This was just an okay read for me. Maybe I'm old school Ms Torre, because I loved her early books.
This one lacked the depth and great plot lines that made her previous books so incredible.
You've read the storyline enough without me having to rehash it again. Just enough to say there's a whole lot of crazy going on in this book. I will say I loved the layout of the book and made it easy to read. The books is a crazy quadrangle of psycho which adds to the spin. Dario and Bell are a bit one dimensional. Gwen I understood. Her crazy father is just that. The book ends on a cliffhanger and you have no idea where this story is going to go in the second book. You might think you do but never underestimate Allesandra and her writing ability. This one may have been a little on the light side but I think we're all going to get smacked between the eyes in book 2. Just my thoughts on that.

*arc from NetGalley and Publisher post release for an honest review**

When I first started this ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars read I did not know what to expect. One being this is the first book I have read where the setting is located in the City of Sin and two...the background scenes of Casino life will make you think. The feels of always being watched and all. Who can you really trust? There are many characters that come into play that you really have to pay attention to detail. Who is who and what part do they and/or will play. How they are all connected and such. The random POV thrown in during the read gives you the mysterious feel & suspense and keep you guessing on what will happen next.

Bell Hartley is a cocktail waitress at The House, an underground casino in Las Vegas. She has a traumatic past that causes her to put up walls especially when it comes to opposite sex. She is living and moving on in her life the best way she can and is comfortable in. She is a woman working and going to school and making it on her own. Little did she expect that a random quick encounter with a killer whale would change everything.

Cue in Dario Capece, where Vegas is his playground, his everything. Turning this once struggling Majestic casino into the hottest place to be at. Also, he is married to the heiress of said Majestic...making them the power couple of the city. He is not one would expect behind closed doors.

I was conflicted on my feels of this storyline. At first there were characters that has similar names confusing who was who in the story. The chemistry between Bell and Dario was ok. Then there is the relationship between Gwen & Dario that is unconventional. Married, best friends but have a secret life separate from each other. Appearances is everything in their world and one that they have to keep up. Midway through the read the journey began being more and having wonder which direction it will take you. The cliffy at the end is predictable; however, that surprise twist will have your head spinning and itching for more.

While I am fairly new to the work of Alessandra Toree, I am always excited when I see a new book of hers coming down the pipeline. This time, it is via a Duet that I was so excited to see it unfold. At first, I didn’t know what to expect from her writing, as I’d only seen Hollywood Dirt, one of her books made into a movie, via Passionflix. I immediately bought the book, fell in love, and started reading more of her work. Now, having read a few of her books now, I can say she has a new fan for life.

Going into Even Money, I wasn’t sure what to expect as the blurb is vague on story line. But let me tell you, that is the best way to go into this book. The story had a way of pulling me in from the first chapter, and I love how she has been able to put so much into the first half of this story. In Even Money, we get the story of Bell and Dario. She is a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas at an elite club, while he is the King of Vegas and the biggest playboy on the floor. Their connection is instant and the way their relationship grows and their story unfolds further, it truly is a unique story! Alessandra has such a way of adding angst to her writing that envelope you into the roller coaster of emotions and twists and turns she depicts in this story. The amount of twists and turns just when you think you know what is coming next in the story, made this so much fun to read!

While this does end on a cliffhanger, I am thrilled the gap between the two publish dates is so close. I only have a few weeks to wait until I get the end of the story and the answers I am desperate for…

Oh my word!! I have no words. How does Alessandra Torre come up with these, unique, brilliant, unexpected storylines? I thought I knew which way this book would go, I had a few theories, I was trying to imagine each scenario, and then BAM! I did not see that coming. My head is spinning. Now to the characters, Dario and Bell, I adored them, even Gwen, I had respect for knowing her upbringing and her psychotic father. For such a strong, intimating man, Dario is so sweet, caring and understanding with Bell, just the right amount of alpha. As for Bell, maybe she is a little weak, allowing the affair with Dario to go ahead, but let’s be honest. How would you fair up against all that confidence and charisma? A wonderful story full of suspense and angst with just the right amount of sexy time. I’m being petty only giving this book 4.5 stars out of 5, this is purely because I’m frustrated at having to wait for book 2. I know it’s all part of reading a duet. It doesn’t mean I have to like it though. I was well and truly hooked from the first page, and following the explosive ending, I cannot wait to see what twists and turns book 2 will bring. I was provided with an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

3.25 Stars!

Even Money is the first in the (All In) duet.
Bell Hartley is a student by day and a cocktail waitress in Vegas by night. While at work, one of the most - if not the most - important person in the business walks into her casino. Upon greeting Dario Capece, they both feel this instant pull.

These two have quite the back and forth, and more dangerous bumps along the way.

This story was jam-packed with suspense, darkness and grittiness.

While it was certainly well written; I didn't feel a strong chemistry between the characters. It was all written on the page but it didn't quite make me believe it all.

Bell and Dario were similar in some ways, both with their fair share of hardships in their pasts. That would've been a great bridge to use to bring them together and bond over, but we only knew these things through their single POV's.

This book ends in a cliffhanger that definitely has me wondering what is in this couples future.

Good read with loads of suspense and intrigue.

Ummm yes, Bell and Dario are everything. I need the second book like now. This was my first book by this author, and boy I picked a doozy. This book was perfection. The pacing, the story, the characters, and side characters were amazing. I loved the slow burn this book had going on, but even though it's a slow burn, it's hotter than a firecracker on the 4th of July. Do yourself a favor read this book, it's amazing!

Loved it!! can't wait for more from this series!! it was so sexy and mysterious!! that ending was just wow!!

Omg! Another epic, twisty read from Alessandra Torre. This book was freaking amazing! I'm seriously considering stalking her and begging for book two, because this cliffhanger was un-freaking-believeable! I need book two, NOW!

I loved the heroine, she was strong, independent, and really feisty. The hero, sigh, he was my favorite part in this book. I know a lot of people will probably pass up on this book because of Dario's complicated relationship status, but don't! Give it a try, because you will miss out on a killer story. Did I mention I'm salivating for book two?

Go forth and download, Even Money will be the easiest money you spend on a book this week.

~ A Hopeless Romantic’s Booklandia, 5 Stars

Now that i've had time to process all my feelings after finishing, here is my full, spoiler free, review:

This was my second book by Alessandre Torre. I read Moonshot at the very end of May and thought it was amazing. I really enjoy her writing and the way that she tells a story. She does a great job of building the suspense, love interest and plot. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres so when I had the opportunity to read an early copy, I immediately agreed.

When I started reading EVEN MONEY, I was initially put off by the main male protagonist because he is a married man who falls for a casino waitress. Infidelity is one subject I do not enjoy reading about. With that being said, I loved this book. The circumstances surrounding him and his marriage explained things in a way that it did not affect my enjoyment of the book. Sorry for being intentionally vague... read the book, it will make sense.

EVEN MONEY is book one in Torre's ALL IN DUET. The beginning of the story moved a little slow, but picked up pace pretty quickly. It touches on topics of cheating, abuse and rape, but not in an overly descriptive way. It's set in present day Las Vegas where casino bosses rule. I particularly enjoyed how the romance and suspense built over the course of the story. It kept my interest the whole time. And that ending OMG!!! For someone who typically can guess the twist in these kind of novels, the author completely threw me for a loop and left me with my jaw on the floor. I'm dying to start DOUBLE DOWN.

If you love a good romantic suspense with a slow burn and an epic and unpredictable twist, I highly recommend you pick this one up. And if you hate cliffhangers, maybe wait until June 18th or close to it to start reading this duet!

Two people who should never be together...a wolf hunting his prey...all those and more in this book that will captivate your attention as two souls are drawn together. Each desperate for the other and circumstances that fall to the side of their unbridled list for one another. Another brilliant story from A;essandra and I am excited to read the second part and find out how their story ends.

This riveting story instantly hooked me and kept me flipping pages long into the night. The emotionally intense plot and the intriguing characters kept me on my toes. Even Money is the story of a forbidden passion that transcends logic and self-preservation. It delves deep into the world of raw emotions, obsession and unrestricted love.

Dario Capece is a Vegas legend. Owner of several casinos, he is a powerful businessman surrounded by an aura of mystery and danger. On the surface, he is a man who has everything he could wish for. He is a complex yet endearing character.

Bell is a cocktail waitress in Vegas. Her job has got her out of her trailer park and she has enough money to study in college.

When Bell captures Dario’s attention, forbidden feelings begin to emerge. Dario is ruthless and addicted to power. His stalking behavior is disturbing Bell. But his intentions are genuine and heartfelt. His love for her erodes his self-control and his boundaries, he is willing to risk everything for her.

I loved that Bell was smart, feisty and determined. She didn't just roll over and allow things to happen to her. She is scared of heartbreak and worried she’ll become emotionally attached. And yet, she likes the darkness, Dario’s darkness, and the complex, intense feelings she experiences. Try as she might, she can’t get him out of her mind. Their forbidden story could end in tragedy and cause the ruin of everything Dario has built.

With two masterfully developed characters, it was easy to get into their minds and understand their motivations and needs. This dark, steamy and seductive story is also suspenseful and has many twists and turns woven into the story. Things are quickly escalating and the book leaves us with a big cliffhanger. I seriously can not wait for the second part of this story!

OMG! Alessandra Torre surprised the heck out of me with this book. I did not expect this kind of genre from her. I love all her stories and this one is a gem. Bell is a cocktail waitress at The House – fun, carefree, sassy, single and ready to mingle with no string attached. Dario is an uber powerful casino mogul who owns half of Vegas. Dario is all broody and alpha. He gets what he wants and he wants Bell. One gaze across the room and their lives forever changed. Bell should have run for the hill but instead she moved closer to the fire. There is no denying the pulls and the incredible chemistry they have toward each other. And so … let the chase begins.

I love everything about this book – suspenseful, passionate, sexy. I love the depths of each characters, the slow burns, the forbidden romance, and the intriguing storyline. This book got me totally hook from the beginning until the end with all the twists and turns. I was literally on the edge of my seat waiting for what is going to happen next. But then the ending – Holly Mother of all cliffhangers. OMG!!!! I need book two now. I think it’s going to be EPIC!!!

I had already read a couple of chapters of Even Money on the Radish App and I was looking forward to the release of this book. I really enjoyed the first quarter of this book, however the insta-lust/obsession was a bit too much for my liking. Both are saying one thing but acting the opposite. Because of her past, Bell doesn't want to be in a relationship and spends her time just having casual sex. However, the moment she meets Dario her whole mind-set changed immediately. For me it happened a bit too fast. Which resulted in me not taking her serious. When I first met Dario, I expected him to be more mysterious and broody, but the one eighty change he made after meeting Bell just didn't feel real to me. He is married and in the past only had mistresses to keep him satisfied, but the moment he meets Bell he is obsessed with her. They haven't even had a full conversation and he already wants to sort of own her. For me it all happened too fast, which made it really difficult to fully connect to the characters, and believe in their feeling towards each other.

I did enjoy Alessandra's writing style, it was easy to read. I was more intrigued by the side-characters than I was with the main ones. I did not like how she ended this book, it felt like an easy way out to get rid of some obstacles. I don't think I'll pick up the sequel to this book, because I am just not invested in the characters and I don't care what happens to them. I will still be on the lookout for future releases by this author, because she is an amazing author. However, this book just didn't work for me.

This book was good....like, really good. It wasn't the same old romance that usually gets recycled and it kept me guessing what was going to happen until the very end.

Dario was an awesome alpha male, rich, protective, knew what he wanted. He was fiercely loyal to those he cared about.

Bell was strong, a survivor who had closed off her heart to love long ago.

When these two come together....eeeeep! Hot, hot, hot!

This was a book I didn't want to put down. And that ending?!

Okay, so I'm not sure if you're ready for this. It's part romance, part suspense, part what in the hell is happening.
It's good.
It's intriguing.
It's dark and dirty and delicious.

Bell captures the attention of the top man in Vegas, Dario Capece. All it takes is one look and the sparks fly, the heat ignites, the explosions happen.

The book is intense.
It's a page turner.
It's a slow burn.
It's thrilling and tantalizing and teasing.

Dario wants Bell. He wants to protect her, keep her, own her. But that's not how Bell functions. She's a survivor, a fighter, a woman who doesn't need a man.

Bell changes things for Dario.
Dario changes things for Bell.

The ending is a cliffhanger that'll leave you impatient for the next book.
You want to know what happens.
You want to see how this plays out.
You want Bell and Dario to make it, despite the forces against them.
You want more.
"I can't love you and not fight for you."

All I have to say is WOW!! This book has it all ... great characters, original story line, just the right amount of angst and steamy scenes galore. I literally could not put this book down. Alessandra Torres hit it out of the park with this one. She's definitely one of the most gifted contemporary romance authors out there. I can't wait for part 2.

Twisty, dysfunctional, insanely seductive. THOSE are the words that are left in my mind while I'm still reeling from the end of this book. Even Money is all kinds of dark and wonderful. Bell, the heroine, is ballsy, but she'd needed to be to get through her past. Even with her tough exterior, under Dario's gaze and hands, she can be this softer person who needs the affection he's dying to give her. On the other hand Dario is equally damaged, but meeting Bell wasn't supposed to be in the cards for him. He had his future mapped out. But the intense connection these two share cannot be denied from the minute their eyes meet.



Despite their relationship being amazingly seductive and entrancing to watch, they could have never anticipated the horrors that were waiting for them. They both thought those dark times of their lives were over, but little did they know their inherent passion angers the worst person possible.



At times I had extremely mixed feelings with this book. I wanted Bell and Dario together SO. FREAKING. BAD. But the behind the scenes moments chilled me down the the bones. And the ending... well it just about broke my heart. It was everything no one good in this book deserved, but a cliffhanger like this is why I have to remind myself I love Alessandra Torre's books and she hasn't let me down before, and I know she won't this time either. I need Dario and Bell's conclusion story like I need a good night's sleep (desperately). Luckily we don't have to wait that long, but how I'm feeling right now about the state of affairs in Bell and Dario's world, I'm sure it will feel like an eternity. If you're looking for a gritty, heart-aching book, with breathtaking seduction, and characters that you will be obsessed with, look no further. Just be prepared to be wholly consumed by this story.

O.M.G!!!

This book has it all. A stubborn, strong willed woman who wants her independence and a man who will not stop to have this woman... despite everything that is going on his personal life.

Holy crap on a cracker.... this book was hot, sexy, sweet, endearing, angsty, filled with secrets, pain and a shocking ending that I'm just floored about and can't wait for more...... like now!!!!!

This is another well written book by this Author. You never know what you're getting with her.... and damn this book was incredible and just one that I would highly recommend...... despite that holy crap of a cliffy ending!!!!

5 stars!!!!

Recv'd a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!!

4.5 Gambling CROWNS

With Even Money, Alessandra Torre takes readers into the dark and dangerous world of Sin City, where Dario and Bell have more at stake than just money. Their story is seductive and dangerous, a love that they can’t resist and yet might destroy them both.

Dario and Belle have instant attraction, and while readers learn a lot about their respective pasts, readers don’t get much about who they really are in the present. Dario is the ruling king of Vegas, willing to control with an iron fist. Bell is a sexually free woman only afraid of emotion. What we learn about them is tied to each other I didn’t really feel an emotional attachment to them as individuals. I felt as thought there is so much about them I didn’t really know, and maybe that will change in Double Down. As a couple, though, these two ooze chemistry; they are electric together. Even when they are sharing stolen glances, readers can feel it. Their coupledom and sexual chemistry carries the story.

Now, I’ve been waiting for a good suspenseful romance, and Alessandra Torre delivers it with the third person point of view, allowing readers to get inside the heads of all the important players. We get to see the characters who pose a threat to Dario and Bell, and we get to see how their relationship threatens to blow up everything Dario has built. With each looking into these characters’ heads, the impending threat heightens the tension, and when it all comes to a head, the ending will have you gaping at your screen. I am left contemplating where the story is going and how the characters truly feel. I certainly can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the end.

Seduction. Danger. Murder. Lust. Love. Alessandra Torre weaves all of these topics together in a romance that will enthrall you from the very first page and leave readers dying for more.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review

4.5 Stars!!!

“If you walk away, I’ll spend the next few decades fighting to forget you.”

Ahhh, I loved this. You can never go wrong with an Alessandra Torre book! Never! This was such classic Alessandra. Sexy, intriguing, hot, mysterious and dangerous. It will keep you in your toes and definitely guessing. And when you think you have it all figured out, nope, you're wrong.

I loved the entire Vegas set-up, Alessandra is just great at storytelling. I also loved the kick ass heroine and the super hot but bad boy hero Dario. This story will keep you on your toes and guessing the entire time, which I loved.

I don't want to spoil anything, or go into details, but there are various twists and turns in this story, which are the perfect set-up for the next book, which is the conclusion of the story. I completely recommend you go in blind, because that way you'll enjoy the story more. I do have to warn you that this ends in a big cliffy. Like, oh crap, I didn't see that one coming cliffy, ok. But no worries, the next book is right around the corner. I absolutely recommend this one!