After reading the blurb on this one I was really in two minds about reading it. On the one hand it sounded really great. One the other...AND it's Amy Lane, the Queen of Angst! So I was rather hesitant to start.

Lucky for me the angstfest didn't eventuate. Still it was a lot of pages, constantly going back to the same thing again and again... But as there was more going on and being so well written it wasn't a big issue. And I did love both Jase and Quent, so that just clinched the deal.

3.5 stars

This book is like a paean to the idea that guys don't talk to each other. The main characters were together for years, not just as friends but as roommates and then as business partners, before either of them made a move about their mutual attraction. And after they did admit their interest in each other, they are still completely unable to communicate their feelings and concerns except in scorchingly hot sex and cryptic poker metaphors and similes. I loved the guys and was irritated by them in equal measure. I read this book in one sitting, because Amy Lane does can't-put-it-down relationships better than anyone I know, and I felt for the guys even as I wanted to smack them. This book is hotter and (for all that building a relationship is the centerpiece of this book) less angsty than many others by this author.

Every so often a book comes out that is absolutely perfect for me. It hits all my best buttons, and I have a heck of a time letting it go once I’m done reading it.
Gambling Men is one of those books and now that it’s out in audio, I’m in audiobook heaven!

As the blurb states, Quent and Jace have been friends for over eight years, since the first day they met, but it takes a blush from Quent for Jace to realize that it’s time to make his move. I don’t know much about poker, but I loved how these two took their relationship to the next level. Jace may be a hardnose businessman, but when it comes to Quent, there’s a vulnerable side to him that just melts your heart. And Quent… One might think he’s a bit of a pushover when it comes to what Jace wants, but he’s surprisingly solid in character—solid enough that one gets the impression he is Jace’s anchor, and helps ground him and shows his softer side. This really comes out after the parasailing incident.

Our very own Lisa did an earlier review of Gambling Men when it first came out and OMG, she’s right, what a clever way to play Go Fish! I had the biggest grin on my face while listening to this scene.

I absolutely love this story, and Gomez Pugh just enchanted me with his performance. I loved how relax and easy going his narration was. His voice characterizations were perfect, and last but not least, when it came to the more sensual parts of the story…I was like…WOW, what a performance!

Reviewed by Kim for The Novel Approach Reviews

I tend to hate the artwork on Amy Lane books. This was no exception. I thought I would hate it but it was actually an interesting friends to lovers.

I do think this one needed a bit more polishing. Some of the metaphors and adjectives were clunky and overused. So many vodka blue eyes, so much poker.

The work sex was hot but would be disgusting in real life if colleagues got up to that.

Man this book was incendiary and in a good way. The two of them were so hot, there are so many brilliant moments. Never thought of life and love compared to the game of Poker, but you will when you read this book.

Quentin and Jace are just beautiful people and together they are perfect.

Go Fish is my new favorite game.

Off to re-read.

amy lane's books pretty much always brighten my day, but this one being more a story of how to make love work...yeah, it made me extra happy.

I Just didn't connect with the MC's

Too much sex, not enough plot. Too bad, because I've come to expect much better from Lane.