Rating 3 stars out of 5

In crime, like in love, there can be no half measures….

Fashion model Zane Stryker needs money—badly. At almost thirty, his glory days are behind him, and he needs capital to start over. When his luggage is switched with a bag containing contraband he’s forced to deliver, it’s either the worst thing that’s ever happened to him… or the best.

Enter Sebastian Gigoni, formerly of the British Special Forces, who has to decide just where Zane’s loyalty lies and why. Sizzling attraction erupts between them, but that doesn’t mean they can trust each other. They double down in a race for their lives—and their love—but are their purposes at odds? As they struggle to reconcile their goals, their consciences, and the needs of their hearts, one thing is clear—they must go all in or give up altogether.

All In is the third story in the Wilds Cards series by Ava Drake and I have to admit it was a fun if improbable read.  You have a gorgeous fashion model Zane Stryker who ends up in the middle of a crime/espionage case via a suitcase which is a well established trope true. Throw in a mystery man named Sebastian Gigoni, who eventually turns out to be formerly of the British Special Forces (of course we don’t get that at the beginning, neither does Zane), so the confusion is rampant and complete.

I get that March was going for that old zany sort of adventure/mystery/scarum sort of thing done in the 60’s with Audrey Hepburn with Grant or other leading men.  Those were fun comedies with just enough thrillers to make us fear for the couple.  But this just didn’t make sense at parts or perhaps there just wasn’t enough time to make a big enough connection between the two main character for this to work for me.  Why on earth would these men trust each other given their actions? Not a clue….

And that ending?  Truly far fetching even for a Dreamspun Desires title.  Sweet though, and very romantic even as it had it rolling my eyes a bit.

For this series, the best remains the first story which I adored, Ace in the Hole (Wild Cards #1).  I thought that was just terrific and wish to see that couple revisited again.

But until then.  All In is a nice little romance adventure to while away your afternoon with.

Cover art by Bree Archer is terrific.  Love the action and drama. Great job.

Sales Links : Dreamspinner Press

Book Details:

ebook, 178 pages
Published July 15th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635336511
Edition LanguageEnglish
URL