappoints. This is a great fast read. I have received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
If you enjoy a short, sweet, feel good and enjoyable story then you don’t want to miss this. The first in a series which I am sure is going to be a great success.