IN THE CARDS

IN THE CARDS                                      JAMIE BECK
Posted:  Jan. 17, 2015

Lindsey Hilliard flees her charmed life in New York, searching for answers after her fiancé’s betrayal fills her with self-doubt. Unfortunately, her rented Malibu home is next door to Levi Hardy, the sexy but insufferable man who humiliated her years ago.

Hardened by a grim past he keeps concealed, Levi prefers maintaining a comfortable distance from folks, especially a nosy princess like Lindsey. But then a motorcycle collision brings him to his knees, forcing him to accept her assistance with his recovery. Sparks begin to fly when the woman who doesn’t believe in herself teaches the cynic how to have faith in others. Levi realizes his body will recover, but his heart won’t if Lindsey returns to the ex who wants her back.

In the biggest gamble of his life, Levi teaches her to trust her own voice, and hopes she’ll use it to say good-bye to her past and hello to a future with him.
MY REVIEW:

     What an utter surprise this little book turned out to be.  This is truly a hidden jewel.  The cards reference in the title gives you no clue as to the true depth this gem has.

     At first when I started reading I thought wow this is going to be one of those mean guy wins girl books.  Then, when he talks about Vegas my brain wonders.  Let me tell you though when this gets going watch out!  This is a book that goes back and forth between the two characters Levi Hardy, the son of a two bit hustler and card shark.  Also, Lindsey Hilliard, the daughter of a mother who was a former lawyer now a socialite and a businessman father from Connecticut.

     When Levi was 18 he went out on his own to get away from his father’s influence.  He didn’t like cheating people, moving around, or how they were always looked at.  He never got close to anyone, trusted anyone, or believed anyone.  All stemming from his mother abandoning him with his father at 9 years old.

     At the same time Lindsey was on vacation in Florida at a resort during New Year’s week with her parents.  She has a run in with Levi who is working there.  Well, actually two run in.  The second run in he tells her about how she is immature, spoiled, etc… but he is mean and hurtful.  Lindsey never forgets.

     Years later Lindsey’s fiancé gets caught with his pants down, in a way, two weeks before the wedding.  Where she figures out he wouldn’t have said anything about the so called one night stand if he didn’t have too.  Except the girl had an STD… She moves out of their apartment in New York and moves to Malibu, Calif.  Into a rental home on the beach for 6 months.

     Everyone is upset she canceled the wedding and that she is on the other side of the country.  She feels she needs to be away from her pushy parents and of course from Rob!  When she’s all moved in and who does she see next door hanging out?  You got it Levi.

     Levi has no clue who she is and she keeps it that way but when it hits the fan so do emotions and tempers.  Of course you would never get Levi to admit to any emotions…

     The emotions run high and fast in this book.  They’re touching and something that spears the heart.  Totally enjoyed.  I give this book 5 stars.  Provided by Net Galley.

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