Seven Poker Night buddies are very good with their hands…and are about to lose their hearts! Each one comes to learn that only great risk leads to great reward… attraction that neither can deny. But he also recognizes a woman who wants forever, so he’s determined to keep his hands off until Gemma suggests one way to manage their combustible chemistry…a fling!
Experience has taught Gemma to distrust commitment no matter how much she might desire it, so she’s on a guy hiatus when a handsome, sexy mountain of a man takes notice of her. All those muscles might be too hot to handle, but she finds herself compelled to give it a try…while still holding her heart safe. For as long as she can, that is…
No Limit (7-Stud Club Book 2), Coming May 30, 2019
Ante Up (7-Stud Club Book 3), Coming soon!
About the Author
Christie Ridgway is the author of over 60 novels of contemporary romance. All her books are both sexy and emotional and tell about heroes and heroines who learn to believe in the power of love. A USA Today bestseller, Christie is a six-time RITA finalist and has won best contemporary romance of the year and career achievement awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A native of California, Christie now resides in the southern part of the state with her family. Inspired by the beaches, mountains, and cities that surround her, she writes tales of sunny days and steamy nights.
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I’m a Christie Ridgway lifer and this is not only a new book but the start to a new series. Boone, the hero, is one of those big, broody men of few words. Need Is say more?
This was a fun, well-written contemporary romance. Gemma doesn’t trust commitment, but when she meets the sexy guy next door, she thinks a fling might be a great idea! John loves women and is not ready to settle down with just one. He decides to avoid the beautiful new neighbor but then she suggests a fling! I loved reading about how things developed between Gemma and John, and being introduced to John’s other Poker Night buddies. I enjoyed this story and look forwarding to reading more books in the 7 Stud Club series as well as other books by this author.
Another fun flirty read from this author, just what I expect each time I pick up one of her stories. This series is about 7 guys who play poker together, and the story of each one finding love. Gemma and Boone are the characters in this first story. Neither wants a relationship but they know that they want lust. She’s done with men being jerks and wants control of her life again. He doesn’t trust women, a family trait after his mother walked out. Sounds like they are in perfect agreement until their hearts get involved! You’ll be enjoying each and every chapter of this one!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for the review.
Boone and Gemma’s story was a chance for two people to heal from growing up in an unusual family dynamic causing them to believe they were incapable of having a real and committed relationship that could last forever. Christie Ridgway wrote a wonderful introductory and first book, All In for her new series 7-Stud Club. In this first story we meet all seven men belonging to John Boone’s poker group, each with a different background and job, allowing for an eclectic group of guys.
Boone enjoyed women and avoided focus on finding “the one” much to the amusement of his buddies. Then one night he encounters his temporary next-door neighbor. Gemma Marquette is a kindred spirit, something neither really shares until almost the end of the story. Gemma suggests they manage their chemistry, off the chart electricity and attraction by having a fling. Only a fling just might not be enough for either Boone or Gemma as well as keeping their hearts safe from being broken.
Ms. Ridgway is a wonderful story teller, wrote an emotionally rich and moving story filled with sexual chemistry, amusing dialogue, and endearing characters that is definitely not to be missed. I highly recommend All In to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Great start to a new series – John & Gemma are definitely an opposites attract couple. Christie Ridgway writes fun books that will always put a smile on your face?
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
All In is the beginning of Christie Ridgway’s, “7-Stud Club” series. The series title refers to seven friends who meet once a week to play poker. Ms. Ridgway devotes one book to each man and how, in spite of their resistance, each finds someone to love. This first book is the story of John Boone, whom everyone calls Boone.
Boone’s mother walked out on her family when he was a little boy. She left him with a father who was never there for him. All he remembers are the constant arguments between his parents. It is no wonder that Boone developed a negative view of marriage and a “sense of abandonment,” which has affected his self-worth and self-confidence. Therefore, Boone only “dates” women who, like him, prefer “no-strings attached” relationships.
Boone’s next door neighbor, Gemma Marquette, also has a negative view of marriage. Her mother and her aunt have had ten marriages between them. After her mother’s divorces, none of the men ever contacted Gemma again, and that includes her father. This has caused her to question her own self-worth and her opinion of men. Therefore, Gemma also does not want to become involved with anyone.
In spite of that, these two wounded people are very attracted to each other. However, since Boone immediately realizes that Gemma is not the type of woman he usually dates, he constantly rejects her friendship. Gemma, on the other hand, has recently decided that, based on her mother’s marriage experiences, Gemma just wants an affair.
I enjoyed following these two insecure people as they work very hard to hide their feelings from each other. They are constantly at cross-purposes as they constantly deny themselves any sort of friendship or relationship with each other. Fortunately for the reader, because they are neighbors, they find it impossible to stay away from each other.
Very good book! I can’t wait to read about more of these men who are introduced to us in this book.
All In is the steamy opening to a new series from Christie Ridgway. Boone and Gemma have more in common than they think; neither one believes in finding love for themselves, and once they start spending time together they each begin to have more than “friendly” feelings.
How do you let someone know how you truly feel if you’re only supposed to be friends with benefits?
I read an advanced copy of this book
Great story about a man, John Boone, or just Boone. Raised by his dad after his mother took off, he has issues to say the least! When he meets his neighbor, the hot girl next door Gemma, he tries to keep the wall around his heart, but it’s slowly breaking down as he spends time with her.
Gemma, how do you describe her, strong woman raised by her mom and her many husbands. Her dad left, her mom and aunt are definitely free spirits and she’s afraid of turning out just like them. When she meets her hot neighbor Boone, can she let herself be loved by one man forever?
Grab this one asap! I loved the story line! 5 stars for this one!
A new series- can’t wait to read them all. Love John and Gemma!
Boone is tall, dark silent type, because his mother left his father and him when he was very young he’s had a no commitment attitude when it comes to women. But he still can’t pass up helping out when he sees the need. Gemma has grown up seeing her mother and aunt run through marriages like no one’s business leading Gemma very gun shy with thoughts of marriage. But when the handsome brooding next door neighbor peaked her curiosity and spending time together lead to friends with benefits but when it crosses the line can either open up to allow the other to come in? Wonderful series start-humor, steaminess and feels-can’t wait for the next!
All In is the first in Christie Ridgway’s new 7 Stud Club Series. First up is rough and tumble John Boone. He is a big man with a big sense of honor and a big heart but he won’t admit it. For now all of the seven poker playing friends are single, though that seems as if it that is about to change when you begin reading this novel..
Boone doesn’t believe it is in his DNA to marry so he avoids commitment at all costs. Then he meets and you guess it tries to avoid Gemma Marquette. Gemma has her own issues with commitment so these two seem to be destined to be alone. Fate has other plans. They fit together perfectly even with the heels and skirts of one and the blue jeans and hard hat of the other.
Ms. Ridgway creates a believable story with characters that are not only likable but also lovable. Boone and his friends seemed to me to have a rougher language than what I remember reading in most of her books but it is not offensive. Instead it sounds as if many men probably do talk and act when little sisters (Eli’s) aren’t around. As for Boone and Gemma, it will take something profound for either of them to change their mind which is exactly what happens. No doubt this will affect how all the friends view their lives so I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
All In is the first book in the 7 Stud Club series. Boone is the first in the club to find true love. Of course, he fights it tooth and nail. His mother broke his dad’s heart so he doesn’t have faith in long term love. Gemma is the lucky lady but she doesn’t want to have anything to do with love and marriage. Her mother and aunt are serial brides – each marries and divorces quicker than most people say ‘I do’. So, Gemma doesn’t have a role model to work from and thinks it is a doomed proposition (so to speak). Of course, the attraction sizzles between them and it was fun to watch them fight their destiny! Again, can’t wait for the next book in the series.
What do you do when your mother has been married and divorced over and over again? You swear off love and men. That’s exactly what Gemma did. But what do you do then, when you meet a guy who pushes all your buttons but doesn’t want love, either? You go for it! Yeah! And then you hope you can just keep it physical.
Boone doesn’t want to need anyone, but when the unthinkable happens and he needs some comfort, Gemma is there to give it. She just might be exactly what he needs, no matter how hard he fights it.
Ridgway has put out another wonderful book with great characters and a gradual melding of their hearts. I always forget between her books just how instinctual the pairing of her characters seems to be. The dialogue and the action is always just what I need to BELIEVE in the falling in love process. She makes falling in love sometimes painful, but so rewarding in the end. A stupendous start to a new series!
This is such a good start to this series and I can’t wait to read the other’s stories. Boone is a great big guy who speaks as little as possible. He was raised solely by is father after his mother left them. Gemma is an only child too and was raised by her mother who has had several marriages. Neither Boone nor Gemma are looking for anything permanent. Now that they are neighbors, they think they have the perfect situation. The problem is, they didn’t count on love.
Gemma Marquette is house sitting for friends when she sees their neighbor, their “hot” neighbor. John Boone, the neighbor, notices Gemma too, but also knows that she is the “forever” type and he is not ready for that. After several brief meetings, with attraction growing stronger and more electric each time, he is shocked when Gemma announces that they should have “a fling”! She knows there is amazing chemistry between them and that John is an experience she doesn’t want to miss. Can she still enjoy what is between them and keep her heart safe? John tries to keep things only physical between them, but he is not only fighting Gemma, but fighting himself. When one of his poker buddies suffers an enormous loss, will John realize before it is too late that he might be missing “the one” for him? What a lovely and enjoyable romance with sizzling and seductive love scenes written with true emotion between Gemma and John! Kudos to Ms. Ridgway and I can’t wait for Eli’s story! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author. (by paytonpuppy)
Christie Ridgeway has a talent for character development. She manages to give us real characters reacting to situations that we can relate to. Her characters could be your best friend or the person next door. It establishes a connection from the beginning of the story & has you quickly reading to see how they handle life. Nothing is perfect & the characters make stupid mistakes but it’s so realistic you are drawn in. In this story, Gemma & John have both been hurt & aren’t willing to leave their hearts on the line. Don’t they know about best laid plans? They never turn out how you expect them to.
In this story, Gemma has watched her mother search for love & that lasting connection through several marriages & mistakes. She decides she’s not giving up everything to be dependent on someone who’ll just leave anyway. When the chemistry with her neighbor is too much to handle, she proposes a fling to get it out of their system. It’ll never last anyway, right?
John can’t believe his luck. A sexy woman moves in next door, they have great chemistry & she’s willing to have a fling? He thought she was the type to want “forever after” not “for just now.” He doesn’t trust women to stay around. After all, his mother left when he was little & never looked back. He wasn’t about to trust another woman with his heart. Is this sexy, Alpha man setting himself up for a fall?
Gemma Marquette isn’t looking for love. She knows that men don’t stay and it’s time she had a break from relationships and focused on herself and her gift shop. But, she can’t deny her instant attraction to her super hot neighbor . . .even if he doesn’t seem interested in anything she has to offer, including the treats she baked him as a thank you for fixing her plant stand.
John Boone loves women and having a good time. But, he doesn’t date. He doesn’t trust a woman to stay after his mother walked out on him and his father when he was a young child. But there’s something special about his new neighbor. Not only is she gorgeous, she generous and kind and he really enjoys spending time with her.
When Gemma suggests a fling, Boone can’t resist. But what happens when both start having more feelings than they are supposed to?
I’ll be honest, when I read the synopsis of this book, I was totally intrigued to start a series about a bunch of poker playing friends finding romance. I thought this book would be an enjoyable fun and flirty opposites attract romance between a construction worker and a girly girl. I was pleasantly surprised the more I read to find out that All In was so much more!
I loved both of these characters from the start. Boone is all alpha and gruff and a total commitment phobe because of his mother’s abandonment. But, he can’t seem to play his normal games with Gemma, and I loved watching him come to grips with the fact that he was developing real feelings for her. Gemma has her own reasons for fearing commitment stemming from a multitude of step fathers who never looked back once her mother moved on to the next man. Even though she thinks she can have a simple fling with Boone, it’s clear from the start she is in it for way more than that even though she is trying desperately to protect her heart.
This couple’s chemistry was off the charts hot, yet they share some very sweet and tender moments that are breathtaking . . . especially when a life changing event sends Boone’s world off kilter. This romance was fun and flirty, but also sweet and tender and had an fantastically unexpected depth of both plot and character which has made me even more excited to continue on this series with these poker playing buddies. 4.5 stars!
A friend of mine told me about this author and told me I needed to check her out. I saw the start of a series, The Stud Club, and decided to try it. I am so glad I did. Ms. Ridgway you have found a new follower for sure. Your clever, witty, romantic and very heartwarming writing style is so delightful, I found I couldn’t put the book down. Hint: if you haven’t read Ms. Ridgway before, this book is a great story to begin with, in my humble opinion.
John Boone is a loner. His life revolves around his work, his buds, his dad and the occasional female hook up with women that understand the score. His mother walked out on him and his dad when he was 4 and John just doesn’t believe lasting love sticks. As for Gemma, his sexy next door neighbor, she has totally sworn off men after her last relationship; not to mention her mother and aunts many failed marriages as a guideline. Now she has her shop to run and that’s enough. But is it really enough for either of them?
Being a construction working, John sees a few things that need fixing outside Gemma’s home, so he silently fixes them. When Gemma notices this through her blinds, she decides to bake him some brownies as a thank you. But when she tries to give them to him, he pushes her and her brownies away. Now I’m like Gemma, Who doesn’t like brownies? And so the fun begins on how to return favors without getting close, especially when the attraction is strong on both parts.
This is a very well written, heartwarming storyline that will have you laughing, smiling and/or tearing up. The characters will spark your emotions and worm their way into your heart. 2 Thumbs up and 5 Stars.
Christie Ridgway is one of my favorite Contemporary Romance authors. Her characters are always well developed, down to earth, relatable, real people with “issues”. This book is the first in a new series about 7 best friends since elementary school, who play poker together every Thursday evening.
It seem to me that at least half of the “Heroes” in romance novels these days had poor or no parental models and therefore believe that they were not cut out for relationships and play the playboy, until they meet the right woman, who makes them feel like they want more. This seem to reflect the reality of today, when too many single women are looking for their mate, but he is AWOL. And so it is with John Boone, whose mother left him and his father when he was 4. He loves women who like him are only looking for a one night stand. His new neighbor, Gemma Marquette is house sitting, while the apartment above her store is renovated. She has the opposite trust issue. He father left when she was young and never looked back. Her mother and aunt, both optimists, have married over and over again, looking for the forever man. Gemma is NOT going to follow in their footsteps. But when John sees a man not treating her right, he steps in as a friend. Slowly, while both of them fight the attraction between them, they become friends with benefits. But when they individually come to the conclusion that they are in love, misunderstandings break them apart. Can their family and friends give them the push that they need or will fear destroy their chance at a life without the loneliness that they have been living?
I received a free advanced copy of this book as a member of the author’s Review Crew. this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
His body may be a free agent, but he keeps his heart under lock and key. She was never part of the plan, but his heart has him rethinking everything. Gemma has had her heart stepped on far too many times to trust it. Can the playboy next door, give her the courage to give love one more try? All In is a party. Emotions tend to travel all over the place, yet Ridgway proves her staying power with well placed humor that hits straight at the heart. Another bullseye for Christie Ridgway.