“I want my own Caldwell brother!” ~ Read, Review, Repeat Blog
After my father’s tragic death, I swore I’d never fall in love.
I’m the golden boy of Vegas. The head of my family. Every woman wants me, and every man envies me.
Nothing cracks my cool veneer.
Until I fall into the hypnotic depths of her eyes.
One breath.
One look.
One touch.
Before I even know her name, she consumes me. Thaws … eyes.
One breath.
One look.
One touch.
Before I even know her name, she consumes me. Thaws my frozen heart. Exposes my black soul to the light.
My conscience screams at me to leave her alone. She’s innocence incarnate and I’m the guy who intends to steal it. But the devil always wins, and I can see her as the mother of my children.
A future I never thought I deserved hovers right at my fingertips.
Until someone else wants what belongs to me. A vicious mafia kingpin. If he can’t have her, he vows to turn her against me.
Underestimating me is his fatal mistake… I’ll do anything to protect what’s mine.
Anything.
And I won’t fight fair.
*****
HARD GAMBLE is a full-length steamy romance novel from USA Today Bestselling Author, Colleen Charles, about strength and triumph with a mafia villain you’ll want to throat-punch. It’s the first book in the spellbinding CALDWELL BROTHERS series.
“Holy hell, have I been living under a rock? A MUST read!” ~ The Power of Three Readers
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This well-written book 1 in the Caldwell Brothers Series is a fast-paced, steamy romance that gives you an inside look at what happens when a hardworking housekeeper at a rundown hotel on the Vegas strip, puts her dream of going to college and becoming an OT on hold so she can take care of her older brother. The second he sees her at his casino, he is determined that she will be his. The story is well-developed and intense with great characters. A Must Read
Get ready for hidden lies, second chances, opposites attract love story that shows you some things really are destined to be. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a heartwarming, sizzling hot HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The opening scene was traumatic to read but it was also confusing because it didn’t seem to fit the rest of the story initially. The beginning of the actual story seemed totally unconnected to the prologue. But as the rest of the chapters played out, things began to make sense and at the reveal, the reason and why was horrifying. I liked their connection with each other. I felt their love so I was pleased by the way the storyline progressed. I was surprised by the ending though because I wanted closure.
What a wonderful start to the “Caldwell Brothers” stories! Nixon is the oldest of five brothers and because of his father has closed his heart off. Nixon is on a path of revenge from his nemesis, Dante, when he sets eyes on Marcella. Marcella, who has had a challenging path goes into a casino to confront her brother, who has a gambling problem. This story is riddled with emotional turmoil, ups, downs and good twists and turns.
This is the 3rd book I’ve read written by Colleen Charles; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story. Nixon and Marcella were made for each other. The connection between them was strong, so wasn’t their chemistry. They were great together.
This is the first book in this standalone series. It will take you through all the emotions and leave you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hard Gamble (Caldwell Brothers Book One) by Colleen Charles. Great romance that kept me on the edge of my seat while the author’s storytelling and attention to detail kept me vested in characters and outcome of story. It’s raw, it’s gritty, it’s full of dark drama, strong yet damaged characters, suspense, and intense steamy scenes. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the story line and thought that the book had a smooth flow. The character work was great. I was hooked from the beginning and remained that way until the end. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author, but it won’t be the last.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Delicious Drama An Amazingly Wicked.
by and1515
I was hooked the moment I started reading this book it kept me spellbound and it lured me in even further with each new chapter filled with turmoil absolutely delicious drama an amazingly wicked.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wealthy man who sees what he wants and does what needs to be done to make it his. A feisty, fiery heroine with a mind of her own who doesn’t make it easy for him. Well written, nicely paced, and loaded with emotion. You can’t go wrong with this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the Caldwell brother’s series and is Nixon and Marcella’s story this was a great book it was well written and had me hooked I cannot wait to read the rest of the series I just hope the rest of the brothers are as yummy as Nixon
The Caldwell brothers are great. Nixon sees her in his casino and he knows he has to have her. He did not expect to fall for her. Good read and romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Buyer Beware is a beautifully written, slightly dark romance by Colleen Charles. I am pleasantly surprised to see that she has gone down a new path, writing a Bad Boy Billionaire story. Manuel (Manny) and Marcella (Cella) Castillo lost their parents in a car crash. Cella works as a maid in the Heartbreak Hotel to earn enough money just to stay ahead of the bills. Manny works at the Armonico casino which is the worst possible job for him to have. He is a gambling addict who steals Marcella’s hard-earned money just to gamble it away. Unlike her brother, Marcella has goals for her future. She wants to go to college and pursue a degree in physical therapy. Even if she receives a scholarship, however, she has to turn it down because there is no money for books and other necessities. She is attacked by some thugs one day who burn the initials DG on her stomach. They cackle at her that now she “belongs to him.” DG: Dante Giovanetti is a ruthless, vile and heartless casino owner with ties to the mafia. All of the people of the neighborhood and beyond are terrified of him because there are rumors out there that he kills anybody who gets in his way. His competition for the casino business in Las Vegas is Nixon Caldwell. His father had owned a casino, too, and Nixon built the Armonica as a tribute to his legacy. Nixon’s parents are dead and he believes that Giovanetti had a hand in his father’s death. One afternoon there is a near-fight going on down on the street below. From his office, Nixon spots Marcella and immediately knows that she is going to be his. Not so fast! Although their attraction sizzles, it’s not going to be that easy. A highlight for me is Lincoln Caldwell, Nixon’s youngest brother. He was born with cerebral palsy and needs a physical therapist to work with him. With Cella’s background as a para for a physical therapist, Nixon knows she’d be perfect and hires her. Linc and Cella have a unique and special relationship. I couldn’t help but smile at how much they adore each other. The story ends…. with a cliffy! Perfect because hints have been dropped all through Buyer Beware regarding in which direction this story may be going! This is Colleen Charles at her finest!
Sin city is living up to its name in this story! Marcella is struggling to keep her life on track while keeping her brother Manny out of trouble. This gets tough when all the money she earns gets continually gambled away… thanks Manny. Nixon Caldwell is hell bent on avenging his father’s death, but gets waylaid by Marcella. I really loved the strength of Marcella, evolution of Nixon, and the entire plot was intriguing! That prequel… oh my god! I’m anxious to read the rest of the series to see how the overall story unfolds.
Wow
I loved it from the beginning. Marcella has to deal with a brother with a gambling addiction and gives up finishing something she really wants. Nixon takes care of his baby brother and runs his casino. He see her arguing with her brother and knows she is the one. Can’t wait to read about the other brothers.
This book was wicked good! Entertaining, engaging and intense. A gripping storyline and complex characters. The chemistry between Nixon and Marcella is so hot and the attraction is off the charts. I loved these two. Opposites in many ways and yet they share some deep similarities. With plenty of steam, drama, suspense and emotion this book rocks. I am very excited to see what happens in future books.
I have read many, many books, but this was like watching a 3D movie in my mind. So many books are the samo samo, just different wording. Most times I guess the plot and ending, but Colleen steps outside the box and doesn’t mind switching things up a notch. There is only one other author I really admire as much as Colleen and her initials are NR.
JN
Great series! Romance and a classic good vs. evil story which keeps you interested. All the men are sexy, extremely rich Las Vegas casino owners. The ladies they choose are all beautiful, talented and trying to make it on their own. They demand respect and are female characters any woman can be proud of. Their romances are smokin’ hot, hot, hot. But there is an mean, evil rival casino owner who wants to ruin all their dreams. Who will win? Read the series and find out!
True family spirit and so gripping