Hustler

You know that person, or people, who occupy that strange, yet wonderful area of your life who you love because they make you laugh at the most ridiculous things and have your back no matter what and yet in a split second can have you growling and wanting to smack some sense into them no matter how much you may love them? Well that’s Nell and Gavin to a T. Their story is a sweet, smexy, frustrating and all around crazy fun of roller coaster of a time filled with great characters who make you want more!

Gavin and Nell *I’m currently shaking my head and chuckling as I write this* are forces to be reckoned with and perfect for each other. Gavin has lived, breathed and eaten poker and everything that comes with it, which includes a genius level skill at reading people. He prides himself on being able to pick people apart as well making it nearly impossible for others to read or crack him. This gives him a pompous and at times cold air, something he actually has no issue with, and yet under the armour he cares more than he wants to admit especially when it comes to those he cares about.

Nell is the small town girl with big city dreams who headed to Vegas to make her dreams come true and found that Sin City was a much harder nut to crack than she realized. But she doesn’t give up and that determination is what keeps her in the city and continuing to pursue her dream, despite all the rejection. She doesn’t ‘play the game’ very well and though she may lose her cool at times it’s not because she’s entirely in the wrong, most of the time. She has this very strong sense of right and wrong and her loyalty to her friends is unconditional, even when she’d rather kick their asses.

The road to their HEA drove me nuts. The push/pull had me wanting to toss my Kindle into the freezer numerous times as they acted like kids who actually liked each other but didn’t want to admit it so instead they end up poking at each other. But what kept me from damaging my precious was that when they weren’t acting like children, they really were fun to watch. Okay, even when they were acting like children and trying to one up the other it was fun too because despite my irritation at times, I loved that Nell didn’t back down and just give in to Gavin and that Gavin didn’t give up his pursuit. The bantering between was hilarious, the chemistry explosive and once they both let their walls down just a little the sweetness was just dopey smile/sigh inducing that made the rollercoaster ride worth it.

This is time I’ve read anything by either author and I really enjoyed it. The writing was engaging and seamlessly done, the pacing was good and I enjoyed the 1st person dual POV. I also loved the secondary cast of characters. Each of them had such distinct personalities and simply added depth to the story instead of detracting from it. They were written so well that I’m going to cross my toes that each of them get their own books down the road especially since sparks were flying between some of the characters throughout the book.

~ ARC provided in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley ~

It’s no secret that I absolutely adore Meghan Quinn. She’s one of my must read authors. Unfortunately, I haven’t ready anything by Jessica Prince yet so I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into with Hustler. Well, I loved it! This book had just about everything that I needed.

Gavin Saint is number one hustler not only on The Vegas strip but in the country. He is known for being able to read people and using that to manipulate both the person and/or the situation. That is until Penelope Prescott walks into his life. She quickly becomes the biggest challenge of his life.

Let me start with Penelope (Nell). She’s so full of fire and sass that I absolutely loved her. She’s in a job where she needs to keep her words professional. However, her hot temper, independence, and non-filtered mouth just keeps getting in the way that. I can 100% relate to that. I have zero filter. She doesn’t put up with shit and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

“They can just fuck the right hell off for all I care. I’m there to do a job. And unlike them, my job doesn’t include sucking off some limp-dicked millionaire with a potbelly and shriveled up, old man balls who probably blows more dust than cum down the back of their throats.”

Yes! That’s what I’m talking about. ZERO FILTER and I love it! Beyond that fiery, sassy mouth, she’s loyal to the select few people in her life. She will do anything for her friends and family. Hell, I want to be her friend! She gives Gavin a run for his money, that’s for sure.

Oh, Gavin. *Sigh* He’s more than I was expecting. He was arrogant, cocky and quite frankly a complete ass at times. So what does that mean? I fall for him. Hook, line and sinker. As if I wasn’t already a goner, he has such a deliciously dirty mouth. I’m pretty sure I made the person on the airplane next to me uncomfortable while reading this. *Note to self: Don’t ever read this on a plane again!* He’s been a hustler all his life and has been running away from his father’s legacy. Unfortunately what his father should have been known for isn’t. It’s something that has plagued Gavin in regards to the perception that others have of him but his heart as well.

My favorite part of this story is the chase. Nell wants nothing to do with Gavin. At least, that’s what her mind tells her. However, her body doesn’t seem to be on board with her mind. The banter between the two of them is awesome and exactly what I love. We get to see the both of them struggle in different ways against each other. At some point, we get to see the vulnerable side of them both. The perfect mix.

I’m sure it’s obvious by now that I loved this book. If you are looking for a good chase, great banter, little angst and overall fun, this book is for you. I’m so happy I read it. We already know I will read future works by Meghan Quinn but I can’t wait to check out more of Jessica Prices’ work! Great job, ladies!