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A review by inmydreams
Gambler's Conceit by Raissa Phoenix, Adara Wolf
5.0
This was my most anticipated release of the year and I feel very glad that it didn't disappoint. My high expectations were met and even surpassed. I feel extremely happy that I got the opportunity to receive an ARC since I am a big fan of these two authors, and they keep surprising me with every new release in the best ways. This time, it is no different.
The plot is about Seven, a guy who's running away from his dangerous past life. He asks for a ride and he meets Caleb, a big casino's owner and part of one of the families that run the city. Seven starts thinking that maybe he was not so lucky to have been "saved" by him on the road, after Caleb mentions what he wants to do with him and both negotiate an exchange. Caleb and two other men, Vortex and Havoc, will make sure that Seven doesn't run again and swear to keep him out of danger as well.
About the characters, I cared a lot for Seven since the beginning. He's easy to love, although he doesn't believe that he deserves it. He reminded me of a cat, always ready to fight, very resilient, sassy at times, but vulnerable and needy without his claws. Caleb is what one could expect from a leader and the heir of one of the most powerful families. Despite his desire for control, I was surprised that he had his vulnerable moments, and he doesn't remain stoic through the entire book, the total opposite actually. On the other hand, Vortex is a big soft daddy, as described by another character, despite the scary exterior his biggest passion is to take care of another. Havoc, in contrast, has rough side and violent tendencies, but tries his best to protect his loved ones and will do anything to do so.
The dynamics fascinated me. One thing that makes me attached to a book are the relationships, both platonic and romantic/sexual ones. Here it isn't only about Seven and the three men who are crazy about him individually, but they also share past and present experiences together, becoming close thanks to their desire to protect and have Seven. The rivalry between Vortex and Havoc was fun, even more when Caleb is added to the mix to keep them in line. I loved how Seven kept them in a leash, without them (and him) even realizing it. Seven is very kept to himself, but each man brings something out of him and viceversa. With Havoc it's tenacy/roughness, with Vortex it's comfort, and with Caleb is giving up/offering control.
Now onto the writting, I've always loved these authors' styles. It's very easy to get into, engaging, and once you start you cannot put it down. The only reason I didn't finish it in one day was because I didn't want to say goodbye, I got invested with both the story and these guys. The pacing also felt great, there's no rushing and the story keeps advancing without unnecessary scenes. While it isn't a standalone and only the start of a series, it feels very promising, and it's wrapped up pretty nicely. Within the circumstances, I believe it was the right one. One thing I want to point out before finishing is that this book isn't as dark as it appears at first. There's definitely dark elements to it, but surprisingly it's on the sweeter side, the three MLs start to actually care for MC as time passes, which I found perfect. It balances well Seven's pain and his eventual comfort after he receives what he really needs from these three men.
I'll stay waiting for the next book, I wish time could go faster so we can have the second one very soon. I'll miss these characters a lot until next time, including the cats!
-This was an ARC review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
-Elements:
-Kinks:
-Sexual act(s):
-Dynamic:
The plot is about Seven, a guy who's running away from his dangerous past life. He asks for a ride and he meets Caleb, a big casino's owner and part of one of the families that run the city. Seven starts thinking that maybe he was not so lucky to have been "saved" by him on the road, after Caleb mentions what he wants to do with him and both negotiate an exchange. Caleb and two other men, Vortex and Havoc, will make sure that Seven doesn't run again and swear to keep him out of danger as well.
About the characters, I cared a lot for Seven since the beginning. He's easy to love, although he doesn't believe that he deserves it. He reminded me of a cat, always ready to fight, very resilient, sassy at times, but vulnerable and needy without his claws. Caleb is what one could expect from a leader and the heir of one of the most powerful families. Despite his desire for control, I was surprised that he had his vulnerable moments, and he doesn't remain stoic through the entire book, the total opposite actually. On the other hand, Vortex is a big soft daddy, as described by another character, despite the scary exterior his biggest passion is to take care of another. Havoc, in contrast, has rough side and violent tendencies, but tries his best to protect his loved ones and will do anything to do so.
The dynamics fascinated me. One thing that makes me attached to a book are the relationships, both platonic and romantic/sexual ones. Here it isn't only about Seven and the three men who are crazy about him individually, but they also share past and present experiences together, becoming close thanks to their desire to protect and have Seven. The rivalry between Vortex and Havoc was fun, even more when Caleb is added to the mix to keep them in line. I loved how Seven kept them in a leash, without them (and him) even realizing it. Seven is very kept to himself, but each man brings something out of him and viceversa. With Havoc it's tenacy/roughness, with Vortex it's comfort, and with Caleb is giving up/offering control.
Now onto the writting, I've always loved these authors' styles. It's very easy to get into, engaging, and once you start you cannot put it down. The only reason I didn't finish it in one day was because I didn't want to say goodbye, I got invested with both the story and these guys. The pacing also felt great, there's no rushing and the story keeps advancing without unnecessary scenes. While it isn't a standalone and only the start of a series, it feels very promising, and it's wrapped up pretty nicely. Within the circumstances, I believe it was the right one. One thing I want to point out before finishing is that this book isn't as dark as it appears at first. There's definitely dark elements to it, but surprisingly it's on the sweeter side, the three MLs start to actually care for MC as time passes, which I found perfect. It balances well Seven's pain and his eventual comfort after he receives what he really needs from these three men.
I'll stay waiting for the next book, I wish time could go faster so we can have the second one very soon. I'll miss these characters a lot until next time, including the cats!
-This was an ARC review.
Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: first person
-Content warnings:
Spoiler
implied child abuse, dubcon/noncon between MCs (and implied experiences in the past with others), self-harm/self destructive tendencies, suicidal ideation, mentions of domestic violence, anxiety/panic attacks, prostitution, under-negotiated bdsm, sort of house arrest between MCs, coercion between MCs (at the beginning), homophobia (not between MCs), violence-Elements:
Spoiler
size difference-Kinks:
Spoiler
dacryphilia, under-negotiated dom/sub dynamics, mild daddy kink, possessiveness, sharing, marking/biting, spanking, voyeurism/exhibitionism, masochism/sadism, hair pulling, breath play-Sexual act(s):
Spoiler
barebacking, protected sex/penetration, rough/aggressive sex, creampie, blowjobs, facial, fingering, group sex/gang bang, double penetration, fisting-Dynamic: