Sometimes it only takes a minute. A connection of eyes across a room, a quickened heartbeat, and everything changes.I was a cocktail waitress with a fondness for partying and meaningless sex. He owned half of Vegas, with the reputation to match. I should have turned away. Instead, I stepped closer.Then, the lies started.Rumors spread.Stalking commenced.And someone died. None of it stopped me from … commenced.
And someone died.
None of it stopped me from falling in love.
*This is book 1 in a duet. The second book, Double Down, will release on June 18th*
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4.5 stars
Even Money is an attention grabbing, emotion twisting, hormone laced ride that leaves you stumbling when you get off.
It opens with a seemingly innocent beginning. An introduction into the quirks of a group and leads you into the lion’s den by mere coincidence. It’s almost a trick of the cards. Luring you into contact with a chemistry that is bound and unbreakable. Teasing your senses with possibilities. Showing you all it could be while making you desperate to run from yourself.
Yes, Even Money is dangerous and addictive. You won’t know how bad you’ve fallen until it’s too late. A world destroyed all because you couldn’t stop that unbreakable bond…but now is it in tatters? Is this the end? Where does this leave us?
I will tell you. It leaves you begging for more and yet afraid to find out if this is the end of a whirlwind experience…
Is there a tomorrow?
I can’t wait to dive into Double Down.
3 1/2 stars. This book was such a dichotomy to me. Several things really irritated me; like the insta-love and the repetitive thoughts in italics. And I disliked both Bell and Dario. She was so annoying to me and he was stalkerish. Yet I was so compelled to keep reading I never considered not finishing. I’m thinking that’s a testament to Torre’s writing. And that cliffy…….Whew……crazy stuff!
Brimming with intrigue and sex, Even Money kept me engrossed until the heart stopping, oh-no they didn’t cliffhanger of an ending. Its okay, part two of the duet is out so you can dive right back in. The story hinges on the relationship of a powerful casino owner brought to his knees by his sudden unexpected feelings for a feisty cocktail waitress. Dario is torn between his desire for Bell and the love of Gwen, the woman he married to save her from a dangerous father. There is no easy escape from the lives they’ve chosen and soon an unseen menace threatens everyone’s safety. This seductive, suspense filled story continues in Double Down and I can’t wait to see how it all ends!
This was a fun debut novel from Molly O’Hare. An enemies-to-lovers, Hollywood rom-com with a sassy heroine and an at first very unlikeable hero to win your heart. It’s not often that I find myself wanting to read the stories of secondary characters, but I can’t wait to read Lexi and Danny’s.
Wow!!! What a read!!!! When I read the synopsis, I knew it was going to be a good read, but it far surpassed anything I was expecting.
Bell is a cocktail waitress working in a casino trying to forget the horrific event that happened during her childhood that changed her forever. She thinks she is doing pretty good. She has great friends and a great job. She controls her own emotions and relationships with men, never giving her heart to ANYONE! When she lays eyes on Dario Capece one night, everything changes!
Dario is rich, and he has worked hard to be the success he is. He has a wife, Gwen, but they have an arrangement. She sees who she wants and so does he, but it’s discreet. They always promised to never leave the other, but when he sees Bell, life for him is getting ready to become EXTREMELY COMPLICATED!
This is a book that kept my interest from the very beginning, not only the storyline but the characters as well. Both stand out in the book. It is told from several POVs which makes it even more interesting. I felt for all three main characters, Bell, Dario, and Gwen, Dario’s wife. All three have led really hard lives, and Gwen and Bell have suffered things no person should ever have to endure. Torre has given her readers three very complex and multi-layered characters.
This is not just a romance, but it full of betrayals, secrets, action, and an evil villian. Parts had me on the edge of my seat because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. You will know what I mean the deeper you get into the book. It does end in one heck of a cliffhanger, but never fear, the sequel is releasing very soon. I’m a certainly looking forward to it.
Wow!!!! I didn’t see that coming! What a cliff hanger.
This book is all sorts of wrong but so amazing! Dario and Gwen and the basis of their whole relationship. Dario and his fascination with Bell. Bell’s own traumatic childhood. Robert Hawk, Gwen’s Father.
The forbidden. The damaged but not yet broken. The danger. The attraction, passion, love. The loyalty. It’s all there in it’s mind blowing glory!
Loved it. Couldn’t wait to read the second book, double down. Very original story. Not the same old boring story line. Kept me up all night
Waiting to see what happens next. Romantic but not predictable
* A copy of Even Money was provided by Netgalley for an honest review, no compensation was given.*
Even Money grabs the reader from the first page to the last, and elicits so many primal feelings along the way. This book is definitely written for the 18+ person, so be warned. Ms. Torre weaves a story of corruption, sex, deception and intense uncontrollable attraction, that keeps the reader turning the pages. I could not put this book down.
Who doesn’t love Vegas. The setting for this book is perfect and the author gives a realistic view of this glamorous and gritty city. When I was reading this book I felt as if I was back in Vegas. #Vegas
I love the way the author puts you right into the head space of the characters. The main character, Bell, is both incredibly strong but broken at the same time. There are aspects of her past that have left her with a distorted view of relationships. Bell describes herself as an emotional cactus, and that’s the way she likes it. She believes that there is no room for love/relationships in her life, just great sex.
Then in walks Dario Capece. “He looked like a night full of filthy, delicious sex and a string of orgasms that would leave you panting and delirious.” And then Bell and Dario’s eyes meet: ” I hadn’t been expecting something in me to yank when our eyes met, a pull of need that occurred before his mouth even opened.” ” He paused the wary look in his eyes matched everything I was feeling.” Dario is a very powerful man who owns half of Vegas, but even the most powerful men have people watching them.
Dario is in an unconventional marriage, both Dario and his wife have been involved with other people throughout their ten year marriage. When Bell and Dario start their affair, it sets certain events into motion that even the very dominant Dario can’t foresee or control. The ending of this book left me gasping and I can’t wait to see where Ms. Torre takes this story. June 18th cannot come fast enough!
What a fantastic read! I’m so glad that I have the habit of just diving into books with little to no knowledge. I would have regretted passing on this book because if I had known the hero was married, I don’t think I would have given this one a chance.
Cheating is such a grey area for people so I will say that for me, I did not view this couple as cheating. The marriage is a business relationship but a whole lot more complicated than that. That complication as well as Dario and Bell’s relationship is what had me riveted to this book.
Dario is a very powerful man in Vegas. One you don’t want to mess with. With just one look at Bell, he switches his laser sharp focus onto her with an intensity that makes it impossible to say no to. For such a powerful man, he’s never met someone who could so easily disrupt the fragile balance of his marriage, his job and his life.
Bell is just one tiny fish in the big vast ocean full of sharks. She’s focused on her job and her studies. She doesn’t do relationship, only casual hookups. Due to what she suffered at 15, she’s never been tempted to risk more than her body to a man. Until Dario. The one man she’s willing to risk it all is unattainable.
There were so many things about this book that grabbed my attention. Dario’s power and the way he pursued Bell. The way Bell stood up for herself even when she wanted to cave. The wife. The father-in-law. Claudia. You know it’s all going to crumble down but you don’t know how. It sucked me in and left me hanging in the end. I loved every minute of it.
Holy Wow! This book captured me from page one and by the time I reached the end I was a balled up mess of nerves.
Working for friends who feel like family at an underground casino, Bell meets the man who basically owns Vegas. The chemistry and attraction to Dario is immediate despite the fact that few words are spoken. When it comes to light that he is having her followed, he uses it to push open the door and enter her life in a substantial way.
Dario is instantly attracted to Bell and unable to get her off his mind. With stalker like actions, he sets out to learn everything he can about her. Once he accomplishes his goals he is completely trapped. His desire for her has now put Bell and his wife in danger and any decision he makes will only compound the problem. But he can’t let her go.
I loved Dario’s obsessive tendencies in regards to Bell, his need to protect and provide for her. However, she’s a strong independent woman who has survived a nightmare and refuses to yield to his demanding ways. (Be assured, this trait does not lead to any too stupid to live moments.) Bell has no intention of getting into a relationship with anyone but she finds herself unable to stop the pull that Dario has on her heart. I enjoyed watching her slowly accept that what she felt for Dario was love.
Together, this couple move through some rocky places as Bell is reluctant due to his marriage and Dario is intent on keeping her safe. The pull toward each other overcomes all their obstacles. Along the way, we occasionally get another point of view in the story. This one is dark and sinister and ratchets up the angst each time they pop up. There is evil here and it’s only a matter of time before it rears its ugly head.
This had a great pace to it that never got too wordy. The secondary characters were wonderful and the steam between the hero and heroine was scorching. Yes, it’s true, Dario is married. However, his wife is his best friend and the marriage was arranged for purposes other than love. While his wife is in love with another man, he has arrangements with two women.
This ends in a huge cliffhanger! I’m talking HUGE! Thank goodness the next book, Double Down is releasing in a few days.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved that Bell had priorities, “the suite is fine. The offer isn’t. I’m not interested in being taken care of by you.” I loved that Bell gave Dario he**, “and bend me over my desk during shifts?” I took a step back. “No thank you. If you buy this place, I’ll quit.” Im going to be honest Dario didn’t do it for me, sure he treated Bell with respect and gave her all his attention when they were together, bit I just didnt like a certain situation, the man needed to grow some balls and get things handled. The ending didn’t do it for me either, I knew there was going to be a cliffhanger so that’s not what bothered me it was actions of a certain character that didn’t do it for me. Overall this was an okay read I’m hoping book 2 of this duet soothes some of these emotions and the dislike I have for Dario for some of the things he did.
Holy mother of Joseph. I don’t even know how to process this right now. My mind is blown…
Wow. Wow. Just wow. This was spectacular. I love Bell and Dario.
Yes, it is a crappy situation, but can you blame a man? No. Not Dario at least. My god.
This was such an intense read!
Oh my word!! I have no words. How does Alessandra Torre come up with these, unique, brilliant, unexpected storylines? I thought I knew which way this book would go, I had a few theories, I was trying to imagine each scenario, and then BAM! I did not see that coming. My head is spinning. Now to the characters, Dario and Bell, I adored them, even Gwen, I had respect for knowing her upbringing and her psychotic father. For such a strong, intimating man, Dario is so sweet, caring and understanding with Bell, just the right amount of alpha. As for Bell, maybe she is a little weak, allowing the affair with Dario to go ahead, but let’s be honest. How would you fair up against all that confidence and charisma? A wonderful story full of suspense and angst with just the right amount of sexy time. I’m being petty only giving this book 4.5 stars out of 5, this is purely because I’m frustrated at having to wait for book 2. I know it’s all part of reading a duet. It doesn’t mean I have to like it though. I was well and truly hooked from the first page, and following the explosive ending, I cannot wait to see what twists and turns book 2 will bring. I was provided with an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
All I have to say is WOW!! This book has it all … great characters, original story line, just the right amount of angst and steamy scenes galore. I literally could not put this book down. Alessandra Torres hit it out of the park with this one. She’s definitely one of the most gifted contemporary romance authors out there. I can’t wait for part 2.
When you pick up a book by Alessandra Torre, you know what you get. Characters who live their lives by their rules, not caring what others might think. Even Money is not different. Bell and Dario appear to be a certain way, but there’s so much more to them then meets the eye. I need to know what happens next… Like now!
“A kiss that seduced, then branded. A kiss where he gave as much as he took, and I lost as much as I gained.”
Bell is a Las Vegas cocktail waitress / student who likes her relationships with men casual. She likes sex, but a real relationship isn’t in the cards for her. Her past taught her one thing, in her present she’s the one in control, calling the shots. When she meets Las Vegas legend Dario, Bell feels an instant pull, but she refuses to give in; to give into her feelings and to give into the man himself. But not all is what it seems, and she and Dario hit it off.
“One look and she’d had some sort of a hold on him. One conversation, a few lines about drinks and business, and he was obsessed.”
Like a lot of other characters by this author, Bell and Dario act and think a lot different than I do. Once you get to know them better however, it all makes sense. Both are shaped by their past, both are doing what’s necessary to survive. Bell by keeping people at a distance, Dario by doing what he does. Under her cool persona Bell is really a sweet girl who wants to be loved, but she’s afraid to give in, afraid what it will do to her. Dario is a dark, charismatic man who knows exactly what he wants, even when it can destroy everything. I love the two of them together.
Even Money is the first part of the ‘All In Duet’ and sets up the story of Bell and Dario. It’s told from a double POV, with Bell’s one in first-person and Dario’s POV in third person. Because of this you get to know Bell, but Dario remains an enigma. Does the book end in a cliffhanger? Yes, it does, but luckily the wait for Double Down isn’t that long. I can’t wait for the second book. Not that I have any doubt about Dario and Bell, but there are things going on they can’t control.
“I couldn’t stay away from him. I tried. And you know me. I fought against feeling for him with every ounce in my being, but it still happened.”
While I am fairly new to the work of Alessandra Toree, I am always excited when I see a new book of hers coming down the pipeline. This time, it is via a Duet that I was so excited to see it unfold. At first, I didn’t know what to expect from her writing, as I’d only seen Hollywood Dirt, one of her books made into a movie, via Passionflix. I immediately bought the book, fell in love, and started reading more of her work. Now, having read a few of her books now, I can say she has a new fan for life.
Going into Even Money, I wasn’t sure what to expect as the blurb is vague on story line. But let me tell you, that is the best way to go into this book. The story had a way of pulling me in from the first chapter, and I love how she has been able to put so much into the first half of this story. In Even Money, we get the story of Bell and Dario. She is a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas at an elite club, while he is the King of Vegas and the biggest playboy on the floor. Their connection is instant and the way their relationship grows and their story unfolds further, it truly is a unique story! Alessandra has such a way of adding angst to her writing that envelope you into the roller coaster of emotions and twists and turns she depicts in this story. The amount of twists and turns just when you think you know what is coming next in the story, made this so much fun to read!
While this does end on a cliffhanger, I am thrilled the gap between the two publish dates is so close. I only have a few weeks to wait until I get the end of the story and the answers I am desperate for…
This is my second time to receive an ARC from the Alessandra Torre, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to review for her, specially this book!
I’m pretty sure ya’ll heard that this book is all kinds of amazing aaaaand it really freaking is! Oh man! I was hooked from beginning to end! This book is definitely something else.
When I got to the last chapter, I was like, OMG, what the fudge?? Why? WHY??? Waaaah! The suspense was killing me!
It’s not your conventional love triangle… and definitely not your conventional contemporary romance. It’s a steamy, psychological-thriller, suspense lovestory!
You don’t wanna pass this book up! It’s swoony and exhilarating all rolled into one… It’s like a lighter version of Twin Peaks, or something…
For those fans of JM Darhower, Pepper Winters and Belle Aurora, and if you love adventure and suspense, this book is the one to pick up next!
Twisty, dysfunctional, insanely seductive. THOSE are the words that are left in my mind while I’m still reeling from the end of this book. Even Money is all kinds of dark and wonderful. Bell, the heroine, is ballsy, but she’d needed to be to get through her past. Even with her tough exterior, under Dario’s gaze and hands, she can be this softer person who needs the affection he’s dying to give her. On the other hand Dario is equally damaged, but meeting Bell wasn’t supposed to be in the cards for him. He had his future mapped out. But the intense connection these two share cannot be denied from the minute their eyes meet.
Despite their relationship being amazingly seductive and entrancing to watch, they could have never anticipated the horrors that were waiting for them. They both thought those dark times of their lives were over, but little did they know their inherent passion angers the worst person possible.
At times I had extremely mixed feelings with this book. I wanted Bell and Dario together SO. FREAKING. BAD. But the behind the scenes moments chilled me down the the bones. And the ending… well it just about broke my heart. It was everything no one good in this book deserved, but a cliffhanger like this is why I have to remind myself I love Alessandra Torre’s books and she hasn’t let me down before, and I know she won’t this time either. I need Dario and Bell’s conclusion story like I need a good night’s sleep (desperately). Luckily we don’t have to wait that long, but how I’m feeling right now about the state of affairs in Bell and Dario’s world, I’m sure it will feel like an eternity. If you’re looking for a gritty, heart-aching book, with breathtaking seduction, and characters that you will be obsessed with, look no further. Just be prepared to be wholly consumed by this story.
O. M. G!!!! Just wow!!! What a way to begin a duet. This had everything in it. Suspense, love, angst, cruelty, steam everything you can think of wrapped up in one. I’m speechless and have been left with this expression after that cliffhanger. Damn what a great book!!!
Bell a beautiful brunette that worked as a waitress in a clandestine casino and was protected by the owners. She had a rough childhood by something that had happened to her that closed off any emotions that she might have. She was putting herself thru college and had no time to be a girlfriend. Any relationship she had with men was only physical. That is until she meets Dario Capece. The hot, alpha rich businessman of Las Vegas that wanted her the minute he saw her.
Dario could get any woman he wants but was never rejected until he met the beautiful brunette, Bell Hartley. Bell had him doing things he’s net done which is chasing after a woman. After several tries which were ALOT she finally caved but things were complicated and not how it seems. He’s very protective but there was so much more to him. And worn his complications the unthinkable happened, they fell in love.
Their relationship was complicated but together the chemistry of these two can burn down a building. Now what made this story even more suspenseful and intriguing was all the different POVS. You get to read the thoughts of not only Dario and Bell but of others that I never expected to read about. It made reading and understanding much easier.
Now that cliffhanger, . I can’t wait to see how this dramatic and unexpected issue will be resolved. I feel like I’m going to need popcorn and some to get thru it.
What can I say??
This ending… I DID NOT SEE THIS COMING!!!!
The twist, the writing, the characters and the suspense made this book a must read for me.
I need book two because this ending…