I loved this follow-up to the first Seven of Spades story. More Dominic and Levi & they're intense affection and tenderness and care for each other; plenty of snark - between the principals, the partners, friends and family; and more world building and insight into our killer. Everything about this story had me hooked for the next book and although at this point it's clear who SoS is (right?!), the development of the central relationship is THE BEST. I know there is trouble ahead - they like each other too much - and I'm dreading a Dominic relapse...BIG TIME, but there's no way to quit at this point. Ms. Kingsbridge has her readers hooked.

5 stars.

‘…it was different this time. Everything was different with Dominic.’

We just cannot express how much we love this series; we bloody LOVE it! Both books –in this continuing series– so far have been five stars for us and we’re unbelievably excited for book three, so much so we can barely contain ourselves. The story and the character development is just fantastic as we get to know the characters even more, making us feel like we’re amongst friends as we’re reading. It’s just so wonderful to find a series that has absolutely everything we love. It’s thrilling, intriguing, exciting, compelling, sweet and very hot. A brilliant sexy whodunit.

“You’re prickly and uptight and a little caustic sometimes…But I like those things about you because they make you who you are. You also care deeply about the people close to you…You’re heartbreakingly compassionate…I’m not looking for a nice guy, Levi. I want a good guy.”

We absolutely adore and love both Dominic and Levi; two very different characters but each as endearing as the other. PI Dominic is a lovable and huge muscly teddy bear with a wicked sense of humour whereas Levi is our aloof and reserved Police Detective with a vulnerable and sweet heart.

“For me, that constant nagging voice in the back of my head, that emotion that has its claws in me all the time – it’s not anger. It’s fear. There’s a dangerous part of me I can’t control. I wake up every morning afraid that this will be the day I slip up again and ruin my life. I live with my own worst enemy inside my head, and I’m never able to set that aside completely.”

We were completely gripped and kept on the edge of our seats in this second instalment which proved even better, if that’s even remotely possible. With a continuing story line we follow Levi and Dominic’s developing relationship as well as a new murder case and the re-emergence of the serial killer; the Seven of Spades. Intrigue and mystery in abundance with a simmering love story that’s building to be something quite beautiful. However, there’s rumblings of Dominic’s struggle with gambling addiction and a serial killer who has an invested interest in Levi.

‘He knew how to protect himself now, true, and he’d learned how to control and channel that anger, but it was always burning inside him. And he was afraid that one day it would rise up and swallow him whole.’

This series is so well written; tense and dramatic one moment, sweet and endearing the next. Not only that; the slow burn romance is brilliantly written into a thrilling and adrenaline fuelled ride full of secrets, lies and personal obsessions. Wickedly good, we cannot recommend this series highly enough. Cordelia Kingsbridge has us hooked and we just know we’re building up to something huge!

Fun, suspenseful, exciting, and just as hot as the first in the series. What more can you ask for?

The next book in this series needs to happen ASAP!

I know that you are used to me recommending not to skip books in a series, especially one that centers on one couple and the story builds from book to book. Trust me when I say that Seven of Spades is most definitely one of those series. Trick Roller starts pretty much where Kill Game took off and if you haven't read the first book, you will not appreciate the other... like I said, trust me.

So much happened in Trick Roller that I don't want to give anything away. The mystery and suspense in this book is just as important as the relationship between Levi and Dominic. Levi has secrets and Dominic is fighting demons, but they have to overcome all of that to stay one step ahead of the latest threat and the Seven of Spades, even though he's been suspiciously quiet.

One thing's for sure, Cash Plays, the next book in the Seven of Spades series can't come soon enough. Can you say cliff hanger? Yeah, Trick Roller most definitely went there...

Detective Levi Abrams has decided to take a big step in his relationship with Dominic Russo, even though Levi is still trying to reconcile his breakup with Stanton with where a serious relationship with Dominic would lead. Levi also struggles with the fact that he’s not an easy person to get along with.

Dominic is certainly the opposite to Levi. He has a good rapport with people, has many friends, and is still working as a bartender to supplement his income while on an internship to become a PI. He’s also facing up to his gambling addiction, berates himself for it, and struggles with the reality of his addiction.

As Levi and Dominic continue to learn about each other, Levi, being a Las Vegas detective, and his partner, Martine, have a murder to solve. And Dominic discovers Levi has an obsession. The Seven of Spades is surely dead, but Levi doesn’t believe it, and soon finds it doesn’t pay to even think about admitting it.

Not only did Cordelia Kingsbridge create another exciting mystery in this series, but she really shows her knowledge with detailed police procedure and trial questioning. I was thrown off a little in the first chapter, but I think that was intentional. The pace of the storyline was interesting too, and it made the conclusion of this story very powerful. I really liked how the author presented a deeper look at how Levi and Dominic complement each other, give each other support, and the chemistry between them picks up steam. There’s a lot of heartwarming moments too, with Dominic and his Nonna, Levi and Adriana, and with Rebel. There’s some very solid secondary characters as well, in Martine, Justine, Carlos, and family and friends, which gives a nice balance to the story.

After I read this novel, I didn’t want to review it because I knew I couldn’t do it justice. There’s a dramatic courtroom scene that got me up in arms! And the tension of the last chapter had me hanging on the edge. Of course, I knew how this story would end—after all I read a lot of mysteries… I was SHOCKED and never saw it coming!!! This was one of the most intense endings, ever, and I can’t even imagine what Cordelia Kingsbridge will come up with next. Bring it on!! Shock me some more!! The next installment of the Seven of Spades series is Cash Plays, but don’t Pass Go without reading Kill Game and Trick Roller first.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/M Romance, Thriller
Triggers: Stalking, addiction, murder

Levi and Dominic continue on with their newish relationship. This is a relationship that is full of potential. They are kind and gentle with each other and, despite their obvious differences in personality, they simply mesh.

Dominic struggles with his addiction and despite being sober for two years, the constant temptation is there. When he is helping Levi with the Seven of Spades case, Dominic comes to a few realizations about his addiction – he needs to be careful in his new endeavor, but he doesn't want to give it up.

Levi is still considering the possibility that the Seven of Spades killer is still alive and well. While working a case, it becomes more and more clear that someone else is pulling strings in the department. Even his partner isn't convinced that Levi is correct and so there is tension in that relationship.

This story was less about Levi and Dominic's relationship and more about the people surrounding their lives. Everyone is a potential target and when things start to become more suspicious, both Dominic and Levi must ensure that everyone around them is safe. What little we see of the relationship in the book and the quick interruption of Levi's first love were minor in terms of what I felt was the heart of the story. It seemed that this was more about Levi needing Dominic's support and Dominic knowing that Levi would do anything or everything to make sure that Dominic wouldn't let him drown in his addiction ever again.

The book most definitely ends in a cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the next one!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆☆
So it is three months on from the end of the Seven of Spades case. Levi and Dominic have been dating and taking things slow so Levi can deal with his breakup from Stanton. On the professional front, Dominic is interning to become a PI and Levi and Martine are investigating a murder.

I was pulled into this story from the very start and with so much going on I was never bored. I didn’t want to put the book down even when I had to – I just wanted to stay with the story. I love the way the romance is developing between Dominic and Levi and I’m pleased their love story isn’t being rushed. I also loved following Levi and Martine’s murder investigation and trying to figure out who did it.

Trick Roller is an exhilarating read. All through the book I felt like the story was leading up to something and wholly wow was it ever! When I finished reading Trick Roller, my heart pounding and I was on a book high for hours. I can’t wait for the next book, Cash Plays, which is due out on 30 April.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
I love this series! In this second book, Levi and Dominic are finding their feet as a couple. Levi is investigating a new murder while Dominic trains as a private investigator. But the Seven of Spades hasn’t forgotten them, and things quickly get complicated when their cases overlap.

There isn’t quite as much action in this second story, but it is still fast paced and exciting. I found the investigations easier to follow this time. I liked the way that the overarching Seven of Spades case plays against the current investigations in this book. So far, neither of these books has been a cliffhanger but the Seven of Spades remains a constant threat – and a source of vigilante justice.

Three months on from the first book and Levi and Dominic are a committed couple. There is less romantic angst here and I really enjoyed the character and relationship development as Levi and Dominic settle into each other.

After two books, I am completely hooked on this series. I love the mix of action, suspense, and romance and I really love both Levi and Dominic.

This was a much anticipated book for me. The first one in the series was one of my top reads last year and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I'm pleased to say this was also really good and kept the momentum of the series up.

This begins not long after the last one ended. Dominic and Levi are working on their fledging relationship and they're doing well together. They're working their various cases but Levi in particular is on edge because he doesn't believe they caught the Seven of Spades serial killer.

There is a new case in this story and it was interesting and kept me guessing. While I enjoy the murder cases the relationship is my favorite thing about this series. I love these two and I love them together. We get to meet more friends and family as the guys start having a more serious relationship.

The end is not a cliffhanger per se but it ends with a bang and definitely leaves the reader dying to get their hands on the next book. This was another really good installment in this series. It should not be read as a standalone.

**ARC received from publisher through Netgalley

I loved Kill Game and was so excited to get a copy of Trick Roller. Levi and Dominic have become two of my favorite characters.

It's been three months since the events that brought Levi and Dominic together. Three months since the Seven of Spades played the game and three months since Levi and Dominic found more in each other.

We start off seeing Levi and Dominic navigating the waters of their new relationship and get some hot sex. I love the two of them together, they compliment one another so well. Dominic is kind, soft-hearted, but he's still dealing with his addiction.

Levi is ruthless, a little bit lost and unsteady, and harboring his own demons.

In between the hot sex, the new relationship woes, the two are trying to get their careers together. After everything that happened with the Seven of Spades, Levi is trying to get back to his normal. Dominic is trying his had at private investigating.

Trick Roller is different from Kill Game as there isn't a serial killer to chase after, but that doesn't mean things are easy. Not when Levi has a case that is proving to be anything than simple, and Dominic is trying to balance his life between his new career and his addictions.

I'm excited to see how Levi and Dominic's relationship changes and grows throughout the other books, as they navigate themselves and each other through their demons.

Cordelia Kingsbride is brilliant. The way she's able to manipulate the story and keep the reader guessing is awe-inspiring.

That ending. I need the third book after that ending. It's not a cliff hanger exactly, just affirmation what we already knew, however, the way it's presented is brilliant. This series has quickly become one of my favorites.

Three months after the Seven of Spades went to ground, Levi Abrams and Dominic Russo have made a lot of progress—professionally as well as personally. Dominic is training to be a private investigator, while Levi has his own apartment and is ready to put his last long-term relationship behind him for good. Best of all, though it’s still early, both men have begun thinking about a future together. But, with shadows from the past starting to gather, and a serial killer biding their time, Dominic and Levi discover that the real test is just beginning.

After having enjoyed Kill Game, the first novel in the Seven of Spades series, as much as I did, I was really excited to jump into the second so soon. While there are some significant differences between the two stories, I found Trick Roller to be just as intriguing. This time, the Seven of Spades is a dormant factor for a good bit of the narrative—although we’re reminded throughout that they’re still out there waiting to pull the strings again—allowing us to get to know Levi and Dominic more comprehensively, including their triggers and tipping points, as well as some of the things that haunt them.

Dominic and Levi’s journey from “enemies to lovers” has evolved into something much deeper by this point, as well. Though the heat between the two was evident before, it was tempered by their respective situations and a mutual agreement to “take things slow” in the wake of the abrupt demise of Levi’s last relationship. In Trick Roller, they not only dive headlong into the sexual attraction that’s been tempting them, but each has begun turning to the other for help and comfort above anyone else. I especially liked that they know which tells to look for before things go really wrong and are willing to intercede—even physically, if necessary—to keep one another from self-destructing.

Compatibility between the two main characters aside, Trick Roller still has lots of suspense and crime-solving to maintain the story’s balance. Between a truly loathsome murder victim, blackmail, infidelity, robberies, false accusations, etc. there’s plenty of badness to keep Levi and Dominic busy at their day jobs. Add in the “independent investigation” they’re both doing on the Seven of Spades, and the plot advances at a pace that kept me reading well past when I’d planned to stop for a break.

Surprising, engaging, sexy, and sometimes tender, Trick Roller was everything I’d hoped for in the second of a five-novel series. Dominic and Levi are refreshing together, their rough edges proving to be one of their greatest assets, rather than a hindrance. Diverting attention away from the series’ namesake in favor of more thorough character development was both clever and timely, while concurrently solidifying the growing affection between the two main characters. I’m also enjoying the mystery aspects of the story as much as the romantic elements, and I’ll be very happy to keep guessing as the series continues.

4.5 stars - If you are looking for an intense edge-of-your-seat whodunnit to invest and immerse yourself in, look no further, but definitely start with book 1 of this series. Seven of Spades started out strong right from the gate and looks to continue doing so for a long race to the finish.

Here, the story continues with Levi and Dominic continuing to explore their new relationship. They have been taking things slow after events from the first book but now seem ready to take things to the next level.

Things heat up at work as Levi is put on another murder case. When too many coincidences start occurring, Levi is more convinced than ever that the Seven of Spades has not been put to rest. Though he has been banned from pursuing it, he has continued to do so on the side, not being able to let it go. Thankfully, even through many don’t believe him or his theories, Dominic remains by his side in this as well.

Dominic is tested more than ever in this installment where his gambling issues are concerned. I so badly want these two to move somewhere else that doesn’t put them front and center with all of their problems, but that wouldn’t be much of a story then, would it? Suffice to say, Dominic and Levi back each other up more than ever as their bond grows stronger. They certainly don’t have it easy, but it seems to be helping them and their relationship as they get through each hurdle.

This segment started out a little slow for me until Levi and Dominic started putting more pieces together. We still don’t know who the SOS could possibly be – there are so many to be suspicious of! I love learning about the little nuances of Las Vegas, the meaning behind the title of this story and how it all ties in. I was once again on the edge of my seat as this story went out with another bang, and while the guys are happy for now, they clearly still have a rough road ahead. I can’t wait for the next one!

An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

OMG!! This is a phenomenal story!!! Phenomenal series!!! I just finished it and am just so excited I can’t stand it!!!!!! What an ending, I was waiting for it and I wasn’t disappointed. Come on time, fly by so I can get the next one NOW!!

Kill Game was the perfect introduction to these characters and Trick Roller picks up right where Kill Game left off. We join our hero’s 3 months after Kill Game and the Seven of Spades (SoS) killer is believed to be dead, but Levi and Dom don’t believe that. However, they can’t focus on SoS because they have a new case to handle, and old obstacles to overcome. For Levi, he has a high-profile murder case to solve which pushes his temperament boundaries, and Dom is training as a PI with a high rated firm. Dom’s latest case leads him right into the path of temptation on the Vegas strip, but with Levi’s help, he manages to fight those demons.

Their relationship is going strong, and neither of them is sure what to expect of the other, which is endearing because they are all awkward in their feelings. There are some really adorable moments with that. 🙂 It was sooooo wonderful and just so great to see them be kind and loving and supportive of each other. They still don’t know each other well, and are unsure of how the other will react to certain situations. For example, when Levi is hurt by a suspect, he is worried about Dom’s reaction because Stanton (his ex) always gave him a hard time about it. But Dom was all “I’d hate to see the other guy,” and Levi is floored!! And relieved. Dom knows Levi can handle himself in a fight and wasn’t worried in the least. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this dynamic between the MCs and can’t wait to see them again in the next book.

This book is action packed with several suspects flying around. It kept me guessing which is the best feeling in a mystery. I hate when I can figure out what’s going on before it’s revealed. This time I didn’t have to worry; I was kept guessing with every new piece of evidence.

Not only are Dom and Levi dealing with their current cases, they have a past case related to the SoS killer. So much action, so much romance. These guys are extremely talented and smart, which is of course a reflection of how amazing Cordelia Kingsbridge is. She is an extremely talented author who has created very realistic characters I never want to say goodbye to. Thankfully I don’t have to worry about that for several more books, since we already know more are coming.

Trick Roller does end on another cliffy, however the main murder case Levi is working is solved. It’s the SoS killer who leaves us hanging with a final act that leaves our hero’s shocked, and a message: ALL BETS ARE OFF

I give this 5 BIG stars/10 Pots Of Gold and am anxiously awaiting the next book. I highly, HIGHLY recommend you read this series. These are not standalone novels, and must be read in order.

4.5 stars- This series just took another exciting turn

Trick Roller is the second in Miss Kingsbridge’s Seven of Spades series. Although this could be read alone, there are enough continuing storylines from the first book that make this a series best read in order. Once again, the action, suspense, and twists in the book kept me engaged, but this time around I liked the couple and romance aspects even more.

In the first book of the series, Dominic and Levi didn’t get together until later in the book, which made it difficult to see them as a couple or feel any established chemistry. In Trick Roller, that definitely wasn’t the case and I was really happy I got to see more relationship development between the men, especially what they saw in each other and how they supported one another. Miss Kingsbridge reliably writes steamy scenes and with the deepening emotional connection between Dominic and Levi in Trick Roller, those moments had more of an impact for me. I also gained a much better understanding of both heroes- individually and as a couple- in Trick Roller and am eager to see how their relationship develops over the remainder of the series.

Although I thought the first book lacked a bit in the romance department, I loved the action and suspense as Levi and Dominic raced to identify and stop the Seven of Spades. That said, as much as I was looking forward to seeing the serial killer story continue, I was also pleased Trick Roller wasn’t a rehashing of Kill Game. I liked that there was a new case to focus on, new storylines with both Levi and Dominic, and I really enjoyed how those elements ended up tying into the storylines from the previous book. Trick Roller was interconnected without feeling tired, keeping the fast pace that kept me engaged and guessing what would come next.

If the first book in the Seven of Spades series caught my interest, the action, twists, relationship, and exciting ending of the second book ensured I’ll be eagerly anticipating what’s next for Dominic and Levi as they race to stop the serial killer. I’m hopeful this series will continue on its upward swing and deliver another exciting portion this spring.

TRICK ROLLER was an engaging and solid second instalment of a series that is slowly taking a high place among my favorites. It brings back the strong mystery elements that made me love Kill Game and it gives us more of the romance I've been waiting for.

Everything started getting back to normal after most people thinks the Seven of Spades mystery is already solved. Levi has to get back to work investigating a suspicious overdose and Dominic starts working as a private detective. Both men are trying to focus on their new relationship, but Levi's obsession with his previous case won't let him alone and Dominic's own demons are still hunting him, risking the start of what seems like a promising relationship.

This was an amazing second book for this series. It kept the strong mystery elements that were the hook for me in the first place, but in this new instalment, it gives more of a spotlight to the starting romance between Dominic and Levi, that already looks strong and full of love. I liked the little details between them, how they are still getting to know each other and the people in their lives. They are a fantastic couple, very caring and unexpectedly sweet. I loved to see their personality traits remain the same, they still are true to themselves and they still have some flaws that made them perfect to my eyes. The secondary characters were great too and they also give us some beautiful and romantic moment to enjoy.

The mystery is an important part of the plot. It is just as good as in its predecessor, there are still some investigations around the Seven of Spades being made, but most of the time is spent trying to solve the new case. It was at a slow pace at the beginning but near the end it became a lot faster and those last pages were so amazing, I was unable to put it down. The story is so interesting that it was very hard to stop reading. It felt shorter than its actual length.

Overall this was a magnificent book. I'm loving how the series is going. I'm absolutely hooked to this and I will read the next instalments. I would recommend this book to any reader who likes a well-made mystery.

5 Stars!

Kill Game was the ultimate whodunnit, keeping me guessing the entire time. Trick Roller was all about keeping me on the edge of my seat with anticipation of SoS to making an appearance.

Picking up a bit after the events in book 1, Levi and Dominic have become even closer in their relationship and things are going well for both of them (even if no one believes him that SOS is still alive). Dominic is interning at one of the best PI firms in Vegas in hopes to become a Private Investigator. Levi has a new case he’s certain isn’t as cut and dry as the ADA wants to believe. Of course, things have a way of balancing themselves out and before long Dominic comes face to face with his demons.

As we learned in Kill Game, Dominic is a compulsive gambler and while he’s been doing well for the past two years, his new job has him faltering in his recovery. It’s hard living in Vegas and now having to answer to others for jobs so Dominic is finding himself in a pretty precarious position. Luckily, he’s smart enough to reach out and he has the unyielding support of Levi who cares for him something fierce. As with Book 1, Dominic shows he is strong, sweet and smart in this story along with a major dose of his charisma and I loved him even more (faults and all).

Levi is a wonderfully well-rounded character as well. He’s a great Cop and handles himself in just about every situation without seeming too perfect. He’s convinced that they haven’t found the real SOS and it’s left him questioning everything and everyone around him (other than Dominic). He’s a little obsessed with it all but he handles himself pretty well professionally. I love his attitude and his prickly demeanor, it’s quite endearing. Especially since we get to see the real him with those he truly cares about.

The chemistry between these two men is perfect. They are sexy together one minute and the next they just seem to fit. You can really see that the author isn’t basing their relationship on lust and sex but on two people who really compliment each other. Now, that’s not saying that these two don’t light a fire between the sheets because they certainly do. Those intimate scenes are extremely hot *fans myself*.

As for the story, I give a big thumbs up. While this one was a little easier to put together, it’s still well done. Things couldn’t drag out because we are already waiting to discover the identity of SOS. We needed to be able to solve the Trick Roller Case. I like though how things seem to tie in so well and how much I anticipated what could or would eventually happen. That’s what really makes or breaks a good mystery.

Great writing, great characters and fun and exciting plots. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a great mystery story.

***Copy provided to Me by the author/publisher through NetGalley for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.***

‘…it was different this time. Everything was different with Dominic.’

We just cannot express how much we love this series; we bloody LOVE it! Both books –in this continuing series– so far have been five stars for us and we’re unbelievably excited for book three, so much so we can barely contain ourselves. The story and the character development is just fantastic as we get to know the characters even more, making us feel like we’re amongst friends as we’re reading. It’s just so wonderful to find a series that has absolutely everything we love. It’s thrilling, intriguing, exciting, compelling, sweet and very hot. A brilliant sexy whodunit.

“You’re prickly and uptight and a little caustic sometimes…But I like those things about you because they make you who you are. You also care deeply about the people close to you…You’re heartbreakingly compassionate…I’m not looking for a nice guy, Levi. I want a good guy.”

We absolutely adore and love both Dominic and Levi; two very different characters but each as endearing as the other. PI Dominic is a lovable and huge muscly teddy bear with a wicked sense of humour whereas Levi is our aloof and reserved Police Detective with a vulnerable and sweet heart.

“For me, that constant nagging voice in the back of my head, that emotion that has its claws in me all the time – it’s not anger. It’s fear. There’s a dangerous part of me I can’t control. I wake up every morning afraid that this will be the day I slip up again and ruin my life. I live with my own worst enemy inside my head, and I’m never able to set that aside completely.”

We were completely gripped and kept on the edge of our seats in this second instalment which proved even better, if that’s even remotely possible. With a continuing story line we follow Levi and Dominic’s developing relationship as well as a new murder case and the re-emergence of the serial killer; the Seven of Spades. Intrigue and mystery in abundance with a simmering love story that’s building to be something quite beautiful. However, there’s rumblings of Dominic’s struggle with gambling addiction and a serial killer who has an invested interest in Levi.

‘He knew how to protect himself now, true, and he’d learned how to control and channel that anger, but it was always burning inside him. And he was afraid that one day it would rise up and swallow him whole.’

This series is so well written; tense and dramatic one moment, sweet and endearing the next. Not only that; the slow burn romance is brilliantly written into a thrilling and adrenaline fuelled ride full of secrets, lies and personal obsessions. Wickedly good, we cannot recommend this series highly enough. Cordelia Kingsbridge has us hooked and we just know we’re building up to something huge!

5 Stars!

Trick Roller is book 2 in the Seven of Spades series by Cordelia Kingsbridge and it should be read in order or you'll be thoroughly lost, plus you'll be missing on the masterpiece that was book 1, Kill Game.

In this installment, Levi is trying to deal with the aftermath of his coworker Keith killing himself in front of him and of no one else but Dominic believing him when he tells them that Keith wasn't the SoS. Additionally, Dominic is fighting his own demons while doing an internship to become a PI.

I am really loving the progression of Dominic and Levi's relationship. It feels very natural and they fit together perfectly, never mind that they're so very hot together. They are both going through different things, both professionally and personally, but they are there for each other however they can be, which seems to be quite different to what Levi had with Stanton.

It was hard to see Dominic having such a hard time dealing with his addiction, but I think Ms. Kingsbridge did an outstanding job with this, treating it in a plausible, informed and sensitive manner, even if the angst of it all kind of broke my heart.

The case Levi and Martine were working during this book was interesting and well-thought out. I just love how detailed and realistic the investigations are, while keeping the killer's identity under wraps until the very last moment.

The trial had my stomach in knots and I don't think I could hate anyone more than the defender's lawyer. Then again, the new DDA is a top contender in that area, as well.

Regarding the SoS storyline, I keep on adding to my suspect's list and I can't wait to find out more in the next book in the series. March can't come fast enough.

All in all, this is a series you don't want to miss out on. The writing and the execution are masterful, the cases are full of mystery and suspense and the characters, both main and secondary, are tridimensional and realistic, with flaws and virtues that make them very relatable. Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided to me by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

THIS BOOK!

*flails*

THAT ENDING!

Discovering Cordelia Kingsbridge’s work last year was one of my highlights. Trick Roller is book two in her addicting, suspenseful Seven of Spades series. I’m already dying for the next installment. *sobs*

Levi and Dominic are taking it slow. After the previous events with the Seven of Spades killer and Levi's rocky breakup, they want to focus on getting to know each other. However, Levi knows the killer is still out there. But another case calls Levi's attention, and Dominic's trying his hand at being a PI.

There’s a lot happening in this book. The plot is so well-developed, and the world building complex and layered, and I loved trying to figure out the current case (although, admittedly, I’m very bad at it). The legendary “Who Dun It?” meshes well with the trials of Levi and Dominic’s budding relationship.

But more than that, the character development is insanely good. Complications crop up, demons are raising their heads, and I have this feeling, ya'll...the wait will kill me!

There’s so much to love about this series. From the constant guessing game, to how the various plots intersect and build upon the other, to the level of humor and intensity and intimacy. This series is addicting, plain and simple. I’m in this for the long haul.

Let’s do this!

5 stars!

Trick Roller is a sequel to Kill Game and a second instalment of the Seven of Spades series about a detective and a bounty hunter, who get tangled up on investigation of a serial killer. Kill Game had more action with a slow burning romance on the backseat, but this one had more romance as Levi and Dominic's relationship deepened. Still, there were plenty of murder solving and hunting down a notorious serial killer.

I loved the tension that the story had, as both Levi and Dominic believed that Seven of Spades is still alive, but Levi had to hide his investigations because the police department deemed Seven of Spades case closed. This all created underlining tension, which made me turn the page faster with all the other reasons, such as intriguing investigation of the murder of Dr Hensley that Levi and his partner Martine were investigating, Dominic's training as a private investigator, and of course the romance. More than all that, I loved the character development and getting to know better some of the secondary characters, mainly Carlos and Jasmine.

I highly recommend the Seven of Spades series, it's full of action, complex mysteries, and slow burning romance, that's just so realistic because nothing happens instantly but progresses nicely. At the beginning of Trick Roller, Levi and Dominic had been dating for three months, just starting at the end of the previous book. It was brilliant how the slow burning continued; yes, they were dating but it wasn't a rushed relationship as they were taking it slow and still figuring out what they are to each other. And of course, the main characters are awesome; both Levi and Dominic have flaws but it just makes them more likable. I just love both of them, and together they are super.

Definitely a brilliant books not to be missed!

The first book in this series, Kill Game, was one of my favorite reads last year. I'm placing Trick Roller right up there on a high shelf as my favorite read so far this year. I'm convinced the rest of this series will not disappoint!

I am loving the progression of Levi and Dominic's relationship. They are absolutely perfect for each other and I love seeing them together. They have the potential to be tremendously awesome! I'm still waiting for them to have the 'relationship talk', but neither is ready to admit just how much they mean to each other. I may have to guard my heart (and break out the tissues) if they have tough times ahead.

Levi and Dominic's working relationship is an important part of why I enjoy them so much. The professional attention they give to each other speaks volumes about their mutual respect. They are both dedicated to doing their jobs well, and I like that Dominic is 100% behind Levi and his theories regarding the seven of spades killer.

Once again, the writing was impeccable. The plot had a ton of depth, and I loved how the the author managed to intertwine Levi's current murder investigation together with the seven of spades investigation.

Trick Roller was quite an enjoyable and memorable read. The murder / mystery plot was very tightly-constructed and kept me interested right to the end. After such a shocking ending, I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens in the rest of this 5 book series.

Trick Roller is the anxiously awaited second book in the Seven of Spades series, and omigawd it is more than worth the wait. But, please note this book is NOT a stand-alone and you will definitely want to read Kill Game first.

It's been three months after the action in Kill Game, and we hit the ground running as Levi and Dominic investigate the murder of a prominent researcher and sort through a bevy of suspects. After the slow burn of the first book, we get a gymnastic sex scene (about 4-5% in) that positively burns up the pages ("Dominic stared at the rippling muscles in Levi's abdomen ... Levi was supporting most of his own body weight, holding himself up with his shoulders just barely grazing the mattress like he was in the fucking Cirque du Soleil").

Levi and Dominic's relationship deepens throughout the book and we get a glimpse at what truly motivates each man. Levi carries "that little kernel of rage inside ... every second of the day" while Dominic deals with his gambling addiction:

"For me, that constant nagging voice in the back of my head, that emotion that has its claws in me all the time - it's not anger. It's fear. There's a dangerous part of me I can't control. I wake up every morning afraid that this will be the day I slip up again and ruin my life. I live with my own worst enemy inside my head, and I'm never able to set that aside completely."

I don't want to spoil the murder / mystery, but let's suffice to say that the plot will hold your interest to the very last page, and you'll start counting down for the next book in the series - Cash Plays - on April 30th. Recommended Read - 4.5 stars!