The stunning conclusion to the All In Duet… In Vegas, there was one man who was off limits. One man… and I fell for him. I knew there were risks. Still, I played the game. When Dario Capece called, I answered. When he beckoned, I came. When he broke all my rules, I looked the other way. I knew there were risks. I just never realized they included death. Note: This book should be read after …
Note: This book should be read after Even Money (available now).
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“He was broken. Like me.
After the hair-raising cliffhanger in Even Money waiting for Double Down filled me with delicious anticipation. Yeah, I know I’m not the only armchair detective who enjoys working things out, even if I’m wrong. It’s the process that’s so fun, right? The author did an excellent job of building the excitement and suspense. She teased me with their intense and forbidden chemistry. Pulling me into their passionate encounters and keeping me on edge as I worried about the consequences. But that didn’t stop me from mentally encouraging them to go All In. Actually, they went even a step further, “Double down was a blackjack term. It’s when you had a risky hand that had the potential to be strong, or the potential to be disastrous. Instead of riding the hand out, you double your bet.” I did bet on them, but I confess there were times I wanted to cover my eyes, afraid to look at the cards…
Being the tale of suspense that it is, there’s no way I can give you any details without ruining it for you. So, all I can do is tell you that it’s told in multiple POV. The author puts you inside the heads of not only the H/h, but other characters as well. What a mindfuck it is to know the diabolical plotting going on and be unable to warn the victims. I wanted to sign up to be on their security detail so I could get one of those neat little ear pieces and listen to all the details going on behind the scenes. Also, I was a nervous wreck as I waited for shit to hit the fan and I wanted to be able to yell a warning when it did.
I really enjoyed the grand finale to this steamy and suspenseful duet. It kept my heart and my brain busy as I melted one minute and cringed the next. I kept turning those pages, anxious to know but afraid to find out. Well done.
There are some amazing support characters in this story as well, and I met a few more in this second book. I was highly entertained by their amusing banter and would love to see a few of them again in another book. I’ve even done a little mental matchmaking between my favorite two that haven’t even met each other, but they would make a great couple. Have you considered this Alessandra Torre? Think about it, I know you know who I’m talkin’ bout, cuz you’re not cooyon. The line forms here…
Double Down starts off right where we left off. My adrenaline was pumping instantly, I had to find out how Dario and Belle were going to navigate this extremely sticky situation!
In book two we get to understand more of Dario’s background and past in a clever way. The reader experiences where he came from through Belle’s eyes by meeting his closest friends and going back to his roots. I really liked this part of the story.
You’ll constantly be on edge while reading this one, Torre definitely keeps us on our toes! I thought the ending of Even Money was a little predictable but I was surprised a number of times with this one.
Dario and Belle’s relationship is so much deeper and we see their love grow deeper than before which so really loved! The ending was perfect and left me very satisfied.
3.75 stars–DOUBLE DOWN is the second instalment in Alessandra Torre’s contemporary, adult ALL IN romantic suspense duet focusing on thirty-seven year old, Las Vegas billionaire and multiple casino owner Dario Capece, and twenty-two year old, college student /cocktail waitress Bell Hartley. DOUBLE DOWN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately following the events and cliff hanger of book one EVEN MONEY.
Told from first person point of view (Bell Hartley), and several third person perspectives including Dario Capece DOUBLE DOWN follows in the aftermath of a tragedy that all but destroys Dario’s life. With Bell in hiding, Dario is forced to face his demons including the man he holds responsible for all that has happened, and possibly more. An ensuing investigation begins to point fingers in only one direction but a direction that could quickly bounce back to our story line hero. The relationship between Bell and Dario takes a backseat as a plan is put into motion to expose the truth, a truth that becomes more volatile with every reveal.
From murdered and missing girls, to a vendetta aimed at destroying them all, DOUBLE DOWN focuses on the take down of a man so corrupt that his remaining family vows vengeance against those perceived to be in the wrong. Just when their lives begin to settle down, the vendetta reaches another crisis point, and Bell becomes fodder for revenge against years of abuse and betrayal.
DOUBLE DOWN is a story of romance and love, and of one man who has found his happily ever after only to have it quickly pulled in the blink of an eye. The investigation and take down are quick; a number of details are behind the scenes and mostly implied; the conflict resolutions are questionable and without much fanfare or exposure. Overall, DOUBLE DOWN is an entertaining and engaging story but the rush to the finish, and open-ended conclusion left me a little unfulfilled. Alessandra Torre’s ALL IN duet is a dramatic and intense series that will captivate your attention until the very end.
Double Down by Alessandra Torre is book Two in the All in Duet series. This continues the story of Dario Capece and Bell Hartley. Even Money the previous book needs to really be read first to fully enjoy their story in this book.
This book picks up where Even Money left us wonder what going to happen next.
They are dealing with someone out to her Bell and the death of Dario’s wife. This book and series has been a page turner for sure. Dario is a alpha man with Bell but some of his reason for doing things were questionable for me…but overall loved him.
Loved this exciting Duet!
2.5 STARS!
Even Money ended in such a way that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on book two and I’m grateful to Alessandra to have sent me an early copy of Double Down, but unfortunately it just wasn’t the book for me.
Double Down was indeed suspenseful, but I felt it was rushed at times and that there was unnecessary drama surrounding the characters. I also felt the ending left me feeling indecisive. The sole reason I held on was because of Laurent. He’s a big, quiet, Cajun swamp man from the bayou with a Louisiana twang who kept to himself #sigh. I just wanted more… More of him! He captivated me and at one point I was contemplating/hoping for Bell to fall for him!! Yes, that’s not good at all being that he was not the hero in question. But regardless, this man needs a book! I love Alessandra’s writing and I can’t wait to read more of what she has to bring to the author world!!
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
Double Down is exactly what I expect from a sequel!!! Sequels to books can some times be a disappointment or just not live up to the first book that is released, but that is NOT the case with Double Down. This book was just as jaw dropping and intriguing as Even Money (Book 1).
Double Down picks up right where Even Money ended. But as with Even Money, I can’t really go into details of the storyline in Double Down either. This is a duet that you need to go into blind. I will say this any thoughts or questions that book 1 left you with are answered in this book. You will not be able to guess what is going to happen….this story continues to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Double Down takes a different look at Bell and Dario’s relationship. In Even Money we got the build up to their bond. But in this book we get what happens after that cliffhanger in book 1. This book shows how they navigate their crazy words. I found that Bell and Dario were still lovable characters and I was rooting for them even more in this book. I feel that this book took a little darker turn than book 1. You’ll understand once you read this story. Nothing is too dark that it would make you uncomfortable to read.
Alessandra Torre continues to blow my mind with her amazing stories and characters. This book was no different. I was swept up in the story and characters lives. As with book 1, this story had my heart racing all the way until the end. The pace and flow of the story was perfect!!! I would say this is a fairly quick read because I devoured in less than a day, but that was because once I started I didn’t put it down.
I would 100% recommend this book/duet to all readers!!! This is a MUST READ and will sit at the top of my Best of 2018 list. 1-click this book as soon as it releases, you won’t be sorry!!!!
4.9 Stars
PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW OR THIS BOOK IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE FIRST ONE!!!! THERE WILL BE SPOILERS! But only for those who haven’t read book #1.
Book #2 starts where the first one left us hanging!
Bell just found Gwen dead in the hotel room. Dario reacts quickly and sends her to an old buddy in Louisiana. He already knows that Gwen’s father and his ‘killer’ girl will never let Bell live.
And poor Bell. She doesn’t know what to think – to do. She’s stuck in the swamps with this weird Laurent person. Does Dario even care for her, love her? After the way he reacted to Gwen’s death. She’s just not sure about anything anymore.
YAY, finally book #2 – even though it hasn’t been that long!
Book #1 ended with a huge Cliffy and now we’re right back in that moment with Dario & Bell.
It was all mega exciting and scary and I just wanted to fast forward to the end to see if and how we’ll get that happily ever after. But of course I didn’t! I read the whole amazing story!
And I loved it!
It was all very edge-of-your-seat-ish. You just had to keep on reading. How would poor Dario handle his father-in-law and everything surrounding the death of his wife in Vegas?! He needs to get him arrested … otherwise he will never be free and happy with Bell.
It’s not easy, but Dario is NOT giving up. He’s finally found his happily ever after person – and he’ll do anything for their future life together.
And then when you think you can finally take a breath … that it’s almost time for our happy end – and BAM – it’s so not over yet! Grrrr!
GREAT SEXY SUSPENSE!
I loved every minute of it!
Oh, well, if I had to name a tiny thing I didn’t love? I don’t like books that have chapters in the bad people’s POV. I only want the two main character’s thoughts!
BUT it didn’t bother me all that much!
I still LOVED this duet very much! Dario is so mega swoon-worthy!
This was the perfect finale with the perfect ending to our darlings’ story!
And oooh – can we get Rick and Lance’s story one day??? Please!?
And Laurent too! I want ALL the stories!
I also wouldn’t mind if Netflix came along and made a show out of it!
First and foremost, you need to read Even Money before reading Double Down as this is a duet and continues Dario and Bell’s story. And what a story it was! The minute Double Down by Alessandra hit my Kindle, I was both excited and terrified to see how it would all end. I could not wait to get it started.
Where the first book gave us Dario and Bell’s beginning and history, Double Down took us on a suspenseful journey with twists and turns. Every time I thought it would finally be okay, another surprise was thrown at us. This time the cost of being together may be more than either can bear. The stakes have never been higher.
Double Down started right where Even Money left off. From the first word to the last I was consumed. Dario and Bell fell and fell hard for each other. Their love was strong and unbreakable, even as their beginning was full of secrets and lies. But neither could imagine life without the other. Even so, neither could have foreseen the consequences their actions would unleash. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading.
In the first book, Dario was strong, powerful, sexy, possessive and very controlled. But after that ending, you see a Dario that knows pain and loss and we see a softer side. However, we also see a Dario that will move heaven and earth to protect Bell. Bell is consumed with guilt and jealously, but knows Dario is worth it all. She will stand by her man through everything. No matter the cost.
The All In Duet by Alessandra Torre is a story of love and consequences and I devoured it. Alessandra Torre is a writer that gives us stories with amazing characters that captivate reader and both Even Money and Double Down are must-reads. I loved reading both books and cannot recommend them any higher.
Read and reviewed for Reviews From The Heart.
Happy reading!
ARC received for an honest review
After the way the first book, Even Money ended, I knew we were going to be in for one heck of a bumpy ride with Double Down.
And Ms Torre did not disappoint me.
Holy crapballs, this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. The conclustion to Dario and Bell’s story had me anxious, had me sad, had me mad. For every character I loved, there were two I hated.
I anxiously turned each page, needing to know our lovelies were alright, that they were fighting for each other, that they would make it to their happy ending.
Full of action and suspense, Double Down was a great conclusion to our lovelies story – plenty of twists and turns. Though half the time I wanted to throw my kindle or reach into my kindle and punch somebody!
I can’t wait to see what Ms Torre brings us next
The conclusion to the All In Duet is awesome!! I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one because the first one was very much ‘what will happen with them?!’
It is very much a conclusion to the Robert problem, the Claudia problem, and their relationship problems. Once everything has been taken care of, they are free to be together with one another. Going back to my review of the first book, where I drew a few parallels to 50 Shades, this one as well is in his protectiveness of her. He is insitaiting a team of bodygaurd for her to watch over her silently. Difference is here she very much stands up for herself and demands that he not do that. They comprimise, that he will, but she can not know they are watching nearby and they must not be seen. So when she begins school, she can do so without being watched.
Overall, I found myself loving this duet. They are such a good read with that edge-of-your-seat feeling to it.
Double Down is the suspenseful, fast paced conclusion to the All In duet. Casino big wig Dario is left to deal with the consequences of the huge cliffhanger from the first book. There were so many “oh snap” moments in this book that I did not see coming! Alessandra Torre really knows how to throw a surprise in there! And the relationships grow and develop throughout this book as only Alessandra can write them. I loved every minute!
I absolutely had to read this book after finishing the first.
You will devour this duet.
Bell and Dario’s story is highly addictive and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
That cliff hanger at the end of Even Money! Did not see that turn of events coming at all.
Started Double Down with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Alessandra in plot twist suspense mode is my favourite type of Alessandra. Think Ghostwriter. Think Girl in 6E.
The Hawk is after its prey and Dario and Bell are the hunted.
Just like Even Money, chapters are written in first person for Bell and third person for Dario, with interwoven chapters by the supporting characters. Claudia’s chapters in particular are perfectly executed, firstly because the chapter titles give insight into her mood and what will happen in the chapter, secondly because Alessandra nails Claudia’s inner thoughts and mental state.
Claudia scared the living daylights out of me. There is so much going on in this book. The missing girls. The FBI hunt. The dead wife. The bereaved lover. The crazypants dad. The crazypants! The cool Cajun. The devoted best friends. It was a showstopper!
The All In Duet is a great sexy suspenseful read.
I was so excited to dive into this conclusion in this duet. After everything that happened in the first book, with how the first book ended, I was hoping for some really juicy, mind-boggling things to happen in this one…
This picks up right where Even Money left off. I was waiting for the action to happen. Waiting for trickery and deceit. Even Money pretty much dictated that for this book. However, that wasn’t how things played out. I was almost instantly deflated when things were revealed so quickly.
I needed more in this book. It was good, but I expected much better, especially from this author. There was way too much inner dialogue, especially considering what needed to happen in this book. I found myself wanting to skim to find the good parts. I didn’t though, I kept going, hoping there would be some pieces that I could cling to in all of the inner monologues between the characters.
The book got really good closer to the end. It was definitely what I had hoped for from the beginning of the book. It just took a while to get there.
Overall, the duet is a good story. It will mostly keep readers wondering how things will play out and how these characters will get their happily ever after. It’s definitely worth a read!
Picking up after the heart stopping conclusion of Even Money, Double Down continues the twisty, suspense filled story of Dario & Bell. This tightly woven take of revenge, lust & murder will keep you engaged until the final page.
Wow!!! I’m so glad I didn’t have to wait for the second book in this series. When the first book ended with crying and death I couldn’t wait to tear into the second book. I knew from the first one I wouldn’t be able to put it down.
Did Bell and Dario’s story end in the first book??? The mystery is there. The pain and love too.
Dario wants to know who killed his wife. He knows it’s his father in law but he knows he doesn’t do his dirty work he has someone do it for him, but Dario doesn’t know all the bad things that’s his father in law does and it will make you sick.
So much heartache in this second book but the bad guy deserves what he gets or should I say two bad guys.
I have to say I love the s second book as much as the first but I would have liked more. I know the story could go on forever but I think there was just a little bit missing. I would definitely read this story again.
3.5 Stars
I was so nervous to start this book. I was afraid of was going to happen after the ending of book one. Double Down didn’t disappoint, its full of twists.
The chemistry between Dario and Bell is still amazing. They are fighting for their happy ever after. This book was fast paced and very suspenseful. I enjoyed this duet and the intense roller coaster ride it took me on. If you are looking for a fast paced dark and twisty romance story this is for you.
Double Down was the suspenseful conclusion to Alessandra Torre’s cliffhanger, Even Money. (Note: this is not a standalone. Make sure you have read Even Money first. Not only to get more of Dario’s supreme excellence but in order to have the full story going in).
Without spoiling the end of Even Money, Double Down has everyone in Vegas investigating the cliffhanger at the end of Even Money. All I have to say is don’t place your chips on the story ending like you think it should. Alessandra Torre is the mistress of sexy suspense. This story is no exception.
It takes just one spin of the wheel for things to change in Vegas…in Double Down, that can happen with the turn of a page. Loved it!
Man oh man, this one was action packed. We pick up right where the last book left off and it never stopped. There was craziness everywhere! The last half of the book was intense and pretty clever. I think this duet would make a great movie, it was really good. What a great conclusion, it had me all kinds of entertained.