Brimming with intrigue and sex, Even Money kept me engrossed until the heart stopping, oh-no they didn’t cliffhanger of an ending. Its okay, part two of the duet is out so you can dive right back in. The story hinges on the relationship of a powerful casino owner brought to his knees by his sudden unexpected feelings for a feisty cocktail waitress. Dario is torn between his desire for Bell and the love of Gwen, the woman he married to save her from a dangerous father. There is no easy escape from the lives they’ve chosen and soon an unseen menace threatens everyone’s safety. This seductive, suspense filled story continues in Double Down and I can’t wait to see how it all ends!

It was interesting and the subplots were intriguing. I went into this thinking it was going to be a full on “Vegas Love Story”. One where the main characters fall instantly in love and they forget everything around them and only focus on them. But that was not it. It was captivating and intriguing and honestly some of the best content I’ve read. The twists and turns this books took got me so hooked on it. The sex wasn't gratuitous and it wasn't that icky kind of sex that makes take a step back from the book and then you realize that the book is fake.
The world was immersive and the characters relatable. I honestly loved it. There was a moment where I wasn't sure whether to like it, love it, or hate it. But then I got hooked in. I immediately got the second book. I couldn't wait to see what the ending to Bell and Dario's relationship is.

I have only read one other book by Alessandra Torre, The Ghostwriter and loved it. So I went into this one with high hopes. I think because of that I was let down.

It took me a long time to get into this book, I found it to be very slow paced and nothing was jumping at me to keep me wanting more. We got a little bit of a back story for Bell but I still wanted more.
The relationship between Dario and Bell was just to insta love for my taste. He saw, he liked, he takes. This is how it usually goes but I just didn’t feel the real connection to these characters, it seemed rushed.

With that being said, this book get my attention at the very end. For this reason I will read book two because I want to know what happens next.

This was so good! Lots of action and hot romance! I started it and I couldn't out it down! Bell and Dario are awesome! I completely loved them! Their characters drew me in with their richness and complexity. I couldn't stand it when it ended! I can't wait for book 2!

Wow, if you're looking for a read that has a little bit of everything in it, look no further! Mystery, suspense, intrigue, steamy chemistry between the major characters, along with some crazy characters too and an really interesting, enjoyable storyline. I like this author's work so I had a feeling I would like this duet and I wasn't wrong. I loved Dario and Bell together, but the book is even better with all the secondary characters. And the personalities of the secondary characters are as well developed as Dario and Bell. Really enjoyable romantic suspense--definitely recommend!

I couldn’t put this book down! Talk about being swept away by a story. I loved it.

A strong female lead is always a must for me but add to that an even stronger alpha male with an overwhelming need to protect the women in his life and you've got an instant hit. Set in Vegas around casinos and underground gambling, this story has it all. Not only is there your quintessential danger thanks to the powerful men who run the city but also a developing low story which will pull on your heartstrings. I can hear the "anti-cheater" readers running for the hills but this story is clearly more than a married man entering into a relationship with another woman. Seriously, this story rocks!

It's a while since I've read anything by this author and I really enjoyed her refreshing writing style. The story had twists and turn and ended on a bit of a cliffie but don't worry, the second part of the duet is right around the corner.

I want to thank Weapenry Co-Op and Netgalley for providing me with an e-copy of Even Money, after the release day. 

Goodreads: "Sometimes it only takes a minute. A connection of eyes across a room, a quickened heartbeat, and everything changes.

I was a cocktail waitress with a fondness for partying and meaningless sex. 
He owned half of Vegas, with the reputation to match. 

I should have turned away. Instead, I stepped closer.

Then, the lies started.
Rumors spread.
Stalking commenced.
And someone died. 

None of it stopped me from falling in love."

Warning! This book contains mentions of sexual assault, harassment, and violence. There is also what can be construed as cheating, as one half of the couple is in an open relationship (just a heads up if this upsets you).

I'll be honest that when it comes to Alessandra Torre's books I've given very mixed ratings in the past, mostly 3s and 4s (except for Black Lies which I gave 5 stars). Even Money is special though, as it was fast-paced, intoxicating, and consuming. 


Characters: Bell Hartley and Dario Capece: Bell and Dario were really interesting characters. Bell really stood out to me as she wasn't inexperienced like so many protagonists sometimes read as. She worked extremely hard and was the right mixture of cautious or adventurous when she needed to be. Dario is the type of guy with a knight in shining armour complex. Seeing him be conflicted between his loyalty to his wife and the ferociousness of the love he felt for Bell, was a great internal character conflict. The side characters all added purpose and enriched the story. 
World/Setting: This story is set in Las Vegas. Vegas is always a great book setting, especially for a New Adult romance novel. 
Pacing: The pacing was phenomenal. The minute I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down. The story just kept building and then exploded at the end. Upon finishing you are going to be dying for the sequel, Double Down. 
Romance (yay or nay?): The romance element was spot on. Reading the way in which Bell and Dario fell in love was paced and timed perfectly, from the first interaction to the "I love you." 


It comes with so much excitement for me to say that Even Money is my favourite from Alessandra Torre, that I've read yet! So, of course, my rating is... 5/5 stars



Thank you again to Weapenry Co-Op and Netgalley for providing me with an e-copy. Thank you for reading this reviewing and supporting my blog!

Even Money - Alessandra Torre

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Holy Cow!!!! I’m like..... speechless.
Just finished this incredibly detailed and shattering story.... WOW.

When Bell Hartley turns up for her shift at ‘The House’, a Vegas underground Casino, frequented by all manner of high rollers, she never expects to be struck by the surge of chemistry between her and the dark, dangerous and devastating Dario Capece as he arrives for a meeting with her bosses and best friends Rick and Lance.

Dario lives outside the lines of the Vegas strip, managing his holdings, casinos and all manner of sordid secrets that he keeps but the one thing he protects is his wife, Gwen, daughter of the ruthless Robert Hawk. Gwen is his priority, until the dark haired cocktail waitress known as Bell gets under his skin and creates a divide that Dario can’t unravel.

One of the best dark, romances I’ve ever read and with a cliff hanger, I’m quickly writing this review and diving straight into Double Down.

Alessandra Torre is an author that I’ve heard a lot about but never gotten around to reading but..... I’m totally hooked.

Brilliant story, great characters, not all of them you’ll like and enough heat, passion and sex to catch your kindle on fire.

Gotta go.... Double Down is waiting for me.

4 All or Nothing for Love Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
When you pick up an Alessandra Torre book, it is like spinning the roulette wheel and knowing your number will turn up...Never mind the genre, never mind the setting or the cast of characters...You will be guaranteed a winning run of luck.

Because Torre is a master... she crafts and woos at the same time. She will weave a tale, taking you from the first moments of recognition. The knowing something is happening, to where you are settled into a rhythm...an understanding of where these characters are. Their past, their present and the wish and hopes of a future.

Oh, she will surround them with more than a love story... she will give them friends, enemies and second thoughts about what is happening. She will give hope for a possible love but there will be something dark... ugly which must be settled.

Oh, and don't forget all the amazing chemistry she will create... these two people we are focused on will fight this draw... only to make it hotter, more intense when they cannot resist anymore. You can think up all the labels you want for the type of sensual writing Torre does and you won't have enough descriptions because with Torre, it is never just physical. No, we all know the mind is the epicenter of all things sensual... and Torre knows the right combination to unlock everyone's guarded safe...

Even Money is a duet and Torre has left us with perfectly dastardly cliffy...But Torre is also not a sadist...at least not this time. Double Down, the conclusion is out. So I am off to see where Alessandra will lead me...because you know I will follow.

A gifted copy was provided by Select Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

Engaging plot full of danger & mystery.
Dario and Bell turn up the heat in steamy Las Vegas. HOT 🔥 pursuits = consequences
I couldn't put this down. Can't wait for the duet

Wow!!! What a read!!!! When I read the synopsis, I knew it was going to be a good read, but it far surpassed anything I was expecting.

Bell is a cocktail waitress working in a casino trying to forget the horrific event that happened during her childhood that changed her forever. She thinks she is doing pretty good. She has great friends and a great job. She controls her own emotions and relationships with men, never giving her heart to ANYONE! When she lays eyes on Dario Capece one night, everything changes!

Dario is rich, and he has worked hard to be the success he is. He has a wife, Gwen, but they have an arrangement. She sees who she wants and so does he, but it’s discreet. They always promised to never leave the other, but when he sees Bell, life for him is getting ready to become EXTREMELY COMPLICATED!

This is a book that kept my interest from the very beginning, not only the storyline but the characters as well. Both stand out in the book. It is told from several POVs which makes it even more interesting. I felt for all three main characters, Bell, Dario, and Gwen, Dario’s wife. All three have led really hard lives, and Gwen and Bell have suffered things no person should ever have to endure. Torre has given her readers three very complex and multi-layered characters.

This is not just a romance, but it full of betrayals, secrets, action, and an evil villian. Parts had me on the edge of my seat because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. You will know what I mean the deeper you get into the book. It does end in one heck of a cliffhanger, but never fear, the sequel is releasing very soon. I’m a certainly looking forward to it.

I have always wanted to read an Alessandra Torre book and I can’t think of a better book to start than Even Money !
The backdrop of Vegas, Casinos, Power, Money and the Sexy King of Vegas.., Dario
A man who can have any woman but sets his sites on Bell, a waitress who doesn’t do relationships! Dario usually gets what he wants even his wife knows that !!
I enjoyed this book, and the ending was just Magnificant a true cliffhanger !

This is one of those books that the ending is the craziest, most intense part. It ends in a shocking cliffhanger, in my opinion. And now I am so pumped to immediately dive into book two- I love not having to wait.

HONESTLY, it took me a minute to warm up to the story. I can't explain it. But after a slow start, it definitely made up for it and wormed it's way into my soul. Dario is in a seriously complicated situation. And in walks Bell with a bang, making it impossible to continue the way he always has. These two have one of those instant connections you can't fight. Bell isn't easily won with trinkets and money, though. She's not looking for a sugar daddy.

Then comes the suspense. There's something shady goin on and like it says in the blurb, someone DIES. The element of danger is what pushed this to five stars for me.

What the ever loving fuggle just happened!!!!!.


I'm sure I spent a good 20 minutes shouting Noooooooooo don't you dare at the audacity of that ending.

This review will be short and sweet for a few reason. The first being that this story is part one of a duet meaning only half the story, meaning I'm left in cliffhanger city feeling positively pissed at that ending!!! Why mun. Reason two is that I don't want to give any of the greatness away. This is the kind of story you need to read raw. You need a fresh blank mind going in without any preconceived ideas.. trust me it makes the impact greater.

Motherfuckingsonofagoddamnasscrack. That was my thoughts straight after I finished. Evil genius is what this author is but so freaking cruel to leave it there.


!!. Suspenseful, teasing, frustrating, exhilarating, sexy, sinful, thrilling my god it's every god damn emotion there is and I feel like I need a fucking vodka after that shit. It's brilliance crafted seamlessly designed to extract the emotion straight from your freaking soul. It consumed me from the first page and I lived for every sentence like an addict just waiting for what's to come. I felt it! That dread when you know something bad is about to happen but you just don't know when. The story is brilliant, a fresh spin on the rich guy and poor girl. Uniquely written in this authors style that gets you hooked instantly And makes you feel everything. The characters so rich in depth with so many layers to unravel. Funky dynamics that will have your head in a twist and giant plots that will leave you with unanswered questions.

I can't wait to read what's next. I'm so fucking lucky to have both story's so I'm about to get my ass real comfortable and dig deep into Double Down and pray for my own sanity. Lord knows I won't be coming up for air till I finished this bad boy. Pray for my family because if I'm interrupted I'll likely become a demon spawn from the pits of hell.

I kindly received this ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Even Money is a wonderful romantic suspense that is guaranteed to pull you in and not let go. Dario is Alpha male hot. I love how he chases Bell throughout and his loyalty to Gwen is so strong. Yes some may have a little issue with Dario but hey once you read it you realize what his relationship with Gwen really is. Bell just seems like a prefect fit for him. Bell is lovely. You can understand her hesitance to be in a relationship with Dario or any relationship for that matter. But that still doesn't stop the love that flows between Dario and Bell. Be prepared for the cliffy ending but realize it's okay because Double Down is out too and you can read it as soon as you finish Even Money. Even as danger starts to approach Dario and Bell love grows even stronger. It's wonderful to watch Dario and Bell together. I even love how much Dario cares for Gwen too. This is one hot start to an amazing duet.

Smart, HELLLA hot and mysterious. I need book 2.

Alessandra Torre has the ability to transport readers into a world of lies, deceit and an anti-hero that you can't - don't - walk away from. This man owns half od Las Vegas. He's untouchable but he see this woman he can't get his mind away from. She is just a waitress who wants something more, she's biding her time until she can sink her teeth into the unknown world she wants.
These characters were looking for a quick sexual encounter, it didn't end - they became the push and pull between them was hot, sexy and mind-blowing. They became entranced, tethered. This book is INCREDIBLE, SUSPENSEFUL, it's EVERYTHING! All these characters were intrinsically linked. They are deep in the webs of the underbelly in Las Vegas, I want more. I need more.

Whoa!!! Loved everything about this book! I loved Dario and Bell....their chemistry was off the charts! Dario, an unbelievably successful businessman/casino owner and Bell, the cocktail waitress. Their interaction was great!

But Dario has some major baggage and Bell has never been the type of girl looking for love.

That ending!! Holy crap! Not what I was expecting. As I got to the last chapter, I thought, "okay, I know how this is going to turn out." NOPE, WRONG! I have no choice but to jump into book 2 ASAP!

Holy crap! That ending and cliffy..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Damn, this book was something else. I had forgotten how intense the author writes. It had been quite a while since I’ve read a book by her. And, oh my goodness, this story immediately grabbed you and completely sucks you in.

It is full of anticipation, intensity, and writing so deep you can feel it in your soul. The hot sexual push and pull between these two characters is so raw and desperate. It gives you the major feels.

And that ending.. omg! I cannot wait until part two. Yes, this is a two part story with a cliffhanger. But when this woman writes it, I’m all in.

Loved this book! It has romance, flirts with sex, danger, intrigue, mystery, gore and so much more. Dario and Bell are so hot together! I enjoyed the sassy heroine and Dario was a welcome surprise of a bad guy hero.

The author did an amazing job creating this scenario. Alessandra Torre has a great way of telling a story. The only real problem I had with this book was that I wasn't completely sold on these two as a couple. I liked their connection but... I'm waiting for more.

There are several plot twists and turns. Besides the unconvincing romance, the story spoke to me. I did like how the book ended, it sets up the second book, which I plan on getting, so I can get some more Dario! If you like your heroines feisty and your heroes strong and caring, you’ll love this book!


In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 3/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 3/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 2/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Steady | Action 4/5

A big thank you to NetGalley and Select Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. This is book one of a 2 part series. This book has a cliffhanger so if that bothers you...beware. It is a dark, erotic romance. It discusses rape, violence and hints at mafia connections. It is fast paced. The characters are strong and trying to not get involved. Complicated as the make lead Dario is married to a powerful woman Gwen-whose father is pure evil. Bell is a waitress and student trying to get by.. This book sucks you in and now I want to know what happens. I rate this a 4.25..